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1/27/12
CPC THIS WEEK
January 26, 2012
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“God isn’t a Republican – or a Democrat”
(They both made it on the ark!)
With all the factors that contribute to your decision in choosing a candidate – for now a Republican – some want to reduced it to a new LOWest common denominator – more and more with religious overtones. Here’s some of the latest:
Will you vote for a Mormon?
Will you vote for man that has been married three times?
The list goes on, as does the campaign rhetoric. And, it’s getting worse by the day.
Here’s the first question any of us has to answer? Should we vote at all? The majority of evangelicals would say “yes,” though there are some groups who stay away from the ballot box like the plague. The Bible doesn’t have much to say about voting in elections. Let’s remember, the geo-political world for the New Testament church was Rome. Long gone where the days of the Jewish Theocracy. There wasn’t a vote of the people to elect the next “Caesar.” If you didn’t like the ruler you arranged a tidy little assassination. In fact the only clear instruction coming out of the New Testament could be summed up in this way - submit to, and pray for governing officials.
1/20/12
CPC THIS WEEK
January 19, 2012
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Truly, an Anniversary to Mourn”
“I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born.”
~Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980
Though FDR was certainly justified in setting apart December 7, 1941 “as date that will live in infamy,” there is a date much more deserving of that solemnizing. What day would that be? It’s January 22, 1973; the date of the Supreme Court Decision, “Roe V. Wade.” This is the date that will truly live in infamy. As horrific as the Sunday morning attack was on Pearl Harbor that day, far worse has been the attack on infants in the safe harbor of their mother’s womb.
On that Sunday morning, at least 2,400 men and women lost their lives in a pre-emptive attack designed to keep American forces out of the Pacific engagements. Since January 22, 1973, over 53 million infants have been killed under the constitutional gymnastics of “the right to privacy” – so construed by Justice Harry Blackmun and his six concurring justices in their interpretation of the 14th Amendment. I’m so grateful that two men were willing to take the higher moral ground through their dissenting opinions and stand against the legalization of killing children. And, let’s be clear here – that’s exactly what it is, it is murder.
1/13/12
CPC THIS WEEK
January 13, 2012
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Have you been TEBOW-ED?”
Tim Tebow. Actually, you can forget the “Tim,” most people just refer to him as TEBOW. If for some reason you don’t know who I’m talking about, Tebow plays quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Aside from current political contests, I’m not sure any one individual is getting more attention than Tebow. In fact, this polarizing sports figure has even graced the pages of the Wall Street Journal. It wouldn’t surprise me if he appears on the cover of TIME with an unlikely win this Saturday over the New England Patriots. The most recent riveting commentary has come from NBA star Charles Barkley who would refer to Tebow as a “national nightmare.” Thanks Charles, can’t wait for your in depth analysis of other issues facing our country! Oh…I forgot to mention that he is a firm believer in Christ – he, being TEBOW.
Frankly, the news media, commentators, and even team owners have had quite a time trying to get a handle on this young man and his mixture of sports and salvation. On the other hand, many of us get it - we’re enjoying it! Though it leaves others shaking their heads, it’s quite a change to see a humble sports figure lead a team in such a dramatic way – and it has been that if nothing else. Think about it, with all the stories we read and hear in professional sports of fines, suspensions, substance abuse, marital infidelity, and anything you want to throw in the grocery cart, it’s refreshing to follow a story of character in the midst of competition. His faith and humility are just about as elusive to some as his ability to scramble out of the pocket.
1/5/12
CPC THIS WEEK
January 5, 2012
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Where Were You When The Ball Dropped?”
Although we were gathered in front of a television in the Central Time Zone, we watched the Times Square Ball drop at midnight and promptly toasted one another for the prospects of a great 2012! And, by God’s Grace, we have every reason to expect nothing less. That doesn’t mean that life will be free of problems or pain. But, whatever comes our way we can be certain of this:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” (Leviticus 3:22-24)
The Lord’s great love and His compassions NEVER fail – they are NEW every morning!!! Doesn’t require a lot of explanation – does it?!
So with that in mind, and being so short into the New Year – perhaps I better pace myself and keep this short as well. After all, there are 52 weeks in year! However, just remember, I’m talking about this article – not a sermon :{)
12/29/11
CPC THIS WEEK
December 29, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Man - That was Fast!”
The door is quickly closing on 2011. Maybe too quickly!
As you look back in the rear view mirror of this last year what are you thinking? Did it go as expected? Were there some surprises? Disappointments? For some, life joyfully traveled the road of family additions while others experienced the dreaded walk through the valley of death’s shadow. Along with everything else, perhaps your annual review of life’s journey will include those “rock solid” New Year’s resolutions – never to late to dust off the treadmill! Me? Like every year, I will search the channels during these last few days for one of those “Year in Review” shows that chronicles the events filling the past 365 days. We can at least say this - 2011 revealed a world in a deep chaotic condition – Politically, Socially, Economically, and yes, even Spiritually. What do we call of this? We call it living – we call it LIFE!
12/23/11
CPC THIS WEEK
December 23, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Singing Theology at Christmas”
For as long as I can remember – and that’s a lot of “remember” these days – music has been a part of my life. And by God’s grace it will be until I sing my last note in this life and beginning singing new life of eternal song! Music is a gift, and the greatest gift God ever gave in music was the human voice. No one sings “out-of-tune” when they sing the praises of their Lord. There is never a wrong note that ascends to the throne of heaven!
But, having said all that, there can be a danger with music – at least “sung” music. Songs can be so familiar to us that we often don’t take the time to notice the words. And, as much as I hate to admit it, this can be especially true of the Christmas songs we love so much.
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve highlighted a number of hymns; so here’s my offering today. Not an entire hymn actually, just a stanza. It’s from “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
12/16/11
CPC THIS WEEK
December 16, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“What I Know vs. What I don’t Know”
For the record – the second category is far greater. In fact, perhaps one day I’ll write a brief article appropriately entitled, “What I Know vs. What I Forgot!” In so many ways, it really would have to be a brief article!
So, where is this headed? Consider this. Have you ever noticed when reading the story of Christ’s birth how much information we don’t have? Especially when you consider some of the detail included by doctor Luke in other parts of his letters to Theophilus. Here’s a short list of what I mean?
Joseph’s Parents/Mary’s Parents
Joseph’s age/Mary’s age
When did Joseph learn of Mary’s pregnancy
Did Joseph deliver his son or were women present to help Mary
What was the day and time of Jesus’ birth
Did the angels sing or were they speaking
How many shepherds came to the manger
When exactly did the wise men arrive in Bethlehem
How many wise men came
How long did Joseph, Mary and Jesus remain in Bethlehem
12/09/11
CPC THIS WEEK
December 9, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
This week I want to spotlight another favorite Christmas Carol of mine – and probably one of yours as well - To do so, I’ve decided not to re-invent the wheel. Especially, when someone else has already done the heavy lifting. So, I’m going to let Ace Collins, author of “The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas,” do it for me. It’s a little long, but if you read to the end, you’ll have a renewed, or perhaps even, new, appreciation for this Carol.God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Oddly enough, understanding the original meaning behind this song, one of the most misunderstood carols of Christmas, also helps explain one of the most misused words describing Christmas itself. What Americans hear when they listen to “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is not anything like what the English peasants meant when they first sang this song more than 500 years ago. Because of how wonderfully it told the Christmas story, the song even earned a prominent spot in Dickens’s classic novel A Christmas Carol, and if people today fully understood its unique lyrics too, most would probably designate “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” as one of the most profound and meaningful hymns in the world.
12/2/11
CPC THIS WEEK
December 2, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Bethlehem: The not so ‘little’ Little Town”
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”
What’s you favorite Christmas hymn or song? I have to admit that this particular one is not my favorite, though I like it nonetheless.
Phillip Brooks wrote this hymn following his horseback ride from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, where he participated in the mid-night Christmas Eve service in 1865
“I remember standing in the old church in Bethlehem, close to the spot where Jesus was born, when the whole church was ringing hour after hour with splendid hymns of praise to God, how again and again it seemed as if I could hear voices I knew well, telling each other of the Wonderful Night of the Savior’s birth.”
His church organist later put the words to music on Christmas Eve 1868.
Actually, there aren’t many Christmas songs that I don’t like – the message is so clear and comforting. I think that is why I’m drawn to this line of verse:
11/18/11
CPC THIS WEEK
November 18, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“God’s Will: A Three-legged Stool”
“Rejoice always, Pray always, Give thanks always”
That was the closing salutation in last week’s article. So, I decided to make it my opening line for this week’s contribution. It’s a paraphrase from Paul’s closing remarks in his first letter to the Thessalonians:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5:16-18)
What you will probably notice is that I did not mention Paul’s reason for writing those words in my paraphrase – it’s God’s will! I think it is safe to say that of all the questions posed by believers this may be at the top – “What is God’s will for my life?” Ring a bell? Sure it does. We’ve all been in those places where this question is foremost on our hearts and mind. Spouses or houses, cars or careers, we want to live in God’s will for our life. Yet, with all the time we spend on searching, here is at least one thing we can all do. Well, it’s actually three if you’re counting. And, given where we are in the calendar it’s worthy of time and attention.
11/10/11
CPC THIS WEEK
November 10, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“It’s About to Hit”
When we lived in Texas, strong thunderstorms were more than weather activity – they were an event. Especially, the bad ones! Seriously, people would open garage doors and break out lawn chairs to wait and watch for the impending doom. By the way, I was often one of them. Great storms – kind of like having the Weather Channel in your backyard!
Well, it may not be a storm but one of the busiest times of the year is about to hit, just like a “Blue Norther.” If you haven’t noticed, the lead winds have arrived, and getting stronger. I think the real question for many of us is will the new Olive Garden open in time.
Here’s a more serious question to consider. Which of the following statements will be true for you this holiday season? Will the calendar and clock control you life, or, will you control the clock and calendar? By the time I return from my son’s wedding there will less than eleven days till Turkey Day. And, if you don’t have a grip on things by then, start looking for a handle on Christmas!
11/04/11
CPC THIS WEEK
November 4, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“What are a Few of Your ‘Favorite Things’?”
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Believe it or not – The “Sound of Music” would be one of my top three movies of all time; it may be #1! There are a lot of reasons for that, and yes, let’s just get it out of the way right now. I’m sure one of those would be a boyhood crush for Julie Andrews. C’mon guys, admit it – I’m not alone here!
I could make a list like Maria – and you could as well. However, my list would be something more along the lines that would bring a smile to Tim Allen’s face. But, really, what are our favorite things? And perhaps a better question, as a believer, “What should be our favorite things?” Don’t worry this isn’t going to be one of those articles that screams at you to get rid of half your clothing, pitch the golf clubs, or tells you to throw out the 42” LED TV. But, if you’re ready to do that, my address is…Seriously, what are the things we should favor in our lives as new creations in God’s Grace. May I suggest at least one? Worship.
9/23/11
CPC THIS WEEK
September 23, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
One Final Lesson (I think) from My Bathroom
Drywall’s in and painted (shhhh – let’s not talk too much about the light test). In fact, if you walked into the bathroom at this very moment you would think that everything is in working order. Vanity in place, toilet securely fastened, and the shower unit in its place. Even the lights work! Yes sir, everything looks just like I planned it. But it’s what you don’t see that makes the difference – a big difference.
Even though all the essentials are in place, there’s one final step remaining – connecting the all the water supply lines to their respective station. And, since the Clark ladies are headed to a Bridal Tea in Alabama this weekend, it’s the perfect time to shut things down for the final connections. Don’t worry; I’ll get a hot shower in before Sunday morning!
Everything looks great – it’s just not connected. And, the same thing can be said of some of us living and serving in Christ’s body. Everything may appear to be to be in place, even appear to be in working order, but we may not be connected to the supply lines offered to us in the church.
9/16/11
CPC THIS WEEK
September 16, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
It’s Looks Okay until You Put the Light on It!
As some of you know I fancy myself as a handyman – almost a jack-of-all trades. Well, almost! This past week I decided it was time to finish my much delayed bathroom/laundry room remodel. And, I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel – and this time it’s not a TRAIN!
But being in the final stages means one thing – Drywall! Now, I’ve logged a few hours with a mud knife in my hand; it’s really something I enjoy doing. Must be that artistic thing in me. However, given that I don’t do it everyday I’m not as good at it as I want to be. In fact, at times I can really fuss over it – aiming for an elusive perfection (not unlike some of my golf buddies!) And, for the most part, things look pretty good when the job is finished. But before the wall is ready for a coat of primer there’s one final test. The dreaded LIGHT TEST!!!
You see a room with ambient light is “drywaller” friendly covering a multitude of sins. But a higher watt bulb, now that’s a different story. When held at just the right angle it’s amazing to see all of the imperfections left behind, even the smallest ones. That’s exactly what it’s intended to do exposing my abilities, or lack thereof.
9/9/11
CPC THIS WEEK
September 9, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“That was a First”
Yesterday we said final goodbyes to our dear friend and brother, Mike Adcock. It was time for us as a church to join with Becky and other family members to mourn his death and celebrate his life. But there was something about the service that was a “first” for me.
While I was preparing a few things prior to the service a local florist delivery van pulled in front of the church to drop off a few floral arrangements for the visitation and service. I didn’t think too much about it, until he brought in the last item. It was an arrangement of BALLOONS! That’s right, a group of brightly colored, helium filled balloons, sent by a group of children from West Virginia that knew Becky from hers days of ministry there.
WOW - Balloons? You bet! A rainbow of joy to marked the homecoming of child of God. As I continued to think about it a little longer it made all the sense in the world to me – this world and the next. It reminded of the following passage from 1 Thessalonians 4:
9/2/11
CPC THIS WEEK
September 2, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Will there be any Pumpkins?
(practically a pumpkin parable)
That’s the question I’m asking myself these days. Getting a late start to my garden this summer I decided to forego corn and do something new – Watermelons and Pumpkins! So far, I’ve managed to pick a watermelon too soon, and am having grave reservations about the future of picking anything that even resembles a pumpkin from my garden. My watermelons will make it – if I can have the patience, but I’m not as confident about the pumpkins. I’m afraid Cinderella would miss the Ball entirely if she waited on a Clark Farm Pumpkin!
You see, I didn’t do “all” of my homework. Determined to get things planted during a hasty weekend between trips to St. Louis, I planted and watered a variety of vegetables and herbs. Leaving the recommended amount of space for both the melons and the pumpkins (by the way, not even close; they took over) I eagerly watched and waited before leaving for Youth Camp. That’s when it happened!!!
8/26/11
CPC THIS WEEK
AUGUST 26, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Real Wine – Really?
As most of you know by now the Session has decided to implement the use of real wine in communion. This will be done alongside the continued use of grape juice. And, as one might expect, a number of you have expressed some concern over this decision. Knowing that would be the case the Session decided to have a two-week Sunday School class (three if needed) to take a closer look at this in the larger context of the Biblical position on the use of alcohol.
It is not my desire to lay out the case for this step in this article. Instead, I would like to repeat a recommendation made last week by our Sunday School teacher Jim Roszell. It comes from Acts 17:11:
11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Actually, I have two recommendations. First, attend the class. As usual, Jim has prepared well for this class and is eager to share the scriptures with us. Even if you missed last week’s class there is material for you to read and study. Second, after hearing the case, do as the Bereans – examine the Scriptures to see if what Jim’s saying, and what we’re doing, is true – is it, in fact, Biblical.
8/18/11
CPC THIS WEEK
AUGUST 18, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“And Now You Know The Rest of the Story”
Sure, that’s right, it was Paul Harvey. Yes, it was his famous tag line at the end of his broadcasts - it’s a good one to remember!
In his own way, though perhaps not intentional, Paul Harvey was capturing a thought out of the book of Proverbs – Proverbs 18:17. And, since today is the 18th, it fits nicely – aptly, too.
17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.
I like the way the Message translation puts it as well:
17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing —until the cross-examination starts!
Wow – that’s convicting. Let me share a little story with you (there’s a surprise!)
Some years ago I was in the aisle of a hardware store looking for something I needed – mostly finding what I wanted! While there I encountered two young sons going at it despite the repeated cautions echoing down the aisle from dad. Finally, and somewhat surprisingly, the older of the two boys started crying. Was he hurt? Nope – just saw this as an opportunity to get at this brother. Sure enough, dad was on the scene immediately and after a somewhat quick analysis, following a few selected questions to the older brother only, determined that the younger brother had it coming to him - and he let it rip! Being the introvert, shy, non-involved guy that I am, you can probably guess what I did next. Yep, I walked up to dad – politely – and offered a “slightly” different scenario of what had happened. And at that moment you should have seen the look on brothers’ faces – disbelief and delight! The father asked the older brother if my accounting was correct. I was affirmed by the young lad who knew instantly what was about to transpire. The younger brother looked at me as if to say, “where do I send the check?!” I slipped back to my area of nuts and bolts and listened to “the rest of the story.”
8/11/11
CPC THIS WEEK
AUGUST 11, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“August the WHAT?!”
That’s right – it’s August 11. Though you’re probably reading this on August 12.
If you’re like me perhaps you’ve been uttering these words lately, “Where did the summer go?” As of today (12th), we have a number of youth back in school. And, by end of next week everyone joins the party - Woohoo!!! Denial helps us to forget that the days really are getting shorter – okay – less daylight! Why, before you know it we’ll be hearing the scraping of shovels on driveways and sidewalks while praying for the first bud of spring to appear.
Where does the time go? The answer is easy – into our past. Though captured in the images of sight and sound, it’s gone. So what’s the real question that confronts us? I think it would go something like this, “How did I let this time get away from me - again?” Ever hear someone begin a sentence like this, “But this was the summer that I was going to….(fill in the blank). Sure, you have – probably out of your own lips.
7/29/11
CPC THIS WEEK
JULY 31, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS”
Throughout the Bible we come to understand that God is behind every kingdom, nation, and power. His sovereign rule gives direction and protection to His church as we live out our faith in this world. So, it shouldn’t surprise us when scripture calls us to pray for our leaders. This is more than appropriate for the leaders of our country as we walk through these difficult financial days.
The debate over the “debt ceiling” (have one of those in your home?) has developed into what many are calling a three-ring circus. As a child I loved the circus, but that group of entertainers would leave town after several days. This circus, hyped by the media, has decided to stick around for a while!
We need to pray for the leaders in our country, and around the world. Financial institutions and markets are revealing the sinful history of our global greed. To put it bluntly – we’re in a mess! From morning talk shows to evening rants, every pundit has his or her take on the situation with plenty of blame to go around. And they’re right; it’s time for action - both on a natural and supernatural level.