Christian Growth
POTPOURRI . . . AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH
I want to thank all of you here at South Cobb for the wonderful ways you have been supporting the many works that have been taking place this summer at South Cobb. Bible camp was (as always) a success because of your monetary and spiritual support, with many children coming to camp because of your generosity. Further, many of you have been working on Vacation Bible School as never before – getting things ready for what promises to be one...Continue reading "POTPOURRI . . . AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH"
HYPERSENSITIVITY
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Romans 14:19 Recently, a friend noticed that she had left my name off the list of absentees from a board meeting. Bless her heart, she sent an e mail apology to the entire board. I greatly appreciate her sweet disposition and desire to correct...Continue reading "HYPERSENSITIVITY"
SITTING DUCKS
There is an expression to describe the person (a) who is in serious danger and (b) has zero chances of escaping that danger. The expression is “sitting duck.” The sitting duck has no chance of escaping the hunter. Ducks fly with agility and speed. Ducks swim gracefully, but not with speed. Ducks run ugly and slow. A duck sitting in the water or on land has zero chance of escaping the undetected hunter. The uncommitted Christian who is not actively...Continue reading "SITTING DUCKS"
GROW IN PRAYER
To grow in any relationship, there must be dialogue and periods of times in which both parties spend time talking with one another. This is so obvious, and yet so essential. In marriage relationships the reason why some couples “grow apart” is because they do not talk with one another, and they each have their own separate lives, yet they are apart. On the job employers and employees must spend times in meetings and memos, so everyone is on the...Continue reading "GROW IN PRAYER"
CHANGE
Eccl 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: NKJV If there is one thing we all have to admit, it is the fact that everything changes, and nothing stays the same. We go for a period of time when we get in a comfort zone; when things seem to be going the same every day, and we get used to our ruts. We even get somewhat upset when something happens to shake us...Continue reading "CHANGE"
OH, GROW UP!
How often have parents told their children to grow up? It is interesting that physical growth happens without us being aware of it, until one day we see the results in a child that has grown physically. At the same time, emotional, mental and societal growth does not happen in the way we sometimes expect, and as parents we tell our children to “Grow Up.” Adolescents often have moments when they wish to be children again, loved and nurtured in...Continue reading "OH, GROW UP!"
DREAMS
Joseph was a well known dreamer in Scripture, and a man who all of his dreams had come true (Genesis 37:1-20). We remember that because of his dreams his brother would have had him killed, were it not for Reuben who spared his life. Dreamers have had the ability to shake things up and change the world they are living in. Caleb was another great dreamer. He, along with Joshua, saw that God had blessed them and would give them...Continue reading "DREAMS"
THANK GOD FOR THOSE WHO ARE OLDER
Usually at Thanksgiving and Christmas the church at South Cobb gives away Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to help those in need and to show appreciation for our older members, specifically our widows and widowers. It always does me good to visit our older members, as the older I have grown, the more I appreciate their wisdom, their insight and their maturity. Many of our members at South Cobb have lived through the depression and World War 2, Korea, Vietnam and...Continue reading "THANK GOD FOR THOSE WHO ARE OLDER"
THE ROLE OF ELDERS IN THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF A CONGREGATION
by Bruce Stroud It is extremely important for a congregation to grow spiritually. Paul says in Acts 20: 29-32, “I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears. And now...Continue reading "THE ROLE OF ELDERS IN THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF A CONGREGATION"
SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
Heb 5:12-14 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have...Continue reading "SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY"
HOW IS SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY MANIFESTED?
Hebrews 5:11-14 “. . .of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food...Continue reading "HOW IS SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY MANIFESTED?"
BABES IN CHRIST
1 Cor 3:1-4 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For...Continue reading "BABES IN CHRIST"
JESUS’ BUSY LIFE 2
Life is hectic. We don’t seem to have enough hours in the day to get everything done that we wish to do. Our lives are controlled by time, and sometimes many things get left undone that we felt like we need to do. Perhaps, it is not a question of time, but a question of priorities. Jesus is our perfect example in all things, and last week we noticed that Jesus made time to pray, observe God’s handiwork in nature,...Continue reading "JESUS’ BUSY LIFE 2"
JESUS' BUSY LIFE
Life is so hectic. We are so busy in our lives, and this time of year is usually the busiest as we make plans and have family get togethers. There is so much to do, so many places to go, so many things to see about. What is sad is that we often use our “busyness” for our failure to do what we know we should do. And, in an effort to excuse ourselves we claim that we are busier...Continue reading "JESUS' BUSY LIFE"
IMITATE ME
1 Cor 10:31-11:1 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. NKJV Man’s purpose on earth is to...Continue reading "IMITATE ME"
I MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS
Luke 2:49-50 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. NKJV At the young age of twelve Jesus had an understanding that affected his life and work for as long as he lived. He had come to do his Father’s will. As far as Jesus was concerned, it was all about God. He...Continue reading "I MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS"
HE WHO IS ABLE
Last Wednesday evening we finished our study of the book of Jude, listening to the warnings that God gave through Jude to his people concerning the reality of false teachers. New Testament writers were not afraid to warn about the false teachers that would come and divide and tear apart the bride of Christ, and “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.” We need to realize that false teaching has and will continue to divide churches across the brotherhood, and...Continue reading "HE WHO IS ABLE"
ANOTHER LOOK AT CHURCH GROWTH
Eph 4:14-16 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does...Continue reading "ANOTHER LOOK AT CHURCH GROWTH"
GOD’S TIMING
God never moves in a hurry. He takes his time, because God is not bounded by time. He is eternal. Consider the following facts, and then let us consider some great lessons. •God told Noah to build the ark and he knew it would take 120 years. Genesis 6:3 •God made a promise to Abraham and Sarah, which took 25 years to fulfill. •God took time in delivering Joseph from slavery, and vindicating him before his brothers and the...Continue reading "GOD’S TIMING"
THE TEST!
We remember them. In school, our pulses would quicken, our hands would get sweaty, and we would go into a panic when the teacher passed out the tests. If we really wanted to sweat, try to take a pop quiz that we knew we weren’t prepared for. Now, as we grow older – our pulses still race, and our hands still get sweaty as we hear a doctor say “I’m going to run a bunch of tests.” Now, we know...Continue reading "THE TEST!"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 10)
THE TEN DUMBEST THINGS (Part 10) In the not so distant past, everyone in America seemingly held to the standards of the Bible and to what God said was right and wrong. You didn’t hear about homosexuality; adultery was frowned upon, and the biggest sins were seemingly lying and cheating. Now evolution is taught as fact, and we don’t even raise a whimper. Now babies are being killed daily, but again do we hear anything from Christians? One person has...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 10)"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 9)
I hope that as we have looked at these things together it has caused us all to stop and look at some of the things we do as Christians that harm the body. Most of the time we do it without even realizing it, but the harm is done, Satan rejoices and Christians suffer. To add to the list of things done that hurt the cause of Christ, we must add the fact that we often allow wolves in the...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 9)"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 8)
In Genesis 1:31 the Bible says, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (NKJV). The New Living Translation translates the verses as “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.” When God finished creation, he looked it over and said that it was very good, excellent...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 8)"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 7)
In Genesis 1:31 the Bible says, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (NKJV). The New Living Translation translates the verses as “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.” When God finished creation, he looked it over and said that it was very good, excellent...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 7)"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 6)
During war one of the things that horrify us is when some of our soldiers are killed or wounded due to “friendly fire.” It happens when the soldier is hurt or killed by other soldiers in their same unit, or by someone on the same side. How often do we have casualties in the church due to friendly fire? A fight breaks out, and before we know it, a war begins in the church. When this happens people are hurt...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 6)"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 5)
We have looked over the last few weeks at things Satan rejoices in that Christians do to hinder the work of the Lord and harm the body of Christ, without even realizing it. First, some Christians sling mud on the body of Christ by emphasizing all of the sins committed by the members. Others strive to win people to the preacher or church, and not to the Lord. Still other Christians live below the level of their beliefs while others...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 5)"
THE 10 Dumbest Things (Part 4)
Sometimes a Christian, being well meaning and wanting to explain what they know and believe about God and the Bible, does more harm than good by trying to explain things which they have no real complete understanding. While Christians should live to the level of their beliefs, there are some things that we need to make sure we don’t try to explain. The story is told of a young Christian mother, a new convert, who was trying to live the...Continue reading "THE 10 Dumbest Things (Part 4)"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 3)
Mark Atteberry wrote the book, The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do, to help Christians watch out for things we do, most of the time inadvertently, which cause Satan to rejoice and God to hurt. We have looked at the idea that we sometimes sling mud on the bride of Christ and then examined the fact that sometimes we try to encourage people to convert to the church, not the Lord. Another trap Satan enjoys watching Christians fall into is...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 3)"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 2)
Without doubt, it should shame a Christian to spatter mud on the beautiful bride of Christ. Yet, it goes on all of the time, and it is time that Christians stop and think before we dare besmirch the church and He who died for her. As a bridegroom will not tolerate anyone speaking in a negative way about his bride, Jesus will not take lightly those who, in earnestness or in frivolity, smear His bride. Throwing mud on the...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 2)"
The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 1)
Sometimes we are not the sharpest, nor brightest, “tools in the shed.” We know that we do some things that are wrong, that hurt others and we do it without even realizing the consequences of these actions. We don’t mean to hurt or offend, but we do. Recently I have been reading a book entitled, "The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do," by Mark Atteberry. In it, he lists ten things that Christians do to hurt themselves, to hurt the church...Continue reading "The 10 Dumbest Things (Part 1)"
It Is Not Easy
God never said that being a Christian would be easy. It demands that we die to ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). It means putting to death the ways of the flesh and temptation, and seeking that which is spiritual above all else. Christianity demands that the Lord and the kingdom come FIRST in our lives, or GOD is not in our lives at all. Christianity sets those who follow Jesus apart from the world,...Continue reading "It Is Not Easy"
The Basics of Live
"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor. 13:13, NKJV) Sometimes when life gets hard or hectic, the best thing to do is sit down and remember what life is all about. For the Christian, life is about Jesus Christ and how we may glorify Him. Paul stated that his purpose of life was Christ, and this must be the Christians purpose today as well. Paul gives us another hint of...Continue reading "The Basics of Live"
Who is Righteous?
And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. 25 Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us. (Deut. 6:24-25, NKJV) Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. (1...Continue reading "Who is Righteous?"
Like a Tree
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalms 1:3, NKJV) The term “man” used in Psalms 1:1, applies to God’s person, whether man or woman, who serves the Lord by making sure they are not in the way of sinners and who delight in meditating on the law of the Lord. Their reward is mentioned...Continue reading "Like a Tree"
Is My Life Worthy of His Death?
Our souls thrill to the sounds of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for others. On September 11, 2001, hundreds of New York City Firefighters and police officers gave their lives in the service of others. We think about the multiplied thousands who have given their lives in war for their buddies and for the freedoms that we cherish and hold so dear. Daily, the unsung heroes and heroines are those who give up their time, money and...Continue reading "Is My Life Worthy of His Death?"
Blasphemy!
Muslim countries have been in an uproar over the publication of cartoons in some European countries portraying the prophet Muhammad as a terrorist and making a joke of the Muslim religion. We have watched on the news how some Muslims are dying in the violent mass protests because of these cartoons, and as of Wednesday, some Muslim clerics are now asking Muslims to stop the rioting and destruction. As Christians, we cannot and will not condone violence in protest...Continue reading "Blasphemy!"
Rules for Growing Christians
Rules and regulationssome are good, some are bad, but we need them to help us look and see where we are and where we are going. Most limit where we can go and what we can do, unless we have special permission or are authorized in some other way. Some set guidelines and goals for growth. God, being God, knows what is best for His creation. He has set the rules and regulations because He knows what is best for...Continue reading "Rules for Growing Christians"
How to Deal with Controversery IV
Acts 15 sets the stage for the controversial issue of salvation by faith or by lawkeeping and circumcision. It threatened to divide Gentile churches from Jewish churches, and the issue needed to be dealt with decisively. Yet, there are some principles that can help the 21st century church as we deal with controversy as well. We have seen that Satan wants controversy and will do all that he can to make it happen. We have seen that in dealing with...Continue reading "How to Deal with Controversery IV"
How to Deal with Controversery II
When dealing with controversy, it is vital that we deal with the issues, not with personalities. Sometimes, however, personalities will come into play and the issues will be more confused with the person involved. This is what makes controversy so controversial because feelings come into play. That is why, in dealing with controversial issues, we need to swallow our pride and humble ourselves so we do not allow our feelings to get in the way of the issue itself. In...Continue reading "How to Deal with Controversery II"
How Can We Know?
Jesus is the Head of His church! He is the Head of His church and only the one church that He established. These things are very obvious as we look at the Bible and it alone. Yet man has confused Gods way and demanded his way above Gods. The numerous churches that are being set up everyday tell us this is what man wants and what Satan wants. Each and every church set up in opposition to the church...Continue reading "How Can We Know?"
Continue in the Faith
Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22) When Paul and Barnabas were on the return leg of the first missionary journey, they went back to all the places they had been and strengthened and encouraged them. They knew that these new Christians would need strengthening as they lived the Christian life daily. They knew that Satan would attack, that discouragement...Continue reading "Continue in the Faith"
Congratulations Graduates
This past Sunday we took the opportunity to honor our graduates. They have reached a significant milestone in their lives, and now they have many more decisions to make as they begin their lives as adults. Soon, they will be making the decision about what to do with the rest of their lives, who to marry and to begin a family. Each society trains and rears its children differently. The Jews believe that a boy becomes a man at the...Continue reading "Congratulations Graduates"
My Dreams
This Saturday afternoon my oldest son, Christopher, will marry Dodie Lankford. It seems that just a few years ago I held him in my arms, unable to believe that God gave me a wonderful gift that I could love and care for. Then, as now, I had dreams for him. I dreamed of him growing up and becoming a man, able to support and take care of a family of his own. I tried to teach him what is important,...Continue reading "My Dreams"
How Do We See Sin?
One man wrote the following: Man calls sin an accident, God calls sin an abomination. Man calls sin a blunder, God calls sin blindness. Man calls sin a chance, God calls it a choice. Man calls sin a defect, God calls it a disease. Man calls sin an error, God calls sin an enmity. Man calls sin a fascination, God calls it fatality. Man calls sin infirmity, God calls it iniquity. Man calls sin a luxury, God calls it...Continue reading "How Do We See Sin?"
Glory to God in the Highest
Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! (Luke 2:14; NKJV) We all recognize this statement, sung by the angels when Christ was born. The announcement to the shepherds included this hymn of praise to God at the birth of Jesus. All the prophets had foretold of this event. From Genesis 3, when man sinned, until the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, man had been without hope. All of the good...Continue reading "Glory to God in the Highest"
The Fourth in the Furnace
Look! he answered, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. (Daniel 3:2526 NKJV) Nebuchadnezzar had commanded...Continue reading "The Fourth in the Furnace"
Christianity Makes Demands, Satan Doesn't!
Our Lord makes it clear that not just anyone can be His disciple. One must be willing to take up his cross (Matthew 10:37-38) daily (Luke 9:23) and follow Jesus. Jesus made it clear that when one becomes His follower it breaks all other ties here on earth. Yea, it may set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a mother in law against her daughter in law. (Matthew 10:34-36) Sometimes, unfortunately, a man may be...Continue reading "Christianity Makes Demands, Satan Doesn't!"
In What Should We Glory
Thus says the LORD: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight. Jer. 9:23-24 (NKJV) In Jeremiahs day, the people to whom he wrote made the same...Continue reading "In What Should We Glory"
Are You A Friend of Jesus?
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24, NKJV) A best friend is one who sticks closer than a brother. Not having had a brother, I think in some ways I have understood this passage, as I have had friends that did stick closer to me than a brother. I appreciate all of them, and hope that in some small way, I have been that...Continue reading "Are You A Friend of Jesus?"
Being Spiritually Minded
ROMANS 8:5-8 "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the...Continue reading "Being Spiritually Minded"
Are You Too Busy?
The preaching of the gospel is never out of style, never out of culture, and never without some response. This last week we had the privilege of sitting at the feet of a man who loves to preach, who loves God with all of his heart, and who preached the gospel in a clear, distinctive way. Our hearts thrilled as we listened to the simple truths of the gospel presented in a kind and loving way. We are grateful...Continue reading "Are You Too Busy?"
Rehabilitation
As I write this many of our members are either going through, or will go through, rehabilitation to help them overcome broken bones or surgery. Many of you that read these words have already gone through this after having had surgery. You know, probably better than I, how this works and the pain, commitment and perseverance it takes to go through this. The physical body is amazing in many ways, and it can recuperate in ways that doctors themselves...Continue reading "Rehabilitation"
