Tuesday, November 16, 2004

Worship
In the Assembly & in Life
by Barrett Vanlandingham (December 30, 2004)

Who is worship during the assembly for? The answer is... God. So, why are we so concerned with what we get out of it? Well, I guess we can chalk part of it up to the fact that we are just human, with human weaknesses, and human faith problems. We want to be served, entertained, and catered to in every way. We want our favorite teachers, preachers, lessons, songs, songleaders, prayer leaders... It’s all about what we want! Right? Of course, not.
But what about worship outside of the assembly? I mean, worship as a lifestyle. The answer is still... God. The same description from above is also how a lot of folks view life... It’s all about me, right? Wrong again.
So, what is the remedy? Ask any 7th-8th grader who attends our Bible class on Sunday morning. They might point you to Ephesians 5:15-16 and tell you about being careful to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity because Jesus is coming back to take us to our real home. When we look at worship and life in those terms, we realize that there is no amount of standing, sitting, kneeling, singing, or listening that can make us holy if our hearts are not in the right place.
In practical terms, this means that there have been a lot of people over the years who have not found true happiness even though they were very wealthy. On the other hand, the happiest people are those who have discovered that feasting on the rich Bread of Life which is the Word of God can bring the most satisfaction when put into practice. Trusting God to give you spiritual peace and joy as we begin a new year is a good place to start. You will find that your trust is not wasted, and that your desire to study more of God’s Word will increase, and so will His blessings. Worship in the assembly, and worship as a lifestyle will take on new meaning for you, as you dedicate all (not part) of your time to God, either in study or in applying His Word in everything you say, and everything you do. Praise God for all He will do in 2005.
The Ministry of Volunteerism
by Barrett Vanlandingham (December 23, 2004)

It is such a wonderful thing to have volunteers who are willing to organize, host, or chaperon youth events. Our youth from kindergarten through 12th g rade numbers over 90 kids; add visitors who come on a consistent basis, and we have well over 100 kids for whom we plan activities. To all of you who helped make our youth ministry in 2004 a HUGE success, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your willingness to serve is the reason our busy schedule of events flourishes.
The first three months of 2005 are packed with LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) activities, practices, and the convention which takes place in Tulsa on Friday and Saturday of Easter weekend. This program alone requires a small army of volunteers to successfully complete. The kids in grades 3-12 are already reaping the benefits of leadership training. We’ve all seen it, haven’t we? So parents and other volunteers, I will be praying that you do no grow weary in well-doing as we work together to make a difference in our young people’s lives. The more they learn and put into practice now, the better equipped they will be to make a difference as adults.
One more word about the ministry of volunteerism, we can never get too old or too busy to serve, and when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in John 13:14-15, He didn’t say we should only serve the people who like us, and definitely not just the people we like. Jesus certainly knew that one of those disciples would betray him, and another would deny him. Jesus was setting an example for us to follow.
I have always been impressed with the servant-heartedness shown by so many here at the Fort Gibson Church of Christ. Those who understand serving know the ultimate reward (besides the good feeling of service itself) will come on that final day.
Matthew 16:24-27
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
26. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
27. For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
This is not to say that any of us could ever earn a spot in heaven; for we know that it is only because of God’s amazing grace that we even have a plan of salvation.
The new Monday Night for the Master program will be an excellent way for each of us to make serving others a regular part of our lives. Those who take part will find out the joys that come with serving as well as the edification that comes from working side by side with your Christian family. What an awesome way for adults to set the example for our youth while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Will you be remembered as someone who cared enough to serve? Sometimes, I fall short in this area; but together and with God’s help, we will accomplish great things for His kingdom.
The Gift of Patience
by Barrett Vanlandingham (December 16, 2004)

Out of all the wonderful blessings God sends my way, I have yet to fully unwrap the gift of patence.
2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
One of my biggest personal challenges over the years has been that of patience. I still have a ways to go, but God has been gently working with me to develop this fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) that is so endearing for those who manage to master it. I am not thereyet by any means. But I know that if I am to imitate Jesus, I must learn to be more patient with others.
Why is this gift so difficult to master? For me, it seems that when it rains, it pours. You are probably the same. Just when you think a situation couldn’t get any worse... IT DOES. It is at those times that gigantic butterflies invade my stomach like homing pigeons bringing me the message that my feeling of helplessness may get even worse. In my own life, I have finally learned to recognize these instances as trials that do not come from God... but still, God uses them to produce the qualities He knows I am capable of having.
James 1:3, 12 tells us to consider it pure joy to face trials because this testing of our faith makes us complete, and in the end God promises a crown of life to those who love him. God assures us that whatever burdens weigh us down, WILL be overcome if we walk closely by the side of Him who was willing to leave heaven long enough to suffer and die for our sins. (ref: Matt. 11:28)
Parent/Youth Meeting Wrap-Up
by Barrett Vanlandingham (12-9-2004)

A big thanks to the 64 parents and children who attended the grades 3-12 parent/youth meeting on Sunday night (December 5).
Parents who are available to chaperon the New Year’s Eve Party for grades 6-12 please give me a call.
Those who did not attend will need to pick up a calendar for the months of January-March at the Youth Booth.
New permission slips for the new year can also be picked up at the Youth Booth. Please get those permission slips turned back in to my mailbox in the library as soon as you can. Your child must have a new permission slip in order to attend any of the events that require in-town or out-of-town travel starting in January.
Christmas caroling after the meeting went great! Kids and adults sang as many of the old favorites as we could cram into one evening. It was a wonderful way to get the holiday season started on a “good note.”

Home Visits

To make sure the youth program is meeting the needs of our families, the elders would like for me to continue doing home visits. These have been successful over the last two years. The most difficult part for families, as you already know, is finding time in our busy lives to sit down for a half-hour or so to talk with anyone. Our church family has about 100 kids from grades K-12, so please decide on a day and time that is good for you, and give me a call so I will be able to make a schedule.

Spiritual Gift Wrapping (December 2, 2004)
by Barrett Vanlandingham

When it comes to wrapping Christmas gifts, sometimes it is fun to fool the one on the receiving end by putting a small gift in a big box, or maybe labeling the wrapping paper with someone else’s name on it until time for opening gifts.
When it comes to who we are spiritually, there is no room for joking. So, who we are on the outside must be the same person we are on the inside. Paul was worried about this very thing in 2 Corinthians 11 where he was talk ing about false apostles.
There are no false apostles and no real apostles for that matter among us today because apostles must be chosen directly by God, like Paul, or called by Jesus, like the original twelve. But that doesn’t mean that in our day and time, there can’t be people who refer to themselves as Christians while their motives are less than holy.
In 2 Corinthians 11, we read that Paul was afraid that some in the church in Corinth might be led astray from their pure and sincere devotion to Christ by those “super-apostles” or possibly pseudo-apostles who were masquerading as apostles of Christ. These were apparently well-trained speakers, unlike Paul, who may have appeared to do all the right things, while their motives were deceitful. We are not told exactly what they were doing wrong; only that their righteous appearance was a fraud.
It has been said that the greatest weapon the devil has in his arsenal to test us is praise and flattery. That is not to say that it is wrong to give a compliment to a Christian brother or sister;
it is only to say that Satan is a master at using our egos to destroy us spiritually if we start believing that we, apart from God, are able to accomplish anything.
The serpent offered the promise of special knowledge that was to allow Adam and Eve to become like God. The Corinthians wanted to become rich and reign as Kings (1 Cor. 4:8); they were susceptible to a false gospel put forth by slick talking, diamond studded apostles that appealed to the Corinthians’ human pride and desire to be special.
Way too often, we fall into the trap of thinking that if we do this or that, God will somehow reward us on earth with health or wealth, and that these blessings are a confirmation of our faith. But as Paul so pointedly brings to the attention of the Corinthian Church in regards to the false apostles, “Their end will be what their actions deserve.” The same holds true for those who follow after them.
Read John 15:18-25, and 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 and tell me if you think we are guaranteed an abundance of material wealth and physical health if we follow Jesus. We must remember that as Christians, we are citizens of Heaven, and the recipients of spiritual rewards both in this life and the life to come.
Please pray today for God to help us stay humble and know that all good things come from Him, the one in Whom we serve and have our hope. Let us also seek to be spiritually genuine inside and out as we encourage one another daily on the path to Heaven.


Thanksgiving
by Barrett Vanlandingham (11/18/04)

In Philippians 1:3, Paul was writing from prison when he said, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Let us all strive to be the kind of people that others thank God for when they think about us.
We all have special memories of loved ones or events that we like to think about. The gift of remembering things is special in itself. We need to remember to thank God for special memories.
To Paul, the saints in Philippi were special. He had good feelings towards them because they partnered with him in teaching the good news of Jesus Christ. His Christian brothers and sisters were constantly in is heart whether he was in chains or out evangelizing. He longed to be with them because they shared a common mission, and shared in God’s grace. Paul tells his dear friend, Titus, in Titus 2:11-12 that the grace of God not only brings salvation, but also “teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldy passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives...”
During those times that you are tempted to sin, it would be wise to think about God’s grace and whether you are sharing in it, or separated from it. Part of the reason Paul was able to stand firm in the faith is because he had a wonderful support system consisting of his Christian family. Sometimes, we see other Christians who appear weaker than ourselves. Somehow, we think our only spiritual obligation is ourselves. Let us continue to grow in love and support for each other as we share a common mission that is dependant on God’s grace.




The Struggle Over Church Music
(adapted from Church & Family, Fall/Winter 2004)

by Barrett Vanlandingham (November 18)

Personally, I think all generations in our congregation do a very good job of being willing to learn new songs, whether that song is considered a hymn... or a praise and worship song. Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote more than 600 songs; we know only about ten of them; therefore the other 590 would be considered new songs if we learned them today. Our focus should be on whether a song has scriptural lyrics, and whether it is a low-quality or high-quality song. The low-quality songs will eventually be weeded out just like Watts’ 590.
As the story goes, a farmer went to the city and attended a huge church. Following the experience, he returned home and his wife asked him what church was like there. “Well,” he responded, “It was good. However they did something different. They sang ‘praise choruses’ instead of hymns.”
“Praise choruses?” repeated his wife. “What are those?” “They’re OK,” he said, “But they are different.” “In what way?” asked the farmer’s wife. “Well, it’s like this,” said the farmer. “If I were to say to you, ‘Martha, Martha, the cows are in the corn,’ that would be a hymn. But if I were to say to you, ‘Martha, Martha, Martha, Oh, Martha, the cows, the big cows, the brown cows, the black cows, the white cows, the black and white cows, the COWS, COWS, COWS, are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, CORN, CORN, CORN’... Then, if I were to repeat the whole thing two or three times, well, that would be a praise chorus.”
Sometime later, there was a city boy who was visiting some relatives in the country and went to church with them on Sunday. When he returned home, his wife asked him what it was like. “Well,” he said, “It was good. However, they did something different. They sang hymns instead of praise choruses.” “What are those,” the wife asked. “Well, it’s like this,” he explained. “If I were to say to you, ‘Martha, Martha, the cows are in the corn,’ that would be a regular song. But if I were to say to you, ‘Oh Martha, dear Martha, hear thou my cry. Inclinest thine ear to hear the words of my mouth. Turn thou thy whole wondrous ear by and by to the righteous, inimitable, glorious truth...’ Then, if I were to sing only verses one, three, and four and do a key change on the last verse, well that would be a hymn.”
That story pretty much illustrates the constantly changing world of religious music that has been the focus of many struggles and splits in congregations everywhere. The American mentality of “I get what I want, when I want it, or else” too often rips apart Christian fellowship.
A recent opinion poll of one congregation illustrated the problem well. Three songs were sung: “The Sands of Time”... “I’ll Fly Away”... and “There’s a Stirring.” Would you believe that each song received a third of the votes? If we are honest with ourselves, we can find strengths and weaknesses with each style of music.
Ephesians 5:19 & Colossians 3:16 suggest there are different kinds of acceptable vocal music as long as we are singing with gratitude and thankfulness in our hearts to God; and we must not forget Eph. 5:21 where Paul urges the church in Ephesus to “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We have all learned many songs in the last several decades... some old, some new.
Either way, let us use heartfelt singing to honor God, instead of worshiping the song itself.

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Family Disputes (November 4, 2004)
by Barrett Vanlandingham


How many times have you told your kids, "Don’t be a tattle tale." Sometimes as parents, we get sick of hearing our children argue and then ask us to settle the dispute... which is usually one that could have been settled by the children without getting the parent involved... that is, if they were not so selfish that they could not compromise a little in order to keep peace.
Spiritually speaking, isn’t this how we are? The only difference is that adults often become the children, and we look to our church leaders to cater to our pet peeves without even trying to visit with the person who we view as the offending party. The reason it is good to visit with each other face to face is because this promotes unity and understanding. Of course, the fact that it is also biblical lends more than a little credibility to this approach as well.
Sometimes, Christian "A" may feel that if they express a concern face to face that Christian "B" may not take the criticism well, or "B" may think "A" really has a problem with "B" when really all "A" wants is for "B" to start doing things "A’s" way. But folks, you know as well as I do that if you’ve ever been hammered about something that somebody didn’t like about you, you always feel worse for longer periods of time than if "A" and "B" actually sat down together and explained to each other why they do the things they do. I will spare you the story that asks the question, "Why does mom cut the end off the ham before she puts it into the oven?" But it suffices to say that miscommunication ALWAYS occurs when we choose to include other people in our grievances when a dispute could have been settled successfully and quietly.

Here’s a Thought
When we stub our toe, the entire body hurts. But, do we talk to the hand in order to fix the pain? Certainly not; we go directly to the toe. Our church body is the same. May God bless our efforts this week to abstain from gossip or other divisive talk, as we work towards making it a habit to go directly to the source of our grievances. Scripture references for love, unity, humility, loyalty, peace:

1 Cor. 12:23-25
1 Cor. 13:4-7
2 Cor. 13:11
1 Cor. 1:10
Rom. 12:10
Rom. 12:18
Phil. 2:2
1 Cor. 11:18-19


Okay, Okay! Regarding the ham story, the mother didn’t really know the origen of the tradition; neither did her mother; so they caught up with great grandmother "just in time" only to find out that the reason she had cut off the end of the ham is because her pan was too short. So once again we see that it always pays
to get your answers from the source.

Keys to the Heavenly Kingdom (November 11, 2004)
by Barrett Vanlandingham


Even though the building at 806 South Lee is not the "kingdom" in any sense of the word, I couldn’t help but make at least a comparison this week when I took out my keys to unlock the front door of the church building. I have three keys. It takes all three being inserted into various locks in order for me to gain entry into my office. Two of my keys look identical, except for one very, very small, almost indistinguishable tooth on the very end of the key. That teeny tiny difference is the only thing that would prevent me from getting in through the front door if I used the wrong key. So, I need the right key and the right door.
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
(John 14:6)
If I commit the entire Bible to memory, but neglect to obey its teachings, I cannot walk hand in hand with Jesus; therefore, I would not be able to be in heaven where the Father is. Sometimes, we forget that it takes more than just owning the keys to heaven to gain access. We actually have to put Jesus’ words into action, and be a reflection of Him to a lost and dying world. So, yes, when it comes to opening the door to the Father’s house, we must remember that He put each of those little teeth on the key (AKA: the Holy Bible); and each peak and valley on the key and in life has purpose. We may not understand everything fully right now; but then again, we are not God, and we have no right to question our Creator.