A branch not connected to the vine is dead

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 26, 2011

            So what’s the big deal with church attendance?  Well, for starters let’s take a look at the Gospel of John chapter 15.  Jesus says, “I am the Vine, and my Father is the Gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (Jn 15:1-2).”

            Yes it is true that sitting in a church building doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sticking a boot in the oven makes it a biscuit!  However, the body of Christ is the church. Christians are part of that body. Christ did not die for a church building.  He died for His church, the people. So it only makes sense that we as Christians need to assemble with other members of the Lord’s body in order to stay connected to the Vine, and therefore stay alive.

            A dead branch cannot bear fruit and cannot stay connected to the vine any more than darkness can be in Christ’s presence.  That is why dead limbs are separated from the vine much like Christians who are no longer sustained by the bread of life become separated from the Lord and from their Christian brothers and sisters.

            If it sounds to you like our God is a jealous God, that’s true!  He stated that himself in Exodus 20:5 in the listing of the Ten Commandments.  But it is important to know that God’s jealousy is not a destructive quality in our relationship with Him.

In fact, it is just the opposite. God sets boundaries that come with consequences because he loves us with a love that humans cannot even begin to comprehend.  He wants us to choose him and obey him so we can experience the blessings of being in him, that our joy may be complete (ref: Jn 15:11)

He proved his love when he became flesh and took a beating and was crucified and was raised to give us hope of eternal life. If he hadn’t gone through all of that, mankind would have a very hard time understanding what gives God the right to trim dead limbs from the Vine, and even prune fruit-producing limbs.

The fact is, God knows and understands us better than anyone (Hebrews 4:14-16).  And even with all of our flaws, he opens his arms wide to every person in the world, no matter what they’ve done, in hopes that all will repent, accept His grace, and get connected to Christ the true Vine.  Have a blessed day!

There is always hope for those who turn to the Lord

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 19, 2011 

            Scripture is very clear on the fact that Christians can turn away from the Lord.  This is not a good thing, but it has happened, does happen and will continue to happen as long as we are human.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).”

            In writing to Christians in Rome, Paul clearly stated a message that the world back then and the world today would rather not believe, that hell (spiritual death) awaits those who follow the ways of the world instead of God’s ways.  Paul says, “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die, but if by the Spirit you will put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Romans 8:13-14).”

That is why scripture places so much importance on repentance, or a continual turning away from the world in favor of walking with God.

One of the most intriguing passages I have read lately comes from the book of Ezekiel 38:24-30. God gave a message to the prophet Ezekiel to give to God’s chosen people, the Israelites, who for hundreds of years rebelled against God’s degrees and paid the price for it over and over again through military defeats, slavery and other misfortunes.

The message was one of love, hope and peace to the children of Israel who God loved deeply and wanted them to walk in His righteous path.  The Lord said, “For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you…”

Today, God offers Christians the same opportunity He gave to the Israelites 2600 years ago, the chance to walk with Him, and the assurance of heaven when this life is over.

Galatians 3:26-27 says, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

Scripture not only tells us that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (ref: Romans 8:37-39), but it also reminds us that we can be our own worst enemy in this regard because of our own evil desires that can lead to spiritual death (ref: James 1:13-15).     May God bless your days as you seek His face in all things. (end)

Keep on the lookout for spiritual road hazards

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 12, 2011

            In my previous life as a TV journalist, I wrote about potholes many times, but hardly ever about manholes.  But after my experience last week in Honduras with the Fort Gibson Church of Christ mission team, I definitely have a new well of stories to dig from.  And yes, it includes uncovered, unmarked manholes that I had to dodge while driving white-knuckled and wide-eyed in a rented 15 passenger Toyota van.

            There were no warning signs, no florescent paint around them, no orange cones, and no barricades, just several very deep manholes about three feet in diameter.  Hondurans call serious road hazards such as these “baches” (like gotcha).

Driving in Honduras was kind of like playing a video game, only this was for real.  In fact, as I was driving, I noticed an uncovered manhole in the oncoming lane of traffic and sitting next to it was a tire, a front bumper and a radiator that had just fallen victim to this unforgiving bache.

            In living the Christian life, there are spiritual baches along life’s highways.  Some result in permanent physical consequences, and some you can recover from, kind of like driving over an annoying speed bump versus hitting a deep bache that stops you dead in your tracks and causes the immediate destruction of your car.

            The main difference between earthly baches and spiritual ones is that no one likes road hazards.  On the other hand, the devil is very deceptive and is a master at creating temptations that can be very appealing to our senses (James 1:13-15).  These spiritual baches can lure even the strongest Christian into a trap. This means we need to be careful to stay alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6) and remember  the consequences or rewards that will come at the end of our spiritual journey.

            In Paul’s final instructions to the church in Thessalonica he says, “Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thes. 5:22, ESV)

            This means we cannot pick and choose which sins we will allow ourselves to participate in. God’s inspired word makes it very clear that we are to not be involved in sin, in any form, even when it appears to be cute, funny, off color, entertaining, or even socially acceptable.

            Scripture says that not only we to stay away from sin, but that we should not approve of the sinful actions of others (ref: Romans 1:32).

            May God bless us all with the wisdom we need to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) to help keep our friends and loved ones in a right relationship with God, and ourselves, too.   Have a great day!

A joyful life begins with prayer

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 5, 2011

            The apostle Paul had some great advice about prayer:  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

            If there’s anyone who earned the right to say these words, it’s Paul! 

Let’s just say he went through enough of life to have a sour attitude if it hadn’t been for the change he experienced because of Jesus Christ.  You want examples?  To begin with, there were people in every town Paul went to preach the Gospel in who tried to kill him.  Can you imagine living like that?  Even with encouraging friends along for the journey, Paul found himself the target of hatred from Jews who didn’t believe that Jesus was the son of God.

Even after healing a crippled man in the town of Lystra who had never been able to stand and walk before, an angry mob stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city thinking he was dead.  Beyond that, Paul was flogged, beaten with rods, shipwrecked, and felt daily concern for all the issues being faced by the Lord’s church during the first century.   And as you might expect, there were many Christians who were skeptical of Paul because of the way he used to persecute Christians before turning his life around.

            Prayer was a way Paul could continually stay connected with the very One who makes it possible for Christians to live a joyful life today in spite of difficulties.  It is no accident that Paul connects joy, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances.  The three are intertwined for those who have clothed themselves in Christ.

            Can you imagine what life on earth would be like if we were not allowed to speak to God, and if God never answered prayers?  But God does answer prayers everyday!  The problem is, much of the time we mark it off as coincidence, or something God would have done anyway.  We are often quick to ask for a favor from God, but not nearly as quick to thank and praise Him for all the ways He provides for us on a daily basis. 

            A Prayerful Attitude:  1) Strengthens our relationship with God, which strengthens our faith in Him.  2)  Helps us overcome temptations. 3) Make an average day filled with excitement over what God is going to do next!

            James says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”  (James 5:16)

            May God bless you with a renewed commitment to a joyful life of prayer. (end)

There are reasons why God doesn’t always give us what we ask for
by Barrett Vanlandingham
June 28, 2011

            The other night I found myself watching a new show called “Toddlers and Tiaras.”  The show was basically following two little girls through a beauty pageant.  If you appreciate a good show to roll your eyes at, just tune in to some of this show’s behind the scenes temper tantrums, back-talking, and on-stage pint-size modeling followed by uncontrollable crying when the contestants find out they didn’t win it all.  As the judges were tallying their scores, one very dramatic six year old shut her eyes in full concentration as she said, “Please God, Please God, Please God!”  Well, she did win second overall, but not the grand prize which was a double-size pink poster bed.  When she finally figured out she hadn’t won the top spot, she threw a queen-size FIT.

            At some point in our lives, we all find ourselves not knowing what to pray for, or we know what we want but we don’t know if we’re supposed to ask for wants.  Sometimes we simply get discouraged with our prayer life because we ask over and over for something that just doesn’t seem “meant to be.”

            Each one of the following Bible passages could be an article on its own.  But I encourage you to go ahead and look-up these verses which shed light on why we don’t always feel like God answers our prayers, at least the way we wanted. 

1. We don’t believe that God can answer prayer.  (James 1:6-8 & Matthew 21:22)

2. Wrong motives. (James 4:3)

3. Unconfessed sin separates us from God, so that He cannot hear.  (Isaiah 59:1-2).

4. We set up idols in our hearts that come between us and God.  (Ezekiel 14:3).

5. We don't answer those who cry to us for help.   (Proverbs 21:13).

6. We don't remain in God and his word is not in us.  (John 15:7). 

            Beyond these reasons, God’s wisdom is simply greater than ours. He sees the overall picture of what we need.  Just like a parent gives a child what is needed, God knows what’s best for us.  Having said that, we must remember we live in a broken world. Even in 2011, we are still dealing with the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin that happened in the Garden of Eden shortly after creation some 6000 years ago.  The silver lining is that for Christians, life on earth is just the beginning of our relationship with God.  May God bless your week with plenty to be thankful for as we await that final day and the promised reward.  (end)

There are reasons why God doesn’t always give us what we ask for
by Barrett Vanlandingham
June 28, 2011

The other night I found myself watching a new show called “Toddlers and Tiaras.” The show was basically following two little girls through a beauty pageant. If you appreciate a good show to roll your eyes at, just tune in to some of this show’s behind the scenes temper tantrums, back-talking, and on-stage pint-size modeling followed by uncontrollable crying when the contestants find out they didn’t win it all. As the judges were tallying their scores, one very dramatic six year old shut her eyes in full concentration as she said, “Please God, Please God, Please God!” Well, she did win second overall, but not the grand prize which was a double-size pink poster bed. When she finally figured out she hadn’t won the top spot, she threw a queen-size FIT.
At some point in our lives, we all find ourselves not knowing what to pray for, or we know what we want but we don’t know if we’re supposed to ask for wants. Sometimes we simply get discouraged with our prayer life because we ask over and over for something that just doesn’t seem “meant to be.”
Each one of the following Bible passages could be an article on its own. But I encourage you to go ahead and look-up these verses which shed light on why we don’t always feel like God answers our prayers, at least the way we wanted.
1. We don’t believe that God can answer prayer. (James 1:6-8 & Matthew 21:22)
2. Wrong motives. (James 4:3)
3. Unconfessed sin separates us from God, so that He cannot hear. (Isaiah 59:1-2).
4. We set up idols in our hearts that come between us and God. (Ezekiel 14:3).
5. We don't answer those who cry to us for help. (Proverbs 21:13).
6. We don't remain in God and his word is not in us. (John 15:7).
Beyond these reasons, God’s wisdom is simply greater than ours. He sees the overall picture of what we need. Just like a parent gives a child what is needed, God knows what’s best for us. Having said that, we must remember we live in a broken world. Even in 2011, we are still dealing with the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin that happened in the Garden of Eden shortly after creation some 6000 years ago. The silver lining is that for Christians, life on earth is just the beginning of our relationship with God. May God bless your week with plenty to be thankful for as we await that final day and the promised reward. (end)

A joyful life begins with prayer
by Barrett Vanlandingham
July 5, 2011

The apostle Paul had some great advice about prayer: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
If there’s anyone who earned the right to say these words, it’s Paul!
Let’s just say he went through enough of life to have a sour attitude if it hadn’t been for the change he experienced because of Jesus Christ. You want examples? To begin with, there were people in every town Paul went to preach the Gospel in who tried to kill him. Can you imagine living like that? Even with encouraging friends along for the journey, Paul found himself the target of hatred from Jews who didn’t believe that Jesus was the son of God.
Even after healing a crippled man in the town of Lystra who had never been able to stand and walk before, an angry mob stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city thinking he was dead. Beyond that, Paul was flogged, beaten with rods, shipwrecked, and felt daily concern for all the issues being faced by the Lord’s church during the first century. And as you might expect, there were many Christians who were skeptical of Paul because of the way he used to persecute Christians before turning his life around.
Prayer was a way Paul could continually stay connected with the very One who makes it possible for Christians to live a joyful life today in spite of difficulties. It is no accident that Paul connects joy, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances. The three are intertwined for those who have clothed themselves in Christ.
Can you imagine what life on earth would be like if we were not allowed to speak to God, and if God never answered prayers? But God does answer prayers everyday! The problem is, much of the time we mark it off as coincidence, or something God would have done anyway. We are often quick to ask for a favor from God, but not nearly as quick to thank and praise Him for all the ways He provides for us on a daily basis.
A Prayerful Attitude: 1) Strengthens our relationship with God, which strengthens our faith in Him. 2) Helps us overcome temptations. 3) Make an average day filled with excitement over what God is going to do next!
James says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
May God bless you with a renewed commitment to a joyful life of prayer.

There are reasons why God doesn’t always give us what we ask for
by Barrett Vanlandingham
June 28, 2011

The other night I found myself watching a new show called “Toddlers and Tiaras.” The show was basically following two little girls through a beauty pageant. If you appreciate a good show to roll your eyes at, just tune in to some of this show’s behind the scenes temper tantrums, back-talking, and on-stage pint-size modeling followed by uncontrollable crying when the contestants find out they didn’t win it all. As the judges were tallying their scores, one very dramatic six year old shut her eyes in full concentration as she said, “Please God, Please God, Please God!” Well, she did win second overall, but not the grand prize which was a double-size pink poster bed. When she finally figured out she hadn’t won the top spot, she threw a queen-size FIT.
At some point in our lives, we all find ourselves not knowing what to pray for, or we know what we want but we don’t know if we’re supposed to ask for wants. Sometimes we simply get discouraged with our prayer life because we ask over and over for something that just doesn’t seem “meant to be.”
Each one of the following Bible passages could be an article on its own. But I encourage you to go ahead and look-up these verses which shed light on why we don’t always feel like God answers our prayers, at least the way we wanted.
1. We don’t believe that God can answer prayer. (James 1:6-8 & Matthew 21:22)
2. Wrong motives. (James 4:3)
3. Unconfessed sin separates us from God, so that He cannot hear. (Isaiah 59:1-2).
4. We set up idols in our hearts that come between us and God. (Ezekiel 14:3).
5. We don't answer those who cry to us for help. (Proverbs 21:13).
6. We don't remain in God and his word is not in us. (John 15:7).
Beyond these reasons, God’s wisdom is simply greater than ours. He sees the overall picture of what we need. Just like a parent gives a child what is needed, God knows what’s best for us. Having said that, we must remember we live in a broken world. Even in 2011, we are still dealing with the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin that happened in the Garden of Eden shortly after creation some 6000 years ago. The silver lining is that for Christians, life on earth is just the beginning of our relationship with God. May God bless your week with plenty to be thankful for as we await that final day and the promised reward.

The Bible has much to say about how to pray
by Barrett Vanlandingham
June 21, 2011
(part 3 of a 5 part series on prayer)

Humility, love and confidence in approaching the Lord top the list when it comes to our attitude in prayer. The reason is that while it is important to keep Him on the throne and not ourselves, God wants us to approach Him with confidence because Jesus understands our struggles like no one else. And of course Christians feel love towards God because of the sacrifice and salvation through his Son.
While that addresses the heart part of how to pray to God, there are many opinions about physical posture. length of prayer, wording, location, and time of day. The Bible addresses those things too.
It doesn’t matter how many words you pray. In at least one instance, Jesus prayed all night (Luke 6:12). But another time Jesus says a short prayer when teaching us how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13).
As for wording, God has never been impressed with how well somebody speaks. Moses and Paul both made mention of their lack of ability in oral communication. So, there’s no reason for us to think we have to be a great speaker in order to talk to God either privately or publicly. In fact, Jesus tells us he’s not a big fan of babbling on in prayer (Matthew 6:5-8).
As for posture, there are Biblical examples of people praying on their knees (1 Kings 8:54, Daniel 6:10), face on the ground (Nehemiah 8:5-7, Exodus 34:8), face towards God (Daniel 9:3), hands in the air (1 Timothy 2:8, Psalm 28:2), standing (Exodus 19:23, 1 Samuel 1:26), or sitting (2 Samuel 7:18).
As for location, in a room or closet (Matthew 6:6). Jesus prayed in a river after being baptized (Luke 3:21-22) and in the Garden of Gethsemane. Many prayed in front altars, others on a bed (Psalm 63:6), or inside a giant fish (Jonah 2).
As for time of day, Jesus prayed at night, David prayed in the morning (Psalm 5:3). Daniel prayed formally three times a day (Dan. 6:10), while we’re commanded in the New Testament to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). So, you can see it would be impossible to do all those things at the same time.
The fact is, there are times when each of these prayer techniques may be appropriate (especially if you find yourself inside the belly of a fish). The important thing is to have the right attitude in your conversations with God. Next week, I will look at why we don’t always get what we ask for.
Have a great week, and always remember to pray!

(Part 2 of a five part series on prayer)

Prayer life improvements begin with attitude adjustments
by Barrett Vanlandingham
June 14, 2011

Prayer is not a formal, religious act we’re supposed to do now and then. But rather, it is a conversation with God anywhere, anytime. When we’re happy, or feeling sad, or angry, or lonely – no matter how we’re feeling we should talk to God on all occasions (ref: Ephesians 6:18).
We should never worry about God thinking our concerns are petty or unimportant. The Bible assures us of that in Hebrews 4:15 which says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
In fact, the next verse gives us permission to have a bold prayer life. We can be assured that God welcomes us in His presence. Why? Because He understands the struggles we go through. Coming to earth in the form of a Suffering Servant made all the difference in how God deals with us.
Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. “
A confident prayer life must also include humility as we approach the only One who will carry us through our darkest moments in life. Government leaders around the world are constantly faced with questions of how to alleviate problems of many kinds. The answer was written down for us about 2400 years ago.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
A few hundred years later Jesus showed compassion and healed people of all kinds of diseases even though his deeper desire was to show them that He had the power to heal them spiritually. This message still applies to us today as noted in 1 John 1:9 which says , “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Putting God in His proper place as we confidently approach Him in prayer certainly brings about peace. But for Christians it is also our Savior’s means of continuing the blessing of forgiveness as we confess our sins to God.
Next week, I will look at what the Bible says about prayer posture. Have a great week!



Talking to the Man upstairs has great benefits
June 7, 2011
by Barrett Vanlandingham

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Those words penned so long ago in James 5:16 are just as important today as in the first century.

With so much chaos in the world today, Christians should take full advantage of one of the most power weapons in spiritual warfare we have available to us.

PRAYER.

My church camps this summer are focusing on the topic of prayer through our theme, “Knee Mail.”

Prayer is simply how we talk to God. I have never received a personal invitation, a tweet, a text, or an e-mail from a movie star, a President, or a famous singer to talk to them. But God, the Creator of everything we see and don’t see (Colossians 1:15) actually wants us to hear from us everyday.

To me, that is an incredible thing. God is the only one who can make a real difference in our lives.

Any good relationship requires good communication. God has revealed everything He wants us to know about Him through His written word and through His creation.

He has blessed us with His Holy Spirit to help guide and comfort us until we reach our heavenly home.

But until we see Him face to face, He wants us to stay in close touch with Him.

Prayer is how Jesus spoke to His Father in heaven.

Just before Jesus was arrested, He was praying on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-44).

This was an extremely intense prayer in which He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Jesus was dreading the torture he was about to endure, and in his humanity he was asking God for a way other than this to save the world from sin and eternal spiritual death.

Of course, only the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ himself could do this.

In John 17, the apostle records Jesus’ prayer a short time before the arrest.

Jesus prayed for himself, for his disciples who lived during that time and finally for all people who would eventually believe in Christ because of the message carried by those early disciples.

Prayer is how Paul says we can stay strong in our spiritual walk.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

As I wrote this article, I received word that a Christian brother and long-time Fort Gibson resident Arlie Perry has passed away.

Please say a prayer of peace and comfort for his loved ones.

God bless and have a prayer-filled week.

Graduation to a new life must include Jesus Christ
by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 24, 2011

For each of Fort Gibson’s 115 graduates, this week marks a new beginning. Our hometown kids will be scattered to the four winds before we know it. But that doesn’t mean they have to be separated from the most important things in life.
Graduates will be faced with many crossroads, detours, and exit ramps along life’s highway. But God will always be there to help them with their choices as long as they choose to walk His path and include Him in their daily decisions (ref: 1 John 1:7-9).
One of the most crucial decisions a graduate has to make after leaving home is which church family to become a part of in their new town. My advice is to find the church that models itself after the first century church we read about in the New Testament. This includes meeting on the first day of the week, taking the Lord’s Supper, praising God in song, prayer, giving financially and otherwise to the work of the church, and teaching all the truths found in the New Testament. Building relationships with Christians in a Bible-based church family helps us all stay strong in spiritual battle, especially recent high school graduates.
Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
One time when I was in college, I had two tests the next day so I decided that I would just this once not go to Wednesday night Bible study. A friend of mine walked by the open door of my dorm room and saw that I was not dressed for church. After I told him why, he said, “If you will go to church, you will come back refreshed and will be able to study better.” That’s not what I wanted to hear. But I went to church anyway and my friend was right. I felt better and had a clearer mind to study.
There will be all kinds of temptations awaiting our graduates who will be out on their own for the first time ever. But we can be confident in Solomon’s words that if we have trained our children properly they will not depart from those teachings as they become older (ref: Proverbs 22:6). That is why it is important for parents of younger children to take the Lord’s commands and “Impress them your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7)
Spiritually speaking, Romans 6:1-11 tells us that new life begins after we are buried with Christ in baptism and “…raised from the dead through the glory of the Father.” Scripture says we can only begin this new life after being united with Christ in this way.
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
May God bless each of our town’s graduating seniors with the desire to take on their new life with boldness and confidence that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Children are important in God’s kingdom
by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 31, 2011

A few Sundays ago, two little kids were standing at the front door of our church building greeting everyone with a grin and holding the doors open. The children didn’t even realize the positive effect they were having on all the people who were entering the building for worship. But for all those who entered the building that day, their attitudes had already been stamped with a smile before they approached God in song, prayer, Bible study, communion, and giving.
Fort Gibson is fortunate to have so many God-fearing citizens who claim the Christian faith. Our youngest citizens play a huge role in the success of the Lord’s church overall and certainly in the vibrancy of individual congregations. One of the biggest opportunities for spiritual growth comes during the summer-time season of church camps and Vacation Bible Schools. Jesus felt strongly about the church’s connection with our youngest spiritual team members.
Matthew 19:13-14 says, “Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
With this in mind, it is of greatest importance for adults to take seriously our obligation to teach God’s word accurately. Most children wouldn’t know the difference if an adult changed the facts of the Bible to suit their own tastes. But scripture clearly points out this would be a grave mistake.
In Matthew 18:6 Jesus says, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Not a pretty picture, huh? But that’s how God feels about those who teach false doctrine, especially to children. Kids are not only important to the future of the Lord’s church, they are a vital part of His kingdom today.
In our grown-up world it is easy to forget the importance of children, that is, until one smiles at you, or gives you a big hug, and says, “I love you” or sends you a card, or taps on your back and says “hi” with a big toothy grin, or even better with teeth missing! No doubt about it, there is just something special about a child, and even more special is the interaction between the hearts and smiles of the young and mature. Have a great day!



Graduation to a new life must include Jesus Christ
by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 24, 2011

For each of Fort Gibson’s 115 graduates, this week marks a new beginning. Our hometown kids will be scattered to the four winds before we know it. But that doesn’t mean they have to be separated from the most important things in life.
Graduates will be faced with many crossroads, detours, and exit ramps along life’s highway. But God will always be there to help them with their choices as long as they choose to walk His path and include Him in their daily decisions (ref: 1 John 1:7-9).
One of the most crucial decisions a graduate has to make after leaving home is which church family to become a part of in their new town. My advice is to find the church that models itself after the first century church we read about in the New Testament. This includes meeting on the first day of the week, taking the Lord’s Supper, praising God in song, prayer, giving financially and otherwise to the work of the church, and teaching all the truths found in the New Testament. Building relationships with Christians in a Bible-based church family helps us all stay strong in spiritual battle, especially recent high school graduates.
Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
One time when I was in college, I had two tests the next day so I decided that I would just this once not go to Wednesday night Bible study. A friend of mine walked by the open door of my dorm room and saw that I was not dressed for church. After I told him why, he said, “If you will go to church, you will come back refreshed and will be able to study better.” That’s not what I wanted to hear. But I went to church anyway and my friend was right. I felt better and had a clearer mind to study.
There will be all kinds of temptations awaiting our graduates who will be out on their own for the first time ever. But we can be confident in Solomon’s words that if we have trained our children properly they will not depart from those teachings as they become older (ref: Proverbs 22:6). That is why it is important for parents of younger children to take the Lord’s commands and “Impress them your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7)
Spiritually speaking, Romans 6:1-11 tells us that new life begins after we are buried with Christ in baptism and “…raised from the dead through the glory of the Father.” Scripture says we can only begin this new life after being united with Christ in this way.
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
May God bless each of our town’s graduating seniors with the desire to take on their new life with boldness and confidence that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Spilled coffee can make for a great Bible lesson
by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 17, 2011

It was just another start of the day at the office. I made a pot of coffee in the church kitchen. I poured my tall 20-ounce paper cup to within a half inch from the top. Then I sat it down on the counter top so I could rinse out the filter holder on the coffee machine. But somehow, when I removed the filter holder, I managed to knock over my full cup of coffee. Ugh! But after cleaning up the spill, I thought to myself, “Well, this sounds like the beginning of a good article.”
The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (ESV)
How many times a week does this passage fit your life? I guess that’s why the old cliché “When you least expect it, expect it” rings so true! As a Christian, it’s always the things we least expect that trip us up. To say the devil is very tricky would be an understatement! He knows his chances of causing us to sin are not very good if he only throws the darts of temptation we are expecting.
In the above passage, Paul was referring to Old Testament stories about God’s chosen people, the Israelites. He is simply telling us that if the Israelites messed up by falling into idol worship, and therefore having to face serious consequences from God, then we can too. In fact, in that same chapter Paul says, “6Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.”
I have actually spilled a cup of coffee on my desk before. That’s why I always set my mug on a little stand separate from my desk. At least that way the coffee won’t soak my papers. In fact, it’s been several years since I have had a major coffee spill on my desk. However, I must have let my guard down a little in the kitchen, resulting in said spill on the countertop.
And just like my story of the spilled coffee, there are temptations that each of us have dealt with in the past that can still sneak up and bite us if we are too over confident. Satan may choose a different location to approach us, or maybe a slight twist on an old temptation, but we can be sure he hasn’t forgotten our weak points. He is merely waiting for the right opportunity.
May God bless you this week in your efforts to be stay prepared in your spiritual battles.

The Bible says life’s twists and turns are actually good for us
by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 10, 2011

Last Sunday night, I was beginning to introduce the graduating seniors from our church during a special ceremony when I realized I, in fact, am the parent of a graduating senior.
You always think you know what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes until you’re actually in their shoes. My oldest daughter, Ashton, is graduating from Fort Gibson High School this month. And up until this point, I have done speech after speech, sermon after sermon, and congratulated parent after parent for years, all the while thinking I understood the point they were at in life. In reality, I sympathized with them, but I could not empathize with them since I had never been where they were, until now.
Every experience we have in life helps mold us into the individuals God wants us to be. The mistakes we make and the physically and emotionally challenging situations we wade through in this life can actually benefit us later. True, it is no fun at all to be run through the mill of life, but the Bible actually says we should embrace this process.
James 1:2-4 says, “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (NIV, 2011).”
We would not be human if we professed to enjoy trials. But that is not what the writer is saying. James is simply stating that we can take comfort and assurance in knowing that any amount of suffering we endure on earth will result in a more faithful Christian. We do not have to be happy about suffering. We are only human. But it is possible to feel joy in spite of persecution, pain and anything else the devil throws our way.
Psalm 30:11 may have said it best: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness… (ESV)”
Remember these words of the apostle Paul? “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV, Romans 8:28).”
May God bless you this week as you turn life’s uncertainties over to the One who holds the future in His hands. (end)

Rain and Rainbows Are Great Reminders
by Barrett Vanlandingham
April 27, 2011

At age 500, Noah spent the next 100 years building the ark when finally God told him the rain would begin after seven more days. Imagine Noah’s relief (and probably terror) when God finally followed through with what He said He’d do, putting an end to what must have seemed like an eternity of jeers and sneers from skeptical neighbors.
On the Jewish calendar, it was seventeenth day of the second month of the six-hundredth year of Noah’s life. On our calendar that would be somewhere between late April and mid-May.
Drop… drop… drop. Panic must have flowed through every unbeliever as the memory of Noah’s words began to soak-in like a deluge of regret and sorrow. They were likely feeling, seeing, smelling and even tasting rain for the very first time in their life (since the Bible leaves the impression that it had not rained previously). This would also be a very good reason why the people were so resistant to Noah’s preaching if they felt the consequences were unlikely. But Noah was telling the truth all along.
Genesis 7:11-12 tells us, “--On that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.”
When the water receded, Noah left the ark and sacrificed some of the animals on an altar. God was pleased. So, He placed a rainbow in the sky as an agreement between Himself and all life on earth (ref: Gen. 9:18) that He would never again destroy the earth by flood (v.21). A rainbow must have been quite an impressive sight since it may also have been the first time one had ever appeared.
This wonder of nature is still an incredible sight today. The message it has brought for over four-thousand years now continues to paint a beautiful picture of hope for believers, and should strike fear in the hearts of non-believers. The colors that arch through the clouds remind us that God keeps His promises.
So, what does this mean to us today? The message of Jesus Christ is true! But sadly, scripture says that most people will not choose the righteous path that leads to salvation (Matthew 7:13-14). Yes, this fact poses a challenge for Christians who spend their lives telling their friends and family the Gospel story of salvation through Jesus Christ.
But, it will be a bigger problem for non-believers who, just like in Noah’s days, refuse to listen until it is too late. May God bless your efforts to win souls this week.

God’s power is available for every Christian
by Barrett Vanlandingham
April 26, 2011

As I sit down to write my Fort Faith column on a late Friday night, I think about the power displayed in the thunder, lightning, hail and tornados just a couple of hours before.
Who could possibly put together such wonders of nature but God? Just read Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:18-20. In this passage, Paul is thankful for the faith demonstrated by the church in Ephesus. He goes on to pray that these Christians would come to a full knowledge of God’s incredible power!.
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,” (NIV)
Did you catch that? Paul said that we as Christians possess the same power that God used to help Jesus burst from the tomb on the third day! Yes, I realize that we just do not see the same kinds of miracles today that people experienced in the first century. After all, scripture points out that those supernatural actions on the part of Jesus, the apostles, and other disciples were allowed in order to confirm the truth of the Gospel message they were teaching.
Mark 16:20 says, “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”
In fact, John 20:30-31 says that Jesus did many other miracles that were not recorded, but that these were written so “…that you may believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
There are many opinions on miracles. But most Christians would likely agree that we all have work to do regarding our trust in the power of God’s Holy Spirit to help guide (Philippians 2:12-13), comfort (John 14:15-18), and assure us (Romans 8:16), as well as give us understanding of God’s word as we study earnestly (1 Cor. 2).
The world we live in today requires a call to arms for all Christians (Eph. 6:10-18). Let us never be guilty of quenching the Spirit’s fire (1 Thes. 5:19) as we do battle against satan’s dark forces. God has given us every instruction necessary for us to achieve victory through his son, Jesus Christ, who is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). May God bless you richly as you allow His power to work in your life this week and always.

We all have God-given talents that need to be used by Barrett Vanlandingham April 19, 2011 Have you ever been asked to do church work and it just didn’t do anything for you? In fact, it may have even been a task that just made you dread coming to church services? That’s exactly what Paul was trying to prevent from happening to the church in Ephesus. So, he wrote a letter in hopes of helping them to become mature and unified as a church body. He also wanted the church to understand the blessings of being in Christ, who made plans to save us even before creation (Ephesians 1:3-8). Christ wants us to use our God-given talents to his glory. A talent is something that you’re good at, something that sparks interest inside you, something you do with passion even when no one is watching or there to give you a pat on the back for a job well done. The apostle Paul noted this in Ephesians 4:11-13. He said that Christ gave some to be apostles, and others to be prophets (preachers), evangelists, pastors (shepherds), and teachers. These are people who have specific gifts to help other members of the Lord’s body use their talents to serve. When I was a TV news reporter/anchor, before I ever went into full-time ministry, I could clearly pinpoint the times I felt the most joy, fulfillment, and spiritual effectiveness. It was when I was teaching teen classes or taking a group of young people to a youth event or leading songs during worship. Those were the times that all my puzzle pieces fit. At some point, I had to stop saying no to what God was calling me to do. So, would you believe that as soon as I said yes to letting God lead me, the door to full-time ministry swung wide open so that there was no mistaking his intentions for me? I should have known from the stories of Moses and Jonah that when God calls, you better listen. We may not all be called to preach or teach as a vocation. But every one of us is called to minister in some way to this lost and dying world. God gave each of us at least one talent. When we use the Biblical model of doing “church work”, it is not a hassle. In fact, Paul says the result is that the body of Christ will be built up “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” When we use our God-given talents to serve in his kingdom (the church), Paul says, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” (Eph. 4:14) Paul goes on to say that equipping Christians to use their talents results in spiritual growth. He says we will learn to speak the truth in love as Christians encourage one another, each part of the body doing their share with Christ as our Head. Pray this week that God will help each of us know our talent, and have faith to let God use it the way he sees fit.

Spring is a great time to see God by Barrett Vanlandingham April 12, 2011 “What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are budding, the birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming, that’s how it is with God’s love, once you experience it, you want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, you want to pass it on.” Those beautiful lyrics come from a song I learned years ago as a camper at Burnt Cabin Christian Camp on Lake Tenkiller. And even though camp was always hot as blazes, we still sang that song. So, the following year when spring rolled back around, I would always be excited for camp because the beauty of spring reminded me that summer camp would be coming soon. We as Christians look forward to the day Christ returns to take his faithful home to heaven. The Bible tells us no one knows when that day will be. In fact, judgment day will come like a “thief in the night” according to scripture. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited about that day as we admire God’s handiwork all around us. Last Wednesday night, I hauled a vanload of teens to the gazebo in downtown Fort Gibson where we had Bible class. I had each of the kids point at something random such as an evergreen tree and the soil around it, a brick in a wall, a light pole, a wasp, a traffic light. Then they had to tell the rest of us how that object relates to the Christian life. You should try it. The apostle Paul says we can learn a lot about God just by looking around us. But even in the first century, those who were unrighteous refused to acknowledge the presence of God all around them. In Romans 1:19-20 Paul wrote, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” As I walked out on my back porch Friday morning, I couldn’t help but see God in everything! Even the gray skies could not dim the fresh beauty of the green leaves sprouting from the wisteria on our pergola. The snowball tree in the corner of our yard is suddenly filled with blooms. The helicopter seeds from our maple tree were everywhere. The temperature was perfect. And yes, the birds were singing! We truly have a God of wonders! He is with us all the time, not just in the spring, but always. We may not get to walk with God in the Garden of Eden the way Adam and Eve did. But God is with us, and we get to be amazed with his creation as we look forward to the day we see him face to face.

A local church wants to help caregivers by Barrett Vanlandingham April 5, 2011 Every 69 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. It is the sixth leading killer, and it afflicts over five million Americans. In addition, there are about 15 million caregivers who put in some 17 billion hours of unpaid care for their friends and loved ones each year. This information comes from the Alzheimer’s Association website. The Fort Gibson Church of Christ wants to be part of the solution for caregivers who simply need a break from the day in, day out responsibilities of caring for someone with dementia. So, they’ve started up a Caregivers Day Out program that meets twice a month on Tuesdays. This provides caregivers a safe place to bring their loved ones for a few hours from 10am-1pm. Those who attend play cards, dominoes, watch a movie, or just visit with friends. Pulpit Minister Dan Rouse presents a Bible lesson. And a tasty lunch is always served. Caregivers don’t have to worry because there are plenty of dedicated volunteers to stay with the guests. The caregiver is welcome to stay as long as they would like. Or they can use the time to run errands or just go and take a break from the constant pressure of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s. The Bible is very plain about our responsibilities when it comes to taking care of the needs of our family. The apostle Paul says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8).” The Bible is also clear about the importance of Christians helping to take care of the poor, hurting, and afflicted. Acts 20:35 reminds us to help the weak, and that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” One of the biggest burdens among caregivers is not necessarily the level of difficulty in the work involved, but rather, feelings of isolation. Oftentimes, an afflicted spouse requires round the clock care, seven days a week. This makes it extremely difficult for caregivers to go to the store, run errands, or even clean the house. That kind of constant pressure would be hard for anyone. Even a brief break can be a huge help for all involved. This is where Caregiver’s Day Out can help. If you are interested, please call the Fort Gibson Church of Christ office at 918-478-2222 for dates and times. God bless and have a nice day!

Great friendships know no age boundaries
by Barrett Vanlandingham
March 29, 2011

A large roomful of pre-schoolers and senior citizens, and teenagers teamed with widows and widowers. Dozens of unlikely friendships gathered Saturday night at the Fort Gibson Church of Christ for a special banquet.
It’s part of their Adopt-a-Widow and Special Friend program. The children decided on a menu of chicken pot pie, fruit salad, and spinach salad. Dessert was dirt cake which tasted suspiciously like crushed Oreos mixed with Cool Whip and cream cheese topped with a gummy worm. The children did all the food prep themselves, served the guests, sat and visited with their widows and senior friends, and then put on a very entertaining talent show which included a lot of audience participation.
The reason I spent so much time setting up my thought for the week is simply to paint you a picture of the beautiful friendships that can take place when generations spanning 90-years get to know one another.
The Bible has much to say about the wisdom of interaction and communication among the young and young at heart. Think about this:
1) In Titus 2:3-5 older women are encourage to live in such a way as to teach the younger women to be good wives and mothers. 2) In 2 Timothy 1:5 the apostle Paul makes mention of Timothy having been taught well in matters of faith by his mother and grandmother. 3) Noah’s sons must have respected their father a tremendous amount to go along with a 100 year ark-building project that surely made their family social outcasts. 4) The great friendship between the widowed Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi is still quoted in weddings today: “Wherever you go I will go.” 5) Samuel’s parents saw great value in allowing Eli the priest to have a hand in training their child for service to God. 6) Joshua spent 40 years being mentored by Moses, and finally, 7) the prophet Elijah spent time with his successor Elisha.
It is no accident that the Bible speaks so often of the wisdom of the older generation. The young have much to learn from the experiences of those who have already lived through many of the trials now being faced by those who are younger.
On the other hand, in Matthew 19:14 Jesus certainly saw the value in letting the children come to him. He even went as far as to say that we all need to be more like children.
Yes, conversations between the young and young at heart are often entertaining to say the least. Sometimes, awkward is the best adjective, while other times, priceless or heart-warming are better descriptions. But the outcome for those on either end who put forth the effort is always a blessing.
Next week, I will tell you about a new program for the Fort Gibson community aimed at providing support for caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s.