Church Family?

I am not sure about why it is that so many of our attenders come to worship but do not get involved in their church family.  Too many of us want religion with no strings attached.

My thought is, good luck.  God wants you to be a part of the family.  How you doing with that one?

I'll see you later.

Spiritual Days

This lesson I brought on November 16, 2014 was one that I hope will take Christians who have yet to decide how to handle "spiritual holidays" as the family of God.  Too many times we believe that our way is the only way and we don't examine the scriptures to find what we should do.

We need to remember that every day is to be lived in glory of God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk2ZnM6Z4do&list=UU8W0X7wb22MucMwkMMNfWHg

God bless you as you watch and please comment if you feel you need to or contact me at bfarmer@wfcoc.org.

I'll see you later.

Non-Denominational Christianity

Non-Denominational! Yes, that is the key word to many of our religious friends and neighbors and many of whom are truly searching for God's direction for their lives.

To get into this discussion we have to first define the term "Non-denominational".

First, the prefix non comes from the word none.  None has the meaning according to Encarta Dictionary English (North America) -- not any part of something, or not a single one of something.

Second, the word denomination from same reference -- "a religious grouping within a faith that has its own system of organization."

Nondenominational according to Dictionary.com 

adjective

1. of or pertaining to a denomination or denominations.

2. founded, sponsored, or controlled by a particular religious denomination or sect:

denominational schools.

3.limited, conditioned, originating in, or influenced by the beliefs, attitudes,or interests of a religious sect, political party, etc.: denominational prejudice.

So, as I see it, non-denominational would have the meaning of a religious body not limited to or conditioned or influenced by the beliefs, attitudes or interests of a religious sect.  

This would mean that the religious group who is claiming to be a "non-denominational body of believers, or church" would be totally autonomous.  

Autonomous, according to Dictionary.com adjective

1. Government.

a.self-governing; independent; subject to its own laws only.

b. pertaining to an autonomy.

2. having autonomy; not subject to control from outside; independent:

So, to be a totally Non-denominational church or religious body would mean..."a self-governing, independent body of believers meeting in one place subject to its own membership controlled only from internal leaders completely independent of a board, leadership, or hierarchy outside the group.  

Using the words "nondenominational church" puts a lot of pressure on the local group striving to be truly autonomous striving to be free from following any list of rules or regulations outside of their local group.  Many of those who are claiming this thought process of not being linked to any other group may have trouble being true to themselves if they are overseen by a group who are not a part of that particular local congregation, body of believers, or group of Christians.

With that all said, let me address where I am coming from as far as why I worship with those who have, over the years, claimed the name "Church of Christ."  It is true that most of those who claim that name as a distinction do so for the purpose of core belief recognition.  They, for the most part, have the same core beliefs.  The only connection between these groups is that recognition.

I have preached and or worshiped with sixteen different churches over the last forty years. I attended a Christian College and preaching school that was led by those who were involved with that local school. During that time there has never been a directive from a church board or hierarchy from outside those local churches that has had any responsibility to regulate or dictate doctrinal matters or even matters of opinion that was given as a "church law, or doctrine" that had to be followed to keep a charter or "matter of faith" that affected the standing of that particular local church or congregation.

True non-denominational Christianity is to be led exclusively by God's word and the members of that local church or congregation of people claiming the same core beliefs. In true non-denominational faith, not everyone will agree on matters of opinion nor be held accountable for matters of opinion that come from others outside that local church or congregation of God's people.  True non-denominational Christianity would, and in my opinion from the definitions we use to describe "Non-denominational" churches, govern and regulate their thoughts on EVERY MATTER!

In most, not all, churches of Christ, elders (shepherds, bishops, pastors, etc.) lead the church and the minister who preaches is a paid (or financially supported) individual who takes the direction from those elders (shepherds, bishops, pastors, etc.) as far as matters of faith and or opinion. Those men, (elders, shepherds, bishops, pastors, etc.) are responsible to God and the local church members and to them only.  

Non-denominational Christianity can only be truly claimed by those who are truly autonomous and separate local congregations, churches or bodies of faith with the ultimate goal of bringing themselves and others closer to God and His Son, Jesus Christ our savior.

These churches or bodies of faith are responsible to God and His word.  That is why every time we see leadership in the New Testament that there is a plurality of leaders (elders, shepherds, bishops, pastors, etc. and in that group there are certain qualities that these men should have that are recorded in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1).  These men, and from what I have studied not women, are to meet these qualities in that local congregation, church, or body of faith.  They are the decision makers for that local body of believers. This is according to the Biblical example therefore without need to be decided by man. 

When we allow "Men" or those outside of the local church, congregation, or body of believers make decisions we are no longer autonomous.  

Non-denominational Christian churches are true to God's word if they are totally autonomous from other leadership outside of the local church, congregation or body of believers.  

That is one of the reasons I believe I worship with the people I worship with. The leaders here take their responsibility seriously when it comes to leading the people of God who meet at West Freeway church.  They meet and pray together asking God's help in leading this local church in faith.  

Learning to be answerable to God and not man is a difficult aspect of being "Non-denominational". I am thankful to be the preaching minister here because I know that these men are not only responsible for all the members of this church family, this congregation of believers sharing a common faith, but that they are also my leaders.  I am not only responsible to God for what I teach and preach but I am also responsible to these men in following their leadership.  They will answer to God for the decisions that they make and it is with that I am able to pillow my head at night knowing that I have men who are not only praying for my church family but also praying for me.  They know me and my needs and bring those before God in their prayers.

I hope that you will find a church with Biblical Leadership.  I pray that you truly find a non-denominational church, congregation or body of faith, that will comfort you as you strive to follow the path of God to belong to a group truly striving to be what God wants them to be with biblical leaders that are truly "Non-Denominational."

May God bless you in your search for truth and a true "Non-denominational" church, congregation, or body of believers.

The Hard Things In Life!

WHY?

That is the question that eludes even the greatest of minds.  "Its God's will" someone will say!  And for the most part I agree that it is always in God's realm of sovereignty that I find myself allowing my mind to be comforted when those types of difficulties arise.

I hurt for those who get caught up in our world by the masquerading evil that fills our minds with what ifs and why not's.  Evil finds away around the most civil minds and even those minds that are more than not logical in life. Evil searches our thoughts and changes our thinking by offering us outs as we contemplate the direction of our lives.  We do things we really know we shouldn't and we give in to things we normally would laugh at and or be scornful towards those who fall into its trap. But, at the right moment none of us are immune to the movement evil directs us toward, even without our full knowledge.

Why does death creep at our door?

Why did those decisions have to be made about that child?

Why?

Why?

I don't know why!

I do know who!

God.

I'll put my faith in Him and rely up Him to help me make it through the difficulties I find myself falling into or those difficulties that I find myself so deeply mired.  I know, not because I am any more or less special than anyone else, that God is there for me.  All the time!  He knows when I am hurting, happy, angry, sad, or even jealous. He tells me that He knows my heart and the way I am, even without me expressing it.  He offers ways of escape and when we do not choose to follow those ways He offers forgiveness.

Why?

Because He loves me, the Bible tells me so!

Pre-marital Sex

A friend of mine shared this with many of us on his Facebook time line and I wanted to share it with you.  It is from Bob Russell and was copied from http://www.churchleaders.com/ Church Leaders Web site.  I hope you share this with those you know!  

Occasionally church leaders email me, asking for my opinion on various personal or church problems. This spring, I received a note from a church leader in another city. The location isn’t important, because the situation he outlined is common across the nation.

He wrote of how a number of members ages 25 to 35 had reached the conclusion that premarital sex is “OK.” Some even play on the praise team, teach in the children’s program, or film videos for weekly announcements.

“The problem is that some of them will tell me that they cannot find anything in scripture that says that what they are doing, having sex with someone, is wrong,” he said. “I have taught on the subject, but they do not see a direct statement against premarital sex.”

Dealing with sin.

He asked for other scriptures he can use, as well as about the church’s stance.

Should it allow them to continue leading ministries or bring them before the congregation and—as the Bible says—have nothing to do with them in hopes it will help them see their sin and return to Christ?

“I know that Satan wants to get in and cause problems in the church, but I also know the need to accept them and love them,” he concluded. “But we also have to deal with sin, or Satan wins.”

In my response, I pointed out that the Bible repeatedly instructs God’s people to “flee fornication.” For 2,000 years, the word translated “fornication” in Scripture has been understood to include the prohibition of sex prior to marriage. Webster’s dictionary definition is clear: “consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other.”

A privileged experience.

God designed the physical union of a man and a woman as a privileged experience within the bounds of marriage. The Lord intended marriage as a secure environment for raising children and a uniquely meaningful union that symbolizes God’s committed relationship to us (Ephesians 5:32).

If there was nothing wrong with premarital sex, then why was Joseph determined to divorce Mary when he discovered she was expecting a child prior to marriage?

If there is nothing wrong with premarital sex, then one could conclude there is nothing wrong with having children out of wedlock.

Obviously, those who would suggest the liberalization of the biblical standard are ignoring the clear teaching of Scripture, conforming to the values of the world, and yielding to the desires of the flesh. As Jesus said, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

The church’s responsibility.

Just as I said to this letter writer, I say to all church leaders: The church has a responsibility to practice discipline in regard to flagrant, known sin. 

This is especially true for those in leadership. We are to gently confront believers who are known to be living in sin and encourage them to repent.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus cautioned us not to attempt to remove a speck from someone else’s eye without first examining ourselves to make sure there is not a log protruding from our own. Later, He explained that if the person living in sin doesn’t repent, then the believer is to take two or three others to confront again. If the backslider still refuses to change, the issue is to be taken to the church (Matthew 19:16-17).

The shepherds of the flock are then to confront in love and encourage restoration to Christ. If the offender still refuses to repent, he/she is to be treated as an unbeliever.

Removal option.

The Apostle Paul instructed the Corinthian church to remove from their fellowship a man who persisted in living in incest, warning, “With such a man do not even eat” (1 Corinthians 5:11). Now, I know such measures sound harsh in an era of super-tolerance, but I’ve seen them work very effectively—often in the first stages. 

God designed the church to consist of people who are “called out” from the world. We are to live separate and holy lives. Unless we practice some measure of church discipline, the church is in danger of simply reflecting its culture rather than transforming it. 

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said if salt loses its saltiness, it is good for nothing except to be cast out and trodden under men’s feet. This is the present-day danger all church leaders face.

May we have courage to point others to the truth instead of settling for the path of least resistance.  

Is it Handled in the Past?

I want to be a better man than I have been in the past.  I have made many mistakes in my life, but I know that God forgives and allows us to be strengthened by the mistakes that we have made.  How do we overcome our mistakes?  By forgiving ourselves and striving to live above our mistakes.  It isn't easy, but the end result is worth it!  I pray that all of us will come to acknowledge that and accept that grace that is offered.

How do you cope?

How do you feel about where you are in your spiritual walk?

What is it that brings you to repentance?

Let me know.

I'll see you later!

The Pastor's Wife! Some Insights!

Our youth minister's wife shared this with me so I thought why not reciprocate.  This is from

Nine Secrets Your 

Pastor's Wife Wishes 

You Knew By Christina Stolaas on June 4, 2014

She’s always there. Sometimes in the background, sometimes with a welcoming smile up front, sometimes noticed and appreciated, sometimes being silently judged. Your pastor’s wife; the powerful force behind most church leaders often perceived as a mystery by the rest of the church. It doesn't have to be that way.

What if we just asked our pastor’s wife to candidly, honestly, even anonymously share some of their secrets? What if we invited them to share their hearts and tell us what they wished the church knew?

I posed a simple, open ended question to a panel of pastors’ wives in different states, from different denominations, with various years of service, “If you could tell the church a few things about your role as a pastor’s wife, what would you say?”

The women selected are the wives of music ministers, children’s leaders, senior pastors and youth pastors. Some of them serve in churches with large staff and even larger budgets, others in newer church plants, and even some from old and barely surviving congregations. Despite such different backgrounds, their responses were strangely similar and in several cases, almost identical.

I’ve sat for coffee, exchanged emails and had lengthy conversations with many who freely shared their secrets with me in exchange for the promise of anonymity. What follows is a condensed collection of their words.

1) “I wish people knew that we struggle to have family time.”

There was one common response that I received from every single pastor’s wife. Every. Single. One.  Over and over again, many pastors’ wives shared numerous occasions where planned vacations had been cut short (wouldn't that be hard?). They told me tales of family evenings being rearranged for crises of church members, middle of the night emergencies and regular interruptions. A true day off is rare; even on scheduled days off their husbands are essentially on call 24/7.

2) “Almost every day I’m afraid of screwing it all up.”

They don’t have it all together. They battle many of the same issues every other woman battles: marriage issues, extended family difficulties, sickness, finances, children who make poor decisions, fear and insecurities. Some seasons of life are obviously harder than others; but remember, ministry wives are not Wonder Woman with special powers. Please have a little mercy and extend grace.

3) “Being a pastor’s wife is THE loneliest thing I've ever done and for so many reasons.”

Personally, I think this is surprising to many (it was to me). Several ladies shared the difficulties of finding friendships that are safe, being looked at (or treated) differently and even the desire to be invited for an occasional ladies night out. One woman shared, “Invite us to something just to get to know us. We like being known.” People in the church often assume that the pastor’s wife is always invited and popular. In reality, for whatever reason, many ladies fear befriending them. On Sunday mornings pastors’ wives are often sitting solo and those with children are essentially single parenting.

4) “It is okay and welcomed to have conversations with me about things that do not pertain to church, or even Jesus. There I said it!”

They have a variety of interests. Believe it or not, many pastor’s wives went to college and had full time careers before becoming “Mrs. Pastor’s wife.” They have hobbies, likes and dislikes, and though they often serve beside their husband, they are individuals with their own unique gifts.  Do not make the mistake of assuming your pastor’s wife has the same personality as their husband. One wife shared that as newly weds when they announced their engagement people regularly commented on how good of a singer she must be (because her husband to be was a music minister). When she shared that she sounded more like a dying cat than an elegant song bird the shock on their faces was evident.

5) “Sundays are sometimes my least favorite day. Wait– am I allowed to say that?”

Sundays are hard. And long. And there is no rest. To a pastor’s wife, Sunday means an early morning of rushing around to have the family ready in their “Sunday Best.” Although you may not see your pastor’s wife on the platform, rest assured, Sunday is equally tiring for most (all) of them.

6) “It’s hard to not harbor resentment or to allow your flesh to lash out at members who openly criticize his ministry.”

They hate church criticism more then anything. It’s hurtful. Offensive, and yes, it’s very hard not to take it personally.  It is one of the most damaging things they witness regularly inside the church whether it be through emails, social media or gossip. They wish people understood how serious God’s word speaks on the danger and power of our words. And how much it injures the pastor’s family.

7) “Please don’t look down on me or assume I don’t support my husband just because you don’t see me every time the churches doors are open.”

Most wives are not paid staff. They are wives, mothers, and some are employed outside the home and need to be allowed the freedom to pray and choose ministries they feel called to.

8) “I wish people knew that we taught our children to make good choices, but sometimes, they don’t.”

Jokes about pastor’s kids should be avoided at all costs. The risk of rebellion in a “preacher’s kid” is no secret. They aren't perfect, and never will be (are yours?). They have to learn to walk in their faith just like other children and need encouragement and love to do so. Again, extend grace.

9) “What I can tell you is I have been blessed beyond measure, I have been given gifts, money, love and prayer, so much prayer… by so many.”

They love their church and understand the role comes with special challenges and special blessings; it is fulfilling and brings them great joy.

One Extra Thought

Though it was not a common response, there was one that stood out. The top of the list of one seasoned pastor’s wife simply read, “I deleted my number 1.” Some secrets are so difficult to share, even the promise of complete confidence is not enough to bring them out.

These Godly women have something they want us to know and as a body of believers working together towards the same goal I think we might gain a better understanding of how to appreciate our leaders by listening. All of these responses point to a singular truth. Your pastor’s wife is a human being that desires to be known, just as you do.

Home!

I am thankful that I know this song and will be using the thoughts of it in a lesson sometime in January.

In the meantime, I wonder?  Do you struggle, as I do, with things that bring you down and keep you from being as spiritually motivated as you would like to be?

I am thankful that I have a church home that I can rely upon when things don't seem to be going in the direction I was hoping for.  Just remember that if you are wanting to find your way home to God, the church family where I am ministering is waiting for you with open arms.  We're "gonna make this place your Home!"

Home
as performed by Phillip Phillips
co-written by Drew Pearson and Greg Holden, and produced by Drew Pearson

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave (wave) is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
You get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

It's gonna be good!

Where Do You Stand?

How can I put this except to just say it. 

I was recently asked where I stood when it comes to some of the issues that have come up over the last several years that have seen a schism divide brothers in Christ.

So here goes!

I stand where God stands as I see His will in His word.  You may not agree with my thoughts on my views of God's word, and that is your right as much as it mine to have a differing view.  I have different views on some of the things some of my brethren in the churches of Christ accept and some that I accept go against what some of my brethren stand against.  The beauty is that I will answer for what I believe and teach.  I may not feel the way some do and I may completely agree with others.

The point is Paul told us that we will be judged by God and our lives on this earth will be accepted if we are covered by the grace of God and our home will be in heaven with our Father and His Son! 

If you are a child of God and you strive to live for God who am I to hold you to something I believe.  I will not be your judge.  God will be. 

Paul used the illustration of the eating or not eating of meat.  Can we insert issues in place of meat?  I'm not sure about you, but I will answer my God knowing that what I teach is according to what I have learned from His word! 

Romans 14:13 - 23  NIV
¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. ¹⁴ I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ¹⁵ If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. ¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
¹⁹ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ²⁰ Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. ²¹ It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
²² So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. ²³ But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. (emphasis mine!)

I Can Only Imagine!

For the last week I have had the words to "I Can Only Imagine" going through my mind over and over again.  I love the song, but I can't get the message out of my mind.  I know that there are so many of my friends who are in heaven waiting for us to join them and waiting for Jesus to come back and collect His bride, the church.

Many people have gone on before yet there are so many I am concerned about.  I believe that each of us, as responsible humans, have the right to choose whether or not we follow God's word or our "interpretation" of it.  However, I believe that God has led me to know His word and has given me the talent and responsibility to share what I have discovered.  I can't wait to be with Him forever and praise Him for making me aware of His will for humanity.  I am one with Him and have been and continue to be forgiven of the wrongs I have done.  The consequences are still going to happen for the sins I have committed against Him and against those in this world that I have hurt, offended or out right sinned against. (I ask you all to forgive me if one of those is you.)

But, I can only imagine what that day will be like.  Where are you today?

I Can Only Imagine
Written and composed by Bart Millard
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Can_Only_Imagine_%28MercyMe_song%29

I can only imagine
what it would be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine,
What my eyes would see,
When your face is before me
I can only imagine, I can only imagine

To be surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or In awe will I be still
Will I stand in your presence
To my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, yeah, I can only imagine

I can only imagine, when that day comes
 

And I find myself standing in the Sun
I can only imagine,when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine,hum, I can only imagine

To be surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or In awe will I be still
Will I stand in your presence
To my knees Will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, yeah, I can only imagine

To be surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or In awe will I be still
Will I stand in your presence
To my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
can you only imagine, can you only imagine
To bow at your feet
I can only imagine, I can only imagine,
I can only imagine

Being Drafted in the NFL

As of today I am declaring for the NFL draft.  

I have been told that I will be a high draft pick and guaranteed a position.  I know that there are those of you who don’t think that this kind of thing can happen, but in reality I want you to know that it can.  The NFL is where I am headed and have been for most of my life. 

I love the thought of being rich and having all my needs met and never having to worry about anything.  I have been given the opportunity to make my way into the lifestyle everyone would like to have but few take advantage of.

As I head into the NFL draft I can better my life and should be able to be a role model for those who come my way.  

My stats are 5’6” 230 lbs. I am slow and can’t run.  I have a bad arm due to a surgery a while back.  I have a bad back and other little aches and pains that I won’t mention.

So you ask, “What’s the catch? How can you be drafted in the NFL?”  

Answer?  I am not talking about the National Football League; I am talking about becoming a part of the group known as the “Not For Long” people.  

I don't plan on being on this earth forever but in a place where I am rich because of my Father in heaven and His Son's purchases for me.  How about you?  Are you a part of the NFL? 

I'll see you later!