Dec 22 2009

A Favorite Church of Christ Word, “Sound”


Being the curious sort, I often read the classifieds in the Christian Chronicle, a wonderful news paper filled with news of interest to church of Christ people. Each issue will have ads where local churches are trying to hire preachers. It is not uncommon for the job requirements to include that the candidate be married, that he has graduated from a “brotherhood school”, or has earned a four-year degree.

One of the most interesting requirements is that he be “sound”. What does that mean? “Sound” is one of those words with many, many meanings but in the context of describing a preacher one or more of the word’s use as an adjective would apply. Which of these do you suppose churches intend when they advertise they want a “sound” man?

1. free from injury, damage, defect, disease, etc.; in good condition; healthy; robust: a sound heart; a sound mind.2. financially strong, secure, or reliable: a sound business; sound investments.

3. competent, sensible, or valid: sound judgment.

4. having no defect as to truth, justice, wisdom, or reason: sound advice.

5. of substantial or enduring character: sound moral values.

6. following in a systematic pattern without any apparent defect in logic: sound reasoning.

7. uninterrupted and untroubled; deep: sound sleep.

8. vigorous, thorough, or severe: a sound thrashing.

9. free from moral defect or weakness; upright, honest, or good; honorable; loyal.

10. having no legal defect: a sound title to property.

11. theologically correct or orthodox, as doctrines or a theologian.

Several of these could apply but number 11 likely comes closest to what is intended. Or does it?

I think that rather than using the word as an adjective, many of our folks use the word “sound”, when referring to a preacher, as a noun.

The primary criteria is not that he teaches “sound” doctrine. The wish is that he holds forth the traditions that the traditional churches of Christ hold dear.

An example of the subtle difference would be the subject of a capella singing. Does this church want a man who will open the Scriptures and teach what it says, and only what it says on the subject? Or, do they want a man who will perpetuate a myth?

I must ask myself the question, am I a “sound” man? Do I love truth? Do I pursue it? Do I settle for less than the truth? And, much more important than if I have the truth, does the truth have me?

Is my life controlled by the words of Scripture or do I use Scripture to my own ends? Do I pick and choose verses, sometimes out of context, to prop up my pet doctrine? I hope not. I pray that I don’t.

I hope that when we in the churches of Christ use the word “sound” in relation to a preacher or teacher we will sincerely want him to be devoted to the Lordship of Jesus and a sincere seeker of the truth of Scripture, even if it goes against what we hold dear.

I want that kind of “sound” man behind the sacred desk on Sunday.

Royce

Dec 22 2009

Health Care Reform, Run for Your Life!


Liberals don’t make good doctors. Their prescription for health care reform is not a cure!

Doctors will be paid 20% less for procedures done under Medicare (beginning in 2014). Then they will have no increase for the next 10 years by law. Result? There will be a shortage of doctors.
Who wants to go to med school, pile up an enormous debt in student loans and know you will not earn much money? Some doctors might opt out making the demand for the fewer doctors higher resulting in long waiting lists, and or rationing of care.

Insurance companies will fail. They cannot charge enough premiums to cover the costs of operating without the ability to manage risk. (pre-existing conditions covered). And, the Democrats are going to see that making a profit as an insurance company does not happen. (Liberals hate profit and the free enterprise system) Some will argue this is not true. Explain the all out assault against business by the Democrats for the last two decades.

If you think you will not pay more over all you are delusional. Talk about voodoo economics, this administration is king of the bait and switch. Tanning salons are only the first small business to suffer because of the back room payoffs made by Reid and approved by Obama. The country is already broke, this puts us on a path to irreversible doom economically in the next 15 years or so.

The problem with the “Robin Hood” mentality of the Democrats is that the number of people earing lots of money are going to shrink drastically so Robin Hood will have fewer rich folks to rob, so of necessity he will have to come rob you. Tax, tax, tax, spend, spend, spend….This is the sum total of the Democrat agenda.

Thanks heavens there will be elections in 2010 and 2012!

Royce

Dec 21 2009

Wonderland of Lights & Family


Last Friday afternoon our children and grand children joined us in Marshall, Texas for a weekend of sharing meals, laughter, and the sights and sounds of the “Wonderland of Lights” in downtown Marshall.

The citizens of Marshall are to be commended for the great job they do in preparing the city with tens of thousands of lights, for the chance for kids to slide down a snow covered incline in a tube, for ice skating on the square by the Harrison County Court House, and the smiling, friendly Texans everywhere greeting visitors from far and near.

One of the highlights of our trip was eating at Neely’s. For over 80 years they have been serving up the “Brown Pig Sandwich” and I can say first hand, it was scrumptious! The “Brown Pig” is a Carolina style chopped BBQ sandwich with a bit of lettuce, BBQ sauce,  and mayonnaise. Everyone who tried it love it. Neely’s is a Marshall landmark. Next time you’re there stop by and you will be glad you did.

I enjoyed seeing the wares of many interesting shops, a great art gallery, and did I mention good food? Our whole crew ate our Friday night meal at the Jalapeño Tree Mexican Restaurant on Hwy 59. Carol and I have been Jalapeño Tree fans for sometime now. Their place on Eastman Rd in Longview has become a regular stop on our many trips to the DFW area. They only serve up the absolute best Mexican food on planet earth! I promise!

On Saturday night we drove out Hwy 31 to a Presbyterian church and experienced “The Walk to Bethlehem”. As we waiting for our group to take the tour we were treated to wonderful hospitality. Friendly folks offered cookies of all sorts, coffee, hot coco,  and my favorite, hot apple cider.

Soon it was our turn and a lady led us with a lantern down a steep trail dotted with candles in paper bags outlining the sides of the path. One after another we came to stations where someone would read a portion of the Christmas story from the Bible (holding a scroll) and we would see an angel in the edge of the woods, Mary and Joseph, wise men, and shepherds with real sheep. The winter cold was forgotten as all of us listened intently to the story of God coming to us and being “God with us” and for us. Even the children didn’t miss a word. Then at the end there was a petting zoo where the children could touch and pet donkeys, cows, sheep, etc. The church folks were awesome hosts and their hard work to give such a gift to the community is much appreciated.

This fun packed weekend was the perfect way for us to share Christmas with our kids and grand kids. The little ones enjoyed the indoor pool, computers, and cookies that never ran out at the hotel. The staff at the Farimont there right off I-20 were perfect hosts and we are thankful for them.

I am so very thankful for my family. My wife is a devoted mom and grand mother and the best wife a man could have. She is a leader of women, great singer, speaker, and all around wonderful Christian lady. Our children and their spouses are all committed believers and are training our six grand children to love and obey the Lord Jesus.

Below is a sample of the fun we experienced together.

Dec 18 2009

Alive one more day…so far


I don’t know when my life will end but I do know where my human body will stop at last.

The place is jut waiting for me in Lake Dallas, Texas. As of this moment I plan on waiting to go to that last destination as long as possible.

Remember the verse of the song “Everybody wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die”? That’s me. This morning I read the obituary column in the local paper and about a half-dozen people younger than me had died. There is little that is a better reminder of one’s mortality.

Thankfully, this small piece of real estate in North Texas is not really the end. It is the place where my temporary home will be planted. But some day the one who said to Martha “I am the Resurrection and the Life” will call his own to himself and the bodies of believers will be recreated as immortal beings living in bodies that reflect the glory of Jesus Christ, like him, with him forever.

So, for me, what is called in the Scriptures the “blessed hope” (the return of Jesus) is a blessed certainty. The question is never “If?” but rather “When?”.

These days of family gatherings, parties, and fun are filled with pain and misery for some of your friends, neighbors, or perhaps even family. The sorrow of who is missing from the festivities is very, very painful for some survivors. So, be respectful, be sensitive, and give space to those who are still grieving. Be a good listener, weep with them, hug them, and just be with them at their request. That is the best gift you can give someone who is grieving.

Merry Christmas all,

Royce