Church Reset

A common phrase we say each week is that “We are going to Church”.   What does that phrase mean to us?   Is it simply an address of a building located in Huntingdon, TN where people get together a few times a week, sing a few songs, say a couple of prayers, take communion, hear a sermon, donate funds, and then repeat the following week?   Is it just another event to attend in our already busy schedules?    Or should it be more?  What was the church that was designed by Christ that would be known as His bride?   What did Jesus mean in Mark 10:29-30 when he was speaking to Peter about those who would forsake their own and follow him would receive hundred-fold?  God’s design is for so much more than just a meeting place for his followers.

Starting Jan 7 at 9AM, we will be studying a book called Church Reset (by Jack Wilkie) In the Lady’s class and the Adult Hallway class for the next quarter.    We invite you to join us as we study and discuss together how we can be so much more.          

The Winter Blues

This time of year can begin a season of letdown for many. For most, the Christmas rush is through. All the buildup, and now it is over. We have New Years to look forward to, but what is after that? The Christmas spirit seems to begin to fade away as the cold sets in and we encounter folks who seem grumpy. We wish we could bottle that joy up and use it throughout the year. The fact is we can and should. 

I went to the teen progressive dinner and did their devotional thought. I talked to them about the fact that we should not be bound by a season of giving, kindness, gratitude, etc. As Christians Jesus sets the example of how we should live our lives every day (Acts 10:38). God is the great giver and so we give as well (John 3:16). I realize we will encounter people who are no longer in the “holiday spirit” and might scold us for being so cheerful. But that is what we are called to be: light in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).

We have to stop finding all of our joy in the things of this world. We can and should be thankful for the physical blessings God provides for us down here, but we have to understand that these physical things are temporary. It is easy to forget that fact (Matthew 6:19-24). I remember Paul and Silas in prison singing in Acts 15 when I talk about this subject. How could they sing? Because they found their joy in Jesus. In this world things come and go, seasons change, situations and circumstance rarely stay the same, so we must put our hope and faith in Jesus. 

A final thought about this coming season is that we do have something wonderful to look forward to and that is the return of Jesus (2 Peter 3). I know he has not come back yet, and sometimes it can seem like He never will. But God is faithful to His promises, and Jesus promised to come back (John 14:1-3).

The Greatest Gift

It is that time of year again. People are looking for that perfect gift for an uncle, child, or spouse. Stores are packed, and streets are clogged. Only the crazy risk going to Jackson at this point. It is a joyous time in giving and receiving gifts. What is the best present you have ever received? Maybe it was some jewelry or a car or an education. Maybe it is something like a trip with someone or a phone call or everyone being together at the holidays.

The answer is simple: it has to be the love of God. When you think about the love of God, it is amazing. God created us (Psalm 100:3). God provides for us (Matthew 5:45; Acts 17:25). What was our response to this love? Sin (Romans 3:23). If someone had treated me the way I have treated God, I would probably not be in much of a loving mood toward them. But how does God respond? John 3:16 tells us God still loved us and sent Jesus to save us. Could you imagine sending your son for your creation, whom you had provided so much for, and in return they rejected you and sold themselves into the slavery of sin? Because of the sin that I have committed, I deserve the full wrath of God. That is a scary thought when you read about the wrath of God in the pages of scripture. Jesus hanging on the cross took the punishment I deserve. Wow! “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Stores prey on people who want to give someone something. Cash seems so impersonal so we opt for a gift card which seems slightly more personal. Stores “make” free money when we do not use those gift cards. Do you have any gift cards with money on them or know someone who does? That is my point. What is worse than an unused gift card? Not taking advantage of what Jesus has done for you. Act fast before it is everlasting too late.