Bulletin Articles - 2016

Reflection

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​25 Dec 2016
The days of December are being crossed from the calendar once again. This means another birthday draws near for me. In a week, I will turn 600 months old. Only a few days later, we will bid farewell to the Year of Our Lord 2016. Some will bid her a fond farewell with full intention of holding her events dear in memory. Others will gladly close the door on her, hoping to isolate themselves from the recollections of pain, suffering, and loss. Personally, the year was marked by the many funerals I officiated or attended, the graduation of my youngest son, and dealing with my family being scattered about East Texas. Reflecting on the days since we opened the new calendar, I realize that 2016 was not boring or uneventful, whether for good or bad. Our nation was treated to day-to-day updates on the most contentious and belligerent presidential campaign in recent memory. Leaders of one political party sought to undermine the candidacy of their nominee, while a candidate who was cheated by his own party then endorsed the beneficiary of the cheating. This culminated in perhaps the greatest upset in the history American politics. Yet, the easing of contention is nowhere in sight. It was also disturbing to learn that the IRS had been used to target and disrupt the workings of politically conservative groups, specifically the Tea Party. Interestingly, such information did not seem to damage the public image of those responsible and in charge. Perhaps those are the folks that are from the government and are here to help. On the lighter side, the longest curse in professional sports was dramatically broken. Another sports city that had seen fifty years of disappointment was rewarded with a championship. And the favored son of all professional sports was able to ride into the sunset as a champion. Considering the outrageous, the great controversy of the year revolved around which public restroom a person should use. The President of the United States demanded that public schools allow the usage of all restrooms without regard to gender. Major retailers, such as Target, implemented the policy of allowing customers of both genders to use the gender specific restroom of their choice. Professional sports leagues, NCAA conferences, and major entertainment producers all removed events from North Carolina because the state had passed a law dictating the specific gender usage of public restrooms. In regard to these, let Christians receive the words of Peter, “Save yourselves from this crooked and perverse generation,” (Acts 2:40). What will the year before us hold? There is no way to know, but we can get good advice for moving forward. “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified,” (Acts 20:35). Let me say “Merry Christmas” to all. And may God bless you in each step and each moment of New Year!

In The Midst of Celebration

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​4 Dec 2016
The celebratory time of year is upon us once again. Families gather as in no other season. Shoppers rush about seeking special discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Feasts of roasted meat, sumptuous dishes, and decadent desserts cover tables as set for kings. Colorful decorations adorn doorways, walls, and even street lights in our communities. Calendars are full with the schedule of festive events. It is all very exciting! Yet, in the midst of all this celebration, some people are sad, weary, and distressed. These folks do not look at the holiday season with excitement and anticipation. For some, the gathering of family means facing heartache, emotional discomfort, and isolation. Some see brightly wrapped gifts and lavish meals as harbingers of lacking success and diminished hope for future improvement. Announcements of parties scream reminders of their loneliness. They are filled with sorrow and anguish rather than joy and exuberance. This is not a call for Christians to fix all of these people’s problems. In fact, some of them are Christians and there are no magic words or actions that will alleviate such suffering. Still, we can make a difference. This difference starts with noticing their pain or heartache. Matthew 7:14-15 tells of Jesus restoring life to a young man that had died. This is obviously a great miracle, but its motivation is interesting. Matthew 7:12-13 reveals that the man was the only son of a widow of whom Jesus took compassion. He noticed her suffering. We cannot raise the dead, but we can notice the pain, have compassion and offer comfort to one who is pressing through the holidays without a recently departed loved one. Secondly, we can stir up that compassion. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus had compassion on a weary crowd for they had no shepherd. We may not have all the answers and we cannot fix every problem, but when we truly care, we usually figure out something we can do. Thirdly, take some action. Caring is good, but it is vain without action. Jesus could raise the dead, heal the sick, and feed thousands with a couple of fish; and we cannot. Yet, we are not helpless. A warm embrace and ears that listen can have great healing effects. A place at our family table may not extinguish the desire to be at another, but it can proclaim, “You are not alone in the world.” An unsolicited gift to a stranger may not relieve one’s suffering, but it just might remind him that he is worthy of being loved. In the midst of our joyful celebration, let us be on the look out for the weary, weeping, and lonely. Let’s be Jesus’ love for them!

Learning From A Life Before God

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​20 Nov 2016
The scriptural record of characters in the Bible is often confined to a specific and rather short period of their lives. These valuable stories allow us to learn of God’s ways and plans through demonstration in individual life events. Yet, we are given a broader and more conclusive view of a few characters. One of these characters is Moses. We learn much of his life and much is to be learned from his life. The scriptures tell us of the inauspicious time of his birth that required courage and cunning on the part of his mother for Moses to even have a chance to live (Exodus 2:2-10). So, what can we learn from this man who had such a unique start to life? Perhaps, it was engrained in him by the protective nature of his mother, but Moses was protective of his people. It is not to suggest that his killing of the Egyptian, who had abused a Hebrew, was the proper action, but Moses saw one of his people being mistreated and took action on the Hebrew’s behalf (Exodus 2:12). Perhaps, it was that same protective nature that led Moses to stand before God and say, “Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written,” (Exodus 32:32). Once again, this may not have been the wisest move. Yet, which of us would not desire a protector like Moses? Secondly, we know that Moses was a man who chose to be numbered with the children of God, (Hebrews 11:24-26). He chose God over the luxury in this life offered by wealth and power. Joshua called the children of Israel to choose for themselves whom they would serve, (Joshua 24:15). Jesus Christ warns us to count the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:26-33). Moses made the more difficult but correct choice. Another lesson to be learned is that of the humble servant. Moses was unassuming of himself. Perhaps, his humility prompted the reluctance of leadership in Exodus 4. Regardless, the scriptures tell us that Moses was the most humble man on earth, (Numbers 12:3). Even when he was scorned by those in his family, Moses thought of others before himself. His humility aided Moses in being a faithful servant of God and a great leader of men. So much can be learned from life of Moses, too numerous to tell, but his life also leaves us a warning. Do not loose sight of who is to serve and who is to be served. In a moment of frustration and exasperation (Number 20:10-11), Moses threw away his opportunity to lead Israel into the land, which God had promised them. If we loose our focus on the ultimate goal, we can loose our opportunity to reach the desired destination of our life’s journey. We must learn to keep God in His proper place and remember our own. Then we can truly lay claim to the title, Servants of God.

In Whatever State I Am

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​13 Nov 2016
What would we add to our world and the society within its boundaries? The obvious selections may be love, mercy, kindness, and compassion. Each, and all, of these is a great answer to the question. Yet, I believe that one valuable attribute falls much further down the list than it should. That attribute is contentment. Our society and culture has become a great boiling pot of discontentment. Sadly, this societal scourge has found a welcome home in hearts of many members of Christ’s church. Just consider the oft complaints we hear in our meeting places. These range from petty moanings about the pace of a selected hymn to overwhelming exasperation with the promotion of immorality in our nation today. These complaints are often just in nature, but the problems is that we bathe, wallow, and dwell in them. The Apostle Paul, who faced a bit of adversity in life, said: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12). Paul said he learned to be content and he encouraged the same in others. He wrote to Timothy, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain,” (1 Timothy 6:6). This writing was compiled on the morning of November 8, 2016, election day. I have given much contemplation of what this day will hold for the future. Many of those thoughts are undesirable and some are actually quite troubling. These things do matter. Yet, I want to learn to be content in any state. Thus, I have exercised my privileged right to vote and I continue to exercise my greater privilege to pray. These things I do that I may live with the circumstances of the day, tomorrow. This matter is very important, but I do not intend to watch the hours of repetitive news coverage and predictions for my anxiety will not alter the outcome. ​ Joseph learned to be content after evil hands left him in slavery, and God blessed him. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were all content to accept the circumstances of honoring God when they were commanded to do otherwise, and God delivered them. Paul was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and ultimately executed for preaching Christ, and he said “I am content,” for the Righteous Judge is going to give him a crown. May we learn to be content, come what may!

Failure Need Not Be Fatal

  • ​House-to-House—Heart-to-Heart
  • ​6 Nov 2016
History books are filled with biographies of failures who made good. From them we can learn the valuable lesson that failure need not be fatal. The first President of the United States—the father of our country—lost two-thirds of the battles he fought in the Revolutionary War. But George Washington won the war, founded a nation, and succeeded brilliantly in spite of those failures. Who failed more than Babe Ruth? In a baseball career that spanned 21 years, the immortal slugger hit 714 home runs, but he struck out 1,330 times. Until he retired in 1935, the famous failure was baseball’s biggest attraction. Just because one fails at some point in life does not necessarily mean he or she is a failure. After Edison had experimented 10,000 times with his storage battery and still could not get it to work, a friend tried to comfort him. “Why I have not failed, “ Edison replied, “I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. Nearly deaf and with only three months of formal schooling, Thomas A Edison patented more that 1,000 inventions. During his 60 years of reaching forward the unknown, Edison failed more than he succeeded.. But who would call Edison a failure. Is it a sin to fail? The answer is both yes and no. It is a sin when failure is due to moral or spiritual laxness or to laziness. But it is not a sin to fail when one has done his best, within the will of God, and the results were not what he wanted. One must not be so afraid of life that one refuses to try. We don’t have to succeed, but we do have to give life and run for its money. A faithful old preacher felt he had failed miserably when he reported to his congregation that only one new member—and just a boy at that—had been added to the church during the year. But that boy went on to become a missionary in Africa who brought the gospel to tribes that previously had never heard the name of Jesus. Take heart! If life has put you on the canvas and pummeled the breath out of you, it is still too early to quit. If you feel you must quit, then do it the day after tomorrow. You may have lost the battle today, but you could win the war tomorrow. As Grantland Rice, America’s first great sports writer, put it. When Jesus comes to judge us, He will not be son concern about whether we won or lost, but how we played the game!” The world will measure you by your success, but God will measure you by your faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2).

If It Felt Like a Spider Web

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​30 Oct 2016
Entering the backdoor of the church building last week, I walked into a spider web that stretched across the full width of the entry way. I instantaneously lurched backward, thrashed my head from side-to-side, spun around, flailed my arms about spasmodically, and barked out an incomprehensible utterance. Fortunately, no one was around to view this display of manliness and control. Still, I had the feeling that something was crawling on my hair for several hours until I finally brush the last of the arachnid silk from my hair. I was careful not to repeat the experience when entering and leaving the building for the rest of the week. Consider how different life would be if sin felt like having a spider web drawn across the face. If sin startled and shocked our spiritual system like the web does our skin, would we not pull away and fervently seek its removal? If the residue of previous sin left an uncomfortable, creeping feeling, would we not seek to cleanse ourselves of its grasps? If sin made us do things that were embarrassing, would we not seek to avoid the contract on the next occasion? The answer to these question would seem to be obvious. The problem is that sin does not feel like walking into a spider web. In fact, sin can often feel like a cool breeze gently kissing the skin on a hot summer day that offers pleasant relief. It can also be like a soft, warm blanket when the night is cold and the air has a stinging bite that offers a soothing comfort. It can even feel like the comforting embrace of a dear loved one that conveys a sense of security and love. Hebrews 11:25 “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin…” Moses chose God’s way, but not because of comfort. James 1:14 tells us, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” One is lured by the enticing feeling of sin. Proverbs 7:21-23 “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him...he did not know it would cost his life.” The pleasure of sin is seducing and alluring. Since sin does not feel like a spider web, we must condition ourselves to reject the enticement of sin. This is not the unconscious, repulsing reaction, but rather it is a purposeful and prepared response. We can know the will of God and thus we can know what is against God’s will. We can condition ourselves to pull away from sin because of intellect and not because of a feeling.

Bound Together in Adversity

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​23 Oct 2016
Along my normal route for walking Snickers the dog, pine needles have covered the outer third of a street that leads down a hill. A couple of weeks ago, as Snickers took his evening constitutional, I stumbled as my foot slipped when the layers of pine straw slid across one another. I kicked a pile of the needles into the ditch and told Snickers that I would be glad when it rained and washed the pine needles down the hill and off the street. Well, it did rain. In fact, it rained hard in the neighborhood last Friday morning. We went for a walk in the afternoon and I expected to find the street mainly clear of pine needles. That is not what I found. Rather, the needles looked as though they had been pressed and matted together. It was as if the loose-laying straw had been blended into a compressed blanket. Sliding my foot on the pavement resulted in wads of straw moving together. The rain had not washed the stiff needles away, but instead had softened them and bound them together. The adverse force of the rains cause individuals to bind to one another. This set me to thinking about the words of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. The old preacher speaks of two facing adverse conditions and overcoming the challenge. Adversity can cause those who care for one another to be woven into a strong cord. We have a tendency to focus on self when life becomes peaceful and full of ease. But when we are challenged, we rally together, tightening the bonds of fellowship. I do not want to advocate the seeking of adversity so that we can be bound together. Yet, I do suggest that we should not fear it either. We live in times that are not amenable to faithful Christianity and matters may worsen before they get better. Yet, let us not fear as those who have no hope. Let us not be easily kicked into the ditch as a bunch of individuals. Let us soften our hearts, draw close to one another, and be bound together by that very adversity that seeks to destroy us! Let the rains come, for we shall not yield!

Many Are Listening

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​16 Oct 2016
James 1:19 “My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…” Many reasons exist for the Christian to be careful with what he says and how he says it. The Apostle Paul admonishes Christians in Colossians 4:6 to season their speech that it may impart grace to hearers. Paul is calling for Christians to use words that heal rather than wound, enlighten rather than demean, edify rather than destroy. The admonition also encourages the use of words that will be received. Remember, “a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Another powerful reason for being careful with our words is the fact that we are a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden, (Matthew 5:14). The children of God are seen and they are heard. The disciples of Jesus Christ are noticed in the world. Thus, whatever words we speak are taken in by many listening ears. Many of those ears are worn by folks whose only exposure to Jesus Christ, the truth of His word, and His loving kindness are the Christians whom they contact in their daily lives. Other listeners possess a desire to do harm to the church that Jesus built and established on His own sacrifice and purchased with His own blood. These anxiously await the opportunity to degrade the righteous image and diminish the spiritual influence of Christ’s church. These are not interesting in obeying or serving Christ, but rather are driven to destroy His work. Wicked actions seen or venomous words heard from those professing faith in Christ Jesus often provide the fuel for their weaponry. So, brothers and sisters, let us recognize that many are listening to our words, some for learning and some for opportunity. The onus is on the righteous to use words properly. It may not be fair, but it is reality. So, when we are angry, upset, or hurt, let us be slow to speak and find soft answers that turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). When we are impassioned, let us chose graceful words that carry the intensity of our hearts without bashing the continence of others (Ephesians 4:29). When a brother needs correction, let us be swift to listen and diligent to contemplate the expedient time, setting, and manner of which he should be approached as to extend gentleness rather that condescension (Galatians 6:1). When we are wounded by the words of others, let us not respond in kind but with words of kindness (Romans 12:17). Let us remember with all diligence, someone is always listening to words we speak, whether good, bad, or idle.

How’s Your Hearing?

  • ​Chance Hicks
  • ​9 Oct 2016
“Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have” (Luke 8:18). Here are the possibilities of how we might hear Jesus: Some Hear Jesus Gladly. Mark wrote, “And the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37). Those who hear him gladly, respond immediately, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Some Hear Jesus Continually. “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and other said, We will hear thee again of this matter” (Acts 17:32). There are today those who hear Jesus, but instead of obeying Him, they simply want to hear Him over and over again. They are never fully convinced or they simply allow other things to distract them. Some Hear Jesus Argumentatively. The scribes and the Pharisees listened to Jesus because they were “seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him” (Luke 11:54). Some hear Jesus with preconceptions and misconceptions. They argue, refuse to accept, and hold to traditions. How do we hear Jesus? Do we argue with Scripture when it is preached? Let’s be people who hear Jesus gladly!

But, What If...?

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​25 Sep 2016
John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,” 2 Peter 1:20-21 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Consider what these verses hold in common. These texts, and others, proclaim that God has a way. There is one God and He is the authority of life and godliness. Jesus says that even the Spirit of truth is subject to the will and authority of the Father. The One God has provided one way for man to be reconciled and be pleasing before God. The scriptures are actually quite plain about this teaching. If a man follows and obeys the word of God, he will be saved and will wear a crown of life. This plan works every time. Problems arise when man decides to put his own hand to the wheel. Mankind has a bad habit of running God’s plain instructions through the filter of their own minds. Too often, when God’s word is read or proclaimed, man replies, “But, what if…?”. The “What if’s” are not about a lack of understanding, but rather a lack of obedience. Man often thinks, “The Word says (this or that), but what if (this or that) is not easy to do?” or “God said He wanted us to do it one way, but what if we did it just a little different? Everybody likes it better this way.” Brethren, many folks are sadly going to “What if” themselves right into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. These folks are not vile people, but they fail to be obedient to the Word of God. God’s word is not always easy to keep, but the reward is worth it (Romans 8:18). Let us, as children of God, submit to His divine authority and humbly obey His word, and spend eternity in heaven.

No Easy Way Out

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​18 Sep 2016
Within our society, folks are seeking those things that are comfortable and convenient. We developed prepackaged meals that require no preparation and only a few minutes in a microwave to be ready to eat. We have developed computer devices that can convert our spoken words into textual representation. And folks are working feverously to develop self-driving cars. These things are often good, if not abused, but perhaps they perpetuate the idea that life should be easy. Truthful reality tells us that life is not easy. Some will agree, believing that life has never been as hard as it is today. Yet, truth be known, life has never been easy. This is certainly true when one seeks to live a righteous or godly life. In fact, the Bible warns of suffering that awaits the godly. Living righteously in this perverse world is seldom easy. This is not a new idea. Genesis 6:5 tells of an environment where man was wicked and “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” In the midst of all that vile wickedness, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord,” (Genesis 6:8). Shall we assume that Noah’s life was easy? I think not. Surrounded by servants of Satan, Noah lived and worked obediently before God. He likely was not the most popular man in town. Yet, he did “according to all that God commanded him. So, he did,” (Genesis 6:22). Moses fled from Egypt after he had killed an Egyptian. He escaped and found a wife and a new family. God told Moses to go back to Egypt and deliver His people from the hand of Pharaoh. Exodus 3:11 lets us know that Moses did not want to go. Yet, on God’s command, Moses went to Pharaoh and with the might of God, delivered Israel. His task was by no means easy. Jesus “came into the world to save sinners,” (1 Timothy 1:15). This required death on a cross and separation from the Father. Jesus prayed three times, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36). Doing the will of the Father was not easy for the Son. Sometimes keeping the will of God is difficult. Sometimes obedience to God requires sacrifice for the greater good or righteousness sake. Children of God should recognize and teach that at times, that which God requires one to add to life and that which God commands one abstain are often hard. Yet, we were not promised a life of ease, but a precious reward for a life lived well.

Not So Golden Silence

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​28 Aug 2016
I wonder if every parent has had that time when all they wished for was a little bit of peace and quite, a moment of precious silence to free the mind of external interference. Perhaps, this seemed impossible at the time. Loud noises came from laughter and crying alike. The crack of plastic lightsabers testified that Obi-Wan Kenobi had caught up with Count Duku. The pounding of the floor suggested Batman was in pursuit of a fleeing villain and a fight for capture would soon ensue. The whine of unearthly propulsion systems and the quaking of explosions emanated from the video game console as a parental voice rose in the distance demanding a reduction in volume. There was tapping on cans and drumming on tables. The piercing sound of whistling and the startling jolt of weird noises often permeated the environment. The golden orb of silence was in short supply. Monday evening, I walked into our home and sat down in the den as I have done a thousand times. Yet, this day was different. No voices floated down the hall. No music rang from thumping speakers. No whistling pierced the air. No one laughed and no one cried. All around was silent, but it was not so golden. I was reminded of the words of Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them.” Brethren, we need to learn to appreciate the life we have today. Too often, we lament over not being old enough to be allowed or too old to follow through. We waste energy yearning to be somewhere else at some other time. All the while missing the precious nature of the moment we have. If you are young, relish these days for they are few and fleeting. I realize there are things you want to do, but the reality of being a grown up is seldom what we dreamed of as children. If you are a parent with children at home, cherish every moment possible. We all need to make a living, but no amount of wealth will ever replace the treasure in your home. If the kids have left a void of silence in your home, appreciate the opportunity to see them take flight into the skies of life and encourage them to soar as on eagles wings. If you have grown older, rejoice that the Lord has blessed you with many days and you have lived to see the birth another generation that will follow. Perhaps, we all have a favorite time in life, when all seemed right in the world. Yet, the best day is really today because it is the day we have. Yesterday has been filed into memory and tomorrow is but a dream. Today, we can laugh or cry, we can heal and build, we can sing and we can pray, we can edify and love. We can actively do all these things only today!

​Do You Have Time For The Lord?

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​21 Aug 2016
We live in a fast-paced society that seems to be trying to squeeze just a few more seconds out of each minute. We are busy and feel hurried. How many times do we find ourselves saying, “I just don’t have time.” “I don’t have time for family fellowship. I don’t have time to go by the hospital to visit anyone. I don’t have time to give to study the Bible. I don’t have time to spend another hour in worship.” We are sure that these statements are true and unyielding. And someone has whispered in our ears, “It’s okay. God understands that you are busy. Don’t worry about it. You’ll have time to do all those things later.” Of course, the whisperer is the same one who convinced Eve that God was not being truthful about the tree of knowledge because He did not want her to be like God, (Genesis 3). The whisperer gains great influence when he persuades us that time is too short to do all the things that God has commanded and desires. We all have the same amount of time. It is in the allocation where folks differ. Part of the difference is one’s desire for time. Felix had a desire for a convenient time (Acts 24:25), a time when everything is easy and requires very little of self. In 1 Samuel 13, King Saul thought time was running out, so he offered a burnt offering that he was not authorized to offer. He was told by Samuel that he had acted “foolishly.” The children of Israel decided that Moses had taken too much time on Mount Sinai (Exodus 32), so they prompted Aaron to make them a god to go before them. God was not pleased with any of these people. I realize that many of us are genuinely busy, but sometimes its that old whispering serpent who tells us we have no time to spare. He knows when the walls of limited time begin to press in from every side, we become vulnerable to his suggestions. He willing uses such against us. Beloved, if we are too busy to share a bit of love with our families, we need to look at cutting back a bit on something less important. Most importantly, if we are too busy to worship and serve God, we need to do a complete analysis of our time allocation and make hearty changes to the plan. Is it not sobering to think, if we do not have time for the Lord, He will not have time for us? Secure the time needed, whatever the cost, to be a faithful servant of the Lord!

​Common Sense in Admonition

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​14 Aug 2016
Romans 15;14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Human beings are unique from all other creatures of God’s creation. One of the characteristics that exemplifies this uniqueness is man’s ability to reason, contemplate, and reach a conclusion. Animals have learned behaviors that respond to various stimuli, but humans have the ability to reject the influence of stimuli and choose a course beyond a conditioned response. Thus, we can use the sense God gain us to choose the best course of action in most, even difficult, situations. Paul told the Roman Christians that he had confidence in their ability to admonish one another. Admonition is an important part of growth. Even the best and brightest among us need a bit of correction from time to time. Yet, this importance should not diminish, in fact it enhances, the need for careful consideration and cautious execution. The righteous and faithful need to ask a few questions before proceeding with an admonition or other corrective action. For instance: “What is the purpose of the admonition?” Every admonition should have a distinct purpose and a reason for action. This purpose should go well beyond, “I don’t like...” Not only should the admonition have a godly purpose, but the admonisher should have a godly purpose, also. “Is the problem scriptural or of personal behavior?” Direct scriptural problems leave very little room for strategic solutions. Matters of personal evaluation allow more latitude in dealing with a situation. “Am I the right person to address this situation?” This is by no means a suggestion to take the “Not-My-Problem” approach. Yet, could just anyone have confronted Peter as Paul did (Galatians 2:11ff)? Probably not. We should recognize that sometimes the messenger matter. I should have the common sense to realize that there are people who will reject correction simply because I gave it to them. It may not be right, but it is reality. “When, where, and how should the admonition be given?” Many well-intentioned corrections have been summarily rejected because of a poor choice of time, setting, and manner. Very few people respond positively to ambush tactics, and no one likes being embarrassed. Be careful and think before you speak! We should not be consumed with a fear of failure that causes us to do and say nothing. Yet, when admonition is needed, we should strive to exercise the common sense that God gave us to help, edify, and correct those we love.

Weeping Father

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​7 Aug 2016
Last Sunday evening, we spoke of David’s sorrow including 2 Samuel 18:33 “Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: “O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!” Why did David mourn with such anguish over Absalom? In his life, Absalom had caused much grief. He murdered his brother Amnon (2 Samuel 13:29), he conspired to seized the throne of David, (2 Samuel 15), he sought to shame David further by lying with the king’s concubines (2 Samuel 16:22), and he sought to kill David (2 Samuel 17). Yet, David bitterly mourned the death of this man who had caused so much turmoil. Why? Absalom was David’s son. Though the son had perpetrated much wickedness, the father still loved the son and was grieved by his death. David did not call the evil good, but he still cared for the one who committed the evil. How much greater must the sorrow of the perfect Father be for the loss of those He loves. God makes no mistakes and is guilty of no sense of neglect or failure, but still those who could be His sons die in their sins. God has given man a part of Himself, but even the first of His creation were given to lust (Genesis 3:6). God provided a law so His people could know the way of righteousness and that which pleased Him. Far too often the people did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6). God sent light into the world by way of His Son, but men chose the darkness, “because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). His Son was sacrificed for sins of man, but many would not be persuaded to follow Him (Acts 26:28). God has given man chance after chance to be obedient, and time after time most have chosen to do evil. Bent on their own destruction, the majority reject God and die in sin. And God mourns their loss. ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ (Ezekiel 33:11). David mourned for Absalom because he loved him as a son. God loves us when we are disobedient and do not follow His way. God loves us when we are vile and immoral. He even loves us when we defy Him. When we die in this state, our God mourns (Matthew 23:37-39). Yet, neither God’s love for the wicked nor His sorrow for their loss will change the truth of His word nor their condition. Dying in sin is to be lost, eternally. This loss not the desire of the Father (2 Peter 3:9), but it is truth. May we never cause the Father to mourn our loss!

Place and Time for a Purpose

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​31 Jul 2016
Do you ever wonder why you are where you are at this time? Is it just happen stance or coincidence? Or is there a higher purpose for presence in this place and time? I do not know the answer to these questions. I do believe that God the Father intends for us to utilize opportunities we are afforded by our location and time. The purpose of some biblical characters are easily determined. Noah was directly instructed by God to build an ark for the saving of his household (Genesis 6). Abraham was called by God to go to a land of promise where he would become the father of a nation (Genesis 12). Moses was called to deliver Israel from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 3). The Holy Spirit sent Philip to the eunuch for the purpose of teaching him of Jesus (Acts 8). Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9). Of course, Jesus was sent to earth to be the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of man. The placement and purpose for others is not as clear. Did God place Joseph in Egypt to save the house of Israel (Genesis 37) or did Joseph’s faithfulness allow for him to become the hand of God? Did God send David to the armies of Israel as Goliath defied Saul and his army (1 Samuel 17) or did the courage and faith of David allow him to use the might of God? Regardless of whether God acted directly to bring a person to a place and time or used them being there, each one’s purpose was to serve God. Consider what Mordecai said to Esther, “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14. Mordecai called for Esther to utilize the opportunity offered to her by place, position, and time. The call is no different for you and I. Whether God sent us here at this time or is willing to use us where we are, we are called to serve God’s will when and where we are. Esther took this motivation and saved her people from a terrible assault. What might you and I do if we utilize God power in such a time as this?

Display of Strength

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​24 Jul 2016
It is not difficult to see that we live in troubled times. Terrorist, who consider themselves a state, seek to intimidate the civilized world by videoing the beheading those who oppose them. Bombs are being detonated in places of public gatherings. Cities are plagued with violent crime. Racial hatred has raised its ugly head once again. Law enforcement officers are being ambushed in our streets like enemy combatants. While at the highest levels of our government passionate debate is waged on whether a man, who wants to be a woman, has the right to use the restroom or dressing room of his choice. These times are indeed troubling. Many of us are discouraged, angry, and disgusted. We feel frustrated and often helpless to change the course of our community. Some may feel motivated to rise up to meet the turmoil with might and power to seize the moment by means of force. This may be the answer for a nation, but it is not the answer for a Christian. This was not the answer of Jesus and it was not the answer of his apostles. Paul wrote, “Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat,” (2 Cor. 4:12-13). This band of followers of Jesus Christ shook the world with a message of peace. Their enemies said of them, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too,” (Acts 17:6). They upended the world without raising one sword in anger. This is a display of strength that the world does not understand. In our world, we need to be careful and protect our families. But may we never give in to the weight of hatred. Even hatred of evil people is of the devil. The answer or remedy to wickedness is not more powerful wickedness. Jesus called for us to love even our enemy, (Matt. 5:44). The apostle Paul call for Christians in Rome to extend benevolence to their enemies. He told them they would overcome evil with good, (Romans 12:17-21). So, let us extend the loving hand of God those with whom we disagree, those who do not look like us, and even those who hate us. In so doing, we will display our strength in these dark and troubled times.

“The Importance Of “Today”

  • ​Mike Riley
  • ​10 Jul 2016
A question we need to ask ourselves from time to time is, “How do I spend the blessed currency of time?” “Right now” is something each one living on the earth has in common and while multitudes of precious souls are being born into this world “right now,” multitudes of precious souls are also hurdling into eternity “right now.” Many of the souls leaving their earthly body wish – “right now” – they had a few more minutes to do things they must leave undone. “Today” Is All We Have! Today is the most important time for each one of – because it is all we have! We are not promised next year, next month, next week, or even tomorrow. Today is important because it is when we can make the “choice” to obey, to encourage a brother or sister, to take the first step in living a life for Christ… to find one’s life in losing it (Matthew 16:25). What Is Your Life? James says that our lives are as a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (James 4:14). Our life, like the morning fog, vanishes in the heat of the sun. A day in our earthly life is a valuable and precious gift because it is soon over. Sin Deceives Us Sin may deceive us by telling us, “You’ve got time”. Therefore the inspired writer of the book of Hebrews tells us to “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13 – ESV).” James states, “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” (James 4:12-13). The saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” means that intending to take care of important duties at a future time is the pathway to eternal ruin. Though we plan to do something good (study the Bible, obey the gospel, teach the lost, call a discouraged brother or sister, visit the sick, minister to the needy) our hectic schedules crowd out our good intentions. We may forget that there will not always be a “tomorrow”. The Importance Of Living “Today” We are not promised tomorrow. “Today” is all we have. James gives us instructions on what our attitude should be concerning “Tomorrow”. “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:15-17 – NKJV). We must, like the five wise virgins, make preparations for the Lord’s second coming. Will Jesus find us “watching” and “waiting”? (Matthew 25:13). Brethren, let us imitate saints of the first century of whom it is said, “And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42 – ASV).

Oh The Drama

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​5 Jun 2016
I was recently reminded of a conversation I had a number of years ago with one of the men at camp. He related his experience of driving a van full of girls from Shreveport to Pettijohn Springs. Most of the girls were between the ages of 12 and 14. I asked about his trip and he replied, "Oh the drama! When we left, they all loved each other, but by the time we stopped for lunch battle lines were drawn and everyone was mad. We got back on the van and the love-fest was back in swing. We stopped for gas and hatred loomed heavily. Now we're here and they love each other again. I'm tired!" We often joke about the emotional roller coaster of teen-age girls, but I am not sure that the adult world is much more stable. We live in times of heightened sensitivity. It is not difficult to find a current event that relates that someone has taken offense to something in society or the actions of a person or group. Obviously, some things are clearly offensive, but it seems like many in our culture are wondering about seeking an offense. Everyone else is training to never do or say anything that could be construed as offensive. Before we know it, dog owners will need sensitivity training about their dogs stressing the neighbor’s cats, which the cat owners find offensive. Unfortunately, the Lord's church is not immune from sensitivity syndrome. We are offended if someone tells our kids to quit running through the building. We are offended when members fail to take notice of our attendance, but we are offended if they notice and mention our lack of attendance. We are offended when someone ignores our constructive criticism, and we are offended when someone offers it. This has created an environment where most everyone tiptoes around on eggshells hoping only to not offend. This then leaves all corrective or admonishing efforts to a few daring souls, who may be ill equipped to do the job. Matthew 13:57 tells us that the people of Nazareth were offended by Jesus. The Pharisees were offended when Jesus said the words from a man's mouth defile him, Matthew 15:1 1-12. Paul asked the Galatians, "Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?" Galatians 4:16. Perhaps, we should toughen up just a bit. It is true that each of us should be mindful of our words and our intentions, knowing that we can wound with our words. Yet, the answer is not for everyone to say or do nothing corrective. Sometimes helpful, needed, and loving words hurt. Let us not be offended by these words. Let's pull the plug of the drama and realize a little admonition is good for the soul.

“I Don’t Know What to Say”

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​21 Feb 2016
It has been a tough week full of heightened emotions and aching hearts. The environment was surreal and the mood was melancholy. Seeking to care for a suffering loved one who is not going to get any better causes a strain that is unyielding and even confusing. Medical treatment is like bailing with a bottomless bucket and grieving seems premature. Sometimes you just have to step out and collect your thoughts. What a wonder it is, when your nerves are stretched thin and your heart is pounding like a hammer, to look down the hospital corridor and see a brother or sister in Christ coming your way. They meet you with a smile, perhaps fighting back tears. They draw close to greet you with a warm embrace. They stumble over words because they do not know what to say, but that’s okay. Through the heartaches and weary, sleepless nights, we see that we are richly blessed. Though we suffered, we were by no means alone or forgotten. Friends and brethren came from all around. Members came from the local congregations. Fellow laborers in our church camp work came. One even stayed to help with the night shift for several nights. Former campers, now all grown up, found their way to see us. Preachers and members from other congregations took the time to come by. We were flooded with well wishers all offering support. Yet, I don’t think that any of them knew just what to say, and that was okay. I certainly do not want to repeat a week like this in the near or distant future, but I will hold positive memories of this week when the earthly matters of a loved one had no future to anticipate. Those memories will be for the loving hearts and overwhelming support of brothers and sisters. I will remember the way they cared. They did not know what to say, but that was okay. Sometimes we may fail to go offer a bit of kindness, support or sympathy simply because we think, “I don’t know what to say.” Beloved, there are no magic words to take away the hurt of losing a loved one. Just go, not knowing what to say. It will be okay. And you will be appreciated. Just give them a smile and hug their neck. Sit down beside them. Hold their hand while they cry. You may not know what to say, but your presence says “I love you!”

“Sola Scriptura”

  • ​Neal Pollard
  • ​17 Jan 2016
Pythagoras is said to have been the earliest outside of Scripture (Is. 40:22) to contend that he earth is round. He did not make the earth round with his assertions, but he identified what already was. Sir Isaac Newton certainly did not create gravity, but he is credited for our modern understanding of it. Likewise, the term sola Scriptura was coined during the Reformation Movement as part of Martin Luther’s protests against perceived corruptions of the Catholic Church. It was a Latin phrase (literally “by Scripture alone”) describing the “theological principle that Scripture is the final norm in all judgments of faith and practice. Church traditions and customs, pronouncements of church officials, civil law or any other purely human source, including human reason, must yield to clear scriptural pronouncements” (Reid, Daniel G., Dictionary of Christianity in America, 1990). Did the Protestant Reformers originate that idea? No. And the fact that they reached some wrong doctrinal conclusions does not nullify the idea of sola Scriptura. Consider three important questions: What does “by Scripture alone” mean? It means that he Bible does not share authority with anyone or anything. One author says it means, “the freedom of Scripture to rule as God’s word in the church, disentangled from papal and ecclesiastical magisterium and tradition. It viewed the Word as supreme over tradition and the sacraments” (McArthur, John. Expository Preaching, 1992. Dallas: Word Pub., 47). A creed book, discipline, or annual church conference may not vote about what should be believed, taught, and practiced. A religious group has no authority to claim a latter-day revelation and produce a book said to be co-authoritative with the Bible. None may say that “the church” or “church tradition” has authority with or over Scripture. “By Scripture alone” rejects competing standards. It does not eliminate the need to handle aright (correctly interpret). One cannot read even the simplest of instructions or follow the most basic tasks without employing logic, reason, and deduction. That is not the same thing as a person, group, or book that claims to rival or co-authorize with Scripture. What is the alternative? The alternative is to suggest that Scripture alone is insufficient or inadequate, that it is not the sole authority on matters of truth and right. Why is it so important? This is the crux of the matter Scripture is God-breathed, making one spiritually complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If Scripture is sufficient, what need is there for anything beyond it? One what basis would we accept anything more or less than or different from the Bible? How could fallible man be equal to our co-authorize with the perfect law of the Lord? Let us accept no substitute or rival to the Bible!

Existing vs Living

  • ​Neal Thurman
  • ​10 Jan 2016
1 Timothy 4:12-16 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 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. The Apostle Paul called for his son in the faith to have an impact on the world around him. Paul wanted Timothy to live in such a way that his life could be the catalyst that inspires other people to draw closer to Jesus Christ and follow His way. Timothy was exhorted to use all of his God-given abilities and blessings to be an encouragement and motivation to everyone that may look to him for leadership and teaching. The words of Paul do not leave room for the appreciation of a life of going through the motions. Paul’s word imply a sense of responsibility for a man like Timothy to meet. If people can be saved by Timothy’s faithful service and example, this means that some could be lost in the absence of such influence. These principles have not changed today. During the funeral of Brother Paul Hillier, Dan Manual, who had been a mentor to Paul, said that Paul Hillier did not just exist, but rather he lived life. He mentioned that Paul Hillier had only 44 years in this life, but Dan said that Paul used the time he had to impact lives and influence the eternal destiny of people that he encountered. In the realm of appreciation, this is quite a compliment. This also offers a calling or challenge to all Christians. Are we simply existing a children of God? Are we going through the motions of life? Do we just fit into the world? Or do we truly live life? Do we live for Christ in all that we do? Do we give our lives wholly to Christ and live in and for Him? Each of us should ask, “Am I existing or am I living?”