I Don't Feel Good by Jim Vaughan (http://www.4gchurch.org/)
Sometimes brethren are unable to attend the church assemblies and Bible study classes because they are sick, disabled, or injured. Old age problems sometimes prevent older members from being able to serve God. God expects us to do what we have the ability and opportunity to do. He does not expect us to do what we are unable to do.
However, some brethren have come to believe that if they just feel bad for some reason that they are excused from doing their Christian duty. They have been pampered, petted, and spoiled to the point that they actually believe that they should never have to sacrifice or be inconvenienced in doing the will of God. When they feel bad, they think that is an automatic excuse for lack of service to God. They think that their brethren ought to pity them and excuse them from their duty. We need to be careful lest we sin by encouraging such a one in their unfaithfulness. The excuse makers have made their feelings their god.
There are many things in life that can make one feel bad. Family problems can cause you to feel bad. "---A foolish son is the heaviness of his mother" (Prov 10:1). Church problems can make you feel bad. "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears" (2 Cor 2:4). Financial problems can cause a person to feel bad. We can "suffer need" (Phil 4:12). Mental stress caused by persecution can make you feel bad (2 Cor 1:8-9). Physical pain (great discomfort) makes you feel bad. Do you know anyone who has no problems and has absolutely nothing that makes them feel bad at any time?
Everyone that we read about in the Bible had problems! They
did God's will in spite of the problems. Feeling bad is not a
legitimate reason for failing to participate in the work and worship
of the church. People who didn't feel very good have done most
of the important work that has been done in this world. When we
excuse ourselves from serving God because we don't feel good,
we are failing to do our duty. Also, we are failing to glorify
God. God is glorified by our actions when we suffer, sacrifice,
and endure trials for Him who gave His Son for us.
The apostle Paul served God in pain and suffering. He had a thorn
in the flesh about which he prayed three times that it might be
removed. God's answer was that it would not be taken away (2 Cor
12:7-10). Paul was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, in danger, tired,
in pain, hungry, thirsty, cold, and without proper clothing at
times during his Christian life (2 Cor 11:22-28). Paul was in
jail (Acts 16) and later was in prison (Acts 28). His attitude
should be our attitude. The Holy Spirit told him that he would
have bonds and afflictions wherever he went. He said, "But
none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto
myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry,
which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel
of the grace of God" (Acts 20:23-24).
Paul did much work for the Lord. He preached for many years. He went on three missionary journeys. He established many churches. He preached to governors and kings. He taught those in Caesar's household. He appointed elders in every church. He trained gospel preachers such as Titus and Timothy. He wrote 13 or 14 books of the New Testament scriptures. ALL THIS WAS DONE WHILE HE DIDN'T FEEL GOOD!
Timothy was a great preacher of the gospel. He was charged by Paul to do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim 4:5). Paul knew that Timothy had stomach trouble and often infirmities (1 Tim 5:23). Even though Paul knew that Timothy didn't feel good, he expected him to work for the Lord. Timothy was told to stand against false teaching, be a good example, read the scriptures, exhort the brethren, use his gift, follow the truth, fight the good fight of faith, teach others, endure hardness, study, preach the word, and come to Rome from Ephesus (1 Tim; 2 Tim.). HE WAS TO DO ALL OF THIS EVEN THOUGH HE DIDN'T FEEL GOOD!
Jesus willingly laid down his life for us (Jn 10:17-18). While
he was doing this he didn't feel good. He had been up all night
praying in sweat and agony (Lk 22:44). He had been betrayed, deserted,
and denied. He had been mocked, spit on and scourged by the soldiers.
He was hung by nails on a cross to die. He was not feeling very
good on that day when he died for you. Every person who has ever
been saved by God has been saved through the work of Christ, which
he did WHEN HE DIDN'T FEEL GOOD!
Many saints today attend services, preach the gospel, teach Bible
study classes, visit the sick, study the scriptures, and pray.
They do these things when they are dog-tired, half sick, have
headaches, and have personal problems. They are glorifying God
in their sacrifice and suffering to work for the Lord. If it weren't
for these dedicated servants of God, there would be no place for
the pampered excuse makers to attend when they happen to be feeling
good. What would the church be like if all of the members were
just like you?
Visual Aids & Instrumental Music by Greg Gwin (ggwin1@bellsouth.net)
A visitor to our services asked about our practice of using visual aids during the sermon. Specifically, it was asked why we oppose the use of instrumental music, but allow the use of a projector to display charts and graphics during the lesson.
The basic answer to this question involves distinguishing the difference between something which "aids" versus something that "adds." For example, in baking cookies the process is "aided" by use of a baking pan, a spatula and a hot pad. In fact, it will be hard to bake cookies without these "aids." But we will ruin the product if we "add" something to the list of ingredients. (Chocolate chip cookies don't taste right when pickles are in the mix!)
In the same way, we can properly use things which "aid" our worship, so long as we do not change the end result. For instance, the Lord's Supper is "aided" by the use a plate or tray on which the elements of the supper (bread and fruit of the vine) are distributed to each worshipper. This does not change the act of worship. It would be wrong, however, to add jelly to the bread, or to substitute a different drink instead of grape juice.
In the same way, we can use a "visual aid" during the preaching of a sermon. It has been repeatedly proven that people retain more of what they are taught when they both hear and see the main points of emphasis. Therefore, a printed outline or words written on a blackboard are helpful to the learning process. Similarly, an overhead projector or one of the new computer driven video projectors is a significant "aid" in teaching God's Word. As long as the end result (teaching Biblical truth) is not changed, the use of appropriate "aids" is not wrong.
Now, what about music in worship? Some things will serve as valuable "aids." A pitch pipe or tuning fork can help the leader start the songs correctly. Songbooks definitely improve our worship by keeping us all on the same verse, singing the same words. These are simply "aids," and the end result is not altered -- we sing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16). However, if we "add" an instrument to the mix we are doing something different. We are now "singing" and "playing," and the latter is not authorized in New Testament worship (Col. 3:17).
Conviction by Jim Yopp (http://www.geocities.com/jameslyopp/)
It is not the voice of the multitude, but the voice of truth,
that has power with the conscience-that can produce a rational
conviction, and acceptable obedience. A conscience that awaits
the decision of the multitude, that hangs in suspense for the
casting vote of the majority, is a fit subject for the man of
sin.-Thomas Campbell
One of the outstanding features of faithful men of the Old Testament was the conviction that caused them to stand for right. Daniel willingly went into the lion's den, the Hebrew children suffered the fiery furnace, and Abraham left his home and country. Their examples inspire faith at present.
The apostles and early disciples are also prime examples of people having conviction. Paul gave up his former life, friends, and standing, in order to be a disciple. Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:30) was glad to hazard his life for the cause of Christ. Peter and John were imprisoned and Stephen was stoned. What they believed, they stood for.
Our society has seen an absence of those willing to stand for what they believe. In a weak, wishy-washy approach, with the idea of offending no person and making no sacrifice, compromisers have a field day.
We need to look back to the examples of the Bible.
When one believes something, that person should have enough conviction to teach it. One should be strong enough to stand up for it and even defend it when necessary. And yet, it is next to impossible to get some religious teachers to discuss the Bible with you, much less to enter into a debate. Oh, for men of conviction at present. It is evident many religious teachers have nothing in common with the great worthies of the Old Testament and New Testament.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our weekly services are held at 1318 Griffin Road, Leesburg, Florida
34748.
Phone: (352) 365-9946 for times of services.
Web site: http://www.careydillinger.com/cocbs/cocbshp.htm
MONTHLY BIBLE READING: Jesus' teaching on morals and ethics - The Gospels
GOSPEL MEETING: Our winter meeting will be held during the week of February 15-20, 2004. Sunday night through Friday night. Services will be held at 6:00 PM on Sunday and 7:30 PM each weekday evening. It will once again be our pleasure to have Robert Harkrider as our guest speaker each evening. Bro. Harkrider is the full-time evangelist for the South Bumby congregation in Orlando, Florida.
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