West Broad Church of Christ

On Pain, Providence, and Purpose

James — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:58:20 +0000

Ms. Iva was a frail, ninety-two-year-old woman in a wheelchair. She lived in a San Diego nursing facility, where she had been for five years. Ms. Iva was a hardworking Christian woman all her life, but now her privacy was gone. So was her independence. She was abandoned by her family, and her world had shrunk to a hospital bed and small chest of drawers topped by a few old pictures. “Lord, why did you put me here? Why don’t you just let me die?” Ms. Iva’s acute arthritis left her in constant pain. But more importantly, her heart hurt. She longed to return to her home in Oklahoma, but she could not. Instead, she was left to endure an empty and meaningless life in the home.

One day, a woman who appeared to be close to death was admitted. She could not speak – she only groaned and moaned occasionally. The next day as she was rolling in her wheelchair, Ms. Iva accidentally bumped into the woman who sat in her own wheelchair. She could not respond to Ms. Iva’s greetings, so Ms. Iva felt compelled to touch the woman and pray. A week later, the same formerly-near-death woman walked up to Ms. Iva. “Thank you for praying for me,” she said. She was no longer helpless and speechless. Instead of being in a wheelchair, she was walking. And she walked down the hall and out the door — on the way home with her husband. Ms. Iva wondered for five years why God placed her in the gloomy nursing home. Now, as she rolls around praying with residents, she knows.

Think of it, West Broad and friends. You may be in a bad situation, right now. Your present circumstances might be anything but desirable. But recall that Ms. Iva’s experience prepared her for God’s purpose (

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)

', 'Eph. 2:10', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eph.+2%3A10');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Eph. 2:10). It could very well be that your experience has prepared you for the same. Think about it! —JLNJR (Resource: Miles McPherson, Do Something, pp. 73-76)

A Special Afternoon for Ladies

James — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:28:40 +0000

The ladies of the West Broad Church of Christ are inviting their friends to a VIP (Very Indulgent Party) this month. This is a fun way to spend a few hours with your favorite people while folks at The Dressbarn help you pick out your perfect look for the fashion season. In addition to the fun, laughs, and fellowship, you will receive a 15% discount off all purchases. Clothes and conversation — what a cool deal!

The festivities will occur on March 20, 2010 at The Dressbarn. The store is located in The Creeks at Virginia Center, 9920 Brook Road, Glen Allen, 23059. We will begin at 4:00 p.m.

We are looking forward to this time of sisterly fun and fellowship. To confirm your attendance and/or ask any questions, please email Wilhelmina Frazier. You can also reach her by phone at 804.356.3363. Thanks so much, and we hope to see you at the VIP!

Our Faith — Across Generations

James — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:12:48 +0000

Many adult Christians have promoted the gospel, established churches, and encouraged tens of thousands of lost, hurting, and hungry souls. But that is one generation. What of the next? At forty-six, I realize that (statistically speaking) my life is half over. Several other West Broadians share my assessment. As such, we ask a hard question: is there someone to carry on God’s work when we are no longer alive to do so? Is there another generation that will proclaim Jesus? Recent research presents an uncertain answer to that question. One study found that young people painted the church in a very poor light. Specifically, eighty-five percent of respondents viewed present-day Christianity as hypocritical. Young adults view the church with increasing suspicion, distrust, and even hostility. The Barna Group indicated that a third of the young people they polled said that Christianity “represents a negative image with which they would not want to be associated.” Whoa! What’s going on, here? It’s quite simple. To a large degree, young people have seen the harshness of our faith, but they have not seen the holiness. They have observed our rituals about the Lord, but they have not seen our relationship with the Lord. They have witnessed our talking about the Bible, but they have not seen us living according to the Bible. Nevertheless, there is hope, friends. As we “older” Christians become the people we need to be (

2:1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, (ESV)

', 'Tit. 2:1-3', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Tit.+2%3A1-3');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Tit. 2:1-3), younger Christians will see God’s Spirit in us and readily take the church by his power to levels of which we never dreamed (

14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, (ESV)

', 'Acts 5:14', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Acts+5%3A14');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Acts 5:14). Amen! —JLNJR (Resource: Gospel Advocate Magazine, 9/09, 25.)

Meetings and Motion at West Broad

James — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:25:45 +0000

The West Broad Church of Christ is a congregation intent on sharing the love, truth, and message of Jesus in downtown Richmond. But one has to plan before he can prosper (

28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? (ESV)

', 'Lk. 14:28', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Lk.+14%3A28');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Lk. 14:28). To this end, we enjoyed two great morning meetings on February 12.

First, our men met at a local restaurant to discuss strategies through which our congregation might become even more connected and mission-minded. Our ladies also met for a time of Bible study and fellowship, focusing upon thinking and mindset that will serve to enhance member attitudes of participation.

The meetings were informative and we will work, as always, to progress from ideas to action. If you want to be involved in a congregation that believes in dialogue as well as demonstration, please come see us on this Sunday!

Thinking Through Our Task

James — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:05:03 +0000

You may have seen President Obama deliver his first State of the Union Address a few weeks ago. The President reviewed his administration’s accomplishments. He also emphasized his future objectives. As I considered his mission and goals, I could not help but think of ours as members of the Lord’s church in downtown Richmond. Like the President, we find ourselves summoned to a great task; in fact, a greater task because Obama’s work has temporal implications while ours has eternal implications (

18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (ESV)

', '2 Cor. 4:18', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=2+Cor.+4%3A18');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >2 Cor. 4:18). Think of the work before us, friends. Tens of thousands of adults within the city limits do not know Jesus. Children, teens, and young adults need to see and hear the relevance of God’s word in their lives. Single parents and struggling couples desperately need to be touched by Christ’s church so they can know the hope and optimism that only he can provide. People in Church Hill, Blackwell, Northside, and the West End need to understand that the kingdom of God is present and powerful. But none of this will happen unless you and I live our lives with the passionate understanding that judgment is real (

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (ESV)

', '2 Cor. 5:10', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=2+Cor.+5%3A10');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >2 Cor. 5:10) and Christ is coming (

30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (ESV)

', 'Matt. 24:30', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+24%3A30');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Matt. 24:30). We embrace this understanding at West Broad. Even so, the task before us will not be easy. We will face opposition. We will experience fatigue. But as we think through the enormous task of sharing Jesus, we realize that we cannot stop. We must not stop. The first six weeks of 2010 have ended but, praise God, the West Broad Church of Christ is just getting started. Come join us on this Sunday and see for yourself! —JLNJR (Resource: Gospel Advocate Magazine, 12/09, 21.)

Running to Win — Biblical Principles for Christian Endurance

James — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:06:41 +0000

Running to Win – Biblical Principles for Christian Endurance
Adult Wednesday Night Bible Study
West Broad Church of Christ
February 10, 2010
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by Christine Caine)

Introduction:
Many people each year are baptized and added by the Lord to his one church. Nevertheless, many of these people fall away from the Lord. What can Christians do to start and end with Jesus?

I. An Example of Running from History
Paul spoke about learning lessons from history. What historical lesson do we learn regarding running?

· A battle described

· A task pursued

· A result received. Question: How do you respond to this story? What are your immediate reactions? What thoughts surface in your mind?

II. An Example of Running from Scripture (

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (ESV)

', '1 Cor. 9:24-27', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Cor.+9%3A24-27');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >1 Cor. 9:24-27)
We know that we must run. The question becomes, “How do we run?”

· The imperative of running (9:24)

· The motivation for running (9:25)

o Paul’s thoughts

o Ancient Greek thoughts. Question: How does Paul’s motivation and focus compare with yours as you run here at West Broad?

· The methodology of running (9:26-27). Paul saw the Christian race as something that requires constant self-discipline. Question: How does Paul’s methodology compare to the way you are running your race here at West Broad?

Reading the Bible teaches us that running successfully for Jesus in downtown Richmond requires that we do three things as members of the West Broad Church of Christ.

· Realize that running is not an option

· Realize that our prize is beyond the contemporary. What will ultimately happen to the career, possessions, etc. that many Christians pursue so relentlessly (

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (ESV)

', '2 Pet. 3:10', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=2+Pet.+3%3A10');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >2 Pet. 3:10)?

· Realize that running requires technique. Successful Christianity is a deliberate, incremental process. It is not an accident.

Conclusion:
What do we learn from this discussion? Only that here in downtown Richmond, we do not want to be like Pheidippides (running hard but ending suddenly). We do not want to be like the negative persons Jesus describes in

13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

“‘You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
15 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:

“I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

51 “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, 54 and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. (ESV)

', 'Matthew 13', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matthew+13');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Matthew 13. We want to run; but we want to run and win. We have seen in

', '1 Cor. 9:24-27', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Cor.+9%3A24-27');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >1 Cor. 9:24-27 Paul’s formula for successfully running the Christian race. The question becomes: Is this formula being “lived out” in your Christian life? If not, what will you do to ensure that it is? Be here on February 17 for Lesson 2 as we get “On Your Mark” for Jesus!

“Sweet Sounds of Praise” Bring the Gospel in Song

James — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:31:35 +0000

The West Broad Church was recently blessed to share the love of Jesus when our chorale ensemble had the opportunity to perform for residents of an area nursing home and rehabilitation facility. The group did a wonderful job bringing several moments of harmonious happiness to folks who were visibly pleased with their offerings. We are thankful for these precious members of our church family who so readily and ably share their hearts and talents! Please feel free to join us in worship this Sunday as the music continues . . .

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Steps to Overcoming Sin

James — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:45:04 +0000

“Steps to Overcoming Sin”
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
January 24 and 31, 2010

Introduction:
Despite our best efforts, all human beings are guilty of sin.

· A biblical evaluation

· Personal evaluations

Regardless of prevalence, the reality of sin is not license to sin. But how can we as sinful people move beyond sinfulness?

I. Concede to the Attractiveness of Sin
It is important to consider the alluring nature of sin.

· The Genesis of iniquity

· The development of iniquity

Because of its attractiveness, we must work diligently to be aware of sin’s possibility in our lives.

II. Work to Change the Way You Think
Question: If you have a low opinion of yourself, how will other people perceive you?

· A matter of the mind

· Developing a new mind

· Having a “centered” mind”

· The mind as a “precursor” to action

The way we think results in either blessing and curses. Question: How difficult is it to desire the “blessing?” How easy is it to earn the “curse?” How has either been evident in your life?

III. Become Spiritually Educated
Secular education is highly prized in our culture.

· Considering the cost

· Considering the effort. Question: Why do we put ourselves through the rigors and debt of education?

· Considering the payoff. Question: What are you doing to pursue your spiritual education? What more can you do?

IV. Strengthen Your Self-Control
It is impossible to overcome sin if one lacks self-control.

· An “urgent” example

· A “romantic” example

· A biblical example

Question: What steps will you take as you work toward greater self-control before the Lord?

Conclusion:
Being a Christian is not easy, but the task becomes easier when God is our center. A focus on the Father enables us to understand the deceptive attractiveness of sin. It also helps to direct our thinking and fortify our purpose. Question: What have you done in the last week to overcome sin in your life? What will you do this week? Document your experiences if you have truly decided to make God your center and see what happens.

Regarding A Resolution Revolution

James — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:33:34 +0000

As we begin this third week of a New Year, you may still be mindful of your “ New Year’s resolution.” Curiously, the apostle Paul was a fan of resolutions, as well. Specifically, he refers in

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. (ESV)

', 'Romans 14:13', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Romans+14%3A13');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Romans 14:13 to a resolution all Christians must make. The word the apostle uses that is translated “make up your mind” (NIV), “decide” (ESV), “determine” (NASB), and “resolve” (NKJV) is the Greek krino. This word means to “distinguish or decide.” Paul is instructing the saints at Rome to make a pointed and permanent decision; they are to resolve to be persons of encouragement and positive direction not only in the church, but also in their communities (

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)

', 'Matt. 5:16', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+5%3A16');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Matt. 5:16). With Paul’s thought in view, we of the West Broad Church of Christ are challenged toward several congregational resolutions. Specifically:

n We resolve to be frequent readers of God’s word (

97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me. (ESV)

', 'Psa. 119:97-98', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Psa.+119%3A97-98');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Psa. 119:97-98;

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. (ESV)

', '1 Tim. 4:13', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Tim.+4%3A13');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >1 Tim. 4:13)

n We resolve to practice what we learn from God’s word, knowing that only doers of the word will be blessed (

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (ESV)

', 'James 1:22', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=James+1%3A22');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >James 1:22)

n We resolve to reject from our lives any behavior that is contrary to our profession as Christians (

3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (ESV)

', 'Eph. 5:3-4', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eph.+5%3A3-4');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Eph. 5:3-4)

n We resolve to serve others instead of ourselves, just as our Savior did (

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)

', 'Phil. 2:4', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Phil.+2%3A4');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Phil. 2:4;

45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)

', 'Mk. 10:45', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Mk.+10%3A45');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Mk. 10:45)

n We resolve to be fully involved and integrated in the life and activities of the West Broad Church of Christ, planning our lives around the church and not the church around our lives (

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)

', 'Matt. 6:33', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+6%3A33');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Matt. 6:33)

Devotion. Holiness. Service. Commitment. The question of the hour is, “Are you ready for a resolution revolution? —JLNJR (Resource: Adapted from Richard Logan, Cawson Street Bulletin, 1/10/10)

On Sight and Salvation

James — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:57:52 +0000

Jim Cymbala preaches at a church in the slums of New York. One Sunday after services, a man came up to him who looked about fifty. His front teeth were missing, and he was disheveled and filthy. When the man got within five feet, Jim smelled a horrible scent. It was so awful that he inhaled by looking away from the man, talking with him, and then looking away to inhale, again. Jim thought, “I’ll give him some money, and he’ll be on his way.” As he took out his billfold, the man said, “I don’t want your money. I want this Jesus, the one you were talking about. I need him because I’m not going to make it. I’m going to die on the street.” Jim felt a deep sense of shame and regret in his soul. A man he was about to dismiss was a man who was actually hungry for Christ. Jim began to cry, and the man began to cry. As they embraced, the visitor’s formerly offensive odor became a beautiful aroma as Jim began to see not a drifting alcoholic but a precious soul for whom Christ died. He learned that the man’s name was David. David responded to Jesus in faith, and the Lord dramatically began to change his life. For example, he memorized portions of Scripture in an incredible way. In addition, Jim’s church got him a place to live and hired him to do maintenance on the building. They also got his teeth fixed and, after a six-day detox, a handsome fellow (of thirty-two, not fifty) greeted them upon his discharge from the hospital. And the changes continued. David spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with Jim and his family. A year later, he shared before the congregation his conversion to Christ. As they witnessed David’s talent and passion for the word, Jim’s church encouraged him in ministry. Today he is an associate minister with a church in New Jersey. What does this account teach us, West Broad and friends? Only that even people of faith can be guilty of judging persons based on outward appearance (

2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (ESV)

', 'James 2:1-4', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=James+2%3A1-4');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >James 2:1-4). But what would have happened to David if Jim trusted his eyes instead of opening his heart? David’s life is a testimony of the change that is possible in Jesus Christ. It is a testimony of the change the Lord can bring about in your life. As this New Year begins, may we all look beyond the present and visualize the possibilities. Think about it! —JLNJR (Resource: Adapted from article by David Huss, 1/4/10)