What’s New | church of Christ | Assembling At 4730 Sharon Copley Road

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

It seems that virtually everyone has a Facebook account these days. Even my grandmother has one! For me, it has proven to be a useful tool for staying in touch with friends and family, sharing memories, sharing spiritual thoughts, and keeping up with current events. Sadly, as with most things, Facebook (and other social media outlets) is also used in ways that are less than appropriate…to say the least! While Facebook is used by some to stalk, scam, intimidate, and/or spew hatred, I want us to think about another dangerous way that some people are using it…as a mask.

I recently read a very good article by Max Dawson (which you can read here) in which he talks about the thorny soil described by Jesus in His parable of the sower (Matthew 13). The main point that Mr. Dawson brought out in his article is that the thorny soil is the most dangerous because it represents a Christian who is, by all exterior measures, living faithfully. In reality, though, they are choked by the cares of this world. In other words, they are most concerned with themselves (i.e. what appeals to their eyes, body, and ego – cf. 1 John 2:15-17).

The Bible warns us repeatedly against the danger of being a Christian “in name only.” One of the things that has always been remarkable to me about the final judgment scene that Jesus describes in Matthew 25 is that those who are labeled “goats” are condemned not for being murderers, adulterers, thieves, or idol worshipers (cf. Revelation 21:8), but for failing to actually do what Christ had called them to do; namely: loving their neighbors as themselves (cf. Matthew 22:34-40). What about you? What about me? Are we just pretending or are we truly walking in the footsteps of the Lord?

Is the person we portray ourselves to be on Facebook who we truly are?

Ask yourself…

Do I apply God’s word to my everyday life and use it to guide my thoughts, meditations, and decisions OR do I just post Bible verses on my page so that others will perceive me to be religious?
Do I pause and pray when I come across a friend’s post about a difficult situation they are experiencing OR do I type “praying” and then continue to scroll through my feed and forget all about their problems?
Do I engage in conversations with people I meet from day to day regarding spiritual things OR do I limit any spiritual talk to comments and “likes” online?
Do I legitimately look for opportunities to show love to those who need it OR do I only “share” articles about how important and appropriate such things are and hope others will put such advice into practice?
Do I keep my own good accomplishments to myself OR do I look for good things to do only for the purpose of letting my right hand declare on Facebook how amazingly holy my left hand truly is so that I can relish in the “likes” and “loves?”
Do I truly love God OR do I like the attention and sense of status I feel when others perceive me to love God?

Do you match up with the person that everyone sees on Facebook? If Facebook didn’t exist, would anyone even know that you believe in God or consider yourself to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ?

When you see Jesus face to face on the final day, will you be among those saying “Lord, Lord, have we not ‘liked’ in Your name, typed ‘praying for you’ in Your name, and shared many religious posts in Your name?”

Does He know you?

If every moment of your life were captured as a Facebook post…how many “likes” and “shares” would He give you?

In conclusion, let me clarify that “liking” and “sharing” religious posts on Facebook is not, in any way, intrinsically bad. In fact, if done for the right reasons, I think it is a very positive and useful thing to do! But, if we are just “playing Christian” on Facebook and living for ourselves in real life, then we need to make some serious changes! Remember that even the devil quoted Scripture when he tempted Christ in the wilderness (Luke 4). Even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19)! Let us all make sure that we are who we claim to be. It is the truth that will set us free (John 8:32)!

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

The Boogeyman

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Encouragement, Food for Thought | Comments Off

25October2016

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

The idea of being stalked is something that is often joked about (i.e. I’m totally stalking your Facebook right now), but, in reality, is truly terrifying. The idea that someone is out there lurking…watching…plotting against you…waiting for the right moment to strike unexpectedly…is not one that any of us in our right minds would perceive as pleasant. Yet…

Satan is watching you right now. He’s plotting. He’s waiting for the perfect opportunity to devour your soul.

Happy Halloween, right?

As alarming as this may be to contemplate, it is a necessary contemplation. How can we take steps to be prepared if we are unaware that such a threat exists! As Jesus stated in Luke 12:39, “if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.”

It is very important that we realize the fact that, at any given time, we are all just one choice away from sinning against our Lord (James 1:14-15). We are always one wrong move away from getting snatched by the boogeyman!

We are at each moment…

…one click from casting our eyes upon things which are vile and filthy.

…one turn from driving down a road which will lead us somewhere we know we shouldn’t be.

…one word from causing hurt and pain in the heart of another.

…one laugh from condoning sick thoughts that others have made into a joke.

…one hesitation from failing to show the love of Christ to someone who needed it.

Satan is watching…waiting…lurking…just outside the door.

God, however, does not want us to fear, He wants us to be prepared and to be confident in His power to deliver and protect us! Paul stated in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” In Genesis 4:7, God spoke to Cain and posed the question: “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” God wants us to rule over sin by “doing what is accepted.” The key to overcoming evil is by engaging in that which is good! (Romans 12:21)

Despite the lurking enemy, God wants us to realize that…

When He is for us, no one can stand against us and prevail (Romans 8:31)
He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6)
With Him, we can overcome ALL temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13)
If we submit and draw near to Him, the dark one will flee (James 4:7-8)
In the end, He wins (Revelation 20:10)

Despite what your parents told you as a child, the boogeyman is real. But, if we are found in the Lord (Galatians 3:26-27) and equipped with His armor (Ephesians 6:10-18), then we do not have to be fearful. We can be confident in our King’s ability to deliver us from every temptation.

The only way to dispel the darkness and that which hides therein is to expose it with the Light. Jesus said that He is the light of the world.

‘Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”’ (John 8:12)

Are you walking with Him?

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)

Please Pass the Salt

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Food for Thought, Purpose | Comments Off

7October2016

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (Matthew 5:13)

Salt is used primarily for two purposes:

To season i.e. enhance the taste/flavor of food
To preserve

Disciples of Christ are called to be the salt of the earth. In other words, we are called to enhance and preserve humanity which is created in the very image of God (Genesis 2:26).

We enhance life under the sun when we emulate our Lord and Savior. When we love others by being kind, showing compassion, and being forgiving, we bring light to a world plagued by darkness.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

We preserve humanity by teaching and upholding the truth. The truth preserves souls from corruption. It prevents men and woman from wandering into that which maims and destroys (1 Peter 5:8).

“Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” (John 8:51 cf. Romans 6:23)

In order for salt to be useful, it has to be in the proper form. A big chunk of salt is not useful for seasoning or preserving. Interestingly enough, Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt when she decided to disobey God’s instructions when fleeing from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

“But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26 cf. vs. 17)

It is not enough, then, to simply become a child of God (Galatians 3:26-27) just as salt, in the wrong format, will prove useless. We must live faithfully! We must “break up” self and learn to put others first.

“For he who lacks these things [virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love – vs. 5-8] is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” (2 Peter 1:9)

Christian, the world, whether it wants to admit it or not, needs you today. Your co-worker, neighbor, friend, or family member is asking “please, pass the salt.” Will you enhance the life of someone today by demonstrating the love of Christ? Will you seek to preserve someone’s soul from destruction by sharing with them the truth of the gospel?

“…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)

Don’t lose your savor by becoming distracted with the things of the world. Don’t become a pillar of salt by disobeying your Father’s commands.

Before You Post That Comment…

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes, Food for Thought | Comments Off

2June2016

We have all been there. You post something on Facebook only to have it ruined by someone’s rude, ill-timed, or off-the-wall comment. As you peruse social media today, consider the following wisdom-inspired questions before you respond to someone’s post(s)…

Will my comment generate strife?

Perhaps you have a different point of view? Perhaps the person is misinformed? Regardless, we must be careful as to how we go about “correcting” others and/or expressing a difference of opinion. Too often, especially as it pertains to spiritually-geared posts, I have witnessed a comments section turn into an all-out war as various opinions are “thrown into the ring.” If a person is expressing or promoting error, perhaps it is best to go to them directly?

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)

If you do post a differing opinion or are seeking to correct someone who has posted something that is inaccurate or sinful, be sure that you do so in a spirit of love! Be gentle and be humble.

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

Will my comment allow Christ’s light to shine or hide it under a bushel?

If I say this, will it reflect my identity in Christ? If I say this, how will it reflect upon the church of which I’m a member? Will my argumentative spirit or poor choice of words cause non-Christians to conclude they want nothing to do with Christianity, or will my love-driven response leave a positive impression as it relates to those who call themselves Christians?

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:5-6)

Am I meddling?

Is this person asking for advice or am I offering unwelcome input? We all know the best way to do it don’t we? As Solomon wrote, though, there is a time and a place for everything…even advice! (Ecclesiastes 4:1-8)

“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” (Proverbs 26:17)

Will this come across as rude?

It might? Then it is probably best to keep it to yourself! Did they mispel a word? (See what I did there?) Does that shirt really clash with those pants? That is all well and good, but leaving such nuggets of truth in a comment is probably going to do nothing more than hurt the person’s feelings. Remember that we are instructed to treat each other the way we would like to be treated. (Matthew 7:12) Consider the way love behaves…

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Am I the edifier or the edifiee?

Yes, Grammer Police, I am aware that “edifiee” is not technically a word. Did you read the previous point? 🙂

Sometimes we read a person’s post and think, “Wow, what a stupid thing to do! I would never do that!” But then, we actually type such thoughts into a comment so as to impress the world with how much better we are than this simpleton. Or, instead of degrading the person, we resort to one-upping them. “What a great accomplishment! I did the same thing in half the time it took you!” …Yippie? As Christians, we are tasked with building each other up and rejoicing with each other, not inflating ourselves and being filled with envy.

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19)

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Remember, friends, that the tongue, as described by James, is a fire! (James 3:6) We can do a lot of harm if we are not careful. Let’s make sure that we are living up to that glorious name by which we are called; the name of Christ!

“By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)

Opposing Ourselves

Posted by Devin Roush in Food for Thought, Obedience, Salvation | Comments Off

13May2016

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

Are you opposing yourself? One certainly would not do so on purpose, but the truth is that many people today are opposing themselves without even realizing it. How does this happen? It happens when we are ensnared or taken captive by our adversary. In other words, when we sin.

Sin, of course, is a transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). We sin when we give in to selfish desires (James 1:13-15). The snare of the devil is three-fold: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17; Genesis 3:1-6).

Those who set a snare do not make such apparent. They camouflage it. They make it look safe and appealing for their intended prey. A fisherman, for example, does not just cast a shiny metal hook into the water and hope that a fish decides it looks tasty. He or she disguises the hook with bait or some kind of lure. So it is with Satan. He presents us with things that look innocent and appealing (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Sin, however, when it is finished, brings forth death (James 1:15; Romans 6:23). Spiritual death, that is. A separation from God. A severance of our relationship with Him (Isaiah 59:1-2). When one is in such a condition, they are destined for eternal separation from God; an eternity in hell fire (Revelation 21:8).

People lie to get ahead or avoid getting into trouble. They consider their career and the “almighty dollar” as of greater value than time with their spouse and/or children. People get drunk and have sex because it feels good and lets them blend in with their peers or forget about their problems. People render evil for evil because it gives them a sense of satisfaction. You see, people do all manner of things that seem right and good to them, but if God says such things are sinful, what they feel is good is actually bad! What seems to be beneficial is actually detrimental. They are opposing themselves by jeopardizing their soul’s eternal destiny (Mark 8:36-37).

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

“Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird; But they [sinners – vs. 10] lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives.” (Proverbs 1:17-18)

Jesus said that whoever commits sin is a slave of sin (John 8:24), but we do not have to remain in such a lost condition (Romans 3:23). Because of Christ’s sacrifice, you and I can escape sin’s penalty. His death satisfies our debt (Isaiah 53:11; 1 Peter 2:24). When we obey Christ’s instructions by believing in Him, confessing Him, repenting of our past life of opposition to self and God, and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, we can break free and have hope of eternal life (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:36-38; Romans 10:10; Hebrews 5:9)!

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” (Romans 6:3-6)

Are you opposing yourself? It is a question we all must answer. It is a condition that only Jesus can remedy (John 14:6).

Fall 2019 Singing

Medina County Fair Booth 2019

Join us for Worship tonight at 6pm

2019 Medina County Fair Booth

Sermon Audio from July 14th. 2019

Are you a Facebook Christian?

The Boogeyman

Please Pass the Salt

Before You Post That Comment…

Opposing Ourselves

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Meta

Categories