ARE YOU READY?
We addressed the subject of ÒWhat a Gospel Meeting
Can DoÓ in our lesson Sunday morning.
The time is here for us to make sure we have invited people and are
ready ourselves for a series of meetings each night. I am looking forward to hearing Bro. Gary Hampton speak each
service. Hopefully if you are a member of the Montrose church of Christ, you
are making plans to be here for every service. I realize that some, through no fault of their own, will not
be able to attend all of the nights.
The rest of us need to have already made plans to be here. I mentioned
the fact that there are some congregations where visitors outnumber the
ÒregularsÓ for their meetings.
Such should never be the case, unless we have a huge number of
visitors. It would be wonderful if
the visitors did outnumber the members because the attendance was that
high.
I believe the truth will be presented in a way that
is not going to embarrass you when you bring visitors. The truth will be taught, and it will
be taught in the spirit of love.
The apostle Paul stated, ÒThat we henceforth be no more children, tossed
to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of
men, and cunning craftiness, whereby theiy lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may
grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even ChristÓ (Ephesians
4:14,15).
The preaching will glorify God. The singing will glorify God. Hopefully the attendance will glorify
God. The church will be exalted in
this community. We need to show
our interest in the souls of people in our neighborhood by inviting them and
doing what we can to see that they have the opportunity to hear the gospel in
its simplicity.
It truly would be wonderful if we had the attitude of
Cornelius. If we would invite our
kinsmen and near friends to come and hear the gospel proclaimed. We need to also have the atttitude that
we are present to hear the commands of God. (Acts 10:24, 33). I believe the gospel has the power to save
souls. Do you believe that? If you
do, invite your neighbors and relatives to come to the Gospel Meeting at least
one service!
AGED CHRISTIANS
The Word of God has much to say concerning those who are young and what they can accomplish in the work of the Lord. Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of the young serving God. These include men such as David, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Paul even wrote to a young Gospel preacher, ÒLet no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purityÓ (1 Timothy 4:12).
The young are important to the work of the Lord, but the Bible also has much to say about the aged. The aged are special because they are to be honored (Leviticus 19:32) and because the days should add to their wisdom (Job 32:7). Notice what the Proverbs writer said concerning the aged, ÒThe hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousnessÓ (Proverbs 16:31). However, as people age they often feel like they are no longer useful in the LordÕs service. Is this the case or are the aged Christians useful to the Lord? In order to answer this question, let us consider some examples.
Abraham was a faithful follower of God (Hebrews 11:8-19) who lived to the age of 175. God had promised Abraham a son through which all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). It was not until Abraham was 100 years old that he was blessed with his son, Isaac. Abraham was willing to serve God even if it meant sacrificing his only son, Isaac (Genesis 22). Abraham, Òthe Friend of GodÓ (James 2:23), was useful in the service to God when he was aged!
Moses faithfully served God during his lifetime (Hebrews 11:23-28). Moses, the great servant of the Lord, lived to be 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:5-7). It was not until Moses was 80 years old that God used him to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Then Moses continued to serve the Lord for 40 years as he led the children of Israel through the wilderness. Moses proved to be useful in the service of God even when he was aged!
John, one of the twelve apostles, served God when he was an aged Christian. John was advanced in years when he was exiled to the isle of Patmos. John was faithful to the Lord even when he was living in exile. It was not until John was in his nineties that he penned the book of Revelation. What great work the apostle John was able to accomplish as an aged Christian in service to the Lord!
Can the aged be useful in service to the Lord? The answer is a resounding ÒYes!Ó These great examples prove that the aged are very important to the LordÕs cause. There are many things that aged Christians can do to work for the Lord. One of the greatest works that they can do is to teach the younger Christians. Paul gave Titus instructions concerning the aged and what they should be as servants of God: ÒThat the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The age women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not give to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemedÓ (Titus 2:1-5). Aged Christians are useful to the Lord! May we always remember that no matter our age we can be useful servants in the kingdom of the Lord!
--Chance
Hicks, Source: The Visitor, Adamsville, AL, May 17, 2009
MONTROSE CHURCH
OF CHRIST
53 LAKESIDE DR.
CARTHAGE, TN
JUNE 21-26TH.
SUNDAY:9:00 AM & 7:30 PM
MONDAY THRU FRIDAY: 7:30 PM
SPEAKER: GARY HAMPTON
DIRECTOR OF EAST TENN. SCHOOL OF PREACHING AND
MISSIONS
SONG LEADER: WALLY KIRBY
SINGING BEGINS AT 7:00 PM
EACH EVENING
MONTROSE FAMILY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 21, 2009