Take time to pray

Once again here’s another VBS promo video produced by Tyrel and Justin Hatfield for another lesson from their "Righteous Roundup" VBS curriculum.

It's snack time! But when Danny Do-Right encourages the young boys to first thank God for their blessings, he quickly discovers someone else has different plans. No matter how hard Dastardly Phil tries to distract them, Danny's persistence to thank God wins. A hilarious and delightful film for everyone!

Again, you can find this VBS curricula and other great spiritual material at http://www.littleacornkids.net

God bless,
Robert

The Appeal of Non-denominational Christianity

I very rarely post blogs from others writing but this one is worth a quick read. It’s by Dale Jenkins (pictured to left), who is the preacher for the Spring Meadows Church of Christ in Spring Hill, TN – the 14th fastest growing city in America…over the last year that congregation has tripled in attendance. He posted this excellent article on his blog recently. (dalejenkins.blogspot.com)

He’s thoughts pertain to a recent new survey conducted by “The Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life.” This new study surveyed 35,000 adult Americans, a rather large sampling of people. One of the findings of this survey stated that 44% of American adults have left the denomination of their childhood.

Yes, the negative side of the recent of this survey, does indicate once again the tendencies of the Post-Modern times in which we live. We do live in a self-centered, consumerism culture. Many people are shopping for religion. They have a “shopping list” of things they want, and they have gone searching for those items. If the church of their youth doesn’t provide those items for which they’re looking, many apparently have chosen to abandon it in favor of a church that “meets their needs.”

But, let's look and focus on this more from the positive perspective as Dale Jenkins does in his blog below. The fact of the matter is that being faithful to God’s word and preaching His truth will actually make us more relevant and even a counter-culture because the truth we have to offer people is something unique and different than what so many are finding in "religion" today. It seems like more people than ever are searching and desiring for true, nondenominational Christianity!

Anyway, I hope you are both encouraged and challenged by this.

Robert
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Pre-Non-Anti Denominational….
Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life religious landscape survey made front-page news across the nation this week and appeared in several of the websites, blogs and papers I read. Perhaps most significant is that mainline denominational groups are dieing, loosing members at alarming rates. In the mean time non-denominational church are the ones growing.

Americans no longer are just "Baptists" or "Methodists" 'cause granddad was. 44% say they are not tied to the church of their childhood. Did you hear that? 44%! They are looking for authentic religion and see the hierarchy and layers of nonsensical traditions as nothing more than burdens - foolish ones at that.

I haven't heard news this good since visiting Russia in the mid-80's. Folks, churches of Christ, if we will be what we our plea claims are positioned to grow like NEVER before. We have the opportunity to become more relevant than in generations. Or not.

It's heartrending that in the very moment when people are flocking to non-denominational churches (and yes, I know all that implies) it seems some in our fellowship are running helter-skelter toward denominationalism. They are mimicking the denominational world as they jettison, ignore and refuse to discuss the things that are of priority, like the authority of the scriptures in worship, church polity and the singular nature of the church. I want to ask the most radical of them "Do you still even believe the Scriptures or has the latest "trend" become your 'Bible'?" They belittle the past and make jest of men who's heart's desire was to speak God's Word clearly. They pretend to have it all figured out - oftentimes hiding behind a degree from some prestigious seminary or school of theology (where often the teachers themselves do not even believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures). And those who follow these folks often do it for the smooth speech and sharp intellect of these or because of the ineptitude of the "right".

Just as deflating, some of our right leaning brethren seem to want to denominationalism the church by setting a prescribed agenda based on reliving glory days of old. They have deified the past as surely as the other have change. If it is a method and it works, embrace it. If it is a matter of opinion leave it in that realm. Don't judge brothers over matters of opinion nor shut doors just because the congregation you worship at is not going to embrace a practice (even if you think it an unwise one) decides to in a matter of judgment. Some of you are making easy sport of our brotherhood and I'm tempted to question if you sincerely love the brotherhood (remember that's a command). The word for those who cut brethren off over matters of opinion is "legalists". And Jesus had no words more harsh than to those who made laws over and above God's Law. How crazy when some in our brotherhood are going too far to push over the edge a brother or group for some matter of judgment. Are you too a know-it-all? Don't make sport of striking off brothers and sisters who are tying to do right!

I love my brethren on both sides of these issues, and I fear the very words written here will not serve their intent but would only cause those angry or misunderstanding. But brethren, let us not rend the church of our Lord in a time of great opportunity. Let's not shut doors that are opening and create a negative imagine for Her over our pet agendas and/or preferences.

What a time to live in - let's not squander it! Reach out with the love of the Lord in His joy with His good news. If someone is trying to break from traditions of men, getting closer to the Word of God...applaud the good. Commend the desire and effort.

Non-denominational Christianity, who'd ever thought it'd work? Well, other than God.

Dale Jenkins

Military Tribute

Like so many others, I get sick of hearing about all of the negative things about our military in the media which NEVER highlights the things we're accomplishing over there and the dedication of our soldiers.

This video was produced as a tribute to their service. We should recognize their sacrifice and embrace them when they come home after the job is done.

God bless,

Robert

Criminal On The Cross" By Acappella

This is classic Acappella when they were at their best in my opinion!!

Anyway, I hope you will be greatly encouaged in your soul by this video and especially the truth of the words. Too often, I know I have only talked about the story of the thief on the cross in a negative or denfensive way. And yes, although, we under the N.T. are commanded to responsd to the gospel in faith, repentance and baptism for salvation, we are still saved like the thief was, by the grace and mercy of Christ.

Hope you enjoy,

Robert

Another VBS Promo Video

Here’s another VBS promo video produced by Tyrel and Justin Hatfield for another one of their excellent VBS curriculum, “Christian Academy” – Training Superheroes for God!
This is another great VBS program. Will Captain VBS defeat the Grouchy Rooster and save VBS this summer? You’ll have to watch the video above to find out!

Again, you can find this VBS curricula and other great spiritual material at http://www.littleacornkids.net

Robert

The Gift of Salvation

Salvation is a gift not a bargain. A bargain is when you pay less than full price for a wanted or needed item. But you still pay. A gift is free to you. It usually costs the giver something. Our salvation cost heaven much. “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.” (John 3:16) “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9) But to us, it is free. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23; see also 3:24; 5:15-17)

The right response to a gift is to say, “Thank you” or otherwise commonly known as the “magic words.” I remember coming to church as a child and frequently coming to one man who was our “candy man” (seems every congregation has such a person) and he’d ask us to say those “magic words.” But not only do children need to say “Thank you” for candy, I need to express gratitude for God’s gift. One gospel preacher wrote, “You can either try to achieve a life or you can receive a life. One makes you upset that it’s not good enough, and other makes you grateful for what you’ve been given.”

Gratitude is not a set of circumstances but a condition of the heart. The story is told about a man name Jack Hinton, who was on a short-term mission trip. He was leading worship at a leper colony on the island of Tobago. There was time for one more song, so he asked if anyone had a request. A woman who had been facing away from the pulpit turned around. “It was the most hideous face I had ever seen,” Hinton said. “The woman’s nose and ears were entirely gone. The disease had destroyed her lips as well.”

She lifted a fingerless hand to the air and asked, “Can we sing Count Your Many Blessings?” Overcome with emotion, Hinton left the service. He was followed by a missionary team member who said, “Jack, I guess you’ll never be able to sing that song again.” “Yes I will,” he replied, “but I’ll never sing it the same away.” Have you received the gift of God? Are you saying the “magic words?” “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15)

God bless,

Robert

Happy 6th Birthday Megan!!

Happy Birthday little girl! For six years I have been blessed to be the father of this beautiful, sweet, amazingly smart and wonderful child. I think back to when and how she came into this world. Now, if you know Megan, you know how much she loves “church.” (Bible class, VBS, singing, Bible hour, etc.) So I will always think how fitting and appropriate it was for her that Maggie went into labor with her yes, on a Sunday morning!! We actually came for Bible class when I was preaching in Cleveland, but we were unable to stay for worship!! To the hospital he went. And we had to drive really, really, really slow because there was an ice and snow storm that had come in that weekend!! She was actually born about 1:20 a.m. early Monday, March 4th.

And so now, here we are with you, six years older! It’s hard to believe you will soon be finishing up Kindergarten and will in the First Grade next fall! Megan, your mom and I love you very much. You have brought so much love, joy, happiness and laughter to our lives. More than you’ll ever imagine. Mackenzie, your sister is just following your every move. She watches you. And Megan is a good example to her, most of the time! And I can also already tell that her little brother Camden is going to have a special place in his heart for her! Here’s a few more photos I love of Megan!




Happy Birthday Megan!

Your daddy