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A Penalty for Integrity

Mark Wilson is a professional golfer that few readers will know by name. He currently ranks 172nd in the PGA Tour, and has not finished in the top 10 in any of the 20 events he has played in 2016. Since going pro in 1997, Wilson has placed 1st in only 5 out of 358 events. His first championship came after 10 years of playing professional golf, on March 5, 2007. At the end of regulation play, Wilson was tied with three other players. He then had to defeat them in a playoff to clinch the victory. Wilson could easily have won in regulation play, however, if he hadn’t been so concerned with being a person of integrity.

As Wilson took a shot at the 5th hole, an opponent behind him asked his own caddie what club Wilson had just used. Wilson’s caddie overheard, turned around, and casually told the pair what club Wilson had used. After finishing the hole, Wilson spoke with an official about a possible violation of the rules. The second part of the PGA’s eighth rule restricts players from giving advice to any opponents. Wilson told the official what had happened and the official quickly decided to penalize Wilson two strokes.

It would have been easy for Mark Wilson to simply ignore the unintentional violation, to address it privately to the caddie only, or to rationalize that he should not be penalized for someone else’s mistake. Instead, Wilson recognized that “the rules of golf are there to be fair for everyone” and he told the official of the possible violation (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-golf-pga-wilson-idUSL0535218320070305). He took a penalty to maintain integrity. When Wilson willingly took the penalty, he could not have known that doing so would put him in a playoff to win. One wonders whether he would have taken the penalty if he could have known that it might cost him his first championship. For a person of integrity, however, honesty must be maintained even when it comes at a cost.

Jesus said, “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no’” (Matthew 5:37, NKJV), teaching that what we say should be truthful at all times (cf. Col. 3:9; 1 John 1:6; Rev. 21:8). As Christians, we should examine our own heart. Am I willing to face penalties to maintain my integrity? Am I willing to pay fines and fees to maintain my integrity? Am I willing to lose my job to maintain my integrity? Am I willing to lose a friendship to maintain my integrity? Am I willing to be persecuted to maintain my integrity? In all actuality, if I would give up integrity for money, fame, to be accepted, or for anything else, then I am not truly a person of integrity. When asked, “Do you still hold fast your integrity?” (Job 2:9), I pray that my answer will always be, “Yes, no matter what.”

-James H. Dalton

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God is Near

If God were to ride to work with you one morning, what would you say? Would you praise Him? Would you ask Him to help you with your struggles? What would you say to God? Far too often we forget just how close God really is. How close are you to God? Your answer may be “very close!” but my guess would be that most of us would say that we could be much closer to God than what we are now. One of my favorite songs is “Nearer Still Nearer,” and the message that it has speaks so powerfully to me. How near are you to God?

I once heard Barry England say, “The nearer we allow God to be, the farther Satan becomes.” When have you been most susceptible to sin? Was it when you were reading God’s Word daily? Was it when you were talking to God through prayer on a regular basis? Probably not. If we come near to God, He will come near to us. And if God is near you, then Satan will have go work really hard to get you. That comforts me to know that God is on our side. If God is on our side, who can be against us? Not even the devil. If we stay close to the cross, not only is God close to us, but He is within us! That’s pretty near if you ask me! With our eyes fixated on Christ and the Spirit that we read about in Galatians 5, we have the whole Godhead with us. Isn’t that exciting? I encourage us that wherever we are in our spiritual walk with God that we will not become lazy. Instead, recommit every day to His will and develop a closeness to Him that you’ve never had before. God is always near us. Are you near to Him?

–Alex Blackwelder

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Gospel Meeting with Keith Parker

Sunday @ 9:30 a.m.     Do you want to be great?
Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.   Will you not revive us again?
Sunday @ noon   Potluck lunch
Sunday @ 1:00 p.m.   Will God run?
Monday @ 7:00 p.m.   Why has all this happened to us?
Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.   What must I do to be saved?
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.   Why do you wait?

All adult Bible classes will meet together Sunday morning.

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WILL YOU NOT REVIVE US AGAIN?

Psalm 85:6

About forty years ago, when I was a student at Freed-Hardeman University, the Estes Church of Christ was my church home. What a privilege to come back home and preach in a revival on September 11-14.

In the few days together, we will be looking at some of life’s greatest questions. The Bible, the B-I-B-L-E, is Basic Information Before Leaving Earth. Sometimes I like to say that the Bible, the B-I-B-L-E, is Basic Inquiries Before Leaving Earth. You see, the Bible is filled with a number of wonderful questions. Questions like…

  • Will you not revive us again?
  • Why has all this happened to us?
  • What must I do to be saved?
  • Why do you wait?

Man doesn’t have the answers to the key questions of life, but God does. In fact, he has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (ll Peter 1:3).

As we anticipate our revival, there are a few things that I want you to do. First, pray. Pray for the success of the revival. Pray for the church and the community. Pray for me, your visiting evangelist. Pray for God to be glorified and the lost to be saved. As Paul said, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1).

Second, plan. Plan on being present for every service. I know that life is busy. There are classes to attend, work to manage, schedules to keep, places to be and new friends to make. So much demands our time and attention. But put first things first. Come for every service and have a little fellowship with Jesus. Jesus said, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

Third, plead. Plead with a loved one to come. Pass on an invitation to a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker or a classmate. Perhaps you could say, “Hey, let’s have dinner together on Tuesday evening and then we will go and share a spiritual meal together.” All of us can be like Philip. We can say to someone we love, “Come and see” (John 1:46).

Fourth, be positive. Expect great things to happen. Will anybody be saved? Will a backslidden brother repent? Will the prodigal come home? Will the discouraged be encouraged? Be optimistic. Be enthusiastic. Anticipate awesome results. Paul penned in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

Fifth, prepare. Prepare your heart to receive the word of God. As the Bereans, receive the messages with great eagerness and examine daily the things that will be said (Acts 17:11). Prepare your soul for eternity. As Amos said to ancient Israel, “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12).

I’m excited about being at Estes. If we do our part, God will do his part. I’ve got an idea–why don’t you stop right now and pray for the revival. Pray as did the Psalmist, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6).

Go ahead. Pray.

–Keith Parker, evangelist, Hendersonville, TN

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Mother Daughter Day with Sherry Thompson

Local counselor Sherry Thompson talks about facing life’s challenges.

A luncheon will be provided by the Estes ladies.

 

Saturday, Aug. 27
Registration @ 8:30 a.m. | Program @ 9:00 a.m.

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God’s Providence in our Evangelism

God cares very much about everybody. God loves everybody. God especially cares very much about and loves his children. Read what Jesus says about this in Matthew 6:25-34.

God wants everybody to live eternally in heaven. Read what Paul says about this in Acts 17:22-31. Jesus died on the cross so all the sins of every single soul may be washed away. Read what Paul says about this in Romans 5:18-21. God’s perfect plan of salvation was devised before our world was formed. Read what Paul says about this in Ephesians 1:3-14.

God sent Jesus into our world at just exactly the right moment. Read what Paul says about this in Galatians 4:1-7. God knew that was just exactly the right moment. God had observed what actions we had taken up to that precisely right time. In fact, he had directed, guided and/or otherwise influenced at least some of those actions. The Bible gives us some insight into some of his directions, guidance and influence, however, it is silent about many of his ways. God’s ways are simply beyond our comprehension. Read what Isaiah reveals about this in Isaiah 55:6-13.

God plans for people to find out about him by you and me telling them about him. When we talk about God, a lot of people will think we are fools. However, some people will see the power of God and the wisdom of God when we talk about him. Read what Paul told the Corinthians about this in I Corinthians 1:18-25. So, let’s start talking!

Yes, but. I’m scared. I may make someone mad. I may lose friends. I may become one of those folks everybody tries to avoid because I’m looked at as a religious fanatic. You are absolutely right. You may be scared, and some or all of that stuff may happen. So? I would very much not like to be fined, jailed or otherwise punished for talking about God. I would very much not like my family’s welfare endangered by my being punished for talking about God. Could that possibly happen? Yes. You could be persecuted just like Hebrews 11 and secular history tell us God’s people were persecuted. I do not want to go through any of that. But. “What then shall we say to these things?” God is for us. Read Romans 8:31-39 to see just how completely God protects us. Read what Jesus told Peter in Mark 10:28-31 about what happens when God’s people sacrifice themselves to God. Read what Jesus said discipleship means and the protections that go along with it in Matthew 10:26-31.

When someone greets you with “How are you”, a simple response like “Truly blessed” may trigger a conversation. When you greet someone with “How are you?” and they reply “Well, I woke up this morning!”, you might reply with “Yes, life is good. I am, though, looking forward to what’s coming next” or something like that. Nothing obnoxious, just something to maybe get them thinking about eternity. Truly listening when someone is talking, being compassionate, and genuinely caring about others may lead to conversations about God. Just plant seeds and water wherever you can. God will provide the increase. Exactly how will he do that? Exactly what will happen to you in this life? I don’t know. God knows. Read what John heard about that in Revelation 2:8-11.

–Gary Irwin

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Introducing…THE BURLESONS!

We are pleased that Doug Burleson has joined our ministry staff and will work as co-minister along with Mark Blackwelder. Doug and his wife, Kristi, and their children – Eden, Canaan, and Jordan – have lived in Henderson for 6 years, working with the Scotts Hill congregation and FHU. Before moving to Henderson, they served the Goodwood Boulevard Church of Christ in Baton Rouge, LA, and the Granny White Church of Christ in Nashville.

Both Doug and Kristi are FHU grads. Kristi is a licensed pediatric nurse practitioner although she has not practiced since having children. Doug has a PhD in New Testament and Greek from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also received Master’s degrees from FHU, Lipscomb University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Doug is Associate Professor of Bible at FHU and the director of the annual Bible Lectureship. Before directing the Lectureship, he was co-director of Horizons camp at FHU.

Eden is 9 years old and in the 4th grade. Canaan is 6 and in the 1st grade. Jordan is 3 years old and baby #4 is due December 13. All kids play soccer. Eden loves participating in theatrical activities and Canaan loves video games. Jordan loves keeping up with his siblings.

Doug is a born and raised Tennesseean. Kristi was born in Florida and raised in Alabama and Tennessee. The family is a divided household, like others within our Estes family…Doug is a Vols fan while Kristi bleeds Crimson. They do agree that they love to travel and work in their yard.

The Burlesons have known and loved the Estes family for the past 20 years and they count it as a true blessing to become a part of our work.

We feel the same. Welcome aboard!

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2016 Vacation Bible School

July 17-20
Sunday @ 5 PM
Monday – Wednesday @ 7 PM

learning centers | crafts | puppets | refreshments
for preschool to adult

Adult VBS classes
Sunday Jesus: A Model of Humility Dan Ayers
Monday Jesus: A Model of Leadership Richard Sain
Tuesday Jesus: A Model in Conflict Jim Jones
Wednesday Jesus: A Model in Teaching David Falkenheim

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Train up a child

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV).

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings intended to convey general truths. Heeding these words of wisdom will surely help guide one’s life in a positive direction. But the plethoric variables and uncertainties of this world preclude taking each proverb in an absolute sense as though the wise sayings were meant as inflexible rules with definitive outcomes and no possible exceptions.

Note, for example, Proverbs 10:4, which states, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” While this principle is generally true, mitigating circumstances could result in a lazy person being rich (by way of inheritance) and a diligent person being poor (via drought or stock market crash). Nevertheless, potential exemptions do not discount the wisdom of the stated proverb.

Proverbs 22:6 affirms a general truth that ought to be heeded, although the free-will choices of each individual child means there will almost certainly be exceptions (cf. Genesis 4:1-7; Isaiah 1:2). Remember that the Bible is comprised of a variety of literary genres (historical, instructional, poetic, etc.), and not all are meant to be read and applied the same way. The books of Proverbs and Leviticus, for instance, represent very different types of literature and should therefore be interpreted accordingly.

Parents, let us ensure that the Lord’s ways are always upheld and observed in our homes and that our children are brought up in his training and admonition (Ephesians 6:4) as we encourage other parents to do the same. May the seeds of truth planted with discipline and love in impressionable hearts conquer stubborn, rebellious spirits. Let us be grateful when our children cooperate and the words of Proverbs 22:6 play out in our families. And may we be sympathetic and supportive of mothers and fathers and grandparents and guardians whose hearts are otherwise broken, praying that implanted seeds take root and guide straying loved ones back to the faith (Luke 15:11-32).

–Kevin L. Moore

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A New Era in Haiti

Continuing to do mission work in Haiti without our sister Roberta is a new era indeed. We counted on her faith, energy, wisdom, and enthusiasm to make good things happen. It requires many people to do what she was doing, and the fact is that we will never replace her. It is the Lord’s work, however, and that is never supposed to depend on just one person.

Martial and Ketsy Viciere are the new houseparents employed by the Estes congregation to care for the children at Sonlight Children’s Home. They have two children of their own, a daughter and a son. They love these young people and are doing a good job. It is always difficult when a family loses a parent and then others have to step in to provide care. Please pray for the children and the Vicieres in this transition.

Widlord and Karen Thomas are the new innkeepers at our guest house for campaign teams. Karen is from Paris, Texas, and she is jumping into the work with both feet. She is already learning the language and is ready to tackle any challenge. Please pray for these newlyweds as they both adjust to married life and as Karen integrates into Haitian culture and ministry as a missionary.

Another element of this new era is the transition of older young people (over 18) out of the children’s home. Estes is committed to helping them transition to greater independence over the next two years. Unemployment is high in Haiti (60-70%) and it is not simple for them to get a job and become self-sufficient. Recognizing that each one of these young adults is unique, we have been working for several months to develop transition plans for each one. The intent is that they will have food, clothing, shelter, educational opportunities, and spiritual guidance during this time. Please pray for them to be able to find meaningful work and to continue to grow as disciples.

–Jesse Robertson