Blest Be The Tie

The first verse of one of my favorite hymns reads:
“Blest be the tie that binds, Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds, Is like to that above.”
The tie that binds us is the sweet communion that we have based on or relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. If we are in fellowship with Him, then we can be in fellowship with one another. John summed it up, saying, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) Indeed it is a marvelous blessing to share with our brethren the “common salvation” that Jude spoke of in Jude 1:3. God’s children meditate upon what we have in common each Lord’s day as we take the Lord’s Supper, just like Christians have done since the days of the New Testament. Acts 2:42 records, “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Yes, we have a tie that binds us.
The next verse says,
“Before our Father’s throne, We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares.”
Here we are reminded of the wonderful privilege that we have as God’s children to pray with assurance that he hears us. Paul told the Colossians that he did not cease to pray for them (Col. 1:9). He urged the Thessalonians, “Brethren, pray for us.”(1 Thes. 5:25). How encouraging it is to know that my brothers and sisters are praying for me, as I pray for them.
Then the song reminds us,
“We share each other’s woes, Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows, The sympathizing tear.”
What a joy to know that we do not bear our burdens alone, rather we bear one another’s burdens(Gal. 6:2). Many worldly people will rejoice with you, but concerned brethren “weep with those who weep.”(Romans 12:15).
The fourth verse brings to mind our common hope, as it says,
“When we asunder part, It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart, And hope to meet again.”
Even at death, saints are “joined in heart” with the hope that only God’s children enjoy. Paul says in 1 Thes. 4:13-14, “ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
If you are my brother or sister, I love you. If not, why not come to Christ and enjoy the blessing of the tie that binds?

Are Your Children Prepared?

Faced with the difficult task of child rearing, some parents focus on the daily joys and trials and fail to consider the "big picture". Proverbs 22:6, says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse not only points out that training is necessary, but also the goal of rearing children- that when they are old, they will continue in the right way. In order for that to happen, we need to see that they are prepared for what they will face as adults. They won't be little long, and your job involves preparing them for growing up and, eventually, leaving home. One cannot anticipate every detail of what life may bring, but he can equip a child to be able to adapt and cope with many obstacles.
Preparation for employment- Much emphasis is often placed on the child's education, and rightly so. One should help his child to obtain the training necessary for a job. Today, that usually goes beyond a high school education; if not college, then training for a trade. Even here parents may fail to really prepare the child by allowing them to cheat and take short cuts. Consider this statement, "Although by high school, most teens have accumulated a variety of weapons in their arsenal (English, math, science, history), many lack the most important preparatory tool of all - ethics…" (Prepping Teens for the Workplace, Lorin Shields-Michel ). If a child is not trained to be honest by the teaching and example of their parents, will he be able to hold a job and continue to provide for himself and his family. How many jobs have ended in firing because the employee simply would not work honestly, or do a day's work for a day's pay? Proper childhood training will include a heavy does of teaching on "… Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Romans 12:17).
Preparation for being on their own- This is often looked at as one of the things that young adults have to experience in order to learn how to cope. While experience teaches one some things that he does not learn in other settings, it is foolish to wait for experience to teach everything that one needs to know. This is equivalent to the "sink or swim" method of swimming instruction. In reality, this is seldom practiced, or more children would drown. But a lot of young adults are drowning. Some are drowning in debt because their parents did not give them any financial responsibility along the way or tell them anything about managing finances. An allowance is a good place to start. Children should be taught to give some(1 Cor. 16:1-2), save some(Proverbs 6:6), and spend wisely. When they overspend and don't have money for what they want, they should be allowed to suffer the small consequences so they won't have to suffer larger consequences later. A good explanation of the statement, "…the borrower is servant to the lender."(Proverbs 22:7) will help a young person see the pitfalls of too much borrowing and that he has to pay back what he borrows plus interest. Children should be reminded that it is wrong for one not to pay back what he owes(Romans 13:8).
Responsibility, not only in money matters, but also in relationship to one's spouse and children, is best taught by a good example of godly parents. What are you teaching your children about being accountable for their obligations?
Preparation for marriage- Again, one would not think of allowing his child to get behind the wheels of a car with no training, handing him the keys, and saying, "Drive on, you are on your own now." Years of a good example in the home help any child to prepare, but specific teaching should be part of our youth's preparation for marriage. They need to be taught about the danger of divorce and the permanency of marriage(Matt. 19:1-9), about how to love and treat a mate(Ep. 5) and how they are no longer children who can depend on Mama and Daddy for everything. Some parents complain about their adult children's failures, but they have never been taught how to succeed.
Preparation for eternity- This may sound a bit morbid, but parents would do well to consider it, "Death will come to every child." Every adult was once a child. People are much more likely to obey the gospel and be faithful to God, if they are taught to do so from their youth. Paul said of Timothy, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.(2 Tim. 3:15) David Courington

Camp On My Mind

Camp on my mind? This may seem to be a strange post for January, 16th, but tomorrow it will only be be 5 months until(Lord willing) I will direct another week at Indian Creek Youth Camp, June 17th, 2007. I don't know exactly how many camp sessions this will make that I have directed, but it is more than 25. It will be the 35th summer that I have been to camp at ICYC.
Actually, camp never gets too far from my mind. About 50 of us Sylvan Springs Church of Christ folks are going to ICYC this weekend for Survivor Weekend. If it turns out to be as cold as earlier predicted, the name may really mean what it says.
But also, Brian Gentle called me today to asked about setting up our display for Challenge Youth Conference. Thanks Brian, for your work for ICYC. If you have an interest in ICYC, your help is needed to promote the camp, as well. We now have it ready to rent year round. And also, though our numbers have been good, we want to come closer to filling it up each week.
Also, Gayla Bradford called me today to tell me that Kevin had the week of June 17 for his vacation and they are coming to camp this summer. Good help is hard to find, especially men counselors, so this is always good news.
Camp never gets old, just better. I got to go to Exposure Camp with our youth the week of Christmas. What a joy to be with all of those young people as they learn more about Jesus and learn more about the joy of being around other Christians. How sweet heaven will be!

10 Things I Want You To Know

Some things are just too good to keep to yourself. We simply have to tell our friends, even strangers, about a favorite movie, a special book, or a great “bargain” store. Good news travels fast because we want to tell it. But there is other news we cannot help but tell our family and neighbors such as, “Have you heard about the tornado warning?” Those kinds of things may be upsetting, but good friends do not keep them to themselves. Some of the things I want you to know are heart warming things, and a few may be disturbing, but you need to know them. Please read them in the spirit of love with which they are written.

1. I want you to know that there is a true and living God who created heaven and earth. Gen. 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Perhaps the most convincing argument for the existence of God is the evidence of his creation. Did it get here by itself? Can there be an intelligent design without a designer? Hebrews 3:4 says, “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.”
2. I want you to know that the same God who made us, gave us a book of laws to follow. I recently bought a new camera. It is a bit complex. Of course I needed some guidance on how to use it. God did not assemble us and then fail to give us an instruction book. David loved God’s law. He said, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalms 119:104)
3. I want you to know that though these laws may not always be to our liking, they are for our good. Deut. 6:24 says, “And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.”
4. I want you to know that all men are sinners and lost apart from God., in need of salvation. (Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
5. I want you to know Jesus. God loved you so much he sent his Son, Jesus, to save you. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”The more you learn of Him, the more you will love Him.
6. I want you to know that you can be saved from your sins. There is no sin that is too big for God to forgive. Jesus showed God’s attitude when he was on the cross saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."(Luke 23:34) If Jesus could forgive his own murderers, he can forgive you. To have your sins forgiven you must hear God’s word(Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus as God’s son(John 8:24), confess your faith in him(Romans 10:10), repent of(turn from) your sins (Acts 2:38), and be baptized into Christ(Mark 16:16).
7. I want you to know that there is a right way and a wrong way to live. Jesus himself said that there is a broad way that many go that leads to destruction, and a narrow way that few people find that leads to life(Matthew 7:13-14). There is one lifestyle for the Christian and another for the lost. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
8. I want you to know that God wants all men to worship Him. John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." Biblical worship includes singing(Eph. 5:19), praying(1 Thess. 5:17), giving(1 Cor. 16:1-2), preaching and taking the Lord’s Supper upon the first day of the week(Acts 20:7). If you are able, you should not fail to attend church services (Heb. 10:25).
9. I want you to know that Jesus died to establish a church that all of the saved are in. When those that Peter preached to were saved, they were added by God to his church. Acts 2:47 says, “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Jesus died for his church and he cherishes it(Ephesians 5:23-30). There is only one true church that we read of in the Bible
(See 1 Cor. 12:12-13).
10. I want you to know that I love you. Not only does God want you to be saved, but I do too. Please consider these things carefully. There is nothing more important than your soul. How can I help you in your obedience to the Lord? Please let me know.
Your Friend,
David Courington

Banned Words In Churches of Christ

The so called “guardians of English” at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan have come out with their most recent list of words that should be banned from the English language. Since 1976 they have compiled an annual 'List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use or General Uselessness.' The list includes such words as “Boasts” stating, “Used in the real estate classifieds, as in "master bedroom boasts his-and-her fireplaces." What's next? "The bathroom apologizes for cracked linoleum." Another word is “Awesome” with the comment, “Sneakers are not "awesome." The word will be banished until such time as it can once again mean "fear mingled with admiration or reverence; a feeling produced by something majestic." They also selected “Truthiness,” saying “Popularized by "The Colbert Report," this word that used to ring true is getting all the truth wrung out of it.”
Many who read this blog know that there are certain phrases that members of the church of Christ tend to “misuse, overuse, etc.” I submit the following for your consideration:

“Awesome”- to borrow a word from the list above, to describe God as awesome and then to describe banana pudding the same way just can’t be right, can it?

“Our fellowship”- can’t we, at least occasionally, identify the church as the church? Are there faithful brethren that we do not fellowship? If so, isn’t something wrong?

“Separate and apart”- as you already know, the rest of the phrase is “from the Lord’s supper.” If something is “separate”, isn’t it also “apart?”

“Providentially hindered”- Some would question whether "God's providence" really "hinders" us in the first place, but regardless, I submit this word for overuse. Is one providentially hindered from coming to church when he chooses to go to work instead of worship because he wants to make more money? Is a whole family "providentially hindered" from coming to church because one kid has the sniffles?

“Arbitrary commands”- They may seem arbitrary to us, but don’t you think God had a reason for giving them?

I know I will think of some more later.

Feel free to nominate your own words in comments.

What Happened To Namaan's Leprosy?

What Happened To Namaan’s Leprosy?
How would you feel if you had terminal cancer and someone healed you of it completely? One can only imagine the degree of joy that he might have. Namaan(2 Kings 5) was a powerful man, but he was not immune to disease. He had contracted the dreaded disease of leprosy. Not only was it an incurable disease with horrible symptoms, but one would usually be separated from others so they wouldn’t catch it.
Namaan’s wife had a young servant who was an Israelite and she told him of a prophet of God, Elisha, who could heal him. He found Elisha and was told to dip seven times in Jordan and he would be healed. Namaan reluctantly did so, and because of his faith, he was healed.
As on might expect, Naaman was appreciative of his healing and he wanted to give Elisha a gift (2 Kings 5:15). The text shows Elisha’s reply, “But he said, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing." And he urged him to take it, but he refused.” (2 Kings 5:16). Elisha had a servant named Gehazi who then went out after Namaan and asked for a gift for “two young sons of the prophets.” Namaan gladly gave him a gift. Gehazi then came back to Elisha and lied about the matter. Because of this Elisha told him, “Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever." And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.” (2 Kings 5:27). So that is what happened to Namaan’s leprosy!
The lesson is a needed one for all. Greediness or covetousness is no small sin. The Ten Commandments declared, “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's." (Exodus 20:17). Paul said to Timothy, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. [9] But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim. 6:6-10).
Gehazi allowed his desire for money to make a liar and a cheat out of him. That has happened to so many people, not only gamblers and schemers, but businessmen and faithful Christians who let Satan come into their heart. Jesus’ warning is clear, “And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Luke 12:15). David Courington