Category: Uncategorized

by Don Hooton

Imagine the early church as they saw new congregations popping up all over the Mediterranean world. Charismatic Apostle Paul revisited those churches to “strengthen the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith” and after “appointing elders in every church,” told the them, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-23). He told the church to forge ahead in the work they had in spite of the reception and the retribution they may face as believers in a world of unbelief. Perhaps this last meeting was a power packed emotional rally of sorts or the resolved and stately exhortation of man who knew the path ahead of his spiritual children. Whatever its passion, it purpose was to keep Christians with their eyes ahead. Where will the work we do for Christ take us?

Ahead of modern churches is the present reality of mainstream churches caving further to societal pressure to change the moral restraints and human standards God has put in place. Even with the Methodist Church’s decision to keep a “traditional” stance on marriage, which is between two heterosexuals rather than homosexuals, it is still faced with future departures based upon its present practices ignoring congregational autonomy (1Peter 5:2) and male pastors (1Timothy 3:2) – just to name a few. And Christians who shout loudly that we should “go back to the Bible” is a pluralistic approach to Christianity would only experience the ridicule and shaming that such reforms have still not gone far enough.

So, what’s ahead?

According to Thom Rainer (of Lifeway fame), “between 6,000 and 10,000 churches in the U.S. are dying each year. That means around 100-200 churches will close this week. The pace will accelerate unless our congregations make some dramatic changes” (Jan 2018, www.factsandtrends.com). The future is bleak in many ways – but not lost.  Still the things that lead to the demise of the churches are self-evident: declining attendance, dwindling funds, disinterested worshippers, disenchanted youth and disobedient believers.

Disobedient Believers. Hard to believe it is so – but it is (c.f. Hebrews 4:11). When Christians disobey what God wants, even if there is even a generation of apparent growth, those churches will eventually die. Ahead of us will be choice after choice – as an individual Christian and as a collective body of Christians as a church – that we will have to obey God. We can’t rely on our past successes to dismiss our rebellion of not doing what God has clearly said. As a church, we must obey the Lord in everything. Is that what you want to be – with us – obedient to the Lord in everything.  “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). Churches across the land – including ours – need to obey Him.

Disenchanted Youth. Barna Group’s president David Kinnaman, wrote You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church…and Rethinking Faith with some reasons why “nearly three out of every five young Christians (59%) disconnect permanently or for an extended period of time from church life after age 15:” He said some teens’ and 20-somethings’ experience of Christianity is shallow – leading them to say “church” is irrelevant to their daily lives, that there isn’t enough in-depth study of the Bible and a real/in-depth relationship/experience with God. They also said churches come across as antagonistic to science and as unwilling to help assist in conversation with their often “simplistic or judgmental” tone in issues of sexuality.  “Younger Americans have been shaped by a culture that esteems open-mindedness, tolerance and acceptance” and so when the church appears unfriendly to those who struggle with doubts, the road to relationship is crowded with (often) mutual distrust.

Disinterested Worshippers. This ever present problem was present in Jesus’ day (Mark 7:6) and Isaiah’s day. It is a human problem. Yet, as churches, what are we proactively engaged in doing to remedy the epidemic of such lethargy? Preachers who preach long, dry sermons? Song Leaders who lead every verse with no regard to the time or momentum of the worship? Scripture Readers who stumble across their reading? Communion Leaders who make their comments as far away from the Cross as west is to east? Prayers leaders who recite the same prayer as “faithful” brother so and so said before World War II? Are we engaging in the worship of God as a visible testimony to what really matters to us? Worshippers will only be as interested in what you find interesting.

Dwindling Funds. The churches of today live in more affluence than probably Christians have ever lived. Yet, Paul praised the Macedonian churches because “in their deep poverty

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overflowed in the wealth of their liberality” because they “first gave themselves to the Lord” (2Corinthians 8:1-3). Some churches falter because people fail to give or because they fail to give themselves to the Lord. Again, it is not a new problem. The prophet Haggai rebuked a generation for exhausting their resourced on their “paneled houses” while God’s temple was left untouched (Haggai 1:4). What Christians should see is that they work together for the betterment of every aspect of the work they do. Sometimes church buildings fall into disrepair not merely because of dwindling funds but instead, on dwindling interest in the spiritual evidenced by the lack of joyful giving. So ahead of us is the task of every working to elevate to our fellow brother the everpresent need of the gospel in our community and abroad.

Declining Attendance. And if churches are closing in larger numbers – and there are suggestions that the numbers are more of a natural attrition rate – it is certainly because the attendance rates in all those churches reflected decline. Even in the first century, the ongoing habit of neglecting “assembling of yourselves together” was indicative of a forsaking that could eventuate in a hardened heart of unbelief (Hebrews 10:25; 3:12). Your attendance anyway indicates your interest in the thing – no matter what it is. Your attendance elsewhere when you attendance is needed is indicative of what is valued more. So when attendance numbers drop in churches, if could be the attrition of a changing community – or it could be the decline of the value of worship.

So, what’s ahead for American churches (and for that matter – any church anywhere)? If we are unwilling to exert the needed effort to stop the decline, our date with destiny is death. Churches will continue to close. Young people will continue to leave. And we will find ourselves alone.

So, what can we do about it? What can we do together about it?

First, you and I need to attend more (read again Hebrews 10:24-25). The fiery zeal that warms us in the winter’s bleak of our faithless culture will be Christians that we see, we love and with whom we worship. God did not make you to do this alone. We were framed to be people, who are with people, when we praise the people’s True God. So, if you want to save the church and save your culture, make the attendance of church services a priority. Quit the excuses. Stop the replacing of this Divine Good with the alternative good you see in traveling, unwinding, community service and other things. You need to assembly because we do. It’s that important to what we are facing. If you don’t want to choose me and other saints now when things are on an even temper, what will do when things get hard?

Second, you and I need to give more. We all could use this exhortation. While there are many ways you give to good things for the Lord (private support of evangelism in other places, benevolence to help other Christians – and non-Christians) that serve well our sharing of the Light in this dark world, there is still the obligation we have together to provide for the needs of our local family: facility needs will never decrease, teaching supplies will always grow and requests for preaching in other places will always arrive (sometimes everyday). So as we face the future, we have to decide if we are investing enough in the Lord’s work today to make the Lord’s work tomorrow grounded.

Third, you have to worship. Song Leaders, you have to lead songs that lift people. Prayer leaders, you have to pray to make the Lord’s presence real to you – so it can be real to those who will say AMEN with you. Scripture Readers, you have to read with prepared clarity that you deliver to that captive audience the authoritative word from God – not the ramblings of poor preparation. Communion Leaders, you have to make your words about the Cross – and stay out of the way. Make people see Jesus. And preachers, we have to make our message relevant, encouraging and compelling – because it is about the truth of God – and again – not the ramblings of our own self interests. And all of us, when we come to worship, should do more than say “we will set aside of the cares of this world,” we need to bring to God all of our cares, fall down at the alter of His mercy and grace and surrender our will, our passions and our very heart to the One who made for us – in the sacrifice of His Son – the only way out of our decaying existence.

Fourth, we need to listen to why people leave. If it is the truth that they do not love, we cannot stop them. But even the hardened sinner – when spoken to with love by the believing heart – will soon love to truth he has hated. So, when young people have been influenced by the culture in which we live, be patient with them. Lead them by love. With kind mercies, guide them to the truth. Do not despise them for being young and misguided. Love them for being young and guide them to truth. If our young people cannot find in us a place to ask questions, to challenge what they have always been taught, to wonder our loud what is really true, then we have misunderstood what it means that we are the family of God.

Last, we need to show how believers obey. Obedience is, by its very definition, the yielding of our will to another. It is acting the way we are told to act. We obey Christ – and that means we yield to Him – not to the rancorous traditions of the brotherhood, not to the boasting of the arrogant, and not to the impulses of our hearts. If we believe, we obey.

And if we do these things – the future will care for itself. We cannot undo the act of others – but we can be certain to make our contribution of what lies ahead of us all – a pleasant aroma to God – a sacrifice that pleases Him in every way.

by Don Hooton

There’s something illuminating and empowering when you see who you really are. When the prodigal “came to himself,” he “went to his father” to be restored. The NASB says, “he came to his senses” (Luke 15:17).  When he saw who he had become he “got up” and “went” to be who he really was – the son of his father. While he came humbly and wanting only to be a servant in his house, his father would give him shoes and the family regalia. But it only happened because the son knew he “had to” be who he was supposed to be.

The letters Paul wrote to Christians equally compel believers to see who they are.  Paul said to the Colossians that in Christ they “have been made complete” and in Him, they are “attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding” (2:10,2). As Christians we should see how full, how complete, and how blessed God has made us in Christ. And when we see clearly who we are in Christ, it is Paul who reasons that we then should “walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude” (2:6-7).

If the adage that “fish gotta’ swim and birds gotta’ fly” is right, then it is also true that Christians “gotta’ walk.” Fish swim because that is what they do. Birds fly because that is what birds do. And Christians? They don’t sleep, shuffle or keep a static existence. They walk. Their feet are swift to do good. They busy themselves in their Father’s kingdom. Because, that is what Christians do.

First, as Paul reminds us, we walk this way because we have been “firmly rooted” in Christ (2.7). You see, we are busy with the business of the King because he gave us reason. What Jesus did for us on the cross and in the Resurrection transforms the heart of every believer – who plants it deep.  Forgiveness and Hope help us move by empowering us to put one foot in front of the other – even when we feel a burden like no other. Being firmly rooted lifts us from the drudgery of guilt and despair into the path of the abundant life.  Jesus us that first step, the vitality that gives us new life (c.f. Romans 6:3-4).

Second, as Paul says, we walk this way because we are being “built up” in Him (2:7). Like a home structured on a solid foundation, this walk as a Christian shows a progression of maturity. We walk because we have laid the foundation and we are growing and even more “established in the faith” (2:7). This “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) faith is the structural integrity of what we build and the direction of our walk – but if the building halts or slows down, so does the walk. It is a present tense in the Greek and we must keep building if we want to keep walking with Christ.  It is an ever growing, progressive increase in religion by union with Him.

So, we need to plant ourselves firmly in the Christ and we need to keep building our life in the Christ’s way. And this walk, or way of living, is described many ways.  It begins as a walk “in newness of life” (Romans 6:4) – a brisk beginning to jump start the blood flow. And it is a walk for the inner man and “not according to the flesh” (Romans 8:4). If we walk “by faith and not by sight” (2Corinthians 5:7), we will walk “no longer as Gentiles” (Ephesians 4:17) but as “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) who follow in the steps of Jesus (1Peter 2:21).  That means we will walk “in love” (Ephesians 5:2) and in a “manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10). It will be a well purposed lifestyle because people, grounded in Him, and being built up in Him, would want to walk in a way that really is “pleasing God” (1Thessalonians 4:1) and not themselves.  That is why we should always aim to be “careful in our walk” (Ephesians 5:15).

You see Christians “gotta’ walk.”  It is what we do – because that is who we are. 

So, when you think there is nothing to do, get walking. So, when you think you have nothing more to do, get walking. Because without the walk, it’s all talk. And just as sure as fish gotta’ swim, when you have been planted and built up in Christ, you gotta’ walk.

TRAINING CHILDREN TO WORSHIP GOD
by Bill Hall

One of the greatest responsibilities that parents face is teaching their children proper behavior in worship. The children’s ultimate interest in spiritual matters depends so greatly on their parents’ success.

Teaching children that they are to be quiet is important. But good behavior in worship reaches far beyond this. Children must be taught reverence and respect for God. They must learn to stay awake, to sing, to listen, to participate. Their interest should grow as their capacity for learning grows. By the time they reach accountability they should be able to discuss intelligently the preacher’s lesson. If they cannot do so, they have not behaved properly, no matter how quiet they have been. At this point in their lives they should be ready to offer a reasonably mature expression of adoration and praise to the true and living God.

With such goals in mind, faithful parents set out to train their children. We offer the following suggestions:

• Sit near the front where there are fewer distractions and never ever let your children sit behind you.
• Do not allow routine visits to the toilet. Plan ahead!
• Don’t let them play. Toddlers will need something for their distraction, but when children are pre-school age, they are old enough to sit quietly without entertainment. You will be surprised at what they will learn. Pencils and paper should be used only for taking notes on the sermon.
• Make sure your children get adequate sleep the night before. They will be better behaved in class and during worship.
• Set a good example before them.
• Pray for God’s help.

The task is not easy. But great joy awaits those who are successful.

TRAINING ADULTS TO WORSHIP GOD
by Don Hooton

Bill Hall’s great article made me think of the same challenge to engage all people to worship God. The suggestions are universal. Helping young families raise kids through setting our own good example is part of the process. This in no way minimizes the challenges that parents face and must meet to raise godly children to reverently worship God. However, this does maximize the potential for good for which we all can influence.

Teach yourselves to “be quiet”. Gasps, snickers or tongue-snaps at children who misbehave can no more fulfill the demand of “let all things be done for edification” (1Corinthians 14:26) than parents who aren’t managing their children. Teach yourselves “to learn, to stay awake, to sing, to listen, to participate.” Children learn what they see in their parents, for sure, but they learn what they see in you and how you act in worship. And, learn to discuss the preacher’s lesson intelligently.  If kids should be able to discuss spiritual things by the time they reach accountability, adults should do this naturally. So, when you leave services, talk about what you hear and what you learn. You see, the goal for every age is not to make us expressly quiet but to make us expressly worship. We should mature as we grow to let nothing distract our heart’s object of the hour – the praise and adoration of the Almighty.

And we follow with the same suggestions….

• Sit near the front where there are fewer distractions and don’t let distractions distract you.
• Plan ahead for the time you are there! Whether it be bathroom visits, phone calls or adulting life events, focus your mind on why you are there.
• Don’t play. If you use your digital device to read Scripture, don’t check your email, your social media or shop for your next purchase in worship; or remove the temptation and turn it on Airplane Mode.
• Make sure you get adequate sleep. Many a Sunday is spoiled by a Saturday night’s festivities.
• Set a good example before others. If you don’t want kids to be divert their attention from the worship of God – then don’t divert yours and sleep. Stay focused on worship.
• Pray for God’s help.

The task is not easy. But great joy awaits those who are successful.

For me, I am hoping to revive the usefulness of this blog. I will make more regular contributions to engage better Biblical instruction and to encourage building faith. I hope you will join me more often. Here is the first post for the new 2019.

It will soon be the beginning of 2019 and New Year’s resolutions will emerge. From losing weight, finding healthy solutions, less screen time or more family time and better organizing skills, the selection will vary based on the specific person making it – to accomplish the goals they feel need to be addressed. It’s a good thing to reassess our present and to redirect our attentions to making good on the changes we need.

As Christians, there are many things specific to our “person” as a disciple of Jesus that we should always reassess and redirect. “Examine yourselves” was Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians in both the first (11:28) and in the second letters (13:5). It is an ongoing process that should happen in communion and throughout life. The first of the year is equally a great time to do the same – and to determine how better we can serve the Lord.

So today, reflect on what in 2018 was the challenge you faced and what you can do better in 2019. None of us have reached a sublime place of perfection – we just need to press on to it (Philippians 3:12-14). Acknowledging our shortcomings is the first step to “press on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1) and while it can be discouraging, it will empower the result of “hold[ing] true to what we have attained” (Philippians 3:16).

So, let me empower you to see….

Attendance is necessary to your spiritual growth. “Not forsaking our own assembling together” (Hebrews 10:25) is a negative statement to bring the positive results of encouraging each other. Whether it is a Sunday or Wednesday night, if you are alone when you come – you will be joined by the family in praising God and studying His word. If you are coming with your own family when you come – you model a powerful example for your children who learn by your actions that you “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). So, put aside the reasons you give yourself for not assembling on these days because it only hinders the stronger Christian you can become – and the stronger Christians you can make by your example.

Get involved. Special edifying and evangelistic events happen all year long from careful planning to make these events accessible and useful to you – but primarily to glorify God. Get involved in these works to help us glorify God. Come to the singing – even if you think you don’t sing well – because your heart will sing praise that lifts your spirit. Come to the gospel meetings – even if you think it’s so busy for you on Monday and Tuesday nights – because you will be energized by preaching from different speakers who will say the same truths you have always heard in a new, different way. VBS? You don’t have to teach but you can recruit! Youth Lectures? You don’t have to be underage but the preaching of truth among the faces of tomorrow can enliven hope in your soul. And talk to Adam Bohanan today – we need you to teach just one class for 12 weeks this year so that another brother and sister with whom you share in this fellowship won’t have to teach 24, 36 or in some cases, all year round. Get involved and have a share in the burden to make it even for all.

And, read your Bible. When I was young, this meant pulling my NASB Bible out, turning pages and reading silently in my room – trying to stave off sleepiness. This year, join me in reading through the New Testament in chronological order. You can keep up by using any BIBLE app in your phone or computer and listening to your reading as you drive (or using the CDs or Cassette Tapes of earlier decades). Each Sunday in 2019, when I am preaching, one of my lessons will come from the previous week’s Bible reading. If a daily reading seems too much for you, there are two different 5 days a week reading plans available as well on the member table (one while Bible reading and one New Testament only). Also, you can follow us on Twitter (@woodlandscoc with the hashtag #wcocbiblereading19) and find the reading assignment each day posted as a reminder.

Last, get close to God. Think of how you would use these terms in a personal relationship. How would you “get closer” with your spouse, your children, or your best friends? You would spend time with them. You would engage in activities with them. You would talk to them. And you would listen to them. And on the appropriate times you would thank them and tell them that you love them. Right? So, to get close to God in 2019, spend time with Him in worship alone; engage in worship activities with His people often; talk to Him in prayer. Listen to Him in His word. And every time you think it, tell Him of your gratitude and your love for all that He is – and I am sure – you will get close to God.

Set out strong in 2019 so you can finish strong.

 

In today’s political climate, whether it is at the press corp briefing or the coffeehouse squabble, people press hard for the answers they say need to be answered. Some press hard on tax reform or illegal immigration as if that question is the most important – ever. Whatever we see as the most important of the day, there is always a different question that needs to be answered – even pressed – but it has nothing to do with politics. That question is, “What must I do to be saved?” This is the very question the Philippian jailer asked of the Apostle Paul after an earthquake had released his prisoners (Acts 16:30). The question today has the same answers as they had then.

We have to recognize that we are sinners. To ask the question presupposes one knows he needs salvation. Even the jailor knew. But from what? Salvation from sin. Everyone has sinned and has fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). If sin causes spiritual death, separation from God, and the need for forgiveness from God, then we need to understand this so we can be saved from being dead in our sins and transgressions (Ephesians 2:1). To be saved, we must acknowledge our sin.

We need to respond in trusting faith. We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Lord of Glory. The jailer was told, “Believe in the Lord Jesus” if he wanted to be saved. Yet, this is only part of our response. Biblical faith is more than just believing; It is trust, the kind of trust that takes God at His word. Faith comes through hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Once God has spoken His word, if we choose to believe it, we must act in obedience to it just as if God Himself was standing next to us answering the question. That kind of faith will gain access to the grace of God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2). To be saved, we must believe in Jesus.

We need to repent of sin. If we can admit our sinfulness and respond in faith to God’s word, then we must make a decision to turn from sin and strive to live holy lives. God commands everyone to repent (Acts 17:30-31) because He loves us and does not want us to continue living a life that will hurt us. If we refuse to repent, then we cannot say we trust Him. If we take God at His word, we will want to remove ourselves from a sinful life. To be saved, we must repent of sin.

We need to confess the lordship of Jesus. Paul wrote, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). This confession results in salvation because we declare who Jesus is in Heaven and in our hearts: He is enthroned. This confession demands that our faith do whatever He says. If we call Him “Lord,” then we must do His will (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23). If we are not willing to confess Him as Lord, then we will not be saved. To be saved, we must confess Him. But, we are still not done.

We need to be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins. In Acts 2, those Jews that gathered to hear the sermon asked Peter the jailer’s same question. Peter responded, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (vs. 38). This baptism is immersion in water (Acts 8:36) and its purpose is “for the forgiveness of sins.” In other words, our faith response demands obedience. Baptism is commanded by Jesus (Mark 16:16), Peter (Acts 2:38) and Paul (Acts 16:34). Therefore, it must be from God. If we are going to respond in faith (take God at His word), then we will obey as He commands. When we are baptized, we no more rely on ourselves for salvation than we do when we respond in faith to anything God commands: confess, repent or believe. Instead, we act in reliance upon the work of God for our salvation through faith (Colossians 2:11-13). So to be saved, we must be baptized for the remission of sins.

Finally, though, baptism is no more the end of trusting faith than it is the end of obedience. It is the beginning of a new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17) where Christ lives within us (Galatians 2:20) and we walk by faith. If we drift away from its promises (Hebrews 2:1-4), we are in danger of falling away. However, God will help us as we strive to grow (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16). He will forgive our sins as we confess to Him (1 John 1:7-9). So to be saved, we must live a faithful, obedient life.

The life of a Christian is worthwhile. We can live with confidence and hope because we have the hope of heaven, the help of God, the forgiveness of sins, and the fellowship of godly people because Jesus is the reason we have them all. Heaven is our aim. Eternal Life is our reward of grace. Won’t you answer this question and then follow Christ?

 

by Don Hooton

In 2005, I asked everyone the rude question, “how F.A.T. are you?” Of course, I was not trying to be insensitive or indicating failure on a weight loss plan, but it was to draw attention to a resolution anacronym for the year – “Get F.A.T in 2005”.  Well, so just how F.A.T. are we?

How faithful are we?  We sometimes talk about the “faithful” car we drive, the “trusty” knife we bring along or the “trusty” steed we ride.  And in those contexts, we know what faithful means. They are dependable, reliable and there when we need them. So, we too could ask that of ourselves with our spiritual family. If our cars were as “faithful” and our knives as “trusty” as we are, would anyone keep us? How “faithful” are we with God? How “faithfully” are we serving God? How “faithfully” are we participating in the fellowship to which we belong?

God made the world without our input (Colossians 1:16); He maintains the world without our help (17); How very little can we help – ultimately (Acts 17:25).  He does not need our dependability for His life. We are the ones who need Him. But also, we need each other. Our faithfulness to God is manifested in our very own faithfulness to each other. John says, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments” (1John 5:2). And even in Hebrews, the writer say, “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (10:24-25).  So, how well are we doing at being faithful?

Are we getting F.A.T.?

How active are we?  Again, if a computer virus would be as active as we are in our spiritual world, would McAfee have a business? Of course, we are busy in many things: Our kid’s activities, our business building, our personal travels – just to name a few (and none of these are inherently wrong). But here we are at the beginning of the year that will eventually be the “There is so much to do and so little time” year – all over again.

But we need to be active in spiritual activities! If those kid’s activities help make them a complete person as we often justify, how much more will your kid’s become fuller people when they know God and his word. How can we win the world for Jesus when we can’t get the world to see Jesus coming first in us (Matthew 6:33)? Our kids, our jobs and our travels should not drive our every moment. God should. Yet we often tire easily because of these earthy things and lose energy to be active in the Kingdom.  “You are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” (1Thessalonians 5:5-6).  Just how well are we doing at being active?

Are we getting F.A.T.?

Last, how teachable are we?  If our children would learn like we do, what would their progress reports show? It is not just about how often we read the Bible, even though that is included. It’s about what we learn. Are we memorizing facts and forgetting them when we leave? Are we dressing for battle with the teacher or listening to learn? What is it that ignites our teachability? It is wanting to prove what we already believe, that is merely self-interest.  However, if it is wanting to find Divine truth, that’s discipleship.  So we ask, just how well are we doing at being teachable?

Are we getting F.A.T.?

There’s still time.  And by grace, there is always hope.  So, while physical scales may remind us we are still heavier than we want to be, grace still teaches us to deny ungodliness and still to be ever “zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:11-14). Please, don’t hesitate a moment. Get F.A.T. today!!!

by Don Hooton

By Don Hooton

Holly Meyer, a writer for The Tennessean began:

Minister Joey Spann expected to die. He lay bleeding, collapsed on the floor of Burnette Chapel Church of Christ, and watched the masked man who had just shot him in the chest and hand walk farther into the church.  “The shots kept going,” Spann said. “I thought he was going to kill everybody.” The gunfire stopped. But Spann, who leads the small congregation in Antioch, still thought he was dying. So, the minister prayed. He didn’t pray to be saved by the church members who applied pressure to his wounds. He didn’t pray to be saved as he heard them call 911. He prayed for forgiveness. “God, I’m sorry for things I didn’t do right,” Spann said in a telephone interview Monday evening from his hospital room.

The near epidemic of tragedies from this shooting a week ago Sunday to the shooting this past Sunday makes us feel broken, angry and confused. For believers, certainly there is ultimate hope beyond life that springs eternal in our heart. For unbelievers who might match such evil so they can challenge the existence of God, my friend Jamey Hinds recently posted: “Some argue that since there’s evil, there must be no good god at all. I argue that since there is good at all, along with beauty, truth and right, God *does* exist.”

But the article above captured my mind with something brother Spann said about his whole ordeal.

He prayed.

Imagine. Bullets streaming. Voices shouting. Mayhem Escalating. And – he prayed. He prayed to the good God he loves to be forgiven. He didn’t pray to judge the perpetrator (although his actions deserve justice). He didn’t even pray to be rescued from the horror. Instead, he prayed – to be saved by God from his own sins. His life was of less concern than his spiritual life with God.

So, it made me think.

I do pray. I haven’t always. I’ve grown in my life with prayer. And through many hardships that never involved bullets, I’ve learned to pray.

I have prayed in praise to the God of heaven for the greatness of His power and majesty I witness all around me. I have prayed to petition the Father of Lights to cascade upon me the direction I should go. I have prayed to the God of all comfort to help those around me. I do pray.

But in the moment of Mayhem, I wonder. Would I have prayed for my rescuers to rescue my life. Would I have prayed for their safety. Would I have prayed for speedy justice for violence against me, bullets whizzing past my head and pain coursing through my body? I had to think what I can imagine – but… I can imagine.

Yet, my brother prayed. Although Stephen prayed, “forgive them” and Jesus prayed, “forgive them,” my brother prayed, “God, I’m sorry for things I didn’t do right.” He didn’t ask to forgive or to protect anyone. He wanted to be the one forgiven.

Words fail how much this says to me. But I am a preacher and I am sure I can come up with a few.

First, we need to learn to pray for our sin. Sinners are we all, John says (1John 1:8-10), and it is indeed God’s mercy we need every day.  Living every day like it’s your last is the hardest thing to do because we have to dust off the inventory of our lives and really take count. We could parse the meaning of “sin is lawlessness” and research the Greek on “sin is transgression.” Or, we can look honestly to our heart and say, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (Psalm 51:1-2).

We need to learn to pray for us.  While we don’t need prayers about us – we need to pray for us. It is not things like cars or jobs, houses or people that ultimately make us full. What satisfies our hearts is being accepted before the great I AM and know who we really are. Commune with God. Have a Heart-to-heart with God. No irreverence meant – and no irreverence permitted. But we should “talk in a familiar manner” because we want to be with him. Be frank. Be honest. Be open. Be candid. Be a person. Pray about how you and He can work to make you more like Him.

And then, we need to learn to pray. “Teach us to pray” was the disciples’ demand of Jesus when they saw that John taught his disciples to pray. Jesus did (Luke 11:1ff). There is a way to make prayer what it should be rather than some flippant word bath we feel we need to take. We need to learn from model Biblical believers and even modern ones who in the face of death, like our brother Joey, have trained their hearts to go to God when sin has burdened them.

And last, we simply need to pray. Prayer isn’t about making our food holy or our night restful. It’s about becoming to God – by coming to God – all we should be. But we need more fervency in our prayers. We need more “without ceasing” in our prayers. And when our brother prayed for his forgiveness, it showed that the imminence of death made him recognize what we all are – sinners. And he wanted above everything else to be right with God. And in the hand of a merciful God, he knew – and we should know – that we can call on Him and “He will be faithful and just to forgive us our trespasses” (1John 1:9).

So today, pray. Learn to pray. Pray for you. And pray for the forgiveness of your sins. But above all things – just pray.

 

 

Parenting is not for sissies. The moment the first child is born, escalating emotions of joy and amazement become mixed with the anxiousness of “what will we do?”  We are not trained to be parents. Instead, we are trained by being parents. Every decision made ultimately shapes our child into the adult they will one day choose to become.

Still, we all have a natural nurturing within us. Even Paul’s condemnation of the Gentiles in Romans 1 indicates there is a natural affection we should have for our children and our spouses. And this natural affection energizes our efforts to be better parents and overcome many shortcomings. Even though we make mistakes in parenting, we can grow to be better.

All parents should ask, “What are we trying to raise our child to be?” The answer will gird us up to make choices day in and day out. And each of those choices should be to help them find the life worth living – instead of a life clouded with idolatry and other vices. Wes McAdams once defined idolatry as “believing, deep down in your heart, that you cannot be whole without this ‘thing’ in your life. In other words, this ‘thing’ makes life worth living. In other words, does this “thing” we are raising them to be – will it make their life worth living – or will it be Jesus? So, what are we raising our kids to be?

Are we raising athletes?  While Americans idolize many things, the evidence for the idolization of sports is evidenced in enormous stadiums, extreme athlete salaries, many dedicated sport TV channels and extremely passionate fans. Don’t misunderstand. “There is a time to play…” Solomon said. However, consider the number of hours we attend and the amount of money we spend on any sport. And then should we wonder when people, even Christians, scoff and say, “You want me to send how much to support the gospel where?” or “you want me to give up my Saturday and my Sunday to sing praise or invite people to study?” If we really want to show our child what is most important, why will we get pumped in exploding emotions at a game loss or bad ref call or joyful screaming at the win but yet when we come to worship, we drag ourselves like caterpillars to services and mumble prayers. Children will intuitively come to understand what it is in life that gives our life meaning and purpose. As the article quoted above said, “It isn’t just the sermons we preach with our mouths, but the sermons we preach with our wallets and our calendars” that show our kids where they need to find meaning in life.

Are we raising musicians? Everyone knows I love music and I know that time spent to improve musicianship can be demanding. Bands, Orchestras and Choirs – all vying for time now occupied with the dizzying amounts of entertainment today – often demand a staggering amount of time. So again, are we teaching our child what should be the real meaning in our life when for them we choose other activities instead of things that intend to honor Christ like worship, Bible study and service. Yes, it is still about balance. But, “it isn’t just the sermons we preach with our mouths, but the sermons we preach with our wallets and our calendars” that show our kids where they need to find meaning in life.

Are we raising scholars? In today’s world, Americans want students to excel in education above all others. If our child does not score higher than others, we demand homework, tutors and extended learning no matter the cost until she’s far above the average – even if it takes them away from services. We might even reason, “it’s just one Wednesday Bible class.” But, why won’t we say, “it’s just one assignment?” A child’s education is essential in shaping the whole person; But again, we must strike a balance. Education is important. Yet we show what we value most when we sit down with our child to make sure they learn their math facts or their ABCs but do not equally sit down to make sure they understand thr Bible? Would we make them miss school, sports or music events if when something for Jesus would have to come second? “It isn’t just the sermons we preach with our mouths, but the sermons we preach with our wallets and our calendars” that show our kids where they need to find meaning in life.

And are we raising fools? While that’s not meant to be harsh, it is the word Solomon often uses to describe the lazy. Are we as parents laboring to help our child understand the value of arduous work? This engagement is not just about creating for them a financial reward but to give them the balanced view of a life well lived. Do we make sure our little one will work for others even when there is no reward except the good of working? Do we let them spend inordinate amounts of time entertaining themselves instead of putting themselves out there to help others? “It isn’t just the sermons we preach with our mouths, but the sermons we preach with our wallets and our calendars” that show our kids where they need to find meaning in life.

And we all work hard. Indeed, we do. Raising my kids humbled me more than I can tell you. We struggled over the balance (and did not always succeed) between sports, school, band – and did I mention Scouts? However, we were still trying to teach not just in words, but also in deed, what the real meaning of life was.  Actions we expected of them we tried to demand in us. While those activities can be wholesome and a valuable life’s work, we still did not raise them to be athletes, to be musicians or to be scholars.

We raised them to be Christians. We missed sports practices or left early to drive to services as they changed on the way and gobbled down dinner. We missed band events. We struggled and wrestled when conditions made choices harder and harder. But in our own lives, we wanted to show our children that Jesus was the meaning of our lives. We wanted to be with other Christians in different settings all the time: Singings, meetings, bible studies as well as the regular meetings of the church to which we belonged. Why miss the thing that matters most – if it really does?

We didn’t do this because we were “the preacher’s family”. We did this because we were raising our children to be Christians, the meaning of life? So, start early, stay strong and keep your “wallets and your calendars” to really show your kids where they need to find meaning in life.

By Don Hooton

What If Jesus Had Never Come?
by Don Hooton

I cannot imagine trying to make it through life without having “the good shepherd” (John 10:11), who is the “one mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5) and the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16) in my corner. But what if – What if Jesus had never even come into this world “to give his life a ransom” (Mark 10:45)?

A life without true meaning. Jesus came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Paul said we “can do all things” through Him (Philippians 4:13). The whole of man is to fear the Lord and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). An abundant, can-do, wholeness is what Jesus brings to those who seek it.

A life without a totally reliable model to imitate. Role Models are all around us – many of them worthy of imitation because they demonstrate selflessness, commitment, and respect. Yet no human in this life is a good example in every way all of the time. We have all made mistakes. “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23). But not Jesus. He “did no sin,” and that is why He alone is worthy of complete imitation (1Peter 2:21-22).

A life without direction. Where am I going in my life? Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). When lights breaks the dawn of a new day, we should be reminded of the vision of this truth that indeed Jesus lights the way in life to the eternal goal.

Life without salvation. The wages of sin is death and will separate a person from God (Romans 6:23; Isaiah 59:1-2). Thank God that He loved us so much that He sent Jesus “into the world to save sinners” (1Timothy 1:15; Ephesians 1:7). Because Jesus is the only Savior –  the only “name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12) – we are, without Him, still lost and still drowning in the guilt of our sins.

A life without hope. Misery is what fills the heart that is void of hope. Jesus is the hope of the world (1 Timothy 1:1). Through Jesus we can live “in hope of eternal life” (Titus 1:2). So what fill the empty heart with anything that will can only satisfy for the moment when you can fill your heart with the hope which will never be taken away (Romans 5:1-6).

The choice is ours; we can either live life with Him or without Him. So, choose wisely because our eternal destiny is in the balance – and our present joy too. To live with Him, of course, means to live according to His will.

So live your life because He has come – because indeed, He is coming again (John 14:1-3).