How Do You Prevent A (Spiritual) Heart Attack?

Intro:

A.  Illust: When Kitty Rosati was a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1972, her father died

      suddenly of a heart attack at age 50.  "His death was a shock to me and was a pivotal point in my life," Rosati said.

      1.  Like many who die prematurely of heart disease, he had never been sick a day in his life.

      2.  Yet he worked all the time, rarely took a vacation, smoked cigarettes, ate a typical American diet high in protein,

            fat and salt, never exercised and was going through a divorce.

B.  "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."  2 Cor. 4:1

      1.  What exactly does it mean to "lose heart?"  (It sounds to me a lot like a heart attack).  Ex: My circumstance at

           Hattiesburg clinic, then at Forrest General

      2.  If anyone had reason to lose heart as a Christian, it was the apostle Paul.  ²³ "Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak

           as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths

           often. ²⁴ From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods; once I

           was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ in journeys often, in perils

           of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in

           perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness

           often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— ²⁸ besides the other things, what comes

           upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. ²⁹ Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to

           stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?"  2 Cor. 11:23-29

           a.  It is not uncommon for Christians to lose heart today.

           b.  This is both strange and sad.  (Strange, because most of us don't experience the same intensity of hardships

                that Paul did in the first century.  Sad, because of the implications when we do lose heart).  "And let us not

                grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."  Gal. 6:9

                1)  Coronary heart disease is the #1 killer in the US.   (More than five million people are treated for it annually,

                      and 700,000 die from it each year). 

                2)  1.1 million people in America suffer a heart attack each year. 

C.  Today, I'm asking each of us to engage in a spiritual heart check-up.  "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me,

      and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

      Psm. 139:23-24  "But let a man examine himself…"  1 Cor. 11:28a

 

I.  SYMPTOMS of losing heart

 

    A.  Lack of interest in prayer—spiritual numbness.  (Internal). 

 

          1.  Jesus taught that those who are fervent in prayer don't lose heart.  "Then He spoke a parable to them, that

               men always ought to pray and not lose heart."  Lk. 18:1

          2.  More often than not, one of the very first signs of losing heart is a weak and haphazard prayer life.

               .  "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to the end with perseverance

                  and supplication for the saints."  Eph. 6:18

               .  "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving."  Col. 4:2

               .  "Pray without ceasing."  1 Thess. 5:17

 

    B.  Lack of involvement in service—lethargy, fatigue.  (External).

 

          1.  Examples:

                a.  Brethren who once served with fervor and diligence, but who know neglect opportunities to serve may be

                     suffering with a heart condition. 

                b.  Likewise, brethren who were once very faithful in their attendance, but who can no longer be found in the

                      regular assembly probably needs to hook up to a heart monitor.

           2.  Questions: 

                a.  When was the last time you looked for an opportunity to help a brother/sister in the faith, and then went

                      out of your way to see that their needs were supplied?

               b.  In a typical month of 16 assemblies, how many times can you be found at your post?

 

NOTE: Since there is peace that comes from prayer and joy that comes from service, what would cause some to grow

            so disheartened that they fall away?

 

II.  REASONS for losing heart

 

     A.  Transgressions.  (Internal)

 

          1.  "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."  Mt. 24:12

          2.  "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'"  1 Cor. 15:33  (Unrepentant sin discourages the

               faithful and encourages them to further unfaithfulness).

 

    B.  Tribulations.  (External)

 

          1.  Paul was concerned that the Ephesians not lose heart over his trials.  "Therefore I ask that you do not lose

               heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."  Eph. 3:13  (If it is possible to lose heart when our

               brethren suffer, how much more so when we suffer ourselves)!

          2.  Jesus warned in the parable of the soils that some new converts would suffer, grow disheartened and then

               quit.  ²⁰ "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives

               it with joy; ²¹ yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution

               arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles."  Mt. 13:20-21  (How many children of God can you

               name who once were devoted to the Lord and His church, but have since gone AWOL)?

 

III.  SECRETS to not losing heart

 

       A.  Appreciate the glory of the New Covenant of Christ.

 

            1.  Note Paul's contrast of the New Covenant with the Old Covenant of Moses.  ⁷ "But if the ministry of death,

                 written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the

                  of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, ⁸ how will the ministry of the

                  Spirit not be more glorious? ⁹ For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness

                  exceeds much more in glory. ¹⁰ For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the

                  glory that excels. ¹¹ For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.  ¹² Therefore,

                 since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— ¹³ unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so

                 that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were

                 blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil

                 is taken away in Christ. ¹⁵ But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. ¹⁶ Nevertheless

                 when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the

                 Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are

                 being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."  2 Cor. 3:6-18

                 a.  The "letter" or old law is said to kill because it pronounces condemnation on men for their sins, while the

                      "spirit" or new law is said to give life because it  provided a true means of justification.  v. 6

                 b.  The glory of God was reflected in Moses' face after their meeting at Sinai—so much so that the Israelites

                      could not look at the lawgiver—and yet this glory is surpassed by the glory of the gospel.  vv. 7-11

                 c.  The old law judged against an individual by declaring God's laws and exposing man's departure from those

                      laws, while the new law declared an individual righteous by virtue of the gracious provisions of God.  v. 9

                 d.  The old law passed away and was therefore temporary, while the new law remains and is everlasting.  v. 11

           2.  "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."  2 Cor. 4:1  (Do we

                 really appreciate the blessings we having in the New Covenant of Christ today)?!

       B.  Realize the power of Christ when you are weak.  "Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward

            man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."  2 Cor. 4:16

 

            1.  Remember that Paul suffered immensely for Christ.  cf. v. 8

            2.  But these became occasions for God's power through Christ to be shown.  "Always carrying about in the body

                  the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are always

                  delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."  vv. 10-11

            3.  This was the very lesson Christ taught Paul when he struggled with the thorn in his flesh.  cf. 2 Cor. 12:7-10

                 a.  When we are weak, that is an opportunity to depend on the Lord for strength.

                 b.  Infirmities and tribulations can be occasions for rejoicing as opposed to despair!  "My brethren, count it all

                      joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let

                      patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."  Jas. 1:2-4

                     (Brethren, when we learn this lesson, we will not lose heart)!

 

       C.  Look at the unseen.  ¹⁶ "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the

            inward man is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a

            far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the

            things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are

            eternal."  2 Cor. 4:16-18

 

             1.  When we dwell on afflictions we inevitably lose heart.

             2.  Comparisons:

                  .  Afflictions are momentary; glory is eternal.

                  .  Afflictions are light when compared with the weight of heaven.

 

Concl:

A.  What has your examination revealed?  Do you have any symptoms of a heart problem?

      1.  How is your prayer life?

      2.  How  would you describe your recent activities and service in the church?

      3.  How have trials affected your faith?

      4.  What sins have prompted lethargy in your service to God?

B.  Illust: From a spiritual standpoint, Scott's family and friends knew that he'd gotten the sweetest relocation

      package offered.  From a human standpoint, we felt like we'd been demolished by a freight train.  Scott's death

      not only saddened people, it scared them.

      And with good reason.  Pre-illness, Scott was a specimen for a strong, athletic young man.  I didn't know anyone who

      could run, bike and pump iron like Scott could.  How could he have fallen so sick?  How could he be dead?

      Unknown to Scott, he had heart-disease—and like a cold and cowardly predator, it didn't show its face.  It crept

      slowly and silently upon him, then delivered a sucker punch: a heart attack.

      Doctors at Atlanta's Saint Joseph's Hospital, renowned for cardiac care, said they weren't surprised—that they were

      seeing heart disease in younger and younger men all the time.

      Five months before his heart attack, Scott had a routine physical and everything was normal.  While he was in the

      emergency room, HAVING a heart attack, his EKG was NORMAL.  His lab work was NORMAL.  Doctors didn't

      initially suspect a cardiac event, but because they could ease Scott's pain, they ordered in-depth testing that looked

      deeply into his heart—and that's when the truth was discovered.

      1.  Scott's experience proved at least one thing. 

      2.  The real condition of the heart isn't always obvious.

C.  The good news is, you can reverse the effects of heart disease.                     

 

 

What Should I Call You?

Acts 11:26: Lumberton, MS—10.05.09

Intro:

A.  Long ago, the inspired James asked his brethren, "Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?"

      Jas. 2:7

      1.  Our brothers and sisters in Bible times were actually known by their peers—they were not some obscure group

           of people who met in the shadows in fear. 

      2.  Nor were they one group among many other religious groups that "just kind of blended into" some kind of an

           overall whole, but were known by their contemporaries by a special, noble, honorable, beautiful, literally

           "excellent" name. 

B.  "And when he (Barnabas) had found him (Saul), he brought him to Antioch.  So it was that for a whole year they

      assembled with the church and taught a great many people.  And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

      Acts 11:26

      1.  The word "called" in Acts 11:26 is from the same Greek root term as "called" in Jas. 2:7.

      2.  That special, noble, honorable, beautiful, excellent time is specified—Christian.

C.  Please underline good friends in your Bible these three words in Acts 11:26: church, disciples, Christians.

      1.  Questions:

           .  With whom did they gather together?  The church.

           .  Who constituted the church?  The disciples.

           .  What were the disciples called?  Christians.

      2.  What were brothers and sisters in the NT called?  What designation did they go by?    

 

I.  Our brothers and sisters in the NT were not known or called by the name of a religious PERSON.

 

    A.  Examples:  Paul, Apollos, or Peter. 

 

          1.  Yes, there were some who wanted to divided the body via an allegiance to personality—they wanted to be

               known by the name of a person other than Christ.  "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord

               Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be

               perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.  For it has been declared to me

               concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.  Now I say

               this, that teach of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ.'"  1 Cor.

               1:10-12 

          2.  They were forthrightly corrected.  "Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the

               name of Paul?"  1 Cor. 1:10-12

               a.  Notice the apostle's respectful but forceful questions.

               b.  Questions:

                    1)  "Is Christ divided?"  (Cliques and division at Corinth could only be justified if the Lord's resurrected boy

                          had been dismembered).

                    2)  "Was Paul crucified for you?"  (By asking this question he made it clear that to identify oneself as a

                          follower/disciple of Paul was to insult the saving work of Jesus).

                    3)  "Were you baptized in the name of Paul?"  (Nowhere in the NT can you find an example of where

                          penitent believers were immersed in the name of an apostle or church leader).

 

    B.  We would do well to remember that in the 21^st century.

 

          1.  We sometimes hear the names of well-known men of the past employed in religious circles.  Ex:

                Martin Luther, Alexander Campbell

          2.  With the utmost respect, brethren in the Bible were never called Lutherans or Campbellites—they were

               known as Christians only.

 

II.  Our brothers and sisters in the NT were not known by the name of a religious PRACTICE.

 

     A.  Example: baptism. 

 

          1.  Yes, baptism is very important.  Mk. 16:15-16; A. 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:21

          2.  People were known by their trades.

               a.  John the Baptist, lit., "the baptizer" was referred to as such because he was one who baptized.

               b.  Alexander the coppersmith.  cf. 2 Tim. 4:14

               c.  Lydia a seller of purple.  cf. Acts 16:14

 

     B.  With all kindness nowhere in the Bible will you find brothers and sisters called Baptists—they were called

          Christians only.

 

III.  Our brothers and sisters in the NT were not known by the name of a religious PRINCIPLE.

 

       A.  Example: church government.

 

             1.  Yes, local congregations of the NT were overseen by an episcopacy (i.e., bishops); they were ruled by a

                  presbytery—an eldership.

                  a.  The word episkopos refers to an overseer, superintendent, or bishop.

                  b.  The word presbuteros refers to an elder.

             2.  We find where local congregations of the NT body of Christ were organized in this fashion. 

 

       B.  But will all love, nowhere in the Bible will you find our brothers and sisters ever designated by the way their

             local churches were organized.  They were never called Presbyterians or Episcopalians—they were called

             Christians only.   

 

IV.  Our brothers and sisters in the NT were not known by the POSSESSIVE descriptions given to the church.

 

       A.  The church is described in a variety of ways in Scripture:

 

             1.   Kingdom.  "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of

                   Hades shall not prevail against it.  And I will give you the keys of the kingdom…"  Mt. 16:18, 19a

             2.  Body.  "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is

                  His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."  Eph. 1:22, 23

             3.  The church.  "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made

                  you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."  Acts 20:28

             4.  The churches (i.e., congregations) of Christ.  cf. Rom. 16:16

             5.  The church of God.  "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus,

                  to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours."

                  1 Cor. 1:2

             6.  The church of the firstborn.  "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in

                  heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect."  Heb. 12:23

 

       B.  With care, our brothers and sisters in the NT, as individuals, were never known by these possessive terms of

             description.

             1.  From Matthew to Revelation, you will not read of a "Church of God" Christian, or a "Church of Christ"

                  preacher/college; nor will you read of a "Church of the Firstborn" denomination on one street corner. 

             2.  Obedient followers of Jesus belonged to the church that belongs to Christ the Lord!  They were simply

                  called Christians only. 

 

V.  An ILLUSTRATION.

 

     A.  What is a denomination?

 

           1.  What are some possible divisions of a U.S. $100 dollar bill?

           2.  A single $100 bank note could be divided into the equivalent of one hundred dollars with a $50, a $20, two

                $10's, a $5, and five $1 bills.  (Any of these ten bills are a part of a whole).

           3.  The Lord's church is presented in Scripture as the whole thing.

                a.  It is the fullness of Him who fills all in all.  Eph, 1:23

                b.  It is never spoken of as a segment or part of a larger religious entity.

                     1)  In fact, the word "church" is used only in two senses in the Bible.

                     2)  As the universal  church over which Christ is head, and as the local church (congregation) in a given

                          geographical area:

                          .  "The church of God which is at Corinth."  1 Cor. 1:2

                          .  "The church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Thess. 1:1

                          .  "The churches of Galatia..."  Gal. 1:2

                          .  "The churches of Christ…."  Rom. 16:16

 

       B.  On the other hand, denominationalism and division, by its own admission, is composed of thousands of groups,

             wearing different man-made names, teaching conflicting religious doctrines, and endorsing contradictory

             practices.

 

             1.  Excerpt from a book in my library, The Standard Manual For Baptist Churches, by Edward T. Hiscox:

             2.  "It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but 'one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,' and

                  no differing denominations existed, that baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of

                  the church, and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership.  In that sense,

                  'baptism was the door into the church.'  Now, it is different…"  p. 22

                  a.  Why are things different today?

                  b.  Can we honestly say that religious plurality is in harmony with either the Lord's prayer or the disciple's

                        practice?  cf. Jn. 17; Acts 2:42, 47

 

VI.  Observations:

 

       A.  The term "Christian" is used interchangeably with the word "disciple"; Christians were disciples, disciples were

             Christians.

 

             1.  Gentle note: the disciples were not called "First Christians," nor "Disciples of Christ," but Christians only.

             2.  How does one make a disciple and, thus, a Christian?  (Let's all turn to the Lord Himself—He ought to know—

                  it's His name we wear, after all).  "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, 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."  Mt. 28:19-20

 

       B.  The term "Christian" is used interchangeably with the word "church" (literally, "called out" [of the world] ones).

 

             1.  How does one become a member of the Lord's church and, thus, become a Christian?  "For by one Spirit we

                  were all baptized into one body—where Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to

                  drink into one Spirit."  1 Cor. 12:13

             2.  They got  into the body by following the teachings of the HS and were baptized.  cf. Eph. 1:22-23

 

Concl:

A.  Are you a Christian only?  (I did not ask, "Are you a Lutheran, Campbellite, Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Church

      of God, or Church of Christer?")

      1.  The church of the NT was a Baptist church in that is baptized penitent believers for the remission of sins, but it

           was not THE Baptist church.

      2.  The church of the NT was a Methodist church in that it did things methodically, logically, and orderly, but it was

           not THE Methodist church.

      3.  The church of the NT was a Presbyterian church in that each congregation was ruled by an eldership, but it was

           not THE Presbyterian church.

      4.  The church of the NT was an Episcopalian church in that each congregation was overseen by a plurality of elders,

           but it was not THE Episcopalian church.

      5.  The church of the NT was a Christian church in that it was composed of Christians only, but it was not THE

           Christian church.    

B.  Have you been baptized into the body of Christ and do you wear the name of Christ only?

 

Why He Gave Himself

       It is interesting that people have almost always been looking for a savior in one way or another.  Whether it was for something trivial, or it was for the salvation of all mankind.  Thankfully Jesus is that savior.  We know that Jesus came, but why exactly did He give Himself for us?  Let's examine 2 reasons revealed in Titus 2:14.
       First, "to redeem us from every lawless deed."  Redeem means to "pay the price for."  Most people today have some sort of debt.  It could be credit card debt, house debt, school loans, or any other type of debt.  Wouldn't it be great if all of our debt could be wiped off of the table?  While we have to take care of our physical debt, thankfully our spiritual debt can be taken care off for us.  Jesus gave himself in order to pay the price for every sinful thing we have ever done.  Since they were our mistakes, we are the ones who deserve to be punished, but instead Jesus paid for them and delivered us from them.
       Second, "to purify for Himself a people for His own possessions."  Not only did Christ want to take care of all our spiritual debt, but He also wanted to purify and cleanse us so we could be His people.  Christ wants to save us.  This is the whole reason why He came.  In order to cleanse us, He shed His blood on the cross.  1 John 1:7 says, "but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."  The blood Christ shed on the cross is what cleanses and purifies us.  When we receive this cleansing blood through baptism, we then become His people.
       Christ wants all to take advantage of this opportunity (2 Peter 3:9).  He gave Himself so that everyone would have a chance to be saved.  While we are undeserving sinners, it is so wonderful that Christ gave Himself for us so we are able to be with Him in heaven.  There is no hope outside of Christ.  There is nothing to redeem our sins and nothing to purify us.  Let's always praise God for the forgiveness and blessings only found in Him.

 

--Brett Petrillo

 

Mojave Cross

       On a particular road in the southern California desert is where you would find an object of religious controversy.  It is not all that big, and you are likely to miss it altogether if you are not looking closely.  Up on a pile of rocks is something known as the Mojave Cross.  It is a war memorial put up by a veterans group 75 years ago.  However, the government is now thinking this is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment (separation of church and state), since it happens to sit on a chunk of government property.  While they are still deciding on the matter, they decided to cover the cross with a wooden box until they reach a verdict.
       When I first read this article I could not help but think about how ridiculous this controversy really is.  Is it really a huge deal to have a cross on the top of a hill in the desert?  This type of event deeply saddens me since I can see how desperately our nation is trying to completely do away with God. Even more unfortunate is that if a nation wants God removed so badly, then eventually He is going to remove Himself and all that will be left is evil and eventually eternal punishment.  Listen to the words of Psalm 81:11-13, "But My people did not listen to My voice, and Israel did not obey Me.  So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices.  Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!"  There are also several other scriptures which talk about God stepping out (Romans 1:18-32, Acts 14:16, Hosea 4:17, Ephesians 4:19, etc).
       This can be very discouraging, so what can we do as Christians?  Here are 5 suggestions: (1) Pray.  (2) Keep living according to God's laws.  (3) Convert in order to increase the number of voices standing up for God.  (4) Speak out to our government officials about what we want. (5) Remember that God and righteousness will always prevail.  Proverbs 14:34 states, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."
       While our nation is trying to remove God, I do not think it is too late.  Until Jesus comes again let's continue to preach the word and live in obedience to God.

 

--Brett Petrillo

The Lord's Special People

When Paul wrote to Titus he said "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11-14).  I love this passage because it describes Christians as the Lord's own special people.  Paul said these are people who are zealous about doing good works. It is amazing how many sit around are argue if good works are necessary for salvation. It seems pretty obvious that Christ desires that His people be diligent about doing good works.  This passage also teaches that it is the grace of God that brings salvation. In no way am I attempting to argue that I can do enough good works so that Christ is indebted to me and owes me salvation. It is God's grace that brings salvation. However, this does not free me from doing good works and I should not want it to.  We as Christians should desire to do good works and should be busy about doing them. The very grace that brings salvation teaches us to do good works.  Paul mentioned that God's grace should teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust. It should teach us to live soberly, righteously, and godly. And this grace should teach us to look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Christ.  As the Lords own special people we should long for that day when our Lord returns to take us home with Him. This day will come because the Lord bestows His grace on us. Because this day is coming and we understand the grace of our Lord let us be His special people, zealous for doing good works.

Garrett Bookout

When The Curtain Goes Up

It has always amazed and sometime surprised me the lengths to which people
will go to attend a musical, theater show, opera, sporting event, etc. I
mean people sometimes plan months in advance to attend some event and think
nothing of driving 100 miles or more, leaving early to assure they get the
best seat. When the curtain goes up they want to be there, when the coin
toss is made, to decide who gets the advantage, they want to be there. I
understand the enthusiasm people have for sports and entertainment, what I
really don't understand is why the same enthusiasm doesn't apply to God and
his church.

This week I ran across an old church bulletin I had produced 33 years ago
while working with the Piqua, Ohio Church of Christ. It was interesting to
be reminded of some of the people mentioned and events that happened. Even
though it was nice reminiscing, there was one line in that bulletin that
struck a cord in me. It basically said, "Whether you attend services doesn't
depend upon how far you live from the church building, but how close you
live to God!"

Isn't that true of almost anything we desire to do in life? It is true that
we can say, Whether you attend services doesn't depend upon how far you live
from the church building, but how close you live to God. But couldn't we
just as easily say, "Whether you attend services doesn't depend upon how
tired you are, but whether you gain strength joined with brothers and
sisters the presence of God." Or perhaps, "Whether you attend services
doesn't depend upon whether or not friends stop by, but whether you show
them by your example, what is really important in your life."

I'm sure you could add to this list, but I would suggest to you that our
time with God's church is just as important as anything else in our lives. I
know how hard it sometimes is to make the right choice, but when you weigh
what the world offers against what God offers, there is no comparison. God
doesn't offer free game balls or autographed pictures; He offers us a place
to live with him forever!

Several scriptures jump to the front of my thoughts, but here's one that may
apply more than we would like to admit sometimes. The writer of Hebrews
deals with the choices we sometimes make, as to where we choose to be. In
Hebrews 10:24-25, he writes: "Let us think of ways to motivate one another
to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together,
as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of
his return is drawing near." (NLT)

So, when the curtain goes up, where will you be found?

Russ Lawson