The West Side church of Christ

Our Sunday morning sermon theme this month will be: “A March Through the Bible”

March 7th–The Beginning

March 14th–The Chosen People

March 21st–The Anointed One

March 28th–The Church

We often let two little words keep us from doing the will of God: “I can’t.” We make excuses, we rationalize our disobedience, and/or we think it is just too hard. We need to realize, however, that God is faithful. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us we will not face any temptation that we cannot handle. There will always be a way to overcome. Obstacles and trials are common to man, but great men and women have found ways to overcome. Put yourself in the following situations.

Would you read your Bible… If you lost your sight? If you lost your hearing too? If you also lost your arms and legs? Would you find a way to read your Bible? It happened to William McPherson in a mining explosion, but he found a way. He learned to read his Bible in Braille with his tongue. Truly, he was one who loved God’s Word (Psalm 119). He longed for the pure milk of the word (1 Peter 2:1-3) and feasted upon it (cf. Matthew 4:4). If he could read his Bible, you can too.

Would you find peace and contentment… If you lost your only son? Then lost your job and resources? Later lost your remaining children? It happened to Horatio Spafford. He lost his son in 1871. Then the Great Chicago fire ruined his business. In 1873, he sent his family to Europe, but while crossing the Atlantic the boat they were on wrecked and all four of his daughters died. Going to join his wife, he penned the words to the beloved song “It is Well with My Soul” near the spot where his daughters perished. He learned to cast his cares and anxieties upon God and obtained the peace of God despite the difficulties in his life (cf. Philippians 4:6-9,m 11-13). If he could find peace and contentment, you can too.

Would you come to worship… If your body was wracked with cancer and pain? your life was torn by an unchristian spouse? I was blessed to know an elderly lady in the church who did. Despite great physical pain she came every Sunday. Every time she left for church, her husband cussed and cursed her, hurling insults, calling her names and saying she was only going to sleep with the men. Yet every Sunday, she had a smile on her face and was glad to be at the assembly. Her very presence was edifying and encouraging (cf. Hebrews 10:23-25). If she could find the will to come to worship, you can too.

We need to remove the words “I can’t” from our language and replace them with “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). God will give us the strength and ability to serve Him if we are willing.

A Christian is sometimes called a “stick in the mud” because of their unwillingness to participate in parties and sinful activities the world considers acceptable. In all actuality, however, the origin of the phrase “stick in the mud” came from the earlier phrases “to stick in the mire” and “to stick in the briars.” These phrases refer to staying in an unpleasant or demeaning situation rather than dragging yourself out. When considered in this light, Christians aren’t stuck in the mud at all. In fact, we have been set free.

First, we have been set free from the mud of worldly desires. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus sets us free from the worry of earthly needs (cf. food, clothing, shelter). He tells us God will take care of us and focuses our attention on seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. Those stuck in the mud spend their time chasing worldly objects and money which will be lost, become obsolete, and perish with age (Matthew 6:19-21, Proverbs 23:4-5). Those stuck in the mud do not realize that our lives do not consist of an abundance of things (Luke 12:15-21). Those stuck in the mud can never enjoy a Christian life because they make themselves enemies of God (James 4:4), they cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), and what little they would gain ends up getting choked out by the worries of this world and the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:22).

Second, we have been set free from the mire of sin. The consequences of sin in this world can be numerous (Proverbs 1:15-19, 24-32, Romans 1:27). The next time you watch a television show, consider the problems the plot revolves around. Usually it is sin. They told a lie and go to great lengths to defend it or keep from being found out. They gossip about someone who finds out. They refuse to apologize when they are wrong. Most of their problems would just go away if they followed the principles of Christianity. In addition, to all these consequences of sin, there is eternal punishment as well (cf. Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 6:1-9, Galatians 5:19-21, Revelation 21:8). We have been set free from this mire and can instead have the peace of God in this life (Philippians 4:6-9, 1 Timothy 4:8) and can look forward to eternal paradise with God (1 Peter 1:3-9).

Third, we have been set free from the briars of death. Those stuck in the world find themselves in a prickly situation. They have devoted themselves to this life, but this life is going to end. Many have a dread and fear of death. The sting of death, however, is sin. Jesus has freed us from the consequences of sin so that we have no condemnation in Him (Romans 8:1-4) and given us victory over death so that it no longer has any sting (1 Corinthians 15:53-57). We do not have to grieve the way the world does (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). To a Christian, death is just a blip in our life, not the end of all of our hopes, dreams, and the fruit of our work.

As Christians, we will be criticized by those with worldly ambitions and goals, but we need to remember the great blessings we have been given in this life and focus on the reward of heaven. Remember, Jesus didn’t come to steal our joy, He came so that we could have an abundant, full, and rewarding life (John 10:10). Don’t let those who are stuck in the mud drag you down into their predicament.

Extra Biblical Sources: Evan Morris, The Word Detective; Reader’s Digest, October 2006. Pg. 17

Most people who are known as Christians simply do not get drunk often enough. Becoming drunk enables us to relax and let go of ourselves, to see life in a new way, and increases the quality of our life. Of course, we are not talking about becoming intoxicated by alcohol, but by the Spirit. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul writes: “do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Here Paul contrasts being filled with alcohol with being filled with the Spirit. There are some similarities between the two.

First, there is a change in speech. Those drunk on alcohol are often characterized by speech that is slurred, rude, and crude. Those filled with the Spirit, however, are characterized by speaking is psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). They joyfully sing and make melody in their hearts (Ephesians 5:19). They are continually thanking God for the blessings in their life (Ephesians 5:20). In addition, their speech is wholesome and edifying (Ephesians 4:29, 5:3-4).

Second, there is a change in step. Those who are intoxicated have a difficult time walking straight, their balance is impaired, they have poor coordination, and difficulty seeing clearly. In contrast, those who filled with the Spirit have greater clarity. They are able to see what is truly important in life and walk accordingly (cf. Ephesians 4:17-19). They walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-5) and light (Ephesians 5:6-14).

Third, there is a change in self-control. Drunkenness results in a loss of self-control. Behavior becomes erratic and inhibitions are lowered (and often lead to regrets). Being filled with the Spirit, however, leads to greater self-control. Spirit filled lives are characterized by: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This kind of living leads to a life free from regrets, shame, and remorse.

In each case, being filled with the Spirit is vastly superior to being filled with alcohol. It is important to note that being filled with the Spirit is not a one time event; it is a continuous event in the life of a Christian. We fill ourselves by taking on the actions and characteristics of the Spirit. When we do this, we will find there is nothing better than being drunk with the Spirit.

I just came back from the “Affirming the Faith” seminar hosted by the North MacArthur church of Christ in Oklahoma City. I heard some great lessons. Joe Wells of Focus Press talked about the effect of media on our spirituality and how some groups have used the media to promote an anti-Biblical worldview. TV seems to have desensitized us to sin. What we do not approve of in actions and would recoil at in “real life,” we watch avidly, talk about excitedly and appreciate when it’s labeled “entertainment.” Many would never go to a place with women dressed in skimpy bikinis hanging all over one guy in a hot tub while they drank alcohol, but have no problem watching it on the Bachelor. Many would never approve of being rude, condescending and hyper-critical of others… unless it’s Simon Cowell on American Idol. Many would not be pleased to hear our kids were hanging out with a girl who has “two dads,” a girl pregnant from cheating on her boyfriend, a guy who can’t stop sexting, and being taught by a man constantly toeing the line of an affair with a coworker, but can’t wait for the next episode of Glee. Should we watch shows that revolve around unChristian principles? Are we calling evil good and good evil (cf. Isaiah 5:20)? What shows could we watch? What do you think?
Scriptures to consider: Luke 10:27; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8

Ads of one sort or another are always in front of us: on TV, in magazines, on billboards, on cars, boxes, over the radio–everywhere. Sometimes they annoy us and sometimes we try to ignore them, yet companies still use advertising. Why? Because they work. Perhaps there is something we can learn from advertising to help us influence the world we live in. Let’s examine two reasons ads work that we can use to promote Christ to those around us.

First, ads work when they consistently and repetitively present you with a product or service. The repetition familiarizes you with their product and brings it to your mind continually in the hopes that you will think of their product next time you go to the store. Likewise, Jesus intended for us to live in a way that we are constantly showing others a Christian life. Jesus describes us as a light that should not be hidden (Matthew 5:14-15, cf. Ephesians 5:7-13). He emphasizes that men should see what we are doing and in turn glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Christians are meant to be a constant reminder and advertisement that there is a great and glorious God men should serve.

Second, ads work when they promote positive reactions toward the product they advertise. It is not enough just to be seen and known as a Christian. We must show others what it is like to be a believer. It should be that when others see Christians they should think of kind, loving, caring, fun-loving yet wholesome people (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12). Christians should exhibit an inner peace and tranquility that is desirable to others (cf. John 14:27, Philippians 4:7-9, 1 Peter 3:1-4). In addition, Peter encourages us to keep our behavior excellent among non-Christians so they will not be able to call us hypocrites, but rather they should see who we are and glorify God (1 Peter 2:12).

We need to focus our lives on becoming ads for Christ. When we exhibit and live a Christ-like life we can make lasting and influential impressions upon others. These impressions can lead those who do not know God to seek Him and you can be there to help them find Him.

On March 7th, we will be having a visitation meeting after the evening service. Please join us for food, encouragement, and suggestions for people to visit.

April 2nd-4th the youth will be participating at the Leadership Training for Christ (LTC) conference in Rogers, AR.

The Ladies of the congregation will be meeting at I’m a Basket Case on Tuesday, March 2 at 11:30 am.

On Wednesday, February 24th (7:00 pm), we will have an hour of singing instead of our regular Bible classes.