Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #10

Here is the tenth and final consideration that I will give as to why we should love the church.  To recap, we have seen that...

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God

2.  Loving the church demonstrates faithfulness to the Word of God

3.  Loving the church is one of our greatest witnesses to the world

4.  Loving the church unity in the body of Christ

5.  Loving the church stimulates meaningful and vibrant corporate worship of God

6.  Loving the church generates solid and biblical edification

7.  Loving the church brings about a genuine caring and sharing in the body of Christ 

8.  Loving the church creates and environment for church growth 

9.  Loving the church creates a godly excitement in the fellowship

 

And now, number ten...

10. Loving the church keeps the focus on Jesus! 

As Colossians 1:18 clearly states, Jesus is to come to have first place in everything.  And being the Head and Lord of the Church means that the focus of the church is to be upon Jesus; upon knowing Him as well as serving Him.

Churches that get caught up in divisions and struggles can trace the origin of such things to one thing...selfishness.  As with a marriage where the husband and wife are to look to serve one another rather than simply their own needs and wants, so too, in the church, believers are to put the Lord and His desires first.  How many heartaches would be avoided if we would put the attention on the Lord's will.  Then things like personal preferences, self-seeking agendas, even our prideful egos would be forgotten.

As a church learns to love biblically, then the focus will be on Jesus.  As Paul said in Philippians 2:3-4...

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Why are we to have this outlook?  How is this keeping the focus on the Lord?  Because of what Paul wrote next in verse 5...

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

This was the attitude of Christ!  This was the focus of Christ!  This was and is the will of Christ!  Without a doubt, the church is to be a place that this characterized by grace and truth; a place where people are accepted as they are, but also told like it is!  The love we are to have for the Church is not some sappy human sentiment; nor is it some fluctuating emotionalism.  Love is rooted and grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Let me remind you once again of my working definition of love....

Love is a one-way, unconditional act of the will that seeks the highest good of another, regardless of the cost and all for the glory of God.

Love for the Church is a decision you must made.  This love will involve sacrifice (love without sacrifice is no love at all).  This love for the Church is only possible by the grace of God and must be steeped in the truth of God.  Love for the Church is nothing short of love for Jesus.  You CANNOT love Jesus and not love His Church!

May our prayer be that of Paul's for the Church at Thessalonica and recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10...

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more...

May it be our ambition to excel still more in the love of Christ so that we might, as the Church, be everything God intends for us to be to His glory!

Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #9

Just two more considerations as to why we should love the church.  Here is what we have covered so far...

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God

2.  Loving the church demonstrates faithfulness to the Word of God

3.  Loving the church is one of our greatest witnesses to the world

4.  Loving the church unity in the body of Christ

5.  Loving the church stimulates meaningful and vibrant corporate worship of God

6.  Loving the church generates solid and biblical edification

7.  Loving the church brings about a genuine caring and sharing in the body of Christ 

8.  Loving the church creates and environment for church growth

 

And now, number nine...

9. Loving the church creates a godly excitement! 

One of the the things that has been such a blessing to hear as a Pastor is when people "long" to come to church.  Of course, the opposite is just as discouraging, that people hate to come to church.  And what would cause someone not to want to come to church?  Well, for one thing, if the church is lifeless and cold; appearing as though every one is simply going through some kind of religious motion.

But when and where the people genuinely love one another; when the goal of church is to encourage, edify and stimulate one another on to love and good deeds; when we come wanting to worship our great God in the presence of other believers, then people will want to be there.  Such a love creates a godly excitement about what God has done, what God is doing and what God promises to do!  Oh that our hearts would echo that of David who wrote in Psalm 122:1...

I was glad when they said to me,

“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

I pray that there will be an ever-increasing gladness that fills our hearts as we anticipate attending church!

What most encourages you to want to attend church?

What most discourages you?

What can you do to encourage others both to attend services and while they are at church?

Where you are discouraged, what should you do about it?

Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #8

Everyday the list grows longer as to the reasons why we should love the church.  In case this is your first day reading this, here is what we have covered in previous posts:

We have made it to the seventh reason why we should love the church.  Thus far we have briefly considered that...

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God

2.  Loving the church demonstrates faithfulness to the Word of God

3.  Loving the church is one of our greatest witnesses to the world

4.  Loving the church unity in the body of Christ

5.  Loving the church stimulates meaningful and vibrant corporate worship of God

6.  Loving the church generates solid and biblical edification

7.  Loving the church brings about a genuine caring and sharing in the body of Christ

 

Here is number eight for your consideration...

 

8. It creates and environment for church growth 

It should be the heart's desire of the believer to see the church grow both in knowledge as well as in numbers.  Our church's vision verse is 2 Peter 3:18 which is a call to spiritual growth saying,

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Believers who are growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ will be on the front lines of making disciples, followers of Christ, wherever they go (Matthew 28:19-20).  But why would people want to know Christ and belong to the Church?  Never forget that people desire to be in a place where they are loved.  People have a longing to know that come what may, there is someone who will listen to them, care for them and communicate to them the truth of the Word of God.  Where biblical love is being practiced, there is a noticeable difference in the atmosphere of the church.  While sin is confronted, love is the motivation; love to God and love for others.  Rather than judgmentalism, such love results in a hunger and thirsting for righteousness.  This is because love that is rooted and grounded in the Gospel results in producing the beautiful aroma of Christ.  We read in Ephesians 5:2...

and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 

 As unbelievers walk into a fellowship where such love and such fragrances are being produced, there will be a wonder, and prayerfully, an awakening of their spirit by the Spirit of God to long to belong to such a group.

I attended a church a long time back whose tag line was, "A place to belong...a place to become."  Pithy and perhaps a bit vague yet that is the Church, a place to belong by glorious adoption and justification as provided by God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15, 30); and a place to become like our Elder brother, the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).  Such a place creates the fertile ground where growth in the church can occur.

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #7

We have made it to the seventh reason why we should love the church.  Thus far we have briefly considered that...

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God

2.  Loving the church demonstrates faithfulness to the Word of God

3.  Loving the church is one of our greatest witnesses to the world

4.  Loving the church unity in the body of Christ

5.  Loving the church stimulates meaningful and vibrant corporate worship of God

6.  Loving the church generates solid and biblical edification

 

And now, number seven...

 

7. Loving the church brings about a genuine caring and sharing in the Body of Christ.

To genuinely love someone is to care for and serve that one.  When true Christian love is developed in the church, the Body of Christ will, by default, care for and share in serving one another.  Read the testimony of Paul regarding the church at Thessalonica...

Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

So desirous of ministering to the Thessalonians, Paul sent his beloved co-worker Timothy to the benefit of the church.  Oh that we would so love one other that we would sacrifice whatever is necessary to "strengthen and encourage" the church.  A bit later Paul wrote these words to the church...

For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account...(1 Thessalonians 3:9).

As the Body ministers one to another, as we care for one another and share in each others' lives, then there is great cause for rejoicing and motivation to express gratitude to God.  

How might you express a genuine attitude of caring for someone with whom you fellowship today?  What might you share in or with someone with whom you fellowship today?

Do you understand the gospel?

In light of our recent preaching on the deceitfulness of sin as revealed in Stephen's sermon (Acts 7:39-50), I found this statement by John Calvin to be profound:

[Only those] who have learned well to be earnestly dissatisfied with themselves, and to be confounded with shame at their wretchedness [truly understand the Christian gospel].

Lord, may I understand the wonders of the gospel!

Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #6

Good morning and I pray what is the start of a great week!  In continuing this little series on why we should love the church, I find it appropriate to make this sixth entry on a Monday.  For we might be prone to think of the church little, seeing that we were just together yesterday.  But let us keep the church on our hearts and minds even today.  

Thus far we have see five of ten reasons why we ought to love the church:

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God

2.  Loving the church demonstrates faithfulness to the Word of God

3.  Loving the church is one of our greatest witnesses to the world

4.  Loving the church unity in the body of Christ

5.  Loving the church stimulates meaningful and vibrant corporate worship of God.

 

And now for number six...

 

6. Loving the church generates solid and biblical edification!

To read the letters of 1 and 2 Thessalonians is to see that Thessalonica was one of Paul most dearly loved churches.  Not only did Paul express His love toward the people, but clearly the people demonstrated love one for another.  And, as  a result of this love, Paul expressed words of encouragement and commendation.  We read in 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 these words...

³ We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; ⁴ therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.

The point is this, that as Christians rightly love one another, it will generate a desire to see one another built up (edified) in the faith. Is this your experience?  Is this your desire?  Who might you encourage today in the things of the Lord, thus demonstrating your love for that person as well as for the church?

Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #5

Sunday morning - and as I have been posting all week about why we should love the church, this is one of the best days to do so. 

It was suggested to me that as I progress along, that I also post the previous days' reasons for your remembrance; so here goes.  Thus far, the reasons why we should love the church are...

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God

2.  Loving the church demonstrates faithfulness to the Word of God

3.  Loving the church is one of our greatest witnesses to the world

4.  Loving the church creates UNITY in the body of Christ

And now (drum roll please), here is reason number five as to why we should love the church:

5.  Loving the church stimulates meaningful and vibrant corporate worship of God.

When love and unity are present in the Body of Christ, it allows our corporate worship environment more powerful and substantial.  It creates a fervency in our worship.  In the following four verses from Psalm 95, notice the repeated use of the word us! I have underlined them for you:

¹ O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord,

Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

² Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

⁶ Come, let us worship and bow down,

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

⁷ For He is our God,

And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand...

The “us” in these verses are the people of God coming together to truly praise and worship the Lord.  Oh, may our worship of our Lord Jesus Christ not be about "us" - but may it be through "us"!

Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #4

My continuing consideration as to why we should love the Church.  Here is day four...

4. It creates UNITY in the Body of Christ! 

In Psalm 133:1 we read...

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brothers to dwell together in unity!

As members of Christ's Church, we are to love and submit to one another for the sake of unity; of oneness in Christ-likeness.  When selfless, sacrificial, service-oriented love is present, then such unity is sure to follow to the glory of God, to the building up of the Body, and as a witness to the world of the reality, power and presence of the love of God among people!

Ten Reasons Why We Should Love The Church - #3

Here is day three's entry... 

 

3. It is one of our greatest witnesses to the world! 

One of the greatest things that we who are the Church can do is love one another.  In John 13:35 Jesus said,

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

The kind of love Jesus speaks of here is an unconditional act of the will that seeks the highest good for an other, regardless of the cost and all for the glory of God!   We must remember that the world is watching us as the church!  In all that we do as the church, in our weekly meetings, in our advertising, in our business meetings, in our fellowshipping, etc., there should be genuine, demonstrable Christian love for all the world to see!

Ten Reason Why We Should Love The Church? #2

Yesterday I started a new mini-series giving reasons why we ought to LOVE the church.  Here is a second reason for your consideration today:

2. It demonstrates faithfulness to the Word of God!

-The two greatest commandments in Scripture are:  

 "'and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31).  

Loving God and loving one another are not "optional" for believers, but rather they are commands. When God’s people obey these commands, it simply reveals their desire to be faithful to His Word!  And one of the key ways in which these two commands are fulfilled is when we gather as the redeemed to worship God and serve one another.

Ten Reasons Why We Should Love the Church - #1

In our church circles, no one questions the the importance of having a high view of God; nor does anyone question the need to have a high view of Scripture.  But what about having a high view of the church?  Is that equally important?  The Scriptures reveal it so.  For it stands to reason that if one has a high view of the Scriptures, and of God, and thus of Jesus Christ, that the natural result is a high view for the church.  Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).  Over the next few days, I would like you to consider with me ten reasons why you ought to love the church.  

This morning I start with the "greatest" reason why we ought to love our church.  Of the other nine, we might discuss their right position in the list of ten, but this first one is indeed to be first.

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God!

We read in 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  God loves His church, as is made clear from passages like Acts 20:28, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." 

If God so loved the church that He sent His Beloved Son to die for her, to cleanse her of her sin and to present her holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27); then when we love the things that He loves, in this case "the church," it brings honor and glory to Him.

Questions:

1.  Have you been glorifying God by loving the church?  Specifically, how have you been loving the church?  

2.  Would others see your actions and involvement in your church as expressions of love and demonstrations of your desire to glorify God?   

3.  What are some things you could  do prayerfully to glorify God by loving the church?

Sunday "Routine"!?

Occasionally I get asked about my Sunday routine (as I was yesterday).  To be fair, to use the word "routine" for any given Sunday would be a true misnomer as each Sunday seems to be unique unto itself.  The only "routine" thing about my Sunday's is that I go to church.  From there the variation begins.  And before I write out my schedule for yesterday, let me just say that my prayer is for there to be nothing "routine" about Sunday; nothing ordinary, nothing natural; for I would prefer things to be dynamic, extraordinary, and by the grace of God, supernatural as I meet with God's people to worship Him who is worthy of all praise.  With that said, here is what took place this last Lord's day:

• 4:50 am
  • I awake, take a moment to think about the day and thank the Lord for what the day holds.

• 5:00 am
  • Grab a cup of coffee (thankful for coffee timers)

• 5:05-5:15 am
  • Read a portion of Scripture; in this case Hebrews 9 to meditate on.

• 5:15-5:30 am
  • Shower and such

• 5:30-6:15 am
  • Prayer and meditation on Hebrews text, preparing to share something for our second hour communion service.

• 6:15-6:45 am
  • Bandito time; feed him; straighten up his habitat; let him run around the yard while I have some more coffee.

• 6:45-7:15 am
  • Breakfast; catch up on some blogs

• 7:15-7:45 am
  • Dress for church

• 7:45 am-8:00 am
  • Drive to church; talk to Laura about what the day holds

• 8:00-8:25 am
  • final preparations for worship service; some personal keyboard practice time

• 8:25-9:00 am
  • Worship Team practice

• 9:00-9:25 am
  • greeting people as they arrive at church
    
    
• 9:25-10:00 am
  • lead worship music

• 10:00-11:00 am
  • preach the Gospel (Acts 7:17-38)

• 11:15 am- 12:15 pm
  • lead second hour Communion service (share from Hebrews 9:13-14)

• 12:15-1:00 pm
  • Visit with various folks

• 1:00 - 1:30 pm
  • Premarital counseling prep (and I ate some cookies)

• 1:45 - 3:15 pm
  • Premarital Counseling

• 3:30 - 4:00 pm
  • Change and visit with family and friends at the house

• 4:00-5:30 pm
  • Mowed the back and front yards (usually a Monday thing but I heard there could be rain)

• 5:30 - 8:30 pm
  • Watch a movie with the young adults (interrupted for dinner)

• 8:30 - 10:30 pm
  • a visit with Bandito and then retired to my room

• 10:30 pm
  • CRASHED!

Just another Sunday, filled with its own unique experiences.  Wondering exactly what next Sunday will hold.  Let's see, Mother's Day, the Maples - yes, should be wonderfully dynamic.  What a blessing to serve the Lord and His people.

Free Will - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

This past Sunday, April 29, we spoke during our second hour concerning the issue of the “free will” of man. This discussion was not recorded and was handled more as a spontaneous explanation as opposed to a well-delineated lesson. I had prepared to share some simple definitions and thoughts and I share them here now for your reflection and edification.

At its core, the term “free will”, when used by theologians who embrace it, means that a person is fully able to perform some other action in place of the one that is actually done, and this is not predetermined by any prior circumstances, desires or even affections. In other words, a person has to be “free” to choose against his own nature, desires and inclinations, uninfluenced by anything in himself or even outside himself. This presents both a logical absurdity, for I may will to fly like a bird, wanting to do something other then simply walk, but since it is not in my nature to do so, as soon as I jump of the roof and flap my arms, I am going to come down with a crash. It is also contrary to the teaching of the word of God.

The only way in which a person can claim to have free will is be redefining what is meant by the choosing of good or evil. Since the bible teaches that no on does does (Romans 3:10) and it is impossible for a person to go against this nature (Jeremiah 13:23), humanity and even some Christians specifically, must redefine what is meant by good.

Definitions

Good, humanly speaking, is anything that is not harmful or hurtful and is relatively helpful to someone.

Evil, from a human perspective - is defined as anything hurtful, harmful and not helpful to another person.

However, such a definition of “good” does not live up to God's standards.

Good, from God's perspective, is anything done by the power of God for the glory of God. Such a definition of good leaves out any human good that seeks to serve a neighbor if that good is not done in the power of God for the glory of God, but is merely for the benefit of the other person or perhaps for the accolades that come as a result.

Essentially, humanity defines good as anything that is less evil than those things which are deemed clearly evil. Thus, the philanthropist is seen as good when he gives his money to a worthy cause, even though he has no desire to do it for the glory of God, which, by definition, is an evil act. Adolf Hitler is seen as bad because of all the harm he did to millions of people.

By way of example concerning the human condition as bound by sin, prison guards on Alcatraz knew that every one of their prisoners were “bad” and evil people for the crimes they had committed. Yet, some of those men were “good” in comparison to others and were allowed certainly privileges that other bad prisoners did not get. This is humanity's condition. We are all condemned as criminals, we are all evil, just some express that evil more than others, making some of the others look “relatively” good.

Thus the gospel is more glorious as God graciously transforms a person who is by nature “bad and evil” and grants them the true good and righteousness of Christ. It is not our own righteousness, but a granted, righteousness of Christ. Then, being no longer slaves to sin; no longer bound to have each one of our actions tainted by sin, we become slaves of righteousness and, by God grace, have a proper motivation to do thing by the power of God to the glory of God.

Romans 6:15-18; 20-23

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

May I Be Relentless?

"...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8

Be edgy; be radical; be revolutionary; be cutting edge....

Ummm....strike that; enough with the agitating, anarchist language.  While I like the word "relentless", I would simply pray this,  

"Lord, make me a man after Your own heart; an ambassador for Christ, a witness of the glories of Jesus."  

If people think I am radical, so be it.  If people call me revolutionary, so be it.  If I be deemed as edgy, oh well.  But that is not what I want to be.  That is not my goal.  Rather, I want to be a true, biblical Christian.  Yes, that should be my "normal" - a true and biblical Christian; telling others of the wonders of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Oh yes, grant me just one extra word please?!  May I be a true, biblical and relentless Christian to the glory of God!

How to Serve the Church on Any Given Sunday (and beyond)

I have been on a "the church"; "the Body of Christ" kick recently (ok, for several years now), believing that the evangelical community (that would be us) has handicapped themselves by neglecting the very entity that Jesus Himself loved enough to give His life for (Ephesians 5:25-27).   

How much then ought we to love the church and find any and every possible way in which to participate with Christ in loving the church?

Michael McKinley, of IX Marks (http://www.9marks.org/) included in his blog the insights of Colin Marshall, who in turned had shared ways that ordinary church members can serve the church on Sunday mornings. 

Would you prayerfully consider doing ALL of these things more and more for the exaltation of Christ, the glory of God and the building up of the church?

Before the Service

• Read the passage in advance
• Pray for the gathering
• Greet newcomers (act like you are the host)
• Think strategically about who you should sit with
• Arrive Early

During the Service

• Sing with gusto (even if you can’t sing)
• Help with logistics (if there’s a problem, help fix it)
• Don’t be distracted
• Listen carefully
• Be aware of your facial expressions (you may affect others and discourage preachers)

After the Service

• Connect newcomers with others
• Get newcomers information
• Start a conversation about the sermon
• Ask someone how they became a Christian
• Stay late

Dan Walker: Standing Up For The Lord’s Day

Dan Walker is a sports broadcaster for the BBC. In this article from DayOne, Dan explains how God has made it possible for him to work as a sports journalist without having to compromise on keeping the Lord’s Day and the opportunities this has given him to explain the importance of Sunday to his colleagues, potential employers, and sports stars like David Beckham.

Many people—even Christians—have asked me why I feel so strongly about the Lord’s Day. For me it seems quite obvious. God, our creator, has given it to us for our own good. Some will argue that Jesus Christ’s coming means we are no longer obligated to keep it special but that is a viewpoint I fundamentally disagree with.

There are still ten commandments and it is more important than ever before to guard the fourth one jealously. I think it is also essential to stress the importance of being part of a ‘local’ church. The church, the corporate worship of God, and the preaching of the Word are three of the main things Satan aims to undermine in the lives of Christians. I know that I would suffer both spiritually and practically if I started working on Sunday. I don’t think our attitude to the Lord’s day is a ‘salvation’ issue but I do firmly believe that it is a sign of our spiritual temperature. What does it say about us if we would rather be on a football pitch than in the presence of God’s people hearing his Word?

Read it all here: http://www.lordsday.co.uk/Dan%20Walker.htm

The Most Broken Vow of All

I came across this challenging article and would ask you to read it.  It is by Carl Trueman and was published at Reformation21:

What is the most broken vow in the church?   The wedding vow?  Divorce rates among Christians are high, but rates of breach of this vow are probably higher still.   Ministerial vows to preach the gospel?  Conservatives in mainline denominations might point to those who are ministers and who deny key tenets of the faith from their pulpits week by week, though, ironically, such may not be in breach of vow if said vows do not explicitly bind them to uphold said tenets.   That’s the dilemma faced by many in mixed churches today.  Baptism vows, to raise children in the fear and nurture of the Lord?   Doubtless there is much delinquency here.  Perhaps it is this one.

No.  The most broken vow is almost certainly that by which church members submit to the authority and teaching of the elders in the church.   It is as solemn and serious as any other vow one might take — marriage, baptism, an oath in court — and yet what does it mean?  How many truly think about the implications?  How many truly act as if the vow really meant something?  The vows are voluntary, but once taken, they are serious and require focused commitment and a particular pattern of behavior.  Yet members feel free to speak as they wish to, and about, church leaders; they move from church to church as, so some say, the Spirit leads them; and they trample their vow to submit again and again.  When political parties enjoy more loyalty from their members, you have a serious problem; and don’t gun for sports stars caught cheating on their wives when your own view of vows is at best selective in how they are honored.

Read more

Open Letter of Thanks from Sue Bennett to Friends and Family

February 25, 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

First of all I would like to thank the Cloud of Unseen Witnesses from different parts of the earth, California to Texas to Colorado to Arizona to Kansas, friends, family and churches that couldn't come to the hospital but faithfully prayed for me. Those who have gone through it for themselves probably even felt for me. There were so many special phone calls that came offering prayer for me at just the right time for pain needs and even some “embarrassing needs” (you know who you are, i.e. Anita). Other encouragements, Daddy, Leslie, Warren, Logan, Peggy. Not to mention all the facebook thoughts and prayers that came.

“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrew 13:5), I've always thought of that as God's promise of Himself. He is quite enough and will always be enough, but Our Humble God extends His faithfulness through His people as well. What a joy to have so many visitors and gifts this week. My room was filled with flowers and balloons. Encouraging faces came (Bill & Anita, Bob, Imalee, Gary & Donna). The Evans brought Valentines (including a card, candy and small rosebush) and my dear Ms. Pat brought See's Candy which I am still enjoying one piece at a time. I see the “Happy Birthday” roses, but where is my Granddaughter Lee Anna who sent them?

Lana, your heartfelt tears let me know how deeply you feel about your ol' mom. It meant so much to me that you spent the time at the hospital and took so many days off work. You are a “priceless pearl” to me. Mike, thank you for your visits and letting me tell you what I've been wanting to say to you for so long and receiving it with the love with which it was intended. And yes, I did wake up in “the pain side” and found the blessings of loved ones. But where is your oldest daughter? Isn't Lee Anna coming to see me?

I really wanted that hamburger from Red Robin Ed. Thank you for getting it and “sneaking” it in. Also, thank you for warming up my cold hands with your warm ones and my weary spirit with your heartfelt prayer. Now when my hands are cold I think “where's Ed.” Also, you loaned me your bride and I am eternally grateful. Do you know where your niece, my Lee Anna is?

Melinda, how did you make your office send flowers that are still as beautiful today as the day you sent them? You have a way about you! Thank you for being at the hospital so much and taking time off from work. Tell your office I appreciate them, especially Steve for coming to visit. I hear you brought bagels and donuts for the long waits during surgery and ICU recovery! What a sweetheart! Have you seen your oldest sister anywhere? I'm sure Lee Anna must be here!

Monica, your sweet presence made me feel like everything was gonna be alright. Thanks for showing restraint and not beating up the nurse who wouldn't let you stay with a sleeping Memaw. Maybe you could tell Lee Anna I'm hoping to see her soon?

One of these days Luke, you will have a Birthday all to yourself that you don't have to spend with every Tom, Dick, Harry, Grandma in the hospital or just plain bad weather! I love you! I'm glad you enjoyed the time in the waiting room with Cousins. This was a very different “Cousins' Camp!” Speaking of cousins, where's your cousin Lee Anna?

How did you know Beth when to bring just what I wanted, a chocolate shake? And later, Liz Claiborne pajamas! Thanks for keeping Papaw busy and staying the night at the house before and after surgery. Certainly you have seen your cousin Lee?

I am tremendously thankful for those who took off from work and sacrificed their time. Those who sent flowers, came to see me with special gifts, made long journeys from another state (Will and Tammi) and for all the food glorious food that goes on and on (thanks David L. and Hope Family). There was even food for my horse (thank you Gary). Some people were there for me like they ALWAYS are, even when a scalpel isn't involved (Mardi). I'm certain Lee Anna would be here if she could be.

I am most especially thankful to my husband, who showed me the perfect way to walk through this ordeal. You have been a Christlike example and a competitive challenge to me. You have been by my side encouraging me. You have fixed meals, done laundry and taken care of my plants, bird and fish. You have spurred me on to “love and good deeds” as well as walking (and I walk with Loyd-y). Loyd, how did I ever breathe without you before?!! You take my breath away and then insist that I need to breathe and breathe deep! BTW, rumor has it Our Lee Anna is on her death bed or something!

Waiting room visitors supported family, Beau (you came even though you were sick and feeling bad, thanks), Bill, Anita, Josh, Tyler & Bonnie and others and they never even got to see me. I got to see one of our Bennett boys, Asa James, bright eyed and bushy tailed looking just like his parents. You are blessed Imalee. Some people came at special invitation and request! No name, just initials – DLS!

Who was that masked visitor that couldn't stand being apart from me. She is so loved and adored. Thank you Kevin for bringing your beautiful family to visit me. Though sick, the Kesters were not stopped from being helpful. What a joy to come home to a sparkling clean house. So there's my LAMB(O.K.), my Lee Anna. Thank you for your love and concern shown in innumerable ways. Even though fever kept you away from me Lee, I never questioned your love and concern. My sweet girl, I know you would give your right arm for me. And BTW, I love my Brahm's ice.

Meals keep coming and the visitors keep encouraging (Laessigs, Elane, JR, Nathan, Kendall Loyd). Some of you continue to be there for me by coming to stay with me while Loyd is on the bus (Laura, Beth, Mardi, Pat). What a blessing you have all been. Tears come to my eyes as I think of all of you whom I have loved so dearly and have now seen just how much you love me too.

Its impossible to cover everything, but let's just say, “God is good and so are His people.” Thanks to all.

Your Sis in Christ,

L. Sue Bennett

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P.S. This is Laura – Mom is dictating and I'm typing this for her. She wants me to write a note about myself, but its not necessary. I know she loves me and appreciates my efforts. I am merely pleased to be able serve My Lord by serving my parents. Love, blessings and gratitude to Our Lord and to His people!

P.S.S. Please visit the Hope Community Bible Church website: HopeCBC.org. You are all invited to visit the Church and worship with us!

Open Thank You Letter from Sue Bennett to the Cardiac Unit of Mercy Medical

February 25, 2012

To the Cardiac Unit of Mercy Medical,

You are the chosen of God, handpicked for a holy calling. I wanted to let you know how my experience with you works out into peoples lives in this, my year of reality. My husband went through CABG, in March of 2011 and now I have just gone through the same procedure in February 2012. He went through all the procedures quickly, with everything going just as it was designed to do, with your help of course. It was a great example to me on what I would need to do and how I would need to do it.

Dr. Cara, your special watch over us caused great prevention. You have shown what can be done when a doctor does her job correctly. Your faith shines through. And who knew that you, as the Princess, had a Prince that you would recommend for our hearts' care.

Dr. Phil, it is the glory of God to conceal a matter (or a heart), but the glory of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2). You have an irresistible bed-side manner. I will not forget how you asked the right questions to know what was really going on with my heart. What a joy to hear your “squeal” of delight when you made a special trip over to read the results of my x-rays and knew that my heart was merely in hibernation. It is great to know that we will spend eternity together in glory. Your patients are eternally grateful – Loyd W. Bennett and Loretta Sue Bennett (sometimes known as Marilyn).

Christina, you have such a sparkle in your eye. Every time you looked at me I knew you were saying, “I'm not finished with you yet and you are loved.”

Dr. Chavin, I'm praying that your true heart will be as sharp and as accurate as your scalpel was for both my husband and I. The Lord gave you confidence in your ability which gave me assurance and peace to endure my husband's procedure as well as my own. Genesis 49:24 says, “But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob.” To God be the glory for your beautiful hands. Your team is as beautiful as you are. The family so appreciated Micheal’s regular updates during surgery, all held their breath waiting for his every report.

Special thanks to Brenda who prescribes the right medication at the right time to ease pain. You came to see me right after the fluid was drained from behind my lung. You explained all that had happened and why I was in pain. Then you eased my pain. Eternal blessings be yours.

The CICU nurses were very tender. My first nurse was full of mercy and a continual reminder to me that God was in control. My Angels of Mercy were so well balanced. As I came out of the anesthetic my precious nurse managed everything the best, even when she had to ask family to leave so I could rest. Freedom came next with the removing of the tubes. The nurses get an A in personality assessment, knowing just when and how to tell the right joke as I held tight to my pillow.

In Telemetry my nurses and CNAs were more fragrant and more beautiful than any of the many flowers I received. Each were a different and beautifully colored bloom. Their scheduling was in the perfect timing of the Savior's nail-scarred hands...we needed you all. Some were willing to go the extra mile, like chasing down my breakfast at lunchtime even to the point of being willing to scramble the eggs herself (thanks Candace). Even my Respiratory Therapists were a treat to me like an ice cream sundae. There's nothing better than Jamaican voices joyfully challenging me to take deep breaths. Another man in my life was Oscar – only he knows how many times in one day you can drive a patient to x-ray. Thanks for being speedy and fun. The cherry on top of all these treats was Kathy – the CNA who reminded me of my dear Aunt Geneiva (she has been gone many years now). What a precious gift of the Lord you were to me. You were there from the beginning and it caused me to know how much I am loved by my Heavenly Father, as you were handpicked just for me.

All the doctors, nurses, CNAs, technicians and volunteers were blessings to me making a difficult time more bearable. The Scripture says God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and you are the proof of that.

Your Grateful and Thankful Patient,

Loretta Sue Bennett

P.S. Please visit the Hope Community Bible Church website: HopeCBC.org. You are all invited to visit the Church and worship with us!

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 26, 2012

We believe that the grace of faith, by which the elect are enabled to believe so that their souls are saved, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. Faith is ordinarily produced by the ministry of the Word. By this same ministry and by the administration of baptism and the Lord's supper, prayer, and other means appointed by God, faith is increased and strengthened. (14.1)