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Who Sets Your Standards?
A student at a private school has been suspended for attending the Prom at a public high school. Some are outraged by the decision of the Heritage Christian School in Findlay, Ohio, a fundamental Baptist school. Being ignored in all of this is the fact that the school has a contract that the students and parents sign that forbids such activities. Further, the school, being aware that the student planned to attend, advised him ahead of time that he would be suspended for attending and further, he was advised that if he engaged in other activities that they specified, he would be expelled. In expressing opposition to the action of the school, it has been expressed that such action shows how “out of touch Christianity is with modern realities” and this is the reason why Christianity is losing ground. It was further suggested that Christians need to get a “P.R.” person to promote Christianity.
Today, we find that with political parties, when one party loses support that the opposing party is free with advice telling the loosing party that if they are ever going to win, they need to become more like them. How could that be a winning strategy, except for the one giving the advice? Then there are ones within the losing party that echo the same strategy. How can they think it will win them elections?
With the situation that has arisen over this prom we see, from what we stated earlier, there are those in the world who are seeking to tell Christians how they need to change to be “in touch with modern realities”. Being interpreted, that means that Christians should loosen up their standards to attract more people. However, even worse, there are “quislings” in the church who have espoused the same philosophy and seek to work from within to loosen up not only moral but doctrinal standards in order to attract people from the world and from denominationalism. We see examples of this when biblical standards of morality are discarded because the world does not follow these standards - in changes to the worship (adding instrumental music, drama, etc.) and opening the doors of fellowship to those who are not in fellowship with God.
Christians are commanded: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). One paraphrase reads, “don't let the world squeeze you into its own mould.” When we allow the world, or worldly Christians, to entice us to change or drop biblical standards, we are allowing them to squeeze us into their own mould, to conform to worldly standards and not biblical ones.
Christians are also taught: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (II Corinthians 6:17) and “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (I Peter 2:9). How can Christians be separate from the world when they follow worldly standards? How can Christians be a “peculiar people” (or special people for that is the meaning of the word) when they allow worldly standards to be those they use to justify their words and actions?
Let us not be fooled, let us never allow the world or worldly Christians define the standard of morality that we follow, but let us follow biblical standards. Let us not be fooled, let us never allow the world or compromising brethren to define the standards of doctrine relative to worship, fellowship, or in any other way but to stand firm for the doctrine of Christ and “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
-Ken Chumbley
Belvedere Church of Christ
Belvedere, SC
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Elgin Family News and Announcements
Please remember in prayer the family and friends of Jessica Bowling who passed away as a result of a car accident on Monday.
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Today - Potluck after morning worship. The men will have a business meeting at 5 p.m. and the ladies will meet upstairs to sign cards.
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Tonight: Devotional and song service.
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July 17 - Vacation Bible School at the Jamestown church.
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July 24 - Vacation Bible School at the McCreary church, Whitley City, KY on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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July 31 - Vacation Bible School hosted by the Wartburg church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Frozen Head State Park. Theme: God & Nature.
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July 31 - Teen Devotional hosted by Tom and Ellen Collins from the Jamestown church.
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BIRTHDAYS: Peggy Baker (July 11); Lindsey Baker (July 17).
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Anniversary: Mark and Barbara Posey (July 14) - 26 years.
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RECENT VISITORS: Larae & Brook Webb, Audrie & Kynlie Frogge, Dawn Huckeby & Lily & Elly, Brittney & Kayla Leighty, Jessica Pearson, Charles Beasley, Christa Simmons, Brian Soloe, Harley Huckeby of Robbins; Jimmy Seabolt of Oneida; Bettye Brown of Old Hickory; Bonnie Brown of Hendersonville; Betty Young Jeffers, Susan Jeffers, Malik Smith, Samara Smith of Marion, IN.
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Prayer Requests: Joe Arnold; Kelli Bailey; Lauren Baker; Estle Blaylock; Erica Todd Byrd; Marie Byrd (cancer); Adam Chambers; Glen Cordell; George Cross; David Duncan (friend of Tim Freels); Elsie Ellis; Paul Ellis (cancer); Reagan Free (1 month old baby of Tim and Judy Free, friends of Wendell); Sheila (K) Freels; Rose Gibson; Keiana Gillum (20 months old, Ray Lewellen's granddaughter); Heather Griffith; Nannie Hatfield (broke both legs, mother of Shelly, teacher at Robbins); Kent Leach & family; Jim Morrow (lung cancer, Angela's husband); Gary Muse (Sammie Tinin's brother; Mike Norman; James Phillips (Dewayne's father); Wanda Phillips; Robby Savage (Kim's brother); Tonya Sergent; Betty Sexton; Louise Sexton; Shane and Angel Sexton; Eddie Smith (possible pneumonia); Justin Smith; Tray Smith; Cheryl Strunk (lung cancer); Karlie & Riley Thompson (strep throat); Cecil Tinin (Tom's brother); Sammie Tinin; Trish (a worker at Arthur Hughett's, her mother has cancer); Mike and Linda Warner (health); Brook Webb (poison ivy); Chuck West (Highland Steel); Tom Wheeler (Elsie's son-in-law); Teresa Young; AND all who are traveling, our military, everyone affected by the oil spill, and all political leaders of our nation.
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FOOD PANTRY ITEMS
CANNED FRUITS
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Doing an A+ Job
What kind of grades did you earn in the classroom? Did you just pass with a lot of C's? Or, were you an honor student earning mostly A's and B's? I was fortunate enough to always be in the latter group. As I've shared before, the class I loved was mathematics. I tried to be perfect in math class. It never happened, but that didn't stop me from trying to earn an A+ on every assignment, quiz, or test. I didn't just want an A, I wanted the A+ (or 100%). I always put forth my absolute best effort in math class, and friends, this is the sort of effort that God requires of His faithful children in everyday life. He wants us to do an A+ job for Him in all the things we say and do (regardless of where we're at or who is watching)!
And, while we're talking about mathematics, let me introduce three "A+ equations" that are powerful and worth pondering. Special thanks goes to my friend and fellow gospel preacher, Edd Sterchi, for these "A+ equations":
My Ability + My Attitude + My Aim = My Area of Service
Isn't that true? Everyone has various abilities, but they will be wasted if the individual doesn't determine to have a proper attitude. Additionally, without a proper focus (or aim) upon that which is spiritual, attitude and ability will fail you. All three of these elements are needed, and they will define one's area of service in God's kingdom.
My Aspiration + My Actions + My Abiding = My Achievement in Service
This equation is also true. We must aspire in our minds to serve God and then actually follow through with our actions. However, desire and implementation are not enough. We must abide or continue to aspire and act for the Lord and His church. All three of these elements are needed, and they will determine our level of achievement in service in God's kingdom.
My Self-analyzing + My Self-evaluation + My Ascertaining = My Fullest Christian Potential
This equation is more complex, but it too is correct. To truly reach our fullest potential as Christians, we must analyze where we are spiritually, evaluating our strengths and weaknesses, and then ascertain where we'd like to be in the future. If we carefully reflect upon our desire and potential, and are sincere (i.e., authentic) about doing our best for the Lord, we will then work diligently - doing whatever is necessary - to acquire new skills and talents. All three of these elements are needed, and they will dictate our level of advancement for future service in God's kingdom.
As we begin a new week, think on these things, and let us endeavor to achieve an A+ in all that we do! "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23).
-Stephen R. Bradd
Via the Lake Hills Letter
Lake Hills Church of Christ
Chattanooga, TN
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Jesus Is
* The One who often wept (John 11:35), yet He dries our tears (Revelation 7:17; 21:4).
* The One who was sold for the price of a common slave (Exodus 21:31; Matthew 26:15), yet He redeemed man from his sins (1 Peter 1:18-19).
* The One who was led as a lamb to the slaughter (Acts 8:32), yet He is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
* The One who gave His life (Galatians 2:20), and by His dying made it possible for us to be saved (Mark 16:16).
-V. P. Black, House to House/Heart to Heart
-Both articles via THE SOWER, Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL-
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Please continue to pray for our military leaders and those who are serving under them and their families waiting here at home.
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-In Search of the Lord's Way - Sundays at 7 a.m. on Fox 43 (cable channel 11).
-The Bible View - Sundays at 3:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on cable channel 5.
-Preaching the Gospel - Sundays at 7:30 a.m. on WBXX 20 (cable channel and at 8 a.m. on Direct TV channel 321.
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Our congregation members are striving to each read through the Bible in a year. The web page address for each month's schedule is shown below. It will open in a new window, so simply close the window in order to return to this page.
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