Jul 13, 2010
John Allan
Several weeks ago I changed my cell phone service provider. To date I have been very pleased with how well it has worked. In fact, in the past week I recommended the same service to three people.
You might be wondering, “Was it hard for you to tell others about your new service?” and I can honestly tell you it was not. In one situation the person asked for my advice and in the other two cases I found a way to slip it into a conversation I was having. Interestingly, they were not a bit offended when I did this.
Another fascinating thing about it is that it was so easy to talk about. I was not nervous at all! My familiarity with the product let me be completely at ease telling others about it. I could easily give them several reasons to consider the service even without having to think hard about it. I wasn’t even worried that I would have to use precisely the “right” words to make my point.
By now I believe you know me well enough to know I would not use a forum like this to merely talk about a cell phone. I’ll get on to my point, which is this:
When we see the value in something it becomes very easy for us to tell other people about it.
Why did I tell three people in one week about my service? I was pleased with something and wanted to tell them about it so they might enjoy the same benefits. I saw an opportunity to potentially make their life better and I took advantage of it.
As we consider being evangelistic let us not overlook the possibility that part of why we do not talk about our faith with others is because we do not see how doing so would be beneficial. Perhaps we say “he wouldn’t be interested” and let an opportunity to invite somebody to study the Bible or attend a worship service pass.
We routinely recommend things to people even though there is a possibility they will not be interested. Let us challenge ourselves to let them make that decision for themselves instead of making it for them by withholding the good news about Jesus.
Posted in Miscellaneous
Jul 6, 2010
John Allan
Freedom is a word that is familiar to our vocabulary. Part of the reason we hold the word so dear is because it is represents a value closely associated with the history of the nation in which we live. Yet there is another, even more important, reason that freedom is a word near and dear to Christians; the freedom we enjoy in the Lord Jesus Christ.
To speak of liberty in Christ is to affirm that sin enslaves man. If we are slaves to sin we cannot also be free from sin and dwelling in the body of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Paul helps us understand the idea of being liberated from sin. Five times in those three verses a form of the word “reconcile” is used. When a word like that is used so often in such a short amount of space, how do you ignore it?!
In those verses Paul wrote:
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” ( NKJV. Emphasis added.)
Reconciliation has been defined as the process of making consistent or compatible. When we apply this definition to being reconciled to God we understand that while we were entangled in sin we were inconsistent with God. In other words, we were lost.
Paul explained that we are reconciled to God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). This reconciliation occurs through obedience to the gospel. When we submit to the gospel we are being consistent to God’s plan of salvation. We are added to the Church by the Lord and liberated from our sins.
There is no greater freedom to be enjoyed than freedom from sin. What a powerful thought, and what comfort it brings!
Posted in Uncategorized
Jun 3, 2010
John Allan
Our Vacation Bible School (VBS) begins Sunday, June 6. The theme for this year is Rise and Shine for Jesus. We will have classes for all ages, including adults.
Below are the topics and times for each session.
Sunday 9 a.m.: Rise and Shine for Jesus By Being Thankful.
Sunday 6 p.m.: Rise and Shine for Jesus By Caring and Sharing.
Monday 7 p.m.: Rise and Shine for Jesus By Being Honest.
Tuesday 7 p.m.: Rise and Shine for Jesus By Being a Peacemaker.
Wednesday 7 p.m.: Rise and Shine By Overcoming Temptation.
In addition to the lessons there will also be singing and activities. VBS is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year for many and we invite you to come be a part of it. There is no charge to attend our VBS.
Posted in Uncategorized
Apr 27, 2010
John Allan
“Hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized.” If you regularly attend worship services of the Church of Christ you have probably heard those steps mentioned more times than you want to bother trying to count. You know it is commonly called God’s “Plan of Salvation” and you know those steps so intimately you might be able to utter them in your sleep.
Why is so much emphasis placed on the plan of salvation? Let us consider three reasons:
1. For the Non-Believer: By non-believer we mean one who has not obeyed the gospel. It is good that God’s plan of salvation be mentioned in every service so that one who has not obeyed can know the answer to the question “What must I do to be saved?”
2. For Children: We understand that until an individual has reached the maturity so as to be able to distinguish right from wrong and be held accountable for their actions that they are not lost. However, as children grow in knowledge and stature it is important that they be educated. For their sake we do well to emphasize the steps even if children have not reached that age yet. One day they will and we do well to prepare them.
3. For Believers: At services where all in attendance are believers we might think “Why bother talking about the plan of salvation?” Even in such a setting there is very good reason for its mention.
Rehearsing the plan of salvation (even when everybody in the audience knows it) provides reinforcement: it assures us that when we followed those steps we were obeying the gospel truth. It also prevents us from the risk of ever forgetting what the word of God has revealed to us with regards to the remission of sins. Do we need to remember that? Absolutely!
When the plan of salvation is mentioned and the Lord’s invitation extended it is not simply a cue for the audience to stop listening, pack up their belongings and get out their song books. It is a valuable instructional period worthy of attention.
Posted in The Church
Apr 16, 2010
John Allan
The topic of Biblical silence has been an area of intense debate for generations. Some believe that if the Bible does not specifically say you can do something then you cannot do it. Others suggest that unless the Bible specifically says “Do not do that” then you can go right ahead.
It is of interest and importance to know which view is correct. Is silence prohibitive or is silence permissive? The answer to this question is yes.
Determining whether silence is permissive or prohibitive is greatly aided by understanding the difference between generic and specific. In Mark 16:15 Jesus told the apostles where to go (into all the world) and what to preach (the gospel). However, he was silent on the method of going. Does that mean Jesus authorized them to go but did not authorize them to use any means of transportation? Certainly not!
The command to “Go” is generic. The apostles could use any lawful method to carry out the order. They could walk, run, sail etc. even though Jesus did not expressly tell them they could walk, run or sail. In a generic command such as this silence is permissive.
There are times, however, when silence is prohibitive. In Hebrews 7:11-14 the Hebrews writer is making the point that Jesus being our priest required a change in the law. Why? Hebrews 7:14 gives us the answer: “For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood” (NKJV).
The tribe of Levi was the priestly tribe under the Old Covenant; this was specifically ordered by God (Numbers 1:49-52). When God specified the Levites he therefore automatically excluded the other tribes. Silence was prohibitive because the charge was specific. Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, was prohibited from being a priest under the Old Covenant.
What have we noted, then? We have noticed that silence is neither always permissive nor always prohibitive. There are many things that the Bible does not mention specifically. Some of them are permissible because we see from Bible principle that they are permitted (ex: driving a car). Others are prohibited because God has specified exactly what He wants (ex: the specific command to sing forbids the addition of a mechanical instrument in worship).
It is intended that these words be helpful to us as we consider the significance of silence in the Bible. Any time we consider whether a matter is permitted by God or not we do well to consider it prayerfully and in light of what the Bible teaches: that is certainly true with regards to the area of silence.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted in Bible, The Church, Worship
Mar 24, 2010
John Allan
We welcome Tom Wacaster, who will be visiting us Sunday morning, March 28.
Tom has given many years in service of the Lord. In addition to preaching, teaching and mission work he is also the author of several commentaries. We look forward to his visit and welcome you to be our guest.
Tom will be giving us an update on his work during our adult Bible study hour (9 a.m.) and will preach the sermon during our morning worship hour (10 a.m.).
Posted in Uncategorized
Feb 18, 2010
John Allan
In the early verses of John 9 we read about Jesus healing a man who was born blind. In verse four Jesus asserts to his disciples “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
We understand that integrity and discipline are involved in doing things in a timely manner. Even when we struggle with procrastination (you’ll get around to admitting it some day) we recognize that it is not the ideal way to handle things. Yet, every once in awhile it is good to have that reminder that we must “make hay while the sun shines.” In other words, when we are able to do something, let’s do something!
This past weekend was a humbling one for me. I had my spiritual batteries re-charged from the lectureships I had attended and was excited about jumping head-first back into work. Then Saturday came and my health had other plans. As I spent much of the weekend lying on my back weak, miserable and exhausted I was reminded of how plans can change. There is a lot about my life that I cannot control nor predict. What I can control is what I do with the opportunities that are presented to me.
Jesus said “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:10-11). Sometimes we spend our time thinking about the “much” (some great thing we are going to do in the future) and forget to be busy doing the “least” (the little things that we can do today).
Are you saving your energy waiting for one great big thing you can do for the Lord? Or are you taking advantage of opportunities to do things right now in His service? They might not be flashy things; and they might not be things that are particularly noticeable. They are, however, things that equip us for greater service in the future and ensure that we are using our time here on earth wisely.
Scripture taken from the King James Version®. Copyright © 1989 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted in Morals
Feb 1, 2010
John Allan
It might have escaped your notice, as it nearly did mine, but the Winter Olympics will be starting soon. No doubt those who watch the games will see many athletes perform at high levels and make incredibly difficult things look easy.
How do they do that? The answer is simple. They practice, practice and practice some more. By the time the Olympics come they are showcasing talent that has been produced by years of hard work. You will not find a single participant in the games who started training only a week before arriving in Vancouver. They can make it look easy because they are prepared.
That preparation takes discipline. Their discipline can serve as a reminder of the discipline we should have as Christians. Paul, who often alluded to athletics in his writing, said “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25; NKJV).
Notice Paul’s point in that verse. Athletes go to great lengths to make sure they are in peak condition when they compete for their victory crown. They are careful about what they eat, how they train and what they do. They go to those lengths because they seek a crown; even though that crown is temporary. It is physical and one day will go the way of all the earth: it will perish.
The race we are running is the Christian race. We are on our way to Heaven and an incorruptible crown that awaits us there. If a gold medal is enough to motivate thousands of athletes to do all they can to be in peak fitness, how can Heaven fail to inspire us?
May we remember the encouraging words of the Hebrews writer: “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1b; NKJV).
Our crown will be eternal, but we will not receive it without discipline. “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27; NKJV).
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Posted in Morals
Jan 27, 2010
John Allan
When I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2007 I did so with a very small library. I still remember talking with a classmate about the fact that I did not even have a good Bible concordance. He was stunned by this (and I am glad I have one now) but I had managed to do OK without one.
My library is still small for a preacher, but it certainly has grown. Yet, I am reminded again and again as I look at books to add that the best book is the Bible. Magazines, catalogs and bookstores offer material on various Bible topics. These resources can help, but they can also tempt us to replace diligent study of the Bible with man’s interpretation.
We must not surrender the belief that the Bible is the source for our answers. The scholarship and opinions of others can be very helpful, but if those things are keeping us from searching the scriptures for ourselves they will transform from an aid to a stumbling block.
There will always be others willing to explain the Bible for us. Some even do it within the pages of our copies of the Bible. Devotional Bibles and study Bibles are filled with information supplied by man and therefore subject to mistakes. That does not mean there is no benefit to them, but we must remind ourselves to take caution and remember those additions are the conclusions reached by man.
We should not take the comments that line the pages of a study Bible over the inspired words of God which fill those pages. The only way to assure we do not is to be grounded in the scriptures. This is achieved through ongoing, diligent study.
I recommend that you do your daily Bible reading from a copy of the Bible that has as few man-supplied additions as possible. Even chapter and passage headings supplied in translations can be misleading! Removing such distractions will allow you to look at God’s word and see what it says. It will help you avoid the temptation to read somebody else’s comments and instantly make that your understanding. It will help you be a better student of the Bible, which in turn will boost your appreciation for the beauty of God’s word.
Posted in Bible
Jan 17, 2010
John Allan
Acts 19:11-12 mentions “unusual miracles” which God worked by the hands of Paul. In that passage the Bible specifically mentions the sick being healed and evil spirits cast out by handkerchiefs or aprons being taken from Paul’s body to the sick. It is easy to see why they are called “unusual.” This is not the sort of thing you read about regularly in the Bible.
As is the case with virtually anything good you can expect somebody to try to duplicate it. “Itinerant Jewish exorcists” knew what Paul was capable of doing and tried to exorcise evil spirits “by the Jesus whom Paul preaches” (Acts 19:13). Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were also involved.
Their attempt was unsuccessful. The evil spirit said “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (Acts 19:15). This was followed by the man possessed by the evil spirit leaping on them. After this violent outburst the men fled the house naked and wounded.
Why were they unsuccessful? The answer to that lies in verse 13. They “took it upon themselves” to try to cast out evil spirits in the name of the Lord. They had not been given the miraculous ability to cast out demons. They did not have authority from God to cast them out. Yet they presumed they could and gave it a shot.
They are a reminder to us that when go beyond the authority God has given us failure will result. We might not notice the failure right away, but if our action is contrary to God’s will we will suffer the consequences.
Whether it was Israel trying to do something when God told them not to or somebody today trying to do something in worship that God has not authorized: to go beyond God’s authority is to “take it upon ourselves.” Let us remember that God’s word, the Bible, is our guide and subscribe to the admonition Paul gave the Christians at Colosse: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17; NKJV).
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Posted in Bible