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Jesus Prayer for Oneness
[Tom's Thots]
02/19/2012 10:32 am
By Blogs, WCofC
In following Christ, every person learns that our Lord expects our faith in God and understanding of His way to kick in when we need to make decisions. For example, we all experience conflict at one time or another. When that particular conflict arises, we should think about what God has recorded for us, His design for relationships, before focusing on the differences that cause the conflict.
In John 17:20-23, Jesus lived an example by praying to God: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one.; Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one, I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
After reading that prayer over a few times, you may notice that Jesus has a great desire for His children to experience meaningful relationships despite their differences. It seems that Jesus is setting the example for us within the trinity. The Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all one, and Jesus wishes that we would be one, as They are.
Remember that Jesus knows exactly what you are going through when conflict with someone arises. Jesus hung with Thomas, who was skeptical. Then there was Peter, who was impulsive. Also, James and John, who fought for fame at Jesus’ side. Bartholomew, who rarely spoke up, Matthew, the tax collector, and the rest of a far less than perfect crowd. God wants us to join Him in this oneness - it’s a wonderful privilege.
Usually, there are two basic approaches to conflict. Some choose to be people who are kind and slow to anger, and others who are naturally confrontational. Just looking at Jesus, we see that at one point in Matthew 16, Peter confesses Jesus as Messiah and Jesus blesses him [kindness]. Right afterward, He tells Peter to “Get behind me, Satan!” [confrontation].
There needs to be enough heart and tenderness, yet a willingness to look at someone and say, “We need to talk.” This is healthy conflict. A healthy balance of the two people can help both grow together in oneness.
Think about it,
Tom Sturgeon
When Fear Takes Control
[Tom's Thots]
02/12/2012 10:31 am
By Blogs, WCofC
"O my people who live in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrians” (Isa. 10:24b NIV).
What an encouraging statement to the people of God about being afraid. Have you ever asked yourself why we are so often controlled by fear?
We humans have devised a cure or preventive measure for a lot of things, but we don’t have a cure for fear. One writer compared fear to darkness. He said darkness is driven out only by light, so fear can be canceled only by faith.
Even though a lot of years separate the people of God in Isaiah and the people of God today, their problem is ours. We fear the mighty forces around us, and our usual reaction is to look for some human means of help.
All along, the God of heaven is able to protect us and sustain us with a simple statement from His written Word - ”Do not be afraid.” If we will trust in Him, really trust Him. If we will lean on Him, then our fear filled hearts will find assurance and rest.
In your prayers today, ask God to replace fear with a reassuring faith in Him.
Think about it,
Tom Sturgeon
Sin: A Choice with Consequences
[Tom's Thots]
02/05/2012 10:39 am
By Blogs, WCofC
Recently, I have enjoyed the record of God in Genesis. One of the things that stands out to me is God's instruction to Adam—not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil under penalty of death. This represents a clear warning that disobedience or sin has ramifications [Gen. 2:16-17].
Throughout the Bible, God spoke through prophets and chosen leaders to warn the people of sin's power to kill. Through the retelling of historical events and prophecies fulfilled, it became known that sin leads to death.
In the parenting class I've taught, we have looked at how best to teach children about the consequences of their actions. Parents have shared that asking questions like, “What did you learn from that?” works very well. As children get older, there must come a very clear time to share truth point-blank: "Your sin choice will result in your spiritual death."
Warnings from God are not intended to be hurtful. Rom. 5:21 tells usthat God’s purpose in warning about sin is so that “grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God does not want anyone to die in their sin. He does not want anyone to live a life of broken fellowship with Him.
I am so grateful that, in Christ, sin can be forgiven [2 Cor. 5:18-20]. I need all the encouragement I can get from God, His Word, and from you.
Think about it,
Tom Sturgeon
Trust and Obey
[Tom's Thots]
01/29/2012 10:28 am
By Blogs, WCofC
Does it ever seem to you too, that obedience to God is not always the first thing you think of in decision making? There are times when our busy lifestyles and full schedules do not allow for obedience to God like we know we should be.
In Proverbs, there are a few statements about this:
“There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov. 14:12)
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the heart.” (Prov. 21:2)
Obedience comes from desiring what God wants for me instead of always what I want. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
There are examples in the Bible of some who had a convenient obedience: Nadab and Abihu, Adam and Eve, and Cain, to name a few. And we know how bad their choices were. The Bible is also clear about obeying those who have taken on the work and ministry of an elder. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Heb. 13:17)
Obedience is a very important Christian issue. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” (Heb. 5:9) It is a very serious matter. “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.” (1 Thes. 3:14)
I want to be an obedient Christian, making decisions first by asking if I am obeying what God has instructed me is right. As the song writer said, “Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.”
Think about it,
Tom Sturgeon
Think Clearly, Act Correctly
[Tom's Thots]
01/23/2012 9:47 pm
By Blogs, WCofC
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [Phil. 4:8]To live the Christian life, we must think clearly and act correctly. Anyone who thinks without acting is like a hunter who aims his gun but never fires it. Anyone who acts without thinking is like a hunter who fires his gun without aiming it. Both thinking and acting are addressed in the Bible in one passage.
In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul begins with the word “finally.” This could mean that these are the final observations concerning his line of teaching beginning in v.4. To think like a Christian we must be focused on the correct traits—truth, honor, justice, purity, love, and good report—so that our thoughts do not go elsewhere. Naturally, our minds must dwell on something. Paul says to fix our thoughts on good things, things that build us up not tear us down.
The implication is that we can control our thoughts. Emerson knew that when he said, “A man is what he thinks about all day long.” We all have thoughts we should not have. The question is not will we have them, but will we dwell on them? The more we control our thoughts the easier it will be to do so.
The passage doesn’t stop there. The reason Paul teaches the importance of concentrating our thoughts on good, edifying things, is our thoughts will shape our actions.
It is not enough to think like a Christian and not act like one. I’ve known some who wanted to excel in sports but they hated to practice, so they never excelled. Some Christians chose to be just like that, unwilling to develop their skills of Christian living through practicing it in daily choices.
Paul is saying that if you will think as you should and act as you should, you will have the peace you want. To be Christians and have access to the peace of God, we must think clearly and act appropriately. Wow! The Bible really gives us something to think about.
Think about it,
Tom Sturgeon
The Importance of Christian Friendships
[Tom's Thots]
01/22/2012 10:21 am
By Blogs, WCofC
Being alone is often discouraging. Friends make a difference by working together, encouraging each other and sharing good times and times of struggling. Everyone wants the best for the little kids, especially parents and grandparents. It is very important that they have good friendships with good kids. Often it is asked how can we encourage them to select the right friends and role models?“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! … Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” [Eccl. 4:9,10,12]
Intentional invitations can set the state for nurturing those relationships. Use your home to invite families to share time with your family. The intergenerational relationships are helpful to both families. Be very selective of other adults who can mentor your children and even model Christian living for them to see.
Bible classes provide settings not only for learning, but also to meet friends of the same age. One Bible teacher shared how several of her students in the fifth grade continue years later to stop by her room and tell how things are going in college and some in military. Many still have as friends those classmates in the fifth grade Bible class.
Meaningful relationships require an investment on the part of both individuals. If you add the common relationship with Christ each has, the time is really worth it.
With You, Even in the Storm
[Tom's Thots]
01/20/2012 8:43 pm
By Blogs, WCofC
“But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion…”Imagine with me for a moment the picture these words share with us. Jesus is in a boat, with a pillow, and in a storm. Yes, even Jesus experienced the storms of life. He also was surrounded by real people. There were sick people, grime and crime, anger and hurt, evil and enemies, people with imagination and some with none, the whole lot of human beings. Here we read of Jesus asleep during a storm on a cushion. How does a person do that?
[Mk. 4:35-41]
In your picture did someone hand Jesus a cushion to enjoy, or was everyone so wrapped up in themselves that he had to get one himself? Little helpful actions often go unnoticed. For example, who planned and prepared a lesson for the children to learn from today? Who ordered the supplies for the kitchen this week? Who locked up the meeting house the last time we met together? Who counted the Bible class attendance?
We know most don’t need to be recognized for doing little things. All the tasks, big and small, seen and unseen, are done for God and seen by God. Motives are important.
Back to my illustration. Jesus is asleep on a cushion—a picture of comfort. He has no home to call his own, and is often weary and hungry, deserving of any comfort he could receive. He rested through the storm because his comfort was in God. Just like the psalmist sang, “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”
Life can be very stormy at times. There are conflicts and disagreements, rejections and disappointments in job and health, personal insecurities, and loss of face, fortune, or even faith. In the storms we discover the people who care, who place a pillow under our heads. We also discover where our faith is, what cushion we put our heads on.
The account is not about cushions, but Jesus’ power to stop storms. It is also an account of trust. Jesus asks, “Do you still have no faith?” “Are you still afraid?” “Have I not shown you, taught you, been with you, and still you fear?”
God said to Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Jeremiah, Amos and Isaiah, as God says to us today, “I am with you.”
Right to Life of Michigan Hails Passage of Partial Birth Abortion Ban
[Moral Issues]
10/13/2011 11:39 pm
By Blogs, WCofC
The state's leading pro-life organization hailed the passage of legislation in Lansing to put a law on partial birth abortion into Michigan law books. The Michigan Senate and House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved identical bills on the same day. The two bodies will have to settle on which of the two versions is sent to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature.
Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing declared the votes a victory for the people of Michigan. “For more than 15 years, Michigan citizens have used the democratic process to seek an end to this unspeakable abortion procedure. Despite prior versions of the law being struck down by the courts or vetoed by a previous governor, the unwavering conviction of hundreds of thousands of citizens that partial birth abortions must be rejected led to this victory,” Listing said.
The new Michigan law is slated to take effect on January 1, 2012. For more information, visit rtlofmich.org.
Beware of the Leaven
[Tom's Thots]
09/08/2011 11:20 pm
By Blogs, WCofC
“Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” [Mt.16:6]. Leaven according to my dictionary means “any influence spreading through something and working on it to bring about a gradual change.” Here in Matthew 16, I get to read about Jesus warning his disciples about the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees [v.12]. Their teaching and beliefs could work a change in the disciples thinking that would be a detriment to the truths Jesus has been sharing with them.
Knowing and understanding truth is so very important, and our focus must be on getting the truth and applying the truth and sharing it with others who don’t know it yet. We live in a country where a lot of different beliefs exist. Which do I believe? Which do I use in making my decisions? There is always the danger that the leaven of error in religious teaching might permeate my walk or the church I enjoy fellowshipping with.
I never have a desire to be completely negative in my teaching nor do you I am sure. Nevertheless, we all have a responsibility to warn each other of spreading dangers. One lady recently told me about a friend of hers, “I don’t know whether he ever joined the church.” A man talking about a gospel preacher in another town referred to him as the “pastor.” Often we quickly make reference to the church building as “the church.”
What’s wrong with the way we talk? These statements have no scriptural basis. They originated in denominationalism. When we read our God-given Bibles, we never read of any one “joining the church.” When a person obeys the gospel, the Lord adds him to His church [Ac.2:47]. Then there is no worry about joining a church. Also, only in a case where the preacher has met the qualifications and has been appointed as a “pastor” (elder) can he be scripturally referred to as such [1 Tim.3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9]. Most preachers are not pastors. Finally, the New Testament does not refer at anytime to a church building as a “church.” The church is Christ-following people, not a structure [Ac.2:47; 1Pt.2:5].
The restoration efforts we are part of is to restore New Testament Christianity, and one way to accomplish it is to “speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent,” and to “have a thus saith the Lord in all that we teach and practice.” Let us “say Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names.” Does it show that I grew up in this wonderful church that belongs to Christ? Peter said, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” [1Pt.4:11]. Remember—“Beware of the leaven.”
Think about it.
Tom Sturgeon
Anti-Christian Discrimination in Public Schools
[Moral Issues]
08/31/2011 9:15 pm
By Blogs, WCofC
Religious freedom is under attack in many of our nation’s public schools, where millions of students are bombarded with anti-Christian propaganda intended to advance their school’s secular agenda. Students are taught that God doesn’t exist and that the Bible is a book of “Fairy Tales,” and Christians who seek to share their faith are singled out for discrimination—and punished.
In states like Massachusetts, where same-sex “marriage” has been fabricated, school children as young as kindergarten are forced to learn about homosexual behavior in class, with or without parental permission.
A study of 1,000 young adults who left the church revealed that 9 out of 10 stopped attending because of doubts that were first planted in middle or high school.
If you would like to have factual information about student rights, please pick up one of the brochures entitled “The Truth about Student Rights” from the literature rack in the front hall off the lobby. This information is furnished by Alliance Defense Fund which is a legal alliance defending the right to hear and speak the Truth through strategy, training, funding, and litigation. For more in depth and/or up to date information go to www.telladf.org.
Michigan House Begins Partial Birth Abortion Ban Process
[Moral Issues]
07/30/2011 3:35 pm
By Blogs, WCofC
Michigan citizens and Right to Life of Michigan have labored for 15 years to enact a ban on partial birth abortions in our state. A state law insures that prohibitions on partial birth abortion can be enforced and abortionists who illegally perform partial birth abortions may be prosecuted.
For those who might ask why we need to have a state-level ban when there is a federal law in place, there is one main reason:
There needs to be a state law enforceable by state officials, including the attorney general and local prosecutors. As we saw on February 23, 2011, the U.S. Attorney General announced that the Justice Department will no longer defend the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law. According to Holder, President Obama concluded that the law defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman was “unconstitutional” and ordered him to stop defending it in at least two cases then before the federal courts (1). That will not be acceptable if we discover someone doing partial birth abortions in our state.
The Michigan House Families, Children & Seniors Committee took testimony on House Bill 4109 and 4110 at a public hearing June 16 in Lansing. The first bill makes performing a partial birth abortion a crime; the second bill provides the sentencing guidelines for anyone convicted of the crime.
Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Now is the time for Michigan to finally place this measure to protect babies who are inches from being born on our law books once and for all.”
For more information visit the Right to Life of Michigan web site at www.rtl.org.
(1) N.Y. Daily News, Feb. 23, 2011
The information for this article was taken from the Right to Life of Michigan News, summer 2011
Why Pray?
[Tom's Thots]
07/27/2011 3:45 pm
By Blogs, WCofC
One of the great revelations in your Bible is that God almighty wants us to talk to him about everything that is going on in our lives, even though he already knows everything. So why pray? Let me share a few reasons for you to be interested in praying to God almighty.
- Because there is a devil and prayer is a God-planned way to resist the devil. (Eph. 6:12-13,18)
- Because prayer is God's way for us to obtain what we need from him. (Luke 11:3-13, James 4:2)
- Because prayer is the means God has appointed for us to find "grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)
- Because prayer with thanksgiving is God's way for us to obtain freedom from anxiety and to receive "the peace of God." (Phil. 4:6-7)
Think about it.
Tom Sturgeon
Unconditional Love
[Tom's Thots]
07/26/2011 10:30 am
By Blogs, WCofC
“And now abide faith, hope, love these three; but the greatest of these is love” 1 Cor. 13:13Unconditional love for your children is usually a given. Parents would die for their sons and daughters at any given moment if it meant they could live. Parents usually do anything it takes to rescue their children from trouble. That is love in action.
There are all kinds of love. Love for parents, siblings, lover, friends, relatives, pets, and even strangers. There are many different ways to show love. You don’t love a stranger the same as you love your parents. You love a dog differently than a brother or sister [I hope].
When we love unconditionally, we love no matter what. If someone says something very mean or hurtful, unconditional love--forgives them. There is nothing they can do to stop you from loving them.
You can even love strangers. You can do kind things for them. You can share a smile of encouragement. You can compliment them. Some folks have a hard time loving. God loves all His unique creatures. I am so glad He does.
Think about it.
Tom Sturgeon
Blinded by the Bible
[Moral Issues]
06/01/2011 3:49 pm
By Blogs, WCofC
An article from Apologetics Press, http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=940&topic=139
Blinded by the Bible
by Dave Miller, Ph.D.In August 1984, a Christian was invited to appear on the nationwide Phil Donahue television show for the purpose of clarifying why a church in Oklahoma had implemented disciplinary procedures against a wayward member. The Christian presented the Bible directives pertaining to the point by quoting scripture after scripture substantiating that, in fact, the church had conscientiously followed biblical protocol. His persistent appeal to the Bible seemed to antagonize and irritate many members of the studio audience. Their sentiments were summarized in the words of one woman who stood and, as Mr. Donahue held the microphone for her, stated with apparent frustration and exasperation: “From being here today I just feel that you people are blinded by the Bible. They don’t see anything else but the Bible” (Donahue Transcript, 1984, p. 20).
Unwittingly, this individual paid a tremendous tribute to Christians. It was apparent to the audience that genuine Christians are so obsessed with God’s Word, and so preoccupied with ascertaining biblical authority for every action, that they simply cannot see anything else. They are blinded—not by erroneous human reasoning, legal/judicial consequences, or current societal consensus—but by the Bible.
There was a time when it could be said fairly accurately that American civilization was similarly blinded. Unfortunately, during the last fifty years, society seems to have largely regained its sight. The biblical values and moral principles upon which this country was founded, and which have provided the social framework out of which the majority of Americans have operated, are being systematically jettisoned and replaced by pluralism. A variety of philosophies, religions, and values are being gradually incorporated into an American civilization that was never envisioned by the Founders. The biblical approach, in which God’s words are set forth as preeminent, has largely been abandoned. Public education is now thoroughly dominated by modern psychology, humanistic sociology, and evolutionary values. The average American understood right from wrong, and recognized an absolute standard of morality. Now, however, the “I’m Okay, You’re Okay” attitude of “political correctness” permeates the population. The alienation of the average citizen from the God of the Bible is profound.
With people no longer “blinded by the Bible,” this state of affairs has resulted in the very social scenario described by Jesus when, referring to His earthly contemporaries, He said:
If only civilization would return to a healthy preoccupation with the Word of God—sustained intimacy with Scripture. If only society would once again become blinded by the Bible.
REFERENCE
Donahue Transcript #09284 (1984), (Cincinnati, OH: Multimedia Entertainment).
Defense of Marriage Act
[Moral Issues]
03/03/2011 5:37 am
By Blogs, WCofC
On February 23, 2011, the United States Attorney General, Eric Holder, announced that the Justice Department will no longer defend the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, is the short title for Public Law 104-199, signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 2, 1996. Section 2 says, in part, “The Federal Government defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman.” (1)
According to Holder, our president concluded that the law defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman was “unconstitutional” and ordered him to stop defending it in at least two cases now before the federal courts.(2)
Let’s be clear about the implications of this action. DOMA did not ban same-sex marriage in America. It gave states the right to define marriage for themselves. To date, the people of 31 states have voted to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman—as it must be defined.(3) Repealing DOMA would invalidate each of those 31 votes, and it would allow liberal judges to force every state, including Michigan, to recognize same-sex “marriages” performed in liberal states like Massachusetts.(4)
Once again, intolerance is on display. Thousands of years of recorded history, the teachings of all major faiths, and common sense must not be allowed to be denied by the people who would declare this law to be unconstitutional. The Bible leaves no doubt where Christians should stand on this issue. See Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:3-7, and Ephesians 5:21-33, and many other scriptures.
It is clear where the vast majority of Americans stand when it comes to the meaning of marriage. When DOMA passed the House in 1996 it received 78% of the House votes and 85% of the Senate votes. Then Senator Joe Biden voted for it and it was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. As a matter of fact, as a candidate for president, President Obama once stated in an interview with Rick Warren, the minister of the Saddleback church in Arizona, that he “believed marriage is between a man and a woman.” It has been approved in 31 states by an average vote of 63%.(5)
Call, write, or e-mail your elected representatives and let them know how you feel about this conclusion of our president. Contact information is on the “Focus on Morality” board in the front lobby.
~ Clovis Meixner
References
(1) Wikipedia., March 2009 (2) N.Y. Daily News, Feb. 23, 2011 (3) American Values, Gary Bauer., Feb. 24, 2011 (4) Ibid (5) Mike Huckabee, CBS News.com., Feb. 24, 2011
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