2020 - University Church of Christ

Bulletin Articles - 2020

If The Lord Delights In Us

Neal Thurman
27 Dec 2020

Numbers 14:8-9 “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ 9Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” These are the powerful and courageous words of Joshua and Caleb when the children of complained against Moses and sought a new leader to lead them back to captivity. These two rose in defiance of the will of hundreds of thousands and exclaimed, “Trust in God and do not fear!” And of course the whole congregation wanted to stone them. Take a moment and consider what they said and what they did not say. Joshua and Caleb said that if the people would do what God commanded (obey), God would do whatever was necessary for them to possess the land that God had promised them. It was that simple! Yet, they did not say that the giants were not roaming about in Canaan. Nor did they say that the cities were not well fortified and held by very strong people. They did not say that the conquest would be easy. No, these two faithful servants of Israel and the Most High God said, “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land…” As the days pass, we draw the year 2020 to a close. Honestly, I do not know anyone who is not happy to see her go. It has been a difficult and strange year, and for many it will always hold memories of suffering. Of course, we talk of the passing year as though the flipping of the calendar will mean everything is better. Well, that is not necessarily the case. The affects of COVID 19 on our community are still running strong. Division and strife still plague our society. The forces pressing against service to the One True God have not been weakened. We have no guarantees for 2021. I know, you may be thinking, “Thanks a lot, I feel much better now.” My purpose is not to be gloomy or grim. On the contrary, I want to move forward with hope for the new day. But I want to us to be honest and realistic about what lies ahead. There are giants in the land that stand apposed to God’s people. There are strong fortifications that will not be easily shaken. Strong and mighty people have put on the armor of the evil one and they have readied themselves for battle with a lust for power. So, what are we to do? We need to do exactly what Joshua and Caleb called Israel to do. We need to do that which would cause the Lord to delight in us. That is, we need to obey His commands by moving forward and doing what He would have us to do in the way He would have us do so. We need to trust in God with all of our heart (Proverbs 3:5-7) and not fear the enemy (Hebrews 13:5-6). Our nation and culture may not turn from sin to follow the ways of God, but if the Lord delights in us, He will bring into the land that flows with milk and honey. The land where God sits on the throne and He and Lamb are it light. Let us seek the delight of the Lord in the new year before us! Happy New Year!

Next Man Up

Neal Thurman
20 Dec 2020

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them..” Joshua 1:1-2 The words of the Lord in this passage are not an announcement of the death of Moses. We can find in Deuteronomy 34 that Moses died and was buried. This lets us know that Joshua was well aware of the death of his leader and mentor. Thus, some may wonder why the Lord takes the time to tell Joshua that Moses is dead. We must understand that this is not an announce, but rather a charge. We know from Numbers 20:12 & Deuteronomy 32:51 that Moses was not allowed to lead Israel into Canaan. Yet, perhaps God was not willing for Moses to be left behind when the people crossed over the Jordan. But now, Moses has died and been more and it was time for Joshua to rise up and lead the people into the promise land. God charges to do so at this time. So Joshua became the next leader of the children of Israel. The death of my father-in-law has left me contemplating many things. Changes will take place and a few of them will have direct impact on me. One of those is the leadership of session of church camp. For a good number of years, I have filled roles of leadership in our session, but always under his guidance. The absence of this guidance will change things for Brother Jacob Eck and myself. It is not bad, it is just different. We will need to press on, hoping we have learned enough from our mentor to continue the godly influence that has impacted thousands of young people over the years of Floyd’s leadership. A servant of the Lord has died, but the work remains and needs to be filled. I have grown concerned over the last decade or so about the fact that so much work in the church today is being performed by brothers and sisters in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s. Don’t get me wrong, I admire their dedication and commitment to Lord to not allow a few wrinkles or weakened back keep them from meeting the call of service. Rather, my concern is where are the 30, 40, and 50 year olds seeking to relieve the load or take up the work of our seasoned veterans? Where are the sons to walk in the steps of their faithful fathers? Where are the daughters to take up the kind deeds and edifying tasks of their godly mothers? These are questions that need to be answered, and they need to be answered previous to the Lord proclaiming, “My servant is dead.” So today, I want to charge my generation in the church, let us rise up and lift the weight off of those who have been serving for all of our lifetime. Let us be the next man up! Let hear the Lord calling for us reigns of service, so the Lord’s work will continue beyond the death of His servants.

Toward the Powerless

Neal Thurman
22 Nov 2020

We are all familiar with the principle of James 1:27 “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble...” This pure religion calls for ministering to the needs of the helpless, those who cannot repay the deed. We understand this to be the highest form of service for it seeks nothing in return. This service is motivated by the goodness of one’s heart rather than the worthiness or standing of the one being visited. What if we applied similar principles to the way that we treat people on a daily basis. How do we speak to them? How do we act toward them? What is the motivation for us to be thoughtful and kind to another person? Of course, we are given direct instruction about how brothers and sisters in Christ ought to treat on another. Yet for our purposes in the this writing, let us keep our thoughts on people in general, which does include our brethren. Let me challenge the reader to take an honest, sobering look at self in regard to the personal treatment of others. Many people treat the rich with much deference and esteem them with flattering words. I believe this is because many want to gain something from this relationship, even if it is the crumbs from the table. This even seems to be the case when the rich are oppressive to these same people, (James 2:6). Others offer their admiration and kindness to the powerful because they fear the recompence that perceived disrespect might bring (John 12:42).These and others will offer respectful treatment to those in authority. Most people treat their friends and true peers with kindness, which is a societal norm that presses for compliance. This is also hastened by a yearning sense of belonging. Kind and respectful treatment of these listed groups is both reasonable and righteous, with a certain level of qualification given to motivation. But what about the powerless? What about the person who has no authority or power, the person who cannot provide enhancement of financial or societal status? How do we treat people who are without worldly or societal significance? How do we speak to the young cashier when she reports that the store’s policies do not allow for our particular request? Remember she did not set the policy, nor does she have the authority to change it. Do we ever engage a janitorial staff member in a conversation that is not the giving of instruction or registering a complaint? Do employees or those we have hired for a job believe that we consider them as people with equal standing or significance to our own? Consider these questions and perhaps many others along the same line, honestly. Then answer this important but poignant question. Are your answers consistent with the ways of Jesus Christ? For, Jesus seeks out the weak, poor, and powerless in order to lift them up to glory. Even a sinner like me! Remember Proverbs 16:19 “Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

Power to Overcome Not Exemption

Neal Thurman
15 Nov 2020

I can remember many years ago in high school, if a student had achieved high enough grades during the two previous 9 weeks, they were exempted from semester test in each class. That did not mean getting a special study guide that would make the test easier. It meant that a compiled grade would stand and nothing further was demanded.. I am afraid that many have come to believe that Christianity is a plan of exemption from the trials, tribulations, and difficulties in life. The idea being founded on the theory that if I have a good enough grade in my spiritual life, God will exempt me from any further suffering in my physical life. Sounds like a pretty good plan. “Be righteous and faithful to the Lord, and God will build a hedge around you to block out all evil, affliction, and suffering. You will be exempt until the coming of the Lord.” There is but one real flaw within this plan: “It has absolutely no foundation in the Holy Scriptures.” It is true that if one lives a life of righteousness there are some hardships and difficulties that will be avoided. The suffering related to addiction, divorce, and dishonesty will primarily be eliminated. Yet, this still leaves a lot of suffering and affliction that is prevalent and ample in this life that we have been given to live. Some of that suffering may be a direct result from being righteous and thus being hated by the world (John 15:18-20). Some afflictions come about simply because sin and death still exist in our world. As Paul wrote beautiful words of reassurance to Roman Christians in Romans 8, he asked this question in verse 35, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Paul is building on confidence that the Lord can and will see these Christians through any challenge. Yet, Paul did not say that there would be no tribulation, distress, or persecution. He is making the case that these cannot undo the bond between Christ and His disciples. Paul do not say the Christians will not be impacted by the sword, peril, or famine. He tells them that these things cannot shake the love of Christ. Consider even the words of Jesus when He called for faithfulness from His beloved “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.” Revelation 2:10. These are the ones that Jesus called to “Remain faithful unto death.” If they were to remain, that means they had been faithful previously. Jesus will say later, “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations,” Revelation 2:26. Please understand, Jesus has not provided us exemptions in life. He has provided the might and power to overcome anything this world and its lord might have to defeat us or steal away our crown.

Worse Than Death Itself

Neal Thurman
8 Nov 2020

Publilius Syrus, a Roman writer who lived during the first century BC, is attributed as the originator of the statement, “The fear of death is more to be dreaded than death itself.” Others have drawn similar conclusions by stating that “The anticipation of death is worse than death itself.” Epictetus wrote, “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Plato said, “Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “The best thing one can do when it is raining, is to let it rain.” C.H. Spurgeon wrote, “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.” Benjamin Franklin said, “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” Jesus Christ said, 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 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 6:31-34. Obviously, the last one is quite sufficient in stating the fact that worry and anxiety are not profitable in life and in fact it can derail life into distraction. Consider the idea that fear or anticipation of death can be worse than death itself. How does that work? The fear of death can keep us from living, at least living peacefully, robbing us of God’s gift of today. A life driven by fear is a life of misery. Perhaps, saddest of all is the fact that anxiety often causes fear of things that will never happen or are not nearly as bad as we image them to be. Once again, Shakespeare wrote, “Present fears are less then horrible imaginings.” It is certainly reasonable to consider that things will sometimes be other than how we prefer. In fact, this life is likely to be that way with regularity. This fact causes worry and anxiety in many of us. Often causing us to fret over things for which we have no power. We fire up the worry machine, strain our hearts (the physical one), raise our blood pressure, and wring our hands, but what do we accomplish? Jesus asked the very poignant question, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” Matthew 6:27 Will we worry today and drive ourselves to that which is worse than death itself?

Christians & Words

Neal Thurman
1 Nov 2020

The Bible has much to say about Christians and their words. We know that the scriptures call the Christian take the words of the gospel to the world that the lost may be saved, (Mark 16:15-16). The scripture call for us to preach the word in order to convince, rebuke, exhort (2 Timothy 4:2) folks toward righteousness. The Bible also instructs us to offer comfort, encourage, and edification with our words (Ephesians 4:29). We are also warned against dishonest words, in fact the scriptures have a very strong condemnation of lying (Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21:8). We are to keep bitterness and course language out of our Christian vernacular (Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8). Of course, James warns us about how destructively powerful the tongue can be (James 3:1-12). For our purposes is this writing, let us consider one specific form of idle talk (Matthew 12:36) that is likely to get us in hot water (lake of fire) with the Lord. Perhaps it begins as jesting among like-minded friends, or maybe it meant to make one sound convicted and motivated, or perhaps it is actually driven by hate. The first is a sign of spiritual immaturity, while the second is immaturity coupled with a sense of boastfulness. These are not pleasing to God. Yet, the third is absolutely in defiance of the divine commandments given to Christians. We have all heard what I am referring to. Perhaps we have all use it. It goes like this: “They ought to gather up all of the homosexuals and put them on an island somewhere so that can rot and die! That’s what they did about leprosy, and it would at least get them out of our society.” Or “I wish they would kill every last one of those stinking Muslims! You know if they had the chance that’s what they would do to us because they hate us!” Have you heard or made such statements? Maybe you are okay with such speech. But let’s take a very honest and sobering consideration as to whether the Lord Jesus is okay with it. It made be said that God does not accept homosexuality and the worship of another god is an affront to God that He will not overlook. This is absolutely true. Yet, Jesus said, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance,” (Matthew 9:13). Would Jesus have mercy on the penitent homosexual or the one who worshipped other gods but turned to the Father? I think He would. Paul list a number of sins that would keep one from inheriting the kingdom of God in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Included in that list are idolaters, homosexuals, and sodomites. Yet, Paul stated to those is Corinth who were sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:1), “And such were some of you,” (1 Corinthians 6:11). May I thus propose a question? If we ship them all off in isolation or better yet, kill them all, how can we ever move them to “such were some of you,”? Please do not miss understand me. I am not suggesting that we weaken the teachings against homosexuality or idolatry one iota. I am suggesting that we teach and exercise what the New Testament has to say about our speech. Brethren, if there is hate in our words, there is hate in our hearts, (Matthew 15:18-19).

Does Jesus Get A Vote?

Neal Thurman
18 Oct 2020

Woohoo! Another election cycle is dominating our environment. Maybe I should not be so cynical , but to be honest, I have grown weary of the whole process and most everyone in it. I have a fantasy of all professional politicians being banned from the ballots and high school journalism students, who may actually try to report real news, providing the media coverage. In all seriousness, our system has strayed way off course and we citizens are complicit in the deviation because we keep electing the same self-serving elitist who view themselves as a ruling class. Sadly, I am afraid our votes are for sale to anyone who dangles a carrot before the eyes of our own self-interest. This has become an American problem, but what about Christians. Each Christian is welcome to personally consider whether they should be involved in politics, even to vote, but I would suggest that the laws of our land, which we are to obey (Romans 13:1-7), grant us this privilege. Thus, I would encourage folks to avail themselves of this right. I have recently read a few articles in brotherhood papers that questioned Christians about how they would vote in the upcoming presidential election. I paid careful attention to the reasoning given for their intended votes and the things they stated that mattered most in their choice. Of course, our governmental problems go far beyond the presidency, but it is the election that receives the most attention and draws the most reaction from prospective voters across the land. As I considered the observations of these Christians from various demographics, I recognized that these brethren were revealing what was truly important to them in life. They were sharing with the reader where their true priorities lie. I found myself repeatedly asking what seems as a simple question. “Does Jesus get a vote?” Of course, Jesus of Nazareth did not live as U.S. citizen while on the earth in order to gain a vote in elections, but does that mean that He should not get a vote? Personally, I believe that Jesus should be allowed to have a vote. So, I will give Him mine. I will still have to cast the vote, but I yield my choices to Jesus. Because before I am an American, before I am a worker, before I am husband and father, before I am a man, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ (Luke 14:26-33; John 8:31). I may not be able to determine with all certainty what Jesus will say of the personality of this candidate or that, but there are some issues that I can clearly recognize. Jesus will never cast His vote for one who promotes the murder of unborn children. Jesus and the Father are One (John 17:21) and the Father hates the “hands that shed innocent blood,” (Proverbs 6:17)and the Father recognizes the unborn (Exodus 21:22-23) from conception (Genesis 4:1). Jesus also will not cast His vote for those who would encourage and support the perversion of God’s creation and plan for the family. We are told He will give up those who have turned to “vile passions” (Romans 1:24-32) and He will hold their supports accountable. I have a real hard time thinking that Jesus would want to offer His support for those want to take from those who work to provide a living for their families and give to the able-bodied who refuse to work, (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Through the scriptures, I can learn much more of the mind of Jesus and can know His will. I have decided to suppress my own will and give my vote to Jesus. How about you?

Considering The Why

Neal Thurman
4 Oct 2020

If we are to be a people of genuine purpose and conviction, then we must make the effort to consider why we believe and act as we do. Remember that Christianity is a life based on faith. As Paul writes, “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” (2 Corinthians 5:7). We can neither observe nor display God and His righteousness through the experience of human senses. Yet, the scriptures do contend that we can see God in His creation, (Romans 1:20). This would suggest that evidence is available on which faith may be established. So if we believe in God and thus believe what God has to say, then we should consider and understand why we believe. Stating that “this is what my mother taught me,” or “my wife has a very strong faith along these lines,” or “it seemed be what everyone else was doing,” are all feeble reasons in choosing the course of life and the destiny of our eternal souls. “This is how I have always believed,” or “I’m comfortable with my faith,” is also very poor reasoning. We should have more substantial reasoning about the faith that guides our lives. This effort must start with the foundation of faith. Even though Paul told us that we could see the attributes of God in creation, he tells us that faith comes from the word of God (Romans 10:17).This would demand that we must be able to trust in the holy scriptures to establish, build, and sustain faith. This can only be if is the Bible is literally God’s inspired word. Brother Dalton spoke to us last Sunday in regard to necessary and sufficient evidences of biblical inspiration. He offered us a taste of what those evidences are. If you are uncertain about the “Why” of your trust in the Bible. Let me plead with you to exercise Brother Dalton’s offer to share a much more in-depth study of biblical evidence, or seek out another learned person to help you build a true trust in the scriptures. This is paramount to developing a genuine faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. As the consideration of “Why” continues, we must not allow the religious practices of others or the challenges that they make to our convictions of faithfulness to determine our conviction. It is easy to find a religious person who will challenge the essential nature of baptism in the salvation of sinners. They may ask, “Why do make such a big deal about baptism, everyone knows that baptism is not required in order to be saved?” They may even scoff at your consideration of such. Yet, this person, whoever they are, will never sit of the throne of judgment. Do we really want to have our salvation rest on their opinion? Maybe the question ought be, why do they not make a big deal about baptism? For when the apostle were asked, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Baptism was definitely included in Peter’s response (Acts 2:38). The eunuch prompted his own baptism when Philip taught him about Jesus (Acts 8:36). Saul of Tarsus was told he should be baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). Peter wrote that we have an antitype of Noah’s salvation from the flood that now saves us, baptism (1 Peter 3:21). So if we are asked about our faith with regard to baptism, we can say, “The Bible told me so!” Brethren, we need to seriously consider the “Why” of our faith. It should start with something like “It is written…”

Would It Motivate You?

Neal Thurman
20 Sep 2020

We Christians, who have grown mature in both life and spiritually, need to recognize that efforts to be encouraging or motivational can actually have the opposite result if handled improperly. The problem is not the desire in the heart of the Christian seeking to encourage, motivate, or correct, it is the method. Good intentions can end in devastating results if offered poorly. We mention this with some regularity in regard to the judgmental, condescending, and haughty holier-than-thou critics. Of course, this is a real problem that ought to be addressed by leadership and peers of such critics. These folks not only injure their brethren and damage the church, but they put their own souls in jeopardy (Matthew 7:1-5). This is a real concern for us today, but it is not the problem that we are referencing today. Today, please consider the wisecracker, smart aleck, wisenheimer, witty comedian, know-it-all funny man. You know the guy! He hits you with a jab but thinks if he does so with a joke or a witty antidote that you will take the jab happily and be motivated by it. But is that really the case? Now I am not talking about the good friend who teases you about the color of your shirt or your sports fandom. I mean that person who thinks they can wrap a criticism in a wisecrack and you will not realize that you are being pointedly criticized. Do you understand who I am referring to now? Are you a wisenheimer when it comes to motivating your brothers and sisters in Christ? If you are one of these people, I would like to ask you a few questions? If you were a member who was habitually late for worship services (Yes, I know, you are never late, but please just humor me.), would you truly be motivated to be on time by the guy standing in the foyer tapping his watch and shaking his head at you? Would you feel the warmth of his loving care for you? If you were a member who regularly attends worship only on Sunday morning (I know, your never forsake worship), would it act as strong motivation for brother to hand you a bulletin and make of point of showing you that worship begins at 6:00 pm each Sunday evening? Would you feel is heartache for your seat being empty? If you were a member who had failed to attend worship for a number of weeks (I know, you have never had such faltering in your faithful attendance), would you be motivated to recommit yourself to worshipping God by the brother who meets you in the foyer, vigorously pumps your hand, and loudly introduces himself to you? Would you feel his heartfelt concern for your spiritual well being? Can you honestly answer any of the above questions in the affirmative? I will not be presumptuous and seek to answer for you. Yet, for myself I can answer, “No. NO. NO!” If your answers are similar, then STOP IT! Stop thinking that you can shame people into faithfulness with wittiness! All you are really doing is hurting these already struggling brethren and convincing them that you look down on them from your seat of righteousness. The loving shepherd carries the lost lamb back to the fold, (Luke 15:5). Paul called for restoration to be done with gentleness, (Galatians 6:1). Jesus repeatedly said we needed to love one another, (John 13:34-35; 15:12,17). I find it hard to see Barnabas sharpening his satirical digs. It is true that some members need pointed criticism and strong encouragement to meet the Lord’s expectation. But this should not be concealed in humor. These should rather be given straight forward with the kindness of a genuinely concerned or broken heart. Let us consider, if we would not be motivated by such actions, why would we ever offer such to the brethren we love?

Work In The Shade?

Neal Thurman
6 Sep 2020

A wise man once told me, “Work in the shade. The job is the same, but you will work better if you are not being punished by the sun.” I would suggest that there is validity in this advice. When shade is available, a person can be more comfortable in their environment allowing their concentration and focus to more easily stay on task. The work is not rushed for the sake of getting out of harsh conditions. Fewer distractions are caused by the evident need to repeatedly express just how unpleasant the surroundings are. All in all, it is a sound piece of advice, and I have attempted to exercise it whenever possible. I would suggest that this is not a bad strategy in Christian service as well. When possible, we ought take advantage of comfortable surroundings in which to work. This comfort can come from the brethren with which we may work to fulfill a needed task or effort. This may also include serving in areas or tasks that particularly fit our talents and experience. For example, some folks are much more comfortable working behind the scenes and not drawing much attention to themselves. This does not make them lesser servants. Remember Paul wrote in the 1 Corinthians 12:23, “our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it…” It should be obvious that one can be a faithful servant, but not be noticed by everyone. Sometimes as Christians, we can work in the shade. Yet, as I was reminded recently, there is a funny thing about shade, it often does not stand still. As the sun moves across the sky (I realize that we are actually doing the moving, but humor me), the shade moves in the opposite direction. Depending on how long the job takes or how mobile it is, a once well-shaded area can bear the full brunt of the sun’s heat. The work still needs to be preformed or completed regardless on the location of the shade. Funny how God gave our bodies the ability to sweat so we have the ability to keep working as the temperature rises and the sun beats down on us. Shade is often fleeting in the realm of Christian service. That place of cool comfort seems to quickly disappear when the work of truth begins to expands its reach. This old world of ours is seldom accommodating to those who encourage them to change their ways and submit to the Master. Of course, the Lord warned His apostles of just such a situation in John 15:18-20. Paul spoke of the loving efforts of the apostles in harsh environments in 1 Corinthians 4:11-13. Paul even warned that a difficult and uncomfortable situation can rise up even in the church, (2 Timothy 4:3-4). So we cannot always work in the shade as Christians. Going “into all the world” (Mark 16 15) requires going where it is hot and uncomfortable. And preaching the word “in season and out of season,” (2 Timothy 4:2) demands that the work not cease or waiver when the surrounding heat up. In fact, this is when we need to buckle down and work harder. So, let’s work in the shade when we can and then turn up the sweat equity and continue working through the heat. We can rest in comfort later, (Revelation 14:13).

What Do I Do Now?

Neal Thurman
30 Aug 2020

None of us live perfect, spotless lives. Most of us will develop a habit or continuing behavior that is not the product nor the producer of righteousness. This being true, many of us will at some point have the opportunity to hear, read, or learn that our habitual behavior is not consistent with the example or the expectation of Jesus Christ our Lord. Once we learn of this truth, we need to ask ourselves, “What do I do now?” I would suggest that at this point of this realization our choices are few. One, we can tell the person telling us the truth to “go away” (Acts 24:25), and some will even find someone else to tell them that they are fine, (1 Timothy 4:3-4). This is choosing to pretend the problem does not exist. “What I do not know can’t hurt me.” It is not difficult to determine that this is flawed logic. Two, we can choose to blame someone else for our situation. “The woman whom You gave to be with me…” Genesis 3:12. This is choosing to pass the responsibility for our lives to another person or group. It is the basic the “It’s not my fault.” argument, while remaining just as we were without repentance. How well did this work out for Adam? Three, we can claim that the way we are living and the things we are doing are righteous. When Samuel told King Saul that he had done “evil in the sight of the Lord,” 1 Samuel 15:19, the king retorted, “But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me,” 1 Samuel 15:20. Saul basically told Samuel that he did not know what he was talking about. This is the choice to call that which is evil good when it is viewed from a certain point of view. This is claiming others do not understand the breadth and depth of God’s grace and mercy. “It is only a few drinks.” “It’s just clothes and everybody is wearing it.” “But I was very young the first time and didn’t know what I was doing, but now I am in a good marriage.” “Do you really think God would send someone to hell for…?” Things did not go so well for Saul. And four, we can take full responsibility for our sin and seek repentance before God. “I have sinned against the Lord,” 2 Samuel 12:13. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,” Psalm 51:10. “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son,” Luke 15:21. This is choice to take responsibility for our actions and take steps to make all right with God. This is the only choice that leads us to heaven. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10. When a righteous man who is truly mistaken comes in contact with the truth, he will either cease being mistaken or cease being a righteous man. So, if you have been confronted with truth, do not be afraid to ask, “What do I do now?”

Missed Opportunities

Neal Thurman
23 Aug 2020

The question of why young people are leaving the church is widely debated and regularly discussed. Some excuse such to cultural changes that have young people leaving religion in general behind in favor of individual spiritual experiences that require no allegiance to a religious body. This may be true, but it is a copout for the church, which has never based success or godliness on the religious world. Some congregations have set out to change the Lord’s church to fit every whim of what they perceive to be a totally self-centered generation. This plan has several holes in it. First and foremost, the church belongs to the Lord. If we tread outside areas of liberty that the Lord has given us, then we cease to be the church for which Jesus died and established on His own deity. This has eternal consequences. Second, this sells these young people short, assuming they are unable come to an understanding of truth that transforms their current way of life (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Third, it assumes that this is what the young people want. Is this true? This is like the parent who never offers a child discipline and caters to their every whim under the false understanding that this is loving them (Proverbs 13:24; 29:15,17). The truth is that children want to have boundaries. They want to be taught. They want guidance. Could it be that these young Christians want the same thing? Not the same traditions or manners as their grandparents, but the same genuine truth and church going all the back to Pentecost (Acts 2). Church leadership, preachers, and teachers certainly have their place when considering apostasy of the young, but I would suggest the problem often starts before the church can even have an influence. It begin at home. The Bible lays the training and teaching of children on parents, particularly fathers (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Ephesians 6:4). This is more than just reading the Bible from time to time. It is teaching and training how to be and live as a Christian. Parents, you are teaching all the time. That which you hold as important will be seen as important by your children. When something conflicts with worship, your choice will receive the stamp of importance in your child’s mind. This stamp is hard to erase. Additionally, if you say the Lord comes first but He does not in practice, the credibility of your word will be diminished. Such a choice is a ripe opportunity to display your genuine faith. Do not miss the opportunities that your children provide for teaching about Jesus. When showing a future driver how to maintain a vehicle, an opportunity to talk about caring for one’s soul is not a big stretch. When a child ask about the Pope or a prominent religious leader, do not miss the opportunity to actual open the Bible and study what the Holy Spirit says about the structure or make up of the church. When a child ask in reference to the church or Christianity, “Why…?”, do not miss the opportunity to let the Bible speak for itself. It’s a great time to say, “Let’s look that up.” Then they will be building their own understanding. When they have a conflict, do not miss the opportunity to encourage them to look at things from the other person’s perspective, (Philippians 2:3-4). You can still be their advocate while teaching. The best way to keep our children is diligently teaching them what God would have them be from day one. Do not miss this opportunity!

When The Time Is Right

Neal Thurman
16 Aug 2020

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” Our seasons have been shaken and stirred by the effects and the response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Our culture has been altered and our communities have become unsettled. In many ways, our lives have been turned upside down and inside out. Any effort to gather accurate or consistent information about an appropriate course of action has basically become an effort in futility. Many people are confused about what they can or ought to do in order to stay safe and still conduct their lives. Can I go to the grocery store safely? That is evidently one of the things that have not been limited. But if I can go to buy groceries, can I go to a department store to purchase clothing or shoes? Wouldn’t I be exposed to the same sort of people and situations? Can I go to work? Perhaps I will be exposed to the lives and habits of all of my co-workers, but if I do not work, I cannot support my family. Can the kids go to school? They could be exposed to some who are infected and do not even know it. But what about their educational progress? Virtual learning definitely seems to have its limitations in effectiveness. How will the students catchup on what they are losing? I do not have the answers to these questions, but I recognize that there is a right time. I may not know when it is and I realize that it may be different for various individuals. Yet, the right time is out there and we must seek it. We must not be governed by fear. Rather, we must seek understanding and trust in God Another area of life that is being significantly impacted is the church and our spiritual lives. Make no mistake, the devil’s hands are at work here. We have people angry and spewing hatred toward one another. We have activists groups striving for the destruction of the biblical family or even its concept. We have Christians being restricted from gathering to worship God. The devil is at work! Please do not misunderstand. I do not want to encourage anyone to put themselves at undue risk. I also understand that there are those of us who, because of underlying conditions or living arrangement, must stay in isolation. But the rest of us need to start asking, “When is the right time for me?” The old devil wants us to be afraid. He wants us to lean on those who have no desire to serve or please the Lord. He wants us to feel helpless and useless. He wants us to believe that there is no hope. Well, do not let him have his way! Beloved brethren, be safe but be strong. Be cautious but be smart. If we can go to the grocery store or discount store with people who have no care for us and handle keypads and items on the shelf, then we ought to be able to gather with our brethren who love us. Our brethren are taking steps to protect one another physically while bolstering one another spiritually. Do not let the devil convince you that shopping in Walmart with hundreds of strangers is safer than worshipping with your brethren. Do not let the devil whisper to you that you just ought to wait. Make your own decision when the right time is and tell the devil you have no need of his assistance. May we seek worship to our God!

Be Careful With Assumption

Neal Thurman
9 Aug 2020

The scriptures are clear in telling us not to judge according to appearance, (John 7:24). And there is good reason for this. First impressions can be strong and lasting, but sometimes they are quite flawed. Also, we are warned that what is on the outside and visible does not necessarily tell the whole story, (Matthew 23:25-28). This is true from many angles. So we need to be careful about making assumptions. Things are not always as they seem. This year at camp we allowed some younger children to attend, especially a few that had been unable to attend another session. Actually, these little guys and girls did great for being as young as they are. One of these youngsters was a precious little girl with long, blond hair and bright blue eyes. She was very small, but she had a big smile that she wore consistently. She was well dressed and seemed well adjusted in interacting with the other children. She was full of questions and had plenty of opinions that she was quite willing to share. She was obviously sharp intellectually and her vocabulary was well advanced for a child of her age. On the surface, she seemed like the perfect little girl who came from the best of homes. Well, she may be just about perfect, but I learned her home life has been anything but perfect. In her brief life, this precious little creature has had to deal with things that no child should ever have to face. The story is not mine to tell, but suffice it to say that things have not been good when this little bright-eyed darling says to one of our lady counselors, who does know her away from camp, “I wish you were my mommy.” Learning of this certainly changed my perspective. This little girl was still just as cute. She was still just as tiny. She smiled just as bright, but knowledge of her environment caused me to see her very differently. I then saw the courage and perseverance that went unnoticed looking at her outward appearance. What heartache must be present behind that little glowing face. Assumption would have lead one to a very different conclusion. Sometimes folks are in turmoil and we just cannot see it. Consider Judas Iscariot. The scriptures tell us that he was a thief, (John 12:6). Interestingly enough, the other disciples did not seem to notice anything out of the ordinary about Judas. Maybe he looked the same and spoke with the same conviction as Peter or John. Did he change or was he always greedy for money? I do not know. We can know that he did not stand out as the betrayer of the Messiah. In Matthew 26, Jesus tells His disciples that one of them would betray Him. The others did not immediately look at Judas, rather “each of them began to say to Him, ‘Lord, is it I?’” (Matthew 26:22). So the others did not suspect Judas, but the turmoil was definitely within Judas. Could we have known the real man by simply looking at Judas? Let’s be careful with assumption! And let’s seek knowledge in order to “judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) Only then will we truly see things and people as they are. Assumptions are at best guesses, but are often bias driven conclusions. We should not settle for such. When we can know, we should seek true understanding.

How Will We Move Forward?

Neal Thurman
26 Jul 2020

Just like everything else during this crazy year, preparing to leave for a week of church camp has been very strange this year. First, we were preparing for our week in June only to have our week cancelled as the camp suspending all activities through June. Then there was a week in July that might come open, so we start preliminary preparations, but then that week did not come open. We basically conceded that a 2020 session just was not going to happen. And then (drum roll please), this coming week became available. We started scrambling. Can we get a staff together? Can we get enough campers some we can meet the camp’s ratio requirements? Can we make this happen in basically three weeks? Well here we are. We have about half as many campers as normal and half of the staff, but we headed for a week of fun and fellowship but most importantly growing closer to Jesus Christ. Of course, we are hanging form the proverbial thread. A couple of COVID 19 symptoms could blow everything up for all of us. So how should we proceed? We could press everyone involved to absolutely shutter in place until the session actually begins while hoping and praying that no one gets infected. This may be appealing to some since we are so close and have worked hard just to be where we are, but I wonder if this is the best course of action. First, it would not eliminate the possibility of someone be at camp that is infected. Second, it would cause an increased level of stress to an already stressful effort. Plus, worrying about it will not change anything. I believe the same is true of temptations and sin. We can worry about temptation to the point that we cut ourselves off from the world. Though this may reduce our tendency to sin, it also removes our ability to teach and influence those who are desperate need of Jesus Christ. Could it be that our best course of action during the Year of the Virus is to follow precautionary measures that significantly reduce the risk of infection, most of which we should be doing anyway to prevent all infections, and then live our lives in peace. In like manner, our best course of action toward temptation is to take measures that will weaken temptations pull on our lives. We do this by adding and strengthening the wholesome and righteous components in our lives. The more that we keep Jesus active in our daily lives the less the devil will want to hang around. I recognize that these things are not a one-for-one comparison for one of them is completely controlled by choice. But the point is that we just cannot hide every time something threatening comes along. Also preparedness is the best defense against most every threat. Please, keep us in your prayers and stay safe while we are away!

You Just Don’t Understand

Neal Thurman
19 Jul 2020

Recently, I guess Tracy reposted an article on social media that was critical of one aspect of the recent protest and she included a question of understanding the specific issue discussed. A short-time later, she received a rather snarky, pushing on hateful comment from a young women Tracy has known for many years and watched grow up at church camp and has worked with us there as an adult. Tracy responded privately, offering some insight to her thinking on the original post and expressing her disappointment with the tenor of the message. A couple of days latter Tracy receive a lengthy lecture explaining in detail how Tracy did not and could not understand the suffering of the people the protestors were supporting. She went one to basically frame Tracy as either an uncaring, heartless bigot or an uninformed bumpkin too insolated by the ivory tower of privilege to contemplate the suffer of people unlike herself. “Of course, you realize this means war!” No, I’m just kidding:) Still, it was rather disheartening to hear this words describing my wife who I have observed working through sleepless nights in an effort to protect precious little children neglected or abused by their own parents or family; and heard her weeping for students, none of which look like her, who have been robbed by COVID of important instructional time to help them grow in reading to be viable workers in society. So much of her heart is given to those who cannot help themselves, and she is being lectured about suffering by one raised in house of wealth and being enlightened at a private university. I will not attempt to articulate my feelings on this matter. Though, it brings to mind the fact that such things happen around the church. Too often, those who sit on the sidelines of evangelism and spiritual service have plenty of advice and criticisms for those doing the work or teaching the truth. “You just don’t understand,” they are apt to say. “You just don’t understand the homosexual who knows you hate them because you keep saying they are wrong.” “You just don’t understand people really want musical instruments in worship because it sounds better.” “You just don’t understand a bunch of people get divorced today and you are just going to have to accept that they are going to get remarried and it’s okay.” Truth be known, the Apostle Paul clearly shows by inspiration that God rejects the homosexual lifestyle as sinful, (Romans 1:18-32). As far as I know, the Holy Spirit has not granted any of us the right or authority to change that. True today and will be tomorrow. Truth be known, the music of worship in the church both in example (Acts 16:25) and by command (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) is only singing. Once again, we have no authority to reach beyond what is written, (1 Corinthians 4:6). Truth be known, Jesus, Himself, established that under His law only one reason for divorce would free an innocent party to remarry righteously, (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). Is there any suggestion by our Lord that these principles are to adapt to a cultural environment? I don’t think so. Let us make sure that we seek that “wisdom that is from above,” (James 3:17)!

Last Bit of Light

Neal Thurman
12 Jul 2020

We do not always appreciate the penetrating power of light or its persistence to shine through any opening. Sometimes we should stop and consider such an effect around us. In a effort to create a mood, we decided to give the recent wedding and reception a late evening atmosphere though the wedding was in the middle of the day. This required us to cover the many windows in the two buildings to lower the light. During this process, I was reminded of the difficulty of blocking all light. It seems easy to just cover a window and blot out the light, but stepping back from the work, it is revealed that tiny beams of light are glowing through edges and corners. They are relentless. As each one is covered, it seems that another two peek through. Yet, with diligent effort, each tiny beacon can be blocked out, leaving but darkness. The scripture tells us that, “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all,” (1 John 1:5). We are also told that we created in the image of God, (Genesis 1:27). Would this not mean that we, mankind, were created or born with a part of God innately within us? If so, then at least a glimmer of that perfect light dwells within each one of us and just like visual light it is trying to shine through whatever obstacles we may put in its way. For the scriptures also tell us that, “God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth,” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). So, God desires for us to let His light shine through our lives. He created us for good and not evil. It is we, ourselves, who bring in the dark coverings and seek to blot His light out of our lives. Yet, His light is persistent and keeps searching for that opening to remind us that it is still present and still wanting to be seen. It is crying out for us to remove the coverings and allow it to light our lives. Sadly, some of us are just as persistent and dedicated to the course we have chosen. These recognize when the light finds an opening or corner and they diligently cover up every last gap so they can stand in darkness. Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19). Paul wrote, “having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:18-19). With enough effort, even the wondrous light of God that illuminates heaven (Revelation 22:5) can be blotted out of one’s life. Let us take a good and honest look at our lives. Have we placed coverings over the windows of our lives? If so, there is a good chance that small beams of God’s light are still showing through the coverings. Please, behold this last bit of light and remember that our God wants all of us to be saved. So, tear away the coverings and let the light shine!

Remember Who and Why We Serve

Neal Thurman
5 Jul 2020

It is easy to become frustrated and it is tempting to become discouraged when a group effort is underway and we notice that some, or even many, stakeholders in the effort are expending very little if any energy toward the cause. This temptation is strengthened if we are to hear those lacking in participation explaining what a good job WE did or how hard WE worked or how glad WE were to help. These things can leave us walking around grumbling to ourselves and unfortunately often sharing our frustrations with other diligent workers. If we are not careful, we can end up with a bunch of discouraged workers who are becoming bitter toward the work. This becomes a problem because a good work does not cease to be good because workers lack diligence. It is reasonable to be frustrated with workers who fail to fulfill their call to work, but we need to make sure this is always kept in the proper context. We need to not confuse the work with the worker. I recognize the challenge. I have definitely been there myself. It is a well covered snare that lures us in and seeks to take away our joy and disrupt our service. I believe key to avoiding this snare is reminding ourselves of who and why we serve or work. This applies in all facets of life, but it is particularly true when serving the Lord. For if I truly serve the Lord, should I work with more vigor or less if everyone around me is working diligently for the same cause? By contrast, should I work with more or less vigorous when no one around me is working diligently? I would suggest that the five-talent man of Matthew 25 should use all of what was given to him, whether he is working with the “good and faithful” two-talent man or the “wicked and lazy” one-talent man. The call from the Master for the five-talent man’s service remains the same. He is to serve his Master in order to be “good and faithful” himself. That is the “Who.” The “Why” is just as clear to understand. I suggest that “Why” can be boiled down to two major categories. First, we should work because it is a good work, (1 Timothy 3:1). That is the work has worth or fulfills a need. Once again, this carries through all of life, but is especially true in the church. Second and more importantly, we serve because we love the One being served, (John 14:15-23). A service or work motivated by love cannot be diminished and is not dependent on the efforts of anyone else. Why? Because I love! There is no greater cause or reason. Joshua called for the people of Israel to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,” (Joshua 24:15). He was not suggesting that they ask around and see how many other people were willing to serve. He was calling for them to choose God or others independently and with conviction. So, the next time that we become frustrated because we are working and others are not, let us remember “Who” we serve and “Why” we serve Him!

Why Would You Not?

Neal Thurman
28 Jun 2020

I am seldom more humbled by others than when brethren rally around to help when a task is too big or time is running short. When we have an active church family, we have an amazing team with varied talents and willing hearts. We might even say that we have army that is ready to gather into battle array to fight for our cause. They give of themselves, their time, their means, and their energy. As mentioned, it is a very humbling experience to be on the receiving end of such kindness and service. This week, I have once again been showered with the blessings of many loving brethren selflessly pouring themselves out in order to reduce my stress and stain for one of life’s big events. Proper words of thanksgiving are difficult to articulate because the overwhelming sense of gratitude leave me short of words (and that’s staying something). I know it should be, but “Thank you,” just does not seem to be sufficient. Another strong thought that such kindness stimulates is, “Why would anyone not want to have such a family?” Consider the fact of how little a person truly has to give in order to have the amazing blessing of a big family full of blessings. Why would you not do whatever it took to have such a team or army? They provide strong shoulders to leave you are weaken from heartache or tribulation. They want to enthusiastically celebrate your achievement and days of glory. They provide strength and encouragement in times of trial along with comfort and understanding even when we fail. Tell me, where can you go to receive such support? Why would you not always seek to obtain such a well of blessing? Paul wrote of two such Christians, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. “ Romans 16:3-4 Those who simply dabble in Christianity and those who slip in on Sunday morning for a quick dip in the waters of worship and then slip away will never truly experience the breadth and depth of a spiritual family. Yes, their tip-toeing through the blood-bought church allows them to recognize short-comings of some Christians, but they will never know the real character of the Lord’s servants. They will never know the strength of the Lord’s earthly arms nor the tenderness of His earthly touch. What a pity it is that so many will never taste such sweetness because they never truly give themselves to the family. Let each of us be active members of a spiritual (church) family. In so doing, we can be a real blessing to others in the family, and I believe we will receive a hundred fold in return. Why would you not want to be a member of such a family?

Need Wisdom of Fatherhood

Neal Thurman
21 Jun 2020

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. This principle has been true from the first parents that brought forth children into the world and it is just as true today. Children have always needed teaching and training beginning very early in life lest they become a “shame to their mother,” (Proverbs 29:15). The obligation of this training rest squarely upon the shoulders of fathers. This is not to say that all training is left to fathers. Rather, fathers are responsible to see that this training is conducted and that it is conducted in a manner that it might be received. The fact that children need training is not in question and the proverbial principle remains applicable. The struggle for fathers is having the wisdom to provide training that becomes practice. The wiseman instructs us to “train up a child,” but the wiseman of old does not mention the fact that each child is different and must be trained for his/her individual needs and abilities, especially as it pertains to manner. One of the greatest challenges of fatherhood is having the understanding of what our children need from us in order to learn and grow. Please, do not be the philosopher who says with all confidence, “Well, you just have to teach them the word of God.” I suggest this is a facile argument. These are real issues that require careful thought and action accompanied with prayer. Consider the parable of the lost (prodigal) son in Luke 15:11-32. Early in the parable the father allows the younger, perhaps headstrong, son to depart with his future inheritance. The father did not offer any argument or negotiation, nor did he plead with his son to remain in his home. Was this because the father knew he understood that his words would be futile or even offensive to the son. Nothing about how the son was allowed to leave could become a obstacle to his return. In the parable, this was certainly the right call. Then toward the end of the parable, the same father went out to his other son who was feeling angry, hurt, overlooked, and unappreciated. Nothing had actually changed for older son, but he was having a pity party for himself because he thought his fool-for-a-brother was being celebrated. To the older son, the father carries words of encouragement and pleads with him recognize the joy of his brother’s humble return. The father listens to the older son’s complaints, offers him comfort in the truth, and explains what is right. Being a parable, we do not get a conclusion to the story of the older son, but we do see the principle of providing different needs for different children. May God bless us fathers with the needed wisdom of fatherhood to recognize, understand, and implement those things that will help our children grow and learn how to serve our Father in love and faithfulness. In so doing, we will fulfill our given task.

New Means & New Questions

Neal Thurman
14 Jun 2020

Many questions have arisen as we work through the COVID 19 pandemic, but many of these questions have resulted in more questions with very few answers. I am not talking about the wide variety of contradictory media reports or political statements about the whole thing. I am talking about the people trying to live, survive, and even flourish during these very unique days and those that are to come. And I am specifically referring to how this is affecting the church. I genuinely struggled and wrestled with the idea of Christians suspending worship gatherings because of a disease. My struggle was not based in the freedom of religion guaranteed by the 1st Amendment. No, my struggle was with words like, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20) I had plenty of questions, but clear answers were not easily attained. As we moved forward, many questions arose about how we could encourage one another spiritually during our separation. This led us to consider the various forms of social media and virtual connections. I do believe that these new means of contact were a blessing. Only a few years ago, we would have been left with only the telephone when seeking real-time, personal interaction. Yet, I have to say that the idea of calling these media connections as “Virtual Worship Gatherings” is a grand stretch of the imagination and is lacking in reality. Still, some folks have found themselves comfortable with the idea of this adequately substituting for physically gathering with the saints in praise to God. The confusion of the pandemic situation continues today. Some communities are opening up and loosening restrictions, while other are remaining cautious about moving forward. Churches and individual Christians are much the same way. This leaves us with more questions about virtual meetings and congregations streaming services. If people are still uncomfortable gathering, do we continue to stream worship after normal gatherings are restored? Though not a substitute, it makes sense to support those with underlying health issues or unsettled by the fear of infection. Yet, does this encourage those who have come to desire being “Praise-n-Pajama” worshippers to stay home and seek a worship of convenience? A case could be made that we could be doing them spiritual harm by facilitating a means for them to think that they have faithfully fulfilled the scriptural call to come together on the first day of the week, when they have not. So, what to do? We should recognize that these questions create more questions rather than answers. I would suggest that the person who states that the answer is simple or plain as day is shortsighted. These questions, and many more, need answers but it is difficult. And it is not going to get any easier. Technology continues to advance and virtual presence is going to become more and more personal. So, we need to consider these new means of communication and answer some questions about their use in serving God. I know that I do not have all of the answers, but let us first holdfast the principle that all that we do should be for the purpose of fulfilling God’s good pleasure, (Philippians 2:13), Secondly, let us make sure that our personal convenience is way down on the list of priorities. Let us “strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,” (Hebrews 12:12), and let us never offer God anything less than “the sacrifice of praise...the fruit of our lips,” (Hebrews 13:15)!

Restrict the Flow of Hate

Neal Thurman
7 Jun 2020

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” (Matthew 5:43-44). We can look around today and very easily find the fruits of hate. They are not difficult to see, but they are unsettling to look upon. It seems as if everywhere we look someone or some group is overwhelmed with rage and maliciously driven to lash out and deliver injury to those in opposition or those who simply get in the way. Is this the way we ought to be? This article is not meant to elevate or diminish the importance of any cause or motivation that leads to protest. I simply seek to pose the question, if this is how we want to be as a people. Do we really desire a society that is boiling and waiting to erupt anytime that something undesirable occurs? Friends and brethren, I am afraid that this is what we have become whether we desired it or not. We seem poised and waiting to spring upon an opportunity to spew venom tainted with hate toward anyone who may disagree or stand on the other side of the fence. We sign off on violence and vitriol as long as it is pointed in the right direction or the right type of people get attacked. Is this really who we want to be? I would guess that the old devil has quite a feast on our hatred for one other. The Lord Jesus Christ has a completely different outlook when it comes to enemies. Jesus does not naively suggest that we will never have enemies. In fact, He warned His followers that they would be hated, (John 15:19). Jesus also does not suggest that we should stamp out our enemies until they can stand not longer. Rather, He called for them to be loved and for good to be done for those driven to hate. This makes the Christian very different than anyone else in the world, and Paul said that this goodness heaps coals of fire on the head of an enemy, (Romans 12:20). There is so much hate in the world. Please do not add to it by hating an enemy or despising an opponent. Hate will not go away by destroying the hated. Consider the brothers of Joseph, (Genesis 37-45). The only effective way to restrict the flow of hate is to wrap it and surround it with love. When we encircle a flow of hate with the unbreakable cords of love, we can draw the bonds tight to constrict the flow of hate and eventually choke the very life out of hatred. Hate has no power over love. It is only when we become weary and yield to hates vicious hand. Let us walk in the light of Jesus and restrict hate’s flow with love!

Where Does Safety Lie

Neal Thurman
24 May 2020

I recently saw a short video clip that made me think about Christians living in this world of ours. A caped buffalo, which is a large, powerful beast was being chased by a pair of male lions. The buffalo charged into a river, which was effective in thwarting the threat of the lions. The lions stopped at the river’s edge and seemed to be contemplating how to retrieve their fleeing dinner. The buffalo swam more effectively than its profile would suggest. It looked to have escaped death. This was until the water from behind it began to ripple. The head of a Nile crocodile broke the surface of the water as the giant reptile closed the distance on its prey. A great splash erupted as the capture sought to lock its powerful jaws on its prey. Amazingly, the buffalo shook itself free. A second crocodile joined the fight. Again the buffalo fought off the jaws of death. A third crocodile was alerted and headed toward the fray. The buffalo decided to turn back to lion occupied shore. Fighting off another attack from the crocs, the mighty beast emerged from the water and stood facing the original threat, only the two males had now been joined by five or six females. Interestingly, the two sides stood looking at each other intently, sizing up the situation. Now, tell me that as a faithful Christian that you have not felt like this buffalo at times. The world of sin is full of roaring lions who seek to devour you (1 Peter 5:8). So you plunge into what seems to be the safe waters of the church, only to find that those waters are wrought with those who reject truth (Galatians 4:16) and would just as soon consume you for getting in the way of what they seek to gain (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:16-18). There seem to be enemies who would destroy you on every side. The buffalo cautiously moved forward, keeping its eyes and horns pointed toward the lions. The lion sought to surround their prey, especially seeking to attack from the rear. The buffalo spun and thrashed as the lion sprang clear of the heavy head and pointed horns. This went on for a bit, until the buffalo saw an opening and bolted free from the battle. It had to be expending the last measure of its energy. The gang of predators charged after their escaping prey. The buffalo disappeared into a line of trees and underbrush, but the lions were in close pursuit. Amazingly, the gathering of lions scattered and did not enter the brush. Their motivation was soon revealed. To the lions, it must have appeared like a black and grey stone wall. Out the same brush where the buffalo had disappeared, came about 20 buffalo standing shoulder to shoulder, blowing snot, and obviously expressing ill intentions toward the king of jungle and friends. As you may assume, the lions had a change of plans. There is a place for the faithful Christian to find safety. It is not found in a cave or a hidden corner where no threat can find. It is not found by blending into the crowd hoping the predators do not notice. The safety of the faithful is found amidst the family of faithful. When we surround ourselves with the faithful of the Lord, we become a force able to withstand any threat. “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations,” Revelation 2:26.

Well, It Looked Like It

Neal Thurman
17 May 2020

Last week, Tracy and I walked out of a store and into the parking lot, but I could not remember where we parked the truck. Fortunately, the truck is tall enough that a quick glance around the lot revealed its where abouts. So, we walked up to the truck and I pulled the door handle after pressing the unlock key on the fob. The door did not open. I pressed the button again, but the door did not open. I tried the back door. It refused to open. I began to wonder if there was a problem with the fob. So, I pushed the lock key a couple of times listening for the lock mechanism’s movement, and a horn sounded somewhere behind me. I looked over my shoulder and one row over sat our truck. We were trying to get into the wrong truck! The other truck was the same color, brand, and model as our truck. The two trucks had the same cab configuration and bed. The stance and driveline were similar on both. From a distance, the two trucks looked basically identical. Yet, the means of entrance was different. And once the doors were opened, we would have found that what was on the inside was very different, not the truck’s interior but the owner’s contents inside. At this point, we would know the trucks were definitely not the same and it would be clear which one belonged to us. This left me to ponder of how other things could cause confusion because they have a similar appearance. Of course, I thought of how this applies to the church. Not too long ago while trying to describe the unique identity of the church to a person who had been raised in a denominational background, one of his family members (a member of the church) sought to explain to me that the church where he grew up was just like the church. Was it? Was it the same color, brand and model? Did it have the same stance and driveline? Did it look identical from a distance? What happens when you use the owners key and open up the doors? One, will the door open? Two, will we find the possessions of the One who purchased, built, and established it on the inside? I later learned that this fine young man believed in religious principles that were not consistent with the teachings found in God’s holy word. I will assume that he learned these principles from the teaching of this religious group that was “just like the church.” Unfortunately, I also learned that this young man was not keen on the idea of changing his spiritual understanding in order to make himself right with God. He was quite sure that he already was right with God. I do sympathize with his position. The just-like-the-church organization assured him that their way of entering the kingdom was just as good as the scriptural way, and his Christian loved-one told him that his was just fine. Yet, Jesus did said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted,” (Matthew 15:13). He also 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. 22 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!” (Matthew 7:21-23). Beloved, we must not judge by outward appearance (John 7:24) and become comfortable with that which looks like the church. We must open it up and look on the inside. If it is THE CHURCH that Jesus built, when we open it, we will find the way of Jesus and only the way of Jesus!

Not What I Was Promised

Neal Thurman
10 May 2020

Imagine, if you would, that you had made reservations for a hotel and had paid the premium for a room that looks out to snow-capped mountain peaks, but when you arrive you are given a room that opens too another building. When questioned, the hotel representative explains that all you have to do is walk out to the corner of the balcony and look to the west and a mountain can be seen through the gap between the buildings. You might say that this is not what you were promised, but the response is, “That’s what we have.” Are you satisfied? Of course, not. Consider a time that you might interview and be offered a new job with an annual income of $150,000. You accept the job and quit your old job that paid half as much. Yet when you begin, you learn that your salary is actual $50,000 and the rest is potential income based on the company performance. You might say that this is not what you were promised. The boss says, “That’s the job. We must have failed to mention the bonus portion of the salary, but if we have a really good year, you could still make that much.” Are you satisfied? Of course, not. You might be thinking that no one in their right mind would be satisfied with scenarios such as this and I would wholeheartedly agree. Yet with that said, there is Someone who many of us think should be quite satisfied with such a deal. There is Someone that too many of us believe will accept whatever He is offered and be happy about it. Perhaps you think, “How can this be?” Consider the fact that those of us who are Christians did at some time say to the One, whose hands and feet were nailed to the cross, “Lord, I give my faith, my love, and my all.” We may not have uttered those exact words, but upon learning of the need for forgiveness of sin, we sought cleansing from this eternally fatal disease for which we have no cure. We heard the words of Jesus saying, “Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28. In the beginning, we would have give Jesus most anything to be washed in His blood. Yet, as time goes by for some, the idea of gathering to worship every week becomes an unwanted burden, but they are sure Jesus is satisfied that they are very serious on the occasions they do attend. Others grow tired of not being a part of the things their friends at work or in the neighborhood do. “Hey, Jesus turned water into wine, right?” (bad interpretation) or “It’s okay as long as I don’t get drunk?” (bad assumption or understanding) Sadly, the teachings of Jesus have simply become inconvenient for some folks. For some reason, they have broken marriages for an unscriptural cause, but just assert that Jesus will understand and would not want them to turn their backs on love. Yet brethren, what happens when Jesus says, “This no what I was promised.” I believe that Jesus will respond to our failed promises much like we would. In His words, it will come, “Depart from Me!”

Perceived Safety

Neal Thurman
3 May 2020

When we have a sense of safety or security we lower our defenses and let down our guard. This is a very natural feeing and basically it makes sense. A child peacefully relaxes when in his mothers arms because he trusts that she will keep him safe. This is the spiritual condition that we want to reach when seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, (Matthew 6:33). Yet, our sense of safety in some places and times is only perceived. Things are not as they appear from time to time. For example: a few days ago, Tracy wanted to mow the lawn. So, I went out to fuel up the riding mower and get it ready for her. With the gas can in one hand, I tried to pull the cover off the mower with one hand. It hung on the seat, causing it to rise and alerting the snake coiled around its hinge to my presence. I jumped back as the snake slid into a sagging area of the cover. I have heard of a “snake in grass,” but never a snake in the grass cutter. After startling me, the snake was not long for this world, though it did not pose me in real danger to me since it was not venomous. Yet if I had been more careful removing the cover and Mr. Snake had remained in place under the seat until my dear wife sat on said seat, I would then have been in real danger:) All levity aside, my point is that the seat of a riding lawn mower was not the place I would ever have expect to encounter a snake. The same thing can be true of figurative or spiritual snakes-in-the-grass. Sometimes, the most dangerous places to spiritual security are the places where we feel safe. These places can be dangerous because we lower our defenses when we feel safe. Entering the home of a Christian family may cause us to relax our sensitivity to the threat of alcohol, immorality, and vulgar language. Yet, the homes of some Christians are sadly not devoid of such things. We may think our children will be in a place of spiritual security when walking the halls of colleges or universities that are supposed to be affiliated with the church. This can often not be the case morally, and much more troubling is the fact that it is often not the case doctrinally. The truth is that our children may be in grave danger and never realize threat. We may sit in the pew of a building with familiar appearance, but it in reality it is a place of very different teaching and practice. I do not want to suggest by any means that we should wander through life worried about what is about to happen. I simply hope that we will always keep our eyes open with everything related to this world. I want us to be careful and realize that the Holy Spirit has warned us that there could be snake under the seat. Lurking in places that we perceive to be safe and secure, a real and present danger may be waiting for an opportunity to strike. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

When Threatened

Neal Thurman
19 Apr 2020

Genesis 33:1-2 Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. 2 And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. If this were the only scriptural text about the family of Jacob, what could we definitely determine about the family? One thing is obvious; a pecking order most definitely existed in that family. There are times when we can truly recognize what we hold as dear or important. One of those times is when they are threatened. When the house is ablaze and you had to choose, would you grab the jewelry box with thousands of dollars worth of rings, bracelets, and necklaces or the box of old family photo that could never be reproduced? You want both, but which would you choose? That one is more precious to you. Jacob shows us without question which of his children and wives were most precious to him. We often dismiss such things in our lives because we consider these as life-or-death situations and perhaps consider we would do things differently if in such a situation. Yet, what can we determine from what we do as parents when something for our children is threatened? We have become a busy people (COVID 19 crisis not withstanding) and many of our children have become very busy with a plethora of activities. What happens when time runs short or there is a conflict? How do we line things up from willing-to-sacrifice to very precious? These seem easy for the Christian to describe philosophically, but what about when it is reality? I recently spoke with a young teacher who had been confronted by a disgruntled parent whose child had received an unexcused absence because she had missed a day of school to watch her brother drag race. You tell me, what was most precious to the parent? Perhaps you say, but the girl wanted to go. And here we find one of the prime modern issues to be prioritized. What is most precious for our children, what they want or what parents determine is best for them? Which are you willing to sacrifice if need be, you child’s immediate satisfaction or their long-term development? You want both, but what if you have to choose? Sally just loves to play softball and she is good at it. A mandatory softball practice is held each Wednesday evening during the summer. Where will your Sally be on Wednesday? Timmy is a aspiring teen actor and he has been offered the lead role in a play that glamorizes the life of a noted homosexual. Where will your Timmy be on opening night? Cindy is very talented at twirling batons and she won the competition to be lead twirler for her school, but the required costume is basically a sparkly bathing suit. Will your Cindy be exhibiting her talents before crowds on Friday nights? Such questions can only be answered by real parents at real moments when their children’s desires perhaps run in opposition to parental wisdom. For the best answers, we can consider the quotation of another earthly father. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

I’m In Front

Neal Thurman
12 Apr 2020

During the COVID 19 shutdown, there is really not much to do, and the things available to do are not always exactly what we want to do. At my house, some of those things revolve around the dogs. Both Lewis (overly-energetic, 8-month-old, Siberian Husky) and Snickers (11-year-old, Husky-hating, Shorkie) need to be walked during the day. Since Tracy said she had taken both by herself without incident, I decided to give it a try. I cannot say that it was the best idea I had all week, but I will not bore you with the details except to make an observation that applies to many people, even some Christians. The beginning of the walk went along swimmingly. All was well as long as Snickers walked along even or behind Lewis. The problem began when Snickers surged ahead because his leash extends longer than Lewis’. It was as if Lewis had be shocked with cattle prod. He tugged and jerked and jumped in the air. Before I could slow Snickers, Lewis was coughing and gagging because he was choking himself. Once Snickers was back even with Lewis, everything was calm and we continued. Whether through breeding or personality, Lewis could not stand to not be out front. “I’m the leader. I’m out front.” People can have this same mentality. Everything is good as long as I am out front and we do things my way. Consider Diotrephes in 3 John 9-10, “who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” Perhaps you know just such a person. He is a hard worker as long as the task follows his plan. He is very compassionate and helpful as long as those being helped meet his approval. He is dedicated and reliable as long as we are following the way that he believes is best. Yet, when another plan is followed or another leader chosen, he will make a pain and obstacle of himself. He may even seek to cause failure to validate his own self-image as the best leader. This is not very Christ-like. Sadly, we often let these folks go right on their way without any form of admonition. This is because they are often successful and hard working and smart. Plus, they often have forceful personalities that we choose not to cross. Are we really doing them any favors, particularly if their actions wonder into sinfulness? Like John, we need to “call to mind his deeds.” We need leaders! We need those willing to push out and be in front! We do not need those seeking preeminence!

If You Are...Press {1}

Neal Thurman
5 Apr 2020

I find myself becoming more and more frustrated with automated answering systems when calling a provided Customer Service number. There should be something wrong with the idea of calling something Customer Service and then allow you to speak to a prerecorded message about you solving the problem for yourself. Today, I found a new madding level of exasperation when after 3 or 4 levels of automated menus, I found the choice that truly spoke to my issue only to be told, by a prerecorded message, that I would have to go to the website and send an email about my problem. I then learned there was a 2 business day wait for an email response. Aaaaaahhhh! I did not throw the phone or the computer. These situations do not leave the feeling that these businesses really care about you as a person. I fearfully wonder if we, as the church, might unintentionally do this to people with our desire to stand against false teaching or error. Please, do not misunderstand me. I do not believe that we should turn a blind-eye to error, nor do I think we should accept a certain level of false teaching for unity’s sake. Yet, correcting error may not be the place that most evangelistic efforts should start. Our intention is the salvation of souls, we probably should not begin with what is wrong with them. If we are not careful, we might make such folks think that we do not care about them as a person. Though we want to right and forward with the truth, we must remember that it is the people that need saving. In Acts 8, we find Philip learning that the eunuch was curious of the One who was led to the slaughter and was silent before the shearer. So, Philip started in Isaiah and taught him about Jesus. Paul was in Athens, Acts 17, and he used the Athenians own multi-theistic beliefs to begin a lesson about the One, True God by referencing their unknown god. Paul does teach them of their need to repent, but he did not open with that. This is the point of the matter. Jesus desires that sinners should be called to repentance, (Matthew 9:13). Godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), and such sorrow is produced by faith that comes from truth (Romans 10:17), but none of that happens if they are repulsed by the first word from a Christian. They need to know that we care for them, as we care about truth. We need to make sure that people never feel that we are saying, “If you are in sin, press .” They need Jesus and His truth! The need to know that we love their souls!

Keep Missing Your Brother

Neal Thurman
29 Mar 2020

“Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 18Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon; and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.” 1 Samuel 20:17-18 Jonathan is lamenting the coming absence of his dear friend, David, in the above passage. A feast for the New Moon was planned and if everything had been normal, David would definitely have been in attendance and Jonathan would not have missed him. Yet, for reasons that were beyond either friend’s control, they had to be separated during this celebration. The cause for this separation was the fact that Jonathan’s father, King Saul, had set his mind on murdering David at the first opportunity that presented itself. Just imagine having your best friend removed from your life for no fault of your own or his, and not being able to do anything to remedy the situation. Have you ever wondered how often that Jonathan might of thought about and missed David? Based on what we read in 1 Samuel 23:16-18, I would suppose that David was ever in Jonathan’s thoughts and his heart. Though they were unable to share time, meals, or conversation together. Jonathan never stopped missing his friend and brother. Things are not normal in our world right now. Everywhere we look, something is different from how we are used to it being. I for one could never have imagined that things would be as they are because of a health crisis. One thing that was beyond my imagination or at least expectation was the idea that we would ever need to alter our worship schedule or Bible studies because of an illness or such like. Yet, here we are. This past Sunday was very odd, even surreal. The lack of our regular Bible study threw the day off balance from the start, but the real strange feeling came at end of the service when we prepared to go home. There was a lot of, “I’ll see you...ugh...next week...I guess.” These statements were accompanied by peculiar looks and awkward oh-yeah-we’re-not-supposed-to-shake-hands gestures. Personally, I didn’t feel quite right the rest of the day. I missed seeing my brethren Sunday night and I anticipate, like Jonathan, missing them on Wednesday. Brethren, we do not know how long this situation will last. In fact, it may get worse before it gets better. So, I want to plead with all of us, “Keep missing your brethren!” Telephones still work and mail is still being delivered. We need to stay in touch and not let our relationships fade because of absence. We did not do anything to cause this situation and there is not much we can do to control it. Yet, we can keep our thoughts, our hearts, and our love alive for one another! Just keep missing you brother!

“I’ll Take My Now”

Neal Thurman
22 Mar 2020

The classic holiday movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” includes a scene portraying the run on banks that happened following the stock market crash of October 29, 1929. In the scene, George Bailey is trying to convince account holders that they need to ride the situation out and take only what they need to get them through. At this, one of men in the crowd says, “I’ll take mine now.” Isn’t it interesting how human beings often react when their safety, security, or even comfort is threatened? We have all seen the stories and even more humorous memes about people hoarding toilet paper in reaction to the pandemic of coronavirus. Well the humor may be fading as now people are buying up as much bottled water, meat, and can goods as they can lay their hands on. We can find plenty of empty shelves in our major supermarkets and discount stores because the stores were not prepared for such a run on common products. This means that some folks who are just trying to live their lives as normally as possible in the midst of extraordinary times are left without staple products to their lives. We can all observe the situation and draw the logical conclusion that people ought to only take what is needed for them to get through a bit a time while things are shaken and unsettled. Then everyone could have at least some of what they need until the stores can get caught up and restock their shelves. This seems to make sense. Right? Yet, the toilet paper, meat, and water hoarder says, “I’ll take mine now!” We can debate how this plays as citizens of a community, but how should this play for the child of God? What sort of people receive commendation in the scriptures? In Acts 4:32-37, the earliest Christians had all things in common and the needs of the many were met by the sacrificial giving of the few. Paul praises in Christians in Macedonia because, as he wrote, “in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” (2Corinthians 8:2) Of course, the greatest example of all can be found in Romans 5:8 and Matthew 20:28: “8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” & “28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” So for all of us who seek to be pleasing to God, we need to recognize that “I’ll take mine now,” is not in the playbook.

Necessary Precautions

Neal Thurman
15 Mar 2020

It is no secret that basically the whole civilized world if focused on preventing the further spread of the Coronavirus. The now pandemic has spread to all continents except Antarctica with more than 120,000 cases world wide. Many people have taken what could be considered extreme precautions even though the fatality rate of Coronavirus is approximately 3.5%. It is obviously wise to take certain precautions like increasing the frequency of hand washing and staying home if one is experiencing suspicious symptoms. Still, some folks have taken to wearing surgical mask and cancelling all activities that require being in a group of people. Whatever level of immediate precautions one may deem necessary, it is obvious that people are paying attention and are trying to take appropriate measure to protect the health and well being of their families and themselves. Based on the actions of the last few weeks, what do we believe would happen if there was a disease or outbreak that had the potential to affect all seven billion people on the planet and if the untreated fatality rate was 100%? What hysteria might erupt. People in the know would take immediate, even extreme, measures to mitigate the affects of such a decease. They would expect society and individuals to yield freedoms and liberties in order to make everyone as safe as possible. They would demand a higher standard of hygiene procedures in order to hamper the spread of the decease. Their lives would become diligently focused on decease prevention. Well, truth be know, “The soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4,20) and “the wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23). This should be followed by the fact that “all sin and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). This would suggest that the decease is indeed deadly, and that the contagious nature of the decease will spread to all people when they reach such a time as to be accountable for their sins. So, there is a decease with a 100% rate of fatality that can affect every single person. The question is, “What are people doing about it?” For intents and purposes, nothing at all. Even many Christians do not get very alarmed about it. No one is running around like their hair is on fire trying to get people to protect themselves. Very few folks are taking measures to isolate themselves from those contagiously carry the decease. Few are making an effort to strength their immune systems to rebuff its advances. Most do not seem concerned about going where its symptoms are open and obvious. In fact, many see its effect and still want to try it. Beloved, you and I need to diligently take necessary precautions to limit the effects of the greatest and most destructive pandemic that man has ever know.

What Caused The Change?

Neal Thurman
8 Mar 2020

Early last week the church received the March 2020 issue of the Christian Chronicle. I will say again for full disclosure that I am not a fan of the Chronicle because I believe they give credence and publishing space to ideas and teaching that are contradictory to the word of God. Thus, I seldom expect them to take much of stance for truth. With that said, I was severely disappointed to read through its pages. I did not even get around to reading about the efforts to overcome the shooting in Fort Worth. I was far too aggravated about the reporting, without any inkling of reproof, of congregations installing female elders and hiring women to preach from their pulpits. The promotion of “Inclusive Congregations” (those who allow women into leadership and preaching) went on in several articles with nary an objection. I was disheartened and rather disgusted, which moved me to write to the editor with my disappointment. I have no illusions about my words having an impact, but I sent them anyway. The thing I found most saddening was an article that had quotes from a young college student at Oklahoma Christian University. The young woman stated that growing up she had heard or read the words of 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and accepted that this was the teaching of Bible, so move on. The article stated that now she is not so sure. That would lead me to asked, what was it that cause her to lose her confidence in what she had recognized as plain teaching in the Bible? Did the text change? Was there a revolution in the interpretation of the Greek language? Were there original manuscripts recently discovered that painted Paul’s words differently? Was Paul discredited as a Holy Spirit-inspired writer of scriptures? The article explained that the young lady and a few of her friends got together and talked about this passage. In so doing, they discovered that a few verses earlier that Paul spoke about braided hair, wearing jewelry and costly clothing. They concluded that since the church today does not enforce these restrictions, women being silent in the churches was simply a tradition. Thus, it was okay but not required. So, four college friends got together over coffee, I mean lattes, and fleshed out that the modern church’s decision not to enforce Paul’s instructions on proper feminine appearance provides authority for dismissing Paul’s commands about roles in the performance of godly worship. Now if that is not sound hermeneutical principle for establishing biblical authority, I don’t know what is! All hyperbole aside, the thing I find most disturbing about this is that someone taught these young ladies to think this way. The dean of Bible at ACU may have a greater impact with this heresy, but he is a highly educated man who has chosen his own course. But I lament for these young ladies because someone has failed to teach them that all authority lies with Christ (Matthew 28:18), and His word will judge us all (John 12:48) without regard for how we think or feel things ought to be. It pains my heart to think that one or all of these precious souls could be lost because they were not taught to accept and apply biblical authority. Asking questions is great. Question everything! Yet, when the answer is “God said so.” as the young lady said, “Just move on!”

Stay In Your Lane

Neal Thurman
1 Mar 2020

I was driving home on Troup Hwy the other day when I noticed some erratic behavior from a car in a lane to my right. I muttered something to myself about how I wondered how some people were even able to get home with the way they drive. As I drew even with car, I looked over to see what sort of knucklehead I was sharing the road with. His music was loud enough for me to hear it inside my car and he was evidently playing the air drums and screaming with the band. I said to myself, “How stupid can you…” I caught a glare of red in my peripheral vision. I turned to find the tailgate of a Chevy Silverado getting big in the windshield in a hurry. For a second or two, things got real exciting. Thank God for a dry road and good brakes! Something had happened in front of the pickup that had caused him to stop abruptly. If I had been looking down my lane like I supposed to be doing, this would have been nothing more than a, “Why are we stopping,” sort of thing. As it was, I could have had a serious accident, that would have been my fault, all while lecturing a bad driver who was in a different lane. Focusing on my lane is not a guarantee, but it is my safest way to get home. Isn’t it interesting what happens with Peter in John 21? Peter had just gone through the whole “Peter do you love Me,” thing, which had to be heartbreaking, and then the Lord Jesus prophesies what Peter is going to face and endure as a disciple of Christ. Yet, with a turn of the head, Peter looks at John and asked Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” (John 21:21) He has just been told that he will be bound and taken where he does not want to go, but Peter wants to know about John’s future. Jesus quickly responds, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” (John 21:22) Does that not kind of sound like Jesus is telling Peter to stay in his lane or focus on where he is going rather than concerning himself with path of life for others. I clearly recognize that we need to be aware of our brethren who may be overtaken in sin, (Galatians 6:1) or others who may be in need of the goodness of God’s faithful (Luke 10:25-37; Galatians 6:9-10). We have a duty to care for other folks (Philippians 2:3-4). Yet, the Apostle Paul told the Thessalonians, “...aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,” 1 Thessalonians 4:11. For the vast majority of our lives, we ought to be looking where we are going so that we can navigate our own lane and avoid the obstacles that can endanger our lives both physical and spiritual. So, let each of us stay in our own lane, do our own job, and

Where They Are

Neal Thurman
16 Feb 2020

Last week, I went to a local fast food restaurant for lunch. I was warmly greeted by a bright-eyed, young lady as I approached the counter. I said, “I would like the classic meal, tenders shaken in buffalo, coleslaw as my side, and…” I noticed the smiling young lady was not putting my order into the register. So, I paused and smiled back. She enthusiastically asked, “Is this going to be for here or to go?” And I started over. I had failed to recognize that the young lady and I were not considering the same bit of information. I assumed she was ready to consume and use the information I was offering, but she was likely following a training pattern and had not received the answer to her assigned question. My information was not wrong, in fact it was informative; but communication failed because we were not in the same place to begin a conversation. Perhaps we overlook or fail to emphasis the small statement in Acts 8:35, “...beginning at this Scripture...” We know it was vitally important that Philip taught the Ethiopian eunuch about Jesus. We appreciate that the teaching of Philip led the eunuch not only to believe in Jesus, but he confessed Jesus and was washed in the Savior’s blood in baptism that he might go on his way rejoicing, (Acts 8:36-39). Yet, what about that little phrase in verse 35? Philip began his teaching from the prophetic book of Isaiah in what would be our chapter 53. Is this where we would suppose that Philip would usually start a study on Jesus or the Bible in general? I do not know. Perhaps, Philip would have been more comfortable about starting with the God of creation and establish the divine identity of Jesus as the Son of God. Maybe, Philip regularly began studies by talking about the miracles and signs performed by Jesus to confirm His identity, (John 20:30-31). So, why did he begin with the lamb led to the slaughter, (Isaiah 53:7)? Because that is where the eunuch was! The other things would have been true; but Philip did not consider what he, himself, wanted to teach, he concerned himself with what the eunuch was ready to learn. I realize this principle has limitations. Perhaps, we all have the denominational friend who only really wants to talk about Revelation 20. Yet, on most occasions, the teacher needs to go the student, not the other way around. We need to learn where their understanding lies and groom our teaching to maximize their understanding of Christ and His way. If this teaching is successful, we will have ample opportunity to share other matters of truth. Brethren, we may be well prepared and have a real desire to place our order, but sometimes we have to begin by describing where we plan to eat.

Not As I Expected

Neal Thurman
9 Feb 2020

James 4:13-14 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”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. Sometimes our days do not go as we expect them to go. This does not mean it is necessarily bad, just unexpected. Jacob sent Joseph to see that all was well with his brothers and their flocks, (Genesis 37:14). Neither the father nor the son could have imagined the coming events of their lives. How could they have expected that this would be the last time they would see or speak to one another for many years? It would seem that neither Jacob nor Joseph understood the fervent ill will that the brothers held against Joseph for his dreams and favored status. Jacob did not expect his favored son to be treated with such disdain and his own feelings to be completely disregarded by his other sons. Joseph did not expect to find a den of hatred and malice when he joined his brothers, and he certainly did not expect to be sold into slavery. Yet, all of these things happened. In contrast, Moses was not expecting his life to be forever altered when he led the flocks of Jethro on Mount Horeb, (Exodus 3:1). It would seem that, for Moses, this was a day like any other tending the sheep, but the day did not proceed as expected. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in the “flame of fire in the midst of a bush” (Genesis 3:2). This moment and the events to follow would forever change the purpose and direction of Moses. Unbeknownst to Moses, he was about to set forth on a journey of leadership that would be spoken of hundreds of generations after his death. He did not expect by any means to be speaking with God from the flames of a burning bush. He did not expect God to call him to a mission of greatness. He did not even expect to return to Egypt. Yet, all of these were so and more. So, what is the point? This is the day that we have been given. As the psalmist says, “rejoice and be glad in it,” (Psalm 118:24). The day may be filled trouble, trial, or suffering, but in days like this the Lord our God will be with His faithful to see them through difficult days, as He did with Joseph, (Genesis 39:2,21,23). The day may also be filled with opportunity to lift others and praise God in the process. Let us not balk (Exodus 3:11) at this just because we did not expect it. In truth, days often proceed as we do not expect them. So, let you and I prepare to simply live each day for the Lord!

Mourning Confusion

Neal Thurman
2 Feb 2020

It is without question that our world often has priorities all discombobulated. We often place inordinate emphasis on somethings while overlooking weightier matters. And the church is not immune from this syndrome. Material wealth, prominence, and notoriety are pushed into our consciousness as that which must be honored and revered. Yet, scriptural teaching tells another story in this regard. (Matthew 6:19-21; 19:21-22; Luke 12:15-20; 16:19-31,etc.) The unexpected death of a famous or prominent person seems to cause a complicated reaction, especially when other less-known people also lose their lives. A tremendous outpouring of shock and sadness on behalf of the famous person takes center stage. The how’s, the why’s, and who’s responsible seem to consume the airwaves and the consciousness of a society that for all intents and purposes did not know the person. We lament the fact that they were taken to soon and how many people their death affects. While, the other fathers/mothers, husbands/wives, sons/daughters, and brothers/sisters form a also-killed list at the bottom of the page. Perhaps, it is simply human nature that causes these complications, but for the Christian, things should be different. The pinnacle of a Christian’s sadness should not be based in notoriety, age, or societal, even family, roles; but rather the condition of the eternal spirit. Remember that one’s material success or place in society will have no bearing on divine judgement. Our greatest sadness should come when a person dies without the blood of Christ covering his sins. Remember the rich man in torment of Hades said, ”I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.” (Luke 16:27-28) This man had enjoyed the treasures and comforts of this life, but now had no comfort. Though he wished for relief of his own consequence, he especially did not want his brethren to taste the suffering that he had to endure. We often speak of the suffering of this life being temporary (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17). We also need to recognize that the luxuries of this life are of like manner, (1 John 2:15-17). The mourning of a person losing their life is not a bad thing, whoever they might be, but Christians ought be removing the confusion in mourning. May all Christians rightly mourn the death of those without Christ!

What Do You Bring To The Table

Neal Thurman
26 Jan 2020

Many people struggle to understand the place or role they should feel in life. This may be, at least in part, because they do not truly seek a proper answer to questions such as, “What do I bring to the table?” That is to seek understanding about one abilities or talents that can be used for the edification others. Obviously, we should not all fill the same role because we do not all have the same abilities. Paul wrote, “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?” (1 Corinthians 12:17). I need to determine if I am an eye or an ear, etc. I need to devote myself to hearing for the edification of the body if I am indeed an ear, (Ephesians 4:16). This brings glory to God and lifts up the body. While lamenting that I am not an eye is not helpful to anyone, including myself. What does our presence bring to the people we love, serve and share a moment in time. Just imagine if we were so diligent, thoughtful, and edifying that our peers would give us the nickname “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). How would we think of this man named, Joses, if this was the only time he was ever mentioned in the Bible? We would have known that he was a blessing to the brethren who served and worshipped with him, and we would know that he was a great asset to his Lord. We could have determined that he was thoughtful and compassionate rather than selfish or self-centered. We could recognize that he brought a lot to the table just because they called him, Barnabas. Please understand that being an encourager is not an ability, but rather the application of one’s ability. We cannot all be great encouragers with our words, but our deeds can speak just as clearly. David was able to lift the spirits of King Saul by playing a harp for him. Rebekah’s presence was able to comfort Isaac following the death of his mother, (Genesis 24:67). The Philippian Christians had encouraged Paul by supporting him in difficult days of his missionary work, (Philippians 4:14ff). What do you bring to the table? Be blatantly honest with yourself. Are people comforted, supported, and encouraged by your presence, or do you make them uncomfortable, stressed, and discouraged? I do not want to be offensive, but if the latter is true, you have some work to do. Do not cope out by listing all the weaknesses, shortcomings, and faults you possess. Rather, consider what things you can change. Maybe you are not really a people person, but you can be a servant of people. Maybe you are not smooth and debonair in your manner and speech, but you can be kind and courteous, which is a better example. Maybe you are not a natural leader that folks just fall in line to follow, but you can be a worker whose progress can be appreciated by all, (1 Timothy 4:15). It is okay to not be the great story or joke teller who holds everyone attention and makes them laugh, but you can be the faithful friend who listens and is there in times of need or heartache, which is much more valuable. You may not be witty and full of charisma, but you can be godly and holy, which lifts others higher. Brethren, in the end, you need to bring the best you to the table for edification of all. Don’t try to be someone else. Don’t play a role in an effort to please or impress others. Just bring what you have to table and let God use it!

Who Is Called To Change?

Neal Thurman
12 Jan 2020

I recently read a few articles in the latest issue of “The Christian Chronical” one dealing with Christians openly drinking alcohol, then a personal story of a Christian woman’s account of her struggle with alcoholism, and then an endorsement of a book that discusses the understanding and love needed to reach the LGBTQ+ community. For full disclosure, I am not a fan of “The Christian Chronical.” Articles and editorials that have been published over the last several years have left me with serious concerns as to the scriptural conviction of its writers, editors, and publishers. With this said, I am not seeking to criticize the paper, but these articles brought to mind a repeated theme appearing in many writings or statements that speak to who needs to change in relation to various issues. Consistently, it is stated that the “traditional”, “old-fashioned” and “strict” need to give way to the “progressive”, “modern” and “enlightened” way of thinking. Words like “legalist” and “Pharisaical” are thrown around like darts without even stopping to consider what those terms really represent. It is true that members and congregations of the church in our great land have made mistakes and mishandled situations through our generations. This is certainly true in matters such as racial relations and the treatment of individuals who had committed certain sins, which were treated as unforgivable. This is true because the perfect church is made up of very imperfect people. Yet, let’s begin by establishing a standard for righteousness in the church made by her King. “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) “...the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48) Now let us consider thoughts on a few widely discussed issues. It is without debate that the scriptures condemn drunkenness as a vile sin toward God. The “enlightened” say the “traditionalist” must change away from his harsh view of alcohol because Jesus turned water to wine (alcohol content very much debatable) and Paul told Timothy to use wine to help his stomach (alcohol debatable and medicinal) so moderate drinking must be pleasing to God and we like it. Yet, sin is still lies at the door. The “modern” tells the “old-fashioned” that he must change his understanding and level of acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community because this is the new world of tolerance that we live in and we like it this way. It has always been true that Christians should be loving and kind to everyone, including sinners of all forms. We should never be hateful or use nasty, derogatory names toward people. Yet, the decision to leave a person living in sin that is abominable to God is a far cry from loving them with the love of God. The “progressive” tells the “strict” you have to loosen up and progress to modern views on the whole divorce and remarriage issue. The world has completely changed and we like it this way. Yet, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” (Hebrews 13:8). So, who really needs to change?

Understanding What Is To Change

Neal Thurman
5 Jan 2020

A new year has begun and many of us seek to understand areas of personal improvement or correction at the changing of the calendar. This is a healthy activity when the process of identification is done properly. We can all benefit from honest and effective self-examination. Yet, the benefits of self-evaluation and prospective adjustments are only valid if we have an understanding of what is to be changed. Unfortunately, many folks look at how things should change in their lives and come to the conclusion that others or the environment ought to change so that their lifestyle can be more pleasant and effective. We must not fall into this trap for it is at best unproductive, and at worst sinful. Recognizing that some are bold enough to think this way about God. This will always be a problem. What do we know about the consistency of God’s nature, purpose, and truth? Let us look to the scriptures for a few answers. Malachi 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” Mark 13:31 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Through the scriptures, we can clearly understand that God and His ways are not only consistent but constant and unchanging. This includes God’s design for the church that His Son died for. It includes God’s desire to be worshiped and being God Almighty, He has described how He is to be worshiped. It includes how God has instructed His children to live and serve in order the please Him and promote His principles. All of these things carry the same level of divine consistency as God’s identity and nature. This would dictate that the changes that need to be made are all by self. The person doing the self-examination needs to recognize that the person being examined is going to be the same person that will need to make adjustments or corrections. To look outside of ourselves for changes that will improve our lives is a flawed way of thinking that leads to excuses rather solutions. So, let us take a serious, honest, look at our lives as we enter the new year. Let us seek to be the people that our God and Father would have us to be. And let us recognize, accept, and work toward the changes and improvement needed to enhance our lives. Such action will help us to be more of what the Lord would have us be. Ultimately, let us recognize what it is that can and should be changed.