The following are part of a series of articles based on our "Revive in 2005" camp curriculum.
Revive the Passion
for lost souls (4/28/05)
Barrett Vanlandingham
In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Paul tells us what our motivation is for obeying Christ:
“ 14. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
15. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
It is “the love of Christ” He demonstrated on the cross that should instill a lifetime of passion in each one of us to fight the good fight and be soul winners.
This passion should affect the way we live daily, the choices we make, the activities we are involved in, the way we think, feel, act, speak, and certainly our passion for bringing others out of hopelessness and into the joys that can only be found in Christ.
Some people think the fire can be ignited within them to win souls by simply experiencing a pep talk, or maybe by turning the lights down low and meditating. These may be proven techniques for some, though shallow, for reviving passion (presuming you ever had it), but these techniques are not biblical for creating passion that lasts past the shallow moment in which it is being experienced.
The answer to having a passion for saving the lost lies in having an understanding of Christ’s love for us. So, let’s be clear on this matter. It is not our love for Christ that motivates us to live for Him, but rather His love for us. Please pray for the “Revive in 2005” camp staff as we prepare to teach these lessons to His glory!
Revive the Commitment (4/21/05)
by Barrett Vanlandingham
We are pleased that Soldier Creek Church of Christ youth in Piedmont will be joining Fort Gibson’s week of Burnt Cabin Christian Camp July 17-23. Skip Gower, husband of Amy Perry (yes, another Perry) will be staying the week with us at camp; and in fact, wrote the Bible lesson for Friday: “Revive the Commitment.” As you know, this year’s camp theme is “Revive in 2005.”
The entire process of putting together a camp curriculum absolutely thrills me when I think of the possibilities for that week of camp. The volunteer staff, the campers, the Bible lessons, the fellowship, the sports, and the entertainment are all geared toward making this week the most uplifting, fun, and thought-provoking week it can be for the kids, while giving all the praise, honor, and glory to God the Father.
Skip’s lesson on “Revive the Commitment” comes from Romans 12:1-2 where the apostle Paul encourages us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, and to not conform to the pattern of this world.
His four main points cover the following:
1) Commitment to your body
2) Commitment to the church body
3) Commitment to your earthly parents
4) Commitment to your heavenly Father
The Bible stories within these points include many favorites that demonstrate commitment: Daniel in the Lion’s Den; Noah’s Ark; Abraham and his son Isaac; and passages dealing with relationships within the church.
Please say a prayer everyday between now and camp for its success, and that much good will be accomplished.
Revive the Respect (April 14, 2005)
by Barrett Vanlandingham
To honor or to have consideration for is a basic definition for respect. This is one of the topics we will study at Burnt Cabin Christian Camp, July 17-23.
A big thanks to Chris Branscum for taking his assigned topic, and digging in to God’s Word for the answers.
Respect in our culture is a rare commodity. In fact, it seems that the line of healthy skepticism has been stepped all over, and has become nothing short of disrespect. This attitude permeates just about every area of our society, starting with adults who have taught it to the younger generation, or at the very least have neglected to correct disrespectful attitudes and thereby giving it our stamp of approval.
Three areas of respect have been grossly overlooked for way too long, and therefore, our generation must take seriously our responsibility to...
1) Revive the respect for God.
2) Revive the respect for others.
3) Revive the respect for self.
It is amazing to see how consistent God’s plan has been from the beginning, and that every command fits hand in hand with all the others. God’s feelings with regard to respect are a great example of this.
When we respect God, it will show in the way we honor and glorifiy God with our lives. In return, God honors us (reference: 1 Samuel 2:30).
When we treat others with respect, even if they are being hateful, we obey God (ref: Romans 12:9-21).
Whenwe respect ourselves, we give the Holy Spirit a nice place to call home (Ref: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Revive the Unity
by Josh Roberts of Sand Springs (April 7, 2005)
One cuppers; No bible school; The 9 a.m. worshippers. The 10 a.m. worshippers. Communion AFTER the sermon. These are things that I have heard about for a long time. Bodies of Christ have been grounded doing what they have done for years. All of these things are fine until you hear something like, “We don’t fellowship with them because that church has a children’s bible hour.” This is where the Church of Christ has gone.
We are no longer at the throat of Satan and sin; we are choking each other to death over meaningless things. Most of our fights have nothing to do with scripture anymore. They are all based on tradition and the “this is what we’ve always done” mentality. We are falling short. We are losing souls because of splits in the church over carpet color and kitchens in the building. By doing this we are propping up satan’s feet and telling him to relax, we will destroy ourselves.
It is obvious that the church consists of many different people with differing opinions. God has set things up this way (Ephesians 4:11-13). It was not His intention for that to be interference in our service to Him. Why is it easy for us to understand that a car needs every little part, no matter how different they are from each other, but we don’t know why Joe Schmoe has to be a part of “my church”?
If we could look through Christ’s eyes, our unity would not be a problem. Romans 5:6-8 tells us the even though we were ungodly sinners, Christ gave His life for us because He loved us. Since we are all made in God’s image, we should treat each other like we would Christ (Genesis 1:26, 9:6, Matthew 25:34-40).
Reviving the unity will be very simple if we can stop fighting each other and start loving as Christ loved us. The Spirit dwells within all Christians. We should be able to look past what the world sees and look at the Spirit of God dwelling in all of us.
Revive the Integrity
Of Religion (unspotted by the world) March 31, 2005
by Barrett Vanlandingham
In part 4 of our series, I will finish last week’s article on Reviving the Integrity of Religion in which we heard personal accounts from members Merle Idleman and Leon Strain on the distress suffered by widows and orphans... as well as how the solution to looking after widows and orphans might be something as simple as giving your time and attention to combat feelings of loneliness and longing for acceptance.
The third thing that James 1:27 defines as religion that our heavenly Father sees as pure and faultless, is to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (unspotted).
If you’ve ever been the target of a malicious talker, you know why God would be willing to send that person to hell. Jesus was also targeted by gossips and slanderers.
In fact, out of the 25 or so sins listed in Romans 1 that are said to be deserving of spiritual death, all but a few of them involve sins of the mouth and heart or mind. The rest involve physical acts of sin.
In Titus 2:11-12 Paul contrasts ungodly, worldly passions with self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. This passage gives us a clear idea of the kind of life we should live in order to keep from being polluted or spotted by the world. This passage gives us a two letter, one word answer to worldly pollution; and if we learn to live by this word in our battle against Satan, we will find ourselves saying “YES” to godliness more and more. That two letter word that Paul talks about is “NO.”
May God bless each of our lives as we seek His will daily, saying “no” to ungodliness, and “yes” to holy living.
Revive the Integrity
Of Religion (March 24, 2005)
by Barrett Vanlandingham
As with true scripture and worship, religion has also never changed. In part three of this series of articles on Reviving the Integrity, we will see that it really is possible to observe perfect religion; not that we can ever be perfect, be we can please God as we perfectly follow His perfect religion.
James 1:27 defines religion that our heavenly Father sees as pure and faultless. The writer says there are three qualities of note that puts religion in this category:
1) to look after or visit widows in their distress or afflication, 2) to look after or visit orphans or the fatherless in their distress or afflication, 3) to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (unspotted).
So, what is a widow’s affliction? One of our members, Merle Idleman, lost her husband to a heart attack two years ago. She was gracious enough this week to help me with this article so that the rest of us could have some insight into this passage. As we sat in her daughter’s living room with a photograph of Lloyd on a nearby table, Merle told me that sudden loneliness and everyday decision-making have been two of the toughest afflictions to deal with. “It’s definitely a change... You don’t get over this... It’s a void in your life, I guarantee ya.” Merle lists a) visits, b) making sure needs are met, and c) prayer... as things that make a difference for widows.
So, what is an orphan’s affliction? Another one of our members, Leon Strain, was raised by his grandmother. He never knew his father. Leon feels fortunate to have had a grandmother and two uncles who filled many of his voids.
Leon says the distress or afflictions of kids who are orphaned by death or desertion, are that the kids don’t feel like they fit-in or belong; they are searching for love and acceptance; and while many people are willing to give money to help an orphan, what’s really needed is the giving of our time and attention. Leon says, “We really don’t go far enough.”
Next week: the rest of part III-pollution from the world.
Revive the Integrity
of Worship (March 17, 2005)
by Barrett Vanlandingham
This week’s devotional thought taken from the lessons we are preparing for Burnt Cabin will focus on reviving the integrity of worship. Last week, we learned about reviving the integrity of scripture as it relates to how we let the Bible speak for itself and be the final authority.
In Amos 5:18-27 we find that God is not impressed with our worship when our loyalty is split between Him and worldly things. God’s chosen people offered sacrifices, songs, religious feasts, and offerings. But they were also worshiping false gods. In Revelation 3:15 the Lord tells the church in Laodicea that Christians must take one side or another because if we try to straddle the fence, God will reject us.
In 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 Paul warned the church at Corinth that it was wrong to take part in worship with only yourself in mind. Paul said they needed to take into consideration the feelings of their Christian brothers and sisters, as well as the wishes of God.
In John 4:24 Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” We must make sure that our hearts are right when we worship, and that we are not just going down the list of things to do: pray, read Bible, sing, visit with each other before and after. We must also realize that we are doing these things to please a God who is with us today... a God who understands what it’s like to be a person... a God who keeps His promises. We should feel a connection to this God all the time inside and outside of worship.
Next week: Revive the Integrity of Religion.
Revive the Integrity
Of Scripture (March 10, 2005)
by Barrett Vanlandingham
Our theme at camp this summer is Revive in 2005. So, for the next few weeks, I plan to write bulletin articles that go along with the lessons that will be taught at camp.
One very important quality we as Christians need to revive is that of integrity of scripture. Of course, God’s Word has never changed, so its reliability and trustworthiness cannot be improved upon. However, our willingness to trust and rely on God’s inspired Word is a quality that has been challenged even in religious circles.
We, as a society have managed to justify our behavior and responsibilities to God by simply saying, “Oh, it’s a cultural thing. God’s law will adjust to our way of doing things. He understands.” That is a very dangerous and unscriptural statement, and one that has sent many people to their graves out of fellowship with the Father.
Scripture is clear about us sticking to what has been written, and that any changes we might make to His Word will send us to hell (Revelation 22:18-19).
Our religious culture, in many ways, is no different from the first century. Even then, Christians were turning to other gospels which Paul says were really no gospel at all. Again, these false teachings only lead to hell, and it all starts with pushing God out while accepting worldly bribes or views (Galatians 1:6-7 and Exodus 23:8)
There is a way to avoid condemnation, in Acts 5:29, a very powerful court known as the Sanhedrin had ordered Peter and the rest of the apostles to not teach the true story of Jesus. The response? “We must obey God rather than man.”
This completes the series of articles summarizing our camp theme of "Revive in 2005"
That They May All Be One
Some thoughts about...
Communication & Encouragement
by Barrett Vanlandingham (written March 2, 2005)
The written word has always been powerful and persuasive, thus the phrase “the power of the pen.”
The Vanlandingham family started a website a few months ago in order to provide encouragement and prayer for family members in the military. It has since grown into a wonderful tool to use as an encouragement for the entire family. I know that many of you also have family websites, and if you don’t, I would encourage you to start one. You may also want to try the church’s website:
www.ftgchurchofchrist.com There is a place to post messages to your Christian family after you’ve registered.
Jesus prayed in the Gospel of John 17 for himself, for his disciples, and for all believers “that they may all be one... that the world may believe... ” that God sent him and that God loves us as he loves his own son.(vs. 21-23).
Solomon said in Ecclesiates 1:9 that there is nothing new under the sun (and that includes the internet). So, whether we choose to write notes of encouragement, or give phone calls of encouragement, or make face-to-face visits of encouragement, it is important that we improve our communication within our church family, and within our earthly families... that they may know without a doubt that God loves them, and wants them to be an active part of the saved who will eventually “gather to their home beyond the skies” as the song goes.
If we took a survey of whether we are concerned about the spiritual well-being of a family member, most of us would say, “yes.” So, why aren’t we doing anything about it? Do we really believe that God is coming back to reward His faithful? If so, why isn’t it a matter of urgency to make sure our own family members are ready?
This w eek, I heard someone say that they were closer to their spiritual family than they are to their earthly family.
This is a true statement for many of us. What this tells me is that many of us haven’t done a very good job of reaching out to our own flesh and blood, me included.
So many times, it is easy for us to give up on our family, especially extended family, or simply avoid thinking about them so that we wont feel guilty. In short, we could all probably do a better at working to make sure that our earthly family IS included in our spiritual family... and that we work to do good to everyone, especially those who belong to the family of believers (ref. Galatians 6:10).
Think on These Things...
1. Do you have family or friends who are lost?
2. When is the last time you spoke to them?
3. Have you spoken to them this week about this?
4. Have you planted the seed of God’s Word?
5. Do you believe God will give the increase?
6. Do you continue to pray about it?
7. If you knew God was returning tomorrow,
would this change your method of evangelism?
8. Are you afraid your teaching will push them
further away?
9. Do you trust God with all your heart? (Prov. 3:5-6)
10. Are you where you need to be spiritually?
Revive in 2005
Camp Theme for Burnt Cabin July 17-23
by Barrett Vanlandingham (written February 23, 2005)
The Elders have approved Fort Gibson’s camp theme for this summer at Burnt Cabin, and I couldn’t be more excited to begin work on our daily lesson plans!
"Revive in 2005" is our theme, and it brings with it some wonderful possibilities:
1) Revive the Unity (among believers)
2) Revive the Integrity (of scripture, worship)
3) Revive the Commitment (to God, to church family)
4) Revive the Passion (for lost souls, for the cross)
5) Revive the Joy in Christian Living
6) Revive the Respect (of self, of others, of God)
The Youth Deacons (Chris Branscum, Gary Cook, and Jim Huggins), the Elders, and I will be working closely together to come up with a schedule and curriculum that will help young people come away from camp with a renewed sense of what it means to be a committed child of God. Our week of camp will also strive to give campers the necessary spiritual tools to put this knowledge into action after camp is over. If you have any thoughts on lessons that should be taught, the above list is by no means a completed work. We’ve only begun. So, please come see me if you have suggestions.
A new opportunity at Burnt Cabin is coming this summer for ages 13 to 19. It’s called TeenWeek, and will be co-directed by Donnie Branscum of Skiatook and myself. The dates are Saturday May 28-Friday, June 3.
I encourage all of our teens to save up some money and go both weeks. You’ll be glad you did! Applications will soon be available at the Youth Booth and online at www.burntcabinyouthcamp.com
OC Spring Sing---If you are in grades 6-12 and want to purchase a ticket for $12, please give me your money by Sunday, so I can order on Monday morning. We will leave Fort Gibson on Friday, March 4 at 4pm. Show is at 8pm that Friday. Bring a sack lunch for on the way, and bring money for breakfast and supper the next day. Saturday lunch will be provided. For those of you who are new to the Christian College scene, Spring Sing is a competitive musical stage event that takes place in Hardeman Auditoium at Oklahoma Christian University each year. Social service clubs compete for bragging rights. The weekend also includes a youth forum (singing, speaker, performing groups) and opportunities for kids to become familiar with a Christian college campus. Bring pillow, sleeping bag, and overnight bag. We will be sleeping on someone’s floor. However, if you are in 11th or 12th grades, dorm space may be available.
Make Every Effort (February 15, 2005)
Some thoughts on unity & spiritual growth
by Barrett Vanlandingham
Make every effort (Eph. 4:3); until we all reach (v.13);
Put on love (Col. 3:14); Let the peace of Christ rule (v. 15).
Q: What do the above phrases have in common?
A: They are all connected to words about unity in the Bible, and they all require action on the part of the reader to bring about this quality among Christians. Unity is a quality that is not only desirable if we are to function as a healthy spiritual body, but it is also a command.
Why is it that in life, we as adults like to be treated as adults... you know... with respect, and as one who deserves to be given a straight answer and be given the inside scoop, not the candy coated version... but when it comes to spiritual matters, we don’t want anyone talking over our heads, or challenging us to a better understanding of God’s Word... while at the same time, we are not very willing to put forth the effort it takes to understand the deeper meanings in God’s Word?
In my position as youth minister, I notice this problem with teens; but we all know this is still a problem for most of us adults when we do not commit daily to working towards a better understanding of God’s Word. This attitude detracts from what should be a “God-centered” religion... and instead makes it “man-centered”, forcing teachers, even in adult classes to communicate on a much lower level than should have to be the case if everyone were serious about getting to know the thoughts, intentions, and wishes of our Creator.
It is also this attitude that tempts our society to use religious “feel good” entertainment as a substitute for sincere religion that includes hard work... the kind that means self-sacrifice (Rom. 12:2)... after all, Jesus certainly sacrificed for us. How sincere are our efforts at returning the favor by taking full advantage of the grace God offers us through His plan of salvation, and rules for holy living, and instructions on how to study and grow spiritually, and finally, putting the things we learn into practice?
You see, it is only when “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature... ” that we will be able to better use God’s Spirit in our lives to not only fight off the devil’s scheme’s against us, but also use God’s Spirit to build up the Lord’s body, “...as each part does its work.” (ref. Eph. 4: 13-16)
Practical Steps Towards
Unity & Spiritual Growth
1. Priority on prayer (all of us, all the time, everywhere).
2. Decide on a biblical topic that interests you.
3. Pray and get ready to work.
4. Dig for information by using a concordance,
commentaries, internet searches, ask an elder or Bible class teacher, and use the church’s library.
5. Pray for understanding and attitude of perseverance.
6. Read, read, read.
7. Pray for organized thoughts with pure motives.
8. Take notes.
9. Pray.
10. Organize notes into a lesson you can teach in love.
11. Pray for opportunities for you to teach in love.
12. Thank God for answering your prayers.
13. Pick another subject to research and start all over.
What is the Real Question?
Whether to Go to Church?
or Whether to Worship?
by Barrett Vanlandingham (February 10, 2005)
It really is more than just a matter of how to word things. After all, we are the church... so, we cannot very well attend church, can we? Worship is a priviledge and a command. Why would any Christian have to talk himself into worshiping God who gives us life?
Let’s bring this a closer to home with 3 examples:
1) Let’s say someone told you about an opportunity to meet your greatest sports hero face to face for a private dinner that would take place at the hero’s new home which was recently built in your town; but this one time meeting would have to take on Sunday morning.
2) Or let’s say someone told you about about an nearby opportunity to catch the biggest catfish or shoot the biggest buck anyone has ever landed; but this one time opportunity would have to take place on Sunday morning.
3) Or let’s say someone told you about a local opportunity to meet the stars of your favorite TV show or maybe your favorite musical performer; but this one time opportunity takes place on Sunday morning.
But what if someone told you about an opportunity right here in town to meet face to face with God... you know, The One, The Creator, The All-Knowing, The All-Seeing, The All-Powerful, Our Heavenly Father, Our Judge? And that’s not all, we also have the opportunity to commune with Him in song, prayer, and partaking of the Lord’s Supper. And that’s not all, we also have the opportunity to introduce others to the very One who created us and everything else that means so much to us... and yes, that includes sports heroes, fish, deer, singers, TV and movie stars.
Sometimes I wonder whether we think God isn’t paying any attention to our attitudes about worship. Do we really understand just what an honor it is to come before God’s throne as a body of believers that Jesus suffered and died for? Do we really understand that even though God says that He is patient and desires that everyone would repent and not perish... that at some point, God’s patience will run out, and He will return to judge each of us according to what we have done? Where will you be when He comes? Will you be applying God’s Word to your life and setting the selfless example for others He asks us to?
If you are a member of Christ’s church (of which He is the head), you are part of His body. You may be a hand, a foot, an ear, a heart,or an arm; and when you are absent because you chose to be somewhere else, His body is not complete. Neither the majority meeting together, nor you (the minority) if you are choosing to be away from His body can function at full strength without the other. Every single member of Christ’s body is important; and if you are a member, you are important, and you are very much needed and loved.
Water & Dirt Make More than Mud
As Two Spiritual Events... in Two Different Towns
Touch the Lives of Our Young People
by Barrett Vanlandingham (February 3, 2005)
Jesus
The Thirst Quencher
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
This was the theme passage for the Poteau Youth Rally that our young people attended over the weekend. The messages centered around our struggles between the world’s idea of what quenches our thirst, versus what Jesus taught the Samaritan woman at the well:
13. Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14. but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14)
Levi Brassfield, Katie Coombes, Lindsay Hunter, Zak Kelley, Ashton Vanlandingham, Nana Wallace, Robby Branscum, Anthony Wallace, and visitor Caroline Dunn had an awesome time at the rally. But some our best time together came before and after the rally during our devotionals and “word up” encouragement time we had on our own. I was extremely encouraged to see these young people open up to each other, and bond spiritually and socially in a way that they had not accomplished up until this point.
Dirty
A Call to Touch the Messiness of Life
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15)
This was the theme passage for the Kingdom Seekers Teen Leadership Conference at the Sheraton in East Tulsa over the weekend. The theme “Dirty” comes from the life changing teachings of Jesus who calls us to touch the messiness of this life. The classes and other events tried to help the teens understand that only by becoming “dirty” will we faithfully follow Christ’s most powerful teaching and example wherever that will lead us.
The conference also included hands-on service projects at a homeless shelter and an orphanage; also drama presentations and fasting for one meal.
Five of our 9th-12th graders including Cody Compelube, Josh Huggins, Jenna Arnett, Amanda Coombes, and Tara Richey along with sponsors Leon and Janet Strain attended the conference.
In other news... 9th grader Anthony Wallace gave an awesome devotional talk at the Family Skate Night in Tahlequah Sunday night. Jared Meschberger led some songs, and Cody Compelube led the opening prayer. Chandler Road, Tahlequah, and a van load of Fort Gibson youth were in attendance.
Love
Is it something... or nothing?
by Barrett Vanlandingham
The answer could depend on how it is received. When I was a kid, there was a song we sang all the time called "Love is Something if You Give it Away." I, like most kids my age at the time, probably looked at that song rather idealistically. I understood that love was something to be shared, and that if I didn’t give away any love, then I would not receive any love. The song was a nice training tool, but as I grew older, it became obvious that as a Christian, I had an obligation to give away love, not because I would get something in return, but because it was the right thing to do.
I discovered through life’s experiences that the song I sang as a child should actually be viewed from the other person’s perspective, not my own perspective. Even if I feel like I am giving away love to those inside and outside of the church, yet I see no results, maybe I am giving away nothing instead of something. I say this because of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8a. Love never fails.
Something tells me that if you and I were to give away love as it is described in these verses, then changes would soon take place in the lives we touch. This kind of love would then spread to others, because "Love never fails."
www.ministertoyouthbarrettvanlandingham.blogspot.com
Bullies Need Love Too
by Barrett Vanlandingham (January 20, 2005)
One time when I was in 8th grade, I had a classmate named Richard who was a wrestler. He was little, but meaner and tougher than the “Dickens” who must have been really bad because the Dickens’ name always came up when anyone was comparing orneriness. Nevertheless, one day I pulled Richard aside and told him that people would like him a lot better if he weren’t so mean and hateful to everybody, and that he would have lots of friends if he just started being a little nicer. The turnaround was incredible! Richard immediately smiled, then told his closest friends right there in front of me that he was going to be nice from then on so that more people would like him. As I recall, the attitude change didn’t last but for a few days; but it was nice while it lasted; and maybe it would have lasted longer had I continued getting closer to Richard as a friend and not just to call him down on his behavior.
The reason this incident sticks in my mind is because it was the first time I had actually gotten up enough nerve to do what was right regarding this subject matter. To this day, it is still difficult for me to confront bullies. Most of us, including me, prefer to avoid confrontation. The problem with that is the fact that unresolved conflict will only continue to boil and become more pressurized until somebody explodes, unless the conflict seeps out little by little in the form of gossip and snide remarks. Either way is destructive. This scenario also applies to our church family. In Col. 3:12-14 the apostle Paul lists virtues such as humility and gentleness that God’s people need to possess; but he says, “14and over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity.”
What? Nobody wants to be bound together in perfect unity with a bully! But if we accept God’s plan for salvation, we must also accept his plan for perfect unity; because if we follow it, we may find that the more love we show towards everyone (including bullies), the more difficult it will become to even find someone in need of an attitude adjustment.
Our battle with Satan has more at stake than any earthly battle we face; and most of us would warn just about anyone if we thought another human being was in physical danger. This same rationale needs to be applied to our spiritual lives too, since for the Christian our physical lives and our spiritual lives cannot be separated; we must begin to speak openly where matters of scripture, not opinion, are concerned. Neither my salvation nor anyone else’s depends on my choice of hairstyles or clothing styles (presuming decency is not a factor); however, if my soul or someone else’s is in danger of being lost, we have a responsibility. Let us combine our obligations towards the world as stated in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 with Paul’s words on unity in the body as we seek to show love towards all of mankind, inside and outside of the church. It’s not a matter of risk to receive the reward of unity; it’s a command and a promise from God.
The Name I Love to Hear
by Barrett Vanlandingham (January 13, 2005)
Jesus is the name I love to hear. In fact, His name is the one name that all Christians should feel strongly about. After all, we wear His name; and just look what He has done for us: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8b) That statement alone should be enough to cut to our hearts (Acts 2:37) and change us forever when we consider that His blood cleanses the faithful to this very second.
The fact that Jesus left His heavenly home is at the very least... incomprehensible when we stop and think about what He traded His home for, life as we know it. That means 1) putting on flesh that deteriorates, 2) being limited by time and space, 3) dealing with aches and pains, 4) answering questions of doubters, people He created, 5) being whipped and crucified by those He loved.
It would have been bad enough to leave heaven for even one minute to come to this place... just think about what it must have been like for Him to be here for 33 years... separated from His father, God... and having to live like one of us... all the while, knowing He could in an instant go back home and leave us in a helpless and hopeless state... and escape His own pain.
I cannot think of anyone about whom there has been more books, poems, stories, and songs written. Jesus Christ is everything to me. He’s my only Hope; He’s my Hero; He’s my Deliverer; He’s my Inspiration; He’s the Reason I get up in the morning; and He’s the Reason I look forward to tomorrow, no matter what it brings.
The Name I love to hear... Jesus. He’s my King!
Dear Youth Group and Families,
Thank you so much for your not so kind and gentle, yet creative ushering in of my forties Tuesday night. I think that is the first time in a while I have been absolutely speechless. The fake elder’s meeting, the grim reaper, the special song, and all the gag gifts will not go unremembered, no matter how old I get. Here’s to retalliation and just getting better with time.
Thanks again, Barrett
And the Headlines Read...
Crimson Creamed and OU Shocker
by Barrett Vanlandingham (January 6, 2005)
These were the local newspaper headlines the morning after. The January 4, 2005 national football championship game played in the Orange Bowl in Florida between OU and USC is one that Sooner fans would like to forget sooner than later. Unfortunately, the 55-19 score will go down in history books as the game that silenced the Sooners, settling the question of who really is number one (at least for now).
It kind of makes me wonder what kind of headlines topped the news in the first century the morning after Christ arose from the tomb. Well, it might depend on whose paper you read. The Doubters’ Daily probably said something like “Body Stolen, Crimson Flowed for Nothing, ” or “Crucified King Gone for Good.”
I prefer to think that the Heaven’s Daily Herald would have sold more copies with its headline of “Risen Savior Gone but Not for Good,” or “Crimson Victory No Shocker.”
In the end, the history books (even outside of the Bible) document the victory of Christ’s resurrection. In book 18, chapter 3, verse 3 on page379 of Josephus: Antiquities of the Jews (found in our church library), the Jewish historian, Josephus (37a.d.-100a.d.), wonders if it is right to call Jesus a man, because of His wonderful works. Josephus even referred to Jesus as the Christ who was condemned to the cross, and who appeared to His followers “alive again on the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him;” These statements are important because:
1) People of the Jewish faith do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God , 2) Imagine the nerve it would have taken for a Jewish historian to admit in a history book that Jesus really was the Christ, which implies that the Jews really messed up... big time, and that Christ’s resurrection was "no shocker,"3) Even though many Jews saw Josephus as a traitor, it is nice to know that there are ancient literary sources outside of the Bible that speak of Jesus’ significance.
Josephus was born in Jerusalem just four years after Jesus died. The story of Jesus was probably more common to Josephus than the story of late celebrities Dale Earnhardt, Perry Como, Carroll O’Connor, Jack Lemmon, Chet Atkins, and Anthony Quinn would be to a child born in 2005 who was later asked to write a history book to tell of diseased celebrities from 2001.
OU’s Crimson and Cream may have suffered some embarrassment in front of an entire nation. The good news for Sooner fans is that when this life is over, so are the history books. 2 Peter 3:10 says, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." The only publication any of us will care about in the end is the "Book of Life," and whether our name is written there. Wouldn’t it be sad to think that we could actually live such busy and distracted lives that we forget to add godly qualities to our faith? "Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall. (Ref. 2 Peter 2:3-10) May we all walk in the light so the crimson that flowed for us may continually purify us from all sin. (ref. 1 John 1:7)