Pirate Christians
by Barrett Vanlandingham (September 21, 2006)
We are the pirates we don’t do anything.
We just stay at home, and lie around.
And if you ask us, to do anything,
we’ll just tell you, we don’t do anything.
The above chorus is part of a silly kids’ non-sensical song about the attitude of pirate want-to-be’s; it’s also a sad example of how some people try to live their Christian lives... so afraid of sinning, or maybe just lazy, they just choose to not do anything... just like pirates.
Think about this: In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, the apostle Paul says, "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. Why does Paul say this? It’s because Christians are not supposed to lie around and do nothing. Idleness leads nowhere good fast, and bad company corrupts good character. (ref: 1 Cor. 15:33)
Ephesians 4:15-16 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Our time will be filled with something. The devil wins if we willingly sin, or even if we do nothing at all to serve Christ. In Colossians 4, Paul tells Christians to devote themselves to prayer so that doors may be opened for the gospel to be proclaimed clearly. Other things Christians can spend time doing? Serving others; setting a good example; keeping a tight rein on our speech; reading our Bible; applying the knowledge we gain from Bible study.
In Matthew 28:18-20, The last thing Jesus said before He went back to His Father is known as the Great Commission. He asked us to "Go" and make disciples... baptize them... and teach them to obey everything He has commanded us. And then He makes a promise based on our obedience: "And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age."
The example Jesus set for us while he was here was one of action, not idleness. The same can be said of those who followed Him. Many of them even died for Him. Therefore, the same attitude of action should be seen in all Christians who "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." (Philippians 2:12-13) Today, let’s all pray for opportunities to let God work through us as we honor Him with our lives.
Spotting a Spiritual Fraud
by Barrett Vanlandingham (September 7, 2006)
Apparently our youth are informed enough to spot a spiritual fraud when they see one.
I was encouraged recently that when a guest speaker at the Jumpstart Youth Rally in Neosho, Missouri asked a crowd of 700 kids including some of our own, "How many of you have seen the movie The Da Vinci Code?" only a very few hands went up. I found this to be hilarious because the theme of the rally was "The Divine Code" which was supposed to help kids combat the false and fictional teachings in The Da Vinci Code (such as the question of whether Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and even had children). As it turned out, most of the kids at the rally hadn’t even seen the movie. Still, we all need to press forward in being able to defend our faith, and understand why we believe what we believe.
1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," (our 7th-8th graders explored proofs for 6 mo. prior to the rally)
I hope my conclusions aren’t too optimistic. But I found humor and hope in the fact that at least 99-percent of the kids in that auditorium were not interested in paying money to see a fictional movie that attempts to erode true Biblical teachings. Still, the youth rally was a huge success by all accounts: the singing, the food, fellowship, and concert were great... the speakers did an excellent job of exploring the identity of Jesus. Was He a Liar? a Looney? or a Lord? Our youth are now informed at least a little more about why we can be confident that Jesus really is who He and others say He is, our Lord!... and that the words of the Bible really are true and inspired by God. There were also classes aimed at helping youth apply these facts to issues they struggle with in their daily lives such as dealing with worldly comedy, music, tv, movies, and internet that are likely more of a threat to our children than The Da Vinci Code.
We had 7 high schoolers make the trip (Josh Huggins, Katie Coombes, Zak Kelley, Robby Branscum, Mallory Jameson, Chase Hardin, and Tara Richey), 7 middle schoolers (Lance Bradley, Ashton Vanlandingham, Nana Wallace, Levi Dause, Lauran Murray, Boomer Brown, and Ashlee Townsend), 5 sponsors, and 3 underage sponsors’ children. A BIG thanks to Rob Wallace, Tonya Wallace, Lisa Vanlandingham, and Jackie Jameson for helping chaperone during the Jumpstart trip.
As a side note, a big thanks to Jenny West for helping Joyce Burdine, Mary Burton, Paula Fontenot, and Nancy Steveson with Detour Zone this week (30 attended). Also thanks to Gary and Kelly Cook, Lisa V, Rhonda Branscum, and Jenny for helping at last week’s 5th Quarter fellowship after the game (60 attended).