A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 3 NO. 24                                           August 7, 2006

“BIBLE CLASSES”

BY STEVE NIEMEIER

One of the most frequent questions that I am asked is concerning Bible classes.  Usually it is asked in this manner, “Do you think it is wrong to miss Bible classes?”  Just the question itself lends itself to the answer.  Why is it that anyone would want to find an excuse for not getting together and study God's word?

Here at Greenwood we have a sizeable number of our members who do not attend Sunday morning Bible Study nor Wednesday evening Bible Study.  On Wednesday evening we do have some who are at work.  However, the point is that some just don't come because they do not want to come and study God's word with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Is this wrong?  The writer of Hebrews was inspired to write in Hebrews 10:25 about forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.  Is the Bible Study an assembling?  Also, this same writer states in Hebrews 10:26 that one who sins wilfully no longer has a sacrifice for sin.  Is it a willful sin to forsake one or more assembling of ourselves together?

This question carries more significance than the importance of attending a regularly scheduled Bible Study of the saints here at Greenwood.  This question carries weight of our attitude toward God and His Word.  Are we just trying to get by coming to the Sunday morning worship period and taking the Lord's Supper?  What does that say abourt our dedication, commitment and love for our Lord?  Is that all that we expected out of Him---a part time Savior?

TODAY'S LESSON

We will be continuing our thoughts about the type of attitude we are to have as we do the Lord's work.  Today we are basing the lesson on Ephesians 4:1-3 which states “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling:”

Paul is doing the writing and he continues the theme of encouraging those in Ephesus by explaining the mystery of the gospel and that we should walk in unity.  Walking in unity starts with the type of attitude that we have.  Many have attitudes which hinder their walking in unity.  Paul clearly states that we are to walk worthy of our calling with which you were called.

As I grow older I am becoming more enlightened to what Paul means.  There are many things of this world that will challenge our attitudes of our calling and our walking according to that calling.  Young people are taught that the teen-age years are very hard and some (including myself) refer to them as the “exploratory years.”  Then we have the young man or woman who struggles to find the right mate.  This is a very tough time in their life.  There is the young married couple with small children who are trying to get themselves established and dealing with raising young children.  The middle ageds are in their peak earning years and looking to “move up” socially and economically.  The older ones are trying to figure out if they have done enough to take care of themselves in retirement and will they have to have professional help medically.  Everyday life can create detrimental attitudes.

In all phases of our lives we can be consumed with attitudes that take us away from serving God as He commands us to.  Our lesson today is designed to help us have the proper attitude towards ourselves and toward God as we strive to serve Him in walking worthy of our calling.

“WHAT DO THEY SEE?”

BY STEVE NIEMEIER

Jesus stated in Matthew 13:13, “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hering they do not hear, nor do they understand.”  Have you ever looked at something but never really see what you are looking at?

Jesus stated that many will not see what they are seeing and will not hear what they are hearing.  That seems strange doesn't it?  The other day I was in a store and saw the type of aftershave and cologne that I wear on sale.  I looked and “saw” that it was 2 for $29.99!  I thought that was a great deal so I picked up two and went to the check out line.  The cashier rang up myh sale and told me it was going to be $63.58.  I proceeded to explain to her that the sign said 2 for $29.99 and that she had rung them up wrong.  She asked me where I got them and I pointed and she went back there and brought me the sign.  It stated in big bold letters LIMIT 2 --- $29.99 EACH!  I obviously did not see what I had seen.

When others look at us what do we want them to see?  Do we want them to see who we really are or do we want them to see what we want them to think we are?  Many talk, dress and even act very humble and meek in front of people especially their brothers and sisters in Christ.  However, they are not what they appear in their “non Sunday” life.  Some are so arrogant that they blatantly miss services and will tell their brothers and sisters in Christ they went to a sporting event, a circus, just couldn't get up, was too tired or just plain did not want to come!  Then get offended because others see them for what they are and try to uplift them by trying to talk with them about their weaknesses.

What does Jesus see when he sees us?  This is a penetrating thought isn't it?  Jesus saw His disciple Judas betray Him.  He saw His good friend and disciple Peter deny Him.  He saw His hand chosen disciples forsake Him.  What does He see when He sees me?

I need to see what Jesus wants me to see and I need to hear what He wants me to hear.  He sees me and hears me for what I really am and not what I want others to think I am.