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Archive for category July 2012

In Defense of Storytelling (Steve Higginbotham)

Jun 29

Posted by admin in July 2012, Steve Higginbotham | 2 Comments

“Our preacher doesn’t preach the Bible, he just tells stories.” “All he does is use a few verses, and the rest of the time he tells stories.” “In recent years, Bible preaching has given way to storytelling.”

These are all complaints that I have sometimes heard brethren make. In fact, just yesterday, I read an article decrying how storytelling has been substituted for preaching. As I have considered these complaints, I realize that there was a time when I may have offered the same critique. However, through the years, my view of preaching has changed some. As I now see it, I believe some have created a false dichotomy of either “preaching the Bible” or “storytelling.”

Whatever made some of us think that storytelling somehow stands in contrast with preaching the Bible? Instead, why wouldn’t one view storytelling as a way of proclaiming the truths contained in the Bible?

In fact, the Bible is a story; God’s story. It’s a story of his creation, man’s fall, and God’s redemptive plan. No one better understood the power of a well told story than did Jesus. In fact, the preaching that Jesus did was primarily in the form of storytelling (i.e. parables – Matthew 13:3,10,34). Would any among us be so presumptuous as to censor Jesus for his style of preaching?

It was through the story of a “good Samaritan” that Jesus taught the biblical truth about “who our neighbor is. It was through the stories of a lost coin, a lost sheep, and a lost son that Jesus taught us how much God values us. It was through the story of a rich man building bigger barns that he taught us the importance of priorities. It was through the story of several foolish virgins that Jesus taught us to be prepared for his return. And the list could go on and on.

You see, storytelling doesn’t stand in contrast with biblical preaching. Rather it is the communication style most often chosen by the greatest preacher this world has ever known. Good preaching and storytelling go hand in hand. Be honest with yourself. Are not the sermons you remember best, sermons that employed storytelling or captivating illustrations?

How did Jesus use the Old Testament (his Bible) in his preaching? Did he mostly go verse by verse, parsing significant words in a passage? No. Did frequently string verse after verse together to offer proof texts for a single point he was making? No. Did he feel compelled to meet some minimum requirement of Scripture references in order to be called a “Bible Preacher?” Apparently not, for the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ longest recorded sermon, had only six references to Old Testament passages.

Am I saying that parsing chapters, verses, and even words is the wrong way to preach? No. Am I saying that offering a string of proof texts to support your conclusion is wrong? Of course not. Am I saying that filling your sermon with countless Scripture references is wrong? No. What I’m saying is preaching like Jesus is right, and Jesus was a storyteller!

Friends, read carefully. I’m not defending stories that don’t illustrate truth; stories that are told just for the sake of humor; or stories that actually detract from the biblical text. I’m talking about stories that illustrate truth, that help us to grasp the meaning of a passage, that help make biblical truths burn in our memory, and that help persuade us to walk closer with the Lord. Sometimes “a” story can help one grasp “the” story.

Storytelling or biblical preaching is not an “either or” proposition. Faithful, Bible preaching can be accomplished through several styles. If styles differ but the truth is upheld, rejoice and give thanks that God’s will was communicated.

Before we offer our next critique of someone’s sermons or preaching style, maybe we ought to reevaluate the standard by which we are judging them. The measure of a sermon is not how many Scripture references are used, whether the sermon is topical, textual, or expository, whether it’s conversational or oratorical, or whether or not it employs stories and illustrations. The measure of a sermon is…

  • Does it accurately represent the mind of God?
  • Does it meet the needs of the people?
  • Does it call people to conform and surrender their lives to Jesus?
  • Is it spoken in love?

These, in my judgment, are the real marks of a good sermon. What do you think?

Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard. — Fanny J. Crosby

-Steve Higginbotham preaches for

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How To Handle A Government Decision You Disagree With (Adam Faughn)

Jun 29

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Just a few minutes ago,  (June 28) the United States Supreme Court handed down a ruling that was sure to set people off, no matter how that 9-person high court ruled. Of course, the court upheld the so-called “Obama-care” legislation by a 5-4 margin.

In our digital age, it came as no surprise that Twitter, Facebook, and other sites exploded immediately. People were sharing links, giving their opinions, and … well … some were doing far worse.

This post is not about the health care ruling. I have my opinions on the matter, and I do care about our country. I like politics, and I vote (and I’d like to think I do so as an informed citizen). I want this to be a strong nation, and I believe government and politics have a large part in that.

But this post is about how we need to handle it when the government does something we disagree with. As the ruling came down, I saw Christians explode with venom toward the President, the Court, Congress, and others. I don’t think all of it was meant to be cruel, but some of it certainly came off that way. Anytime a ruling on any matter that approaches this magnitude comes across, this is true…

…and I hate to see it.

Brothers and sisters, we need to remember our purpose here on the earth.

We are put on this earth to glorify God. Period. End of sentence.

No government can change that. No politician or court ruling can change that. No party, affiliation, or movement can change that.

So, when the government–at any level or in any form–does something you strongly disagree with, what should we do?

  1. Remember that God is still on His throne. He is greater and higher than any court or leader, and He is still in control.
  2. Pray for our leaders. I think that should be especially true for those with whom you disagree. Remember, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He directs it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).
  3. Honor our leaders. Yes, sometimes leaders make decisions I disagree with–and sometimes I disagree very strongly. But they are still our leaders. Early Christians faced an empire that sought to destroy them, and they were still told to “honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). You can disagree, but avoid being disagreeable.
  4. Speak facts. Enter into the discussion, but always be honest with the facts in the discussion. Of course, many of these things deal with “heart matters,” too, but we need to be sure that when we speak in matters of fact, that we remain firmly honest.
  5. Get involved honorably. We have a great system of government that allows us to vote, support candidates, or even run for office. Please do not get angry about decisions of the government if you are not at least voting! Also, you can contact your leaders, but, again, do so with kindness and facts.
  6.  Never put our nation in heaven’s rightful place. I want America to be great. I love this nation, and I pray often for our future. But we need to remember that this world really is not our home. Never put a nation above that heavenly land.
  7. Remember that you will be judged by “every” thought, word, and action. Yes, even in a heated moment. Yes, even if you disagree. Yes, even if you think something will bring down our nation. God will bring it all into judgment, and we are accountable for not only what we believe (which should match up with God’s Word), but how we express that (which must match up as well), whether in spoken words or in what we post on Twitter and Facebook.

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QUESTION: Agree or disagree?

 

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Unconditional (Jeremiah Tatum)

Jun 29

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When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with an ultimatum, they did not flinch. Nebuchadnezzar gave them a choice. Worship the statue or burn. Their response was quite impressive – “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” ~ Daniel 3:16-18.

This historical event reminds us that true, Biblical faith is unconditional. Circumstances do not determine whether or not God’s people will do what God wants. Unconditional love produces unconditional faith. Jesus did not say to the Father that there were certain things He would not do. He did not say that there were only certain situations under which He would obey the Father’s will. Jesus and the Father are, were, and always will be ONE (John 10:30). In order to be children of God, the same must be true for us.

Ask yourself if your love for God is conditional or unconditional. Ask yourself if your faith in practice is conditional or unconditional. Three Hebrew men in the book of Daniel taught by example that we have a long way to go before we can consider ourselves completely obedient. But they also taught us that it is possible to do what God wants regardless of the situation.

Remember that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord (Rom. 8:28). Remember that if God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31)

“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” ~ Hebrews 5:8-9

-Jeremiah Tatum preaches  for the  Willow Avenue Church of Christ in Cookeville, TN

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What If…. (Dale Jenkins)

Jun 29

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It’s not easy but swallow your pride and make things right with anyone you can who you think things may not be right between you. I mean, what if there was a God who would eventually judge the whole world based on what He told them and what if part of that was about how we forgive each other and if we do our part to live in harmony with each other…Oh, wait a minute (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 18:15-35; Matthew 5:21-26; Matthew 22:32-40; Romans 12:18; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 John 4:20; John 11:35; 1 Peter 1:22).

Kind of amazing how many of us think it’s OK to harbor past hurts, to easily excuse flimsy “efforts” at making things right when we are at odds with someone, to be so mad at someone we won’t speak to them or our blood boils when we even see them, to sit int he same building and believe they are offering worship to the same God but to inwardly hate another, to not be involved in some good work for God because of who else is involved in it, to talk bad about, gossip about and wish ill will toward others.

I don’t care how long it’s been or who’s involved – YOU are going to stand before God some day – I think I’d be doing my best to make things right with others! And the good news is, you’ll find more rewards in it than just one.

-Dale Jenkins lives in Spring Hill, TN and preaches for the Spring Meadows Church of Christ.

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Having A Heart For Worship (Paul Merideth)

Jun 29

Posted by admin in July 2012, Paul Merideth | No Comments

Worship is the proper response of all moral, sentient beings to God, ascribing all honor and worth to their Creator-God precisely because he is worthy, delightfully so.

We say “all moral, sentient beings” because humans are not the only worshippers. Scripture gives us a powerfully moving picture of angels who orchestrate praise in heaven. Also, by speaking of worship as the proper response “of moral, sentient beings,” this definition excludes from worship rocks and hawks, minnows and sparrows, cabbages and toads, a mote of dust dancing on a sunbeam.

So what we have occurring in worship is conscious obedience. We have the necessary component of “worthiness” thus from old English “worth – ship.” In worship we recognize that God alone is worthy (Psalm 100; Revelation 4:8-11). We should not begin by asking whether or not we enjoy “worship,” but by asking, “What is it that God expects of us?” That will frame our proper response. So worship demands a self-examination.

Next, we worship our Creator-God “precisely because he is worthy, delightfully so.” Excellent worship cannot be attained merely by pursuing excellent worship. In the same way that, according to Jesus, you cannot find yourself until you lose yourself, so also you cannot find excellent corporate worship until you stop trying to find excellent corporate worship and pursue God himself. Some- times we wonder if we are beginning to worship worship rather than worship God. As a brother in Christ put it to me, it’s a bit like those who begin by admiring the sunset and soon begin to admire themselves admiring the sunset.

So let’s forget about ourselves and focus on God. We need to expand our vision of God – his at- tributes, his works, his character, his words. Some think that corporate worship is good because it is lively where it had been dull. But, it may also be shallow where it is lively, leaving people dissatisfied and restless. Sheep lie down when they are well fed (Psalm 23:2), they are more likely to be restless when they are hungry. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus commanded Peter (John 21) and many sheep are unfed and thus think they’re fed up with a certain worship style.

If we wish to deepen the worship of the people of God, above all we must deepen our grasp on God’s ineffable majesty in his person and in all his works.

So let’s pray, then, and work for a massive display of the glory and character and attributes of God. We do not expect the garage mechanic to expound on the wonders of his tools; we expect him to fix the car. He must know how to use his tools, but he must not lose sight of the goal. So we dare not focus on the mechanics of corporate worship and lose sight of the goal. Of course, the proper components of our worship are essential but they are only a right means to a glorious end. We focus on God himself, and thus we become more godly and learn to worship – and collaterally we learn to edify one another, forbear with one another, challenge one another.

What we must strive for is growing knowledge of God and delight in him – not delight in worship per se, but delight in God.

Paul Merideth lives in Jeffersontown, Ky and  preaches for the  Watterson Trail Church of Christ


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3 Reasons Young Americans Shouldn’t Give Up On God (Andy Brewer)

Jun 29

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Perhaps you saw the news story out last Thursday that reported that young Americans are giving up on the concept of God:

“Young Americans are drifting away from God, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.  Only 67 percent of Americans under 30 say they ‘never doubt the existence of God.’  That’s down from 76 percent in 2009 and 83 percent in 2007 – a 15 percent point drop in just five years.”

While the survey did not include any potential reasons as to why this generation is abandoning God the story offered three theories.

(1) Fundamentalists are turning off some young people,

(2) atheists and agnostic role models are getting more vocal, and

(3) liberal attacks on religion are to blame.

I cannot leave the impression that such a report does not bother me.  Any time there is an indication that people are losing their faith it has to be troubling.  However, the reality is that while these are possible reasons that people are giving up on God they are not good reasons to give up on God.  In fact they are themselves better reasons to strengthen our faith.  Let’s put these theories into proper perspective and notice three reasons young Americans shouldn’t give up on God:

  1.  Christianity is fundamental.  The word fundamental has almost become a curse word in today’s society.  But for something to be fundamental demands that there is a standard expectation.  The problem we face as a society is not law itself it is man’s reaction to law.  The story states that we are “evolving toward greater acceptance of divorce, premarital sex, women’s equality, and gay rights.”  Society may be evolving but truth is standard.  With society you never know where you are heading but with God you always know what you get (Hebrews 13:8).
  2. Skeptics are getting more vocal, thus so should we.  This has been a problem the church has been facing for decades.  It is not that more and more people are turning to atheism.  The atheistic crowd actually makes up an extremely small portion of our populace.  The problem is that they are just getting louder than those who believe.  We’re not outnumbered we are just out voiced.  Christians need to be too stubborn to be outworked by the devil’s army (Jude 3).  I am encouraged to see an upswing in evangelistic activity among the church’s younger generation so hopefully this point is already in action.
  3. The attacks on Christianity are liberal.  I have never understood the liberal concept either politically or religiously.  The liberal mindset wants to loosen the stringencies of law.  Social liberals despise the laws of the land and actively seek to skirt them.  Spiritual liberals despise God’s law.  The problem is that God’s law cannot be logically defeated so the only option they have is to attack it.  We should be for anything the devil hates.  It’s obvious from his servants that Satan hates Christianity and God so we should be for them at all costs and actively give an answer for our faith (1 Peter 3:15).

While the news story cited only lists these three theories there are many, many more reasons we should step up our efforts to exalt God.  He is the only hope we have for our lives and for our world.  Let’s not give up on Him!

-Andy Brewer preaches for the Phillips St. Church of Christ in Dyersburg, TN

 

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The God of ALL Comfort (Larry Miles)

Jun 29

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2 Cor 1:3-5 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

This is one of the verses that help us to understand how God comforts us and how by going through trials in our lives we are later able to help other in their trials. Our Heavenly Father is the God of ALL comfort, not just some comfort. He is the “Father of mercies,” who pours out His love on us. One verse says that He lavishes His love on us. We sometimes wonder why God allows trials in our lives. We wonder why He allows our loved ones to not get better and eventually pass way. It is so that we can have that experience and so that we can comfort someone later. When we say to one who has lost a loved one or is going through trials, “I know how you feel,” we, sometimes do not know. But If we say it in love, the person understand. But if we have experienced the same, we can be a person of encouragement like Barnabas in the book of Acts who was known as the “son of Encouragement.” So, let’s thank our Heavenly Father that He loves us so much and is always a God of all comfort.

Larry Miles lives in Louisville, KY  and worships with the Cherry Street Church of Christ in New Albany, IN

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It’s A Great Life (Ron Bartanen)

Jun 29

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“Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:11).

Do you consider each day a gift from God? Many will go to sleep tonight and will not be given the gift of tomorrow. There is life, and there is a great life–a life lived in the conscious presence of God. Life is more than existence and consciousness. The truly great life is the life that is in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). In John 10:10 He declared, “I am come that ye might have life, and that ye might have it more abundantly.” 2 Timothy 1:10 reads, “Our Savior Jesus Christ”hath abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” Too many are like W.C. Fields who was found on his death-bed reading a Bible, and was asked the reason, and he replied, “Looking for a loophole, my boy, looking for a loophole!” It’s a great life if you come to Him who alone can offer us that life. Where is your faith today?

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Hyped-Up Worship (Jason Ridgeway)

Jun 29

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I have started to hear this term being thrown around a little these days. But this term is not a new one. What “hyped-up worship” means simply is that a church must make their worship so exciting that everyone that comes leaves worked up “for Jesus.” This type of worship is not limited to praise bands and the like, but also to what is called a “spirit filled” sermon that “rocks” the crowd. According to dictionary.com, “hyped-up” means, “intensively or excessively stimulated or exaggerated.” These worship services become a place where the person gets intensively stimulated or overly excited. What is wrong with that?

The problem with this type of mind set is that they change the focus of worship from all about God, to some about God but mostly about them. You see the worship is not “good enough” unless I get all worked up about it. Does this make biblical sense? Is this what God had planned for us in our worship? Now don’t get me wrong, if I leave the worship service excited about service to God then I am blessed. But my worship is not about me. This “hyped-up worship” is a me-centered worship rather than a Christ-centered worship.

If I don’t have the best singing in worship, then it was not good enough. If I didn’t have the sermon that made me just jump out of my seat and run out the door screaming about Jesus, then it was not good enough. Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (emp. jer John 4:24). Does the modern day “hyped-up worship” fit with this pattern? Some will try to pull the word “spirit” out of its context and define it as such. Ok, let’s define the word in this passage and see.

Wayne Jackson writes, “True worship must be in spirit. Genuine worship involves the plunging of one’s spirit into the act (cf. Romans 1:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15) in a humble and sincere way (cf. Joshua 24:14). This disposition eschews the superficial, the ostentatious (cf. Matthew 6:1ff), the self-centered (Luke 18:9ff), and the hypocritical (Matthew 5:23-24; 15:7-9)” (christiancourier.com/articles/282-jesus-and-the-samaritan-woman). The “hype-up worship” does not fit into the pattern of worshiping God. This type of worship is all about self. Even though many claim that they are all about God.

I have studied with people that have said, “I just don’t like the way they do worship.” Do you see the pronoun? They want a worship that pleases themselves rather than God. It has to be all about God with the removal of self. Do we really believe the song that is sometimes sung, “None Of Self, And All Of Thee?” Worship God, not self. Continue to minister with your message…

Jason Ridgeway  lives  in Waverly, OH and preaches for the Canal Church of Christ

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