Bible School or Butch Jones

Have a decision tonight…actually, it’s already made…long ago.

As a University of Tennessee football fan, I am delighted at the hiring of Butch Jones.  Knowing his track record, the moves he has made so far and his inroads in recruiting, he is doing a great job and has the fan base excited.

You see, Coach Jones is coming to Cleveland tonight…going to be speaking at an event open to the public; fundraiser, that is.  No doubt the crowd will be filled to capacity.  Cleveland is a stronghold for UT football and I would love to see and hear Coach Jones. 

But, coach Jones…will catch you later; some other time, some other place.  I know you’ll understand.

See, tonight is the final night of our annual Vacation Bible School where I preach.  I really want to see this good effort end on a high note.  This date has been booked since before last December when we announced our yearly plans to the congregation.

To be quite honest, if I attended this event with the coach, do you think my influence to the congregation would increase?  Not hardly.  How effective do you think I would be in my preaching from here onward?

We know the answer.

And, you know, it’s a “no-brainer” but trust it’s an “all-hearter.”  While I love UT football, I made up my mind a long time ago that my Jesus is more than a coach—He’s my Lord and Master.  The Bible is more than a “playbook of life,” it is THE inspired word of my God and Father.  May we all follow it faithfully helping others along the way.

There is a choice…and there are people that love me, depend on me and watch me.  That’s humbling; a bit scary, too…one never knows the impact he has, whether good or bad (and, that's not for preachers only, folks).  One of my dearest supporters, friend and brother in the Lord is the VBS director and he needs me just like the times I’ve needed him.

So, it was already made…and I’ll be at East Side church of Christ for the last night of an exceptional and awesome VBS.  Join us at 7 and I edify and exhort our congregation to let’s end our last evening on a high note with your presence...

…over at the Wildwood.

To Whom shall we go? part 3

In 2012, I conducted or assisted in one funeral every eighteen days as a minister of the gospel. a few years ago after my daddy's passing, I delivered a lesson titled "To Whom Shall We go." It had three points and shortly thereafter, I decided to put it in tract form thus producing three separate tracts.

In talking with my sister, she said, "Bubba, you should make them available." Smart sister. In telling this to Renita and contemplating a webpage she said, “You already have a blog; use it.” Smart wife.

Here is installment # 3.  I recall the words vividly from a drive up phone booth at a Delta market in Franklin, KY: “Mr. Archey, you might want to consider the sepration package because there is a possibility your position will be eliminated.” 

 

When our home lives are challenged.  Keep reading…hope the following will be more salve for the soul...from the Wildwood.

 

In John 6:63-68, we find Jesus and His disciples, some privately complaining (murmuring), some that did not believe and yet, some that did.  When Jesus asked would others go away after some had departed we see the answer of Simon Peter in verse 68, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  thou hast the words of eternal life.”  Yes, through Christ and His word we are reminded there is life in Christ and His word—the great declaration from Peter.  Today we ask Peter’s question, “Lord, to whom shall we go.” but, specifically, to Whom shall we go in times of trouble?  And yes, in this life we will have troubles.  “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1) and Jesus knew we would have troubled hearts (John 14:1, 2), but He quickly assured us HHe would be there.

            In our “To Whom shall we go” series, let’s ask “To Whom shall we go when our home lives are challenged?”

 

“MR. ARCHEY, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER THE SEPARATION PACKAGE…

            …because there is a possibility your position will be eliminated.”  Oh, I recall those words in 1997 while I was out selling and merchandising for a national company.  I had worked for them 11½ years and was fortunate to be one of their sales team’s representatives of the year three years before.  But, none of that mattered…there was an objective the company wished to achieve and I was a casualty.  Of course, I questioned the decision, but it was made, so what was one to do?

            Know the feeling?  News that challenges the home life?  Livelihoods and long time employment is taken away.  Maybe it is a rebellious child or a spouse that says, “I don’t love you anymore and I want out of this marriage.”  Regardless of what the situation is remember that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the home (Genesis 2 & 3).  Will He not direct us in His word where to go and what to do?  How can we apply what the Lord teaches us concerning challenges in our home?

1.      When you get tough news, accept it.  There it is.  It is there.  Yes, it hurts; it affects you and you think about it.  BUT, you know what you are facing...and it is time to go to work.  You are not alone…others have faced your situation and others will afterwards.  At least you know what is before you and now it is time to face it.

2.      Look for the opportunity at that moment for strength and comfort.  The “corner man” helps the boxer “heal up and refresh” for the next round.  Find that person or persons that will grant you comfort like Titus did for the Christians at Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:6). 

3.      View the change to make you better spiritually.  How many people have changed spiritually because at that moment they realized they needed Christ?  Maybe it is time to make some changes (be sure to see the end of this writing).

4.      Talk to an elder(s), preacher or even someone who has been through something similar.  However, be sure to listen what they say and apply it to your situation.  Don’t spend time telling your story over and over unless you are willing to listen and apply.

5.      Give it all the time possible…some things are not fixed overnight.  Even to the Christian, James penned “My brethren, count it al joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4). 

 

JEFF, HOW DID YOUR STORY END?

In the realm of our recent economy, sometimes change can be good.  On the way home from receiving the news of “possibly” losing my job, I saw the prettiest rainbow and said to myself, “Ah, an omen.”  As in the old country song, “If you’re ever gonna see a rainbow, you gotta stand a little rain,” I decided to view the whole thing as positive as I could, so I made plans and went from there.  I pursued work and found a great opportunity with another national company.  I returned to school and finished some work toward my preaching and ministry work.  In other words, if that change had not happened, you probably wouldn’t be reading this brochure.

Don’t view your challenge as an end…view it as a beginning.  

 

To Whom shall we go when our home lives are challenged?  The Lord has the answers for He bore the sin and heartbreak for us (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24).  Has physical news today caused you to think of your spiritual life today?  Hear the gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17; Matthew 15:10); believe what you hear for it is of necessity (Hebrews 11:6; John 3:16); respond to the command of repentance (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38); confess Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32, 33; Acts 8:37) and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) for your sins to be remitted (Acts 2:38) as they are washed away (Acts 22:16).   Baptism will put you in Christ as you put on Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-6).  You will be added to the church (Acts 2:47) as you walk faithful for our Lord (Revelation 2:10).

Contact the nearest church of Christ or contact me at the end of the tract if either of us can be of help.