Acertain father was trying to teach his son the value of sacrificing for the things we really want in life. At the moment the boy could think of nothing grander than to own a B-B gun. His father wanted to help, so he told the son that he would double anything that the boy saved. That sounded pretty generous and the boy began at once. Things went along pretty well for a while, and the funds grew "rapidly." There was no mention of it as the funds grew into $10 saved - Not much by today's standards, but there are some children who would have a hard time saving $10 as they rarely see that kind of money. A month or so later the father happened to think of the proposal and asked his son how much money he had saved. Hesitantly, the boy told his father that he didn't have the money he had saved up. "I spent it for something else," is all he could mutter. All Dad could see was that his lesson in saving and sacrifice had gone up in some frivolous moment.
The father pressed the son for an explanation, expecting to hear of some trivial and wasteful purchase. . . ."But, Daddy, I do want the gun. I even dreamed about it, but I bought a Chinese boy instead." The father pressed the son for an explanation, expecting to hear of some trivial and wasteful purchase. "Well, Son, it was your money and if you didn't really want the gun. . ." "But, Daddy, I do want the gun. I even dreamed about it, but I bought a Chinese boy instead." The obvious question was forthcoming, "How in the world did you do that?" The little boy rehearsed how the Sunday school teacher had informed them that they could contribute money to mission work and help save the souls of other young people just like themselves, so the little boy gave his $10 to help save another soul.
We all know who learned the greatest lesson in sacrifice that day. When a boy can teach a lesson such as this to a grown man, can we as Christians learn just such a great lesson in sacrificing? Not only our time and our money, but our very existence to help save this lost world. God sacrifices His Son for us. What are we sacrificing for Him?
We are in a season when many in the world have a marvelous "giving" spirit. We love to give gifts to our loved ones, and to those we want to express some appreciation toward. May we carry this same spirit over into an every day attitude of "giving" of ourselves, and may we be encouraged to have the same diligence to show the sincerity of our love for God as we lay by in store each first day of the week. "For God loveth a cheerful giver." The marvelous thing is that if we do this without a covetous desire, we'll reap more than we sow. God's shovel is just bigger than ours.
On a personal note, Kathy and I hope that all of you have a warm and wonderful holiday season with your loved ones. May God bless us all as we approach a very exciting New Year!!
. . . . Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 51, December 17, 2003.
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Don't let the title throw you, but do let it get your attention. We're not reporting on a physical death in this congregation, but it is possible that someone might see a similarity in what we're about to tell.
The story is told of a certain elder who was greatly distressed over a member of the congregation who had quit attending the services. The absent member was sorely missed, and the elder went straight to his house where he found him sitting before the open fireplace. The absentee, somewhat startled by the intrusion, hastily placed another chair for his visitor, and then braced himself for the expected rebuke.
Not a word did the elder say. Taking a seat before the open fireplace, he took the tongs and lifted a glowing coal from the midst of its fellows. He then laid it down by itself on the hearth.
Remaining painfully silent, he watched the blaze die out. Then the absentee brother broke the silence, "You need not say a word, preacher. I'll be at the next service where I belong."
I wish it was always that simple, but not everyone gets the point. We do need to be near the other members who are generating spiritual encouragement and edification to help keep our flames burning. God never intended that Christianity be a "Go it alone" approach. "I need the church and the church needs me" is a fair thing for each one of us to say.
If any of our readers are struggling with whether to come to services or not, please think for a few minutes about the good that is done by your presence, and the harm that results from your wilful absence. On the one hand, God is glorified that we chose Him over the world. God is praised by your worship in the spirit of holiness. Your Christian family is uplifted by your expression of faith, and by your joint participation with them in serving the Lord.
Whether we want to be or not, we are involved in other people's lives. We cannot live in a neutral zone where we wield no influence either for the good or the bad. We are responsible to others and will lead them either negatively or positively.
The Biblical perspective is: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins...." (Heb 10:25) "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Col 3:16).
I hope each of us will consider very carefully the will of the Lord and choose to be in all the services of the church. See you this Lord's Day!
. . . . Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 50, December 10, 2003.
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Our young people sometimes sing a song that carries the thought of our title, "To Be Like Jesus." I can't help but think of what a wonderful world this would be if more people were to determine to be like Him. We can't force this upon people, but we can determine for ourselves that we'll strive to be like Him more and more each day. I was thinking along this line in the reading of Matthew 9:35-38, "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
To be like Jesus we must learn to SEE AS JESUS SAW. Jesus looked out on a world full of sin and the weariness that still surrounds mankind today, but he saw a harvest that was plenteous. You and I might see rejects but He saw potential Kingdom subjects. He saw potential while we mostly see the obstacles. He saw precious souls, and we too often see inconveniences. When Jesus looked out over the multitude, He saw sheep having no shepherd. That very well describes the condition much of our world is in today. So many suffer from a lack of guidance. Masses fail to find anyone who can actually lead them to the place of green pastures and quiet waters. How bad1ly the world needs a shepherd. How badly we must see them in that sheperdless condition and point them to Jesus.
In order to be like Jesus, we also must FEEL AS JESUS FELT. He was moved with compassion on them. Our temptation is more in keeping with the apostles who wanted to send them away before time to feed them. Jesus was touched with the feelings of their infirmities. Sometimes when we see a tragedy it stirs a feeling within us, but all too often we go our way and dismiss the matter. We're more comfortable when we don't think about such things. When we see sin in its sordid display, we could very easily get used to it and no longer be moved over the sinner who has lost His way. Until we feel as Jesus felt, we'll not consistently offer the saving Gospel to those who need it the worst - the Lost.
We so badly need to PRAY AS JESUS PRAYED. He not only poured his own heart out to the Father on behalf of a bunch of raw recruits known as the apostles, but he encouraged them to "Pray ye the Lord of harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." We need to cultivate the behavior pattern of constantly praying that God will not only send laborers, but that he will help each of us to be the laborers. We need to pray for doors of opportunity to come our way, and then we need to open our eyes to these opportunities to tell others about Jesus. How often we just go our way never mentioning the Lord, salvation, the church, or our interest in helping the lost to find these.
Then we need to put into practice the very principles Jesus lived by. We must DO AS JESUS DID. He took the time to minister to these people and to preach to them. You and I can't heal them with miracles, but we can minister to them both physically and spiritually in their diseases. Peter tells us that Jesus "went about doing good."
The world would be a better place if these principles were put into our lives. As God's family, we must adopt them in hopes that others may see Jesus living in us.
. . . . Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 49, December 3, 2003.
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These words from the Apostle in Colossians 3:15 remind us of the spirit that a Christian should manifest as a response to the marvelous expression of God's care for us. "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." The thankful spirit, and expressions of thanksgiving are an integral part of our worship to God.
Psa 100:4-5 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
Psa 95:1-3 "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
One of the sad stories and certainly a strong learning lesson for us all is found in Luke 17:11-17 where Jesus had healed the ten lepers. When he charged them to go show themselves unto the priest, only one turned back to express thankfulness. Our Lord's query: "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" (Verse 17) is a sobering reminder of how much we take for granted. God blesses us everyday in so many more ways than we could begin to list that we simply must develop a continual thankful spirit for all his benefits toward us.
It's good to have the reminder annually at the season of Thanksgiving as a nation that we should be thankful. His church is reminded at each worship period, and should be reminded daily in our private studies and prayer. A mother and housewife, who was ready to throw in the towel, was heard to say, "I just wish for once that my family would say 'Thank You' or 'I appreciate you.'" This is a deep human need, this need to be appreciated, and I believe it is also true of the nature of the Godhead to have this need. Not "need" in the sense that God is lacking of anything that we could supply, but in the sense that his nature yearns for his subjects to worship, praise, and appreciate Him.
I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to labor with the church at Broad Street. Kathy and I both have loved coming here. That is only the beginning of where my list could go of things to be thankful for, but I at least wanted to express that gratitude to each of you today - and to our Loving Heavenly Father who has made this fellowship possible. May you all have a wonderful holiday season of Thanksgiving. God bless you and your families! God bless this great church!
. . . . Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 47, November 19, 2003.
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As we announced several weeks ago, we will be starting a new leadership training program for our young people with the beginning of our December quarter on Wednesday nights. The Lads to Leaders and Leaderettes program is an exciting opportunity for our students to not only learn the Biblical values involved in leading the church, home, community, and nation, but it also provides an opportunity for our students to develop specific skills that should be helpful in their work for the Lord.
In addition to these benefits, students will have the opportunity to participate in the National Convention at Opryland Hotel on Easter weekend with over 9,000 others just like you, including students and adult sponsors. A "sister" convention will be conducted in Atlanta that same weekend with at least 4,000 additional participants. This convention is the highlight celebration of what will become our year-round efforts to promote student involvement in service projects, learning the Bible, and in expanding skills for leadership roles.
Our classes will be very structured around specific goals and objectives and our teachers will be guided by a curriculum guide to help keep us on track. Please make note of the following class arrangements:
| Girls' Teachers | Boys Teachers | |
| Grades 4-6 | Kathy Broome | Ryan Dunaway |
| Sheila Helton | Eddie Stewart | |
| Grades 7-8 | Brenda Price | Jim Flowers |
| Lee Ann Manning | Lynn Thornton | |
| Grades 9-12 | Cynthia Nance | Terry Broome |
| Beverly Precise | Lee Rice |
I want to encourage all of you who have children to put forth every possible effort to have them in class on Wednesday nights. I should extend that to include all Sunday classes, all other Wednesday classes, and all youth program activities. We realize not every student can be at every event due to schedule conflicts, but our Youth Committee is working very hard to develop and implement something for the boys and girls that will help them grow in the Lord. Parents, we need you to support these activities by helping us encourage the students to be present. I know that you will.
. . . . Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 46, November 12, 2003.
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A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10.!" A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!" The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over." "What about the paintings?" "I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!" God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
. . . . Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 45, November 5, 2003.
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Our FRIENDS AND FAMILY WEEKEND was a wonderful time in the making of the history of Broad Street Church of Christ. We'll be able to look back on this time with great joy for the many happy experiences we shared. I cant say enough about the hard work that went into getting the weekend ready. First of all, the church took very seriously the challenge to send cards and make calls inviting people to our services. The Sunday morning attendance reflects that they were used, along with personal contact with your friends and family members. Our board shows 475 as the count that will go down on the record; however, we've strong reason to believe that the number went well over 500 as so many were coming in after the count. One counter commented it was impossible to get everyone. Since we're accustomed to seeing 310 to 340 in our Sunday morning services, it was a thrill to see the vast majority of seats taken Sunday.
The amazing thing is that we could within a reasonable period of time be having that many in our services all the time if we would get busy and work with weak and wayward members alone to get them active in the Lord. In addition to that, the more we study with friends and lead them to the Lord, the more this church will grow. Were not on some ego trip looking for numbers. We are in the "soul" business, not the "numbers" business. I'm merely pointing out that there are so many opportunities around us just waiting to be explored. This church can grow!
While discussing the weekend. I must say "Thank You" to several crews that worked so hard to make it all possible. A group of men met at the building over several days to finish the painting projects in our hallways so that our guests would be greeted with the brighter colors. Additional tables and chairs were set up for both the Saturday and Sunday activities which took a lot of manpower. Set up and clean up crews worked very hard. Our ladies (I should say cooks since we have several men who help do the cooking) prepared so much that not only did we feed all the crowd, but could have served that many over again with the amount of leftovers. Several cooked for events Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Thanks to the Thorntons for hosting the young adult gathering on Friday night while the Classics were meeting in the multi-purpose room. Both were well attended. Hosts for the teen 5th Quarter party made a big sacrifice to be at the youth center for several hours. We hope that more of our youth will begin taking advantage of this opportunity to be together.
Our VBS Reunion and Fall Festival crew put together a wonderful evening for the children. I enjoyed being there very much. I think the children will long remember the attention you showed them and hopefully it will keep many of them working for the Lord themselves as they grow older.
The men who conducted our special devotional service Sunday did an outstanding job of expressing our needs in prayer and song. The reading of Scriptures was most encouraging. Ron Harville did a fabulous job of leading our songs. Thanks to all our participants in leadership roles and in the audience. God was praised in this service that day.
Well begin right away planning for the big Homecoming Anniversary celebration scheduled for early next year. The church was established in Scottsboro in 1884 and we honor the 120th year of continuous Gospel preaching and teaching to this community. To God be the glory!!
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 44, October 29, 2003.
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It now falls upon our Supreme Court to tell us if it is constitutional to use the words "One Nation Under God" in our Pledge of Allegiance. We have witnessed a continuing effort on the part of some to take God completely out of our society. Do you know what we have when that happens? We have a Godless society. While we celebrate the freedoms and liberties enjoyed in America, we tremble at the thought of failing to invoke His blessings whom our founding fathers invoked to bless their undertaking. America was established with the firm conviction that God belonged in our society.
Nearly all of the signers of the "Declaration of Independence" were deeply committed to Christianity, and all of them believed in the Bible as the divine truth, in the God of the Bible, and in His personal intervention in the affairs of men. Patrick Henry wrote, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Isn't it interesting that Christianity isn't allowed in many countries throughout the world, and in America citizens of those countries can worship whomever they please!! Our founding fathers wrote that freedom into our Constitution yet they still saw no conflict between their invoking God's blessing on their venture and the words of the Constitution which are now being twisted to rule God out of all public places.
What a shocker that in 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution: "The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools." Consider these proclamations from the Bible that we would do well to never forget:
Psalms 33:12 -- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
Proverbs 14:34 -- "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
Isaiah 5:20-21 -- "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"
Francis Schaffer has written incisively about these sacred roots: "The founders of our country understood the basis of the government which they were founding: Certain inalienable rights'they understood to mean that someone was there who gave those rights. They publicly recognized that law could be king because there was a Law-Giver, a person to give the inalienable rights." (Schaffer, p. 32-33) Schaffer further points out that if merely the state gave those rights, "then they are not inalienable because the state can change them and take them away." (p. 32).
William Penn wrote: "If we are not governed by God, then we will be ruled by tyrants." (Schaffer, p. 34). That time may be closer than we care to imagine. It's time we restore righteousness in America, and remember that we have indeed been "One Nation Under God."
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 42, October 15, 2003.
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By now members are Broad Street should be very familiar with the upcoming "Friends and Family Weekend." The complete schedule of event has been posted in the bulletin and announcement sheet for some time. I want to use our space this week to let you, our readers, know how important you are to us. We would be so happy to have you join us for the special activities, any and all of them, from October 24 - 26. Most especially we hope you will join us on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for the special devotional service during our normal class time with the theme, "In God We Trust," worship service to follow, and the lunch afterwards.
As a nation, as a part of an earthly family, as a part of a circle of friends, as a part of the family in Christ, in fact in all our relationships, we need to be reminded that God should be foremost in our thoughts and purposes. "In God We Trust" signifies many things depending on which of these relationships we're discussing. Certainly our nation needs the reminder at a time when everything except faith in God can be discussed on virtually any public platform. I challenge you to put God in all your relationships and trust in Him in all your ways.
My phone has just rung with a message from a dear lady who has been doing just that with former members. We're hopeful that some of these will come back to the Lord, and be restored as the Prodigal Son of the long ago who in Luke 15:21 confessed, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight." Confessing our sins is the way back. Simon the Sorcerer was lovingly but firmly taught by the Apostle Peter: "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee"(Acts 8:22). "Come home, Come home, ye who are weary come home."
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 41, October 8, 2003.
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The story has been told of a preacher who was describing the crucifixion of Christ in very dramatic detail. He preached of the anguish and pain that Jesus felt, the crown of thorns on his head, the physical pain of crucifixion coupled with the personal feeling of being alone when He cried out "My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?" As he described all that Jesus did for those whom He loved so dearly, a little boy in the audience began to cry, and soon was sobbing aloud. The people sitting next to the mother gave her a knowing smile and the mother, evidently quite embarrassed, turned to her son and whispered, "Don't take it so seriously!"
Perhaps this is the trouble in the church as we know it today a failure to take the cross of Christ seriously. We all admit that it was a real moment in history, and an excruciating experience for a real man, Jesus Christ. Yet time may have tarnished the story and removed the sense of "realness" so that it seems more like a story than the most shameful moment in history. This in turn serves to take the urgency out of our Christian service. No wonder we have to beg people to attend services if that Old Rugged Cross has become but a fainting awareness to them. On the other hand, when one is so in touch with what the cross means to the Christian, he'll look for opportunities to thank God for Jesus, and give Him glory and honor and praise.
To the Apostle Paul, the cross of Christ was very real. He writes in Galatians 6:14: "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Again in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 he writes: "For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."
If one is unable to take the cross of Christ seriously, as the greatest moment in history; if one has quit personalizing the cross with the continuous reminder that he bore my sins there (see Isaiah 53); and if the cross has lost its wondrous attraction, no wonder that the whole of Christianity is less urgent to that person.
One of our hymns declares:
"My life, my love, I give to Thee,
Thou Lamb of God, who died for me;
O may I ever faithful be, My Savior and my God!
I'll live for Him who died for me:
How happy then my life shall be!
I'll live for Him who died for me,
My Savior and my God!"
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 40, October 1, 2003.
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The spiritual nature of the Kingdom of God and of His Christ was never fully comprehended by the Jews. In fact, I seriously doubt if most Christians truly comprehend the depth, richness, vastness and greatness of this everlasting Kingdom. God has always been the Sovereign over His creation and thus Israel needed no "earthly" king. Their desire to be like the other nations prevailed upon Jehovah to give them what they asked for. He told Samuel in I Samuel 8:7 ". . . Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." Israel first of all failed to understand that relationship, to their downfall.
Israel secondly failed to see this new relationship and awaited some futuristic earthly kingdom. Jesus ushered in a unique dimension of God's eternal kingdom which was foretold by the prophet Daniel (7:13-14) "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." The coronation of Jesus as King over His Kingdom was to take place when He ascended back to the Ancient of days (Jehovah).
When the Pharisees demanded of Him when the kingdom would come, He replied in Luke 17:20 - 21, "...The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The Jews didn't understand that. The Kingdom of God was to be within the hearts of men, and not in some specified geographical area. Israel wanted more, just like they had when they insisted on a king and God gave them Saul.
Jesus taught that His Kingdom would not come with outward show as would earthly kingdoms. It could not be seen with the naked eye. It's a spiritual Kingdom, and it exists in the hearts of men. As people are converted to Christ and He comes to dwell in them by faith, the borders of the Kingdom spread. The people are visible and so there is a visible expression of Kingdom subjects, but its domain is not limited to geographical terms. It can spread out and fill the earth. Indeed it should be so spread.
As Kingdom subjects, we must see ourselves with a whole new priority. We are ambassadors, who, in the words of a great hymn are, " here on business for my King. Oh, be ye reconciled, thus saith my Lord and King. Oh be ye reconciled to God." I'm not convinced that the vast majority of Christians truly understand this relationship and the all-encompassing effect it should have on our lives. Fulfilling our roles as subjects to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is the number one "main" thing that we should strive for. Those who minimize their association with God's church, His family, the eternal Kingdom relationship in Christ, are seriously taking for granted just as Israel of the long ago did, what God has given us. Oh, that we had the words to cause all the redeemed to be faithful.
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 39, September 24, 2003.
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A man standing on the bank of the Niagra River saw a dead sheep being swept down by the current. An eagle lighted on the sheep. The body sank for a moment under the weight and then came to the surface again. The day was bitter cold and the wool that had wrapped round the talons of the eagle began to freeze. Meantime the sheep was being swept more and more rapidly toward the falls, but the eagle had not the slightest fear. Had you shouted a warning, and could an eagle respond, he would possibly have laughed at you. He might have said, "Don't disturb yourself. Don't you see these great wings? There's not the slightest danger." And now the great drop is only a few feet away. The time has come. The eagle spreads his great brown wings and fans the air, but they do not lift him. The weight of the sheep is too much, and the frozen wool holds him fast to the sheep. While his great wings frantically beat the air, he is swept to his death.
Now there was a time when this eagle could easily have saved himself. He was not made for such an ugly and ignoble fate. He was made for the cloud land and the upper air. He was made with the capacity to spurn the earth and "bathe his plummage in the thunder's home." But he allowed himself the deadly luxury of drifting, and the end was disaster.
We too are made for nobler, loftier things, but we very well may cling to the world until we become so entangled that we don't know how to turn loose in time to be saved. We cannot afford to drift knowing that one can drift until it is too late. The Hebrew writer reminds us of this danger in Hebrews 2:1-4 (NKJV): "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?"
There are many ways in which we might be drifting. One can drift along and drift away just by allowing himself to get into a "rut," while still going through all the right motions, but forgetting their significance or meaning. We might drift by loosening our grip on faith, and the hearing of faith which comes from diligent Bible study. We might drift by losing touch with our spiritual side by not communing and praying, by not allowing ourselves to be filled with the spirit of singing praises. Some of our family have drifted so long and so far that we seem shocked if and when they show up at the meeting house door. Others drift into just Sunday morning attendance with no regard for what they can benefit from other spiritual exercises, or of what encouragement they can be to the whole body by being present to help lift others up. Whatever the cause, drifting is dangerous business, and time is running out.
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 37, September 10, 2003.
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Following a presentation to the congregation on Sunday morning regarding the Lads to Leaders and Leaderettes leadership training program for our young people, volunteer forms were passed out to the entire assembly to get preliminary indications of adult willingness to help as teachers, assistant teachers, trip chaperones, event judges at convention, and coaches who will work with our youth in preparation for convention. This was followed by a statement from John Porter on behalf of the elders indicating their support of the program and stressing that it was a work of the Broad Street church. I appreciated his perspective that this is not "Terry's program" or "Jim's program." To summarize his thoughts: It's Broad Street's program. We will use it in the manner that best suits our needs and interests. In fact and indeed, the program is far broader than any one person. The whole congregation is needed either as workers or supporters of our young people.
The church received the presentation with great eagerness and anticipation of the good which can follow. We had a marvelous response in the initial volunteer forms, and we know of several who are yet to turn theirs in. Forty-five adults have turned forms in expressing willingness to work in from one to many aspects of the program. Thirty of these adults indicated willingness to work with the students in training as coaches. Eight men and five women said they would train to be teachers in the classes while another fourteen indicated they would like to train but serve as helpers in the class. Twenty adults expressed willingness to be trip chaperones for the National Convention, and seven of these said they would help judge events.
Young people, you should be greatly encouraged that this many adults are committed to working with you in this particular program of development. They are interested in YOU, and what you can become. Add to this the number of volunteers who are already working as Bible class teachers, youth center chaperones, and work project coordinators. Please don't forget the interest of your parents as well. It is obvious that the eyes of expectancy and hope for tomorrow are upon our youth by our adults. I am so thrilled with this response.
We will begin the teacher training process in just a few weeks. The coaching aspects will come later. Thank you, Broad Street, for your volunteer spirit.
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 36, September 3, 2003.
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Churches have struggled for years to find a cure for the "dropout" rate of the youth within local congregations. Questions often asked are: "How can we retain our young people?" "What can be done to interest them in spiritual involvement?" How can we prepare them for the challenges they will face as the leadership of congregations of the next generation?"
Many good programs emerged as the youth of the Lord's family became the target of massive efforts among leadership. One such program which had an inconspicuous beginning in Warner Robins, GA., some 34 years ago has grown to nationwide magnitude. It is the Lads to Leaders and corresponding Leaderettes leadership training program. From a very humble beginning with Dr. Jack Zorn and a small room of boys, the program has now found its way into use by roughly 350 congregations throughout our brotherhood, with over 13,000 students and adult sponsors attending the annual National Convention held each year on Easter weekend.
The design of any good leadership program must be broader than training for specific skills such as public speaking. So it is with Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes. Students are exposed to Biblical principles that motivate them to build character, integrity, dependability, cooperativeness, and to develop the attitudes of volunteer spirit and second-mile service. If a student never delivers a public speech, but finds other ways of manifesting these qualities. He or she will still be known as strong and influential leaders! Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes offers dozens of avenues in which to exercise positive leadership.
Much like the various scouting programs, our students will be given a carefully designed agenda for growth from one achievement area to another in an effort to widen their Biblical knowledge and perspectives of church leadership. A student manual containing Bible lessons, service projects, worthy goals, and achievement milestones will form the basis for this growth. Over the nine-year planned curriculum they will master a working knowledge of significant Bible teachings, plus they will be given the opportunity to grow through a series of achievement levels: Character Improvement, Christian Graces, Citizenship, Dependability, Friendship, Family Relationships, Industriousness, Peace Leadership, Pioneer Spirit, Second Mile Service, Social Graces, and Volunteer Spirit.
Our elders have unanimously given the nod to begin with this program immediately. I've had the pleasure of working in it for these past 19 years and have come to see it as one of the most productive programs available to youth in the church. It is a privilege and a serious responsibility to be asked to teach or help sponsor youth in their formative years. It would be a wasted opportunity not to take this program of work seriously. The lives one may help mold may well be able to lead thousands to the Lord in a lifetime.
God bless all the laborers who are using solid Biblical methods to shape young lives. God bless us as we step out on this great adventure!
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 35, August 27, 2003.
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When I was a child of about 4th-5th grade in school, I lived in a small Central Florida town where many of my school friends were "getting saved" at a very early age. The local preacher in one of the denominations had been preaching a frightening series of sermons about some future "rapture and tribulation" where horrible creatures with scorpion-like stingers would be turned loose on society. The only hope of rescue was to be saved, and thus a large number of small children were flooding the aisles.
The fear which many of those children felt is not reserved for children only. A large segment of the religious community is confused and frightened about this subject that has caused a rush of authors to publishing houses where millions of dollars are made exploiting our curious natures and appetites for sensationalism.
While we must preach about the Lord's second coming, the theories we hear preached fail to properly represent what the Lord had to say on these very important matters.
Friends, if God's Word is true, and I affirm that it is, then that Word will not contradict itself. There are some serious conflicts and contradictions with plain and simple truths of the Bible when one tries to pour them into the premillennial mold. I can only conclude that someone is mishandling the Scriptures. If they are handled correctly, no such contradictions will follow.
Any claims that Jesus came to set up a kingdom, but was precluded from doing so by a Jewish rejection, and that He offered a "church substitute" until such future time when He can come back to finally accomplish His plan, is heresy!!! This makes the prophets out to be false prophets, and their message, one that did not come to pass. They prophesied of this kingdom and pinpointed its coming to the days of the Roman kings (Daniel 2:44) with no room for a several thousand year miscalculation. Deuteronomy 18:22 says, "When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."
Furthermore, such nonsense would make Jesus out to be either a liar, or an honest but mistaken prophet when He said in Mark 9:1, "...Verily, I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power." He either lied or was mistaken, but in either case He would have failed the test of Deuteronomy 18:22 if the premillennialists were right.
"What's so bad with premillennialism?" It's a theory that makes Christ and the Old Testament prophets false prophets. That's only the beginning, however. Jesus also would owe Pontius Pilate a shamefaced apology for the misrepresentation of truth when He stated in John 18:36,"My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." According to the theories about some future Armageddon, there will indeed be fighting, and allegedly Jesus did intend to rule on a throne down here when He lied to Pilate. These theories are not so innocent because of what they say about the integrity of the Scriptures.
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 34, August 20, 2003.
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Effective evangelism is usually begun without a film, chart or even without an open Bible at first. It is a program that can be carried out in large or small churches without cumbersome programs, without large investments of church finances. It begins with the assumption that Christians will have friendships outside their church fellowship whom they can influence for the Lord.
Growth is a natural part of Christianity, and it is to be expected that Christians should want to see the church grow. "He that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30 ). All reliable surveys on church growth indicate people are won, not through mass media, but through the influence of individuals---friends---acquaintances:
1.Walk-ins -- 2-3%
2.Programs -- 2-3%
3.Preacher -- 5-6%
4.Special Needs -- 1-2%
5.Visitation -- 1-2%
6.Sunday Schools -- 4-5%
7.Crusades, Revivals, Campaigns -- 1/2 of 1%
8.Friends and Relatives -- 75-90%
Friendship Evangelism is not a method of soul winning in competition with all other methods -- viz. films, mass media, door knocking, etc. It starts with the concept that "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." "The best evangelism takes place in a context of mutual TRUST and RESPECT. It takes place between friends." (Arthur McPhee).
No one method of evangelism should be used to the exclusion of all others, but if we learn to serve those in need---both Christian and non-Christian alike, we will have a better opportunity to win them through whatever method we finally use for specific teaching.
In a sentence, friendship evangelism is developing relationships with others that reflect our genuine concern with the ultimate desire to lead them to Jesus. It is "caring," and "sharing" with others with an over-riding agenda of saving their soul, not just building our social register. It uses man's legitimate social needs with sincere motives with a hope of bettering our friends condition. This is not a selfish--hidden agenda. It is the essence of brotherly love that we hope to save their soul.
Our Lord was a Master in the use of Friendship Evangelism. We should look to Him as an example. Through Zacchaeus, (Luke 19:1-10), we see that Jesus was seeking for "the seeking." Jesus saw potential in every person, even in a rich, worldly, tax collector. Jesus teaches us that no one is too successful or too unsuccessful to need the Gospel. In this story we see how Jesus used friendship in His evangelism.
Zacchaeus was trying to see Jesus, but the crowds of "religious" people were preventing him. We must be certain that we are not obscuring the view. Out of this beautiful story come the famous words of our Lord: "For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10). Jesus left the crowd and went home with Zaccheus. Why is it so hard for us today to single out one person and spend quality time with them? Do we go through life with blinders on and overlook unlikely people like this "Publican"? OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WEEKEND, OCTOBER 24-26, IS A PERFECT TIME TO PUT THIS PRINCIPLE INTO PRACTICE. But we can't wait until October 23 to get started. Start your list and begin cultivating TODAY!!
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 33, August 13, 2003.
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The elders have set Sunday, October 26, as a special day at Broad Street to invite as many of our friends and family members as possible to a special day of worship with the congregation. We'll announce more later about the specific agenda, but mention has been made of special singing time prior to the worship hour, and a lunch together to get to know our visitors better.
Many of us are just looking for an opportunity to say something to someone about coming to services with us. Perhaps we're a bit bashful or fearful, but this date is set in such a way that we should all be excited to talk it up. Unless you have no friends and no family, you should be able to fill a good sized page with names of individuals you would like to ask to attend. If you have no friends, this is a good way to make some. What better way to introduce yourself to a neighbor or work associate.
Please mark that day on your calendar and determine to do everything in your power to stay in town and support this great effort. We should be able to see 500 in services that Sunday.
Many years ago I heard brother Batsell Barrett Baxter tell of a visit he made to a northern city where the Herald of Truth television program was being broadcast. He and the local minister went out to the houses around the building to meet the people and invite them to services and to watch the broadcast. Right next to the building they spoke with a man who said he had lived next door to that church building for many years (he told the number) and that this was the first time he had been personally invited to attend the services there. I'm sure the local preacher felt some embarrassment, but I'm also sure that many of us would be just as guilty.
Using the title of one of Wendell Winkler's sermons preached in a revival where I served as minister in Oklahoma many years ago, "Wake The Town, And Tell The People!" We simply must make people aware of the saving Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and let them know that this church is interested in their souls.
"Evangelize" is the watchword that we must use to move our people into action. It's time to start talking with our friends about studying the Bible. It's time to use our influence to cause others to want to talk to us about what has made such a difference in our lives. We've not practiced New Testament Christianity until we have practiced evangelism. Paul "kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, (Acts 20:20).
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 31, July 30, 2003.
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The giant cables that support the Golden Gate Bridge were woven in position one strand at a time by an ingenious little machine. It traveled the length of the cables leaving behind the strengthening influence of a single strand of wire. Today, that bridge is regarded as a masterpiece of structural strength by everyone who knows anything about bridges.
Christian leadership qualities are much like those huge cables, being woven a thread at a time, until the Christian becomes strong in the Lord. Peter aptly illustrates this truth by urging us to "add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity" (II Peter 1:5-7).
One cannot expect in an instant to attain to the maturity in the Lord that can only come with the seasoning of time. As a babe in Christ, one will more easily be faced with discouragement and the temptation to go back into the world. The Lord exposed us to this possibility by teaching the parable of the sower and the seed (Luke 8: 5-18). Many people who receive a planting of the seed of the Word of God have no root, "which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away" (v. 13).
We are encouraged to, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" (1 Peter 2:2). The Hebrew writer rebukes Christians who do not use the milk properly. The natural progression is to grow from milk to strong meat. The strong meat belongs to those who "by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14). One strand at a time, we must allow experiences and study of the Scripture to weave within our souls that complete man who is strong in the Lord.
It's a journey that one sets out on when becoming a Christian. We can't see far enough down the road to know what we may become, but God has equipped us with the power to become far, far more than we are. That road will bring some bumps, bruises, setbacks, discouragements; but we're not to despair. These are part of our fabrication, growth, development. "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience, and experience, hope:" (Romans 5:3).
There is hope, even for a bungling young Christian, who makes his or her share of mistakes, to become a giant of a leader in the cause of Christ. We must carefully shape and mold these young lives through our encouragement, belief in them, and willingness to give them the opportunity to grow. Teachers and youth leaders have in their hands a great opportunity to help a babe in Christ get past discouragements, and to develop an appetite for doing the will of God. We can also become a part of the discouragement by failing to show a love for spiritual things in our own lives, or by speaking some harsh and critical word to one who is struggling with a "strand."
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 30, July 23, 2003.
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Raising a family is hard enough without having to enter the "war zone" over what is permissible attire. The word "modest" is associated in the Bible with the word "decent" and orderly. Webster tells us it is freedom from coarseness, indelicacy or indecency. Obviously we each have an obligation to be certain that we are not seen in a manner that is immodest. It often comes down to inches, and I don't want the job of standing at the door with a ruler to see who fits. There is a line however that a Christian should not cross. Probably it should be measured more in terms of which and how much flesh is left exposed, or whether clothing is so formly fit that it reveals parts of the body that can plant lascivious thoughts. Too tight, too low cut, too see-through, too short, too clingy, and in some cases, too loose a sure test for immodest.
Gaudy could also be immodest, if we recognize that modesty does not call undue attention to one's self. If I dress in a manner that makes others feel I am arrogant, haughty, or in some way better than everyone else, I may have crossed the line. There must be some balance between buying clothes that are suitable for my role in life, and the community in which I live, and the point of becoming vain. We should apply good taste to what we choose to wear and consider whether it limits our influence for Christ. Taste is affected by the community in which we live, admittedly, and thus the problem of setting up dress codes. Overalls may be Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes in some communities whereas coats and ties may be in another. If I go to a community where everyone wears overalls, I would be out of place to impose a coat and tie dress standard. I might even have to shed the coat in order to be accepted in that community. The same logic would not hold true if the dress code was of clothing that did not adequately cover that which God meant to be covered. We don't just dress like the culture we live in if that culture is crossing the line. I don't always know where that line is, but I do know that a Christian must examine carefully whether we're conveying to the world that we are not "of the world." More and more, society is pressing on the church to conform to its standard. We should try to lift men up heavenward instead of allowing the world to pull us down to "earthy."
One should ask the question of himself/herself, "Am I dressing in a manner that will honor God?" Not only should we be concerned with how much of the body our clothing "reveals," but also what message we are sending to others. Quite literally this would be true of many shirts with messages and graphics printed on them that are worldly. It's also true when it comes to taste in how we dress (what to wear and when). The occasion may call for different but "modest" clothing. Study carefully the occasion and choose appropriately. Even restaurants recognize a certain standard for what is appropriate: "No shirt, No shoes, No Service." Some restaurants require coats and ties, others are quite casual. I wouldn't want to attend certain events without being clothed fitting for the occasion: funerals, weddings, a day before the judge in court, outdoor recreational events. To a certain extent, churches across the board recognize some apparel as more suited to recreational than spiritual. No one can write a rule about what one wears to services, except that it be modest and in good taste, and that it properly represent the Lord before a community we hope to win for Christ. Just some points for us all to ponder.
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 28, July 9, 2003.
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We can appreciate the desperation of the little boy when we remember that most little boys think that no one is bigger or stronger than their own fathers. We can also understand the strong reason for asking such a question in the first place. The Bible tells us to: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Pet 5:8). With a description of Satan like that, one would naturally worry a bit about just how powerful he really is.
I remember the picture on the Red-Devil Lye can that used to be sold in grocery stores of Satan with horns, a long many-pronged pitch fork, and painted all red. For years that was my image of what Satan looked like. He was mean and he was bad. My mind's picture of him has changed a bit through the years. Paul suggests a different image: "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor. 11:14-15). Satan can look any way he wants to in his quest to conquer our souls. Actually that makes him far more dangerous. He could be the man in the pulpit, or the neighbor next door, or at least he could use them as agents of destruction.
It causes me to want to draw very close to God for security against such a force that has led millions upon millions of careless souls astray: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4: 7-10).
Jesus assured us that He is indeed stronger: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Heb 2:14).
"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen" (Rom 16:20). We don't have to be afraid, but we do have to draw close to our Lord for safety.
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 27, July 2, 2003.
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As a small child I remember a comedian on television named Sam Levenson. Levenson once said, "When my immigrant father came here from the old country, he found out three things: 1) that the streets were not paved with gold; 2) that most of the streets were not paved at all; 3) that if they were going to get paved he would have to help pave them."
I can't help but believe there is a great lesson in this reasoning for the church today. Church leaders are constantly looking for ways of getting membership involvement. Just this week I was reminded by a man of this community who is not a member of the church that there is a great need for service by the "laity" (to use his choice of words to describe members who are not preachers). His point was that I could not cover enough ground by myself and was dependent on the whole network of members if the church was really going to grow. How right he was! The church is dependent on that part which each one supplies to the building up of the whole body (Eph. 4:11-16).
Recognizing that not all the work has been done, furthermore, that most of it hasn't been done yet, and finally that it probably won't get done if I don't help will be the beginning of dynamic church growth. Occasionally we hear someone say, "They ought to fix this," Or "Why doesn't someone do something about....."
We're blessed at the Broad Street congregation with a great number of volunteers who work hours every week beyond what one might expect to make things happen for the Lord's church. Most of these folks go unmentioned by name and do not perform their service for the purpose of being recognized. I can't help but think how much more ground we could cover if we could enlist the rest of the congregation to participate with the same volunteer spirit.
Seeing things as they really are plus being willing to do something to help are basic elements in leadership. You will find it easier to maintain the spirit of Christ if you will give something of yourself. Jesus gave His life for the sins of the people. If one ever feels that he's giving too much he only needs to compare himself to the One who gave it all. Thank you to all those who are making things happen: VBS crew, clothing crew, youth committees, food groups, Bible School staff, and all those who call, visit and send cards week by week, to name only a few categories.
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 26, June 25, 2003.
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As a small child I remember a comedian on television named Sam Levenson. Levenson once said, "When my immigrant father came here from the old country, he found out three things: 1) that the streets were not paved with gold; 2) that most of the streets were not paved at all; 3) that if they were going to get paved he would have to help pave them."
I can't help but believe there is a great lesson in this reasoning for the church today. Church leaders are constantly looking for ways of getting membership involvement. Just this week I was reminded by a man of this community who is not a member of the church that there is a great need for service by the "laity" (to use his choice of words to describe members who are not preachers). His point was that I could not cover enough ground by myself and was dependent on the whole network of members if the church was really going to grow. How right he was! The church is dependent on that part which each one supplies to the building up of the whole body (Eph. 4:11-16).
Recognizing that not all the work has been done, furthermore, that most of it hasn't been done yet, and finally that it probably won't get done if I don't help will be the beginning of dynamic church growth. Occasionally we hear someone say, "They ought to fix this," Or "Why doesn't someone do something about....."
We're blessed at the Broad Street congregation with a great number of volunteers who work hours every week beyond what one might expect to make things happen for the Lord's church. Most of these folks go unmentioned by name and do not perform their service for the purpose of being recognized. I can't help but think how much more ground we could cover if we could enlist the rest of the congregation to participate with the same volunteer spirit.
Seeing things as they really are plus being willing to do something to help are basic elements in leadership. You will find it easier to maintain the spirit of Christ if you will give something of yourself. Jesus gave His life for the sins of the people. If one ever feels that he's giving too much he only needs to compare himself to the One who gave it all. Thank you to all those who are making things happen: VBS crew, clothing crew, youth committees, food groups, Bible School staff, and all those who call, visit and send cards week by week, to name only a few categories.
..... Terry Broome
Printed in the Broad Street Banner, Volume XVIII, Number 25, June 18, 2003.
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This is a sobering realization. They also pick up our bad habits! Some kids pick up smoking cigarettes and eventually go on into drugs because they saw Dad/Mom smoking and started themselves at an early age. Some sneak in and try out the liquor cabinet when they see their heroes doing it! Some pick up language that should bring a blush. All the more reason that we should strive to be Christian fathers and mothers. A child's complete confidence in parents is a beautiful thing to behold. God has given us the opportunity to shape and mold a life of innocence and purity. What a stewardship. Some parents take this role very seriously and live before their children the way God would want them to. Others mistreat their children either physically, emotionally, or "influentially." Yes, I believe we can mistreat our children by exercising an influence over them that points them away from God. As parents let's be sure that we do nothing to destroy that youthful confidence and trust our children place in us. However, the day must ultimately come when the child will have to do his own thinking. Someday he will make his own decisions without parental guidance. This is a part of becoming mature. Wouldn't it be a comfort to approach that time believing that you have equipped the child with all the right attitudes and examples to where you have reasonable confidence they will make the right choice. Of course, they'll make some mistakes! We all do. But seeds you sowed many years back and cultivated up to the present will most often pay off in the child's ability to see good and evil and choose that which is good.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Eph 6:1-4)
An added thought: Wouldn't it be ideal if every child of God had this type of childlike confidence in our Heavenly Father's thinking as well? Making God's thoughts our thoughts is the cherished goal of every loyal child of God. The time will never come when we can afford to leave God's thinking and do our own, independent of his wishes. In your thinking do you run counter to God, go ahead of him, lag behind him, or seek to run with him in your thoughts? Happy Father's Day!!
..... Terry Broome
Our Lord understood the pain of this discipline and went through the experiences that taught him from a human perspective what obedience felt like. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" (Hebrews 5:8-9).
Now it might be argued that Jesus did not have to learn how to obey since He was God in the flesh. Others might argue that he was already perfect and suffering did not make him more so. But you see, being in all points tempted as we are, he subjected himself to the painful discipline that obedience sometimes requires. He felt the pain of self-denial and submission to another's will. We cannot point an accusative finger at God or His Son and say, "You don't realize how hard it is down here. You're deity. We're only human!" Jesus learned first-hand what it felt like to be human and to have to make the ultimate surrender in order to obey His Father.
Thus when God calls upon us to be obedient children, He's not asking more of us than God in the flesh was willing to give. Now He authors eternal salvation to all those who obey Him. Much like the little boy who was willing to do what his father commanded and was thus saved from the train, we can be saved from death to come by obedience to a Father who never asked anything of us that wasn't for our benefit. Instead of arguing back at God, or even hesitating to evaluate the logic or wisdom of it all, one should freely and gladly surrender to His bidding.
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:" (1 Peter 1:13-14).
..... Terry Broome
Like this young boy, we often go through life starving ourselves and very unaware that we can have the best life has to offer. We could be sitting down with the family of God as one of His children and faring sumptuously on spiritual things that have been provided with our passage into His Kingdom. When we were bought with a price and became members of the family of God, we inherited many blessings that too many seem unaware of. Notice that the Apostle Peter describes the exceeding great and precious promises and the right to be a partaker of the divine nature.
"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of hm that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:1-4).
We should be concerned that too many Christians appear to be living beneath their birthright. Yes, being children of God certainly carries a lot of responsibility, but we must not forget that it provides us with benefits beyond our ability to describe as well. Furthermore, we should be concerned that so many young people are raised up in homes with Christian parents, yet they've not been motivated to have an appetite for these"precious benefits" in the Lord to cause them to want to become Christians. Could it be that we are settling for the stale "cheese and crackers" instead of feasting at the fellowship table to the extent that our children fail to see the benefit of being Christians? This is not a blanket indictment, but rather a sobering and thought provoking question.
Jesus bought us with the price of His shed blood. Once that "ticket" was purchased, and once we have taken advantage of it through obeying the Gospel, we are privileged with all benefits of being children of God. If you are not a child of God today, friend, you're not even on the boat. If you're on the boat by virtue of the fare Jesus provides, but living on stale "cheese and crackers" come enjoy the full fellowship and banquet feast with all the redeemed.
..... Terry Broome
Walking still farther, they passed a man who was, in the most polite words, filthy dirty. "The soap you sell isn't very effective," remarked the preacher. "There are still so many dirty people in the world."
"Yes," came the salesman's reply, "but you have to apply the soap before it cleans." "And so it is with the Gospel I preach," said the preacher. "It too must be applied to be effective."
Jesus taught in parables in one sense as a testing ground and in the other so that we can see through true to life experiences to wonderful lessons of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Mark 4:11-12, He talks of this separation of the sincere from the insincere -- as I call it, a testing ground. "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."
These individuals made no effort to perceive or understand the spiritual truths behind the parables. They chose not to be saved.
The Gospel is for all, but many reject the cleansing stream. As with Jerusalem of old, so sadly it still is with the masses today: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Mat 23:37 KJV).
Speaking to the Jews who sought to kill Him, John 5:38-40, Jesus locates salvation in Himself as revealed to them in Scripture. "And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."
May it be far from any of us to reject the words of our Lord that make us wise unto salvation. (II Timothy 3:15). We must apply the cleansing power of His Word and of His saving blood.
..... Terry Broome
Later that year we had begun an exciting curriculum of leadership training material on Wednesday nights, and began our preparation to attend our first National Convention. It was a much smaller convention back then. I can't remember exactly, but somewhere around 2000 or so. It had grown from 60 at the very first convention back in 1969 or 1970. Our program blossomed and the adult-youth relationship soared. Over the next 17 years we built a dynamic base of development for our boys and girls that I have never regretted being a part of. By 1991 Dr. Zorn honored me with the opportunity to serve as National Convention Director at Opryland Hotel in Nashville. For several years after that I served on his planning staff for conventions and organized awards ceremonies. I was given other opportunities to direct, but situations prevented my accepting that responsibility again until the year 2000. Meanwhile we had divided into 2 conventions and I had spent several years helping with the Atlanta Convention. In 2000 and in 2001 I directed the convention back at Opryland, and still serve as Awards Ceremonies Coordinator. In fact I already have scripts ready for this year's exciting programs.
But, alas, I won't get to attend. This tumor on my hearing nerve must come out and the surgery clashes with the convention dates. It's the first convention I've had to miss, and I must add, Kathy too, since 1985. A part of us feels a bit empty since something so important to us must go on without us. And indeed it will!! A lesson worth learning in life is that no one is indispensable. It's humbling to know that there's a line of people capable and willing to step right up and take one's place. I'm thrilled that Jim Flowers plans to attend and observe so we can have some discussions at Broad Street about the possible need here.
Meanwhile, we are in for a treat. This Sunday night, the Lads from Plainview congregation in Hazelgreen, AL will be conducting the entirety of our services. Young men who have been trained in their program will conduct the song services, prayers, scripture readings, and 3 speakers. I hope the whole congregation will make a special effort to be here for this exciting opportunity to witness first hand what thousands of young people are doing all over our brotherhood. There are 9,000 registered to attend the convention in Nashville and another 4,000 will attend in Atlanta. Probably 50% of these will be students, and the other 50%, adult sponsors. We are seeing a generation of young men and women prepare themselves for leadership in the Lord's kingdom. Yes, there are roles for the young ladies that stay within the proper description of God's woman in the Scriptures. I'm excited that we have the opportunity to host Plainview, and may I say to these young people, "Welcome to Broad Street, and thank you for taking the time to come share with us."
..... Terry Broome
"He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End! He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be&Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing! He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom! He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power! He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him, the armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and the leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, the Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and the people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him,
and Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, kindness, gentleness, and God.
He is holy, righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me. He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace! He is my joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the over comers,
and the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me,
and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine! My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this... He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul."
..... Terry Broome
Hardly a day passes without the gloom and doom headlines and television reports of killing, and stealing, and crime everywhere--man's inhumanity to man--the apparent hopelessness of our human race! Poverty and war threaten the dreams and hopes of countless millions who may soon perish off the face of the earth. All of us are aware of the horrible conditions in so many parts of the world, and of course the apparent war we face along with the continuing battle against terrorists. Many people are pessimistic about the future. More than pessimistic, there is more a sense of hopelessness as regards our future. One author wrote that "Today, even the survival of humanity is a utopian hope."
I remember the depressing words of a song of the 70's: "Is That All There Is? If That's all there is, then let's keep dancing. Let's bring out the booze and have a ball---if that's all." The artist was facing various "let downs,""bad trips,"---viz. her house burning, her father dying. and the ultimate emptiness of not being able to commit suicide, afraid she would have to say on her last breath, "Is that all there is?" The song was one of utter pessimism and hopelessness, and was a sad commentary on the emptiness and hopeless pessimism that pervaded many of that generation. We wonder if it's any different today.
In every generation there have been those for whom it seemed this life is all that there is, and there is no hope beyond the grave. Robert Ingersol, the noted agnostic, is reported to have said facing his own death: "Oh God, if there be a God, save my soul, if I have a soul, from the pit of hell, if there be a hell." How helpless and hopeless!
There are a few voices of optimism---dreamers---politicians who tell us it will get better.....They are a minority, however. Against this background of pessimism, Jesus Christ offers real hope. In fact, without Christ, there is no hope. There are many senses in which the birth of Jesus was in "the fulness of time" (Gal. 4:4), but one of them certainly is that man had ample opportunity and experience by then to know that he could not save himself nor his world. The world needed a Savior!!!
Today's "wise ones" are still searching where they cannot find for the answer to man's inhumanity to man, to heartache, to dying---distress---disease. They've tried human philosophies: New Age with its mind over matter and so-called "out of body" experiences, transcendental meditation, humanism, existentialism, astrology, evolution, Christian Science, the drug culture, and numerous cultic approaches to defining man's needs and the fulfillment of them. From the Fantasy world of Camelot with King Arthur's dream of a utopian order, to the real world dream of the United Nations as a peace keeper over the earth, men are longing and searching for remedies to their hopeless despair. Such movements have come and gone, but only one has brought hope. Only one has any hope of enduring: "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). The world has had far too many FALSE hopes, FALSE promises; however, Jesus is the real thing! CHRISTIANITY OFFERS A REAL HOPE TO THOSE WHO WILL ACCEPT JESUS WHO SAID: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."(Jno. 10:10).
..... Terry Broome
I wanted to spend our time together this week talking about an exciting feature of our work at Broad Street. For several years the church has had a web site, but in recent weeks it has taken on an exciting and highly upgraded format the church needs to take advantage of. Larry Holland and Jim Anderson are working together to give us a "state of the art" web site Jim with our calendar of events, and Larry with the design and expertise needed to totally rework the site.
Start by accessing your web browser and entering our address: http://www.scottsboro.org/~chchrist. By adding this to your "favorites" you'll not have to type it in each time, but merely access it by clicking on your favorite listing. When you enter our site you'll be given the choice of selecting "frames" or "no frames." By all means use the "frames" if your computer is capable. This will bring you to a beautiful homepage with a complete index on your left of 18 categories. Sit back and enjoy the visit.
The monthly calendar is under Activities and Events. A complete discussion of our benevolence works is another option accompanied with colorful photographs. A current listing of all our classes and teachers is now available. A simple Gospel message of Bible facts pertinent to salvation for the seeker is available. Larry has included a section of links that will take you to other web sites of interest. These will be increased as time goes on. All of our lead articles from the weekly bulletin, Broad Street Banner, are now on the site by year, from the latest issue and back to our very beginning when I moved here in May of last year.
You'll love the history section which recounts the impressive roots of the church in Scottsboro along with great pictures of the old original building and each phase of the expansion of our current facility. Larry will be upgrading our "Leaders" section which currently only lists the elders. For new residents and visitors, there is a map to find the building. And enjoy reading the section on an Introduction to the Churches of Christ.
An exciting feature is the listing of known e-mail addresses of members of the congregation so we can stay in touch on matters of great interest even when phoning isn't always convenient or practical. Please check this section to see if we have your correct email address and let us know at the office or give it to Larry. If your name is not included and you receive e-mail, please consider having it listed with us.
After a discussion of our numerous mission outreaches accompanied with many colorful pictures, you'll find one location where all pictures are indexed so you can enjoy each shot without a lengthy search. Larry intends to get many more updated pictures to keep this area exciting.
I was shocked and pleased to learn that he has added a section of sermons in which he has begun adding sermons I've preached at Broad Street to the site. You can actually listen to the entire lesson over the internet without having to get a cassette tape.
In the future we hope to add other meaningful uses to this website. For now, we want to encourage you to use it, and advertise it to your friends so they can come to know about the Broad Street Church of Christ.
..... Terry Broome
Several years ago a few unlearned individuals started a "God Is Dead" movement. I remember reading some interesting bumper stickers during that time. One read, "My God is alive, sorry about yours!" Another said, "God isn't dead, I just talked with Him this morning!" The marvelous Good News for you and I is that God is indeed alive and powerfully revealed to us through His marvelous creation and through His marvelous Word.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork" (Psalms 19:1)
"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:19-20).
God is the great force that holds the universe together (see Heb. 1:3). The movie series Star Wars made the phrase, "May the force be with you" a popular saying, but it unfortunately left the impression that this force was mystical and abstract, something that has no personality. The Bible affirms that the force who made heaven and earth is very much a personality, and very much involved in our lives.
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" (Psa. 24:1).
"The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing" (Psa 145:15-16).
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (2 Tim. 2:19).
What great comfort there is to the Christian to know that the God who framed the heavens and earth knows each of us and all our needs. A great hymn declares, "My Jesus knows when I am lonely. He knows each pain; He sees each tear. He understands each lonely heartache. He understands because He cares." Indeed, in the words of the Apostle Paul: "If God be for us, who can be against" (Romans 8:31-39).
So, "Be not dismayed, what ere betide. God will take care of you. Beneath His wings of love abide. God will take care of you. God will take care of you through every day, o'er all the way. He will take care of you." I find great comfort and consolation in a time of great difficulty in knowing that God is there and will see me through. We must all take a firmer grip on our faith. So many of his creation are in heaviness of heart and suffering. They need the reassurance that God loves them and knows each one of them. Obey His precious Word and walk faithfully with your God. He'll see you through.
..... Terry Broome
It was a very sad day in Scottsboro last Friday when the final episode of "Talks From The Bible" radio broadcast were aired. Brother Charles Cobb began that program back in the mid to late 60's and it has run 5 days a week ever since with the same speaker other than occasional substitutes. Not only did Bro. Cobb complete nearly 36 years with this program, but had done 4 or 5 years of broadcasting in Nashville before moving back to Scottsboro to preach for the Broad Street congregation, and later the Larkinsville congregation who then took over sponsorship.
I had the distinct privilege of speaking those last few weeks when Bro. Cobb's health got to the point he could not go on with the program. It was an enjoyable experience, and I certainly could tell in visiting around town that these folks had been accustomed to tuning in "Bro. Cobb" every morning for years. I made sure that they understand that no one could take his place and fill his shoes. I was just honored to sit in his seat.
Our elders had agreed and we had made repeated efforts to have the contract changed into our name and continue the morning broadcast without interruption, but station management would not allow this for their own business reasons. We were assured there was no prejudice against us as the church, but that a decision had long before been reached by them to do away with any talk format at that hour of the morning when Brother Cobb finally decided to retire. They offered us an alternative time at 5:50 A.M. each morning, but we declined believing that this would be an uphill battle in building the kind of listening audience Bro. Cobb had carefully developed.
And so a door is closed, but we all believe that other doors will open. One can't shut God's work down merely by stopping a program. We will regroup, re-evaluate, and continue to evangelize this wonderful little town and all the regions around us.
By way of personal tribute to Bro. Cobb, call it Roses while he's living, he is one of the very few of our brethren who have attained such a long term history of continuous daily broadcasting. Ironically, over in Florence, Bro. Jack Wilhelm, also from Scottsboro, has been part of a similar success story in television with "Televisit With The Bible" of which I participated for two years. Jack has not been the continuous speaker, but he has by far been the primary force behind the program for over 40 years.
Charles came to Scottsboro during World War II as minister for the church when it was located down town in the old building, a tour of about two and one half years. Later he served this church for 20 years beginning in the 60's, followed by 13 years out at Larkinsville. Truly his impact on this community has been significant for the cause of Christ and for making a community more "God conscious." He has preached the Gospel for approximately 67 years, beginning at the young age of 16 at the Stony Point church in Florence. Not only has he been a voice to our community, but his printed page has been powerful besides. He not only was editor for the "Tennessee Valley Christian," a news and teaching paper mailed to people all over the United States and in many foreign countries. He also has authored numerous books, tracts, and commentaries.
We are fortunate to still have Brother Cobb in our area, and we pray God will extend his influence clear beyond his days here long into the future of our fair city. You ask: "How tall is a giant?" Obviously this man of such short stature would set a new standard to the meaning of this question.
..... Terry Broome
As a young boy, I remember the excitement of the prospect of becoming a Christian and being allowed to take a part in the work of the church as an added benefit. All the boys and girls in the churches where I worshipped made decisions for Christ at reasonably early ages. I don't mean by this that they were 7, 8, or 9 years old, but by the time they were 12 to 13 years of age, most of them had obeyed the Gospel. I remember one young man who still had not done so clear into our senior year in high school. He never missed coming to class and services, but never obeyed the Gospel. I worried about him.
I've always believed that children mature at different rates, and there must be an allowance for this in our considering whether one is old enough that we should start worrying about their failure to decide for Christ. There is no Biblically prescribed age for this decision, though some have used the 12th year more out of the Jewish background of the young boys being presented in Jerusalem as Jesus was. All of this aside, however, there is a time when we should start to worry.
My phone rang late one night a call from one of my Elders that a neighbor of his had just lost their 18 year old son in a car wreck. George told me that this family had no church home and were totally without guidance as to funeral proceedings, so we paid a visit and offered our comfort and our services. This was the beginning of a friendship that led to baptizing the entire family ----EXCEPT PAT! Pat was dead. He had been tragically killed during his senior year at Choctaw High School in the Oklahoma City area. What words of comfort were there to offer to an aching heart of that devastated father and mother on behalf of the eternal destiny of their son? Would to God that someone could have reached that family before such a tragic hour and that Pat could have entered eternity totally prepared to meet his God.
My alarm is revived every time I hear of a teenager in the church who has participated all their lives in Bible school and worship, plus other youth activities, but still has not confessed the name of Jesus and been baptized. Questions flood my mind: How have we failed them? Have we not been able to convict their hearts that Jesus is indeed Lord? Have we not shown them enough of the joy of Christian living to make them earnestly crave the experience? Have we not convinced them that those who do not obey the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ will have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone? "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (2 Thess 1:8).
"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (2 Thess 2:10).
"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;" (Eccl 12:1).
May I lovingly encourage any young person who has delayed, to study very carefully this urgent matter.
..... Terry Broome
This past weekend was a milestone experience for the Broad Street congregation. All of our deacons, elders, and minister who could be there attended an overnight retreat for discussing the needs of this congregation and how best to meet those needs. Twenty-five men were present. This was billed as the first annual retreat of this type. The participation was marvelous. A lot of good ideas came out of the discussions, and perhaps more importantly, I sensed a genuine commitment on the part of each person there to the work at Broad Street. Great things can happen when we harness our work forces, and when we call upon God for help.
I want to reflect on some items of interest to me personally pertaining to the church here. Did you know for example that we have 519 names in our database of members and their non-baptized spouses and children. The actual membership stands at 379 including our homebound and nursing home members. This leaves another 140 non-members who attend from time to time, or even regularly. Of the 140, 94 are children, 6 are female spouses, and 39 are male spouses. It becomes apparent that our most fertile prospect list could very well be in our very own families.
Even though our Sunday morning attendances have been improving steadily, it has become increasingly obvious that there is so much more that can be done. 288 of our actual members have been in at least 1 service on Sunday morning since the first of the year. Of the 91 who have not been here, 37 are either homebound, nursing home, or away at school, etc. This sadly means that 47 members haven't made it yet OR, perhaps they're just not signing the attendance sheets.
We are totally dependent on your willingness to sign these sheets Sunday morning and Sunday night in order to have an accurate picture, not only of attendance, but of potential spiritual problems. Please help us by cooperating in this project.
Our contributions for 2002 were $583 per week higher than the 2001 contributions. The elders have moved our budget up from the $5164 which we surpassed by $134 per week!!! THE NEW BUDGET FOR 2003 IS $5501 PER WEEK!!! Not only can we meet this budget, but a church of this size can very well surpass it if we each "lay by in store as God has prospered us," (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
Did you know that during the past year this church put almost $15,000 into benevolence works?? That doesn't include the 254 families that we helped with food and clothing. Additionally, Over $100,000 went directly into teaching the Gospel at home and abroad.
We have been richly blessed with the acquisition of the new youth and benevolent center. For the first time in many years, we will not be paying a mortgage payment on the church building - annex proper, and will have a greatly reduced payment only on the new center across the street. God has brought us to a time and position where we can do great things for His glory. "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:" (Luke 12:48)
..... Terry Broome
Have you ever found yourself staring at an object for a long time only to draw a blank when someone asks you what you're looking at. Sometimes we look but fail to really see. There must be some spiritual application to this concept. Jesus used it in reference to those who are outside of relationship with Him. "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them" (Mark 4:12; also see Matt 13:14-15). Certainly in regard to the Gospel there are many who look directly at God's Truths and fail to see the implications thereof.
There's another area of our lives where we need to develop the ability to genuinely see what is around us. That's in the spiritual realm the vision of faith spiritual vision the kind of vision that Abraham and Sarah had when they were old and past the time of having children. In Genesis 17 and 18:12, Sarah at first laughed at God's promise of a child, seeing only an old and decrepid body. God saw past that moment to the great potential that faith could create in these two who have stood at the top of a long list of those who by faith conquered insurmountable odds. Romans chapter 4, verses 18 through 25 tell us that they "in hope believed against hope." Even when there was no apparent reason to hope for such a thing as a child in the flesh, they still believed God was able to make it happen. What spiritual vision!!
We must be individuals of faith in God's power and God's promises. He "is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2 Cor 9:8). God will supply. Our task is to trust Him. In all of life, whatever it serves, let us never waver in our faith that God will supply!
Another area deserving of real vision and not merely casual looking is in regard to opportunities around us. On one occasion the disciples saw a multitude of people pressing around the Lord (Matt. 14:15). To them this represented inconvenience, mouths to feed. To Jesus it represented "sheep having no shepherd" who were scattered abroad. He was moved with compassion on them (Matt. 9:36). May we develop the perceptiveness of every opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. While the disciples only saw a world of perversity, Jesus saw "fields white unto harvest" (John 4:35).
Jesus saw in some pretty raw recruits the potential and capacity to be useful servants in His work. The disciples could, with His molding, become fishers of men. So can we! When we look at someone in the church who appears to have nothing to offer, may we choose rather to see him as the Lord would, as one worth dying for, and one who has the ability to become a son of God. It works two ways. Not only should we see that "worthwhileness" in others, but in ourselves as well. Jesus died for "me." Jesus believes in "my" intrinsic worthwhileness. Not "my" righteousness for I have none of myself, but His vision of us all is that we were worth His dying for. May we cultivate His ability to do more than merely look at, but also to really see and perceive.
..... Terry Broome
In recent weeks, members of the Broad Street congregation, along with numerous congregations of the Lord's Church throughout Alabama, received a letter from Jackie Franklin. This letter was edited by his brother, Jim Franklin, and mailed as a joint effort of the brothers. The subject matter is of major concern to the Broad Street congregation and this eldership because it contained serious inferences about one of the elders of the Lord's church in Scottsboro who is an attorney.
Several leaders of other congregations, along with many of our own church family, have inquired as to this situation involving an elder at Broad Street. Our elders spent hours researching court records to document the entire matter. They then met with Jim and Polly Franklin, who are members of this congregation, regarding the procedure of a letter writing campaign and the implied misconduct of one of our elders.
We are so thankful to report to our readers that several wonderful things have come out of this meeting. First of all, Sister Polly Franklin did not participate in the letter writing campaign and did not approve of it at all though her name had been listed by her sons. Our relationship with her is only stronger for the way the meeting was conducted. We rejoice that the financial need which the letter refers to has been met.
Secondly, Brother Jim Franklin has written a letter which was read before the entire congregation on Sunday, January 19, 2003 in which he acknowledges the error of his way. The meeting ended with prayer and with loving expressions from all who were present. We now enclose the letter from Bro. Franklin in order to put the mind of our readers at rest that no misconduct took place by an elder of the Broad Street congregation and that we are at peace with our Brother, Jim Franklin. We praise God for a happy resolution to this matter. Satan will not prevail when God's people follow His Way.
..... Terry Broome
Jim Franklin
I can hardly believe we are starting the third year of the new millennium! Remember the scare in 1999 over all the computers crashing and crumbling our economy. Time is moving ever so quickly and we're reminded of the words of James in the New Testament: "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14).
The older I get, the more I realize the urgency of "redeeming the time" God allows us to have. Each year well-meaning people make New Year's Resolutions to be better, do better, and do more than the year before. I suppose the most frequently spoken resolution is to lose weight this year. I recently heard one man say on national television that his resolution was to "quit lying." When asked if he lied he admitted that he did. It turned out he had lied to his girlfriend about where they were going (to this television broadcast) and about not being able to get engaged, all so that he could surprise her with a proposal of marriage on national television. The resolution was a part of the plot to set up the proposal. While the situation was humorous, it made light of a very serious matter. Resolve! Oh that we had only accomplished a portion of the grand resolutions of yesteryear!
Daniel "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself (Daniel 1:8). Now that's a resolution worth thinking about. "Resolved, that I will not defile myself this year with the works of the flesh." "Resolved, that I will give myself to Him who died for me." The hymnist writes:
"I am resolved no longer to linger,
charmed by the world's delight.
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
these have allured my sight.
I will hasten to Him;
hasten so glad and free.
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee."
May we all resolve with the writers of old that we will give ourselves totally to the work of the Master. "I'll live for Him who died for me." May this be the year that those who have not begun this New Life actually carry out the commencement of this resolution. Obey the Lord by being baptized into Him in trusting faith. May those of us who have begun, continue to walk close to our God as we follow in the steps of Jesus.
May we all resolve to have a New Year's REVOLUTION! Revolt against sin. Start a revolution of life changing choices centered around Jesus. Lead a revolution before friends and family that draws them to look to Jesus as the "author and finisher: of their faith. Resolve to lead someone to Christ in 2003. Have a wonderful New Year!!
..... Terry Broome