Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, July 8, 2007 Volume 51, Issue 26 THE FORMULA FOR PEACE Many are searching for some ultimate understanding of life and means of finding peace and satisfaction. They often look for answers in eastern religions and associated figures such as the Dalai Lama. Given our advanced culture and emphasis on scientific achievement, many look to mental health professionals and counselors for the solutions to life’s issues in a quest for ultimate meaning. And while the competent assistance of such professionals can certainly be beneficial, the real sense of purpose and success cannot be given by them. The key to successful living can only be learned by the One Who gives life–God Himself. Perhaps some think of Christianity as simple "fire insurance," a protection against an undesirable end. But God has never conceived of life in relation to Him as an end of life affair only. As Jesus said of His own work, "I am come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). For those who seek the key to true blessedness, God has provided insight through the great epistle to the Philippians. Blessedness, or joy, a most common theme in the book of Philippians, means much more than "happiness." It involves certain requisite components be extant in our lives. We find blessedness through thought and deed; it is a byproduct of the right lifestyle in relation to the right God. What are these components that lead to joyous living? First, joy must be present (4:4). Consider the circumstances in which this letter is being written: Paul is under arrest and detainment for preaching about Jesus; his friends are suffering trouble from their neighbors because of their religious beliefs and adherence to their principles. Nevertheless, this aged man speaks of Christian joy within the heart. It is a striking fact that circumstances alone do not determine the condition of the mind. Christians can be joyous inside even when all is tumultuous outside. But to find joy within requires that we take time to reflect upon a few matters that should stand out in our minds" 1) we are saved individuals whose purpose is to magnify Christ; 2) God is able to supply our every need; 3) other people are being saved; 4) we have many friends and fellow helpers making a great fellowship 5) always God is concerned for our eternal well-being. These Christians were told to have joy continuously because of these blessings. The second factor that must be present is forebearance (4:5). We are not only to have joy within, but forebearance all around us. It is likely that we all have names and faces in our past of persons whom we remember for goodness and kindness they demonstrated toward others. It should be no surprise to us that God asks us to demonstrate these qualities to others in His name. One cannot be truly at peace without striving to be a blessing to others. The following terms may be substituted in place of "forebearance": geniality, kindliness, gentleness, sweet reasonableness, considerateness, charitableness, mildness, generosity, and magnanimity (my personal preference). For magnanimity we may think of being big-hearted. Perhaps none of these alone fully encompasses the meaning of the terms Paul used, but together they give the rich sense of this word. This is not to be extended only to Christians, but to all people. It stands close to the comfort that we enjoy from Christ. We are reminded that the Lord looks over us and is not only near in observation, but in manifestation when we treat other people right. Not only are we to have joy within and magnanimity all around, but we are to be looking above in dependence (4:6) A hindrance to peace and blessedness is an unproductive worrying over matters of life. Concerns and care are important, but distressed anxiety can cause inaction or apathy. The cure for worry is prayer. It is not that we are to be inactive; we should be active to pursue worthwhile goals. Prayer alone will not suffice. There needs to be reflective planning and action, but predicated upon our prior approach to God. We are not to be apathetic. We are not told to have no desires or aspirations, or yield to the affairs of human experience with a morbid fatalism. But the antidote to useless worry is to pour out our hearts to God in prayer. Note the contrast between in nothing and in everything in the words of Jesus and Peter (Matt. 6:34; 1 Pet. 5:7). This is to be done with true reverence and devotion. It involves not only prayer, which is the more general term, but supplication, which involves laying forth our keenly felt needs. All of this is to be done with thanksgiving for 1) past favors; 2) present blessings; and 3) firmly-grounded assurances of the future. If we have joy within, magnanimity all around, and constant prayer to God above, then peace will result in our lives. This is called the peace of God, because it derives from Him. This also means that it cannot be found without Him. It is no wonder Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. This is what He was manifested to the world to secure, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staying on thee, because he trusts in thee" (Isa. 26:3). It is the God-given reward for having joy, magnanimity, and dependence. Rick Brumback – Forest Hill News --Memphis
SEVEN STEPS TO KILL THE WORK OF THE CHURCH 1. Gossip. Slandering brothers and sisters in Christ will surely hurt feelings, discourage, and disrupt unity. So, if you are determined to choke the life out of a congregation, gossip! 2. Complain. Be sure to grumble, murmur and whine about every new idea suggested, every activity planned, and every new work started. Sooner or later your complaining spirit will dishearten even the most dedicated saints. 3. Desire vain glory. Make sure that you get the praise of men more than anyone else in the congregation. View all active church members as a threat. After all, because of their diligence, they might receive more praise than you, and you deserve all the praise. So do your best to tear down, belittle, and demean the good others do while exalting and promoting yourself. 4. Be jealous of brothers and sisters in Christ. If a brother or sister in Christ has more talent, ability, or ambition to serve in the church than you, let your jealousy lead you to criticize, nit-pick and fault-find. No matter what, don't encourage the brother or sister to use his/her talents. 5. Insist that others conform to your way of doing things. After all, you know the best ways to organize classrooms, teach and preach, arrange tables, rear children, lead in worship, plan VBS, and decorate bulletin boards. If anyone fails to meet your expectations, refuse even to speak to him/her in the future. Also, after Sunday morning services, go home and criticize and gossip about those with whom you are dissatisfied. 6. Feed on childishness. Instead of focusing on the real work of the church (spreading the Gospel and saving souls), spend your time stirring up people about petty, frivolous issues. Spend a lot of time on the phone with church members that you can persuade to join you in acting like children. If you persist, you will successfully distract others from focusing on the Great Commission. 7. Ignore preaching that should cause you to change. If the preacher preaches against these attitudes, simply ignore his preaching, sleep during the sermon, or imagine that "so-and-so really needed to hear that." During the singing of the invitation song, harden your heart through pride; and, whatever you do, don't make personal application of the sermon. These seven steps are devices of Satan (2 Corinthians 2:11) and they will surely be valuable to anyone wanting to please the devil and hinder the work of the church. [This article obviously was written "tongue in cheek"; the sad thing is, some are doing the devil's work by engaging in these attitudes and actions. God forbid!]
FAMILY NEWS OUR SICK/HOMEBOUND WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS OUR RECORD SERVICE GROUPS BRIDAL SHOWER SYMPATHY Louise Smith, former member of Union Avenue, died July 29th, suddenly while on vacation in Branson, MO. She was a teacher in the Education Department at Union Avenue for many years. She and her husband Robert, were members at Woodland Hills for several years before transferring to Highland. She is survived by Robert, two sons, one grandson, and two sisters, and sister-in-law Mary Evelyn King. Services were July 4th at Memorial Park Funeral Home. We extend our sympathy to her family. THANK YOU SUMMER SERIES We encourage every one to be here. NEW BABY Congratulations and best wishes to them!
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