During our vacation last month, my family and I visited Redeemer Community Church, a nondenominational Bible church in Little Rock, Arkansas. I have been listening to their minister Bob Lepine's online sermons and reading his blog for some time now. Although we were unable to meet Mr. Lepine during our visit since he was away on vacation at the same time, we enjoyed our time with the church. Our son Christopher loved it because the guest speaker was an Army chaplain.
A couple of Sundays ago, I was listening to Bob Lepine online as he was preaching through the twenty-first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, a text focusing on the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the coming of Jesus Christ in power and glory.
In the introduction to his multi-part lesson on this text, the preacher presented the four major views of the end times: historic premillennialism, dispensational premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. He explained that your view of the end times will influence the way you interpret Luke 21.
Then the pastor said something that I found extremely interesting. He warned the congregation to hold their views softly, with a large dose of humility, because there is a good chance that you are wrong.
He pointed out that many biblical doctrines are very clear and need to be held firmly. For example, every Christian would affirm that Jesus is the only Way to the Father. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6). However, some biblical doctrines are less clear and more difficult to understand. Bob Lepine reminded the church that whether they chose to believe the historic premillennial view, the dispensational premillennial view, the postmillennial view, or the amillennial view, they had a 75% chance of being wrong. However, that is not an excuse to ignore difficult passages in the Bible. Mr. Lepine encouraged the assembly to wrestle with such passages, but to do so with humility.
I had not thought of it in such a way before, but I found Bob Lepine's advice to be wise. We should hold on to clear biblical teachings firmly, but hold on to less clear understandings of the Bible softly. We may be wrong, and we need to be open to correction.
Showing posts with label Wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wisdom. Show all posts
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and Other Gems from Proverbs
"Prize (wisdom) highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her" (Proverbs 4:8).
Last month, Beth Herring held a drawing on her blog (http://aninstrument4hisglory.blogspot.com) for a copy of Warren Baldwin's Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and Other Gems from Proverbs. I received the book in late December.
As the title indicates, this book is full of gems of wisdom from the biblical book of Proverbs. The 201-page book is a collection of short articles, each one dealing with a different proverb, making it an excellent resource for personal or family devotionals.
As the author explains, "Wisdom in Proverbs has to do with skill in relationships. Wisdom means knowing when and how to encourage, rebuke, soothe, or scold. To be wise in a relationship means not demeaning people, mocking them, or hurting their feelings. Wisdom means knowing how to communicate value, love, and dignity to others. Wisdom also means caring about others in your life and working to serve their needs" (page 27).
In Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and Others Gems from Proverbs, Warren Baldwin consistently encourages virtues like honesty, kindness, faithfulness, and humility. I can highly recommend this book, because as I read it, I kept thinking: This makes me want to be a better man. If you would like to be inspired to be a better person, this is a book for you.
Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and Other Gems from Proverbs may be ordered from www.warrenbaldwin.com, www.amazon.com, and www.barnesandnoble.com.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tony Dungy on Character
I especially liked this section from Coach Dungy's The Mentor Leader (pages 69-71):
"Coach (Cal) Stoll was the first person I can recall who made the connection between the quality of our character and our success on the football field. He was talking about success in life as well, but what was new to me was the emphasis on character and success in the short-term, on the field. Once I learned that lesson, making the connection to success in life was easy...
"Much of what we hear today about football players and good character has more to do with their not embarrassing themselves or their school or team than it does anything else...
"Coach Stoll made the point that how we did things affected our results. He further believed that the kind of people we had on our team would affect our ability to get the results we wanted, and that the people we were around would have an impact on us. To follow his thinking, then, the kind of people we spent time with affected our character, and our character affected our performance on the field.
"I had never looked at it that way before. I never thought that my personal life, or that of my teammates, would have any impact on whether we won or lost games. In my mind, winning games was simply a matter of talent and teamwork. So whenever I played pickup basketball on the playground, where the rule was win or sit out--and of course I wanted to win and keep playing--I didn't give any thought to character, just to who could help me win. Or so I thought.
"After hearing Coach Stoll, however, I began to think about the decisions I had made over the years and the types of guys I always picked. It hit me that I hadn't necessarily picked the most talented players to be on my team. Some of those guys never passed or didn't play defense. Rather, the guys I picked were the ones who had a burning desire to win and who would do the kinds of things--such as rebounding, defending, or passing to the open man--that would put their team in a position to win. If it meant they didn't score at all in the game, fine. If it meant they scored every point, that was fine too. I realized that, without even thinking about it, I gravitated toward the guys who had character. I began to see that the people I wanted to associate with were people of character both on and off the court or field.
"Coach Stoll made it clear that the guys who went to class, who treated other people with respect, and who were responsible in the little things on and off the field were ultimately the ones who gave us a better chance to win...
"Ultimately, Coach Stoll showed us that players who weren't reliable off the field would eventually demonstrate those same shortcomings in the heat of battle. If they weren't responsible in other settings, we wouldn't be able to count on them at crunch time. And he was right...
"Surprisingly for some, research conducted by the Leadership Research Institute had shown that in times of crisis, people gravitate toward the person of highest character, not necessarily the person who is 'in charge' or even the person they believe to be the most competent. Rather, people will tend to build a relationship with and follow the person they view as the most trustworthy, who cares the most, and who is willing to always do the right thing.
"In a crisis, people crave character. But there's no reason to wait for a crisis. You can continue to cultivate your character along the way, and it will contribute to your team's performance long before a crisis ever comes. Character is the glue that bonds solid and meaningful relationships."
Whenever I think about good character, I think of honesty. While it's a key ingredient of character, it's not the only element. Tony Dungy has correctly pointed out some of the relational elements of good character (such as caring about others and being reliable).
Coach Dungy's books are available at all major bookstores and amazon.com. I always buy one when it's published. You can find a link to his blog on my blog roll at the right side of my blog. You will find some wise advice and encouragement posted frequently.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
A Few Biblical Principles for Voting
"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper" (Jeremiah 29:7, NIV)
These are some biblical principles that I keep in mind as I prepare to vote:
1. The government exists in order to protect innocent people from those who would harm them (Romans 13:1-7). In a democratic republic, ordinary citizens are more responsible for their government than are the subjects of a dictatorship. We are responsible for seeking good leaders and just policies.
2. God's people have an obligation to seek the good of their communities, even if they are a minority within it (Jeremiah 29:7). We may not win every battle--in fact, we may lose most--but love for our neighbors will prompt us to continue our efforts to benefit them.
3. Many political decisions are matters of applying wisdom to differing circumstances. For example, sometimes wisdom demands that taxes be raised (Genesis 41:28-36). At other times, it requires that the burden be lowered (1 Kings 12:1-17). We need humility and wisdom from God to know the best course of action. Also, we need to be gracious toward those who do not see things as we do. They may not have as much information as we do, or they may have more. We need to be open to learning from those we see as our political opponents. Sometimes they are right.
4. On most political issues, God's people can remain silent. However, when an issue involves an unjust threat to innocent human lives, we cannot keep quiet (Esther 7:3-4). We will speak up for them. We will use our influence on their behalf. They need people who will defend their right to life; and we cannot remain aloof.
These are some biblical principles that I keep in mind as I prepare to vote:
1. The government exists in order to protect innocent people from those who would harm them (Romans 13:1-7). In a democratic republic, ordinary citizens are more responsible for their government than are the subjects of a dictatorship. We are responsible for seeking good leaders and just policies.
2. God's people have an obligation to seek the good of their communities, even if they are a minority within it (Jeremiah 29:7). We may not win every battle--in fact, we may lose most--but love for our neighbors will prompt us to continue our efforts to benefit them.
3. Many political decisions are matters of applying wisdom to differing circumstances. For example, sometimes wisdom demands that taxes be raised (Genesis 41:28-36). At other times, it requires that the burden be lowered (1 Kings 12:1-17). We need humility and wisdom from God to know the best course of action. Also, we need to be gracious toward those who do not see things as we do. They may not have as much information as we do, or they may have more. We need to be open to learning from those we see as our political opponents. Sometimes they are right.
4. On most political issues, God's people can remain silent. However, when an issue involves an unjust threat to innocent human lives, we cannot keep quiet (Esther 7:3-4). We will speak up for them. We will use our influence on their behalf. They need people who will defend their right to life; and we cannot remain aloof.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Why Do People in Trouble Seek Out Tony Dungy?
A few months ago, I was listening to ESPN Radio. Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy was the topic of conversation, because a National Football League player was in trouble and wanted his help. Coach Dungy has had a history of trying to help men who have messed up their lives. He has helped NFL players, coaches, prisoners, and ordinary men who are trying to be good husbands and fathers. The radio program host asked his co-host, "Why is it that every time players get themselves in trouble, they call on Tony Dungy to help?"
That's a good question.
I can think of three good reasons:
1. Tony Dungy cares about people. He is more than a philanthropist (as good as that would be); he cares enough to get involved with people on a personal level. He will help people through their hard times. He will stand by their side through their trials. When people face difficult times, they truly appreciate someone who will be with them.
2. Tony Dungy is a man of faith. He is committed to following Jesus Christ. When one realizes that circumstances are far beyond his control, he will want to seek out someone who leans on God. The man of faith becomes an encouraging and stabilizing presence in a time of crisis.
3. Tony Dungy is a man of wisdom. He embraces a godly perspective of life. He lives it, and he shares it with others. When a man is trying to get his life straightened out, he wants a wise mentor who can guide him through the process of applying biblical wisdom to his chaotic life.
In many ways, Coach Dungy exemplifies the qualities that should mark Christians and churches in general. He is not flashy. He does not draw attention to himself. He does not chase the latest fads. He simply lives a rock-solid life of love, faith, and wisdom that has a tremendous appeal to those who are at a point in their lives in which they can appreciate it.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1).
Friday, January 01, 2010
Looking for a New Church for the New Year
I posted this nearly two years ago, but I thought it might be appropriate for anyone who stumbles across this blog after making a new year's resolution to start attending church services during the new year.
"...in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" (Titus 2:10, NIV).
I've been thinking about people who want to follow Jesus Christ, but they have not connected with any particular church. What if I were in their situation? How would I find a church? What would make a difference in my search?
Generally, churches look alike in their yellow pages ads and mass mailings. Their radio and television commercials seem very similar. I might visit a church based on advertising alone. However, if a church did not live up to its projected image, I would not return.
Recently, I have been thinking about another method of finding a church. What if I started looking at the people around me to find the most Christ-like men and women? What if I decided to visit congregations that they attended? I have little doubt that I could find an excellent church using such a method.
I would look for men and women of kindness, the type of people who will reach out in compassion to others around them who are hurting or lonely. I would look for people of conviction, people who would stand for biblical standards and doctrines despite the unpopularity of their positions. I would look for men and women who would not only refuse to participate in office gossip, but who would not allow it to go unchallenged in their presence. I would look for people of wisdom, people who know how to live godly and attractive lives at the same time. I would look for men and women who enjoyed life and had grateful attitudes. I would search for people who spoke of faith in Christ and lived by faith in him. I would seek out men and women of humility, people with a sense of security without a sense of arrogance.
Such people reflect well on Christ, but they also reflect well on their local congregations. They are the best advertisements that a church could place in a community.
I want to be that kind of living commercial for Jesus Christ and for the Contact Church.
"...in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" (Titus 2:10, NIV).
I've been thinking about people who want to follow Jesus Christ, but they have not connected with any particular church. What if I were in their situation? How would I find a church? What would make a difference in my search?
Generally, churches look alike in their yellow pages ads and mass mailings. Their radio and television commercials seem very similar. I might visit a church based on advertising alone. However, if a church did not live up to its projected image, I would not return.
Recently, I have been thinking about another method of finding a church. What if I started looking at the people around me to find the most Christ-like men and women? What if I decided to visit congregations that they attended? I have little doubt that I could find an excellent church using such a method.
I would look for men and women of kindness, the type of people who will reach out in compassion to others around them who are hurting or lonely. I would look for people of conviction, people who would stand for biblical standards and doctrines despite the unpopularity of their positions. I would look for men and women who would not only refuse to participate in office gossip, but who would not allow it to go unchallenged in their presence. I would look for people of wisdom, people who know how to live godly and attractive lives at the same time. I would look for men and women who enjoyed life and had grateful attitudes. I would search for people who spoke of faith in Christ and lived by faith in him. I would seek out men and women of humility, people with a sense of security without a sense of arrogance.
Such people reflect well on Christ, but they also reflect well on their local congregations. They are the best advertisements that a church could place in a community.
I want to be that kind of living commercial for Jesus Christ and for the Contact Church.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
A Possible Opportunity to Serve in my Labor Union
I have been a member of my union for 17 years. During that time, I have served as a delegate to our state convention on a few occasions. Once in a while, I have been asked by fellow members to become the local union steward. On one occasion, I was asked to run for the office of state treasurer. I have always declined, but always appreciated fellow members who have considered me suitable to fill such difficult positions.
While I have declined such opportunities to serve in the past, I am considering applying for a position soon. Last week, the union's state magazine contained an announcement that the state board was seeking candidates to fill the position of state chaplain.
Last night, I called the state president to ask about the job. He told me that the chaplain is responsible for writing a monthly column for our state magazine, for organizing Sunday morning worship services and preaching at the state convention, and for leading prayers at other events. Although I'm not very experienced at organizing worship services and preaching, I am interested in this position. I have served in ministry by teaching Bible classes, leading home Bible studies, writing articles for church bulletins, leading prayers, and speaking during Communion services. I might be able to handle organizing a worship service and preaching once a year.
Our president told me that he would not censor anything that I would write in the state magazine. Personally, he confided, he wants people to know that they need Jesus Christ in order to avoid hell and go to heaven. However, he warned, some people could be offended if I wrote too much about Christ. The national union was sued a few years ago because a Bible verse was printed in its magazine every month. It has stopped printing Bible verses in order to avoid future legal problems. I told him that if I become chaplain, I would not try to offend anyone but that I probably would end up offending someone unintentionally since I would try to be faithful to Christ and to what he teaches. He didn't seem to have any problem with my response.
So now I am considering the position. The president has asked me to write a letter to the state board explaining my relationship with Jesus Christ and my ministry experiences. Board members will choose the next chaplain from the applicants. The position should be filled in about 2 months.
I'll be praying for wisdom over the next several days as I consider this possible opportunity.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).
While I have declined such opportunities to serve in the past, I am considering applying for a position soon. Last week, the union's state magazine contained an announcement that the state board was seeking candidates to fill the position of state chaplain.
Last night, I called the state president to ask about the job. He told me that the chaplain is responsible for writing a monthly column for our state magazine, for organizing Sunday morning worship services and preaching at the state convention, and for leading prayers at other events. Although I'm not very experienced at organizing worship services and preaching, I am interested in this position. I have served in ministry by teaching Bible classes, leading home Bible studies, writing articles for church bulletins, leading prayers, and speaking during Communion services. I might be able to handle organizing a worship service and preaching once a year.
Our president told me that he would not censor anything that I would write in the state magazine. Personally, he confided, he wants people to know that they need Jesus Christ in order to avoid hell and go to heaven. However, he warned, some people could be offended if I wrote too much about Christ. The national union was sued a few years ago because a Bible verse was printed in its magazine every month. It has stopped printing Bible verses in order to avoid future legal problems. I told him that if I become chaplain, I would not try to offend anyone but that I probably would end up offending someone unintentionally since I would try to be faithful to Christ and to what he teaches. He didn't seem to have any problem with my response.
So now I am considering the position. The president has asked me to write a letter to the state board explaining my relationship with Jesus Christ and my ministry experiences. Board members will choose the next chaplain from the applicants. The position should be filled in about 2 months.
I'll be praying for wisdom over the next several days as I consider this possible opportunity.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Walking With the Wise
"He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm" (Proverbs 13:20).
Since I would like to be wise, I try to learn from wise people. Here is a list of some wise authors and some of their books:
Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Holiness: The Heart God Purifies
Tony Dungy: Quiet Strength, Uncommon
Bob Lepine: The Christian Husband
C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce
John Piper: Desiring God, Don't Waste Your Life
Dennis and Barbara Rainey: The FamilyLife Marriage Bible (New King James Version), Two Hearts Praying as One, Moments Together for Couples
Haddon Robinson: Trusting the Shepherd, Decision Making by the Book
Harold Shank: Children Mean the World to God, Up Close and Personal: Embracing the Poor
but a companion of fools suffers harm" (Proverbs 13:20).
Since I would like to be wise, I try to learn from wise people. Here is a list of some wise authors and some of their books:
Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Holiness: The Heart God Purifies
Tony Dungy: Quiet Strength, Uncommon
Bob Lepine: The Christian Husband
C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce
John Piper: Desiring God, Don't Waste Your Life
Dennis and Barbara Rainey: The FamilyLife Marriage Bible (New King James Version), Two Hearts Praying as One, Moments Together for Couples
Haddon Robinson: Trusting the Shepherd, Decision Making by the Book
Harold Shank: Children Mean the World to God, Up Close and Personal: Embracing the Poor
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Express
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10, New King James Version).
We saw The Express this weekend. The movie tells the story of Ernie Davis, the first black Heisman trophy winner. It is a story of how a man of character overcame significant obstacles to achieve success, and in the end, quietly strike a blow against institutional social injustice.
Although growing up in a broken home, a racist society, and with a speech impediment, Ernie Davis overcame his circumstances and became a hero to his generation. Much of his success came from a wise grandfather ("Pops") who imparted patience, wisdom, strength, and respect for the Scriptures to his young grandson. In the end, we see a young man who faced his challenges with dignity and grace.
Although nearly forgotten by football fans today, Ernie Davis should be honored as a heroic figure in the history of college football. This movie helps.
We saw The Express this weekend. The movie tells the story of Ernie Davis, the first black Heisman trophy winner. It is a story of how a man of character overcame significant obstacles to achieve success, and in the end, quietly strike a blow against institutional social injustice.
Although growing up in a broken home, a racist society, and with a speech impediment, Ernie Davis overcame his circumstances and became a hero to his generation. Much of his success came from a wise grandfather ("Pops") who imparted patience, wisdom, strength, and respect for the Scriptures to his young grandson. In the end, we see a young man who faced his challenges with dignity and grace.
Although nearly forgotten by football fans today, Ernie Davis should be honored as a heroic figure in the history of college football. This movie helps.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Political Decisions
"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper" (Jeremiah 29:7).
I have followed politics to one degree or another for most of my life. As a student at Oklahoma Christian University, I minored in social studies, volunteered for a couple of political campaigns, and served as the chairman of one of the political clubs on campus. Over the years, I have searched the Bible for principles to guide me in making political decisions which I would like to share here:
1. The government exists in order to protect innocent people from those who would harm them (Romans 13:1-7). In a democratic republic, ordinary citizens are more responsible for their government than are the subjects of a dictatorship. We are responsible for seeking good leaders and just policies.
2. God's people have an obligation to seek the good of their communities, even if they are a minority within it (Jeremiah 29:7). We may not win every battle--in fact, we may lose most--but love for our neighbors will prompt us to continue our efforts to benefit them.
3. Many political decisions are matters of applying wisdom to differing circumstances. For example, sometimes wisdom demands that taxes be raised (Genesis 41:28-36). At other times, it requires that the burden be lowered (1 Kings 12:1-17). We need humility and wisdom from God to know the best course of action. Also, we need to be gracious toward those who do not see things as we do. They may not have as much information as we do, or they may have more. We need to be open to learning from those we see as our political opponents. Sometimes they are right.
4. On most political issues, God's people can remain quiet. However, when an issue involves an unjust threat to innocent human lives, we cannot keep quiet (Esther 7:3-4). We should risk making enemies (even powerful enemies) in order to save the lives of innocent people. This is the difficult part of loving our neighbors as ourselves, because it would be much easier to live in peace and quiet while others are suffering rather than to take risks on their behalf. We are not likely to be popular, but it is worth the risks in order to help others and to please our Savior.
I have followed politics to one degree or another for most of my life. As a student at Oklahoma Christian University, I minored in social studies, volunteered for a couple of political campaigns, and served as the chairman of one of the political clubs on campus. Over the years, I have searched the Bible for principles to guide me in making political decisions which I would like to share here:
1. The government exists in order to protect innocent people from those who would harm them (Romans 13:1-7). In a democratic republic, ordinary citizens are more responsible for their government than are the subjects of a dictatorship. We are responsible for seeking good leaders and just policies.
2. God's people have an obligation to seek the good of their communities, even if they are a minority within it (Jeremiah 29:7). We may not win every battle--in fact, we may lose most--but love for our neighbors will prompt us to continue our efforts to benefit them.
3. Many political decisions are matters of applying wisdom to differing circumstances. For example, sometimes wisdom demands that taxes be raised (Genesis 41:28-36). At other times, it requires that the burden be lowered (1 Kings 12:1-17). We need humility and wisdom from God to know the best course of action. Also, we need to be gracious toward those who do not see things as we do. They may not have as much information as we do, or they may have more. We need to be open to learning from those we see as our political opponents. Sometimes they are right.
4. On most political issues, God's people can remain quiet. However, when an issue involves an unjust threat to innocent human lives, we cannot keep quiet (Esther 7:3-4). We should risk making enemies (even powerful enemies) in order to save the lives of innocent people. This is the difficult part of loving our neighbors as ourselves, because it would be much easier to live in peace and quiet while others are suffering rather than to take risks on their behalf. We are not likely to be popular, but it is worth the risks in order to help others and to please our Savior.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Church Shopping
"...in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" (Titus 2:10, NIV).
I've been thinking about people who want to follow Jesus Christ, but they have not connected with any particular church. What if I were in their situation? How would I find a church? What would make a difference in my search?
Generally, churches look alike in their yellow pages ads and mass mailings. Their radio and television commercials seem very similar. I might visit a church based on advertising alone. However, if a church did not live up to its projected image, I would not return.
Recently, I have been thinking about another method of finding a church. What if I started looking at the people around me to find the most Christ-like men and women? What if I decided to visit congregations that they attended? I have little doubt that I could find an excellent church using such a method.
I would look for men and women of kindness, the type of people who will reach out in compassion to others around them who are hurting or lonely. I would look for people of conviction, people who would stand for biblical standards and doctrines despite the unpopularity of their positions. I would look for men and women who would not only refuse to participate in office gossip, but who would not allow it to go unchallenged in their presence. I would look for people of wisdom, people who know how to live godly and attractive lives at the same time. I would look for men and women who enjoyed life and had grateful attitudes. I would search for people who spoke of faith in Christ and lived by faith in him. I would seek out men and women of humility, people with a sense of security without a sense of arrogance.
Such people reflect well on Christ, but they also reflect well on their local congregations. They are the best advertisements that a church could place in a community.
I want to be that kind of living commercial for Jesus Christ and for the Contact Church of Christ.
I've been thinking about people who want to follow Jesus Christ, but they have not connected with any particular church. What if I were in their situation? How would I find a church? What would make a difference in my search?
Generally, churches look alike in their yellow pages ads and mass mailings. Their radio and television commercials seem very similar. I might visit a church based on advertising alone. However, if a church did not live up to its projected image, I would not return.
Recently, I have been thinking about another method of finding a church. What if I started looking at the people around me to find the most Christ-like men and women? What if I decided to visit congregations that they attended? I have little doubt that I could find an excellent church using such a method.
I would look for men and women of kindness, the type of people who will reach out in compassion to others around them who are hurting or lonely. I would look for people of conviction, people who would stand for biblical standards and doctrines despite the unpopularity of their positions. I would look for men and women who would not only refuse to participate in office gossip, but who would not allow it to go unchallenged in their presence. I would look for people of wisdom, people who know how to live godly and attractive lives at the same time. I would look for men and women who enjoyed life and had grateful attitudes. I would search for people who spoke of faith in Christ and lived by faith in him. I would seek out men and women of humility, people with a sense of security without a sense of arrogance.
Such people reflect well on Christ, but they also reflect well on their local congregations. They are the best advertisements that a church could place in a community.
I want to be that kind of living commercial for Jesus Christ and for the Contact Church of Christ.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Logsdons and Urban Ministry
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18, NIV).
Our friends Bob and Sarah Logsdon have just started a blog at http://urbanlogfamily.blogspot.com. Bob is our youth minister in the Contact Church of Christ. He and his wife are a great couple of devoted Christians.
In Bob's first post, he writes about an incident in which one of our youth threatened to shoot another of our youth. In his account, you will see Bob's courage, wisdom, and love. You will see the heart of an outstanding youth minister.
If anyone would like to support him and his family in their work, please click on the link to the Contact Church of Christ at the bottom of this page. You should find the church's phone number and mailing address.
Our friends Bob and Sarah Logsdon have just started a blog at http://urbanlogfamily.blogspot.com. Bob is our youth minister in the Contact Church of Christ. He and his wife are a great couple of devoted Christians.
In Bob's first post, he writes about an incident in which one of our youth threatened to shoot another of our youth. In his account, you will see Bob's courage, wisdom, and love. You will see the heart of an outstanding youth minister.
If anyone would like to support him and his family in their work, please click on the link to the Contact Church of Christ at the bottom of this page. You should find the church's phone number and mailing address.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
