HOW’S YOUR FOUNDATION?

HOW’S YOUR FOUNDATION?

By Keith Bellamy

A few years ago, we had to meet with an adjuster from our insurance company concerning our claim for the storm damage done to our place in Ivanhoe. We later had a contractor come and examine the property to assess our damages. The foundation is seriously damaged. The back bedroom would need to be replaced. The roof would need repaired, and there is so much other damage inside that we have wondered if the place can be repaired. You couldn’t see the damage inside until you went inside and looked.

I mention this because sometimes as Christians we are not what we claim to be on the inside. From all outward appearances it would seem we have it all together. So, what about the inside? Have you looked inside lately?

We meet on Wednesday evenings to build each other up, and to help us press on for the rest of the week. We meet at 5 o’clock on Sunday evenings (except for the first Sunday of the month when we meet for a devotional after the monthly luncheon). Do you attend any of these assembly times? During the last year have you met with your brethren other than Sunday morning? Do you attend 10% of the time; 20%; 30%, or none at all? You and I need each other! You see, your foundation needs continual service, and being with the saints will help!

What’s really important in your life? How are you doing?

Notice the words of 1 Peter 4:12-16. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (ESV)

And then of course there’s Hebrews 10:25: “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV)

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

By Robert Johnson

This Monday we celebrate Memorial Day, in honor of the nation’s armed services personnel killed in wartime. The holiday was originally called Decoration Day because it is a time for decorating graves with flowers and flags. Over time, the designation Memorial Day became far more common. It began shortly after the end of the Civil War, around 1868, and after World War I observances were changed to honor the dead in all American wars, starting with the American Revolution. Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday in 1971.

It is appropriate to remember those who sacrificed their lives that we might have the liberty we do. Throughout our history as a nation, from the Revolutionary War to the present conflict in Afghanistan, countless numbers have offered themselves to enable us to have our freedom and to keep our freedom. Each generation has its own battles to face, its own enemies who seek to inflict harm, and its own challenges that have to be faced. Freedom truly isn’t free, as its price is bought with blood.

Each Lord’s Day we assemble together to observe the greatest memorial of all, that of our Lord’s sacrifice for each of us. Sin puts us in bondage spiritually, placing us in a way of life that Scripture describes as slavery. To be a slave of sin brings only death (Rom. 6:16, 23). Once enslaved, we are unable to rid ourselves of its effects (Rom. 5:6) and remain captive all our lives unless someone intervenes. Christ paid the price for us by becoming one of us, living the human life in every way, even to being tempted, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). The blood shed on the cross was not for His own sins then, but for the sins of the whole world. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7).

In looking forward to this sacrifice, Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32). Knowing the truth of Scripture, obeying it and living by it, genuine faith, provides us access to the liberty the blood of Christ provides in God’s grace. “And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Heb. 5:9). The blessings of Jesus’ sacrifice are available to everyone, but only those who humble themselves to Him as Lord, and yield their lives in submission to Him, will truly know the freedom He offers. “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17-18).

May we never forget the price paid for the freedom our nation enjoys, as it is found in the sacrifice of many men and women. May we also never forget the price Christ paid for our freedom spiritually from sin, that we might have life in Him today, and the promise of life eternal tomorrow. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead…” (2 Tim. 2:8).

LOOKING DOWN ON OTHERS

LOOKING DOWN ON OTHERS

By Keith Bellamy

A friend shared this thought on her Facebook page. While this lady and I have not met, she was honest enough to say it was a borrowed statement. She shared the following: "When nobody around you seems to measure up, it's time to check your yardstick.”

In Luke 18:9 the Lord started telling a parable. Luke tells us why Jesus told the parable. Notice his words: Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else (NLT).)

I wonder if we all need a dose of “what is wrong with looking down on others?” That is what the Pharisees were good at. They loved to have special seats of honor and they loved to look down on others who did not measure up to their standard.

Jesus taught sacrifice. He taught servanthood. And when we are involved in doing just that, we don’t have time to look at what others are doing or not doing.

Jesus’ own disciples didn’t get it at times. Just look at some of the off-the-wall statements they made at times. In Matthew 20:20-24 two of His disciples wanted special seats in the kingdom. Matthew tells us that their mother asked for this favor. I personally think they asked their mother to do this. Jesus had been talking about serving others and they wanted special seats. Would they be looking down at others?

I remember years ago a young man looking down on someone in a gym who was in weak physical shape. Another person made allowances saying maybe the guy was ill.

Recently someone I’ve known for years was attending a church. My friend is a single mom and she is raising a biracial family. Someone at that church made a derogatory remark, so my friend doesn’t go to church anymore. How sad! My friend is doing the best she can, and some self-righteous hypocrite is playing judge.

Self-righteous behavior may rise up to bite you. And that is what looking down on others is, and only God can help us if we practice that type of attitude.

I wouldn’t want to attend a church that looks down on others!