Order of Worship
Sunday, July 3, 2005
Welcome
8 Let Every Heart Rejoice and Sing
238 You Are the Words and the Music (Sing Twice)
Prayer
273 More Precious Than Silver (Sing Twice)
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
Communion
Contribution
Sing these songs during Contribution:
790 Lord Take Control
694 Servant Song
693 Heart of A Servant
694 Servant Song
2 By 2 Class Dismissal
666 I Am Thine O Lord (Verses 1 and 4 Only)
Message
Invitation 768 Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You
Announcements
705 A Common Love (Sing Twice)
Closing Prayer
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
The Central ABC's #2 Building Relationships
They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
written by Peter Scholtes additional words and music by Carolyn Arends
© 1966 by F.E.L. Publications, Ltd./ASCAP (1925 Pontius Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025)
This song is over 30 years old, but it could have been written this morning. I love what it says: we'll be recognized as Christians -- true disciples of Jesus -- not by our rhetoric or our politics or even the soundness of our doctrine, but by our love. This was a favorite of our Broken Arrow youth group in the 70's.
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love.
Love is patient, love is kind. Never boasts, not full of pride. Always hopes, always trusts. The evidence of Christ in us.
This is my commandment that you love one another that your joy may be full.
written by Peter Scholtes additional words and music by Carolyn Arends
© 1966 by F.E.L. Publications, Ltd./ASCAP (1925 Pontius Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025)
This song is over 30 years old, but it could have been written this morning. I love what it says: we'll be recognized as Christians -- true disciples of Jesus -- not by our rhetoric or our politics or even the soundness of our doctrine, but by our love. This was a favorite of our Broken Arrow youth group in the 70's.
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love.
Love is patient, love is kind. Never boasts, not full of pride. Always hopes, always trusts. The evidence of Christ in us.
This is my commandment that you love one another that your joy may be full.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
The Central ABC's #1 Accepting Christ
I appreciate Jim's lesson on Sunday about Accepting Christ. The first ABC in our new Central Mission Statement. Accepting Christ is the most important thing we can ever do in our lives. I became a Christian in 1974 when my uncle baptized me and my brother Steve on a hot Sunday afternoon in front of about 70 family members at the Augusta Church of Christ in Augusta, Kansas. What a feeling I had on that day. But with that decision brought responsibility. I have not always lived up to that commitment, but thanks be to God for the grace he gives me through Jesus, I try my best to live the way He wants me to live, trying to be a light to a dark world.
Accepting Christ means giving of one self. I appreciate the hearts of the Central Family as you give each day to help serve one another as you glorify our Heavenly Father! I encourage you to be that light, be thankful for the gift you received on that special day when you accepted Christ.
Accepting Christ means giving of one self. I appreciate the hearts of the Central Family as you give each day to help serve one another as you glorify our Heavenly Father! I encourage you to be that light, be thankful for the gift you received on that special day when you accepted Christ.
Monday, June 27, 2005
A Busy Family!
This weekend was a busy time for the Central Family. From
weddings; a member moving across town; to a time of prayer and reflection.
It was a great weekend. A weekend of worship and a time to practice our ABC's (Accepting Christ, Building Relationships, Committed to Serving). It was a weekend where many former members were back to visit. From Cherryvale, Kansas to New York City. It was a weekend to welcome back our South African Mission team from a successful campaign. It was a weekend where several braved the heat to work on Tallgrass Christian Camp. It was a weekend that saw the first baptism out at Tallgrass. The weekend also saw our teens return from Camp Zenith and our kids leave for Camp Impact. A busy family! A busy summer! Can’t wait to do it all again next weekend!
weddings; a member moving across town; to a time of prayer and reflection.
It was a great weekend. A weekend of worship and a time to practice our ABC's (Accepting Christ, Building Relationships, Committed to Serving). It was a weekend where many former members were back to visit. From Cherryvale, Kansas to New York City. It was a weekend to welcome back our South African Mission team from a successful campaign. It was a weekend where several braved the heat to work on Tallgrass Christian Camp. It was a weekend that saw the first baptism out at Tallgrass. The weekend also saw our teens return from Camp Zenith and our kids leave for Camp Impact. A busy family! A busy summer! Can’t wait to do it all again next weekend!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Heart of Worship-Generation X
The following article was written by Dr. Randy Gill a former Professor of Music at Pepperdine University. He is now a Worship Minister in Nashville.
Heart of Worship-Generation X
by Randy Gill
“They don’t think like we do.”
After what had felt like an endless semester, the syllabus I had prepared for Music Appreciation still looked good to me. It was the first time I had taught this particular course in twenty years and things had not gone well. I had approached the material much like I had when the class had been a campus favorite two decades before. But something had changed. I could feel it. For some reason the course just wasn’t connecting with students like it once had. I wasn’t inspiring them. I was putting them to sleep.
The organization of the material seemed fine. Things flowed logically from the fundamentals through the periods. Melody led to form. Renaissance moved easily into Baroque. It was linear and well put together. It made sense. At the end of the semester we even spent a few weeks on the music the students loved most – rock, jazz, the blues. It seemed perfect. Why wasn’t it working?
“They don’t think like we do.”
Like most teachers I had heard the experts say, “students today aren’t like they were twenty years ago.” In seminars and workshops I’d heard about the post-modern preference for “nonlinear” thinking. “Gen Xers aren’t interested in neat rows,” the journals said. “They don’t necessarily move from point A to point B. They’re interested in a holistic experience not a progression of carefully structured facts. I had listened politely. I’d even thought about making a few changes. In the end, though, it just wasn’t worth the trouble. The syllabus had worked fine before. Why wouldn’t it work again? Yet here I was, at the end of a long and frustrating semester, haunted by a familiar phrase.
“They don’t think like we do.”
Perhaps the experts were right. As much as I loved the logic and symmetry of my class, maybe it was time for a second look. So the next semester I threw the old syllabus away and started over. I tried to picture loosely connected blocks instead of a straight line. On Tuesday we’d talk about Beethoven. Thursday we’d listen to Elvis. Chronologically they had nothing in common but both were musical and social rebels.
I have to admit, at first, it felt like a stretch. We were covering the same material but it looked so disorganized. I worried about what other teachers might think hearing Bach coming through the walls one day and Jimi Hendrix the next. But eventually an amazing thing happened. The students, who had seemed so dead the semester before, came to life. They began speaking out in class. They seemed interested and glad to be there. Their test scores went up. And after a while I found that my own enthusiasm for the class was growing. Changing my paradigm had forced me to look at the subject and at music in a new way. I saw connections and relationships I’d never noticed before. I spent less time talking about the symphonies of Mozart and more time listening to them. I discovered that if my students began to love a piece of music, they were more interested in who had written it and how it was put together. It wasn’t like the Music Appreciation course I’d taken in college. It didn’t resemble the course I’d taught twenty years before. But it worked.
Think for a minute about the worship times at your church. How much do they resemble my original syllabus – linear, structured, carefully organized? Are they packed with information? Is there room for spontaneity, for mystery, for surprise? Do people leave having experienced the power and majesty of a mighty God or are the preacher’s three points the most memorable part of the service? Have we thought at all about the growing number of post-moderns sitting in our assemblies?
I grew up with the words “decently and in order.” In 1st Corinthians 14, Paul uses that expression while scolding a church whose assemblies had gotten out of hand. I was taught that Paul’s words ought to guide our worship today and I still believe that. In our efforts to be orderly, though, it is easy to create a kind of rigid, unofficial liturgy. Our “order of worship,” from opening song to closing prayer, is often so predictable that any variation is likely to upset people. What do we do, then, about this generation that doesn’t relate to the formulas and outlines of the past? Generation X has come of age. But will they come to our churches? Will our own children stay? Are we inspiring them or are we putting them to sleep? They’re looking for God. Will they find Him in our comfortable routine? It’s time those of us who are older realized.
“They don’t think like we do.”
Heart of Worship-Generation X
by Randy Gill
“They don’t think like we do.”
After what had felt like an endless semester, the syllabus I had prepared for Music Appreciation still looked good to me. It was the first time I had taught this particular course in twenty years and things had not gone well. I had approached the material much like I had when the class had been a campus favorite two decades before. But something had changed. I could feel it. For some reason the course just wasn’t connecting with students like it once had. I wasn’t inspiring them. I was putting them to sleep.
The organization of the material seemed fine. Things flowed logically from the fundamentals through the periods. Melody led to form. Renaissance moved easily into Baroque. It was linear and well put together. It made sense. At the end of the semester we even spent a few weeks on the music the students loved most – rock, jazz, the blues. It seemed perfect. Why wasn’t it working?
“They don’t think like we do.”
Like most teachers I had heard the experts say, “students today aren’t like they were twenty years ago.” In seminars and workshops I’d heard about the post-modern preference for “nonlinear” thinking. “Gen Xers aren’t interested in neat rows,” the journals said. “They don’t necessarily move from point A to point B. They’re interested in a holistic experience not a progression of carefully structured facts. I had listened politely. I’d even thought about making a few changes. In the end, though, it just wasn’t worth the trouble. The syllabus had worked fine before. Why wouldn’t it work again? Yet here I was, at the end of a long and frustrating semester, haunted by a familiar phrase.
“They don’t think like we do.”
Perhaps the experts were right. As much as I loved the logic and symmetry of my class, maybe it was time for a second look. So the next semester I threw the old syllabus away and started over. I tried to picture loosely connected blocks instead of a straight line. On Tuesday we’d talk about Beethoven. Thursday we’d listen to Elvis. Chronologically they had nothing in common but both were musical and social rebels.
I have to admit, at first, it felt like a stretch. We were covering the same material but it looked so disorganized. I worried about what other teachers might think hearing Bach coming through the walls one day and Jimi Hendrix the next. But eventually an amazing thing happened. The students, who had seemed so dead the semester before, came to life. They began speaking out in class. They seemed interested and glad to be there. Their test scores went up. And after a while I found that my own enthusiasm for the class was growing. Changing my paradigm had forced me to look at the subject and at music in a new way. I saw connections and relationships I’d never noticed before. I spent less time talking about the symphonies of Mozart and more time listening to them. I discovered that if my students began to love a piece of music, they were more interested in who had written it and how it was put together. It wasn’t like the Music Appreciation course I’d taken in college. It didn’t resemble the course I’d taught twenty years before. But it worked.
Think for a minute about the worship times at your church. How much do they resemble my original syllabus – linear, structured, carefully organized? Are they packed with information? Is there room for spontaneity, for mystery, for surprise? Do people leave having experienced the power and majesty of a mighty God or are the preacher’s three points the most memorable part of the service? Have we thought at all about the growing number of post-moderns sitting in our assemblies?
I grew up with the words “decently and in order.” In 1st Corinthians 14, Paul uses that expression while scolding a church whose assemblies had gotten out of hand. I was taught that Paul’s words ought to guide our worship today and I still believe that. In our efforts to be orderly, though, it is easy to create a kind of rigid, unofficial liturgy. Our “order of worship,” from opening song to closing prayer, is often so predictable that any variation is likely to upset people. What do we do, then, about this generation that doesn’t relate to the formulas and outlines of the past? Generation X has come of age. But will they come to our churches? Will our own children stay? Are we inspiring them or are we putting them to sleep? They’re looking for God. Will they find Him in our comfortable routine? It’s time those of us who are older realized.
“They don’t think like we do.”
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Struggling with God in Prayer
Did you know it is okay to struggle with our Heavenly Father in prayer? Paul said of Epaphras that he “labored fervently” for them in prayer (Col. 4:12). The two words are translated from one Greek word—agonizomai—and I think you can see our word “agonize” in it. It is defined as meaning to struggle.
It may well mean that as far as we are able to see God not acting as we hoped he would. It is especially relevant when we, or our loved ones are very sick, and perhaps told that the illness is terminal.
It also is relevant when our concern is for a great cause. We have many great causes before us at Central. Are we laboring fervently, struggling, agonizing, in prayer to see them come to pass? Should we even begin prayer groups and assign them to agonize, struggle in prayer over given efforts and ministries to spread God’s Word in Topeka?
It may well mean that as far as we are able to see God not acting as we hoped he would. It is especially relevant when we, or our loved ones are very sick, and perhaps told that the illness is terminal.
It also is relevant when our concern is for a great cause. We have many great causes before us at Central. Are we laboring fervently, struggling, agonizing, in prayer to see them come to pass? Should we even begin prayer groups and assign them to agonize, struggle in prayer over given efforts and ministries to spread God’s Word in Topeka?
Monday, June 20, 2005
A Special Day of Recommitment
On behalf of the Central Elders I would like to thank so many for the encouraging words after our worship on Sunday morning. Many talked about recommitting and trying to be a better servant, a better husband or wife, a better father or mother a better person. It’s our prayer that we all become more committed to each other and to the Central Family. Be praying today for our congregation as we practice our ABC’s Daily!
At Central We Practice Our ABC’s Daily:
Accepting Christ
Building Relationships
Committed to Serving
At Central We Practice Our ABC’s Daily:
Accepting Christ
Building Relationships
Committed to Serving
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Godly Men
One of my favorite songs that I learned several years ago at a Promise Keepers Rally was the song Godly Men.
This is my prayer for dads on this Father’s Day:
Godly Men
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
Though we know we sometimes stumble, may the promise we strive to keep,
Be to honor you with all our hearts and to worship at your feet.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
As we enter in this covenant, we will seek your holy face,
To become men of integrity, protected by your grace.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men...Amen!
This is my prayer for dads on this Father’s Day:
Godly Men
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
Though we know we sometimes stumble, may the promise we strive to keep,
Be to honor you with all our hearts and to worship at your feet.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
As we enter in this covenant, we will seek your holy face,
To become men of integrity, protected by your grace.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men...Amen!
Friday, June 17, 2005
Happy Fathers Day
My Dad has taught me so much throughout my life. I appreciate his love and encouragement that he has given me. His work ethic has challenged me to be the very best at what I have chosen to do. Thanks dad, for never doubting that I could make it. Thanks for being there "cheering me on" each step of the way.
"What Makes A Dad"
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
~Author Unknown~
"What Makes A Dad"
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
~Author Unknown~
Thursday, June 16, 2005
A Question for Today-Recommitment
Can you identify a point in time when honest reflection caused you to really question whether you were truly committed to Christ? If you said yes, please think about who or what helped you through this transitional stage of your faith in Jesus Christ.
In a survey Christian college students were asked to tell how and why they recommitted themselves to Christ, and to describe the times they struggled with serious doubts about their faith. Below are some of the results from the survey:
*As I went forth as a new Christian I found that old friends alienated me because I wasn't interested in the same things anymore. Through my youth group, though, I found new friends to hold me accountable and remind me that God wouldn't let me fall away.
*Before I was baptized I doubted my salvation because I was doing things that weren't Christian. I prayed to God and relied on him to help me through this time.
*Being surrounded by committed Christians in my youth group made me question if I was living out a true Christian walk. After recommitting my life to Christ on a youth retreat I began to grow in Christ.
*During my parents' divorce I was unsure why I was going through all these troubles. I felt that God had abandoned me. Through talking it out with my youth minister he helped me to focus my trust on the Lord.
*For a year after becoming a Christian, there was no evidence of spiritual fruit. After a second summer at camp listening again to the sermons and the gospel, I was both comforted and recommitted by and to my faith. The next year I began to grow in Christ.
*I am still struggling with my walk with Christ.
*I asked God to become real to me. I fasted and prayed until he did.
*I had made a commitment to live for Christ the previous year in my life. Over the next year I destroyed my promise to God. Luckily God worked in my life to reconcile our relationship, and he drew me into his arms once again.
*I have doubted before, but it was because of Satan putting thoughts in my head like "A Christian could never have thought or done that." I didn't understand that I am still a sinner, even though I'm saved.
*I was at a secular college and I really was struggling and a person was brought into my life who I believe was sent by God to help me figure it all out.
*No–however I constantly question my beliefs and those of others to figure out what is really true to me. I think it is healthy to dig into your beliefs because there are a lot of people that don't know why they believe certain things.
*When I began my freshman year at college I felt that I had back-slid a lot. My life was out of control and that is when I had to ask myself if I truly believed in him. At that point everything began to change because I truly did believe in him.
Do you remember a moment in time–perhaps almost as personally significant to you as your conversion–where you would say that your commitment to Christ was especially launched or solidified? During the next few days think about your initial commitment that you made to Christ. Are you still as committed?
In a survey Christian college students were asked to tell how and why they recommitted themselves to Christ, and to describe the times they struggled with serious doubts about their faith. Below are some of the results from the survey:
*As I went forth as a new Christian I found that old friends alienated me because I wasn't interested in the same things anymore. Through my youth group, though, I found new friends to hold me accountable and remind me that God wouldn't let me fall away.
*Before I was baptized I doubted my salvation because I was doing things that weren't Christian. I prayed to God and relied on him to help me through this time.
*Being surrounded by committed Christians in my youth group made me question if I was living out a true Christian walk. After recommitting my life to Christ on a youth retreat I began to grow in Christ.
*During my parents' divorce I was unsure why I was going through all these troubles. I felt that God had abandoned me. Through talking it out with my youth minister he helped me to focus my trust on the Lord.
*For a year after becoming a Christian, there was no evidence of spiritual fruit. After a second summer at camp listening again to the sermons and the gospel, I was both comforted and recommitted by and to my faith. The next year I began to grow in Christ.
*I am still struggling with my walk with Christ.
*I asked God to become real to me. I fasted and prayed until he did.
*I had made a commitment to live for Christ the previous year in my life. Over the next year I destroyed my promise to God. Luckily God worked in my life to reconcile our relationship, and he drew me into his arms once again.
*I have doubted before, but it was because of Satan putting thoughts in my head like "A Christian could never have thought or done that." I didn't understand that I am still a sinner, even though I'm saved.
*I was at a secular college and I really was struggling and a person was brought into my life who I believe was sent by God to help me figure it all out.
*No–however I constantly question my beliefs and those of others to figure out what is really true to me. I think it is healthy to dig into your beliefs because there are a lot of people that don't know why they believe certain things.
*When I began my freshman year at college I felt that I had back-slid a lot. My life was out of control and that is when I had to ask myself if I truly believed in him. At that point everything began to change because I truly did believe in him.
Do you remember a moment in time–perhaps almost as personally significant to you as your conversion–where you would say that your commitment to Christ was especially launched or solidified? During the next few days think about your initial commitment that you made to Christ. Are you still as committed?
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
God Ever Talk to You?
God has been talking to me quite a bit lately. Everywhere I go He is there with the same message. When I get up at 5:00 in the morning and head out for my daily three-mile run of beautiful rural Osage City He is speaking to me. When I head to the office He is speaking to me. As I work at my desk and interact with people during the day He is there speaking the same words. You want to know what He is saying to me?
He is telling me I need to recommit. David, you need to prioritize and change some things in your life. You need to be a servant, you need to slow down and appreciate what I have given you. Do you even know what that is?
For the past several weeks, us elders have prayed and prayed about recommitting to God and to the flock at Central. We feel now its time to take the next bold step.
Please be praying for us as we communicate to you the Central Family what God has been touching our hearts with for the past several weeks. Be praying for Sunday, June 19. We are excited as the day approaches but also a little apprehensive to stand before God’s people with a new challenge and vision.
He is telling me I need to recommit. David, you need to prioritize and change some things in your life. You need to be a servant, you need to slow down and appreciate what I have given you. Do you even know what that is?
For the past several weeks, us elders have prayed and prayed about recommitting to God and to the flock at Central. We feel now its time to take the next bold step.
Please be praying for us as we communicate to you the Central Family what God has been touching our hearts with for the past several weeks. Be praying for Sunday, June 19. We are excited as the day approaches but also a little apprehensive to stand before God’s people with a new challenge and vision.
Monday, June 13, 2005
VBS Week at Central
Central looked like a Construction Zone last night as Vacation Bible School began. The theme this year is "Construction Zone-Building Character like Jesus". What better theme than to highlight how Jesus lived.
The kids were excited last night and look forward to a great week.
All of us are a work in progress as a Christian. Each day we can decide to improve or live a selfish lifestyle. It takes real commitment on our part to live like Jesus. I am so thankful we have a God that loves us and is patient as we grow into the likeness of his Son.
I appreciate the teachers, staff and others involved in VBS. The efforts that you make for our kids are ones that will last an eternity.
The kids were excited last night and look forward to a great week.
All of us are a work in progress as a Christian. Each day we can decide to improve or live a selfish lifestyle. It takes real commitment on our part to live like Jesus. I am so thankful we have a God that loves us and is patient as we grow into the likeness of his Son.
I appreciate the teachers, staff and others involved in VBS. The efforts that you make for our kids are ones that will last an eternity.
Friday, June 10, 2005
The Trouble with Traditions #4
Closing Prayer
There is very little in the Bible about how the assemblies are to be structured or conducted. We do have one Scripture where we are told that after Jesus and the disciples had taken the Lords Supper they sang a hymn and went out (Mark 26:30).
The Church of Christ has traditionally ended its service with a closing prayer. I feel that’s a great tradition. What better way than to send God’s people out asking for His protection and safety. But would it be wrong to end with a song or a word of encouragement?
Many times after singing “Lord Be With You Till We Meet Again” or “God Will Take Care of You” that would be a great way to end the service. Or, maybe a word of encouragement, from God’s Word, as we are challenged to be God’s Messengers during the coming week.
There is very little in the Bible about how the assemblies are to be structured or conducted. We do have one Scripture where we are told that after Jesus and the disciples had taken the Lords Supper they sang a hymn and went out (Mark 26:30).
The Church of Christ has traditionally ended its service with a closing prayer. I feel that’s a great tradition. What better way than to send God’s people out asking for His protection and safety. But would it be wrong to end with a song or a word of encouragement?
Many times after singing “Lord Be With You Till We Meet Again” or “God Will Take Care of You” that would be a great way to end the service. Or, maybe a word of encouragement, from God’s Word, as we are challenged to be God’s Messengers during the coming week.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Rain, Rain Go Away
I truly believe I might know how Noah felt when he saw the rain falling down in Genesis Chapter 7. We have been drenched the past four weeks here in Osage County with over 15 inches of rain. Last night was the first time I can ever remember having a board meeting and having to leave our weather radio on the entire time. The alarm went off every three to four minutes. It was difficult getting home with several roads closed.
After several inches of rain it is still hard to imagine a rain that was so severe that it could destroy everything on the face of the earth. God was so displeased and disappointed with the people He created that it was the only way to get their attention.
What has God done to get your attention lately? I appreciate a brother in Christ that I look up to and always encourage me every time we get together. He reminds me that God is always performing and working in events and in lives to remind us that He is ever present and concerned about us spiritually.
So today, when the rain begins to fall and you are up to your knees in water, look around for God. He probably has a message for you!
After several inches of rain it is still hard to imagine a rain that was so severe that it could destroy everything on the face of the earth. God was so displeased and disappointed with the people He created that it was the only way to get their attention.
What has God done to get your attention lately? I appreciate a brother in Christ that I look up to and always encourage me every time we get together. He reminds me that God is always performing and working in events and in lives to remind us that He is ever present and concerned about us spiritually.
So today, when the rain begins to fall and you are up to your knees in water, look around for God. He probably has a message for you!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
That's Why We Praise Him
New music sometimes touches the heartstrings of people. Sometimes we sing an older song so much the meaning of the words disappear. Below is a new song that we introduced to the Central Church about a year ago at a Saturday for the Savior. My prayer is to allow these words to be our song of praise as we live for Him today!
That’s Why We Praise Him
He came to live, live a perfect life
He came to be the living Word of light
He came to die, so we'd be reconciled
He came to rise to show His power and might
And that's why we praise Him, that's why we sing
That's why we offer Him our everything
That's why we bow down and worship this King
'Cause He gave His everything
'Cause He gave His everything
He came to live, live again in us
He came to be our conquering King and Friend
He came to heal and show the lost ones His love
He came to go prepare a place for us.
That's why we praise Him, that's why we sing
That's why we offer Him our everything
That's why we bow down and worship this King
'Cause He gave His everything
'Cause He gave His everything.
That’s Why We Praise Him
He came to live, live a perfect life
He came to be the living Word of light
He came to die, so we'd be reconciled
He came to rise to show His power and might
And that's why we praise Him, that's why we sing
That's why we offer Him our everything
That's why we bow down and worship this King
'Cause He gave His everything
'Cause He gave His everything
He came to live, live again in us
He came to be our conquering King and Friend
He came to heal and show the lost ones His love
He came to go prepare a place for us.
That's why we praise Him, that's why we sing
That's why we offer Him our everything
That's why we bow down and worship this King
'Cause He gave His everything
'Cause He gave His everything.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Tears
I would like to share with you a blog from Neil Whitlow, (http://emergerestore.blogspot.com/2005/05/tears.html) Minister, from the Emporia Church of Christ. This is his latest blog:
Tears
Since I'm still relatively new to the area, and very new to the pulpit, I've only recently joined my community's ministerial alliance, where many of the ministers from all over the area come together to study the Bible, fellowship, and plan spiritual events for the entire community. Yesterday was only my second time participating in this group made up of 40 ministers from nearly 20 different fellowships, and both times I was met with a fair amount of incredulity both because of my age and because of the tradition from whence I come. Some of the comments include: "You're not allowed to be here, are you?" "I didn't expect to see you here." "Aren't you ashamed to be associating with us unbelievers?" (Ok, ok...lots of them asked, "How old ARE you?")This group, the LCMA (Lyon County Ministerial Alliance) , always begins by discussing the week's lectionary passage (don't know what a lectionary is? Look it up...and think about getting out of your denominational house once in a while), which this week happened to be from John 17. Jesus' prayer that "they may all be one." Each of us got to share a few thoughts about this passage. When it was my turn...I repented. I apologized on behalf of all the members of the Churches of Christ who had been hateful and divisive and exclusive and mean. I upheld these ministers' identity as believers and Christians and expressed a desire to be unified with them, lest the world not recognize that Jesus was sent from God. And guess what...I got a standing ovation...in fact the only ovation of any kind, along with many handshakes and hugs.Then an older Baptist minister was asked to close us in prayer. He prayed for our group, our churches...and for the "dear brother who has joined us today to take a stand for unity," and continued to pray for me and the Churches of Christ and since I thought I heard his voice break, I glanced up at him to see tears rolling down his cheeks. He finished and came and embraced me and told me stories of how many times he'd been told that he wasn't a Christian, how often he'd been excluded and shunned by my brethren. And as a final tear fell from his chin, he thanked me for my simple act of participation.And so I learned that we have done wrong, that we've damaged our own reputation, that we've failed to earn respect. This is important...we can't afford to be arrogant...we just need to be Christians only...not the only Christians.
Tears
Since I'm still relatively new to the area, and very new to the pulpit, I've only recently joined my community's ministerial alliance, where many of the ministers from all over the area come together to study the Bible, fellowship, and plan spiritual events for the entire community. Yesterday was only my second time participating in this group made up of 40 ministers from nearly 20 different fellowships, and both times I was met with a fair amount of incredulity both because of my age and because of the tradition from whence I come. Some of the comments include: "You're not allowed to be here, are you?" "I didn't expect to see you here." "Aren't you ashamed to be associating with us unbelievers?" (Ok, ok...lots of them asked, "How old ARE you?")This group, the LCMA (Lyon County Ministerial Alliance) , always begins by discussing the week's lectionary passage (don't know what a lectionary is? Look it up...and think about getting out of your denominational house once in a while), which this week happened to be from John 17. Jesus' prayer that "they may all be one." Each of us got to share a few thoughts about this passage. When it was my turn...I repented. I apologized on behalf of all the members of the Churches of Christ who had been hateful and divisive and exclusive and mean. I upheld these ministers' identity as believers and Christians and expressed a desire to be unified with them, lest the world not recognize that Jesus was sent from God. And guess what...I got a standing ovation...in fact the only ovation of any kind, along with many handshakes and hugs.Then an older Baptist minister was asked to close us in prayer. He prayed for our group, our churches...and for the "dear brother who has joined us today to take a stand for unity," and continued to pray for me and the Churches of Christ and since I thought I heard his voice break, I glanced up at him to see tears rolling down his cheeks. He finished and came and embraced me and told me stories of how many times he'd been told that he wasn't a Christian, how often he'd been excluded and shunned by my brethren. And as a final tear fell from his chin, he thanked me for my simple act of participation.And so I learned that we have done wrong, that we've damaged our own reputation, that we've failed to earn respect. This is important...we can't afford to be arrogant...we just need to be Christians only...not the only Christians.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Sunday Order of Worship
Welcome
2 Samuel 22:47-50
60 He Is Exalted
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord
Prayer
186 Christ, We Do All Adore Thee
Hebrews 10:19-23
18 Faithful Love
Communion
Contribution
Psalm 119:129-135
449 Thy Word
Ancient Words
Message
Invitation 924 Just As I Am
Announcements
683 I Am Mine No More
Closing Prayer
2 Samuel 22:47-50
60 He Is Exalted
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord
Prayer
186 Christ, We Do All Adore Thee
Hebrews 10:19-23
18 Faithful Love
Communion
Contribution
Psalm 119:129-135
449 Thy Word
Ancient Words
Message
Invitation 924 Just As I Am
Announcements
683 I Am Mine No More
Closing Prayer
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Beautiful Kids
On Sunday mornings, Debbie and I have the opportunity and the privilege of sitting by two of the most special, cutest and adorable little girls in the entire world, the Wright twins. Debbie started holding one of the girls a few months ago to help Shannon during worship. Now both sit by Deb and I as we sing and pray and commune with them each Lord’s Day. It’s a very special time of worship when the girls are sitting by us.
I often look at them and think what great Christian young ladies they will become in the near future. Mom and Dad, I know, will raise them to love God and to love others.
When I look at all our Central kids I often think about their future. What will they become? What gifts will they be able to share as Christians?
We, as adults, need to be mentors. We need to lead by example. We need to show our young kids that God is the most important part of our lives.
When you have the opportunity to hold a child, pray for them and ask God to bless them as they journey down the road of life. There will be many obstacles and tough times where they will need mom and dad and members of the Central Family to help navigate them through some difficult situations.
I look forward to the day that I can tell Ashleigh and Alyson, “I remember when I held you on my lap in worship and I prayed that God would bless you and that you would be a great Christian young lady serving the Church and serving others like your mom and dad do.”
“Father, be with our young kids this day. Watch over them and bless them. Help each of us to touch their lives in a positive way as your Word becomes part of their life. Our prayer is that each one names you their Lord and Savior, and is baptized for the forgiveness of sins. May that be our plea and hope as a family of believers”.
In Jesus Name,
AMEN.
I often look at them and think what great Christian young ladies they will become in the near future. Mom and Dad, I know, will raise them to love God and to love others.
When I look at all our Central kids I often think about their future. What will they become? What gifts will they be able to share as Christians?
We, as adults, need to be mentors. We need to lead by example. We need to show our young kids that God is the most important part of our lives.
When you have the opportunity to hold a child, pray for them and ask God to bless them as they journey down the road of life. There will be many obstacles and tough times where they will need mom and dad and members of the Central Family to help navigate them through some difficult situations.
I look forward to the day that I can tell Ashleigh and Alyson, “I remember when I held you on my lap in worship and I prayed that God would bless you and that you would be a great Christian young lady serving the Church and serving others like your mom and dad do.”
“Father, be with our young kids this day. Watch over them and bless them. Help each of us to touch their lives in a positive way as your Word becomes part of their life. Our prayer is that each one names you their Lord and Savior, and is baptized for the forgiveness of sins. May that be our plea and hope as a family of believers”.
In Jesus Name,
AMEN.
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