Be Grateful For Godly Dads

 

By Adam Faughn

    In the culture in which we find ourselves, being a godly dad is not easy. Certainly, it is never easy to be faithful to the Lord, but we are living in times in which the values and actions that it takes to be a faithful, godly dad are completely undermined by our society.

    As such, we should be very thankful for those men who step up and seek to be what God would have them to be and not what society tells them is good or right.

    For example, we should be grateful for those dads who discipline their children, helping to mold them into people who respect authority and boundaries. Our society tells us that parents just need to let their children find themselves and that discipline is cruel and restrictive. Scripture makes it clear, though, that discipline—when done in love and by God's standard -- is a sign of true godliness. Instead of making a dad feel bad for disciplining his children, how about you thank him for doing his best?

    Additionally, we should be grateful for those dads who put worship and the activities of the church first in their homes. Society will tell dads to make sure they raise their children to be "well rounded," so missing some worship services is fine, so long as the kids get all sorts of experiences. A godly dad, though, will show his children that nothing comes before worshiping the Almighty, and that might mean saying "no" to some things that would have been neat experiences. Thank those dads for showing their children what it means to have priorities in the right order.

   Also, we should be grateful for dads who work hard for their families. A lot of dads get accolades (maybe they are "likes" on social media) for all the fun stuff they do or that their kids get to do. Those things are fine, but we should also be thanking the dad who may not make as much money for all the fun things, but who works so hard so that his family has what they need, including a fine example of masculinity.

    And one more, we should be grateful for dads who show humility and admit their faults. Many in our society believe it is a sign of weakness to ever admit fault and ask forgiveness. A godly man, however, knows he is not perfect--though he is striving to be like Jesus--and is humble enough to seek to be better, even in his family. When you see a dad admitting wrong, do not gloss over it, but give that dad a word of thanks for his humility and example.

    There are many other areas which stand out from the culture if one is striving to be a godly dad, but these are enough to remind each of us of how difficult it is. If and when you see any of our dads at Central excelling in the ways that God would have him do, take a moment and thank him for being what God calls him to be and not what society is trying to make him be. Thank the Lord for godly dads!

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Thank You For________

 

By Adam Faughn     I have been around a number of people (and I have done this myself at times) who have the practice of thanking military veterans. They learn that someone has served in the past, so they say a simple word of thanks. Maybe it is as simple as "Thank you for your service." While a simple statement, it is typically quite obvious that the veteran is grateful and honored by the sentiment of gratitude that is being offered.     This weekend, our nation celebrates a holiday that has a different tone. Memorial Day is a day on which we show a level of gratitude, but it is different because we cannot talk to the ones for whom we are grateful. They have, to use the common phrase, "paid the ultimate sacrifice," and we remember how they gave their lives to serve the country and protect us. We might be able to have any number of ceremonies to remember or to honor their sacrifice, but it is impossible to personally thank any of them.     It is quite common on this weekend to hear some connection made between Memorial Day and the cross, especially in thinking about the Lord's Supper. I have preached sermons along those lines in the past, and I know many others do each year. Comments made before the Lord's Supper quite often draw that comparison, and those thoughts can be both timely and helpful as we center our minds on the sacrifice of Jesus.     There is, though, one huge difference. While there is the very obvious comparison of sacrificing one's life for the benefit of another, there is also one massive contrast. It is this: we can personally thank Jesus for His sacrifice because He overcame death.     While the Lord's Supper is clearly a remembrance of what He did on the cross, Paul commands us to do this until Jesus returns. How can that be? Death could not hold our Lord! The tomb is empty. Death has been defeated.     We often sing a spiritual song that begins with the lyrics, "I serve a risen Savior." Those are very simple words, but few things we ever sing could be more profound. He did die. He made the ultimate sacrifice. But three days later, to quote another spiritual song, "The tomb was found empty." Even if we were absolutely certain of its location, it would do no good to visit the tomb because Jesus's body is not there. The angel, in very simple words, said it best, "He is risen!"     On Memorial Day, I hope each of us will take at least a moment to be grateful for those who have paid with their lives for our freedoms. It is a good and honorable thing to do. Whether you take part in some formal ceremony or not, it is always good to pause and remember what others have done to make this possible.     Regularly, whether you express it in words or not, I hope you will live with gratitude in your heart for those who are remembered on another holiday, Veteran's Day. They may not have given their life's blood, but they served, and we are thankful for their service.     But every moment of every day, I hope that we, as God's people, will be grateful that our Lord and Savior is the only One to Whom we can express both. We should thank Him that He was the ultimate servant, and we should thank Him for His ultimate sacrifice. Because He lives, we can express both to Him. May we realize how amazing what He has done for us truly is

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

The Treasures of A Mother's Heart

 

By Adam Faughn     One of my favorite Biblical phrases to ponder around this time of year comes from a description of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the latter part of Luke 2, we read the account of Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem and His family frantically searching for him. When He is finally found, He is in the temple, interacting with the religious leaders of His day.     The well-known ending of that account is a text that is sometimes used to encourage young people to be like Jesus in their growing-up years, as we are told that He "increased in wisdom and stature and favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52).     It is something found just before that, though, that often comes to my mind this time of year, as we are told that Mary "treasured up all these things in her heart" (v.51). What a beautiful way to express the love of a mother and how Mary just held on to all of these moments, even if she could not have fully understood what each one of them meant in full.     Today, our culture takes some time to think about mothers. While this day is not easy for everyone, it is still a good thing to do as a society because mothers have an impact on our society that is basically impossible to measure. Certainly, as people of God, we know that those mothers who follow the Bible and seek to influence their children for the Lord are of tremendous importance. They are not only helping to shape the future of a community, but they are impacting eternity.     Go back to that phrase about Mary, though. To treasure things in her heart; what a beautiful way to word this. I am not really sure if anyone but a mother can understand that wording. As a dad, I know there are memories and experiences that my heart holds, but it just seems that mothers are able to do that at a level no one else can understand.     Knowing that, it reminds those of us who still have our mothers with us that we should be trying to live in such a way that the "treasures" of the hearts of our mother are pleasant. They should be able to know that we are trying to show them how our lives honor Christ and seek to reflect His glory in the world. They should treasure, not that we sin, but that we have penitent hearts that strive to do better each day.     And, of course, for those who are mothers, I pray that the treasures of your heart are a great comfort to you. When you think of your children, I hope you are able to focus on times when they did their best to follow Christ. Do you see pictures in your mind of them reading their Bible or singing during a worship service? I hope you can picture them serving others to God's glory or trying to teach a friend the Gospel.     When Mary treasured up what was going on in e young life of Jesus, she thought of His actions, His words, His dedication to the Father, and His desire to be in the Scriptures. On this Mother's Day, I pray that these are the types of things that all of our godly mothers can picture when they reach into the treasures of their hearts and think of their children.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Some Not -So- Random Thoughts On Giving

 

By Adam Faughn     Of all the avenues of worship, giving is often the one that is either overlooked (we sometimes just leave it out when we name the acts of worship) or maligned ("there they go, asking for money again"). However, the New Testament makes it clear that the early church gave as part of their weekly worship (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and God demands that we be "cheerful givers" (2 Corinthians 9:7), so it is worth reminding ourselves of some basic things about our giving. This article may seem a bit random, but I have chosen just a couple of things that I feel need to be addressed concerning our giving. Proportionate     There are times, when someone leads a prayer before our giving, when they might say something like this: "let us give a portion of what You have given to us." I do not want to run down anyone who says that in a prayer, and I am certainly not questioning their heart, but is that terminology Biblical?     What the Bible teaches us is not "portion" giving, but to be proportionate in our giving. We are to give "as [we] have prospered" (1 Corinthians 16:2). To illustrate, if I am blessed to earn $1000 this week and I give $50, but then I am blessed to earn $5000 next week and still give $50, I have given a "portion" both times. But have I given proportionately; that is, "as I have prospered"? Not really.     Each time I earn something financially--whether that is through a paycheck, bonus, sale of a large item, or other means--I need to prayerfully consider my giving and seek to be certain that it is in proportion to how I have been blessed that week. Fund-Raising     When I was a much younger preacher, I would read anything I could get my hands on just to try to learn about Biblical issues and how to deal with them. I remember reading some old articles  sections of books that dealt with how the church did not need to "raise money" through things like bake sales or car washes. Honestly, I remember thinking, "is this really a problem?"     It is now 2024, and I am writing about it because, yes, it was--and sadly still is--an issue. The New Testament makes it clear that the church is to be supported through the freewill giving of each member. Period. That is the only God-approved way for the local congregation to support the works in which they are involved.     Some feel that it is okay to have some type of fundraiser for some special work; maybe a mission trip or building drive. They will ask if the church should not be able to sponsor a car wash or a T-shirt sales drive to pay for the young people to go on a mission trip or to help offset the cost of a major building project? The simple answer is "no." And the reason is simply this: the New Testament gives no authority for anything other than members giving freely to the work of the church. We do not have a "product" to "sell." We have hearts that are moved to give.     Some turn to Acts 4:32-37 and point out where members sold land and gave the proceeds to the church. That clearly occurred, and those First Century brothers and sisters are to be commended for their great generosity. But they were not doing that as some type of "fundraiser." They willingly chose to do that as a way to have something to give freely to the work of the church. In fact, the issue with Ananias and Sapphira in chapter 5 was not that they kept back some of the money from the church. It was that they lied about it (see 5:4).     If a member of the church wishes to sell a possession and give the proceeds to the church, that is fine and commendable. But the church has no authority to organize some type of special sale or fundraiser that members feel compelled to take part in. Instead, each person is to examine their own life and give from the heart. Conclusion Each week, when we give, let us be certain that we are following the instruction of Jesus to worship God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Examine your heart and give out of a place of great love and gratitude. Also, though, may we always worship, even in our giving, in "truth," following the pattern given to us through the pages of the New Testament.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Don't Minimize Someone's Conversion

 

By Adam Faughn     From the outset, let me say that I have been as guilty as anyone for saying what I am going to write about. I used to say it quite regularly. After some time and thought, I would still say it, but I’d feel like I had to qualify it. Now, I do my best to avoid it.     And it’s because I spent some serious time thinking about Cornelius.     So, what is the saying? It is when we are talking about someone who has lived a pretty good life, but has never been baptized, and we say something like this: “He wouldn’t have to change much.”     Now, having been someone who used to say that quite often, I totally get it. Especially if we have known the person for some time, we are simply meaning that we see good qualities in that person. The individual probably does not have any overriding addictions to fight. He is a good husband. She is a loving mother. He reads his Bible.     He’s a good person. So he doesn’t have to change much.     Well….     Cornelius has a litany of great qualities listed about him in Acts 10. It is rare in Scripture to find such a glowing introduction to anyone. Scripture even goes so far as to say that this man “feared God with all his household” (10:2). That is a remarkable statement.     So, he didn’t have to change much, right?     In Acts 11, Peter is reporting about this to Christians in the region of Judea. Part of that report makes it clear that what Peter was to say to Cornelius was “a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household” (11:14). Wait…this wonderful man had to be saved? What does that imply? He was lost.     Was he good in many ways? Remarkably so! But did he have to change? Remarkably so!     He had to go from lost to saved. He had to go from outside of Christ to in Christ. He had to start following the way of Jesus.     I don’t doubt that Cornelius might have had fewer things to change than some others (Saul the persecutor, for example). But if we say, “He didn’t have to change much,” we are minimizing what it means to go from lost and on one’s way to hell to saved and on one’s way to heaven!     No matter what we might think of someone’s life before he or she becomes a Christian, that person is lost and headed for eternal destruction if he or she does not change course and obey Jesus. If and when that occurs, let’s not minimize their conversion. Let’s be supremely grateful for anyone’s decision to follow Christ and the salvation that only He can bring to one’s life.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Are You Hungry

By Ron Bartanen     Have you thought of hunger as a blessing? We are privileged in America to be blessed with food and consider hunger for any length of time to be unbearable.  We usually think of hunger in terms of food, but there is another hunger that is even more needful—a spiritual hunger.  Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for shall be filled” (Luke 6:21).      Following are some things the Bible teaches that we should hunger for—     Hunger for God, our Creator.  Proverbs 42:1 reads, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”   There is within all a need and hunger for our Creator which often goes unrecognized.  We fill our lives with other things to try to satisfy that hunger and find ourselves empty.     Hunger for truth.  We are admonished, “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:233).  No commodity should be valued as highly as truth.  Jesus taught that truth has the power to free man from the bondage of sin, saying to his disciples, ‘Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free’ (John 8:32).  Truth is not found in human dogmas, but Jesus prayed in behalf of the disciples, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).  Do you feed upon Bible-truth?     Hunger for Heaven.  None will live in this world forever.  The apostle Paul spoke of believers who “by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and eternal life” ( Romans 2:7).  Earthly gain pales into insignificance to that of God’s heavenly promise to the faithful in Christ Jesus.     For what do you hunger the most?  Heed Jesus’ promise: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

Three Cheers for Jesus!

By Edd Sterchi     We often give a hearty “Hip, Hip, Hooray” to one we wish to celebrate or honor. I think we don’t celebrate Jesus enough in our memories, words, and lives. Jesus came to make our lives blessed, joyous, and fruitful (cf. John 10:10). There are several instances in the Scriptures where Jesus said “Be of good cheer.” These are well worthy of our study. So let’s look at three cheers from Jesus and give three cheers for Jesus!     The Cheer of Pardon - In the city of Capernaum, Jesus healed a paralytic. As a bonus to the physical healing, Jesus gave him a spiritual healing saying, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you” (Matt. 9:2). How happy he must have been. How happy are you that Jesus has cleansed your sins? Do you thank Him for it, praise Him for it, love Him for it? Without Him, we are lost in our sins. With Him, we are forgiven, pardoned, and cleansed. Be of good cheer, our sins are forgiven! Hip, Hip, Hooray for Jesus!     The Cheer of Comfort - Once, the apostles were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee trying to cross to the other side. But the waves were rough, and the wind was contrary. All of the sudden, they saw a figure walking on the water toward them. They cried out in fear. But it was Jesus, and He said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27). How comforting it must have been for them, knowing that Jesus was now near. Does the knowledge of Jesus in your life bring you comfort? We should live in peace knowing that we can go to Him with any trouble, trial, or turmoil of life, and He will give us aid. Be of good cheer, Jesus will never leave us. Hip, Hip, Hooray for Jesus!     The Cheer of Victory - Shortly before His trial and crucifixion, Jesus had gathered His disciples together and was giving them instructions. Part of His words to them were, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus then went on to overcome death, and in doing so gives us the victory, as well. How ought we to live knowing that death will not have its power over us? We ought to live our lives in confidence, in hope, in praise, in joy! We ought to serve Him with gladness, worship Him exuberantly, and tell the world how He saves. Be of good cheer, Jesus has given eternal life. Hip, Hip, Hooray for Jesus!

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/