Honor the aged saints

"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness" (Prov. 16:31).

It's Gospel Meeting time at the East Side church of Christ in Cleveland, TN.  My young friend and brother, Chris Clevenger is doing an awesome job as we consider the theme, "At the Corner of Christianity and Culture."

I was talking with some of our "Senior Saints" in our Tuesday morning Bible class abut our meeting this week.  You know, as a preacher, it troubles this ol' boy's heart when our long time aged saints that are so faithful to the cause of Christ are physically unable to attend evening worship and Bible study, especially Gospel meeting week they so dearly loved and supported with their presence through the years.  Notice that physically they are unable or as we say, "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Let their health improve, there is no doubt where they would be.  No, they are not "forsaking the assembly" (Heb. 10:25) for it is not their choice.  They are not forsaking; they are simply unable physically to attend.

They still encourage and pray for it, but they miss it...and I miss them.

Lessons learned:

(1) If it were not for THESE saints; we would not have an opportunity to hear good preaching.  Think of all the years gone by and their support of our meetings.  Their dedication taught US dedication.

(2) I really ought to be ashamed of myself that I can go and choose not to.  In other words, not a thing wrong with me, just don't want to go...that's a heart problem, folks (Mt. 22:37-38).

(3) Embrace 'em, love 'em, visit 'em, call 'em, laugh with 'em.  There is going to come a day you wished you could.

I thank the Lord for those dear "Senior aged Saints" at the East Side church of Christ...over on the Wildwood.

The preacher and the fire inspector.

Had a visit from the fire inspector this AM.  Real nice guy.  I told him from the start that we both had one thing in common—we want people protected from fire.

After he left; got to thinking that the fire inspector and the preacher have a lot in common.

·         He wanted me to listen for the good of the church…and so do I (2 Tim. 4:1-2; Rom. 10:14).  “…woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel (1 Cor. 9:16).

·         He had guidelines to go by…and so do I (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jn. 12:48-50; 1 Pet. 4:11).  God’s word is always, without exception, THE standard…not a creed book, manual, thoughts or feelings.

·         He wants people safe from fire…and so do I (2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; Rev. 20:12-15).  Heaven is a FAR better option.

·         He wants people continuously safe…and so do I (1 John 1:7-10; Rev. 2:10).  Little things can be done to insure safety, for we never know when a fire might happen.  Never know when judgment is coming; got to stay ready (Mt. 24:36).

·         He wants people to know correction is a good thing to make us better… and so do I (2 Tim. 3:16; Gal. 4:16; 1 Cor. 11:22c).  Not once did I get mad or angry at the objections he brought forth; I told him to write them down.  Can’t fix it unless we know it’s broken.  I know these things are for our good.

·         He wants things prepared in case of danger…and so do I (Amos 4:12; Mt. 25:1-12).  A few things and adjustments will make us ready in case of fire; we must always be updated and prepared and the same is true spiritually.

·         He wants carbon monoxide detectors installed; it’s odorless and tasteless and can get us quickly…and doctrinally, so do I (Mt. 15:9).  Faithful brethren rooted in the word can detect false teaching.

·         He was gracious and his expression of policy…and I need that reminder (Eph. 4:16).  Thanks, fire inspector for reminding me that a lot of times it’s not the words, but the way it’s said.  (Had to pause and pray about that one).

·         He’s coming back to see if we’ve complied…and so will the Lord (Mt. 25).  Will we be ready for the fire inspector’s return?  I say so.

Are we ready for the Lord’s return and judgment?

Just some random thoughts fresh on the mind after the fire inspector left…from the Wildwood.

Remembering our Lord...thank you Max Pelley

Upon the first day of the week at the East Side church of Christ we partake of the Lord's Supper as did the Christians in the New Testament (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29).  As we assemble remembering our Lord's death in this avenue and action of worship, a dear brother will stand and make a few Biblical remarks reminding us of the wonderful sacrifice Christ gave for us.

 

Max Pelley is one of our members at East Side; a wonderful Christian man, song leader and my Sunday morning Bible class teacher (yes, preachers go to class, too :-) ).  Last Lord's Day morning he read the following.  Well done and I thought you would want to read it just like he read it...at the Wildwood.

 

BETHLEHEM, HIS PLACE OF BIRTH

WHEN GOD SENT HIS SON TO EARTH.
ANGELS HERALD THE NEW BORN KING,
GLORY TO GOD THEY ALL DID SING.

EGYPT WAS WHERE HE FLED,

AND STAYED UNTIL KING HEROD WAS DEAD.
NAZARETH WHERE HE LIVED FOR THIRTY YEARS,
HELPING JOSEPH MAKE TABLES AND CHAIRS.

FOR THREE YEARS HE PREACHED ACROSS THE LAND,

PREACHING THAT THE KINGDOM IS AT HAND,
HE PREACHED THE IMPORTANCE OF CONVICTION
AND ABOUT HIS SOON TO BE CRUCIFIXION.

GETHSEMANE WAS WHERE HE PRAYED,

ALSO WHERE HE WAS BETRAYED.
CALVARY WAS WHERE HE DIED
AFTER A FAIR TRIAL HE WAS DENIED.

HE HAD TO BEAR HIS OWN CROSS,

AFTER SEVERE BEATINGS, AND THE BLOOD HE LOST.
A CROWN OF THORNS DONNED HIS HEAD,
A SPEAR PIERCED SIDE WHERE HIS BLOOD WAS SHED.
 
ALL THIS HAPPENED TO GOD'S OWN SON.
BUT HE LET IT HAPPEN FOR EVERY ONE.
ON THE CROSS HE SUFFERED IN AGONY,
HIS LIFE HE GAVE FOR YOU AND ME.

TODAY WE REMEMBER THAT AWFUL DEED,

SILENCE AND REVERENCE IS WHAT WE NEED,
AS WE PARTAKE OF THE BREAD AND WINE,
UNLEAVENED BREAD AND FRUIT OF THE VINE.

AND FOR HIS SHED BLOOD TO SAVE

HE HAD TO RISE FROM THE GRAVE.
AFTER HE AROSE HE WENT TO HEAVEN,
THROUGH FAITH AND OBEDIENCE SINS ARE FORGIVEN.

                                                              Max Pelley