Bulletin Articles - 2009
Passion of the Heart
- Neal A. Thurman
- 25 Oct 2009
In Matthew 6:19-21, the Lord spoke of laying up ones treasures. He admonished His followers against chasing after treasures of the earth, and encouraged us all to focus on the treasures of heaven. His reasoning is offer in verse 21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” We often refer to this passage in regard to our view of wealth and material possessions. This is obviously a proper use of the scripture, but does it explore the full depth of this teaching. The desire for material wealth certainly draws one’s heart and focus away for matters of great importance and significance, but other earthly matters can get in the way of faithfulness in much the same way. We should each ask, “Where is my heart? Where is my focus? Where is my passion?” What lights the fire within us? A few weeks ago, I saw the fans of a small high school football team set in the driving rain in order to encourage a team with a losing record. Parents manipulate work schedules, spend every weekend on the run, and spend hundreds of dollars so their ten-year-old can play on both a league and tournament baseball teams. People stand in line for hours to get the signature of a person who would not give them the time-of-day if seen on the street. Some folks put themselves in dire straits financially so they can present a certain desire public image. In Philippians 3:4-14, Paul makes it very clear to us that he was not going to allow anything to take his passion away from Christ. He had cast all other things aside, and was truly driven to achieve the goal and obtain the prize that Christ offered him. Paul’s passion, and thus heart, was focused on Christ. It is fine to support the kids in their adventures and events. It is fine to cheer one’s favorite team. Yet, is that same burning passion present in the service of God our Father? Does have our love, our passion, and our hearts?
Dining On The Feast
- Neal A. Thurman
- 20 Sep 2009
For weeks, we have been speaking of an upcoming spiritual feast. As the time drew close, we followed the pattern of the man of Luke 14:16-17, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’” All things were made ready, and the feast was delivered to all who were present. Those present were able to feed until they were completely full. In fact, it could be said with confidence that our plates were overflowing. We were blessed to have Brother Frank Chesser take us on voyage through the holy scriptures. The depth and breadth of each message covered the table of the feast, so that everyone present could take that which was needed for his sustenance. No one should have left with even the slightest pang of hunger. Lessons weaved through the Bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. We heard of the contrast, similarities, and continuity of the covenants of God. We learned of the great promises and frightful wrath of our God and Father. A portrait of God’s nature, His wondrous grace, and His very essence was unveiled before us. All of these teachings were supported and validated by the power of God’s holy word. I have a sense of sorrow for those who were unable or willfully chose not to attend each service of this gospel meeting. Because unfortunately, they missed out on this wonderful feast. I would strongly encourage those, who were unable to attend, to sign up for the CDs of each of these lesson. It will be much to their benefit to take the time necessary to dine on this feast. For those of us who did dine at the table of the feast, let us not simply eat and go away unchanged. Let us apply the things taught to our own lives, and let us share the great message of the gospel with others. This feast will be vain if we simply rub our spiritual stomachs with the satisfaction of being full. We must carry the feast of truth to the world!
What's Your Excuse
- Neal A. Thurman
- 30 Aug 2009
In Genesis 3:6, Adam ate of the fruit from tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 4:8, Cain murdered his brother Abel. In Genesis 12:13, Abram instructed his wife to lie about their relationship. In Genesis 28:8-9, Esau took wives that he knew were displeasing to father. In Genesis 34:25ff, Simeon and Levi murdered the men of Shechem. In Genesis 37:28, the sons of Jacob sell their brother Joseph into slavery. In each of these situations, these men evidently thought they had an excuse. Adam said that his wife, who God have provided, had given him the fruit. Cain was upset because God did not honor his sacrifice, while God did honor the offering of Abel. Abram was afraid that he would be killed because his wife was beautiful. Esau was angry because Jacob had cheated him out of birthright and blessing. Simeon and Levi were avenging the rape of their sister, Dinah. Joseph’s brothers were overwrought with envy because Jacob treated Joseph special and Joseph was a dreamer who told of his visions of greatness. Yet, when these excuses are held up to the illuminating light of truth, their excuses begin to fall apart. Does anyone think that Eve held Adam down and force the fruit into his mouth? What did Abel have to do with God’s rejection of Cain’s offering? Did Pharaoh actually threaten or imply that he would kill Abram and take Sarai? Why did Esau seek to cause pain to his old, blind father who fell prey to the deception of his conniving wife and younger son? Why were all the men of Shechem killed for the independent actions of one man? Is the favored child to blame for the weakness of his father? Like many of us, these men had an excuse for their wrongdoing; and just like ours, their excuses were worthless. Excuses never turn sinfulness into righteousness! We all must remember to whose court we will be called. “For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil,” Eccl. 12:13. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God,” Romans 14:12.
Imagining Success
- Neal A. Thurman
- 23 Aug 2009
When I was about nine years of age, I was sure that Roger Staubach was the greatest man on the face of the earth. Because he was the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. Now, I have never met Mr. Staubach, but at nine I was sure I wanted to be just like him. At that point, I believed I could be. I spent hours throwing a football through a tire. As long as I could get neighbor kids to run routes, I would throw “ins”, “outs”, “go’s”, and “slants.” I worked from three, five, and seven step drops. I worked on concealing the ball on fakes to imaginary running backs. When all alone, I would shout cadence to no one in particular before dropping back to throw to one of three tree receivers that grew in our backyard. I was going to be the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. As fate would have it, I did not grow tall enough, the ball grew faster than my hands causing problems with snaps, the development of my skill-set ran out of gas. On top of all that, as a freshman I lost the QB job to a guy who was bigger, stronger, and faster, who would go on to be a high school All-American. Reality dashed my dream. Yes, my dream was out of reach, but at nine I believed in it. My point in all of this, is that we ought to dream big dreams and imagine the success. I find myself, as a man, too often imagining defeat rather than success. Adulthood, with its harsh reality, has a way of diminishing our ability to dream of success. Too often with those dreams goes a willingness to try. Yes, I realize today that I was never going to be an NFL quarterback, but can we not see the motivation that dream had on a kid who painted targets on trees? That dream moved that boy to work. Could we imagine together what might happen if we, anchored-in-reality adults, could find the imagination of that nine-year-old boy in our evangelistic efforts. What sort of effort would we give if we believed (if we could imagine) real success? Would we knock on a few more doors? Would we speak to few more people? Would we participate more fully? My dream faltered, for the means of success were not available, but Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” (Phil. 4:13). But we must believe. James 1:6-7 says, “But let ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” Let us have the child-like imagination to succeed!
It Only Takes One
- Neal A. Thurman
- 16 Aug 2009
Just after daybreak this past Tuesday, I went out to fill the hummingbird feeder on our patio. While I was doing so, two hummers impatiently chirped at me as they hovered near my head awaiting the re-hanging of their feeder. Shortly after the feeder was hung, half a dozen hummers arrived for breakfast. So, I sat down to observe them. After circling the feeder a few times, these six tiny birds did something I had never seen before. Earlier observations have proven hummingbirds to be territorial about feeders, many charging and buzzing other birds trying to feed. But on this morning, all six birds landed on the individual perches of the six plastic flowers and began to drink the sweetened water. For fifteen seconds or so, these six diminutive flyers dined in peace. Watching, I said out loud, “I guess they have learned to get along.” Yet, as these words passed my lips, a black dot appeared from the bushes. He darted past the feeder with a high-pitched chirp causing three birds to fly away. He banked hard under the patio and went back for a second run. Two more birds fled, while one rose in challenge. The aggressor and the defender spread their tail feathers as broad as possible and postured up and down for a few second. During the duel, the patio exploded with action. As though someone had sounded an alarm, eighteen to twenty birds swarmed under the patio’s roof. Some sought to sneek a quick drink, while others vigorously tried to chase away those feeding. In the low light of the early morning, they appeared as dark streaks as they weaved and darted through the air. Everything was back to normal. One or two at a time nervously grabbed a quick drink in midst fights going on all around. And to think it all started because just one little fellow decided to stir the pot. I am afraid the church is far too often just like these tiny feathered friends. Yes, the Lord said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God,” (Matt. 5:9). And yes, Paul wrote, “Do all things without complaining and disputing,” (Phil. 2:14). But where is the fun in that? Fighting is a lot more exciting. Those hummers are much more interesting to watch when challenging one another for a chance to feed. Yet, is this what God wants from His people? Paul instructed Timothy to withdraw himself from those who were “...obsessed with disputes and arguments…” (1 Tim. 6:3-5) Paul said to the Roman Christians, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men,” (Rom. 12:18). The question we each must ask ourselves is: “Am I a peacemaker or a pot-stirrer?”
Looking To The Morrow
- Neal A. Thurman
- 9 Aug 2009
It is well recognized and understood that one should not recklessly plan or speak of the day to come. For James 4:13-14 says, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Yet, with this taken under consideration, we must live today with anticipation of tomorrow, rather than looking forward with trepidation. The Bible certainly calls for us to live each day, even each moment, to its fullest for we have no guarantee of anything beyond right now. We certainly can only act on the things of today, and this should be our intention. Still, we recognize that the matters of today often work as preparation for the days to come. Scripture does not call for us to live today without regard for tomorrow, rather we should realize that making the best of today makes way for a more fruitful tomorrow. In Matthew 6:25-33, the Lord commands the believer to live life without the crippling burden of anxiety. He tells us not to worry about what we will eat, or drink, or wear. He proclaims that if our focus is on the kingdom and righteousness of God, the necessities of life will fall into place. Thus, if we live our lives today as He commands, we can look with confidence and optimism on the day to come. Someone is sure to ask, “What if something goes wrong?” What if it does? What are we going to do today about what is going to go wrong tomorrow, of which we have no legitimate means of predicting? Jesus said, “...for tomorrow will worry about its own things,” (Matthew 6:34). We cannot deal with those struggles until they come. Beloved, let us cease to waste time worrying about all the things that could go wrong. Rather, let us simply live today as best we can, and with Jesus Christ look to the morrow with hope!
God Will Provide
- Neal A. Thurman
- 2 Aug 2009
A father and son, having left their traveling companions behind, walked to the place of sacrifice. As they traveled, the son noticed that something was missing. No lamb of sacrifice has been brought. Upon questioning the father replied, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for burnt offering,” (Gen. 22:8). We know that God stayed the hand of Abraham and provided a ram for a sacrifice to replace Isaac. We also know that many generations later God would indeed provide the lamb for offering. His own Son would give His life for that sacrifice, (Luke 23:46). If we consider the known history of God, we will find that God has always provided that which man needed to survive and furthermore to be pleasing to God, Himself. In the garden of Eden, man was given everything he needed to live in perfection. Of course, man decided God’s perfection was not enough, so man partook of the one thing God had restricted. Again, in Egypt a king arose that did not know Joseph (Ex. 1:8) and he put Israel under bondage. God provided Israel with a deliverer in the form of Moses, (Ex. 3:10). When Moses pointed out his shortcomings to God, (Ex. 4:10) he was provided with one to overcome his weaknesses, (Ex. 4:14). When Israel was hungry, God provided food, (Ex. 16:13-14). When there was no water, God brought it forth from a rock, (Ex. 17:6). Again, when the Midianites and Amalekites brought an army against Israel that was as “numerous as locusts” (Jud. 7:12), God provided victory by the hand of Gideon and three hundred men. (Jud. 7:15-25). Obviously, this could go on and on, but the real weight in this matter can be summed up in the question Paul asked in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” We need to develop a faith in God that works for peace in our hearts believing that God will provide. He may not provide what we think He should provide, but He will absolutely and without fault provide us with all that we need!
What Do You See
- Neal A. Thurman
- 26 Jul 2009
Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “It’s not what you look at that matters, but what you see.” It is thought simple to provide the factual description of a scene, an object, or even a person, but the truth of the matter is that personal perception is always a part of the equation. Though the image is viewed by all, what we see speaks to who we are, individually. Through the windows of a home a dark, dreary, and rainy day is seen with sadness by the child wishing to go outside to play, but the same scene brings joy to the heart of the farmer with crops in the field. A large mound of loose dirt depicts the image of much labor to the man who must spread it evenly upon a field, but the same dirt glows with images of conquest to boys who would seek to be king of its summit. The crowded market place where hundreds of venders are selling their wares is beheld with exhilaration by the wife who sees a wondrous opportunity to purchase things for her home that she cannot buy in any other place, while her husband sees a hot, claustrophobic, chamber of torture. Consider Simon Peter, what would most people see in him? Perhaps most would have seen an uneducated (Acts 4:13), stubborn and impetuous (Matt. 26:31-35) fisherman, but Jesus saw a dedicated friend and faithful servant (Matt. 16:18-19). Men saw Peter for what he was, but Jesus saw him for what he could be. What do we see when looking into our service and worship to God? Do we see service as a necessary evil to convince other Christians of our faithfulness, or do we see it as a joyful opportunity to spread the lovingkindness of our Father? Do we see gathering with the saints to worship as a duty to which we are seeking the minimum accepted standard, or do we see it as a honored privilege to come before God in praise? We each need to ask ourselves, “When I look into life as a child of the Most High God, what do I see?”
Stay Focused
- Gary L. Hutchens
- 19 Jul 2009
Jesus encouraged us, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). The “crown of life” signifies eternal life in Heaven, eternal salvation. Eternal life is a gift offered to us by God through grace. Our responsibility in receiving this gift is to “be faithful until death.” We are not just to become faithful, we are to live in faithfulness until the day we die. We must even be willing to die for our faith, if necessary. While this is certainly easier said than done, it should not necessarily be all that difficult to do. God has promised that HE will not let us be tempted by any temptation that is too powerful for us to overcome, with His help (1 Cor. 10:13). In the middle of that verse making this promise is the statement, “God is faithful…” So, we don’t have to wonder if the promise of the verse is as powerful as it reads. It is! God has made this promise, and God is faithful to keep Hiss promises. Why, then, does it seem that so many people have such difficulty staying faithful? On simple key is, they don’t stay focused. Paul portrayed the walk of faithfulness as being like a runner running a race. He said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended…” As long as we are still alive, we have not claimed the prize of eternal life to the fullest degree. Only after this life is over can we actually be with God in Heaven. We may have moments in our life that are wonderfully encouraging, but we’re not there yet. So Paul says, “but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” We must stay focused. Paul goes on, “I press toward that goal fro the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12-14). Just as a runner running a race, we must keep our mind, as well as our eyes, on the finish line. We need to let go of the failing of the past and look forward to the goal, eternal life! Jesus put it this way, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9:62). A great many people begin the walk of faith, but they lose their focus. They get distracted by all kinds of things, including self-doubt. We must stay focused! When Peter look around at the storm, and took his eyes off of His Lord, he sank into the water on which he had been walking (Matt. 14:28-31). If we let ourselves get distracted by the difficulties of life, or by the temptations of the devil, we can end up sinking into the depths of sin and end up condemned for eternity. Only if we stay focused, only if we keep out eyes on the Lord, only if we maintain our commitment will we stay on course and reach our goal of eternal life. If we stay focused, God has already promised that we will cross the finish line and receive the prize (Rev. 2:10). The only question is whether we will stay focused…
What Kind Of Brother Do You Want?
- Neal A. Thurman
- 12 Jul 2009
As children of God, we are to be the family of God. God is our Father (Eph. 4:6), and we are to be His children. God is the perfect father. He gives us all that we need, holding nothing back (Rom. 8:32). As a loving Father, He chastens when we need correction. We need Him to do so. The Bible also tells us how to be loving children by keeping the commandments of the Father (1 John 5:3). The scriptures layout to us the type of children that God would have us be. In the family of God, we also have siblings. We are to be brothers and sisters in the family of God. The Bible provides instruction for these relationships as well. The Bible calls for us to “Exhort one another daily while it is called ‘Today’” (Heb. 3:13). This exhortation would need us to believe that we should not leave our brother in nothingness, but rather we are to call for him to be what God would have him be. The scriptures call for us to be an encouragement to one another. Paul says we should, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep,” (Rom. 12:15). God’s holy word reminds us to make every effort to be reconciled with a brother with whom we have had strife. We are to go to brother if he has sinned against us, (Matt. 18:15-20) and we are to go him if we have committed the wrong, (Matt. 5:23-24). The Bible repeatedly calls for us to be forgiving of our brother, (Luke 17:3-4; Col. 3:13). Most of all we are love our brothers and sisters, (John 13:34-35; Col. 3:14). Of course, a brother that loves us with the love of God, will be a worker for God in our lives. This includes offering correction when we step out of line. As Paul confronted Peter (Gal. 2:11), a good brother will tell us when we are heading for trouble or walking in sin. He will do so because of his love for us. The question is: “What kind of brother do you want?” Do you want a vigilant lover of your soul, willing to speak the truth even when it hurts? Or do you want an ear-scratcher who always pats you on the back, telling you that you are right? Do you want a “Yes-Man” or “God’s Man” as your brother?
Time To Prepare
- Neal A. Thurman
- 5 Jul 2009
Last week I was able to participate in a Gospel Meeting with the brethren in Grapeland. During our first worship service together, one of the elders exhorted the brethren to follow through with the plans that had been laid and reminded the congregation of efforts they had made during the months leading into this meeting. I do not know exactly what the folks in Grapeland had done to prepare for this meeting, but evidently they had been making plans and looking forward to our meeting well before meeting was to begin. Though they are not many in number, they were obviously excited about this effort. Beloved, I would suggest that it is time for us to prepare individually for our upcoming meeting with Brother Frank Chesser. I recognize that we are still a couple of months away from this meeting, but it is time to lay out our plans to attend and invite others to the meeting. This is the time to prepare for there is still time to manipulate schedules. Very, very few things that are scheduled for a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evening cannot be rescheduled. If we have projects due at work, chances are we can work harder now to keep that project from effecting this effort. If we have family reunions or social gatherings planned, these things can be rescheduled. The question actually comes down to “want to.” We always find the time to do the things we want to do. Will we want to support our own gospel meeting? If the answer is “Yes,” then we will have a successful meeting because we will start preparing today to make it work. If the answer is “No,” a faithful few will hear the gospel of Christ proclaimed with power, but the effects of our meeting will be minimal. Let me suggest that Bro. Chesser will offer a feast of gospel truth no matter who is here to listen. Yet, the influence and effect of our gospel meeting will be determined by the preparation, attendance, and actions of you and I.
Remember When It Was Not Spoken Of
- Neal A. Thurman
- 28 Jun 2009
Do you remember when we expected all the married people around us to be married to one another for life? Do you remember when the notable challenge to fifty year anniversaries was both husband and wife living seventy years on the earth? Do you remember when divorce was an unfortunate reality that was not spoken of without real discretion? Maybe it means that I am getting old, but I remember those days. I remember being at a wedding and expecting that union to last for a lifetime. Sadly, that is not always the case today. I can remember going to school with kids whose parents were divorced, knowing of the divorce, but it was not discussed openly. Perhaps, some of this was due to a more discreet culture of the day, but a measure of this was due the idea that divorce was distasteful and not thought to be acceptable. It is with real sadness that I accept that this attitude has significantly changed, even among Christians. I would hope that all Christians would consider the words of Malachi 4:16, “For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce.” God’s view has not changed! Most of us know of the famous reality TV couple who have decided to end their relationship, in spite of having many small children in their home and needing their care. Though the adults say their separation is for the benefit of their children, I believe it is all about the adults and their own wants and desires. Furthermore, the fact that the destruction of this home is being played out on national television, for which the principles are being highly compensated, is absolutely discussing. Yet, if that was not bad enough, I heard an interview about this situation with a family councilor. The councilor was asked about whether parents, whose children had regularly watched the program, should restrict their children’s viewing of the show currently. Her response, “Well, I don’t know. Divorce is a reality. So, maybe it could be an educational opportunity that could help children understand the real world.” I could not believe she said that. It is not up to me to decide what parents allow their children to watch, but I do not want to start preparing children for divorce. How about teaching children that marriage is for a lifetime, and that couples need to make it work in the good times and the bad? We should be ashamed of ourselves if we teach children to accept and even expect divorce. Maybe we should go back to seeing divorce as a failure that must be overcome, but is nothing to be proud of. Maybe we should go back to the day when publicly these things were not spoken of.
Reluctant To Leave Them
- Neal A. Thurman
- 21 Jun 2009
I am glad to report that we had a great week at church camp. Other than a few bumps in the road and a nasty little encounter with lice (two kids came to camp with lice and shared them with a few cabin mates), the week ran quite smoothly. All 174 campers and 42 staff members survived. For me personally, the week ran along a consistent path. Sunday and Monday were hectic. As usual, I spent these days just trying not to fall behind. Tuesday brought thoughts of just how long a week can be under these circumstances. The top of the hill was reached on Wednesday, it was all down hill from there. Thursday, the end was in sight. Before I was ready, Friday brought everything but the formalities to a close. We said a reluctant “Good-bye” Saturday morning. And it all goes back in a box for another year. Yet, each year that good-bye lingers in my mind, but not as one might first suppose. It is certainly hard to say good-bye to those with whom I have built relationships over the years, and then there are those endearing kids whose time to move on has arrived. Yet, perhaps the most difficult ones to leave behind are those children who must return to loveless or broken homes. They are not always the easiest kids to manage, and sometimes they make their counselors want to scream. But truth be known, they yearn for each moment in those surroundings as though it was the breath of life. Often they linger late on Saturday morning, grasping at those last few moments of love, peace, and joy. It is hard to relish a return to a soft bed and good food when looking into their longing eyes. They’re tough, even hard at times, but watching carefully reveals an apprehension for the morrow. Tracy said to me Friday evening as we walked by a couple of these children on our way into worship, “I’d stay if they could. They need someone to love them.” And she was right. Sadly, some of these children with bright eyes and smiling faces must return to lives of struggle and strife. These are the children I am most reluctant to leave. When I consider the words of Jesus as He spoke of the judgment of those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and ministered to the sick, saying, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me,” (Matt. 25:34-40). It is my prayer that for these little ones, whose suffering I feel helpless to relieve, we can show them they are loved. What a great success our week would be, if only these children went away knowing that someone cared. Believing we hold to the way of Jesus as He said, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you…” (John 15:9)
Worth The Time
- Neal A. Thurman
- 7 Jun 2009
With many of the activities in our lives, we evaluate whether the event or effort is worth the time it will take to participate or accomplish. Because of this, some things are disregarded or ignored based of upon their time demand not justifying, in our minds, the rewards offered. At times, this is sound judgment for some things are simply a waste of time. Yet, the strength or weakness of this evaluation process rest upon the wisdom of the one making the judgment. For some, taking the time to send a text message to a person sitting six feet away is a proper use of time, while others will see this as a complete waste of time and effort. Interestingly, the same disparity exist when considering Algebra, English grammar, and daily Bible reading. This leads me to wonder what criteria most of use for making such a determinations. Some perhaps consider mainly the fun-factor, some use interest level, while others may consider long-term effects. In truth, the evaluation may be base on a plethora of reasons. Let’s give it a test. Suppose I told you of an event that was schedule for a future date. Let’s say that we were told a small group of people who had spent over a month planning, preparing, and organizing the event. Let’s say that this group made a diligent effort to view the event’s schedule, timing, and content in light of needs and wishes of all of us. In addition to these facts, we were also told of a larger group of people who would be handling the details and execution of the event. We also learn that each member of this larger group is highly skilled for the task at hand, and each of them had been careful chosen for their ability to fulfill their roles. The question, “Was it worth their time?” This is a difficult question to answer until the time of the event, for all the effort, energy, and time is given for the benefit of those who would potentially attend. Without those to partake of the fruits of labor, value of time is greatly diminished. All the things suggested have been done, and we call the event “Summer Series.” Perhaps the real question is: “Is it worth your time to hear the gospel proclaimed, and to encourage the congregation?” Please, make it worth your time to attend!