No One is an Island

 by Barrett Vanlandingham

8-14-2022 

The writer of Hebrews says, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy. Without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

Part of bringing peace and holiness to “everyone” involves doing good deeds (Galatians 6:10) and being a good neighbor (Luke 10:25-37).

Each month, I have the opportunity to meet with our school superintendent Scott Farmer, other ministers, and most recently our town administrator James Walters. We visit about things that affect each of our organizations, and then we bring it all to God in prayer. This gives the Fort Gibson church of Christ just one more way to be a good neighbor in our community.

The fact is, there are limits as to how far schools can go with regards to how matters of faith, religion, and morality are taught and practiced. There are also limits on how far churches can go (into schools) with regards to evangelizing and serving others in the name of the Lord. The same is true for our town government. But when each of these entities meet together and talk about the challenges we experience in our own circles of influence, we often find we are dealing with some of the same problems, as well as some that are unique to each organization. We find that we can be a big help to each other by passing along helpful information or possible resources that can help with solutions. Each representative can then use that information to address our groups more directly than can be accomplished without this church, town, and school exchange.

For instance, just one glance at the Fort Gibson Open Forum on Facebook reveals just how stirred up people can get about construction projects, new speed limits, and new traffic signs.

In schools, teachers have lost just about every right they have to maintain order in the classroom.  The challenge of dealing with morality and public health issues continues to make things difficult for public education.

Schools and town governments may not be able to go into what the Bible says about anger issues on social media, or about sexual sin, drug and alcohol abuse, or even about gossip or bullying. Churches, on the other hand, can address these things in the context of what scripture says God views as sin. Those messages can then be transported via church members, young and old alike, into every segment of our community and make a huge difference. 

One meeting resulted in our church’s involvement in the backpack program. This gives young at-risk children, mostly latch-key kids, enough easy to open food to last the weekend until the school can feed them breakfast and lunch.  Another meeting resulted in plans to use our building as a safe space to bus children to in case of a school evacuation.

There are many ways to make a lasting impact on our world, starting here at home, one person at a time. As Christians, we are called to plant seeds. With God’s help, you just never know where the wind will carry it.

Have a great week!

 

God Answers Prayers

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 28, 2022

 

God continues to bless me and Lisa’s ministry efforts here with the Fort Gibson church of Christ. The past 20 years of youth ministry has flown by as we have traveled thousands of miles with your kids, locally, across state lines, and into Mexico and Honduras, taught hundreds of classes, directed dozens of camps and retreats, and spent thousands of hours, late nights, and over nights trying to bring kids closer to Jesus.

Trust me, I could not have done any of this without the support of my Godly woman.  Lisa has worked a full-time job teaching 2^nd grade all these years, and has still managed to work right along beside me. On most youth trips, she brought student assignments to grade, and she often had to talk to parents on the phone while helping me keep an eye on kids in the church bus.  She is amazing. For a few years now, Lisa has told me over and over that she just felt that God was going to keep us right here in some capacity with this church family.  Never argue with a praying woman.

My plans were to stay in youth ministry maybe 2 or 3 more years, and do who knows what? But God evidently had other plans for us.  When God opened the door for Steve and Charlotte to resume ministry in Tahlequah, it just seemed like the time was right for me to move into a new role. Our elders were in full support of my offer to continue ministry here in some different areas that needed more attention.  My new title is Family Life and Involvement Minister.  My responsibilities include:

1. Congregational Involvement – help members discover their special gifts that can be used to

     strengthen others and build unity in God’s kingdom.  Assist multiple ministries.

2. Small Groups – produce lessons/questions, recruit/train leaders/hosts, and help form groups.

3. Media – recruit/train/schedule for at-home and live sound/video. Maintain equipment.

4. Social Media and Website – Maintain our online presence and provide relevant content.

5. Office Manager – staff oversight, equipment purchases, ministries/building-use calendar.

 

I will also continue co-worship leading/planning/training, writing articles, hospital and home visits, and other ministry duties such as funerals, weddings, and being active and present in our community.

All I can say is THANK YOU church for 20 wonderful years, and for the opportunity to continue serving here in this place.  Have a great week!

Heat Can Refine or Sear

 by Barrett Vanlandingham
7-17-2022 

These days I don’t know anyone who is looking for things to be hotter, at least in the weather department. All of us who are at Burnt Cabin Christian Camp this week can certainly use all the prayers we can get for dealing with the heat.

 On the other hand, we welcome heat for a lot of other things. Take Peter’s words for example:

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Peter uses the word fire to describe the tough times we all go through in life. He says the end result will be determined by whether we choose to cling more closely to Christ when we go through the temptations and valleys of life. Peter compares our faith to gold that is refined by heat. Keeping our faith during the tough times will ultimately result in a celebration of honor and awe when Jesus returns.

Paul told Timothy how the heat reacts when we make poor choices. It not only doesn’t strengthen us, but it can make things a lot worse for us!

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” (1 Tim. 4:1-2)

            Paul was very concerned not only with false teaching, but also with Christians who would get caught up in them, resulting in backsliding in the faith, or partnering with or approval of those who are knowingly engaging in sin (Romans 1:32 and Ephesians 5:7, 11). 

The fact is we all have influence on somebody.  And as followers of Jesus Christ we have a responsibility to lead people in the right direction as they go through the heat refining process. Let us never be guilty of acting as a hot iron that sears the consciences impressionable souls.  And may we always use God’s word as our only authority (Galatians 1:8 and 2 Timothy 3:16) as we journey through life and teach others by the things we say and do. Have a great week!

Government Rulings Do Not Override God’s Law

June 24, 2022 

by Barrett Vanlandingham 

Living in a free country means there are a lot of laws, customs, and traditions that affect all of us. Judges and elected leaders are constantly making changes. And no matter what a person believes, Christians and everyone else live under the same set of laws (Romans 13:1-7).

Still, it is important for Christians to remember that God’s law comes first, and that just because something is legal by the laws of the land does not mean we have to take part in it. We must approach every decision we make with a humble and prayerful attitude.

This past Friday, June 24, 2022 the U.S. Supreme Court sent the issue of abortion back to the states to decide what to do with it. So, it is no longer a federal constitutional right for a woman to terminate the life of her unborn child. Now, each state’s elected leaders will have the power to decide whether to allow this practice and under what circumstances. Please be in prayer for the decisions of our current and future state lawmakers.

As Christians, this is just one of thousands of emotionally charged laws and rights we live with. In 2014 a federal judge in Tulsa and then a three-judge panel in Denver legalized homosexual marriage in Oklahoma.  In 1933, a nationwide prohibition of alcohol was lifted when the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment of 1919.

 As long as there are humans, there will be differing opinions and debates on whether things like abortion, gambling, lotteries, prostitution, alcohol, marijuana, and so on should be legalized, and to what extent. It’s all more than a little overwhelming to think about, especially when you figure in arguments among Christians who are trying to decide what is considered sin.

The Bible speaks plainly on the topics of murder, excess, greed, sexual sins, taking care of our bodies, sins of the mouth, and even matters of conscience.

            But how should Christians react to government decisions that plow right through Biblical truths?  Peter and John faced this close up when the Sanhedrin court tried to intimidate them from teaching about Jesus.

“But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?  You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-20).

            In Romans 12:18, Paul says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”   And then a chapter later he adds, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)

            Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  (Matthew 22:21)

            The fact is, God has allowed governments to have laws and enforce them. Still, Christians are held to a higher standard. As Paul says, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful.” (1 Corinthians 10:23). So, according to the Bible, Christians should follow the laws of the land, AND follow the will of God, avoiding every kind of sin (1 Thessalonians. 5:22).

One day, we will all be judged according to what we have done (Matthew 16:27).   Have a great week!

A Summer of Unity Building

by Barrett Vanlandingham (June 19, 2022)

             “All the believers were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32).  Luke’s account of the early church sets the bar pretty high for unity among Christians. But then again, this kind of unity is exactly what you might expect of people who spent a lot of time together.

            In my conversations with other ministers lately, there is one common thread. Church families including youth groups and campus ministries continue to suffer the consequences of having spent so much time apart in the past couple of years. Even though the potential for growth numerically and spiritually is great, especially since we are pretty much starting near the bottom, we have a long way to go. Our Sunday morning church attendance appears to have rebounded a little. But this has not trickled down to all the areas affected by our extended separation.

            Before Covid, our average number of 6^th thru 12^th graders attending regularly scheduled youth devotionals was about 25 kids. This year, that number has been about 5 to 10 kids. That’s about 12 percent to 25 percent participation. Those numbers only rise slightly for bigger ticket events/activities such as a movie or rafting.

            This summer, our youth ministry team is working harder than ever to foster a spirit of unity among the kids whose families worship here. The more progress we make this summer, the better off we will be in the fall when school activities pull and scatter everyone in every direction except towards church-related events.

            The apostle Paul says reaching unity in the faith helps prevent us from being tossed back and forth by every wind of teaching (Ephesians 4:11-16). The writer of Hebrews echoes this same thought in regards to spending quality time together with believers (Hebrews 10:23-27). This is something we hope to achieve with God’s help this summer that will carry into the new school year. Have a great week!

The Sparkles and Shines of the Dark Side

June 5, 2022
by Barrett Vanlandingham 

            Even as a kid, I was fascinated by rock crystals. But it never crossed my mind to worship one, pray to one, or use it to cast a supernatural hex or occult-like spell on someone else so they would like me, and I never even thought about trying to use the rock’s energy to change me in some way. But for some people, that is exactly where they put their hope! Yes, in a rock, and I do not mean in Jesus the Rock of our salvation.

Trends and fads come and go, but as of late, it seems these so-called energy-channeling crystals, stones, and rituals associated with them are more popular than ever. You have probably seen these stones for sale in gift shops. Nothing wrong with sparkly stones unless you are using them in a way God has not instructed, such as trying to use “magical energy” or “vibes” from these created things to manipulate the spirit world, or consult them to bring about a better quality of life. That is called witchcraft and idol worship.

As Christians, we are supposed to pray to God, not the universe or any other created thing. God is the Creator of mankind and everything else, including stones! Why would anyone want to put their hope in a crystal or gem instead of God who continues to prove His love for us, and has fulfilled prophecies, provided miracles, a credible written account, and evidence everywhere of His existence?

For people who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, it is hard for them to imagine that striving for a spiritual connection to something as beautiful as nature could result in eternal tragedy. But if your appreciation of created things such as crystals, stones, sun, moon, stars, mountains, animals, and whatever else crosses the line into ritualistic supernatural practices that replace your faith and reliance on God, the Bible says you will not be allowed into heaven on Judgment Day.

Revelation 22:12-15 says, 12 “Look, I am coming soon! … 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

Among other articles I found on the internet: “Healing Crystals: A Guide to the 45 Essential Gemstones” and “11 Easy One-Minute Crystal Rituals That Will Help You Attract All The Good Vibes.”

            In articles about “healing” crystals, references to witches, goddesses, magic, Mother Earth, mysticism, and spirituality are common. These terms are used when talking about a supernatural connection between various crystals and someone’s desire for clarity, romance, health, motivation, or creativity.  One site says you can even meditate or pray to your spirit guides (gods) to connect to your crystals and your intention for them. There are also directions on cleansing and re-charging the power of your stones to prevent them from becoming ineffective in your life.

            In Deuteronomy 18:10–12, God declares the practice of the occult detestable, and in Galatians 5:19-21, witchcraft is named along with idolatry as ungodly behavior. As children of God, it is nice to know we can be confident in our God who never needs to be re-charged, and who is always ready to help us in our spiritual battles. Have a great week!

The End of High School Is Just the Beginning for Graduates

by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 8, 2022

            Our six graduating seniors may not fully understand it yet, but truly the best is yet to come in their lives.  That is something we as big brothers and sisters in Christ can help them with as we show them by our example what life can be like when we make good choices.

As church family and friends, we honored Tucker Christian, Mason Hopfer, Annie Seabolt, Cody Walkingstick, Ben Watts, and Toby West last Sunday night. It is always a fun evening, and at the same time a little sad because those of us who are older know that from this point forward, life has a way of kicking us in the gut when we least expect it.

Even though the challenges of life are unavoidable, there is a silver lining available to all.  Jesus and James say it this way, and keep in mind they are speaking to people who are already following Christ:

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus’ implication here is that if we follow Him, we can also overcome the world.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3).  The message here is that life’s struggles can make us stronger, as well as our friends, family, and others we may be able to influence for the cause of Christ.

True, none can escape the trials of life in this broken world. But it is also true that we all receive blessing after blessing. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says this about God the Father:

“He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

The apostle Paul doled out a lot of suffering to Christians before he believed in Jesus as the son of God, and our only hope. In his new life after his conversion, he experienced a lot of suffering because he chose to live for Christ.  But in his letter to the church in Rome, he basically says he would pick Jesus all over again.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). Paul is saying he’d much rather go through the valleys of life with Christ than without, especially knowing that heaven is waiting on the other side.

It is hard to watch our young Christian brothers and sisters learn tough life lessons. But I guess if perfection were possible, there would be no adversity or life experiences to bring about wisdom. In fact, repentance would not even be a part of the plan of salvation.

Let’s keep our young people in our prayers for a life of trusting in God, good choices, and blessings that come from being in Christ.  Proverbs 3:5-6.  Have a great week!

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!

Spring brings hope and other good things

by Barrett Vanlandingham

March 20, 2022 

            Today may be the first day of the spring season according to the calendar. But as I write this article in early March, it is hard to imagine anything but cold weather. Only a week ago, we traveled to the Christeens Youth Rally with ice piled on either side of I-40 all the way to Russellville. And tonight (March 7), our high school baseball team is playing its first home game despite ice-box temperatures. And even though remnants of the recent ice storm have barely finished melting away, there is now more snow in the forecast heading into spring break.

            Hopefully, by the time you read this, the words “cold weather” will have faded away, and Lisa and I will be experiencing some beautiful traveling weather as we head back from visiting our son, Britton, in Franklin, Tennessee over spring break.  I guess we will see (This is Oklahoma, after all).

            Spring weather in Oklahoma can take on many different forms: cold, hot, stormy, icy, snowy, and that’s all in the same week! 😊 One thing that does not change about spring is what it represents. An awakening, new life, hope. It is hard to not feel good when you start seeing green sprouting from the ground and from the trees, and when flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with aromas long awaited.

Even spring-related Bible verses begin to blossom in my mind. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

            This passage paints the picture of new Christians, those who have been buried in baptism, and have chosen to live for Christ who died for all people, paying the ultimate price for our sins. In doing so, Christ’s disciples who live “…should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Cor 5:15).

            In just a few weeks, we will observe the most celebrated day of spring in all kinds of ways. Many will color Easter eggs, hunt candy-filled plastic eggs, eat basketfuls of candy, and spend time with family and friends.

Others will remember the fulfillment of age-old Biblical prophecies that told of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ a thousand years before it happened. Easter celebrations of this kind are not only in remembrance of stories we read in the Gospels, but also writings outside of the Bible from ancient historians, philosophers, ministers, and even skeptics who lived from about 70 a.d. to 300 a.d. and wrote about Jesus and the events surrounding Christ’s death when it was still considered recent news.

Many of us enjoy both kinds of celebrations! After all, candy any time of year is hard to resist, but then, so is the story of Jesus and the hope we have because HE STILL LIVES.

Have a great week! 

Trust God, He Wrote the Book

by Barrett Vanlandingham
March 6, 2022 

            Who knew a weekend study of Habakkuk could be so amazing?!  But for nine of our youth and four chaperons who went to the CHRISTeens youth rally in Russellville, Arkansas last weekend, our study of this 2600-year old book was exactly that. So, thanks for continuing to let me minister to your kids and give them experiences and opportunities to draw closer to God.

            We do not know much about Habakkuk’s background. But from his three-chapter book in the minor prophet section of the Old Testament, we learn a very important lesson about our relationship with God: Trust God even when He seems unresponsive or unfair.

            Habakkuk complains, and the Lord answers. Habakkuk complains again, and the Lord answers. Then finally, Habakkuk prays, pleading with God to use some of the same kind of power He exhibited in the past, but do it now.

            This sounds a lot like how I feel sometimes. I know God is the answer, but I really want Him to answer in my time frame, with the answer I want.  But as our study at CHRISTeens pointed out, most of us make judgments when we look at just one second of a two hour movie that God wrote, and we get frustrated when it doesn’t seem like He is responding the way we want, or maybe just not listening at all.

            In the case of Habakkuk, he complains that God is allowing so much violence and injustice to take place among His people. Habakkuk is shocked to find out that God’s plan for turning the Jews back to Him involves using an aggressive warlike and highly educated people from southern Babylon known as the Chaldeans to punish the disobedient Jews. Habakkuk ultimately submits to God’s authority.

            Having raised three kids with three distinct personalities has helped Lisa and me understand why God deals with one person this way, and another person a different way, or even entire countries. There are some kinds of personalities that are receptive to immediate consequences, and some are more stubborn and have to get dragged through the mud of life a little more before they come to their senses.  We had two kids who only needed me to give them “the eye” in order to know they better stop what they were doing. And then there was the other child who had to experience both consequences from us and natural consequences. As a parent, it is hard to let your kid experience natural consequences. But sometimes, it’s the only thing that works. That’s really the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

            We all go through days and evens seasons of life that can seem almost unbearable. But God is faithful, and He is working. We may not understand His timing and methods with us or anyone else. But God knows what He is doing. It’s up to us to trust and obey.

            Have a great week!

The Bible overflows with love

by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 13, 2022

 

            I think it is fair to say that over half of all songs ever written have something to do with love, although finding an exact number or a percentage has proven difficult. Simply put, songwriters for generations have found that people are interested in at least some aspect of love, and therefore write about it.

We all want to love and be loved. I guess you could say it is in our DNA. After all, a loving God created man and woman in His image, and love is the very first of God’s qualities the Bible lists in describing His Spirit.

            In the Bible, you can find the word love about 700 times, depending on which version you use. To love God and others is the greatest command (Mark 12:28-31). So it was a surprise to me that love is not even in the top 20 most used words in the Bible, that is, until I read that the word man (2750 times) was number three, right under Lord (8000 times) and God (4300 times). This makes sense, considering His word tells us that “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). The same is true for our Creator! So many times, just like a parent, God is at work doing things that prove His love for us even when He doesn’t specifically say the word love when He is blessing us. He may not use the word love but He is not vague about His feelings for mankind and who is in His heart. Adding the words people, children, men, and Israel easily quadruples the number of times the word man is used.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is talking to His disciples, and makes clear the close relationship He wants with each of us: “I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:20-21).

            In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus reassures His disciples with these words of love, without actually using that word. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

            In today’s times of worldly instability, what a beautiful thing, to love and be loved by the Creator himself! He not only demonstrated His love for us on the cross (Romans 5:8), He also wants us to take comfort in knowing that those who are in Christ Jesus cannot be separated from God’s love (Romans 8:37-39).  What a blessed assurance! Have a great week!

Educating our kids in God’s word is vital

January 16, 2022
by Barrett Vanlandingham

 Something about this recent news story really hit me:  “A new state law allowing public school students to transfer to any school district at any point in the year, as long as there is an opening, is now in effect. Some districts have lots of availability while others are limited” (1-3-22, Cal Day, The News on 6).

            It occurred to me how strange it would be if a similar news story broke, but instead, about churches!

            Just imagine this: “As of 2022, Churches with Bible classes are now accepting students from anywhere, as long as there is an opening. Availability may be limited. Make your reservation asap!”

That would be a nice problem to have for Fort Gibson’s church of Christ, wouldn’t it? Can you imagine people feverishly flocking to make it to the church building to enroll their children in our Bible classes, even re-arranging their schedules to make sure they were first in line? Unfortunately, this scenario would be hard to find at any church in any town today. It seems the only people spending much time studying are mostly those who can already quote much of the Bible from memory.

The Bible’s teachings on morality and New Testament Christianity have taken a back seat or no seat at all in comparison to the other things we think are most important for our children. And so, time passes, and each generation’s connection to Jesus has become weaker and weaker. As Dr. Phil sometimes says, “How’s that working for ya?” Have we as a culture simply given up? The consequences to our culture have become painfully obvious. The apostle Paul’s words come to mind:

“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. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:7-9).

There is obviously nothing wrong with Christians of any age participating or even excelling in fun or extracurricular wholesome activities. How else are we supposed have opportunities to mix and mingle with lost souls and ultimately bring them to Christ? Still, the Bible has clear teachings about living in the world but choosing God’s ways.

Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Paul says “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

May we all strive to strike a healthy balance for us and our children that honors God in all things.  Have a great week!  Barrett

Kingdom Opportunities Abound in 2022

by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 2, 2022 

            In May of this year, I will end my 20^th year and begin year number 21 in youth ministry here at Fort Gibson church of Christ. My, how time flies when you’re having fun! Seriously!

            When we first moved here, Lisa and I hoped we could be a blessing to the kingdom here. But as is often the case in ministry, we have found the church family here to be a blessing to us, far beyond our hopes and dreams. So, thank you! We look forward to the future as the Lord continues to open doors here in our congregation and in our community to make a difference in those areas where He leads us.

            I am very encouraged when I look around and see all the good things going on in our congregation. I am also very encouraged that we continue to have an eldership that encourages all members to get involved, either in existing ministry opportunities or ones that you have discovered on your own that fit well with your unique or individual talents, blessings, and spiritual gifts.

If you’re like me, you have probably wondered from time to time why somebody isn’t doing this or that job. In my experience, the answer to that is simply that no one has stepped up to do it. So, if that un-attended task stays on your mind and you just can’t stop thinking about it, maybe it is something that you might find important enough to take-on yourself.

We have a lot of resources available to our local church family that can be a big help in turning your ministry goals into reality. Each ministry is overseen by a deacon who has a budget and knowledge of how to help you get involved. For instance, Glen Elliott is the deacon over missions. But there are many opportunities under that heading that do not require traveling to foreign countries. Charlie Dortch is our benevolence deacon who meets face to face with people who find themselves in need in various ways. But there are many additional ways that volunteers can serve just a little or a lot. The same can be said for the other ministries: property, prison, education, body-life, outreach, worship, and youth.

May God bless you in the New Year as you trust God to guide you into those areas of service that will make a difference in His kingdom in 2022. Have a great week!

A Time to Give Thanks

November 21, 2021
by Barrett Vanlandingham 

            The 2021 fall youth retreat is finishing up this morning (Sunday). Our theme for the weekend was “Thanks Be to God!” I thought that would be an appropriate topic that might plant some much needed optimism in our society today.

All of our preachers and Bible class teachers eagerly took on the opportunity to dig into this rich feast of God’s word beginning with 1 Corinthians 15:57, assigned to Justin Tillison for Friday night worship.

In this verse, the apostle Paul had just reminded the church in Corinth of some very important things about Jesus: One, that Christ died, was buried, raised on the third day, and appeared to hundreds of people before he ascended back to his Father in heaven.  Paul stated that some people were mistaken in thinking there was no such thing as a resurrection from the dead since without it, not even Jesus could have conquered the grave, which would have meant very bad things for us including no hope beyond this life.

In this chapter 15, Paul quotes Old Testament prophecy: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” followed by this exclamation point: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

There is perhaps no one who felt more grateful of this victory than Paul, since Jesus appeared to him in a bright light and struck Paul blind in order to help him see the error of his ways in persecuting Christians. This victory in Christ gives us many reasons to be thankful.

On Saturday morning, the youth minister at Sand Springs, Zach Foote, was assigned to teach about being thankful for the church. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Next, our Thomas Holton’s topic was on being “thankful in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Saturday afternoon classes included being thankful “for His indescribable gift” of grace (2 Corinthians 9:15), by Chandler Road’s youth minister, Michael Carney.

The NSU Riverhawks for Christ campus minister Tyrel Hatfield was assigned to teach about being thankful to God for leading us to “spread the aroma” of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Tyrel will also be speaking here in Fort Gibson for our Sunday evening worship.

Saturday night’s keynote was Chandler Road’s pulpit minister, Don Cherry, who had the assignment of what it means to have “A Thankful and Overflowing Heart” (Psalm 9:1 and Colossians 2:6-7).

Sunday morning, I asked the pulpit minister from Stuart, Chris Rampey, to challenge us with a message of “Letting Our Thankfulness Make a Difference!”

About 100 or so from area churches signed up for our weekend of fellowship and thankfulness. God is good. Have a great week!

What it means to be in God’s family

by Barrett Vanlandingham (written 10-6-2021)

             We all know there are advantages to being part of God’s family. For starters, salvation, fellowship, and support along life’s journey.

Each of us in our church family has experienced the goodness and blessings that come as Christian friendships grow, and often become closer than blood relatives. Even those who haven’t yet developed those close relationships often receive the blessings of being associated with our congregation. But just like a marriage or a family unit, the church family thrives most when we are a blessing to others, not just when we receive blessings.

  Each of us has an important role to play in the overall success of our church family and what makes it appealing to each of us. You see, if I do not fully participate, or if I forget to follow through with my responsibility to the church family, then I become a “taker” or a “consumer” instead of being a “blessing” or a “giver” to others in the group. At various times, we all find ourselves on either end of that as we experience life’s peaks and valleys.

Here is a motivational tale that has been circulating through social media for the last couple of years:

 A wise teacher once brought balloons to school for students to inflate, write their names on them, and then toss them into the hall. The teacher moved through the hall mixing them all up. The kids were given five minutes to find the balloon with their name on it. They searched frantically, but no one found their own balloon.

Then the teacher told them to take the balloon closest to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. In less than two minutes, everyone was holding their own balloon.

The teacher said to the students, “These balloons are like happiness. We won’t find it when we’re only searching for our own. But if we care about someone else’s happiness … it will ultimately help us find our own.”

The writer of Hebrews makes the connection between Christian fellowship and the encouragement we give and receive that helps each of us stay on the path to heaven (Hebrews 10:24-27).

The apostle Paul knew what he was talking about when he wrote these words:  “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Have a great week!

You Can Change

by Barrett Vanlandingham
September 19, 2021 

            “Choose your rut carefully, you’ll be in it for the next 20 miles.” It is an old and wise saying you may have heard, but likely haven’t seen printed on an actual road sign, even though it probably should be.

On the surface, it is a cautionary message to drivers on rarely maintained dirt roads. But the intended message is much deeper, and one that we can all learn from. It is a metaphor for life. We all make choices for our lifestyles that can turn into lifelong ruts that define us. These are routines we get into that become habit. The days can turn into years of doing the same thing. This is good if you’re moving in a positive direction. But if not, you are definitely not living your best life in Christ.

The apostle Paul said becoming a living sacrifice to God will lead to better days ahead.

“² Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect” (Romans 12:2).

It all starts with what you spend your time thinking about. That’s why Paul said, “If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things” (Philippians 4:8-9).

We can all make changes for the better if we allow God to work in us. Maybe that is what Paul was talking about when he told Christians in Thessalonica “Do not quench the Spirit.” The fruit of the Spirit are those wonderful qualities of God such as love and joy and peace and self-control that we are supposed to keep in step with (Galatians 5:25).

Paul knew that people could change. Some of the Corinthians he addressed were still choosing to live in sin while calling themselves Christians. Others changed when they became Christians. Paul listed sexual sin, idol worship, greed, drunkenness, and sins of the mouth as among those offenses that will prevent people from going to heaven.  “And that is what some of you were” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

So, once again, Paul affirms that our bad choices of the past do not dictate that we continue down that road.

The other day I saw a meme that Lisa Walkingstick re-posted on Facebook that really made me think. It said, “Life humbles you as you age. You realize how much time you’ve wasted on nonsense.”

God bless us all as we choose a life that makes sense spiritually according to His will. In the end, that’s really all that counts.  Have a great week!

A Summer of Reflection and Blessing

by Barrett Vanlandingham
August 8, 2021 

            It is a true gift to be able to continue serving here in this place as your youth minister. Even though I have always tried to listen to God’s voice in regards to the present and the future, so far the only nudge from God seems to be to keep working with this church. Lisa and I are in year number TWENTY as of May 1, and we just want you to know how much we love this family of believers.

            It is easy to love and develop deep bonds with the kind of people we have here in our congregation.  Yes, Tahlequah will always have a warm place in my heart as my hometown, but somehow along the way Fort Gibson has broken the 8^th commandment and has stolen both mine and Lisa’s hearts…see what I did there?  😊   It’s where we raised our family, and where we feel at home.

Geographically, Fort Gibson has also worked out great for us because my parents live in Tahlequah, and Lisa’s parents live in Tulsa. Both sets of parents are in their 80’s and doing well.  Our children live in Tulsa, OKC, and Nashville. So, Fort Gibson still seems like the most practical place on the map to live. Plus, Lisa really likes her job of teaching 2^nd grade at the Fort Gibson Early Learning Center. She has taught there for 16 years.

Before we moved here in 2002, my very first Bible professor at Oklahoma Christian, Dr. Howard Norton, told me he thought Fort Gibson would be “a fun little place to work.” Little did I know I would still be loving this church and community more than ever 20 years later!  Thanks to some great youth parent volunteers, youth deacons, a very active missions deacon, and some great elders over the years, Lisa and I have been able to give our youth group kids (and our own kids) a lot of memorable, life-changing experiences in many different towns and states, inside and outside of the U.S.  All of these pieces working together have resulted in a great start to the faith journey of thousands of kids over the years. 

God blessed our youth ministry this summer with much success, especially after such a devastating year-long slow down due to covid.  With help from many volunteers, a lot of awesome teens, and my two interns, Hannah Hackworth and Thomas Holton, we completed an ambitious summer schedule. We had devotionals nearly every Sunday night at members’ houses or at the lake, a rafting trip on the Illinois River, a trip to Frontier City in OKC, and a fantastic week at Burnt Cabin Christian Camp with friends from several area towns.  We witnessed 14 baptisms at camp, and two more within a few days afterwards, and untold changed lives.  Pictured below is a friendly elk that made an appearance at one of our devo’s at Greenleaf State Park at the Wilson’s campsite. Chris spoke that evening. I led songs. And yes, my first song was… “As the Deer.”

A beautiful heart makes beautiful feet!

by Barrett Vanlandingham
August 29, 2021 

As we are all aware, people can say anything and not really mean it. But if we believe something in our heart of hearts, it makes a difference in how God views us and how we commit ourselves to whatever mission we are trying to accomplish. It’s a lot like when someone has only heard about God, as opposed to knowing God to the point it changes your life, your heart, and results in God knowing you and recognizing you as one of His own. Now that is a truly beautiful thing!

As Paul told Christians in Rome: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:15)

This passage gets used a lot to describe those who bring the gospel message of salvation to our friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and even to strangers. But for context, let’s look at what Paul said just a few verses earlier in regards to Jews who thought their salvation was based on their good deeds, instead of God’s grace and a faith in Christ that leads to obedience and good works.

“Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1).

That’s a nice thing to say. But Paul modeled what it meant to believe in Jesus Christ so much that his faith resulted in a life committed to Him, doing good to all, and teaching lost souls what it meant to live as a disciple of Christ even in the midst of persecution. He stated that he had poured himself out on an altar, after having given everything for the sake of Christ.

Paul didn’t just hope the Jews would come to Christ, but he took those concerns that were weighing so heavily on his heart to God in prayer. God opened doors of opportunity for Paul to step through, and he did. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul healed the lame, raised the dead, and cast out demons. His faith in God’s power was so contagious that people even took Paul’s handkerchiefs and other pieces of clothing away from him so they could heal others.

It was Paul’s beautiful heart that resulted in his beautiful feet. It is important for us to do the same, to make sure our hopes and dreams match up with God’s word, and to let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us.

Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Choose freedom in Christ

by Barrett Vanlandingham
July 4, 2021 

            After 14 years, this is the last week I will be writing my column. Youth ministry has become more demanding and I will be using more of my time in that area. Our Family Life Minister, Steve Parker, will be taking my place as a columnist. He is a very experienced minister and counselor, whose column I hope you will find in the days ahead. Steve is a very creative writer who I know you will enjoy reading.

For my final article, I will be focusing on the word “freedom.” It is unlike any other because of the way it makes us feel when we hear or say it.

Today, July 4, the word “freedom” takes our minds to 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. It made clear that the 13 colonies were no longer under the control of Great Britain.

For Christians, the word “freedom” is also important and life-changing because we are free from sin. It no longer has mastery over us. This freedom came at a high price. Jesus Christ was the perfect sacrifice, and it was by the shedding of His blood that we can be free from sin. Sadly, some people choose to live their lives in such a way that results in the forfeiture of their earthly freedoms and rights. The same is true spiritually.  In John 1, Jesus is described as the Word and a light that came into a world that did not recognize or accept Him as the Savior.

“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:11-12).

As Americans, we have been given a lot of hard fought rights and freedoms thanks to our nation’s military. But it is possible for a U.S. citizen to reject those rights and wind up losing their freedom. This also applies to Christians. John said that by believing and receiving Jesus, Christ himself gives us the right to become God’s children. But as with any freedom or right, the receiver must do something to receive it, at the very least, show up. For instance, if the bank called and said they decided to give you a million dollars, you now have the right to become a millionaire. You did not earn it. It was a free gift. But you still have to go and get it. You had to do something. Spiritually, we have two choices: to be a child of God, or a child of the devil. Look at what John said:

“7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning… 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:7-10).

Paul told Christians in Rome that in Christ, they are no longer slaves to sin that leads to death, but to righteousness which leads to eternal life (Romans 6). Jesus reassured those who had chosen to follow him that their commitment to his teachings will bring true freedom in this life and the life to come. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Thank you, and as always, have a great week!