Articles
Hope
Hope
By Steve Melton (8/30/22)
Hope is one of the greatest concepts.
It can bring comfort into our life.
Especially when things get tough,
In this world of trouble and strife.
Hope can set you free
Though your legs be bound to a fetter.
Your heart can be glad
because you know things will get better.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for
The evidence of things not seen.
Jesus gives us this hope.
It is on this rock of faith that we lean.
Can you imagine a life without hope?
Where things are bad and no one would care.
There would be no change for the future.
Only a life of despair.
ln Christ we have hope of a resurrection.
Faith and hope will be needed no more.
We will be at our home in glory.
Where our spirits like eagles will soar.
Saying Amen in Our Assemblies
By Paul R. Blake
“Amen” may be one of the most ancient words in our language to remain in a nearly unchanged form from its earliest origins. It is one of the most well-known words across nearly all languages. Most of us use it every day, sometimes without realizing its significance. Tragically, men in the Lord’s Church do not say it often or loudly enough.
“Amen” is not just a word we say, but a decision we make. When we say it, we show our approval, our endorsement, our commitment to what was stated. Too often Christians let denominations dictate their speech; some sects use “Amen” and “Praise the Lord” so often it has become little more than a chant. However, saying “Amen” liberally doesn’t mean we have become liberal.
Have you carefully listened to the prayer? Do you agree with it? Then say, “Amen.” Do you strongly agree with something in the sermon or class? Then support the Gospel by saying “Amen.” “Amen” means so much more than the prayer is finished. It means: We apprehend and understand the prayer and preaching (1Cor. 14:15-16, 20). It means we affirm and approve the prayer and preaching (1Tim. 1:6-7; Psalm 106:48). And it means we agree and confirm our commitment to the prayer and preaching. When we say “Amen we agree to take action based on what we have affirmed (Ecc. 5:5; James 5:12).
Few are saying “Amen” in our assemblies. It is not a healthy indicator that we do hear “Amen” from only a very few in our worship. Why are you not saying Amen? Are you too sophisticated? Is saying Amen beneath you? What is really happening is you are voiding an apostolic instruction over personal pride. Are you too afraid or embarrassed? Are you are more afraid of sounding out of place than you are of disappointing the Lord? Is it too much trouble or too boring or not important? So understanding, approving, agreeing, supporting, and committing to the Gospel and prayer is not important to you? Do you really want to take that attitude to Judgment Day? You say it quietly to yourself? That entirely misses the point and purpose of saying “Amen.” If it is inaudible to others, it is as if you didn’t say it at all.
I find sad that in most congregations there are more women asking me if it is scriptural for them to say “Amen” than there are men with the courage to say it loud enough to be heard. We are not doing well. There are far too many texts and examples of the use of Amen in the scriptures for brethren to relegate it to a minor, optional work. In 1Corinthians 14:15-16, the apostle Paul states an implied command that “Amen” is to be said at the end of prayer by those who heard the prayer worded. God’s faithful children say “Amen” (Deut. 27:11-16; Num. 5:22; Matt. 5:18; Mark 3:28; John 3:3; Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; 1Kings 1:34-36; 1Chron. 16:35-36; Neh. 5:13, 8:3-6; 1Cor. 16:24; Gal. 6:18; Psalm 41:11-13, 72:17-20; Rom. 1:25, 9:5, 11:36). It is time for men here to say Amen.
Challenging Our Bible Knowledge
1. Is the word “Bible” in the Bible? __________
2. How many authors wrote the Bible? __________
3. Where is the word “Trinity” found in the Bible? __________
4. How many women speak in the Bible? __________
5. Where can one find a description of Jesus’ physical appearance in the Bible? __________
6. Name the three continents on which the Bible was written. __________, __________, & __________
7. Name the three languages in which the Bible was originally written. ________, ________, & ________
In the August 7, 2022 bulletin, two questions were presented regarding Davids Synonyms in Psalm 119. The answers are:
1. Words for God’s law: Law, Testimonies, Precepts, Statutes, Commandments, Judgments, Word, Truth
2. Words for God’s treatment of humankind: Works, Righteousness, Mercies, Salvation, Songs, Lovingkindness, Justice
A Moments Wisdom on Leadership
--It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test.
--The wisest thing Woodrow ever said was one of the simplest when he remarked that, as President, he liked to put a man on an important job to see whether he grew or “just swelled.” (Malcom Bingway)
--Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something that you want done because he wants to do it. (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
--As General Patton once put it: “Don’t tell a man how to do a thing. Tell him what you want done, and he’ll surprise you by his ingenuity.”
--A good leader inspires other men with confidence in him; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves.
--The formula for success is simply putting the right people in the right jobs and then sitting on the sidelines and being a good cheerleader. (Marshall Jones)
--There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit. (R. W. Emerson)
--People’s minds are changed through observation and not through argument. (Will Rogers)
Upcoming Sermons:
9/11/22 AM - The “Christians Meet Here” Church; PM - Euphemisms: Dirty Talk in Disguise
9/18/22 AM - Getting Grudges Gone; PM - Othniel: The Lion of God
9/25/22 AM - Baptism: How to Become New; PM - Trustworthiness: Christian Integrity
10/2/22 AM - The Jesus You Never Knew; PM - Themed Singing Service
