STOP SAYING “GOD KNOWS MY HEART’ TO EXCUSE SIN

Posted on September 23, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

accountability-wdgsaWhen confronted with their sins, it’s not uncommon to hear people say, “Yeah, but God knows my heart.” I usually take this to mean, “What I’m doing might be wrong, but in my heart, I’m a good person. God knows that. So I don’t think He will hold me accountable for my actions.” These folks obviously believe in God and believe in sin, but they believe that having a “good heart” is justification for their sin. God says that’s not true.

Your Sins Proceed from Your Heart

According to Jesus, no one sins in spite of having a clean heart. On the contrary, our sins are evidence of the impurity of our heart. Jesus said, “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart…out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander” (Matthew 15:18-19).

You can’t use profanity and – when someone calls you on it – say, “Well, God knows my heart.” Your heart is the place from which that profanity came. If you’re living with someone you’re not married to, the excuse that God knows your heart won’t cut it. Your sexual immorality is the product of your unclean heart.

You don’t sin in spite of having a clean heart; you sin because there is something wrong in your heart.

Your Heart is Hidden from Man, but Not from God

The realization that God knows our hearts should humble us to repent, not embolden us to sin. You can hide your heart from the world. You can appear righteous and godly to others, even if your heart is rotten to the core, but God knows the truth. He sees your heart.

The Pharisees wanted people to believe they were righteous, when really they were evil. What they were was not evident to the people because the people couldn’t see their hearts, but God could. Jesus said they were like cups that were clean on the outside, but filthy on the inside (Matthew 23:25-26). He said they were like, “whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all unclean-ness” (Matthew 23:27).

Jesus could see what others could not. He could see their hearts.

No Matter How Bad Your Life Is, Your Heart is Worse

All of this should teach us that our heart is not better than our life, it is almost always worse. There are things lurking in the darkness of our hearts that have not yet manifested themselves outwardly. But God knows our dirty little secrets. He knows our greed, our lust, our selfishness, our pride, and our bitterness. He knows our life as well. He knows the things we’ve said, the people we’ve hurt, the places we’ve gone, and the good deeds we’ve failed to do. He knows all of it.

The Cross, Not Your Heart, Is Where You’ll Find Justification

When I think about the fact that God knows my heart, it drives me to my knees and makes me pray, as David did:

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin…Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:1-2,10-12).

The realization that God knows my heart makes me realize what a wretch I am. It makes me so thankful for the blood of Jesus. It makes me look – not to my heart for justification – but to the cross for justification. I have sinned outwardly and I have sinned inwardly. The only hope I have is Jesus.

So I beg you to realize that God will hold you accountable for the sins of your mouth, the sins of your hands, and the sins of your heart unless you repent and allow Him to wash you clean in the blood of Jesus Christ:

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:8-10).

I love you and God loves you, Wes McAdams – Radically Christian

Posted in Front Page | Leave a comment

WEEKLY NEWS AUGUST 28, 2016

Posted on September 23, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

 Men’s Prayer Breakfast Saturday, September 10

 Ladies Bible Class Wednesday, September 14

 Elders Meeting Wednesday, September 14

 Easter European Missions Million Dollar Sunday, September 25

DOUG & DIANE WHEELER VISIT

The Wheelers will be with us today, August 28th to give us an update on the work in Nigeria. We will have combined Bible classes in the auditorium.  There will be no PM service.

FELLOWSHIP MEAL

Today August after AM service 28 Hosts & Hostesses:   Barbara Belcher, Tonya Arnold, Brianna Arnold, and Maria Ramirez.

FALL LADIES BIBLE CLASS STARTS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH

SALAD LUNCHEON AFTER CLASS

Ladies, please spread the word! Our Ladies Bible class will resume Wednesday, September 14th at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship room. Our new study will begin with the book of Philippians A study guide will be distributed that day. Mary Kay Flanary will be our first teacher.

This gathering affords a wonderful opportunity for study and fellowship. All ladies are invited to attend. Encourage all your lady friends who enjoy good, friendly Bible study to come study with us.

Bring your favorite salad. A luncheon will begin at the end of class, usually about 11:00 am.

If you have questions about the study, please contact Norma Bryan, Gail Darnell, Mary Kay Flanary, Leana Futrell, Brenda Miller, or Evelyn Moore.

human-footprints_318-46627BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.” 3 John 3 (ESV)

We are very thankful this weekend to have Doug & Dianne Wheeler with us to report on the work in Nigeria and Doug’s visit there last spring. This year our congregation helped to support the Nigerian Institute of Arts and Theological Studies (NIATS) in its preacher training. After Doug’s final visit there, they sent a “Send-Off Address” to him. We share part of it with you as our Nigerian brothers also love Doug and us. Continue to pray for the Lord’s people in Nigeria. For the elders, Ken D

“It is with feelings of joy and sorrow that the Board, Staff and Students of NIATS present this brief address to you (Doug), on the occasion of your fare-well visit to the Institute. ‘Profound Joy’ for your great accomplishments for NIATS and “Sorrow” in that we are going to miss your esteemed presence, your craft, wisdom and analytical prowess. No wonder the saying that, “parting is such sweet sorrow”.

NIATS is on course to meet the challenges of the 21st century Bible colleges/theological Institutes, so as to not present itself an ugly figure before its contemporaries. Thus, its curriculum and admission requirements have also been painstakingly reviewed upwards in line with the dynamics of the second millennium Christianity.

Help us to let your brethren know that we love them for the good work they are doing through you as their messenger. Help us to let them know that we have several challenges. Help us to let them know that our vast compound needs fencing for security of life and property.

Help us to let them know that our teachers need extra encouragement to enable them to do their work effectively, help us to let them know that our facilities are old to meet the test of time such as Library facilities for references/research. Help us to let them know that we are praying for them at all times. Help us to let them know that we hope to meet with them if not here, then in Heaven.”

Thank you, farewell and God bless! Elder (Dr) Gideon Nwaaeze, chairman NIATS

 

Posted in Weekly News | Leave a comment

TAKE TIME WITH THE TEXT

Posted on September 23, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

howto-meditate-on-the-wordIn today’s fast-paced, get-it-and-go, instant–messaging world of communications, Christians must resist the temptation to treat the Bible like our latest text message. We hurriedly read incoming messages, abbreviate responses, reply without proofing, and forward without considering possible consequences (cf. James 1:19). We rush through conversations and speed-read everything from school assignments to the Sunday paper. Sadly, the Bible often gets the same treatment.

Unlike many mundane things that we carelessly read in this technologically advanced age, the Bible must be read thoroughly, persistently, and methodically. Since “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16, emp. added) we cannot settle for a Cliffs Notes® version. Since there were many writers from different places, writing to different people in different languages, and since there is a major difference between the Old Testament and New Testament (cf. Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 8:7-13), we must “[b]e diligent,…rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The context must be considered. Figures of speech must be taken into account. The application of a 3,500-year-old Book must be made carefully.

Divine, biblical truths are not to be taken lightly. They are to be considered in light of life and death, heaven and hell. We cannot simply skim the surface of Scripture, only occasionally contemplating on truth and error, good and evil. Blessings come to the person “who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work” (James 1:25, emp. added; cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:18-20).

We are not only to read God’s Word; we are to meditate on it.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and, whatever he does shall prosper”. (Psalm 1:1-3, emp. added).

We are to think on it, endeavor to understand it, and take pleasure in reflecting on it (Barnes, 1997; cf. Psalm 119). “To meditate in God’s word is to discourse with ourselves concerning the great things contained in it, with a close application of mind” (Henry, 1997). Just as eating and digesting are two different functions, so are reading and meditating. As Jamieson, et al. noted: “Meditating upon, is to reading the Word what digesting is to eating. Without the slow and lengthened process of digestion, food would not nourish the body: without meditation, the Word read will not nourish the soul” (1997).

In short, Christianity is not a drive-through religion. Effective, soul-nurturing Bible study is not the equivalent of glancing at your favorite Bible verse on your iPhone once a week. Judgment Day is not prepared for by attending a Bible class once a month. Like those noble Bereans who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11, emp. added), Christians must continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). “My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes” (Psalm 119:48, emp. added). By: Eric Lyons, M. Min.

Posted in Front Page | Leave a comment

WEEKLY NEWS AUGUST 21, 2016

Posted on September 23, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

NEW MEMBER INFORMATION! 

Linda Lively was baptized into Christ Tuesday, August 16, 2016. She has already been at work as a volunteer helping in our Annual Breakfast. Linda will prove to be an asset to our congregation. Directory information is available from the church office.

FELLOWSHIP MEAL

August 28th  Hosts & Hostesses: Barbara Belcher, Tonya Arnold, Brianna Arnold, and Maria Ramirez

 DOUG & DIANE WHEELER

The Wheelers will be with us on September 28 to give us an update on the work in Nigeria.  We will have combined Bible classes in the auditorium.

human-footprints_318-46627BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

We are always built up and encouraged when we hear from the Welches in Cambodia. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. For the elders, Ken D

Welches July 2016 Newsletter Part 2 of 2

Greetings dearest loved ones,

We were blessed earlier in the month to meet with Dr. Evertt Huffard and his wife Ileene. Dr. Huffard is the Professor of Leadership and Missions at Harding School of Theology. Ileene, currently directs the Graduate Program in Education for Harding University. Together, with Andrew and Natalie Hayes, we spent a full day sitting at their feet and learning a great deal in regards to using our spiritual gifts, how to accomplish more by working together and studying through Romans 12:6-21. Please join us in a prayer of thanksgiving for this Godly couple.

Late July we attended the Asia Pacific Elders, Deacons and Spouses’ Conference (APEDS Conference) in Melaka, Malaysia. The attendees came to the table to feast, listen, and fellowship with one another, sensing what God is doing in the various countries and communities of Asia. All joining were richly blessed as we reflected on how God is shepherding brethren in missions and ministry.

Directly following the APEDS Conference was the 55th Asia Mission Forum (AMF). This year’s AMF study highlights “Living by the Spirit, Guided by the Spirit” taken from Galatians 5:1 and 13-26. Once again we were blessed to hear from Dr. Evertt Huffard the events keynote speaker. We were richly encouraged and spiritually charged by the great lessons, the rich testimonies of our fellow brethren and the joyous opportunity to commune with one another in worship, prayer and fellowship and make new friends. To God be the glory!

Thank you for praying with us: We all ask you to pray that our family will be a strong and holy witness in the community. By God’s strength we will continue to become better listeners in the Cambodian language, better story-tellers of His good news and faithful children and servants of His calling. Daughter, Theary asks you to pray for God’s guidance as she graduates (from university) and starts a new season in her life. She wants to be obedient to His will. Sharon asks that you pray for Cambodia and the political unrest, for strong Christian families and for locals to rise up for Christ and His church.

Scripture verses we are memorizing and meditating on: Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (We are memorizing these verses in the Cambodian language.)

What we are reading: “The Solutions Focus, Making Coaching & Change SIMPLE,” by Mark McKergow & Paul Z. Jackson – (The solution focused approach highlights on the individuals skills, strengths and positive qualities and helps one adopt an alternative perspective on the future. We are thrilled we can use this approach to engage with Cambodians in a more realistic and optimistic perspective. It can help them be aware of their abilities, gifts, resources and successes, both past and present to serve and OBEY JESUS.)

We’re grateful to God that He uses you to bless us and our work through your faith, love, encouragement and prayers. May God pour out His blessings on you for your faithfulness.

Eternal love and blessings, Dennis & Sharon

Posted in Weekly News | Leave a comment

GLOBAL WARMING, EARTH’S HISTORY, AND JESUS’ RETURN

Posted on September 23, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

clouds

As to whether or not the Earth is currently going through a warming trend, there is much debate. Although many, including former Vice President Al Gore, vehemently defend the man-made global warming theory (see “An Inconvenient Truth,” 2006), countless others, including thousands of scientists, have rejected the theory in part or in whole (see “Weather Channel Founder…,” 2007; Bonnici, 2008; Brennan, 2008). One truth that seems to get little attention, however, is the fact that the Earth has gone through various warming and cooling periods in the past.

Today, Antarctica is covered by seven million cubic miles of ice, which represents 90% of all the ice on Earth (“Antarctica,” 2008). The continental ice sheet at the South Pole is about 9,000 feet thick (Amundsen-Scott…, 2008). The average temperature at the South Pole is nearly -50 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, Antarctica has not always been the frozen tundra it is to-day. The pro-atheistic, evolutionary science journal New Scientist recently ran an article titled, “Once the South Pole Was Green…” (2008, 198[2661]:34-38). The journal admitted that scientists are well aware that “Antarctica was once warm and forested” and inhabited by at least six different kinds of dinosaurs (p. 34). “Antarctica once enjoyed a climate warmer than that of England today” (p. 38). The fossil record indicates that in the past Antarctica was “almost sub-tropical,” lush with ferns, cycads, and conifers (p. 37). What’s more, fossils of breadfruit trees, crocodile-like creatures, and turtles have been discovered well inside the Arctic Circle (pp. 35-36). It is “abundantly clear” to scientists that at one time “both the Arctic and the Antarctic were ice-free and warm” (p. 37)—“more than warm enough for a pleasant swim” (p. 38).

Although today certain ones (e.g., Al Gore) are at-tempting to scare people into a “global-warming submission,” the fact is, our planet has gone through various stages of warming and cooling throughout its history—long before the invention of carbon-emitting planes, trains, and automobiles. At one time, the polar ice sheets were more extensive than at present; at another time, the Earth’s Arctic and Antarctic regions were virtually ice-free. In view of such naturally changing climates on Earth during its history, why should it surprise us if our planet does occasionally get warmer or cooler?

Our forefathers, along with plants and animals, have been on the Earth “from the foundation of the world” (Luke 11:50-51; Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11). They survived the ice-age(s), as well as the so-called “hothouse phase.” Today, we are flourishing in what scientists call the “icehouse” phase. In truth, man will continue the cycle of life on Earth until our Lord returns and destroys the Earth with fire (2 Peter 3:10-13)—a global warming for which man must prepare, else he will suffer in the hothouse of hell forever (Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).   BY Eric Lyons, M. Min.; Apologetics Press

 

 

Posted in Front Page | Leave a comment

WEEKLY NEWS AUGUST 14, 2016

Posted on September 23, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

August 28th Doug and Diane Wheeler will be here and Doug will preach for us that morning. We will have combined adult classes and our monthly pot luck lunch.

NOTICE!!!  A SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION COMING

Eastern European Ministry (EEM) has designated Sunday, September 25th, as their “Million Dollar Sunday.” On this day they hope congregations across the nation can help them raise a million dollars to buy Bibles and Bible lesson materials for school children throughout Eastern Europe! We intend to have a special contribution on the 25th of September to help in this effort. Please start praying for this opportunity and consider being as generous as you can with this good work. We will be sharing more details as the date approaches. – Joe

DEACONS’ list of duties as well as the list of recommended service providers has been updated. If you would like to have these updated lists, copies are provided on the table at the back of the auditorium.

IMPORTANT!!!! In the listing of new member Maria Ramirez’s information last week, there was a mistake in the house number. That number should be 3528. Please make that correction in your records.

human-footprints_318-46627BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) We are always built up and encouraged when we hear from the Welches in Cambodia. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. For the elders, Ken D

Welches July 2016 Newsletter Part 1 of 2

Greetings dearest loved ones,

We are extremely encouraged to be sharing with you the joy of ministry. Your prayers and partnership continues to have a major impact on the work and lives in Cambodia. Proclaiming Christ is the story and our mission. It began more than 10 years ago and continues today. We are grateful you are a part of the story and thank you for your faith and trust in the ways you allow us to impact those we are blessed to serve.

We are so grateful for each one of you. Thank you so much for the blessings you are in our lives and the Lord’s work here in Cambodia. Furthermore, we praise God for a time of rich encouragement from family and friends during our recent furlough visit. We are humbled and incredibly blessed to have you walking with us and cheering us on in this amazing work. Our prayer is this update uplifts your heart and mind just as it uplifts us to share it with you. Since our last newsletter we have really been focusing on our next steps; “Refocusing and Transformation in Christ.” The journey continues!

During our stateside visit Dennis was blessed with an opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia for Christian coach training from Creative Results Management. Although he had some great ideas on how this program could assist us in our ministry, the coaching program exceeded his expectations. Dennis has already seen how his training has helped him approach ministry in new ways. The training incorporates a faith-based perspective and is impacting lives and seeing people transformed. Dennis already has used this tool to bless others and coaching has significantly impacted the way we do our discipleship training ministry. Praise God for gifting us with new resources and additional ways to serve.

Come Before Winter, is a Churches of Christ retreat originally started for missionary women. Sharon joined her first CBW, March of this year in Australia. She couldn’t stop sharing how great it was. The first ever men’s version was recently held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The event was packed with great singing, studying, praying, meditating, reflecting and story-telling through the Gospel of Luke. Story-telling is a big part of ministry in Asian cultures because, although most people can now read and write, the cultures are still mostly oral/visual. All who attended were richly encouraged and spiritually challenged. We are grateful to those who planned and lead the retreat. Eternal love and blessings, Dennis & Sharon

Posted in Weekly News | 1 Comment

WILL GOD ALWAYS BLESS AMERICA?

Posted on August 8, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

God_bless_America_flag.56102643_stdThe Bible insists that there is a connection between the moral vigor of a nation and its survivability. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12). “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a people’s ruin.” (Proverbs 14:34/Goodspeed.)

The founders of our nation saw the need for God to be at the heart of our national life. The Declaration of Independence contains a solemn appeal “to the Supreme Judge of the world…” and in it, Thomas Jefferson claimed “unalienable rights” as an endowment from the Creator.

The Continental Congress appropriated $300,000 for Bibles, during our war for national existence, because members believed no Bible-reading people could be enslaved! At the Constitutional Convention, Franklin proposed that the sessions begin with prayer, by saying, “I have lived a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground unseen by Him, is it possible that an empire could arise without His aid.”

The Northwest Ordinance, approved by Congress in 1789 began with this declaration: “Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” Lincoln, in the Gettysburg Address described America as “This nation under God.” This concept of America as a “nation under God” is deeply embedded in the fabric of our national life.

The founders were convinced that democracy could not survive in a nonreligious society. John Adams wrote “Our constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” Thomas Jefferson proposed that our national seal be based on a Bible story: the children of Israel being led in the wilder-ness by cloud by day and fiery pillar by night.

Donald Lutz and Charles Hyneman reviewed more than 17,000 quotations, books, pamphlets and newspaper articles (1760-1805) to determine the influences on the political thinking of the founders. They identified 3,154 references; 34% came from the Bible — by far the largest influence!

We live at a time when society is rapidly becoming paganized. Powerful forces have conspired to drive religious influence from our schools, our civic institutions, our national life. We have become a nation without moral boundaries. The moral and spiritual foundations laid by the founders have fallen into ruin. “If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

Will God continue to bless America? Not unless Americans honor God! There is a poem which asks the question, “Who serves his country best?” Several possibilities are considered: The General, might in war…: The statesman who makes its laws…? The poet who celebrates the nation in song…? The answer: None of these!

He serves his country best

Who lives pure life, and doth righteous deed,

Who walks straight paths, however others stray

And leaves his sons as a last bequest

A stainless record which all men may read…

The whole course of human events can be altered when enough people turn back to God!

By Bobby Dockery, Fayetteville, Ark.

Posted in Front Page | Leave a comment

WEEKLY NEWS AUGUST 7, 2016

Posted on August 8, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

August 21 Charles Greenawalt will preach the morning of August 21st and Ken Darnell will preach the evening lesson in Joe’s absence.

August 28th Doug and Diane Wheeler will be here and Doug will preach for us that morning. We will have combined adult classes and our monthly potluck lunch.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER

It is with grateful hearts that we received Maria Ramirez after her baptism last Sunday morning. Welcome Maria!! Directory information for Maria and her family is available from the church office.

DEACONS’ LIST OF RECOMMENDED SERVICE

PROVIDERS FOR 2016 has been updated. If you would like to have this updated list, copies are provided on the table at the back of the auditorium.

 human-footprints_318-46627BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)   It is such a blessing to be able to know about and share in the lives of our other Christians in distant places. What follows is from Nigeria, where Brother Sylvester Imogoh shares News, Needs & Notes from the Ugbogbo church of Christ. Keep these dear brethren in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D

Rains – Just as the farmers feared, when the rains delayed this year, caused a drought that affected farmers and farming in adverse ways. The result of that is the food shortage we are currently experiencing. It was feared that when the rains came, they may become too much. That is exactly what is now happening. We are experiencing rains that are causing troubles in two ways: Too much rain is spoiling the crops in the farms and the rains are also washing away many farms and farm crops. Please pray for us as the troubles of this year alone are enormous.

Elections – The national and state elections are at the corner, and the politicians are galvanizing for the September elections. Please pray that we have less violence in this process.

Community Wars – The wars between Uneme-Erthunum and Okpella has been stopped as traditional rulers are helping to mediate. There was very serious destruction of homes and properties and the gathering of relief materials is being conducted to help those who have suffered much loss.

Appreciation & Prayers – To the very many who have been sending support to us for the work in Nigeria, we are saying THANK YOU! We are grateful for the kindness and sacrifices you have been making to see that we are surviving especially in these hard times. And to everyone, I ask for prayers for me, for my family and for Nigeria as a nation. On July 1st, on my way to speak in a lectureship in Lokoja, Kogi state, the car I was in collided with a pick-up truck loaded with cassava*. I sustained only minor injuries. I was in the front seat, but God rescued me from death. I am thankful. Too many people have died in accidents like that. – Sylvester

_________

*Cassava – a shrubby tropical plant with a starchy root, high in carbohydrates essential to tropical diets.

Posted in Weekly News | Leave a comment

TOLERANCE, DIVERSITY, AND DIVISION

Posted on August 6, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

diversity1One of the “big myths” of society that surely will go down in history as a significant contributor to the moral decline of America is the incessant clamor by liberals for “tolerance” and “diversity.” They insist that those who oppose same-sex marriage are “intolerant” and lack basic human “compassion.” They maintain that “diversity” and “tolerance” (code words for acceptance of homosexuality) are healthy for society; and, that those who oppose homosexuality are merely “demonizing people for political advantage” and “perpetuating division” (Obama, 2004).

Satan is slick. He uses “devices,” “wiles,” and “snares” (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:26) to distort people’s thinking. He is a shrewd master of advancing his agenda by disguising the immoral with a righteous veneer. If people give in to emotional impulse, rather than thinking rationally, logically, and biblically, they will swallow the propaganda and embrace Satan’s ploys.

The fallacy of such “reasoning” is made apparent when placed in syllogistic* form, i.e.,

  1. Everyone should be compassionate, tolerant, and accepting of diversity;
  2. Homosexuality is one form of diversity;
  3. Therefore, homosexuality should be accepted/approved; to fail to do so is intolerant and divisive.

Few would disagree with the first premise. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves every person, and He requires Christians to do the same. However, toleration cannot and must not extend to any practice, action, or behavior that is evil, immoral, and sinful, i.e., out of harmony with God’s will.

Using the above line of reasoning, the tolerance/diversity umbrella ought logically to apply to pedophilia, necrophilia, incest, bestiality, and every other aberrant sexual behavior. Similarly, the same principle ought to apply to murder, stealing, drug dealing, and every other illegal action. Are we simply to cancel all laws in the United States that govern human behavior—on the guise that to enforce them is “intolerant”? Are we to open the doors of all the prisons in the country and free the criminals—on the grounds that to fail to do so is to “perpetuate division”? By such foolish thinking, placing anyone in prison constitutes a lack of “compassion.”

The tolerance/diversity viewpoint is completely nonsensical. If applied consistently and thoroughly, it would lead to social anarchy, rampant lawlessness, and the destruction of society. Opposing homosexuality, abortion and a host of other social and moral evils is not incompatible with compassion and tolerance. One can oppose and punish murder while still maintaining compassion for the murderer. The overarching, governing principle is the recognition of and submission to the absolute standard of morality given to the human race by the God of the Bible—the God who is love (1John 4:16). Those who reject that standard, thereby elevating their own fleshly appetites above the transcendent Creator, one day will face the consequences: “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him– the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48) Those who consider themselves more tolerant and compassionate than God need a healthy dose of humility to alter their skewed perspective: Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word (Isaiah 66:1-2).

May we be among “those that tremble at the commandment of our God.” (Ezra 10:3).

________ By Dave Miller, Ph.D.

*a form of deductive reasoning

Posted in Front Page | Leave a comment

WEEKLY NEWS JULY 31, 2016

Posted on August 6, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Mark Your Calendars:

FELLOWSHIP MEAL July 31st:

Sunday morning after services. Hosts and Hostesses: Joe & Teri Winnett, David & Sheri Zoller and Bob & Donna Feuerbacher.

TEAM 1 VISITING FOR THE MASTER

Wednesday, August 10th, 6:30 p.m. in the Library with Joe & Teri Winnett

August 19-25 Joe and Teri Winnett will attend a preacher’s workshop in Tennessee. Charles Greenawalt will preach the morning of August 21st and Ken Darnell will preach the evening lesson.

August 19th is the date for the annual breakfast given for Llano County school employees as well as volunteers and emergency first responders. For those who would volunteer to help in this endeavor, a signup sheet is on the table at the back of the auditorium.

August 28th Doug and Diane Wheeler will be here and Doug will preach for us that morning. We will have combined adult classes and our monthly pot luck lunch.

ADDRESS UPDATE is available for Jonathan and Sharon Winnett. Contact the church office to update your directory.

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful footnotes

We are blessed to be part of supporting students to the Southern Africa Bible College as they prepare to celebrate their 50th anniversary this fall. The following is from the SABC newsletter. Continue to remember this work in your prayers.  For the elders, Ken D

Nostalgia flows in as memory conjures up the past. I see an old dilapidated farm house with a flourishing Chestnut Tree in back. In the shade of the branches lies an old fallen tree stump. Someone has said, “A school is a teacher on one end of a log with a student on the other.” Under the chestnut tree, I see a dedicated instructor sitting on a three-legged stool with an open Bible on his lap, gesturing as he speaks. I see a handful of serious students sitting huddled together on the log, notebooks in hand, intently listening. The old tree filtered out much of the warm South African sunbeams, making for a pleasant, though informal, “classroom.” However, winter’s chilling posed a mean problem at times. The cold breezes left both instructor and students shivering! Such was the modest beginning of Southern Africa Bible College fifty years ago.

Without the amenities of the modern college, the students soldiered on. While the niceties of modern academic institutions escaped them, they never lost sight of their Christ-given mission, “Go preach the gospel to every creature,” Mark 15:15. These were young men in training, 2 Timothy 2:2, for the most important work on earth—evangelizing the lost. Sacrifice and suffering were expected parts of the task. Rejoicing and gratitude were the prize for the labor of love when the harvest of souls was reaped. God’s love compelled us. His mercy motivated us. His grace guided us. We all wanted to go to heaven and we wanted to take as many precious souls as possible with us. Ah, the sweet memories!

Eldred Echols and I knew that we had to train men on the field in order to make the work permanent. Well-meaning brethren sponsored many foreign students to go to American colleges with mostly negative results. Hardly any returned to the fields of harvest. So “on the field training” was conceived in the crucible of tough experience. From the first day until now, God has abundantly blessed the Bible College with meaningful results.

It only remains now to thank all those who helped make this happen. Along with the grace of God and the generosity of many brethren, God blessed the efforts that have been put forth. Magnificent structures—dormitories, classrooms, eating facilities and a well-stocked library now grace the campus.

Not only are students trained and motivated to spread the Word, they also have at their disposal an academic institution that is fully accredited internationally with a “Bachelor of Arts” degree in Theology. We are determined to remain ever “sound in the faith” and true to our mission—”to seek and to save the lost.” Please continue to help us achieve this goal.

Al J. Horne, President, Southern Africa Bible College 2016

Posted in Weekly News | Leave a comment