Yesterday we started a series on Ecclesisastes. Solomon has so much wisdom for all of us. He has already lived a life of excess and tells us the results so the rest of us really have no excuse.
Be Satisfied
A study of Ecclesiastes
Matthew Sullivan
Shoals Christian Church
June 5th Is life Worth Living?
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3
June 12th Looking for Meaning
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
July 3rd Looking for Fulfillment
Ecclesiastes 2:1-26
July 10th Double, Double Toil and Trouble
Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
July 17th Life isn’t fair
Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
July 31st Who are you Robbing?
Ecclesiastes 5:1-20
August 7th Staring at a Dead End
Ecclesiastes 6:1-12
August 14th What’s better than Wisdom?
Ecclesiastes 7:1-29
August 21st Think About it?
Ecclesiastes 8:1-17
August 28th How to meet the final enemy
Ecclesiastes 9:1-18
September 4th Folly is foolish
Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
September 11th In Conclusion
Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14
Monday, June 06, 2011
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Just Plain Bob
My heart, like many others, has been saddened this week at the news that a preacher, teacher, Mentor, and friend, Bob Lowery has come to the end of his journey. I first met him as the minister at the Villa Grove Christian Church when I presided at the funeral of Marilyn's, Bob's wife, Grandmother. I was intimidated when he walked in. My first thought was Dr.Lowery should be preaching this funeral. Afterwards he shook my hand and thanked me for my ministry to the family.
However, it was not long before Dr. Lowery became Bob. I soon found out that this man who's passion was teaching God's word, was just a man. He was humble and grateful that God would allow him the privilege of teaching and preaching His word.
Now, several years later I have the privilege to do the same thing at Louisville Bible College. Every lesson I work on, every student I try and help, every time I read a book for the second time I am impacted by this man who will forever live on in me and in so many other grateful students.
Bob, I love you and thank God for what you have done in my life. As so many leave, my question is always the same. Who will step up? I know we will and that is when Bob will be forever honored.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Low Expectations
Over the last few years I have made a decision about Churches. Our Expectations of the people that sit in the pew is too low. In most churches, membership requires little more than a public declaration of faith and a quick trip through the baptistery. After meeting these requirements, members hear vague notions about being involved in stewardship, discipleship, and service.
But usually, there are no consequences for members who rarely attend or participate in anything. The Rotary will kick you out if you don’t attend meetings or pay your dues, but many churches won’t even communicate specific expectations, much less establish consequences if those expectations are not met.
Perhaps we are cheating church members.
We assume that most church members won’t evangelize, so we’re happy to stick with the very few who understand the mandate.
We assume that most church members will not get involved in a demanding Bible study, so we water down our teaching to appeal to the masses.
We assume that many church members will never tithe or give of their time in service to the community for the glory of our King, so we budget accordingly.
At best, we hope that people will act on our suggestions.
Our churches don’t know what they’re missing:
The thrill of leading someone to Christ.
The excitement of discovering God within the pages of his Word.
The satisfaction of making an impact in the community in the name of Christ.
The joy of giving cheerfully to the local church.
The higher the demands, the higher the payoff.
As Christians, we tell a Story much more engaging than any TV show. We live in a fallen world where the stakes are much higher than any board game. Our expectations should be high because of the transformational power of the gospel.
Perhaps we should stop designing worship services, discipleship programs, and youth events for the “average Christian” (aka – the Christian we don’t expect anything out of). Instead, let’s refocus on our church covenants and clearly communicate the expectations for being a disciple in the kingdom of God.
We receive little because we expect little. And church leaders, church members, and especially a lost world – we all miss out because of our low expectations.
But usually, there are no consequences for members who rarely attend or participate in anything. The Rotary will kick you out if you don’t attend meetings or pay your dues, but many churches won’t even communicate specific expectations, much less establish consequences if those expectations are not met.
Perhaps we are cheating church members.
We assume that most church members won’t evangelize, so we’re happy to stick with the very few who understand the mandate.
We assume that most church members will not get involved in a demanding Bible study, so we water down our teaching to appeal to the masses.
We assume that many church members will never tithe or give of their time in service to the community for the glory of our King, so we budget accordingly.
At best, we hope that people will act on our suggestions.
Our churches don’t know what they’re missing:
The thrill of leading someone to Christ.
The excitement of discovering God within the pages of his Word.
The satisfaction of making an impact in the community in the name of Christ.
The joy of giving cheerfully to the local church.
The higher the demands, the higher the payoff.
As Christians, we tell a Story much more engaging than any TV show. We live in a fallen world where the stakes are much higher than any board game. Our expectations should be high because of the transformational power of the gospel.
Perhaps we should stop designing worship services, discipleship programs, and youth events for the “average Christian” (aka – the Christian we don’t expect anything out of). Instead, let’s refocus on our church covenants and clearly communicate the expectations for being a disciple in the kingdom of God.
We receive little because we expect little. And church leaders, church members, and especially a lost world – we all miss out because of our low expectations.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Happy Anniversary
18 years ago today I married Kristina Grace Willhite. We now have 3 great kids and a awesome life together.
I love you Tina.
I love you Tina.
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