Stoke the Folk!

By Edd Sterchi
  Have you ever just sat around a fire? It is incredibly therapeutic. A fire seems to bring out wonderful moments of reflection and conversation. Fires are beneficial in many ways with the heat, light, and mood it produces.  God’s word is compared to a fire in Jeremiah 23:39. Like a fire, it enlightens and penetrates. I believe that the gospel is also a fire, and the church needs to be on fire to spread it properly. I also believe that the church that is on fire for the Lord shines brightly in many ways and glorifies Him (cf. Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 3:21). How I wish more brethren would take advantage of the times we burn brightly for the Lord in work and worship.  Have you ever been sitting around a fire that was beginning to dwindle, took a stick and stoked the coals, and the fire would burn brightly again? It is amazing that just moving the burning coals around a little makes such a big difference in the fire.  There’s a lesson for all of us in this. It is important to keep moving about serving, working, fellowshipping, and encouraging one another in the church. Doing this breathes needed oxygen into the church and helps the gospel fire to burn in our hearts and lives. The more of us “burning coals” who move around, the brighter we will burn together for the Lord!  So, stoke the fire – stoke the folk!“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...” (Hebrews 10:14-25)“...and your zeal has stirred up the majority” (2 Corinthians 9:2)

- 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/

Caring Enough to Correct

By Brian Mitchell       One of the key factors that has led the church to neglect the study and practice of discipline is the downward spiral in practicing discipline in our society as a whole. As a society: we don’t practice self-discipline, we don’t practice family discipline, we don’t discipline some criminals and we don’t discipline the government. We just don’t practice discipline as we should in hardly any area of life. Thus, it should not come as any big surprise that we don’t practice discipline in the church.     Why must we not neglect church discipline? Because it allows sin to encroach upon the church—weeds in garden. Because we disobey God when we do. Because we give the world reason to criticize the church when we don’t care enough about our brethren. And because when we do we allow the opportunity for those persisting in sin to get to the point where they can no longer be brought to repentance. This is just a few of the reasons why the church cannot neglect the practice of discipline.     There are basically 2 kinds of discipline. In the broad sense discipline has reference to far more than just a punitive (punishment) action taken by one party against another. Discipline is “training which corrects, molds, strengthens, or perfects; punishment, chastisement.” Thus, discipline includes positive teaching and instruction as well as punishment, all of which is aimed at bringing about a positive change.     First there is Preventive Discipline. This is teaching and instruction given for the express purpose of preventing people from sinning in the first place. This is one of the primary purposes of the Word of God—2 Tim.3:16-17. It is in this kind of discipline that preachers and elders take center stage—this is their job. Preachers are to first and foremost preach the Word so that people will know what God desires of them and what He does not desire of them—2 Tim.4:1-5.     Elders are to shepherd the flock, feed the flock, set a proper example, and watch out for people’s souls—Acts 20:28, 1 Pet.5:2, 1 Tim.5:17, Heb.13:17. Preachers and elders who are not constantly devoted to the proclaiming of God’s Word to the people they work with, so that they will know how they ought to conduct their lives, are not doing their work and will give an account for it.     The second form of discipline is known as Punitive Discipline (Chastisement). This is action taken after sin has been committed, for the good of the one sinning, and for the purpose of preventing any further sin—2 Cor.2:6-8. Punitive discipline is the last resort option for those who continue to persist in a lifestyle of sin. It is this discipline that must be practiced by the church as a whole or else it loses its effectiveness.     It is this kind of discipline that we will be primarily dealing with over the course of the next few lessons. So discipline is both preventive (trying to prevent sin before the fact) and punitive in nature (chastising after the fact). As we will see, both are necessary if the church is to be healthy and effective.

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

When You Are in Over Your Head

By Johnny Hester

Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said,
“Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’”
Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:44-46).
     “He breathed His last.” Those words cause one’s heart to sink. When Jesus exhaled for a final time on the cross, all the minions of Hell may well have thought that the battle was over and that victory belonged to Satan their evil commander. But how wrong they were! And how horrified they must have been just a short time later! Yes, Jesus suffered and died. He was buried. But then “He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4)! Furthermore, “He [The Father] has put all things under His feet” (v. 27)! Think for a moment about the wonderful implications of that truth that should compel us to praise, worship and live for God.
     “He has put all things under His feet” (v. 27). Do you ever feel that you are in way over your head with problems? That may be the case, but Jesus is over all things. He is in Heaven, interceding on your behalf! A glorious fact is powerfully declared in Romans 8:34, “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Where are your problems? “Under His feet”! Jesus is alive! He is in control! Jesus is coming again!
     Beloved, is there someone in your life who is hurting, suffering, struggling? Consider sending that person a note of encouragement and be sure to use Romans 8:34 as a closing verse of hope. Letting one know that Christ is alive, above, active and working on the behalf of His people can bring a comfort and strength that nothing else can produce.

- Johnny Hester preaches for the Matthews Church of Christ in Matthews, MO. He may be contacted at johnnyhester@yahoo.com

By His Side

By David A. Sargent

     It was the summer Olympics of 1992. It was the quarter finals of the 400 meter sprint. British athlete Derek Redmond was one of the favorites for the gold medal. A lifetime of training had brought him to this moment. The starter’s gun fired and the athletes burst out of the blocks.
     Halfway through the race Derek Redmond was leading. Then disaster struck. His hamstring muscle tore and he collapsed on the track. The agony on his tear-streaked face was both physical and mental. It was a crushing blow.
     Medical attendants ran to assist him. Derek waved them away. He came to race and he was going to finish. He got to his feet and started hobbling down the track.
     The crowd was mesmerized. Officials didn’t know what to do. And then an older man ran onto the track. He brushed off officials who tried to stop him. He ran up beside Derek and placed his arms around him.
     The man was Derek Redmond’s father, Jim.
     “You don’t have to do this son,” Jim said.
     “Yes I do!” Derek replied.
     “Then we’ll finish this race together,” came the response from Derek’s father.
     Arm in arm, with agony on Derek’s face, tears on his father’s, Derek and Jim continued down the track. Derek buried his face in his father’s shoulder. His father’s strong shoulders carried his son physically and emotionally. Jim waved away officials who tried to stop them.
     Finally, accompanied by a now roaring crowd, standing on their feet and applauding, Derek Redmond crossed the line. It became the defining moment of the Barcelona Olympics.
     Derek Redmond didn’t win an Olympic medal but he finished the race with his Dad by his side. *
     Derek Redmond’s injury in that 400-meter race pictures our condition due to our sin: because of our wrong choices, we’ve failed and fallen on the track, unable to finish – unless we have help.
     God saw our condition and came to our rescue. By the merits of Jesus’ atoning death on the cross for our sins (1 John 2:2; 4:10), God “picks us up off the track” by forgiving us of our sins and will carry us across the finish line to victory, if we’ll continue to cling to Him through our trusting obedience.
     We can share in Christ’s victory over sin and death if we will accept God’s offer of salvation and eternal life on His terms. God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Then, as we seek to follow Him faithfully, the blood that Jesus shed for our redemption will continue to cleanse us from that disqualifying sin (1 John 1:7).
     And one day, we’ll cross the “finish line” ONLY because of what Jesus has done for us, and we will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

    Won’t YOU cling to the Savior through your trusting obedience?  He will carry you to the finish line, victoriously.

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water."  To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

* Slightly adapted from “Derek Redmond Finishes at the Olympics” at /www.storiesforpreaching.com

Affirmation

By Lance Cordle

     Humans need it. We want others to give it freely, not grudgingly. We want it to come without prompting and we would love for it to  happen on a regular basis. However, most of us are of such disposition we do not need it every day or, for that matter, every week...but we do need it. What is “it?” The answer is affirmation—the acknowledgement by someone outside ourselves, that we are needed, wanted and valued for our unique contribution to their life.
     The apostle Paul was a master of affirmation. Just a quick glance at the New Testament books which are his letters to churches and individuals will confirm this. As you look over the following verses, note the phrases of affirmation (in italics, for my emphasis):

• “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in the Lord, who risked their necks for me . . .” (Romans 16:3, 4)
• “I rejoice at the coming of Stephanus and Fortunatus and Achaicus . . . For they refreshed my spirit as well as yours…” (1 Corinthians 16: 17, 18)
• “. . . Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.” (Ephesians 6:21).
• “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy . . .” (Philippians 1:3, 4)
• “For I bear him (Epaphras) witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hieropolis.” (Colossians 4:13)
• “To Timothy, my beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2)
• “To Titus, my true child in a common faith . . .” (Titus 1:4)

He greeted, complimented and encouraged those to whom he wrote. He mentioned names of people whom he admired and appreciates and was not showy or dramatic in his affirmation.
     You and I can follow Paul’s example. We can do so in writing, just as he did with a few well-chosen words. It can also be done personally, with a touch, hand-shake or hug. All it takes is the courage to push those words past our lips. One such sentence could be, “I am glad you are  my . . .” You fill in the blank with friend, wife, husband, son, daughter, teacher, etc.”
     One note of caution, however—you had better mean every word, because they will probably know if you are not sincere.
       
- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Am I Your Enemy . . . ?

By Lance Cordle

    "Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?" (Galatians 4:16)
. . . if I encourage you (as a young adult) to work through emotions and look realistically (as much as possible) upon the person you are about to marry?
. . . if I note your sincerity and effort in serving Christ and compliment you at every chance I get?
. . . if I take note of your hesitancy and embarrassment in answering Bible question and I try to help you to learn more?
. . . if I see talent within you as a teacher of children or adults, and I encourage you to develop your skills and “launch out” in faith and begin teaching?
. . . if I see the interaction between you and your mate, noting anger and emotional distance, and I try to encourage either or both of you to practice love toward each other?
. . . if I hear someone else compliment you and pass that information on to you, in an effort to encourage and strengthen you?
. . . if I notice that you are not attending and participating in the worship of the church on a regular basis,  and I mention it to you in a kind and caring manner?
. . . if I call you and invite you to go with me to a friend’s house with the intention of trying  to study the Bible with them and encourage them to become a Christian?
. . .  if I see you and your family attending and participating in worship that is not in harmony with the pattern revealed in the New Testament, and I object?
. . . if I see your good work habits in the workforce, compliment you  and even recommend you for a better job?
. . .  if I notice your short temper and sharp tongue in your interactions with me as well as with others, and I try to help you change?
    Look closely at the above questions, and you will notice that there is a  pattern to them. The list of questions contains both “positive” and “negative” statements. Each one involves a real possibility. Yet, the negative ones are far more likely to be taken as “judgmental” statements. Why? Have I told you a falsehood? Do I mean to harm you? By no means! Truth cuts both ways. We should make every effort to be honest and kind in all our evaluations of others. But remember that someone is not sinning by warning, correcting, or cautioning someone else. They are really showing love.         

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

The Power of One Voice

By Gerald Cowan

    There have been times, more of them than I would like to admit, when I have not spoken up about something, even though I knew my one voice might have made a significant difference and done some good. Sometimes I do not know just what to say or how I should be involved. But while I delay the opportunity passes, and I often think later, “I could have said... I should have said... I wish I had said.” Then I usually regret having said nothing, especially when derogatory comments have been made about the church or some member of it. As the wise man said, “There is a time to speak as well as a time to keep silent” (Eccl. 3:7). But it sometimes takes more wisdom than we possess, except in retrospect, to known whether to speak or be silent. I am sure we err more often by speaking inappropriately than not speaking at all. Right now I want to emphasize the importance of speaking up, saying something when it needs to be said and while it can still do some good.
    Sometimes the most important action in a crisis situation is the voice of one person speaking the truth. God chose Moses as the voice to speak to and against Pharaoh, the voice who would present His words to the nation of Israel (Exodus 3 and 4). He chose John the Baptist to be the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3). On a different but also significant level, it was the one voice of Barnabas that put Saul/Paul in good standing with the church in Jerusalem – the beginning a great ministry for Christ (Acts 9:26-29). Acquila and Priscilla cared enough about the truth and the preacher of truth to take Apollos aside and instruct him more perfectly. That, and a letter from one church to another – two voices that elicited a chorus of other voice – formed a helpful bridge for an important ministry (Acts 18:24-28). I can think of times, no doubt you can too, when, discouraged by some failure, inadequacy, or enemy I was minded to turn aside, give up, or quit. But I was persuaded by one or a few who gave me the encouragement needed, at the time it was needed, to keep on track and stay in the fight for what was right. I can remember times when I was on the wrong track and might have stayed there until complete failure and destruction but some observant and caring person took me to task about it, and put me on the path to correction and restoration (Gal. 6:1-2 comes to mind here). Looking back I can say, “I would still be astray and on the wrong path except for the grace of God shown to me by the concern of a Christian brother or sister.” And I do thank God that the person chose to speak and not to be silent. I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences.
    If there is someone in your area of influence who needs to hear your voice of encouragement, support, exhortation, admonition, advice, correction, or concern – please let your voice be heard. Even if it is only one voice, your voice, let it be heard.

- Gerald Cowan, a longtime preacher and missionary, is retired from full-time pulpit preaching. Gerald publishes an e-mail newsletter entitled GERALD COWAN’S PERSONAL PERIODICAL WRITINGS. He is available for Gospel Meetings and he may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

Through the Cracks

By Jim Faughn
     A number of years ago, we spent the night with a family who lived in a very unusual house. Although the family lived in Tennessee, much of the house was a reconstructed log house that had been taken apart in Kentucky and reassembled in the Nashville area. To be sure, a lot had been added to the original house, and it had been updated a great deal. This house was in a very nice neighborhood and was far from being a shack.
     However, the owners had decided to leave much of the interior of the original house as it had been. I guess they thought it added “personality” to the house. I can still remember some of the light from downstairs filtering through the cracks in the floor of our second story bedroom.
     My memory is not good enough to remember how large the cracks in the floor were. I do not know if a coin or something else of value could have fallen through one of those cracks. I guess it wouldn’t have mattered a great deal if such a thing had occurred, though. Whatever fell through a crack on the second story could have been retrieved on the first floor (which had been redone in such a way that there were no cracks in the floor).
     I am aware of the fact that there have been times when something of value has fallen through the cracks in a house or some other building. At times, the loss is not noticed during the lifetime of the people who lived there. At other times, the loss may be noticed, but steps may never be taken to find whatever it was that was lost. The object lost was not of sufficient value to merit much effort.
     I am also well aware of the fact that something of far greater value than any material thing all too often falls through the cracks somewhere else. While the value is immeasurable, very little, if any, effort at retrieval is made.
     Is it not the case that immortal souls sometimes “fall through the cracks” in local congregations?
     Attendance patterns become sporadic; involvement wanes; and/or other things are warning signs. Before long (and before many know it), somebody has fallen through the cracks and is lost.
     What should be done? What is often not done?
     Will elders, preachers, and others “…who are spiritual…restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” (Gal. 6:1)? Will we make the kind of diligent search made by the woman in our Lord’s parable who lost something valuable in her house (cf. Luke 15:8)? Will we really just go on with our lives either not caring about or not noticing the loss?
     While you think about your answer to those questions, take moment to think about a few other things ---
The length of eternity
The value of every soul
The “Golden Rule” (What would you want somebody to do if you were the one falling through the cracks?)
Your responsibility as a child of God to the other members of His family.

- Jim Faughn serves as an elder and preacher for the Central church of Christ in Paducah KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org

Encourage Your Family!

    Part of your role as a family member is to be a fan of those with whom you live. God created you to be a cheerleader for your spouse and children. 
     E-N-C-O-U-R-A-G-E-M-E-N-T is perhaps the best cheer you can learn! 
E is for enthusiasm and energy in supporting causes important to your family members. 
N is saying, “Next time, you’ll succeed” 
C is for compassion. 
O is for open lines of communication. 
U is for understanding. 
R is for rooting on the team. 
A is for arranging your schedule to make time for others in your family. 
G is for going the second mile. 
E is for entertaining your children’s friends. 
M is for modeling a positive attitude. 
E is for empowering your child with God’s Word. 
N is for never giving up. 
T is for time out for hugs and praise. 
     “E-N-C-O-U-R-A-G-E” your family today and let them know you “M-E-N-T” it! 

- via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY.  Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

What Should You See?

By Tom Moore

There is a story of a beggar who was sitting across the street from an artist’s studio. The artist saw him and thought he would make an interesting portrait study. So, from a distance he painted the defeated man whose shoulders drooped, and whose eyes were downcast and sad. When he was finished, he took the portrait over to the beggar so he could look at it. “Who is that?” the beggar questioned. The painting bore a slight resemblance to himself, but in the painting before him he saw a person of dignity, with squared shoulders and bright uplifted eyes, almost handsome. He asked the artist, “Is that me? I don’t look like that.” But the artist replied, “But that is the person I see in you.”

Hidden in all of us is potential. We have the ability to perform great accomplishments and opportunities to make a difference. But our greatest potential of all is described by John: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:1-3). There is the amazing potential in all to be called the sons of God and to be like Jesus. We can approach this spiritual potential through our obedience to the commands of God (Heb. 5:9). Perhaps you see failure—but God sees potential! What should you see?

- Tom Moore preaches for the Avenue T church of Christ in Temple, TX. Tom is also one of the editors of “Seek Ye First,” a free quarterly gospel journal. He may be contacted through the congregation’s website: www.avenuetchurchofchrist.com

"Good Gossip"

By Dan Williams

"It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" - 3 John 1:3-4

While attending a conference at Harding University last March I ran into someone from another city who recognized me, came over, and made a point of telling me about a young lady who grew up in this church family who was now a member of his congregation. He could not say enough good things about this young lady and her faithful service to God.

When I returned to El Dorado I promptly passed along his comments to the young lady's parents, who were understandably gratified to receive this positive report.

Not long after that two of our members separately came to me to relay comments that were made about our congregation by people in our community. One of our members told me she was working in a shop downtown when one of her customers asked:

"Do they teach about loving one another out of the pulpit there at College Avenue? That is one of the most loving churches I know anywhere. And another thing: you always have so many people there on Wednesday nights. What are you folks doing?"

Another of our members passed along this comment she heard from one of our worship guests:

"I have visited a lot of churches, and your church shows more love than any other place I have ever visited. I can tell you really are a family here."

In both cases these individuals were eager to pass on what they had heard. Receiving those positive reports caused me to reflect. There is a saying, "Bad news travels fast," but why only bad? Why can't we be as eager to pass along, and to receive, positive comments we have overheard? Can there be such a thing as "good gossip"?

Some Christians may be reluctant to repeat good reports about their brothers because they are afraid of making them proud or of causing others to be jealous. The apostle John, however, was glad to brag on Demetrius, saying he "is well spoken of by everyone - and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true" – 3 John 1:12

The Bible urges us to speak an encouraging word to our brothers and sisters (Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 12:25) and yet all too often we wait until someone is dead before we openly commend their good qualities. I am reminded of the wry observation of humorist Garrison Keillor: "They say such nice things about people at their funerals that it makes me sad to realize that I'm going to miss mine by just a few days."

So go ahead and "gossip" – good gossip! When you know something good about your
brother, pass it along. If you appreciate someone, tell them so. As the old poem says:

If with pleasure you are viewing
Any work a brother's doing;
If you like him or you love him,
Tell him now!

Don't withhold your approbation
Till the parson's grave oration
As he lies with snowy lilies
O'er his brow.

Makes no matter how you shout it
He won't really care about it -
He won't know how many teardrops
You have shed.

More than fame and more than money
Is the comment, kind and sunny,
And the unmistaken handshake
Of a friend.

If you think some praise is due him
Now's the time to tell it to him -
For he cannot read his tombstone
Once he's dead.

- Dan Williams, El Dorado, Arkansas; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com