If you are obstructed on your path to marry someone who says, “I want to marry a Christian”—and you are baptized merely to remove that obstacle, what difference does it make, really?
If you are present at worship services, yet you leave each one only to live as the world dictates, what difference does it make, really?
If you profess to believe that the Bible teaches that a Christian should sing without the accompaniment of instruments worship, yet when in attendance, you refuse to sing (even though you are able to), what difference does it make, really?
If, as a parent, you instruct your children, to read the Bible and honor the Lord in their lives, but you make no effort to do the same, what difference does it make, really?
If you profess to be a Christian, and thus to “seek first the kingdom of God,” yet most times, when the kingdom and the world battle for priority in your life, the activities of the world take precedence over those of the kingdom, what difference does it make, really?
If you believe that the gospel is the “good news” and the power of God to salvation, yet you make no effort whatsoever to lead even your loved ones to Christ, what difference does it make really?
If you are a leader in the Lord’s church and your attitude and actions contradict the very Bible passages you are supposed to fulfill, what difference does it make, really?
If you profess to be a Christian and, before God and witnesses, promise to stay with another person for the rest of your life—and your marriage ends because of you and your sinfulness, what difference does it make, really?
If you are a Bible class teacher and fail to provide the proper example in preparation and responsibility, what difference does it make, really?
If you profess to believe in heaven and say that you want to go there when you die, yet you make no provision for spiritual things while on earth, what difference does it make, really?
Are you a Christian?
What difference has it made, really?
Postscript: Shortly after writing the above article, I came across this quote by Lonnie Jones: "A difference that makes no difference is no difference." Well said.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Milestones
I'm hitting that time in my life where I am passing significant time markers. The first weekend in March I celebrated eighteen years of life and local church work in Calvert City. In so many ways, that day eighteen years ago remains fresh in my mind. I remember pulling up to the house in the rental truck and several people's faces as we began to unload.
Henry and Roberta were there: Henry to do all the good things Henry could do: back the truck into that narrow driveway for me, direct the unloading, and just be the excellent handyman that he was. Roberta to be so nice and welcoming, to help with the unloading, and cleaning, and to supervise Henry. :) I sure do miss them both.
Other faces come to mind also, but I am afraid to name other names because I may leave someone out. However, I will not forget the acts of kindness that were done on that day and many days since. This congregation took a preacher, his wife, and two and a half-year-old son and made us their own. We are so thankful to have been blessed, and continue to be blessed, to be a part of this congregation.
Henry and Roberta were there: Henry to do all the good things Henry could do: back the truck into that narrow driveway for me, direct the unloading, and just be the excellent handyman that he was. Roberta to be so nice and welcoming, to help with the unloading, and cleaning, and to supervise Henry. :) I sure do miss them both.
Other faces come to mind also, but I am afraid to name other names because I may leave someone out. However, I will not forget the acts of kindness that were done on that day and many days since. This congregation took a preacher, his wife, and two and a half-year-old son and made us their own. We are so thankful to have been blessed, and continue to be blessed, to be a part of this congregation.
"The Day the Music Died"
For the generation just ahead of me, Don McLean spoke for them he wrote of the tragic death of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. Richardson, aka, "The Big Bopper." Meclean called it "The Day the Music Died." I think of that phrase as I ponder the recent death of one of the musicians of my genration.
I well remember waking up different days with the music and lyrics of different songs playing over and over in my mind throughout the day. (I think there's a technical term for that--and no, it is not insanity!) One day, I heard a new group, a group with a sound like no other band. They were very "heavy on guitar" and had a lead singer, Brad Delp, who could reach notes most of us only dream of hitting. That band was "Boston" and they produced hit after hit for several years. With songs like "More Than a Feeling" and "Peace of Mind," they provided the backdrop for my high school and college years. I didn't even have to play the music myself--I can still remember the dorm walls "rattling" as the guys next door, in Brigance 102, played Boston too loudly.
A few years ago, when CD's were becoming more popular and affordable, I said "I wish Boston would bring out their 'Greatest Hits' on CD"--and they did. It has provided much joy for me during long trips, as I listen and reminisce while driving. With the coming of MP3 players, even though mine is a "cheapie," I have Boston's "Greatest Hits" on there.
All of this brings me to the sad point of my post: Friday, March 9, 2007, Brad Delp, former lead singer for Boston, was found dead. Apparently he had committed suicide. How very tragic--he was only 55 years old. From all accounts, Delp was one of the nicest guys in the music industry. It is said that he would stay for hours and hours and sign autographs. He was another type of rarity in that industry as well: a "teetotaler"--he did not drink alcohol.
When I think of the talent and potential of such a person as Brad Delp, I can't help but be saddened by the way his life ended. He apparently died of carbon monoxide poisoning--accomplished by burning charcoals in a sealed-up bathroom. This, of course suggests much forethought. The act of suicide itself also suggests hopelessness. It is so sad to know of a person who no longer sees life worth living.
As we contemplate the suicide of someone so famous, let's do some soul-searching. Let's resolve to keep hope in our life. The best to do that of course is to place our hope in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Revelation 2:10). Then we need to look around us and do our best to encourage those we know: family and friends. If you have influence in a person's life and see them drifting downward, do your best to lift them up. If you should doubt the need for such attention to others, let me leave you with the message of the note found with Brad Delp's body: "Mr. Brad Delp: I am a lonely soul."
(My source for the information surrounding Delp's death was Wikipedia.com)
A few years ago, when CD's were becoming more popular and affordable, I said "I wish Boston would bring out their 'Greatest Hits' on CD"--and they did. It has provided much joy for me during long trips, as I listen and reminisce while driving. With the coming of MP3 players, even though mine is a "cheapie," I have Boston's "Greatest Hits" on there.
All of this brings me to the sad point of my post: Friday, March 9, 2007, Brad Delp, former lead singer for Boston, was found dead. Apparently he had committed suicide. How very tragic--he was only 55 years old. From all accounts, Delp was one of the nicest guys in the music industry. It is said that he would stay for hours and hours and sign autographs. He was another type of rarity in that industry as well: a "teetotaler"--he did not drink alcohol.
When I think of the talent and potential of such a person as Brad Delp, I can't help but be saddened by the way his life ended. He apparently died of carbon monoxide poisoning--accomplished by burning charcoals in a sealed-up bathroom. This, of course suggests much forethought. The act of suicide itself also suggests hopelessness. It is so sad to know of a person who no longer sees life worth living.
As we contemplate the suicide of someone so famous, let's do some soul-searching. Let's resolve to keep hope in our life. The best to do that of course is to place our hope in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Revelation 2:10). Then we need to look around us and do our best to encourage those we know: family and friends. If you have influence in a person's life and see them drifting downward, do your best to lift them up. If you should doubt the need for such attention to others, let me leave you with the message of the note found with Brad Delp's body: "Mr. Brad Delp: I am a lonely soul."
(My source for the information surrounding Delp's death was Wikipedia.com)
Ways to Invest in Worship
So many people talk about not getting anything out of worship. The usual response is that a person only benefits from worship in proportion to the amount of effort he/she puts into. Also, many people love the idea of “investment”—They put “sweat equity” into their house and save for their children’s education. It is just as prudent to “invest” in worship so that you will benefit from it, as well as giving proper glory and honor to God. Here are some practical ways to invest:
- Learn to sing. Ask a song leader or someone who sings well to help you.
- Buy a CD or cassette tape of a good a cappella singing group and sing along with them as you drive or work.
- Sing out during worship.
- Think of others as you sing—find someone in the crowd to focus on as you teach and admonish (Colossians 3:16).
- Think of how each song applies to YOU.
- As someone leads a prayer, follow the words and individualize the prayer—think of specific blessings you have, specific friends who are ill, in need, or grieving.
- Follow the prayer through so at the end you can truly say, “Amen.” (Which means, “May it ever be so!”)
- Do a personal study of the subject of crucifixion and draw upon your knowledge each week, during the Lord’s Supper, as you think of the agony Jesus went through for you.
- Also during the Lord’s Supper, think of the wonderful blessing you have as results of Jesus sacrifice. Also, anticipate the glorious return of our Savior.
- During the sermon, try to connect with the main idea of the preacher and follow along in your Bible as he reads or quotes.
- Make notes, either in a notebook, on a sheet of paper, or in the margins of your Bible.
- When it comes time to give as you have been prospered, think first of all the many physical blessings you have from the Giver of every good gift (James 1:17). Then, give bountifully.
Yes, what you “get out of worship” depends on what you decide to invest. Invest wisely.
"Could" and "Might" Will Not Dim the light!
Bright and early Monday, February 26, on one of the networks, the headlines boasted that there was earth-shaking news (if true). The “news” was analyzed on the evening investigative-report shows and other outlets. What was the news?— Men, specifically James Cameron and those involved with a documentary film he is producing, are claiming to have found the bones of Jesus.
I say claiming, because, in the midst of all the ballyhoo that Cameron and others are carefully orchestrating, there are words that should make every listener stop and think: “could” and “might.” These words are sprinkled throughout the information that is being distributed so freely. There is no actual proof, and the claims are built on flimsy assumptions. But, in our postmodern culture, assumptions are allowed (by many people) the same weight as evidence that has been gathered and tested over many years.
It is quite interesting to hear some people talking about these things. For example, two morning radio personalities were trying to present the argument in an even-handed way. They quietly observed that such claims, if true would contradict the belief by Christians that Jesus rose from the dead. How quaint: if true, it simply contradicts what some believe. Friend, if it is true, it contradicts everything you have believed and Christianity is a sham (1 Corinthians 15:16-19). Earth-shaking—you better believe it!
Others quietly say that Jesus’ resurrection was a “spiritual resurrection”—i.e., the body was not raised. They seem to have anticipated assertions like Cameron’s, so they did not fully “buy into” the belief of a bodily resurrection, even though that is clearly what the Bible teaches. Matthew 28:6 says “He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where he lay.”
Someone uses mass media to shout, “We found the bones!” and skeptics fall into line saying, “See, we told you so!” No, no, it is not that easy. They must make their case. None of this “could,” “might,” etc., will do. But what do we have?—boxes of bones and assertions. The biblical evidence still stands firm: The apostles saw the empty tomb and Jesus. Jesus was seen by many people, even five hundred at once after his resurrection. No one of that time ever came up with a body to contradict the claims. The apostles (with the exception of John) died because of their claims—Men don’t die for what they know to be a lie.
Look behind the headlines—why is this being said? It is not coincidental that a TV show is being promoted—TV shows bring in money. Further, has the word “hoax” crossed your mind? —Lance Cordle
I say claiming, because, in the midst of all the ballyhoo that Cameron and others are carefully orchestrating, there are words that should make every listener stop and think: “could” and “might.” These words are sprinkled throughout the information that is being distributed so freely. There is no actual proof, and the claims are built on flimsy assumptions. But, in our postmodern culture, assumptions are allowed (by many people) the same weight as evidence that has been gathered and tested over many years.
It is quite interesting to hear some people talking about these things. For example, two morning radio personalities were trying to present the argument in an even-handed way. They quietly observed that such claims, if true would contradict the belief by Christians that Jesus rose from the dead. How quaint: if true, it simply contradicts what some believe. Friend, if it is true, it contradicts everything you have believed and Christianity is a sham (1 Corinthians 15:16-19). Earth-shaking—you better believe it!
Others quietly say that Jesus’ resurrection was a “spiritual resurrection”—i.e., the body was not raised. They seem to have anticipated assertions like Cameron’s, so they did not fully “buy into” the belief of a bodily resurrection, even though that is clearly what the Bible teaches. Matthew 28:6 says “He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where he lay.”
Someone uses mass media to shout, “We found the bones!” and skeptics fall into line saying, “See, we told you so!” No, no, it is not that easy. They must make their case. None of this “could,” “might,” etc., will do. But what do we have?—boxes of bones and assertions. The biblical evidence still stands firm: The apostles saw the empty tomb and Jesus. Jesus was seen by many people, even five hundred at once after his resurrection. No one of that time ever came up with a body to contradict the claims. The apostles (with the exception of John) died because of their claims—Men don’t die for what they know to be a lie.
Look behind the headlines—why is this being said? It is not coincidental that a TV show is being promoted—TV shows bring in money. Further, has the word “hoax” crossed your mind? —Lance Cordle
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