Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, February 18, 2007 Volume 51, Issue 6 WHY DO WE ATTEND THE WORSHIP ASSEMBLY? George Bailey used to say, "sitting in a church house no more makes you a Christian than sitting in a hen house makes you a hen." It is a fact incontestable that everyone who comes to meeting does not come for the same purpose. Elton Trueblood has called going to church the "greatest spectator sport in America." The pulpit sometimes is even referred to as "the stage." It seems timely then to ask the question, "Why do you go?" This multiple purpose that drives men is not strange to the 21st century. It occurred even in the life of the Lord. One time when He went into a synagogue with other worshipers, they had a diverse reaction. The testimony of the Scriptures is, "They were watching Jesus closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath, for they wanted to find something which they could use as a charge against Him" (Mark 3:2). They came not to worship but to watch! Super critics can always find in the assembly of the people of God something of which they may make a capital case, and something they use to justify their own littleness of spirit and being. There aren’t many perfect song leaders, flawless preachers haven’t been born, prayer leaders sometimes stumble over words, announcements have a way of growing longer and longer. It is easy to find something to criticize-for man has so many imperfections it is impossible for him to hide than all. However, if a person comes to worship he will more than likely obtain the very thing that brought him there-namely, knowing he has been in the presence of God. Jesus made a promise that "where two of three are gathered together" in His name He would be there. If a person comes to worship the Lord, more than likely in his sacred quest he shall find satisfaction. Analyze your own life, ask yourself the question, "Have I come to worship or to watch?’ You can be successful in both-but only one carries the benefits of blessing! Jim Bill McInteer
A CHRISTIAN’S DUTY TO SOCIETY Each Christian has the personal duty to live a life that provides the proper example to the world. This duty can be achieved by following a five-step process as next described. (1) The first step in this process is to have the mind of Christ. In Philippians 2:5-9 Paul said: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond-servant, and coming in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,". Solomon said in Proverbs 23:7, "for as he thinks in his heart, so is he." All of our actions result from the thoughts that we have. As we seek to make positive contributions to society, we need to try to ensure that we have the mind of Christ. (2) The second step in this process is to be thoroughly indoctrinated with the teaching of God so that we are properly guided and then we are better able to do what He would have us to do. JESUS PROVIDES THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of being properly guided by God. In John 5:19 we read: "Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." Can you imagine the effect upon society if all men would attempt to see what God the Father has done for mankind?" Can you imagine the effect upon society if members of the church would see and apply ‘in like manner’ what God and Christ have done for mankind?" (3) The third step in the process is to carefully study the life of Christ and follow the example that He left us. In John 13:15 Jesus said: "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." Jesus provides us with many examples of how we should live. In this particular instance, Jesus provides an example which most of society chooses to ignore. Also, many churches fail to follow this example. Jesus made the statement in John 13:15 in the context of serving others. If more members of the church had a servant’s mentality, more members of the church would be more Christ-like. If more members of the church has a servant’s mentality, the church might have a greater positive impact upon society. (4) The fourth step in the process is to see the way and direction in which Christ walked and then to walk in the same ways. In John 1:6 John said: "He who say he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." In 1 Peter 2:21, we read: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." In Matthew 11:29 Jesus said: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." In Ephesians 4:20 Paul said: "But you have not so learned Christ." Do any of us really think we can have a positive impact upon society when we fail to walk as Jesus walked? Consider the positive impact upon society if all Christians did as Christ did and: (1) Treated others the way they themselves wanted to be treated. (2) Maintained honesty in all of their dealings with other. (3) Cared enough about others to teach them about Christ. (4) Attempted to serve others at every opportunity. (5) Spoke out against sin in all of its various forms. (6) Showed compassion for the less fortunate. (7) Spoke up for the weak and downtrodden. (8) Prayed for others, including adversaries. (9) Loved others in the agape sense. (10) Spoke out against injustices. (11) Sacrificed for others. (12) Loved God with heart, soul, and mind. Owen B. Moseley
FAMILY NEWS OUR SICK/HOMEBOUND WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS OUR RECORD SERVICE GROUPS Service Group #2 please turn in your assignment cards from last week. LADIES DAY NEW MEMBERS STAGE ROAD FORUM NEW ADDRESS
COMPARE AND CONTRAST Have you noticed how we tend to compare ourselves to others? And in so doing, have you noticed that we usually only compare ourselves to those we perceive as having something more or better than we do? Have you also noticed that we seem to focus more on what we do not have rather than what we do have? Yet, if these are our comparisons, how can we appreciated what we have today? How often do we reverse this and think about what we have that others may not? I believe such recognition is the source of true thankfulness and appreciation. Below I have attempted to bridge that gap with some examples of my own: □ I am envious of those around me who make more money, who are better off financially; I am thankful that God has provided everything my family needs (and a great deal more). □ I am frustrated that I cannot ride my bike as far as I would like (i.e., I will never win the Tour de France!); I am thankful I can ride at all, that I can experience the peace and joy of riding in the mountains, for many I am envious of those around me who make more money, who are better off financially; I am thankful that God has provided everything my family needs (and a great deal more). □ I am (at times) frustrated at my job, that I do not love what I do the way others do; I am thankful for the stability and other benefits my work has provided, for there are those with no fitting work at all. □ I am annoyed at limitations, imposed, but not my own; I am thankful for the freedom I do have, to fly, to go anywhere in the nations essentially unrestricted, to make for myself and my family a life of our choosing. For many in the world do not know the word "opportunity". □ I am overloaded by three kids clamoring for my attention the second I walk in the door after work; I am thankful that I have kids who love me and want to spend time with me, for may do not have children at all, or do not have such relationships. □ I am disheartened by those who abandon me, when I have done nothing wrong; I am thankful for Christ who died for me, who never abandon me, no matter what I have done. Do any of these sound familiar? Other examples may include one’s appearance or health; the list could go on and on. While your items may be different than mine, I would be that every one of us could generate such a list. It doesn’t matter where you are in life, it doesn’t matter where you are financially, there will always be those who seemingly "have more" and those who "have less "than you. The challenge is to recognize it, focus on what you have rather than what you do not have, and to truly be thankful "in all circumstances." Are you up to the challenge?
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