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Cutting Giants Down To Size 7.19.10

7/19/2010

Cutting Giants Down To Size

Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war…Saul and the Israelites assembled…and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them. A champion named Goliath…came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze… on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels… Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. (From 1 Samuel 17:1-11)

David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him… Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (From 1 Samuel 17:32-37)

I have always enjoyed this story of David’s courage from the Old Testament. Among other things, it expresses the difference that “perspective” can make. King Saul and his army saw an armor laden, spear-wielding giant challenging them. David, however, saw only a mere man defying Jehovah and His army. Knowing that God would be at his side, David had no qualms about fighting the profane giant.

We all occasionally encounter “giants” of one kind or another – illness, financial setbacks, and family, school or job problems. Although these “giants” may appear overpowering, we must learn to see them from David’s perspective – WITH GOD AT OUR SIDE. Doing so will put all “giants” in perspective, enabling us to courageously confront them.

"Do not be afraid…for I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10)

Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis

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7 Ways To Stifle Any Church 7.18.10

7/18/2010

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7 Ways To Stifle Any Church

1. Gossip. Slandering brothers and sisters in Christ is guaranteed to hurt feelings, destroy morale and disrupt unity. In fact, few things choke the life out of a congre gation as quickly as gossip. I know of dozens of Christians that have left the church because they grew weary of the gossip. (James 4:11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.)

2. Complaining. Incessant grumbling, murmuring and whining about new ideas, activities and works can dishearten even the most dedicated saints. I know of several fine preachers that left the ministry because they could no longer bear the complaining. (Philippians 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing…)

3. The desire for vainglory. Some in the Lord’s church crave the attention and praise of men. Moreover they become jealous of those that receive more recognition than they do. To compensate, they resort to tearing down, belittling, and demeaning the good that others do, while seeking to exalt or promote self. (Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.)

4. Jealousy. Similar to those mentioned above, some cannot bear the thought of other Christians possessing more talent, ability, or ambition to serve the Lord than they. Instead of encouraging others in the use of their abilities, they opt to criticize, nit-pick and find fault. (Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.)

5. Know-it-alls. Some actually believe that they “know it all”. That is, they “know” the best way to organize programs, teach classes, arrange tables, lead in worship, plan fellowships or decorate bulletin boards. If others fail to heed their “suggestions” (orders) the “know it alls” quickly criticize and complain about the “substandard” results. (Galatians 5:26a Let us not become conceited…)

6. Childishness. Instead of focusing on the real work of the church (spreading the Gospel, saving souls and edifying her members), some prefer to spend their time concentrating on petty, frivolous issues. They revel in enlisting others to join them in childish conversations (and behavior). By persisting, they distract others from focusing on the Great Commission and the real priorities of the church. (I once criticized a group of elders for spending 4 hours deciding whether to replace an aging bus and less than 4 minutes discussing the souls of wayward members.) (2 Timothy 2:23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.)

7. “Read-my-mind” mentality. I am referring to members that become offended at others… WITHOUT DIVULGING THE REASON. Thus their behavior becomes aloof (or different) towards the person they are offended at, while expecting the “offender” to know precisely why. The problem is that the “offender” often has no clue as to what he/she did to cause a problem. All they know is that something is different… and hurt feelings and confusion invariably result. (Matthew 18:15 Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.)

The aforementioned 7 items have done incalculable damage to the Lord’s church and have discouraged countless Christians. If you are a “contributor”, please do the church a favor: STOP. God will bless you for it!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Cream of the Crop 7.6.10

7/6/2010

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Cream of the Crop

“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:41-42)

Prior to Sunday evening services not long ago, a concerned brother in Christ approached me and made the following remark, “Isn’t it is sad that some Christians do not feel the need to worship God Sunday on nights, as opposed to Sunday mornings. Don’t these folks realize the blessing they are missing?“

“Yes “, I replied, “It is sad that some choose to remain home on Sunday nights. However, there is another way to look at this. While I sincerely wish that every able-bodied Christian would return, we can be confident that those that do so are the CREAM OF THE CROP at Milan! These Christians are extremely committed to Jesus Christ, and I thank God for the substantial number that we possess. Moreover, when some Christians choose not to return, it may indicate that Satan is working VERY HARD to deter or discourage them. That is likely because he sees great things happening in Milan.”

These points are worth remembering. While I long for 100% attendance on Sunday nights (and Sunday mornings), I PRAISE GOD FOR THOSE THAT WORSHIP GOD AND CHRIST TWICE EACH SUNDAY. I also try to keep in mind that some long to return, but are unable to do so due to health issues or job conflicts.

At a time when many churches opt to discontinue services on Sunday nights (especially during the summer), I thank God that we are able provide Sunday evening services virtually 52 weeks a year. I am grateful for those that attend every service, as well as for those whose "hearts" are here, although their bodies (or jobs) may prevent them from physically attending.

Despite Satan’s valiant efforts, may God continue to bless the Milan church of Christ (along with His church throughout our country and world) with increased commitment and numbers!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Cutting Giants Down To Size 7.19.10

7 Ways To Stifle Any Church 7.18.10

Cream of the Crop 7.6.10

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