Bulletin Articles - 2014
Not Enough Thanksgiving
- Neal A. Thurman
- 23 Nov 2014
2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving… Colossians 4:2 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...Ephesians 5:20 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15 Throughout the holy scriptures, we find a constant and consistent call for thanksgiving toward God. The righteous in all ages have been faithful in their offering of thanks to the Lord. Daniel prayed to God in a habitual manner of life from his early days through old age, (Daniel 6:10). It does not challenge the words of truth to imply that a part of those prayers was thanksgiving. Daniel did not wait for a special occasion or trying times to open up his heart toward God. We should do the same. This is not to suggest that it is wrong to have special times of prayer with thanksgiving, but rather to point out that too many of us do not give enough thanks to God. We seem to wait for the big events in life or overcoming of a great obstacle before we get serious about thanks to God. The truth of the matter is that we should constantly be overwhelmed by the daily presence of God and the life which He offers and maintains. The challenge of “Count Your Many Blessing, Name Them One By One,” is real and awesome on even the simplest of our days. So, let us, give more thanks to God. No matter how much we already give, let’s give more! Happy Thanksgiving!
If The Passion of My Spirit Is Not Renewed
- Neal A. Thurman
- 9 Nov 2014
Perhaps, it is easy to think that everyone who spent anytime with our gospel meeting this past week will have a renewed passion for their service to the Lord. Brother Mike Vestal masterfully wove scriptural context together in thoughtful precepts of teaching, persuasion, and encouragement. With the application of hundreds of scriptural references, he provided each listener with the reasons that we should have passion in our spiritual lives. No one, in attendance, should say, “I do not understand.” I message was clear and direct, and it was delivered with passion and power. Yet, there is an issue that may yet to be resolved. One thing left unsecured. One thing that even brilliant teaching cannot overwhelm. It is not the devil or his minions. It is not the darkness of the perverse generation in which we live, nor the persecution this world may levy against those belong to Jesus. That one thing is individual “Want-To.” Even with the power of persuasive speech from a passionate heart, each person, at some point, must decide that he/she wants to be renewed, wants to have a passion for God, wants what Christ has to offer. If one has no desire for renewal, Brother Vestal could strain his voice to silence as he poured all of his heart into instructing and loving the lost and it still would be of no avail. Please, do not misunderstand. This is not meant to diminish the power of gospel preaching. Paul said the gospel is the “power of God to salvation,” (Romans 1:16). It is meant to say that the ball is now in our court. You and I must accept responsibility for the passion in our spiritual lives. The preaching has called for us to be renewed and revitalized is the spirit. The preaching explained why we should be passionate and how we can be renewed. The choice to apply this teaching in our lives is up to us. The desire for renewal must come from the heart of the individual. Will you be renewed and revived today? Will you have a passion for the Lord? The choice is yours.
Who Is Going to Heaven?
- Neal A. Thurman
- 19 Oct 2014
Who is going to heaven? It is a reasonable question. Even though, much opinion and accusation is bantered about regarding the church’s teachings about heaven and its future occupants. The church is often accused of being overly narrow and exclusive when it come to the citizens of the kingdom of God. Perhaps we have all heard the tactical statement, “You’re those people who think you’re the only ones going to heaven.” May I suggest that it does not matter what I believe, nor what those in the church believe, nor what those outside the church believe. What matters is what God has decided and stated? So, we should all seek to understand what the Bible (God’s Inspired Word, 2 Timothy 3:16) has to say about the matter. Understanding who is going to heaven requires at least some understanding of who is not going to heaven. In that regard, we can know that not everyone is going to heaven. Consider Revelation 21:8,27 “But the cowardly, unbelieving,[e] abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”...27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes[o] an abomination or a lie…” Many other passages reveal similar information. Second, not everyone who acknowledges a belief in Jesus will enter the kingdom of heaven. Belief in Jesus is paramount to one’s salvation, John 8:24. Yet, simple belief leaves one wanting. James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” Of greater importance is what Jesus Christ, Himself, has to say to those who call Him, “Lord, Lord,” in Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” So, who is going to heaven? Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10) “...but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” (Revelation 21:27) The Bible says these, and only these, will be in heaven!
Troublesome Times
- Neal A. Thurman
- 5 Oct 2014
It is not remarkable to suggest that we are living very troubling times, especially from the Christian viewpoint. Where once we were having disputes with religious neighbors over proper understanding and application of God’s Holy Word, we now fall under accusation that most if not all problems in the world are caused by our stubborn call for adherence to word of the Lord and our persistent desire to pray to God. We are accused of disenfranchising women, hating homosexuals, despising those with whom we disagree, and hindering the progression of science and societal advancement. It is fascinating to think of how offensive we have become. Isn’t it amazing that the display of a cross on a public owned mountain top can egregiously offend an atheist that has never even travel in state where the mountain is located? How astonishing it is to think that the very presence of a Bible in a hotel’s bed-side drawer could be representation of a nationally promoted religion. Perhaps even more troubling is the ironic twist that those of our land who so hate Christianity have, perhaps unintentionally, embraced another group that promotes a completely different hatred of Christianity. These may very well cause us much more troubling times. In an effort to rid themselves of Bible thumpers and those who vote based on moral directives, they have emboldened those who seek to take over nations and rule by force. In an effort to remove those pesky extremist who try to inhibit women seeking abortion and are unyielding about marriage only being if between a man and a woman, they have extended invitations to extremist who cut head off of (proclaimed) infidels to prove point and if given opportunity would execute every open homosexual they can find. What will tomorrow hold? The times certainly are troublesome and even frightening. So, what is the Christians to do? But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
It Seemed Simple Enough
- John Keith
- 14 Sep 2014
The supervisor directed his crew to paint a large wall with white, semi-gloss paint. The directions seemed simple enough, and for a little while everyone did exactly as they had been instructed. Soon, however, one man stepped back and thought to himself, “it’s too glossy,” so he switched to a flat white. Someone saw what he was doing and did not care for it at al; in fact, he decided the semi-glass was too ordinary, so he started using high-gloss. Not to be outdone, another began adding tints of blue to his paint. Then another painter added tints of red. Finally, the painter the middle used high-gloss yellow paint. After the wall was completely painted, the men were standing back admiring their own work and despising the others. The supervisor returned, saw the monstrously wall, and fired all those who did not use white, semi-gloss paint. The men who kept using white paint but had abandoned the semi-gloss protested that hey had kept the instructions almost to the letter. The men who added just a little tint to their paint argued that plain white was too boring, and that they simply desired to add a little luster to their work to make it more exciting. Besides, the supervisor did not say not to add tint. Finally, the man in the middle argued that no one was going to tell him exactly how to paint or with what color he must paint. “If felt right to me, so that’s what I did—take it or leave it!” The only one who pleased the supervisor was the one who did exactly as he was instructed without compromising, adding, or changing his instructions. Jesus said, “IF you love Me, Keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Jesus was righteous before the Father, and He tells us in Scripture how He did it. Jesus said, “I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). Almost obeying God means totally disobeying God as Jesus indicated with this question, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do the things that I say?” (Luke 6:46). Everything we do in worship and everything that is taught in relation to salvation and godly living must be in harmony with God’s Word. Each individual of an accountable level of maturity is responsible for doing Bible things in Bible ways. As Paul reminded, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). If for any reason we have gone our own direction in any facet of life with God’s approval, He will not be pleased. I urge you, dear reader, to consider what you practice and compare it to the Bible in order to determine I you are on a course to Heaven.
What’s That Smell?
- Neal Thurman
- 7 Sep 2014
Driving to work Wednesday before last, I transported the food the wife and I intended to prepare for the TCO dinner that evening. Included in the cargo was a covered pot of mixed, but uncooked, scalloped potatoes that was full to the bream. Plastic wrap was stretched across its edges and then covered with the lid. It seemed well contained. Regardless of whether the plastic wrap did not cling as advertised or I did not drive carefully enough, when I arrived at the church building, scallop potato sauce was on the carpet, under the carpet, in the sound damping material, and down in the spare tire well. I was so mad! I wanted to yell at someone, but yelling at oneself makes people look at you funny. Securing a roll of paper towels, I went about trying to wipe and sop up the goopy mess. After about 20 minutes I thought, “That’s not bad, maybe it will not be a big deal.” The next morning, I got in the car and was greeted by the rancid odor of spoiled milk. It was awful! Nauseating would be a good way to describe my drive to work. Odoban, Lysol, and FreBreeze all were given a turn to cover the resonating stench. Even a carpet cleaner was only able to deaden the scent. Hopefully, it will one day wear off. Sin, in the absence of Jesus, is a lot like my problem. It contaminates that which is clean and defiles that which is pure. Its filth can be brought on by malicious acts of wickedness. Consider the actions of Jacob in Genesis 27 or ten of his sons in Genesis 37. Its corruption can come with a surrender to temptation, as it did for Achan in Joshua 7. Its web can become wrapped about the careless as it did the man of God in 1 Kings 13. At times, the reasons matter not, it is still but sin. Once laying its stench upon a soul, sin cannot simply be covered. In fact the wise man said, “He who covers sin will not prosper…” Proverbs 28:13. Adam and Eve tried to hide from God in order to hide their sin, Genesis 3. David ended up committing a whole bevy of sin trying to cover his own actions, 2 Samuel 11. Gehazi thought he could act in secret and his sin go unnoticed 2 Kings 5. I do not know how long I may have to endure a stinking car. Yet, no one need live one more day with the putrid nature of sin. For though sin cannot be covered by man, it can be washed away (Acts 22:16) by the blood of Lamb (Revelation 7:14). The stink of sin can be taken from each of us, today!
Enough To Not See Wrong?
- Neal A. Thurman
- 10 Aug 2014
Recently, Brother Jack Dodgen wrote an article calling for brethren to focus our energy on proclaiming and standing for what we believe, rather than expending most of our preaching and teaching opportunities declaring what we do not believe or those things with which we are opposed. I believe he has a good point, and I am sure that his point was not to suggest that we should stop preaching about sin. Instead, the call is for teaching the truth rather than trying to cover all that is false or errant. This thought set my mind to working. Before we can proclaim what we do believe, we must first believe something to the degree that it defines us. Before thinking that I am silly or a simpleton, consider if you have ever spoken to Christian who describes their own faith or the nature of their home congregation by what they do not do or accept. I have met those folks. Could it be that this attitude leads to another unintended consequence? We begin to evaluate matters positively based on what we do not see. Perhaps, we have all had a conversation with one who has visited a congregation or some spiritual event, and when asked about their visit, they say, “I didn’t see (hear) anything wrong.” Beloved, as far as I am concerned, I do not want to be considered a congregation where someone did not see a piano or women usurping the authority of Christian men! Nor do I want to be known as the church where one did not hear people trying to speak in tongues or not hearing false teaching! That is not good enough! Paul commended the church at Thessalonica, “ For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place.” (1 Thes. 1:8) They were seen doing the work of proclaiming the truth. He said to the Philippians, “that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,” (Phil. 1:9) They were loving and supportive and Paul prayed for them to be even more. Paul spoke of the liberal generosity of the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8. In the end, we are not the Lord’s church because of what we are not, but rather because of what and whose we are. Let us honestly look at ourselves, and our brethren for that manner, and base our evaluation on what we are and do. May we cease to equate not doing wrong with doing that which is right.
Path of Danger
- Neal A. Thurman
- 18 May 2014
During our recent trip, Tracy and I spent a good deal of time paddling a kayak. On one of these occasions, we decided to be adventurous and paddle the Ponce Inlet, which connects intercostal waters with the open ocean. A deep channel has been prepared in the inlet to allow for the safe passage of boats and small ships. This channel is marked by green and red buoys. Unfortunately, I misunderstood the markers and thought I had guided us on a path that would keep us safe from the threat of being ran over. My mistake was clearly revealed when we found ourselves in the direct path of a 30ft powerboat speeding toward us. The choppy water conditions inhibited our ability to make a significant enough course change to get out of the path of danger. Fortunately, the boater saw us, slowed his boat, and turn away from us. He then pointed where we needed to be and explained the, now obvious, danger of our current location. Feeling rather stupid, I apologized and we quick paddled ourselves out of the path of danger. I believe there are a few consistent principles that are demonstrated by these events. 1) Ignorance is not bliss when it relates to danger. The consequence of being ran over by a boat would not have changed based on accidental or intentional placement of our kayak. The same is true with sin. Paul said, “...these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30. Not understanding sin will not keep the devil from running over us. 2) Before going into a potential dangerous area, we should educate ourselves as to the dangers and how to avoid them. I should have been more diligent to gain understanding as to not put myself and my wife in danger. Our world is most definitely a dangerous place for the soul. “Study to show yourself approved…” 2 Tim. 2:15. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Tim. 4:16 3) When we find ourselves to have erred and wondered into the path of danger, we must repeat and get to safety. We are all going to make mistakes, but what will we do when the mistake is revealed. We need to acknowledge it (2 Sam. 12:13), make the proper course correction (Luke 13:3; 19:8), so we can be safe (Jam. 5:20). Beloved, are you in the path of danger?
The Mother She Will Be Neal A. Thurman
- Neal A. Thurman
- 11 May 2014
Perhaps the greatest gift that I have or will ever give my children was a choice and commitment that was made twenty-five years ago. This week, 25 years ago, I married the woman who would be their mother. I will not suggest the idea that, as a 22 year-old, college senior, I had a proper impression of the mother that my bride would come to be. Yet, today I clearly understand the tremendous impact that this choice has had on my sons. From the moment we first walked an aisle arm-in-arm, she has never been anything less than a loving and faithful wife to me. It is actual hard to believe that so many years have gone by. When I look back over those years, it is not challenging to recall difficult days that we have faced together, but I cannot call to mind a day that was difficult to be married to my bride. She has always put me before herself and has consistently reminded me of the belief she has in me. She makes me a better man, a better father, and a better Christian. My sons have truly experienced the depth of a mother’s love. She builds them up and offers them constant encouragement, while holding them to high standards of behavior. She is tender but tough, supportive but seeking truth, compassionate but consistent. My sons have be blessed to have a steady Christian model of generosity, humility, kindness, and selflessness. They have regularly seen service and care for others. And they have seen the suffering wrong for benefit of the cause of Christ. I am proud to say that my two sons are respectful young men, and I know that the lion’s share of credit belongs to that bride of 25 years gone by. The Lord God established that man should leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and two would become one flesh (Gen. 2:24). Something that is imperative, but unstated is that such a wife would become a mother. So, young men, choose carefully. For one day that beautiful bride will be a blessing or a burden to your children. Happy Mother’s Day!