2012 - University Church of Christ

Bulletin Articles - 2012

Can You Imagine

Neal A. Thurman
23 Dec 2012

Can you remember the days when new shoes made you run faster and a cape could make you fly and a bicycle could be anything from motorcycle to a rocket ship and wagon was a highly-tuned, bright red sports car. Oh, what joy abounded in the days of youth and the innocence that accompanied them. What ever happen to imagination. It would seem that the more advanced we become in reality, the more restricted our minds become. As our technologies develop to a point that would been absolute unthinkable only a few years before, we seem to be shutting down our minds, letting our gadgets do our thinking and our working. Recently, my attention was drawn to two separate groups of young folks. One group sat around long tables and were divided in to smaller sub-groups of two or three. Each member had his/her object of techno wizardry in hand where each kept focused attention. Speaking was restricted to sub-groups and even this being very limited. Highlights came when an image or video was shared within the sub-group. What a blessing for them to be together??? The other group had no sub-groups. They had one ball, some chalk, and a pad of concrete. They played some game together that caused much hollering, even screaming. They laughed and they argued. They cheered and probably complained. They jumped and bounced and ran around. As families set to go to their separate homes, the chatters was all of who had what and how they would do things the next time. Can we see a difference? Which of these groups were blessed by being together? Can you imagine what heaven will be like for saved? How could we best prepare for that day to come? “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Heb. 10:24-25 Can you imagine us together in God’s home?

The Enduring Character of a Great Leader

Neal A. Thurman
9 Dec 2012

Most, if not all, believers consider Moses to be one of the greatest leaders that the world has ever known. Of course, it is reasonable for one to ask, “How did a man who was so determined to reject the assignment given to him (see Exodus 3&4) become such an example of leadership?” A good part of that answer is found in Numbers 12:3, “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” The humility of Moses allowed him to be unassuming in what he might deserve. His loyalty to his people extended well beyond what their actions deserved (cf. Exodus 32:32). Obviously, his faithfulness to God and his desire to serve the Lord enveloped all that Moses did as a leader of God’s people. Yet, a part of the character of Moses that some seem to overlook is his ability to patiently endure. Moses patiently persisted in his role of leadership when the people obediently followed and when they defiantly rebelled. He stood before them when they praised him (which seemed to be seldom), and when they railed against him (which they did with regularity). One should really take the time to see how often the scriptures say that the people spoke, complained, or cried out against Moses. Even his own family caused him grief when he did not do as they wished (Numbers 12:1-2). Yet, he continued his walk in the ways of the Lord and called for the people to follow. The endurance of Moses’ character is amazing when we consider the whole matter. He endured to lead. I have often wondered if Moses ever said to himself, “I quit! It is too much!” Remember that even God became so fed up with these people testing His patience that He vowed that none of that generation would enter Canaan, (Number 14:20-23). Moses must have, from time to time, been discouraged by the wickedness and often childishness of his people. He must have grown weary of hearing their desire for a new leader to lead where they wanted to go. Yet, his endurance of character led on.

The Remedy for Judging

Wendell Winkler
2 Dec 2012

1) Love. Love is always slow to expose, always eager to believe the best, always hopeful, always patient (1 Cor. 13:7; 1 Pet. 4:8). Faults of others will appear thick if our love for them is thin. 2) Consider how despicable it is. Matt. 7:3 suggests the censorious judge anxiously looks for a fault upon which to pounce. He is a “picker.” How despicable! The critic is always actuated by improper motives (John 12:4-6). 3) Practice the golden rule (Matt. 7:12). Substituting “think and judge” for “do” in this passage makes it read, “Whatsoever ye would that man should think and judge of you, do ye even so to them.” This would eliminate unkind censoring. 4) Examine self (1 Cor. 11:28; 2 Cor. 13:5). Upon examining self we will see that “there is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it little behooves any of us to talk about the rest of us.” So, when looking for faults, use a mirror and not a telescope. 5) Look for the good in others. Though Paul was blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious, God saw in him the possibility of being a chosen vessel and minister (1Tim. 1:13; Acts 9:15; 26:16). Be like the bee and concentrate on the sweet and beautiful, rather than like the buzzard who concentrates on the dead and the foul. Though the dog was ugly and mangy, the little child said, “But he wags his tail.” Let us not concentrate exclusively on the one small black dot on the white sheet of paper, and fail to see and appreciate all the white surface that remains unmarred. Be a Barnabas and see the good in others (Acts 9:26-31; 15:36-41). 6) Ask God for help in overcoming this sin. It is not accidental that “ask, and it shall be given you” immediately follows the Lord’s classic text on judging (Matt. 7:7). 7) Consider how much hurt you inflict. The sharp barbs of criticism wound and discourage. Too, they destroy the victims’ reputation, that upon which his influence is predicated, resulting in his potential for good being seriously hampered. 8) Consider the fact that the victim is your brother (Matt. 7:3,5; James 4:11-12). Judging is contrary to the very spirit of brotherhood. 9) Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. The old Indian prayed, “Great Spirit, help me never to judge Indian brother until I have walked two weeks in his moccasins.” Ezekiel sat where others sat before warning them (Ez. 3:15-17). 10) Remember that our judgments are often wrong (1Sam. 16:6-13). Eliab misjudged the motives of David (1 Sam. 17:28-29). Lysias misjudged Paul (Acts 21:37-38). Nathanael was wrong in his judgment about Jesus of Nazareth (John 1:46). 11) Consider what judging will do to you: (a) It will blind you of your own faults (Matt. 7:1-6; Luke 18:9-14). This makes repentance and confession impossible (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:8-10). (b) It will destroy your friends. Picking your friends to pieces makes them come to loathe you. (c ) It will put your eyes out to the beauty and virtues of others. (d) It will rob you of happiness. No one can live happily and meaningfully on a diet of negatives.

Amphibious Invasion

Neal A. Thurman
14 Oct 2012

One teacher of seventh-graders came to the subject of World War II, and a test question was, "What was the largest amphibious assault of all time?" Expecting to see "the D-Day invasion" as the answer, the teacher found on one paper, "Moses and the plague of frogs." We may laugh, but that is a pretty good answer. Though it may not have been the answer the teacher was seeking and it did not fit the context of World War II, the answer is technically correct. And though an invasion by living amphibians may not have fit the area of questioning, the scriptures tell us, “and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt,” (Exodus 8:6). This antidote is offered to challenge us, as believers, on how we consider the scriptures and the facts that are laid out in the holy text. When we consider historical data about the greatest or least, strongest or weak, wisest or foolish, do we consider the facts of the Bible when we are away from gatherings of the church? Do we actually accept that the flood of Noah’s day was the most destructive weather event ever to occur? (Exodus 7:14-24) Do we believe that to the point we will publically defend it? Do we accept that a real man could stand 9 1/2 to 10 feet tall while being agile enough to be a warrior? (1 Samuel 17:4-7) Do we believe that the waters of the Red Sea where literally held up so Israel could pass? (Exodus 14:21-22) In Job 40 & 41, the scriptures describe two mighty beast, the behemoth and leviathan. The scriptures provide descriptive characteristics of each one. Yet, if you have a Bible with footnotes, you will most likely find that someone has decided that these creatures are the hippopotamus and crocodile, respectively. One should really read the scriptural description. The point, we do get our doctrine and understanding of the Lord from the scriptures, but if we are believers, we must believe that all of the Bible is true. Furthermore, we must not let supposed science or education take that from us.

Looking For The Morning

Neal A. Thurman
16 Sep 2012

In Genesis 37, the brothers of Joseph seized him and cast him into a pit. This began what must have a been an often miserable series of events. It is not revealed in scripture, but being cast into a pit with no food or water must have been very troubling to a young man, especially since it was his brethren who had put him into this place. It would seem reasonable to consider this a place or time of darkness. Later, the brothers decide to make a little profit with their villainy. So, they sell Joseph to slave-traders. Once again, the scripture is silent as to the treatment of Joseph by the Midianites and of his personal feelings. Yet, we do not have to stretch our imaginations very far to consider that those sold into slavery were probably not treated with much kindness or understanding. We also do not know how long Joseph held by these slave-traders, but these would seem like hours of darkness. By strength of character and faith in God, Joseph pressed on through the darkness as he rose to success in the house of Potiphar. Yet, darkness had not departed him for the wife of Potiphar had wickedness in her heart. Her wickedness would result in Joseph facing more darkness in an Egyptian prison, but Joseph kept looking for the dawn of light as he clung to his faith in the God of all creation. In our earthly lives, we have hours of darkness that cause us to yearn for the morning. Perhaps, we look at a clock and the minutes seem to drag along, or we stare in the darkness longing for any glimmer of light that might signal the pending break of dawn. Our spiritual lives can be hit with darkness like Joseph was. We must focus and yearn for the morning light. For unlike the passing hours of darkness, we can take hold of the light that the Lord provides. Like Joseph, we can press on through the darkness and take away the power of the darkness. No matter what we must face in the life or what Satan may throw into our path, we can overcome and reach the mountain top if we keep looking for the morning.

He Was The Better Man

Neal A. Thurman
22 Jul 2012

In Genesis 45, we have a narrative of Joseph, as a lord in Egypt, revealing his identity to his brothers. Joseph was moved by such emotion that he wept. He brothers were also moved by emotion, but it was the emotion of fear. For now the tides have turned. No longer is he the lonely boy to be overpowered by a group of men. Now he is a ruler with the full force of a powerful nation behind him. Fearful action could be taken at only his word. We know the fear of the brothers ran deep because it remained years later as seen in Genesis 50:15, following the death of Jacob. First question to ponder: “Why did the brother fear Joseph even after he saved their families by bring them to Egypt?” Because, as we see in Genesis 37:18-28, given the advantage they would have acted with vengeance toward their brother. If rolls were reverse, the brothers knew they would seek to repay evil for evil. This was their character. Sadly, it is the common character of man. Second question to ponder: “Why did Joseph refrain from any aggressive or punitive action toward his brothers who had so wicked sinned against him?” Some will say that he held Simeon and accused the others of being spies, but he in no way repaid them in kind. Most of us would have thought him justified if he had repaid their evil deeds. Let’s remember, (at least in revealed scripture) the brother never apologized for what they had done to Joseph. In fact, in Genesis 50:16-18, they sent a messenger to Joseph with a lie seeking his forgiveness in the name of their father. Even though, their father did not know of their treachery. Yet, where is Judah, Zebulan, Issachar, or Dan saying, “We have sin against you and before God.” But still, Joseph provided for them and comforted them. Why? The reason is actually quite simple. Joseph was the better man. Joseph was a man of integrity, (see Gen. 39:7-9). Joseph was a man of vision, (Gen. 45:5-8). Joseph was a man of God, (Gen. 50:19-21). In our dealing with others today, we should always strive to be the better man, or more accurately the better Christian!

Accepting His Schedule

Neal A. Thurman
15 Jul 2012

Most of us are patient to a certain degree. We are willing to wait or bide our time for what we consider to be a reasonable amount of time. Yet, what happens when that, self-imposed, time runs out? Many of us become agitated and some will seek to take matters into our own hands. Though not to suggest that it can never work out for good, seizing the moment and taking charge of things is fraught with the potential of disaster. This is especially true when the matter belongs to God! Let’s be honest, we are all curious about the times and we would all like for things to fit neatly into our schedules of convenience. We are full of questions, to which God has opted to withhold specific answers. One of these is His time schedule. We always wonder, but the answers do not come. Even in John’s vision of revelation, we see a desire to know the time. Rev. 6:9-10 “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God... 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Some have tried to help God along. In Genesis 16, Sarai and Abram decided to help God along with the son of promise. Abraham pleaded with God to let Ishmael be that seed, but God rejected him, Gen. 17:18-19. On His own schedule, God brought Isaac to Abraham as the promised son. Though God blessed Ishmael, trying to speed things along, caused suffering in Abraham and his family, Gen. 21:10-11. As children of God, we need to always keep in mind that God according to His own time schedule, of which man has no right or ability to alter. Through the scriptures, God did leave hints from time to time. For example: the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2 offers a glimpse at God schedule for bringing forth His Son and His kingdom. Yet, Gal. 4:4-5 tells us, “when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[ of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” When will God …? In the fullness of time and on His schedule.

We’re Off Again

Neal A. Thurman
3 Jun 2012

That time of year has arrived once again. A good little group of us are headed north into Oklahoma to Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp for a week of fun, sun, and Christian fellowship. This is always one of the most interest and rewarding weeks of my year. And those years at starting to add up. If I counted properly, this will be my 27th year at camp as a camper and counselor. I look forward each year to seeing the bright young facing of kids who are seeking to please the Lord. Please, let me take a moment to express a heartfelt thanks to all those who have made donation for our week. Your kind and loving generosity is very humbling to me. Your support will allow for children to have this experience and will improve the experience for most all of them. I thank God for each one of you. I hope the kids are excited. We will play, have fun, and maybe even be a little bit silly, but most importantly we will spend time focused on Jesus Christ. During the week, we will have 6 full worship services with lessons from 6 gospel preachers. The campers have two Bible classes each day with different teacher and topic each class. Various group of boys will conduct a devotional each day. We will spend an hour each day devoted to singing, and improving our singing. Then each cabin will have a devotional or brief Bible study before lights out. Their days are pretty full. Please, pray for us that we may be safe and that we may edify one another. Just one more thing, we have mail call each day and all the campers love hearing their name called. So , if you have a free moment and a stamp, send our University kids a note or a card to: {child’s Name} PSCC P.O. Box 440 Madill, OK 73446

Ready To Give An Answer

Neal A. Thurman
18 Mar 2012

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…2 Peter 3:15 We speak often of the need for the individual Christians to be ready, willing, and able to share their hope of salvation with those wondering about outside of Christ. This obviously demands a level of understanding of the holy scriptures that would allow for an imparting of the truth. The Christian not only needs to know of the authority of Almighty God, which He delivered to His Son (Matt. 28:18), but the Christian also needs to know the scriptures that present this truth by inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16). The Christian needs to be able to introduce a seeker to Jesus Christ (Acts 8:35). The Christian needs to know that one is justified by faith, (Rom. 3:28; 4:1-3), yet he will know and share that justification is not by faith only. He should know that the point that sins are cleansed from life is immersion in the waters of baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 1:21). Disciples of Jesus Christ will understand that no one is worthy of the sacrifice that Christ has made. The grace of God has brought forth salvation (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 6:23). Yet, the disciple will also know that obedience and faithfulness is required by the Lord (Heb. 5:9; Rev. 2:10). These things are certainly true, and as Christians, we should strive to prepare ourselves the share this truth. This obviously requires study and preparation. Yet, even with this done, the Christian has not completed his preparation. The Christian also needs to prepare his heart to teach. If that question of hope comes, the Christian needs to know the manner needed to answer the question. All the knowledge in the world will accomplish nothing if a person refuses to listen. The whole counsel of God (Acts 20:7) needs to be spoken, but it also needs to be spoken in love, (Eph. 4:15). The Christian needs to be wholly honest, yet full of compassion. The Christian needs to care for souls rather than the outward image of just being right. Let all Christian prepare to teach the truth and nurture a heart that loves souls.

Will We Get Used To It?

Neal A. Thurman
12 Feb 2012

“May as well get used to it.” Most of us have heard this or some similar statement many times in our lives. Obviously, there are some things of which this is absolutely true. If one chooses to live in Texas, he may as well get used to the fact that the months of July and August are going to come with a few hot days. One’s lack of acceptance will never change this fact. So, we need to accept and get used to it. On the other hand, there are many things which are suggested that we ought to get used to. And I, for one, want to say that I do not want to get used to them and I do not think my brethren ought to get used to them either. Should we ask Moses to get used to the moaning and complaining of the children of Israel as they traveled to Canaan (Ex. 14,16,&17)? Shall we ask David to get used to the fact that his king, whom he has served faithfully, wants to kill him because he is too popular with the people, (1 Sam. 18-26). Or maybe we should tell Paul to just get used to being beaten, stoned, and chanced out of town when folks do not like his preaching, (2 Cor. 11:23-27)? Would anyone be so bold as to call for God our Father to get used to man offering the sacrifice of worship that man sees fit, (Mal. 1:7-14)? Shall we all the agree on the answers? “No. No. No. & Please Lord, forgive us for the thought, NO!” Beloved brethren, let us rise up and say, “No! We will not get used to that which brings dishonor to God and His church.!” Let us refuse to used to foul language and filthy jokes. Do not get used to our culture trying to silence the words of truth. Defy those who call for us to get used to a more entertaining and less doctrinal worship to God. Just look how that work for those in the days of Malachi. Let us not get used to our sons looking like thugs with a disrespectful attitude to compliment their look. Refuse to get used to our daughters adorning themselves in such immodest clothing that godly men are troubled even being in their midst, feeling a need to divert their eyes lest another be persuaded that they are perverted in their own thoughts. Let us not get used to marriages failing left and right. By the guidance of the Spirit of God, may we never get used to needing to search out information about the faithfulness of sister congregations just so we can have a righteous place to worship when we travel away from our homes. Please, do not get used to the sign out front not representing what will be found inside. Let us never get used to gospel preachers who say, “...be warm and filled…” yet do not offer the bread of life. May we not get used to self-serving leadership, nor bitter and hateful brethren. Do not get used to half-hearted devotion or one-day-a-week Christianity. Good brothers and sisters, there are things that a Christian just should not get used to. Which means, we need to do something about them.

Let It Continue

Neal A. Thurman
8 Jan 2012

One of the things that I have always enjoyed about the holiday season is the kinder and more pleasant way that folks seem to treat one another. People have a desire to show a spirit of thanksgiving and then spread a bit of Christmas cheer and finally trying to get the new year off to a good start. The world around us seems to be a little kinder and gentler during these few busy weeks. Then something happens. Folks return to work and the kiddos head back to school and the cheerfulness and patience get filed away for another 10 1/2 months. People seem to return to their hard often narcissistic ways. Too often, the pleasantries are replaced with cold heartedness. Society seems to shift back into making a buck and getting ahead without regard for others. These things seem to repeat themselves year after year in our world, but it should not be so of Christians. We should not need holidays or special events to motivate our kindness and compassion. We must always remember who we are: “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved…” (Col. 3:12). Recognizing this special identity calls for the implementation of a special way of life, establish by the God who loves us. “...put one tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another...But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection,” (Col. 3:12b-14). Notice the scriptures do not mention a special time for these attributes to be displayed. Rather, the great apostle was instructing these Christian on a constant and consistent way of life. Being kind and gentle should not be foreign or difficult to Christians. Granted, there are folks who make sharing goodwill more of a challenge, but the faithful Christian should be a pro at extending warmth and kindness. We should understand a failure to do so is a failure to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ our Lord. Accept the challenge today, make someone’s day a little brighter today, not because of a holiday, but because you are a Christian!