Estes Echo

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God Can Reshape Us
Jeremiah 18

It is easy in this world of ours to become spiritually side-tracked. Spiritual distractions come at us in many forms, such as movies, TV, friendships, habits, addictions, bad decisions, temptations, social media, etc., all of which can negatively affect us. We must be on guard as Satan uses every means possible to distract us from serving and living for our God. All of us have been there, not only distracted but spiritually broken as well.

Thankfully this distracted broken condition does not have to be a permanent one. We have a wonderful God that can take spiritual brokenness and rework it, reshape it into spiritual goodness. All that is required is repentance and turning one’s heart back over to Him.

Let’s look at Jeremiah 18:1-6, particularly verses 3-6:

3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.

5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

God makes it clear that just as a potter can reshape and rework the clay, God can do the same with his children.

Just look at the apostle Paul who considered himself ahead of all others in being in a state of sinfulness (1 Tim 1:15), yet God reshaped him into one of His greatest followers. It happened because Paul’s heart was right and ready for repentance as he realized his error and sin. It happened because a great merciful God was willing to give second chances and could reshape Paul into His goodness.

If you find yourself distracted or broken, take the first step of repentance and follow Doug Burleson’s advice from a recent sermon, “As Long as we are still on the wheel, God can reshape us too!”.

Stay on the wheel and allow God to work!

–Mark Scott

Estes Echo

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Poinsettias in the auditorium provided by

In Memory of

Jan Cooper – Mike and Sandy Haltom
Jim Edmonds – Susan Edmonds
Neil Hardy, Sr. – Mary Lou Hardy and Family
Gene Hibbett – Hibbett and Moore Families
Retta Maness – Bill & Mary Maness & Family
Mae M. Mathis – Trent and Suzanne Scott
Mae M. Mathis – Sandra Wilson
Howard McCaskill – John McCaskill Family
Roy & Lucille McIntyre – Roy and Dorothy McIntyre
C. H. Phillips – Rex and Denise Phillips
Mickey Ellis – Rex and Denise Phillips
Vicki Ellis – Rex and Denise Phillips
O. H. Phillips – Anne Phillips
J. B. Rouse – Jurilee Rouse
Keith Rouse – Jurilee Rouse
Norman & Linda Scott – Trent and Suzanne Scott
Lester & Ruth Stewart – Mark and Diane Stewart

In Honor of

Mildred Beard – Martha Waller
Don Cooper – Mike and Sandy Haltom
John & Michelle McCaskill – Jesse, Alex & Andrew McCaskill
Jim & Glenda Stanley – John McCaskill

Estes Echo

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What Are You Getting Out of Worship? (Part 3)

As we seek to please and honor God while preserving the scriptural integrity of worship, what improvements can and should be made? Here are some suggestions:

  1. Bring a worshipful disposition with you (Psalm 63:1-3). No one else can step in and do this on your behalf.
  2. Prepare for worship (Psalm 122:1). Be rested, and allow enough time to avoid the frantic rush; read scripture, meditate, and/or pray beforehand.
  3. Keep your focus (Colossians 3:2). There will always be potential distractions, both internal and external. Worship is not designed to be easy. It requires personal effort.
  4. Don’t depend on someone else to worship for you (Psalm 19:14). Take responsibility; intentionally give of yourself.
  5. Avoid unnecessary complaining, excuse-making, and blame (Philippians 2:14-15). If your worship is unacceptable, it is generally your own fault.
  6. Be accountable to God (Jeremiah 17:10). You cannot judge the hearts of your fellow-worshipers, but the Lord certainly can while he judges yours.
  7. Be an encourager (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Express your appreciation to those who lead the services. Generously offer smiles, love, and positive words to those with whom you assemble.
  8. Conserve the balance of spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). True worship consists of both the right attitude and the right doctrine, neither to the exclusion of the other.
  9. Don’t allow unbiblical teachings and practices to infiltrate the worship assembly (Matthew 15:8-9). Know the Bible and stand for what is right.
  10. Maintain a spirit of humility, reverence and awe (Revelation 4:9-11). This is entirely up to you.

“Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2).

–Kevin L. Moore

Estes Echo

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estesyouthFor the past couple of months, the Youth Committee has been discussing what we as a church can do to strengthen our youth program as we make plans for the future. We love and are proud of our young people, and we are all dedicated to providing them with the tools they need as they grow together in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

For the past couple of months, the Youth Committee has been discussing what we as a church can do to strengthen our youth program as we make plans for the future. We love and are proud of our young people, and we are all dedicated to providing them with the tools they need as they grow together in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

The Youth Committee has recommended to the elders that the best way to ensure the continued spiritual development of our youth is to hire a full-time youth minister. The elders support this proposal fully, and so we will begin immediately a search for a youth minister. The Youth Committee, led by Scott Miskelly, will head up this search.We ask that you pray for our young people and for our new youth

We ask that you pray for our young people and for our new youth minister, and that God will direct our paths in this effort.-the Estes elders

-the Estes elders

The Youth Committee recommends the hiring of a full-time youth minister who possesses the following qualifications and attributes:

  • Exhibits a strong personal relationship with God
  • Is an engaging teacher who is knowledgeable of Biblical truths
  • Has a background in youth ministry (university degree or comparable experience/training)
  • Is youthful, but also mature and responsible
  • Is able to form relationships with the youth to provide spiritual direction and counseling on an individual basis
  • Possesses good communication skills and makes use of congregational communication and social media
  • Possesses good organizational skills and pays attention to planning details
  • Encourages partnership with parents and seeks parental involvement
  • Is whole-church focused, intentionally intergenerational
  • Is service-oriented, encourages acts of service as well as social activities
  • Focuses on training the youth to be leaders in the church
  • Possesses or earns his CDL.
  • The ideal candidate would be married and part of a team where his wife would also work actively with the youth and be committed to them. However, marriage is not a requirement for employment.

The ideal candidate would be married and part of a team where his wife would also work actively with the youth and be committed to them. However, marriage is not a requirement for employment.

Resumes should be sent to info@esteschurch.org or Estes Church of Christ, PO Box 191, Henderson, TN 38340.

Estes Echo

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What Are You Getting Out of Worship? (Part 1)

When you assemble with the saints for corporate worship, what are you getting out of it? Do you find the atmosphere less than inspiring? Is the preaching dull and boring? Is the song service lacking in enthusiasm? Are the prayers dry? Has communion become predictable and routine? Does the weekly collection make you feel like the church is trying to get something out of you? Is observable spirituality deficient in the people around you?

Perhaps you would get more out of worship if the atmosphere were different. What if the surroundings were more appealing, the preaching was more dynamic and interesting, the music was livelier, the prayers were more stirring, communion was spruced up, and there was less pressure to contribute?

Maybe you would receive greater satisfaction if the scheduling of services was more convenient, the seating was more comfortable, and your felt needs were being met. Are you longing for a better worship experience?

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God …” (Acts 16:25a). Who helped set the mood for these guys? Who was responsible for getting them in a worshipful frame of mind? Who provided an atmosphere conducive to an uplifting experience? Who made their comfort and convenience top priority? Who directed their attention to spiritual things, ensuring they got the most out of worship?

These servants of Christ had been unfairly treated, falsely accused and arrested, severely beaten, locked in a dungeon and fastened in stocks amongst a bunch of criminals (Act 16:20-25). Yet somehow they managed to offer praise to the heavenly Father. How is this possible? There were no worship leaders, praise teams, choirs, or orchestras. There were no special lighting effects, motivational videos, air-conditioning, padded seating, or free coffee. Neither convenience nor comfort was afforded them. How on earth were they able to engage in meaningful worship under such unfavorable conditions?!

Apparently Paul and Silas had something deep within themselves that was not dependent on (neither bolstered nor hampered by) externals. Irrespective of their dismal circumstances and gloomy surroundings, they demonstrated an inner conviction with an unyielding commitment to and focus on God. Worship was not done for them. Worship was not done to them. They assumed personal responsibility. They took initiative. Their experience was void of complaints or excuses. They set their minds on things above and dutifully expressed their heartfelt devotion. Are you longing for a better worship experience?

–Kevin L. Moore

Estes Echo

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The Power in an Acorn

As we begin to see the changes of the fall season, we are reminded of the power of God’s creation. Those changes often remind us of endings as trees lose their leaves, plants go dormant, and many animals start to hibernate for the long winter. We, ourselves even start to feel ourselves emotionally “burrow in” for the winter. Those changes that are occurring and the life that is resting dormant beneath the surface should also remind us of God’s great power and glory. Those tiny, seemingly helpless acorns that litter our yards are small but powerful.

The story is told of a German countess, centuries ago, who was an avowed atheist. In an attempt to show her fearlessness of death, and to belittle the faith in God and the hope of eternal life of some of her associates, she left instructions that when she died she was to be placed in a specially prepared tomb, hewn out of solid rock, to be sealed with an enormous flat stone weighing several tons. This stone was to be bolted securely to the face of the tomb, and these words were to be carved on the face of it, “What Is Dead Is Dead–Set Forever–Never To Be Opened.”

When the countess died, her wishes were carried out and her body was sealed in the sepulcher. For several decades her tomb remained intact and seemed to be impregnable. But as the years passed, an acorn from an overhanging oak fell, and found its way through a crevice of the rock and lodged in the earth beneath. The acorn germinated, and the fledgling tree, seeking the sunlight, eventually made its way back up through the crevice. Gradually but relentlessly the tree grew, and eventually, mighty life from that acorn snapped the bolts and shattered the seal of stone! Thus, God in His infinite wisdom, through the incomprehensible power of life that He had fashioned in that small acorn defied the brazen infidelity of the countess.

How sad that she had turned deaf ears to the words of the Savior when He declared, “the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth …” (John 5:28-29). It is true we must die a physical death (Heb. 9:27), but it is just as true that there will be a resurrection and judgment, and that the souls of human beings will exist forever in one of two places! (Read Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46). No wonder Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?” (Luke 9:25).

God’s power is everlasting and always surrounding it whether we acknowledge it or not. We likewise can be a part of that power if we allow it into our lives and acknowledge it as being from God. Jesus said that the “faith the size of a mustard seed” can accomplish great things (Luke 17:6). Look for the power of God around you today.

–Adapted from Bulletin Fodder, Valley Station Church of Christ, Louisville, Kentucky
http://www.vscoc.org/Bulletinfdr/power_in_an_acorn.htm

Estes Echo

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Last year at the very first Kids for Haiti Fair, we saw an outpouring of love from our children, parents, and Estes members. The wares and services our children offered for sale showcased their varying personalities and talents – we had baked goods, crafts, artwork, and even performances! Customers at the Fair were very generous and encouraging and our children gifted over $1,400 to the elders to support our continuing mission in Haiti.

Our kids are excited to participate in this year’s Kids for Haiti Fair. Please plan on attending – Sunday, November 6, after evening worship. Bring finger foods so we can fuel up before our shopping extravaganza. Bring open hearts and wallets and support our youngest family members who are learning all about what it means to be caring servants of God and how their talents and ideas can make a difference.

Estes kids who would like to participate, be sure and sign up on the lobby bulletin board so we can make sure we have space reserved for you.

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Me, a Teacher?

I have lived in Tennessee for a long time and thus have learned to appreciate things like the Smoky Mountains, mules, Mennonites, the Vols, and even country music. Do you remember the country song titled “Who’s going to fill their shoes?” by George Jones back in 1986? In the song the Possum asked who would replace the legends of country music that had given their “heart and soul to get to me and you.” I used to wonder when I heard that song about an institution that is much more important than the country music establishment: the church. Who will be our future elders, deacons, preachers, Bible class teachers, servants, members…who will fill our shoes?

I believe that three groups are most effective in determining the answer to that question: 1) church leaders, 2) parents and 3) Bible class teachers. There are men and women who taught me from my mother’s knee about God and His love for us that I will forever be indebted to. Some of you are those kinds of people. You give hours and years of your lives to benefit us and our children and their children. Thank you. You are doing a great job and are offering a consistent and effective ministry.

If you are a Christian, you are also a teacher. Paul referred to this principle in 2 Timothy 2:2 when he talked about how the Christians in Ephesus could take the things that had been taught and teach them to others so that they too could teach others. It is a self-reciprocating process. You are taught, you teach, and the people you teach teach. Can you think of a better way to leave a legacy? Christians illustrate God to others. God Himself was a teacher (Isaiah 30:20). Jesus taught God’s will (John 7:16) with authority (Matt. 7:28-29; Luke 20:1-2; 24:27). Jesus was a popular Temple teacher (Luke 21:37-38). As Christian teachers we should first teach others to trust God. It is a part of our continued effort to glorify God. We are not motivated to teach by recognition or power. Instead we pray that God will use us in our imperfections and limited wisdom to teach others that He is not limited or imperfect. Secondly, we should also teach others to remember God’s works. Israel and the early church often forgot to do this and their failure to teach led to apostasy. Let’s not make this same mistake. Third, we should teach others to obey God’s Word. Obedience is a learned behavior. Children who go undisciplined rebel. We are not obedient just to keep a list of rules, but rather we are obedient because we are seeking to have a real relationship with God and respond to what He has graciously done for us. Every Christian is a teacher. Let us make sure that we teach so that one day the “shoes” of those leading God’s people today will be filled by those who are well equipped for the task.

–Doug Burleson

Estes Echo

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We live in a connected world. Mobile technologies are pervasive. This technological advancement is considered by most to be a good thing. However, as often is the case, good things often become challenges. Such can be the case now as our political season is well underway and our connected status besieges us with political news, news that is rarely healthy or positive. More times than not, the news story is full of selfish desires, hate, and negativity.

If we are not careful this barrage of selfish desires, hate, and negativity will influence us, even affecting us spiritually. Reading and hearing this kind of rhetoric can slowly change who we are. Things that obviously are counter to appropriate Christian behavior can slip into our lives and all at once become acceptable behavior. Things that have always been counter to our faith now move into our lives and weaken a once vibrant faith. When this occurs, a tremendous spiritual danger arises, one that Satan will use. Take this as a warning and consciously make an effort to monitor and control the mind siege brought about by our use of technology.

What can we do in this regard? In addition to managing our technology by using filters or turning it off for periods, I suggest we look at the book of Jude and here is why.

Jude is a short book, only 25 verses in length. Although dealing with false teachers that had gained access to the church, Jude’s teachings also provide a way to deal with the kind of things that negatively influence us or challenge our faith. In fact, one could argue that the kind of political rhetoric we are referring to could be considered false teaching in that it can encourage attitudes and activities counter to what Christians should display or be involved with. Our trust in the essential truth we hold to, the Gospel message as the only true way, must be protected.

Although the source of problems that Jude refers to may be different than what we confront today, the result can be the same, falling from the very beliefs that assure our salvation. Allowing selfish desires to control our thoughts and actions (vs 16) will eventually permit the deterioration of our beloved faith. So instead of being besieged by the political fallout of selfish desires, hatred, and negativity, let’s do what Jude encouraged his readers to do. In verse 3 he asks his readers to contend for the faith, meaning to fight diligently against the difficulties facing the one true faith. Beginning in verse 20, he suggests that we build ourselves up in the holiest faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s love, which includes our demonstration of godly love. All of which will help recognize false rhetoric and in turn help us to stay focused in contending for and defending the faith.

–Mark Scott