Like Any Other Sunday

You may or may not have noticed, but I'm not a big fan of celebrating Mother's Day or Father's Day.  That may seem strange to some, but working with Tipton Children's Home, I am reminded every year that some people don't have happy thoughts about these days that are recognized in the world as being happy.  Actually, in the world, Mother's Day is put way far above Father's Day and dads are often bashed from pulpits all across the nation.  That's sad, too.

The thing is, some of us have wonderful mothers, some have okay mothers, some have bad mothers.  And some of us are celebrating having a mother, but others of us are mourning our mothers.  Some of us are sadly reminded of the times when we lost a child, others are reminded of the fact that they will never be a mother.  And then there are lots and lots who are celebrating their living mothers as well as the fact that they are a mother.

I want to think about those who are mourning this celebrated day, but most of all, I don't want to take the focus of worship off of who we are supposed to be celebrating as we gather for worship each week - JESUS.  HE is what we celebrate! His birth, death, and resurrection.  Thankfully, here anyway, we don't have some big celebration with lots of awards given as I've seen and heard that some places do.  I even saw a comment that one lady doesn't go to worship that day because it's too painful!  That is NOT what the church should be about - causing pain to someone else in that manner!  That makes me so sad.

In ladies class Wednesday night we talked about mourning and our ministry to others in mourning.  Here are the points I would like to share today that are especially relevant for this coming Sunday....a hard time during this time of year every year because they are missing a loved one. (Be considerate of the feelings of others. These points are from a sermon at Memorial Rd. Church (Phil Brookman) in February.)

1.Take the words “at least” and “you should” out of your vocabulary.

No one wants to hear the words “at least” when they are in grief because at that moment there is no "at least". And no one wants to hear “you should” because that doesn’t validate how they’re feeling.

2. Instead of the phrase, “Call me if” change that to “I will do”. When people are in grief we often say, “Call me if you need anything.” But rarely does that happen because when someone is in grief the last thing they want to have to do is take advantage of someone else’s to-do list, so change that to a tangible action. Decide to do something and just tell them, “I will do _____________”. I’m going to bring you a meal. Tell them what you are going to do for them.

3. When it comes to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one or friend, don’t be afraid to mention the name of the person who died because the person who is grieving is probably thinking of that person all day long. It can be very validating to that person to mention by name the loved one.

4. Just listen. Be quiet. Job said to his friends, "What miserable comforters you are!" (Job 16:2) He just wanted someone to listen to him. He knew all of the things they said to him, but just needed someone to hear him.

5. Don’t force yourself into the situation if the person doesn’t want to talk. You might not be the person that this person needs to or wants to talk to. Be available, but don’t force it.

Happy 1st Birthday!

We have five little ones in our congregation who have celebrated or will celebrate their birthdays in the past few months.  Joe and I decided it would be fun to have them a 1st birthday party all together with the church family.  The planning was spur of the moment, although we had talked about it for several months.  A circus theme fit both the four girls and the one boy, plus I had a good start on the decor from events in the past.

An aunt to one of the birthday girls decorates cakes. She did a fabulous job on this adorable circus cake!!  I didn't want to see it cut into because it was so cute!! (Ha ha!)

The hard plastic balloons are ones that helped inspire this theme.  Those balloons have been and will be used for many occasions!  What a great investment!

The circus theme is a Fisher Price brand. I ordered items from a few different places, based on available products and the best price.  The little party hats were given to each birthday girl/boy.

The older siblings enjoyed playing in this little tent as much as the birthday kids!  It was a fun addition to the party!  We also had our PTO Bounce House set up in the garage for bigger kids.

We recently closed in the back porch and it will soon be part of the kitchen area.  It sure was nice to be able to set up several tables and chairs out there!  I teased that maybe we should just leave it as an "event center"! (Tempting, but no....)

I loved the bright colors of this party!

Here's another reason I chose the circus theme - this hanging tent.  I've had this thing for many years, but it sure makes a great addition to a party!

Most of these circus supplies were from past events, as well.  I love the real looking popcorn! I first bought that as a Bible class game.  You toss the popcorn into the little cups that are stacked together on the top shelf.  It makes a great decoration, too!

Our prayer for these little one year olds is that they continue to grow up and be healthy and strong and that their families continue to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 ) We know that they will and we are thankful that they will.

What Do You Want To Be?

Growing up, I probably wanted to be a teacher in the beginning, but by second grade, I knew teaching wasn't for me.  After that, towards late elementary and early junior high, I wanted to be a fashion designer.  I liked the "in" fashions at the time, and was different than everyone else in my small town...I never, ever wore jeans, except to show my calves in 4-H and that was only because I had to.  Following the fashion designer years, I wanted to be a home economics teacher.  That was my favorite class, and even though I couldn't stand to sew and cringed at the thought of teaching it, I was willing to do it to pursue my dream.

A few year later, I began dating my husband.  I still planned to teach home ec, but the program began disappearing in Oklahoma colleges.  Only one had it, and it wasn't close to where I was going to live. I married, just went to college for the closet degree that went along with that field, and finished going a year and a half from graduation.  I've thought about going back some day, but mostly just liked to tease our daughter that I would just wait and go with her.  The funny thing is that she's more "done" right now with college than I am! Ha ha!

Deciding what to "be" when you grow up is difficult. There are so many choices! So many options! So many things to do that it's hard to even imagine.  I'm actually doing what I never realized I wanted to do when I was young - be a stay-at-home mom.  Staying "home" was definitely nothing that appealed to me. I was a "go-er".  How funny that now I'm thrilled when I do get to be home more than a day or so at a time!

Last night we heard a lesson about being a child of God vs. being a Christian.  It was actually very interesting and something I had never thought of before.  He talked about how that when we obey the Gospel, we become a child of God, but that to be a Christian means to be a follower of Christ.  I knew all of that, but think about this that he said:  We can be a child of God BUT STILL choose not to follow Christ.  We see it all of the time, actually.  One may believe, repent, confess, and be baptized, yet still not TURN away from the things of the world to follow Jesus.  WOW!  That is so true.  It is not just a one day thing.  It's an every-day-I'm-striving-to-follow-Him thing!  And if and when we fail, we don't turn away, but keep on going....striving to follow Him more closely.  When we do fail and turn away, continuing to grow further and further away from Him, that is when we are in trouble.  His grace is sufficient, but His death was worth more than just a one time commitment that it quickly forgotten.  Because He loves us so, He wants us to love Him.  And loving Him is striving to do His will.  It's striving to transform to His image.

Being a child of God and a Christian - a true Christ-follower - THAT is what we should all want to be! Nothing else in the world matters more than that decision.  No degree is more important than having our names written in the Book of Life.  No life choice is greater than deciding to dedicate your life to Him.  Living with Him in eternity is more important than any earthly destination.

What do you want to be?  I pray you want to be a child of God AND a Christian.  Faith is belief PLUS obedience.

You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:4

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

You Don't Belong Here

I once went to a community event and saw someone that I wanted to talk to. As I visited with the person, they were with a group of family members.  Although I hadn't interrupted anything, I couldn't help but feel like I was intruding.  I'm selfish with family time, myself, but this was more than that.  I also don't analyze situations or people to much, as in how they make ME feel, because I try not to think too much of ME in any situation like that. But, I just couldn't help getting the feeling, "You don't belong here."

Later, as I was visiting with someone else, I mentioned that odd feeling.  They, too, had gotten that feeling at times, from that same family.  It's probably unintentional.  Most things like that are, yet it still puts off an odd feeling vibe that makes me think.

Hmmm...."You don't belong here."

There's a wonderful song we sing.  I love the meaning and the lyrics.  It's by The Collingworth Family.

We’re part of the family

That’s been born again

Part of the family

Who’s love knows no end

For Jesus has saved us 

And made us His own

Now we’re part of the family

That’s on its way homeAnd sometimes we laugh together

Sometimes we cry

Sometimes we share together

Heartaches and sighs

Sometimes we dream together

Of how it will be

When we all get to heaven

God’s family

Using the scenario above....when I felt like I didn't belong...imagine a family visiting your worship services on a Sunday morning.  They come in and perhaps are greeted with a hello at the door, but no one else speaks to them. No one asks them to sit near them. The songs may be new and they may not recognize them.  They may not really know many people sitting in the pews.  People look at them and smile, figuring that someone else knows who they are...or they're related to them.  No one offers to take them to eat lunch. No one invites them back. No one asks anything about them.  They just kind of smile or nod and go on their way.

Now, what do you think will happen when this family gets to their car? What will they talk about on the way home?  Will they mention the unfriendly atmosphere? Will they have felt welcome? Will they feel like anyone cared?   Will they feel like I did:  You don't belong here?

Maybe in this scenario, the family wasn't yet "part of the family". Maybe they weren't Christians yet.  Would they want to be, after being in the service and not feeling a part?

You see, the way we act is important, but the way other perceive how we act may be even more important.  As we scurry around doing all we need to do as we live our lives, we must be aware of those around us. How are we appearing to them?  No, we can't make everyone happy.  We can't please them all, but let's make sure - for certain - that we aren't making anyone feel as if they don't belong.  If we do, in the spiritual sense, why would they ever want to belong?  That certainly wouldn't look like the church Jesus died for, would it?? No.  Not at all.  Jesus died for God family - where everyone is welcome.  Jesus says, "You belong here.  I will forgive any sins you have ever committed.  Come and follow me."

"Wizard of Oz" Going Away Party

Saying goodbye - especially to good friends - is never fun, but having a party is ALWAYS fun.  And this party was extra-fun because this couple (especially the wife) happens to be a HUGE "Wizard of Oz" fan!

The only person I knew that had lots of WofOz decor was my friend, so of course I couldn't ask to borrow it. I wanted the party theme to be a surprise, and it was already packed up anyway.

 For the lion's "courage", the guests at the party wrote notes of en"courage"ment to the couple.

 A "Yellow Brick Road" led the way from the entry door to the reception table.  I didn't have time to draw bricks, but my son who helped by taping down the road decided that the folds in the plastic tablecloths were brick shaped, anyway! Works for me!

After Christmas during Walmart's "day after Christmas sales", I bought some neat little plastic appetizer containers.  I used them, plus some other little plastic containers I had to make these "Over the Rainbow" Layered Jello Snacks. It took a while to do, but was totally worth the extra effort!

 I'm not sure how the kids managed to eat this tall ones, but I know they did! Maybe they had long tongues because the spoons wouldn't have gone down the skinny cylinders! Maybe they used the handle of the spoon.

 I found the Oz picture at Kirkland's! I'm so thankful I stopped by there quickly that day! The Dorothy dress is a friend's, and has been worn by many little girls over the years - even by my daughter about 15 years ago!

I saw an idea for "Melted Wicked Witch Punch", so that was really fun. I also had an antique green punch bowl that I didn't even remember I had, but fit perfectly with the punch!

 Toto's Puppy Chow is always a hit.....

 Over the Rainbow cupcakes.....

 Ruby Red Slipper Sugar Cookies....

 Munchkin Snack Mix (recipe is on my recipe blog at www.3cherrycokes.blogspot.com today)...

 The scarecrow needed something named after him so this "If I Only Had a Brain" Toffee Crunch Crockpot Candy was the perfect match....

 And these "Tin Man's Heart - Butter Cream Wafers" are my absolute favorite!

 We're going to miss you, Gray & Teresa! Thanks for your friendship and love for us and others!  May God bless you in this new endeavor!

Gray & Teresa have been houseparents at the Children's Home where my husband works. They will be houseparents at another Home and will continue to do what they do best - love and care for children. This little boy wrote the sweetest note to them. It melted my heart!  :)

Silly Soup Sunday

Every month our local church family has a fellowship together. It always has a fun and catchy title, thanks to our preacher/brother-in-law!  This month it was SILLY SOUP SUNDAY!  And we had soups.....and some silliness mixed in....just for fun!

He was a youth minister, so he's carried a lot of the fun games and activities from the youth group days to the whole congregation.  The older people here enjoy it a lot, as you can see!

 They played lots of "Minute-to-Win-It" games....very successfully, at times.  

 To play, they had to wear reindeer antlers and a Rudolph (clown) nose.  It was so much fun!

 Everyone was such a good sport for the games.  

 The young people and rest of us all cheered them on.

 Their determination to perform the game successfully was inspiring.....

 ....they completed each game/task without getting all discombobulated!!! 

 I'm not sure I could have done that!

 The cups would have been flying with me, yet each of them did their game with ease and grace.

 This fun game was a snowball toss. I had bought these for our elementary party...from Target. The buckets were numbered, making it easy to score.

 The plush snowballs were from Oriental Trading.  Hallmark sells a big bucket of them, as well. The red buckets came with ping-pong type balls that would have been fine, but the plush ones added an extra element of fun. 

 This game was the funniest of all! The four contestants had to move the piece of brownie down from their forehead to their mouth without using their hands!

No one was successful, but the winner was determined to be the one who didn't drop it, but only left it setting on her head!  Don't we have some wonderful people in our midst?! They are willing to have fun and didn't mind us laughing along at their fun.  A GREAT SILLY SOUP SUNDAY!

Why Young People Are Leaving the Church

Over the past few months there have been a lot of blog posts and articles written about why young people - or even young adults - are leaving the church.  Those reports say that where the parents are involved more than just a youth minister, the young people will stay involved. Some have said it's because of youth ministers in mega churches focus more on fun than spiritual matters, some say it's things that others have said to them, making them turn away and not come back.  Still others say that the church either needs to conform to the people to make them feel better or go the other way and get back to basics.  Some would say it has to do with the worship songs - either they don't like the older hymns or the other side who don't like the camp/youth-type songs.

The lists go on and on and on.  And some of those facts are very valid and surely may have a part in the large scale of people leaving, but I believe there is one thing that is causing people to leave the church that isn't ever on anyone's list.  COMMITMENT.  Yes, commitment.

Millions and millions of people who would claim to be "Christian" in the world today don't understand the word commitment and what it really means to be a disciple of Christ. Oh, they want Jesus.  They want salvation.  But, they just believe it to be a one time commitment (often times within the realm of a prayer they've heard is the "sinner's prayer" that has no scriptural basis of truth at all).  They say a prayer and they're done.  They are "saved".  Then it's, "Okay, let's go on with my life, and I can continue to do as I please!"  That's it.  That's the whole part of their commitment.  Even those who believe that there is more to salvation that just that prayer can do the same thing. They can decide to follow Jesus, confess Him before others, repent of sins, and have their sins washed in baptism, and come out of that "watery grave" (symbolizing Jesus' death and resurrection) to live a new life, yet never once strive to live that new life.  It was a one-time, one-day, one-moment commitment, and again, it goes back to the "all about me" mentality.  It's a self-centered commitment.  One that wants what Jesus can give, SALVATION, but one that lacks the commitment to pick up their cross and follow Him daily.

And, it's not all the fault of the young person. Most likely they were raised in a home that had the same problem with commitment issues.  Sports were placed before God and the church.  Entertainment and things in the world were focused on more than spiritual matters.  They might have "attended" worship services, but it wasn't more than a check off on the "do-to" list.  Money was spent on pleasure for the family, but not for helping those in need.  In family discussions, the church and spiritual matters weren't talked about.  Only things about their busy lives and busy schedules.  God's grace, His power and might weren't realized on a daily basis.  Sunday, for a few hours a day, was the "Jesus" time, then He was put back on the shelf until the next week.  Oh, and that was only if there wasn't something more important going on.  And don't forget the comments that happened after worship.  The attitudes of the parents and children in regards to the sermon, songs, and Bible classes is very important, as well.  Roasted preacher doesn't taste very good and certainly doesn't shed a great light on what we are doing when we worship - praising Our Heavenly Father!  And the same goes for the songs.

So what's the cure for this disease?  This non-commital problem our society has?

The ONLY cure for it is to be in complete submission to God and Jesus.  A submission that denies self and puts others before themselves.  The complete surrender of self to Him and His Kingdom.  Get the focus off of self and get it where it belongs - to Our Father in Heaven, His Son, Our Savior, and the church - the One He died for!  His bride!

Attending worship isn't the only important thing about walking the Christian life, but the attitude a person has about worshipping with his or her brothers in sisters in Christ speaks volumes about their spiritual walk.  It also shows a huge example to your children and is a big part of how young people will grow up to think about the family of God.  If parents didn't care for it why would the children grow up to care about it?  If parents just "sent" their children to Bible class, but didn't go themselves, what kind of example did it show?  If parents put other things before God and Jesus, why wouldn't their children do the same?  And if parents did talk to their children and ask them questions to make sure they understood spiritual matters, why would children think it matters?  And if parents relied on others to be the spiritual foundation for their children, why would they believe children really had a firm foundation?  But, eventually those young people are adults and can't use the excuse that they weren't taught.  Eventually they must search the scriptures and find truth on their own. Spiritually minded adults can help them in that search, but it is ultimately their choice.

Commitment.  It's a real problem.  And the busier and busier we get, the more non-commital towards God we get.  It's a choice.  It's a choice to be committed - or not.  God doesn't deal in excuses.  He only deals in truth.  And the truth is that He wants a totally committed follower.....one who puts Him above self. Always.

12 Days of Christmas

While we know that the whole idea of Christmas and it's customs is man-made, it has special significance because it is based upon the belief that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

Whether He was or not, it doesn't matter. It is celebrated as it is, and many, all over the world join in the celebration.  At least for a little while, many people are thinking about Jesus, and hopefully they'll not leave Him as a little baby and put Him back in a box when the season is over, but realize that He came to earth to live and die and be raised for each and every one of us!

I was wondering about some of the traditions of Christmas. Where did they come from? What do they mean?  I know they all have a religious significance and most all came from the Catholic church, but I wasn't sure about all of them.  I found this one particularly interesting.  It's the true meaning of the song, "12 Days of Christmas".

Passage Hidden definition My true love Me Partridge in a pear tree Two Turtle Doves Three French hens Four calling birds Five gold rings Six geese a-laying Seven swans a-swimming Eight maids a-milking Nine ladies dancing Ten lords a-leaping Eleven pipers piping Twelve drummers drumming God The Christian Jesus The old and new testaments Faith, hope and love The four gospels The first five books of the Bible The six days of creation The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit The beatitudes The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit The ten commandments The eleven faithful disciples The twelve points of the apostle creed

All of this made sense, except I had no idea what the apostle creed was, so I looked it up, as well (it's it amazing that all of this information is found right in cyberspace?  I can look up anything?  Be careful, though, not everything you read on the internet is true, you know?!) 

Here it is, though I don't believe #4 (He did take on the sin of the whole world and was separated from God, but after reading what others have written, it is not hell where He went.) and I would take the word catholic out of #9.  All the rest is what true disciples of Christ believe. 

1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:
9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
1l. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

So, the next time you hear this song, you will think of it quite differently, won't you?  I know I will!

The Story of Spoon

My husband, Joe, has a Border Collie named Spoon that is a goat herder. He lived in a pen by himself, but next to one of our son's show goats.

Spoon got plenty of exercise, running with my husband often, plus herding the goats from time to time, but lately Spoon had been getting out of his pen and coming to the house to visit.

A few weeks ago, Spoon got out and ran to over to a field that has some of our older goats, plus two Great Pyrenees goat dogs, named Ranger and Chow. Also in that field is a neighbors' horse!

So now Spoon lives with the two other dogs, two old goats, and a horse that is visiting for a while. What a neat blended family!

This story makes me smile!  The thought that Spoon wanted to live somewhere else is so interesting to me!  Spoon didn't ever live with those other goats, or the other dogs, or the horse.  But the really interesting thing is that from his pen, he couldn't even see that field!  Maybe when he got out he saw it. Maybe that's how he became interested in that other field.  Maybe he knew that was where he belonged.  It just felt right.

Now, I'm not saying if you are feeling like something is wrong in your home you should leave! Not at all!  But, let's make a spiritual application to Spoon's story.

We can think of the big, open field as the church.  The church is world-wide, established on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.  Many spend their lives searching and searching for something, yet they don't know what.  They are searching for God....for Jesus.  They want to belong to Him, but they just may not yet realize it.  When they do, they are added, by Him, to the church.  When one gives their life to Jesus, follows God with their whole heart, and becomes a part of the church, he/she feels at home, at peace, and content.

Spoon is content, apparently.  He could choose to leave.  He could go anywhere he wanted to go, and we wouldn't be able to stop him.  But most likely he won't.  Apparently he loves his home.  He didn't feel comfortable in his own life. He wanted a new life.  He has new friends.  Not friends that look just like him, but friends who apparently 'love' him and accept him, as well.

That's what the Lord's church is designed to be like, as well.  A home for forgiven sinners, who love each other, who love the church.  The new Christian has a new life.  The new Christian has a new family - their brothers and sisters in Christ.  And he/she feels comfortable because they are surrounded by that new family and because they are in a close relationship with their Heavenly Father and their Savior.

THAT story makes me smile! :)

We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sinmight be done away with,^[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 

Romans 6:2-8

Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:21-23

Who's in Charge (Part 6)

First of all, remind me to NEVER do a series of blog posts again, okay??!!  Almost every time I thought I would be able to do something, it didn't work out, and I had to change something!  It just was a good reminder that I'm really not in charge of my own life....God is!

We left off with looking at "Who's in Charge?" of the local church. We learned extensively about elders - appointed men (plural) who are to shepherd the flock - the church of Jesus Christ.

So, what about others?  What about preachers?  What about deacons?  As with everything, let's go to The Word. They are 'in charge' of the local church, but all Christians have work to do in the church for God.

Various works for children of God:

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 

Ephesians 4:11-13

Preachers proclaim the Good News:

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Romans 10:14-15

Timothy's instructions for preachers (inspired by God): 

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:  Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:1-3

Deacons are servants of God:

Early on in the New Testament church,  the "Twelve" (meaning the 12 apostles) realized that they could not do all of the Lord's work by themselves.  The widows were being neglected, so they gathered all of the disciples (followers of God - still what Christians are today...followers of God) and chose seven men from among them who would take care of this responsibility.  

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.  Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them  and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-4

Deacons must meet the following requirements:

In the same way, deacons  are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:8-1-10, 12-13

The New Testament church:

As scriptures have pointed out, the organization of the church patterned after the New Testament church is very clear. Christ is the head.  Men who serve as elders are the shepherds of the flock and are responsible for the "sheep" and the "Who's in Charge?" of the local church - the followers of Christ that meet together.  There is no one elder that is above the other, rather all are equal and unified.  Deacons are selected to help with the work of the church.  In the Bible, all of these different roles are listed only for men - not women.  God loves women.  Jesus loves women.  But women are not to be in those positions in the church.

What about Phoebe?

In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a deacon in some versions and a servant in others.  As Christians, we are ALL servants of God.  However, it is obvious that only men were selected to fill the specific duties of a deacon because of the scriptures I've listed above.  I did a lot of study about the Phoebe verse, but I'll let you research that yourself.  I don't need to repeat what they have gathered and gleaned! :)  

As a woman, I can be and am a servant of God, a teacher of His Word.  I do what I can to share the Good News.  But, as a woman, there are limitations on my role in the church according to God's Word and His Will.  That's fine with me!  In fact, as I said before in an earlier post - I'm thankful to be a woman!!  My responsibilities as homemaker, wife and mother - plus the every-important Bible teacher and spreader of the Good News is more than enough to keep me fulfilled spiritually and emotionally and physically.  

All followers of God/Jesus have a job to do!

Not everyone is cut out to teach a Bible class, but we all must teach.  It's a commandment of God.  You may not feel like you can teach a classroom full of little babies (YES!!  Baby class is awesome! Don't neglect to teach the babies!!!), but maybe you can teach a 10 year old one on one about Noah.  Maybe you wouldn't be able to teach Bible class to 2 & 3's almost 47 years like my mother-in-law (at the same place!!! And she's taught even more counting the other places.) has, but maybe you could teach VBS for a day or three or five.  You can teach!  You can teach your children, your neighbors, your grandchildren, someone at the grocery store.  And you know what, God NEEDS you to teach!  He commands you and I, as followers of Jesus, to "go and tell".  (Matthew 28:19-20

I hope you've enjoyed this study of "Who's in Charge?".  I've enjoyed writing, though as I mentioned, these kinds of posts are a lot harder and require more of my time and study (a good thing, but a time-consuming thing).  If you have any questions, comments, or thoughts about any of the subjects I've addressed, please let me know. 

"Who's in Charge?" (Part 5)

(Ladies,  I didn't mean to lie. I really didn't.  I said this would be the final post, but it just can't be! There's just too much more left (at the end) to learn about Jesus' church!  This post deals with leadership in the local church.  Have a great weekend!  I'll post more about the church next week! Lori)

Yesterday's post left off with the following truths found in God's Word:

1.  God should be the head of my life - that's His Will for me and for you - and how life works best for us.
2.  Jesus is the head of the church.

So, what about the local church?  Who is charge of the body of Christ as it related to the day to day things....worship.....finances, etc.  As with any subject we might have questions about, we should first go to God's Word.

*Elders began being appointed in the early church.

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23

*Elders (Never singular, but always plural) were to be appointed in every town. They rule the local church together.  They are a team.  No one has, or should have, authority over another.

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5

*Other names used for elder are shepherd, overseer, bishop, pastor, presbyter (from Greek word).  

17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a] which he bought with his own blood. ²⁹ I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. ³⁰ Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.

Acts 20:17, 28-30

*Not every man is qualified to be an elder.

 ⁶ An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. ⁷ Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁸ Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:6-9

*Some elders were also preachers and teachers. 

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17

* Elders may fall into temptation and need to be removed (from being an elder over the church).

 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. ²⁰ But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.²¹ I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 1 Timothy 5:19-21

* The elders (here shepherds is used) responsibility to the "flock"...the church.

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. 1 Peter 5:1-5a

* The Christian's responsibility to the elders.  Pay close attention the words submit, account, joy, burden, benefit.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. 

Hebrews 13:17

* Several years ago, one of my preacher brother-in-laws told me about prophecy in the Old Testament that had to do with elders and their shepherding duties and responsibilities.  It shows that the organization of the church was God's plan all along.

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart,who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 2:15

“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares theLord. ² Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. ³ “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. ⁴ I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:1-4

* Wow!  What a responsibility!  The Bible says that men should desire the work of an elder, meaning each man should strive to live out his life so that he might be considered to be an elder.  Honestly, I'm thankful I'm a woman!! :) (smile)   Really, we should all strive to follow God's Word no matter our gender, and we will all give an account to God for our lives, but shepherding the flock?  That's an awesome and humbling God-given responsibility.  Pray for the elders/shepherds of your flock and strive to not be a burden to them.

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.⁴ He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full^[a] respect. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 

1 Peter 1-7