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Belonging Archives - B. Thomas Free Bulletin Articles https://beethomas.com/tag/belonging/ Simple Solutions, Free Bulletin Articles and Free Website Content Wed, 17 May 2017 00:46:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 Genealogy – Does it Matter? https://beethomas.com/genealogy-does-it-matter/ Sat, 13 May 2017 02:28:36 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1285 Reading through the first four books of the New Testament is difficult at times. My wife and I are embarking on this journey again this month. I encourage you to do the same. In doing so, one of the more difficult readings is the first chapter of Matthew. When I was in preaching school someone asked a professor if the genealogy of Jesus could be skipped since it wasn’t that important. You can imagine his answer...

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Matthew 1

Reading through the first four books of the New Testament is difficult at times. My wife and I are embarking on this journey again this month. I encourage you to do the same. In doing so, one of the more difficult readings is the first chapter of Matthew. When I was in preaching school someone asked a professor if the genealogy of Jesus could be skipped since it wasn’t that important. That professor almost had a cow. One of the most amazing things found in the genealogy of Jesus is that Rahab, a gentile prostitute is found to be an ancestor of Jesus. For His purpose, God has used people in the redemptive story of Jesus Christ that we today would never have thought of using. Any one we look at today, no matter how undesirable they may seem, is valuable to God and can be used by Him to accomplish His purpose. God can do as he sees fit and sees fit to love everyone.

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]]> Can’t We All Just Get Along? https://beethomas.com/cant-just-get-along/ Sat, 13 May 2017 01:29:04 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1263 There are different types of people in every collective group. These groups may consist of school students, church members, or employees. Everyone within these groups won’t think alike. How do those differences affect the objectives for each group, learning, worshiping God, or completing the mission of the employer? Such differences can cause trouble.

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Romans 14

There are different types of people in every collective group. These groups may consist of school students, church members, or employees. Everyone within these groups won’t think alike. How do those differences affect the objectives for each group, learning, worshiping God, or completing the mission of the employer? Such differences can cause trouble. One type of people may believe themselves to be better than others; this was the case in the Roman church in the mid-first century.

There were two types of people in the Roman church, the weak and the strong. The “weak” were those Christians from a Jewish background who thought it was sinful to eat certain foods. These Jewish Christians also held some days to be more important than others. The “strong” were mostly Christians from a non-Jewish background and some of the more progressive minded Jewish Christians. These Christians thought all foods were clean and that all days were equal. The idea is that one type of Christian thought there was more freedom found through Christ and the other group thought that there was less freedom and felt bound by some traditions. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Paul spends Romans 14 talking to both these types of people. Paul specifically states in Romans 14:3 that both types of people should treat the other with respect. He goes on to say in Romans 14:7 that none of us live for ourselves but for God. Paul is saying that each Christian, whether “weak” or “strong” should put God and his desire first. The people of God should do all they can to accomplish God’s desires above their own. What is God’s desire? He wants people to come back to him. Look at Luke 15 and those wonderful stories. Look at 2 Peter 3:9 and God’s desire that everyone go to Heaven. We should do all we can to help God’s will happen. Sometimes, helping God’s will to happen in regards to unchurched people means becoming a bit uncomfortable with our methods. If I step outside my comfort zone to win some for Christ, then let God be praised. Paul said the same in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Six times in that passage he says he changed his ways in order that he may win some to Christ. That’s what it’s all about folks, winning people for Christ.

The non-technical term for insanity is: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If doing church like the 1950s doesn’t exactly have our never churched friends and relatives banging down the doors to our congregations, then maybe something has to change. Maybe we need to offer what the people want in regards to closer personal relationships through small groups. Maybe we need to worship in the heart language of the people we are trying to reach. Maybe we just need to be led by God’s desire and Paul’s desire to reach out to people who don’t intimately know our savior Jesus Christ. Maybe we just need to get back to the Bible and do God’s will.

Romans 14:13-15 has often been misinterpreted in order to keep anything from changing in our churches. In the original language, the words “stumbling block” and “obstacle” refer to something that keeps people from the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. An “obstacle” or “stumbling block” is something that trips someone up and causes them to stay away from or fall away totally from Christianity. The idea in Romans 14:15 which states that we shouldn’t cause our brother “pain, offense, or distress” is speaking to the “strong” which were looking down on the “weak” to the point of forcing them to do something against their conscience. Then later in that verse, Paul says not to do anything to “destroy” your brothers and sisters. Here again is a reinforcement of the idea that Paul’s concern is the spiritual destruction of our fellow Christians. This passage should never be taken out of its context. It should not be used to keep any change from ever taking place. This passage should be used to keep people from treating others with disrespect and with actions that can endanger one’s soul. Let us always look at the correct context of passages.

My plea is that we open our minds and hearts, maybe even just a few millimeters, in order to accomplish the will of God. The “weak” and “strong” together, can help rid our communities of hopelessness! And remember, God loves both the “strong” and the “weak.” Now excuse me as I step down from my soapbox.

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]]> How Beautiful – Free Church Bulletin Article https://beethomas.com/beautiful-free-church-bulletin-article/ Fri, 12 May 2017 15:58:15 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1227 My recent trip to Kansas this past weekend helped cement the point of Ecclesiastes 3:11 in my mind. There is a lot of beauty between Dallas and Wichita (really, there is). I like the open prairie and I was able to see all of it.

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:11

My recent trip to Kansas this past weekend helped cement the point of Ecclesiastes 3:11 in my mind. There is a lot of beauty between Dallas and Wichita (really, there is). I like the open prairie and I was able to see all of it. Then there were the good people I visited with in Norwich. I experienced good conversations and I was shown the kindest hospitality. All in all, I witnessed a lot of beauty this past weekend in a small Kansas town. On my way back, I saw old friends in Oklahoma whom I treasure. God has indeed made everything beautiful, not just land, but people and valued relationships. I ask you today, what has God made beautiful in your life? Is it a place you like to visit or a person you like to talk with? Take time today to think about the “beautiful” which God has made for you.

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]]> Zach’s House – Church Bulletin Article https://beethomas.com/zachs-house-church-bulletin-article/ Fri, 12 May 2017 15:40:39 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1221 Zacchaeus was a wee little man. If being short is considered a problem, it was the smallest of his problems. He worked for the Roman government as a tax collector and he cheated the people. Even with these problems, he was interested in Jesus and Jesus was interested in him.

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus was a wee little man. If being short is considered a problem, it was the smallest of his problems. He worked for the Roman government as a tax collector and he cheated the people. Even with these problems, he was interested in Jesus and Jesus was interested in him. But the people watching his incident in the sycamore tree and Jesus’ interaction with him were a little upset. They said “…What business does he (Jesus) have getting cozy with this crook?” (Luke 19:7 -The Message). Other Bible versions simply call Zacchaeus a sinner.

What right did Jesus have to eat at Zack’s house? All the people there would be sinners. Jesus answers this objection with the claim, “For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.” It’s a good thing Jesus would eat with sinners. There weren’t any other kind of people in Jesus’ day. There were folks who thought they were perfect, but they weren’t.

It’s sort of like today. We’ve got people in this world that think Jesus isn’t interested in them because of some extremely judgmental church experience. Some think Jesus wouldn’t want them because of how the media portrays all Christians, you know, as hypocrites. I sit here today and say it’s untrue. There are plenty of Christians who love and accept people no matter their status or lack thereof. Jesus did this and I see this as a growing trend in the Christian world. More and more congregations are modeling themselves after Zach’s house than as a sanctuary for perfect people.

You’re right, this idea of loving people no matter what hasn’t always been the case, but I sense a change is coming.

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]]> Suggestion-Free Church Bulletin Articles https://beethomas.com/suggestion-free-church-bulletin-articles/ Tue, 25 Apr 2017 20:43:01 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1176 When I was young, one of my favorite Bible verses was John 3:16. Not until twenty-five years later did I even know what was said in the following verse. I now see that John 3:17 is probably more popular among our younger generations than John 3:16. The reason for this, is because it fits a popular worldview today.

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: John 3:16-17

When I was young, one of my favorite Bible verses was John 3:16. Not until twenty-five years later did I even know what was said in the following verse. I now see that John 3:17 is probably more popular among our younger generations than John 3:16. The reason for this, is because it fits a popular worldview today. This worldview is one of tolerance and political correctness. As I stated last week, there is a problem that needs to be fixed. No one wants to be told that the only way to get to heaven is through Jesus. Saying that there is only one way to get to any location (especially heaven) is now considered intolerant and shallow minded.

A generation or two ago, the words of Jesus Loves Me were sometimes enough to convince someone to become a Christian. That is no longer the case. This generation is not falling in line behind Jesus, ready to follow, because someone tells them that Jesus loves them. There are teens, young adults, even older adults now talking back to the church, yelling at God. If the congregation you attend is doing the same things as they always have, and their attendance and spiritual growth of the congregation is declining, don’t expect to get a different result. I once heard a definition of insanity as, “doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.”

In doing things different, I do not mean singing different songs; although in certain locations it might be helpful to add a song from the late 20th century to the repertoire. What I am really speaking about is connecting with people, making God real for this generation, being a serving and sincere Christian to those around you. This new generation wants to see sincere Christianity, or relationship oriented Christianity.

People are tired of being judged. John 3:17 says this about our savior, “God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him (NCV).” Jesus’ job was not just to judge, but to save. There are generations itching for Jesus today, but they don’t want the condemnation that often comes with church attendance. This doesn’t mean not calling a sin a sin. But it does mean loving both types of people on the front pew, the 50 year old lady with pierced ears, and the 17 year old girl with a pierced nose, eyebrows, or tongue. Instead of judging who a person is by their piercings, we should rejoice in the savior they have in common, the savior of this world who suffered his own piercings. *

People are not the same today as they used to be. We need to take this into account or we may lose an entire generation. Small groups where people can connect, dynamic young adult classes, more life application in our sermons, and sincere long lasting friendships are a must in the church of today.

We can never change the gospel of Christ. We shall never stop preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. But we must get back to the bedrock of the 1st century church. The church of the 1st century was one centered on relationships and fellowship (Ac.2:42-47); mentoring leadership (2 Tim 2:2) , and love (I Jn 3:11; Col. 3:14) . It was in the context of these aspects, that the message of Christ was spread throughout the world.

* A paraphrase of Prof. Randy Harris, Feb. 25, 2005 keynote lecture at ACU lectures.

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]]> Healing Through Listening https://beethomas.com/healing-through-listening/ Mon, 24 Apr 2017 01:38:14 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1151 “I could feel her listening with all her heart … and it felt good.” That may be a paraphrase but those or similar words came from the main character in the movie “Because of Winn-Dixie.” Listening is so very important, are you a good listener? You should be.

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free church Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Matthew 4:23

“I could feel her listening with all her heart … and it felt good.” That may be a paraphrase but those or similar words came from the main character in the movie “Because of Winn-Dixie.”

The little girl (sorry, I don’t remember her name) in “Because of Winn-Dixie” was telling a character named Cloe all about her self. She had wanted to tell someone all about herself for a long time and now was her chance. She talked and talked to Cloe and as she emptied her soul to this new friend, she felt good. Read those words again that were spoken as narration during the scene, “I could feel her listening with all her heart … and it felt good.”

It feels good to have people listening to us. Sometimes just a sincere listen from an interested individual is all it takes to heal. Jesus healed. As seen in our verse for today, it was part of his three fold mission on earth, teaching, preaching the good news, and healing. While I personally don’t subscribe to the idea that men can miraculously heal others today like televangelists claim; I do believe that others can be healed emotionally and maybe even physically (lower blood pressure, etc) by our care, concern, and our listening ears. Look what listening did for that girl in the movie (please email me the name of that little girl if you know it.) Cloe listened with all her heart. That’s so hard for us to do sometimes. God gave us ears, but we need a bit more to really listen to others. We need hearts full of love and mercy. I think God loves a really great listener.

If we really think about Jesus’ three fold mission of teaching, preaching the good news, and healing, we as the church (Christians) should be continuing his mission. We most likely never think that we can heal others but we can. Let us all put a little more effort into listening. It will please others and it will please God.

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]]> How Do You Learn? – Free Bulletin Articles https://beethomas.com/learn-free-bulletin-articles/ Mon, 24 Apr 2017 01:24:40 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1141 I praise God for making us all different. How boring would life be if we were all the same? Unfortunately, our differences make it harder to teach when each person in a group is most likely a different type of learner.

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Acts 17:16-34

I praise God for making us all different. How boring would life be if we were all the same? Unfortunately, our differences make it harder to teach when each person in a group is most likely a different type of learner.

Whether a person is teaching Biology or the Bible, each group of people is made up of different types of learners. There are visual learners who find it easier to take in new information through pictures, diagrams, charts and films. There are auditory learners who like to learn things verbally and specifically like hearing seminars and presentations. Finally there are kinesthetic learners that find it easier to take in new information through copying demonstrations and getting physically involved.

Which one are you? If you’re over 50, you are most likely an auditory learner, someone who likes to take in information via simple presentations and seminars. If you are in your 30s or below, you are most likely a visual learner, preferring video, charts, diagrams, and other pictures. As for kinesthetic learners, let me know who you are.

We seem to have a culture clash of visual vs. auditory learners. Society has a lot to do with these differences in learning styles. Television, DVDs, video games, and computers are changing this world, and especially the way younger generations learn. Is this bad? Is this good? Learning is still going to happen, that’s what matters.

Paul, speaking to the philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:22-34) took lines from pagan poets to get to his teaching about God. It’s amazing that God can take pagan poetry and use it through Paul to reach pagan philosophers. Paul was rejected by the majority, but some men joined him and believed. Paul took what he had to work with. He had pagans in front of him and he used pagan poets to get to his point. We should learn from his example.

In our churches, we shouldn’t force senior citizens to watch videos for Bible lessons, because most likely they are auditory not visual learners. The same can be said for younger individuals, they are most likely visual and more relationship oriented learners. Seminars, simple verbal presentations, and learning in large groups may not be attractive to them. Since God said he wants all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), we should do what we can to reach all the people. However, this won’t happen until we recognize our God-given differences.

Praise God for how we are made! We are made differently. Anyone with more than one child understands that.

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