Monday, August 29, 2011

It's not too far...

...around the corner until fall of the year.  Got to admit, I am an all-weather fan...whatever the Lord brings I will accept and adapt.  I am ready for a break from the heat, I must admit, but until then, we'll remain cool and refreshed as I can.

Speaking of refreshed, I have a good young friend named Jacob.  After I preached last evening concerning Gnosticism and 1 John, Jacob "waved" me to him during the invitation song.  Thinking he might respond, I spoke to him after the song and he said something along the lines of "Bro. Jeff, before the Lord's Supper (wherein he was serving ), is it OK if I comment about your lesson and tell folks I appreciated it and that we really face things that try to take our faith?"

Was I touched with his kindness?  Absolutely.  But, I told him how much I appreciated his encouragement and it meant the world to me...but let's focus on the purpose of his effort--to remind us all of the death of our Savior and to address that thoroughly.  He smiled and said all right.

Here is a young man who encouraged me and in turn, encouraged and exhorted us all with his reverence and focus on the Lord's Supper.  What a precious night...from the Wildwood.

Friday, August 26, 2011

1 John

Starting Sunday evening, I am preaching the book of 1 John.  If the sermon preparation is anything like this week, man, what a joy it will be. 
First lessons from a book of the Bible will have one researching and reading...and reading...and reading the background of the writing of the book.  To whom is one writing?  Why is one writing?  Is there anything of that era that factors in?
With 1 John, most definitely.  One of most far-fetched, unbelievable, false doctrines ever about my Lord Jesus was taught...and John defeats it solidly.
What is it?  Well, that's coming from the wildwood Sunday at 6 PM.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Blessed Assurance

I am blessed in reading Tom Holland's 80th book Blessed Assurance.  Just started it and already some great reminders and marvelous thoughts.  In the preface:

"In a world of turmoil, war, hatred, and greed, God wants His people to live in peace.  In an age of doubt and uncertainty God desires that his people live in confidence" (11).

Peace and Confidence...yes, indeed.  Peace that eases and confidence in "easin' onward." 

As I embark upon chapter two about Christ as the author of our salvation (Heb. 5:9), I am also reminded that He is the "captain of [our] salvation" (Heb. 2:10).  I love this book for it reminds me that as my Captain, He guides and leads...and I'll trust the travel arrangements; not mine, but His.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

All right, Dale Jenkins and Caleb O'Hara...

...here it is.  See, that technology session at PTP did work. :-)  Here is the first post "from the wildwood."

From 252 Wildwood Avenue in Cleveland, TN, here is post #1.  This is the location of the East Side church of Christ building where fellow saints gather to worship, serve, encourage, edify and grow.  So, "from the Wildwood," we'll keep it as upbeat as possible when you visit here.

Arriving at the Wildwood this AM, an envelope was in my war room door (my office is my "war room."  As we wear the armor of God, this is where the strategy or studying takes place).  From one of my "little ones" I opened it and two well-done drawings were enclosed.  One said "Jesus did for us" ("died" for us, but when you think of what Christ DID for us in DYING for us, hey, accurate to me) with a small 3-D type drawing of the cross.  The second one was a cross with "Jesus is my Savior" in the middle.  My lesson last Sunday?  An old chart lesson titled "Jesus the Savior."  Yes, little ones listen and those special, one of a kind drawings will remain in my heart and will have a special place in the war room.

Hope you enjoy the chart below...today's gift from the Wildwood.