The Winds of Change are not by Chance

 April 3
by Barrett Vanlandingham 

The writings of Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Bruce Lee, Greg Norman, and countless others agree in saying, “You make your own luck.” In many ways, this is true because of hard work and making good choices.

Lately, I have been encouraged to hear brothers and sisters tell me they just feel like big things are coming for our church family, or that positivity is in the air.

I feel it, too. Thankfully, God’s word assures us that these feelings or any true blessings that come our way do not just randomly happen. It all begins with our desire to follow God, put Him first, and trust Him with all aspects of our lives.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

            In the book of John, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees. He explained the importance of sheep listening and following the shepherd’s voice. He spoke of the abundant life we can have in Him.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

             A full life has less to do with luck and earthly prosperity and more to do with the joy we experience through our relationship with Jesus Christ, our church family, and opportunities He gives us to help in the building of His kingdom. The Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

            Seneca’s words echo Bible teachings that urge us to be ready to teach others when opportunities present themselves (1 Peter 3:15), and to be ready for when Jesus returns to bring His faithful home to heaven (Revelation 2:10).

            The apostle Paul said, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8).

So… back to the idea that our church members are feeling good things headed our way. Could it be that those who have seen a need and decided to take it on are inspiring others to do the same? Could it be that we are actually witnessing the reaping of seeds sown? Has God decided the timing is just right, and opened our eyes to the intersection of preparedness and opportunity?

In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…  He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

We may not understand exactly why things seem to be headed in the right direction, and why it seems to be happening at this point in time. But one thing is for sure. All good things come from God. Let’s walk with Him and each other, and face these kingdom growing opportunities with confidence and assurance.  Have a great week!

A New Life in Christ

April 17, 2022
by Barrett Vanlandingham

For me, Easter Sunday always feels like hitting a reset button in my faith journey, and somehow it always comes at a time when it is most needed.

During each season of the year and each season of life, it is so easy to get distracted by things that really do not matter in the big picture.  The final instructions of Jesus before going back to heaven were brief, to the point, unmistakable:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

This past week, a parent asked me to study with their son to make sure he was ready to be baptized, and that he understands what he is asking to do.  The "plan of salvation" has always been one of my favorite topics to study and teach. In the middle of our study it really dawned on me, once again, just how humbling it is to play a small part in bringing someone to Jesus, to bring them to a point where God’s work and grace brings about salvation.  It is a process that truly never gets old, it is off the charts exciting every single time. Why God allows or trusts any of us to share in this experience is beyond me, but I am so grateful He does.

It was a long Bible study with lots of questions from the young man, and lots of discussion.  There were several things that clicked in his mind as we studied:

1) Baptism is necessary to be saved. Every person who became a Christian in the New Testament was baptized.

2) God’s grace is amazing, but you have to accept it, and live as Christ. 

3) God knows our heart, and He is not okay when we choose to sin and do not ask His forgiveness with a heart that is truly sorry. 

4) It is only after baptism that God calls you His child (Babies and others who do not understand sin and what God expects of us are not included in that statement).

5) To live a new life in Christ, you gotta choose Him and His ways everyday. 

6) Romans 6:1-11 tells us we cannot be buried or united with Christ if we’re not baptized, and unless we’re buried with Him we cannot be raised to live a new life with Him. 

7) Galatians 3:26-27 tells us that only those who have been baptized into Christ are clothed in Christ. We get into Christ by being baptized into Christ.

8) After we’re baptized, God sees us in a different way. He sees us covered in the blood of His son, Jesus Christ. His blood continually cleanses us as we choose to walk His path.

Have a great week!