ANDERSON CHURCH OF CHRIST
HOME | BIBLE CLASS | BULLETINS | MINISTER | OUR MEETINGS | PROGRAM | SERMONS
|
ANDERSON CHURCH OF CHRIST HOME | BIBLE CLASS | BULLETINS | MINISTER | OUR MEETINGS | PROGRAM | SERMONS |
|
|
The Time For Change by Carl McMurray
In the autobiography of Barton W. Stone, he records events surrounding the Cane Ridge Meeting in Kentucky in 1801. He speaks of the roads being crowded with people attending and how that the only reason it broke up after a week was because there was not enough food in the area to serve such a crowd for long. He also speaks of how many left the denominations for the sweet unity of being just Christians. He describes them as receiving the Holy Spirit by means of jerking, falling, running, laughing, and a peculiar singing that issued from the chest rather than from humming or using the mouth or nostrils.
These were our brethren in the 19th century, bound to leave the denominations of men and become just simple New Testament Christians. As we have learned and grown over the last 200 years we have changed from such emotionalistic responses to the gospel, to a more accurate and biblical and obedient response. Shall we quit now? Have we arrived, or is there more to learn? More to change in order to come into closer obedience to what our Father asks of us? Be careful how you answer that.
You see, if we have NOT arrived... if we are still growing... if we have more course corrections in front of us, then that must mean that we are NOT all knowledgeable right now. We must be doing something not quite right, at the present. What is it, you ask? If I knew I would be changing already. To find this out we are going to have to continue to study. Not studying just to confirm where we are, but studying with an open mind and heart to see where we’re going. Are you ready for that? Ready to examine what you already believe to be the truth just to make sure it is biblical and commanded of God?
As this new year begins for us let us all go forward with the spirit of the restoration. Is our worship acceptable? Is our zeal for good works from a heart of mercy? Is our commitment to our families running at top level? Are we excelling in our love for one another? Are we giving to the kingdom of time, effort, and money liberally? Is it time for change?
I’m not much for resolutions. But one resolution that stands up at all times of the year is the when we resolve to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart, soul, spirit, and mind. Let us all resolve to do that this week, this month, and this year. Let’s resolve to honestly look into our lives and see what changes need to be made to bring us closer to being like our example, Jesus, the Christ. Let’s resolve to love our brethren and help them to do the same. And if you want to jerk, or run, or laugh as you do, well, that’s okay but it’s not necessary. God will respect and honor your resolutions to serve him. |
