News

Onward Christian Soldier As Christians we cannot keep looking back to what was. We cannot go back in time and live in a bygone era. The best way forward this fourth of July is to be realistic about the land in which we live and remember we are just pilgrims here. Our citizenship is in Heaven. We must also fight to bring others with us. Constantly looking back on what was (and I have been guilty as anyone) may cause us to become like Lot's wife in our spiritual walk. We might be salt but we will not be going, growing, or sharing the way God would have us to. Could it be that our looking back to the way America used to be (our personal understanding anyway) is actually causing us to take our hand off the plow? This doesn't mean we quit voting and working to make America and the world better. But it does mean that we do not head back to our barracks or monasteries and leave the world to its own demise. If God so loved the world to die for her then we as His children need to fight for her. We need to take up the old song and march to the beat of our heavenly worship leader, "Onward Christian Soldiers Marching As To War With The Cross Of Jesus Going On Before".

My R.O.L.E. in Sunday School During one of my recent meetings amongst other church leaders, I overheard a conversation about changing the Sunday School hour to a different name. For example, there has been talk amongst pastors and laymen whether or not churches should refer to their Sunday morning Sunday School as a Bible Study. Certainly, Sunday School is Bible Study. Even more importantly, everyone who has been to Sunday School knows that the Bible is the central focal point that particular time revolves around. So, whether we refer to it as Sunday School or Bible study, one should already see that the Bible is the main course. The above question about changing the name of the Sunday School hour comes from a legitimate observation. The Sunday School/Bible Study hour in most churches are considerably less attended than the worship time. So, those who propose a name change do so because they see the Sunday School name as one that is fading out with time. According to this line of thought if one changes the name of their Sunday School hour, attendance would increase. Am I ruling out the legitimacy of those who have changed their Sunday School to Bible Study? Absolutely not! I am saying that the traditional time tested hour of Sunday School plays a crucial role in the life of the church. Furthermore, I am thankful that our church still has “Sunday School”. Getting past just changing the name and expecting different results, one must dig a little deeper. Here are some questions we can ask. Is Sunday School a legitimate need in my life? Can Sunday School serve to change my life? Will Sunday School make an everlasting impact on my children? I believe that without a doubt the answer to these questions is a resounding “YES”. In response to this I believe God has given an acronym (R.O.L.E.) which will help us remember the importance of Sunday School. We will determine to be more involved in Sunday School when we understand our R.O.L.E in Sunday School. R = Renewal (Romans 12:2) Sunday School is essential because it brings renewal to our Christian walk. Renewal is a vitally important Biblical principle for every Christian. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. As we study the Bible in Sunday School, a transformation takes place - we are renewed. I can certainly say that by the time Sunday morning comes around I need renewal as much as anyone else. O = Opportunity (Hebrews 13:16) Sunday School is essential because it brings opportunities to both encourage others and receive encouragement through Christian fellowship. Hebrews 13:16 states, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”. The opportunities for doing good and sharing through Sunday School is essential for the life of every believer. All through my life Sunday School has played a vital role in my Christian walk. Through Sunday School I feel closer to other Christians because of our fellowship and being able to share our lives. If God’s people neglect Sunday School they are missing opportunities to reach others. The end of the verse says that doing good and sharing with others is pleasing to God. L = Legacy (Hebrews 12:1) (2 Tim. 1:5) Sunday School is essential because it says something about the foundations of our lives long after we have entered into eternity. Hebrews 12:1 challenges us to run the Christian race knowing that other believers have passed this way before – they have left a legacy. The text indicates that while we are running we need to just look around and notice that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. A young man named Timothy had a book of the Bible name after him. But it all started through the legacy left him by his mother - Eunice and grandmother - Lois (2 Tim. 1:5). They taught him in the ways of Godliness. At a small country church in Flat Lick, Kentucky there is a name found in the old concrete foundation of that church. A man carved his name in the concrete while it was still wet many years ago. The man was my grandpa. As his name still shows in that concrete, so also, it sticks in my mind. Furthermore, I realize that there is a far less chance my children will stick in church and continue serving God if they do not regularly attend Sunday School. I want to leave a legacy to my children and family that I went to Sunday School. E = Equipping (Eph 4:12) (Mt. 28:19-20) Sunday School is essential because it equips us to face tomorrow with a certain realization that we are prepared for whatever might come our way. Ephesians 4:12 reveals the reason that God gave different gifts to the church. The gifts were so that God’s people could be equipped to serve in and through ministry. The incarnational (letting Christ live through us) witness we all display shines the brightest for Jesus when we minister to others. Furthermore, the Gospel of Matthew 28:19-20 tells us that as Christians we are to always be making disciples. We cannot make disciples if we are not equipping ourselves. Finally, we are prepared to face the evils that come our way. Ephesians 6:13 tells us that when we are equipped with the armor of God we can stand against the ways of the devil. Realizing the opposite of standing is falling, I am not going to slack up on equipping both myself and my family. Sunday School is essential for equipping us for tomorrow. Conclusion Realizing these great truths from God’s word will have a mighty impact in my family’s life, I will gladly accept my R.O.L.E. in Sunday School. Will you come and join us? God bless you and we look forward to seeing you soon. R.O.L.E. R = Renewal O = Opportunity L = Legacy E = Equipping