Monday, March 24, 2008

Faithfulness - Our Reasonable Service

Yesterday was the day that many people in the "Christian" realm celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. While I have no problem emphasizing Christ's resurrection during this time of year, I believe the Lord's true churches are to celebrate it EVERY Sunday. The Lord's true churches began to worship (not take a Sabbath rest) on the first day of the week right after Christ's resurrection.

I received a few e-mails on the pastors e-mail groups I'm on, mentioning the "CEO" Christians that come out of the wood works. CEO = Christmas and Easter Only. These are people that make such a big deal out of Christmas and Easter, neither of which are really Christian holidays (do your history research - they've been reworked by man to accommodate people), and yet seem to care less about the things of God the rest of the time. These "CEOs" get religious for a few days to make themselves feel good. Then they go about their own merry, often sinful, ways.

Then there are the "CEOVs". These are those believers, and even Baptist church members, who use Christmas and Easter, and other holidays to take a "vacation" from church. These are those who use these occasions as excuses and claim them as legitimate excuses to absent themselves from the normal ministries of the church. I'm not saying it's wrong to take a vacation now and then. However, there are times when these "holidays" come around that you can count on some to "take a rest" from the Lord and the church.

With all that said, I am thankful for those believers who truly love the Lord; who don't use man-made "special days" as excuses to leave God out of their plans. Thank the Lord for God's people who don't see faithfulness as some extra-credit work they do for the Lord; but rather see faithfulness as their Reasonable Service!

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Bible Institute News

Even though I posted this on my personal blog, I figured I would place it here as well.

The Bible Institute classes are going very well. Bro. Matt Rowland is progressing in his studies and with just over a year to go, he's earnestly pressing toward the mark. It has been good to have Bro. Tom Cavanaugh taking a class during each semester as well. Last semester he took Bibliology and this semester he's taking the Book of Daniel. I think it's good for Bro. Matt to have another person in class. I like it too.
I'm hoping some of our high school seniors will consider taking some classes next year. I'm prepared to teach a specific "one year" study for high school graduates to attend prior to any secular school they may be planning to attend. I've always believed that even if a graduate is not going to four years of Bible college, they should take one year first, then go to a community college, or the like, for their career. I have the right courses for them to take. I pray they will take advantage of them. The worldly minded would say that would be a waste of time. Truth says, it's a solid investment to help prepare them for what's ahead.
Take a look at the FRMBI information at our web site.

The FRMBI page