Introduction:
We commonly think of drugs and alcohol when we think of addictions.  But can you think of any others?  During this discussion, we will consider why people fall victim to addictions and, from a biblical perspective, how this behavior can be corrected and/or avoided.

I.  Addiction Defined
Policy makers and researchers have provided riveting facts regarding the cost of drug abuse in the United States.

·         the overall cost 

·         itemized costs

·         other costs

Question: Do you think that you could become an addict?  Which do you prefer: pleasure or pain? 

II.  The Idol of Addiction
Unlike the God of heaven, the “god” of addiction performs on command.

·         performance and the alcoholic

·         performance and the drug addict

·         performance and the food or sex addict

Despite the sentiment of the addict, feeding addictions will never bring lasting comfort to his/her soul.

II.  Texts Toward Truth
Addiction is a spiritual problem.  How is this assertion true?

·         a priority is placed on pleasure

·         dependence is on the substance, not God

·         the ability to decide for oneself is impaired

·         the allurement toward fulfillment is presented

Instead of relying on God, the addict relies on a substance.  However, it is impossible for chemicals to replace Christ.

Summation and Challenge:
Any human being can potentially become an addict – even Christians.  But we have seen in Scripture that a substance can never be a Savior.  As such, our charge in downtown Richmond regarding addiction is two-fold.  First, we are to be mindful of our own vulnerability to “satisfiers” that are not God.  Secondly, we are called to help members, guests, family, neighbors, and friends understand that comfort can only be obtained from the Comforter (Jn. 14:26-27).  That is our mission regarding addiction, West Broad.  It is your mission as a member of this congregation.  The question is, is it a mission you choose to accept? 

Faith and Doubt – Discussions on Being Certain When You Are Uncertain
“Letting Go: Challenge and Reward” Series Conclusion
Sunday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
April/May 2012
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)

Introduction:
We discussed the value of uncertainty during our last lesson.  Despite the fact that we are uncertain of the actions of God, we still trust in the person of God.  This trust in the Father makes us certain even when we are uncertain.  On today we will talk about “letting go.”  What is involved in this action?  We will continue our quest for biblical answers as we live and serve here in downtown Richmond.

I. On Letting Go
What is the meaning of the phrase, “leap of faith?”  How is this sentiment expressed?

·         Thoughts of the circus

·         Thoughts of the Christ. Question:  How do you respond to this comparison?  Is it valid?  Why?

We see various New Testament instances that demand a “letting go.” 

·         Letting go in Ephesians

·         Letting go in Colossians

·         Implications of letting go

II. On Waiting
We do not enjoy waiting, and it is often a period of great difficulty for us as Christians.  We sometimes do not respond well to waiting.  But we are not only ones.

·        Abraham and waiting

·        The Disciples and waiting.  Question:  Why do you think we have such a difficult time with the concept of waiting?

·        Implications of waiting.  Question:  Recall a time when you were challenged to wait.  What happened?  How did the experience impact you?

III. On Being Caught
The catcher will grip the person who “lets go.”  Can we know this will also happen to us?

·        Being caught in the Exodus

·        Being caught in Chronicles

·        Being caught in Isaiah

·        Being caught in Paul

There is much in these passages that speaks to us intellectually.  However, is the matter of faith an intellectual decision, or is it more?

·        The training of Paul

·        The prose of Paul

·        The conclusion of Paul

The trapeze artists lets go and is caught.  Each of us is on the trapeze of faith.  The testimony of those who have gone before assures us that if we “let go,” God will catch us every time.

Conclusion:
Over the past few months we have talked about doubt and hope, struggling in belief, the silence of God, and the gift of uncertainty.  As we considered this idea of faith and doubt, we saw in the Scriptures that people of faith did not have all the answers.  To the contrary, they lived in harmonious tension trusting and questioning, hoping and crying.  As we serve Jesus in downtown Richmond, we do what they did.  And, like them, we have the joy of knowing  that our Father will “catch” us in the end. Enjoy your journey!

“The Purpose Driven Life: You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure”
Lesson II — Wednesday Night Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
April 11 and 18, 2012
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by Rick Warren)

Introduction:
In our initial lesson, we discussed the idea that life is more than our needs, wants, and desires.  As we seek to understand more about the purpose driven life, we will think tonight about the reality that God does not exist for our pleasure; we exist for his.

I. Planned for God’s Pleasure
Question: Who is in this room because your parents had to have you? This idea also relates to God.

• I’m here for (and because of) God’s pleasure, not my own
• God is pleased when we worship him

what is worship?

an act or a lifestyle

assembly or day-to-day life

A life yielded to God that brings him pleasure is evident on Sunday and every day.

II. Becoming Best Friends with God
Think again about our biological parents and ask three questions:  (1) What is it like when children don’t have a positive relationship with their parents? (2) What is it like when they do? (3) How does this apply to our Parent?

• the example of Adam and Eve
• the examples of Abraham, Moses, and David
• what is most important to God?

We can enjoy in our time the friendships these people enjoyed in biblical times.  But how is that friendship developed?

• it is cultivated through constant conversation
• it is cultivated through constant meditation

A friendship with God is not automatic; effort is required!

Summation and Application:
The God of heaven created us specifically for his pleasure, and he desires a friendship with us.  Question:  How does this make you feel?  And what will you do on this week to cultivate your friendship with the Lord?

“Breaking Habits:  Changing the Way We’ve Become”
Adult Sunday Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
April 15, 2012
J.L. Nesmith, Jr., D.Min., Facilitator

Introduction: We all have positive and negative habits.  We have habits we would like to begin, and habits we would like to end.  This is important to us as Christians. But if habits are “ingrained” actions that are part of us, how can we change the way we’ve become?

I.   The Analogy of a River
It can be said that our habits make us like a river.

· comparing God’s desire.  Question:  What do you think of this proposition?  How does it impact your life?  How does it impact our congregation?

II. The Challenge for Change
It is difficult to change our habits . . . but it is not impossible.

· change habits by changing thinking

· change habits by changing associations

· change habits by changing motivations

The matter is simple: a redirection of thinking, associations, and motivations will lead to a redirection of habits.  But a simple matter demands complex resolve.

Summation and Challenge:
Habits can be good, but we live in a world in which the circumstances and environment of our lives is often not so good.  As a result, it is possible for us to take on behaviors that are negative.  These behaviors, left unchecked, can become habits.  And these habits affect not only our individual lives; they also affect our congregational life.  As members of the West Broad Church of Christ, our aim is the development and cultivation of good and godly habits.  The question is, what will you do to “cultivate” over the next three weeks?

“Easter – Discussion of a ‘Holy Day’”
Adult Sunday Morning Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
April 8, 2012
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator

Introduction:
For billions of people of faith across the world, this is the day that Jesus rose from the dead.  We know that several positive outcomes result from the observance of Easter.  Question:  How many of us would argue with any of these outcomes?  Our task today is to look in greater detail at the facts surrounding the day called Easter. 

I.  Biblical Support for Easter
What does the Bible have to say about Easter? 

·         Consideration of the text.  Question:  How does this text support the observance of Easter?  What problems arise?

n  Determination of the birth of Jesus

n  Determination of the death of Jesus

If we cannot find evidence of Easter in the Bible, where can it be found?                                                                      

II.  Historical Development of Easter
We must examine the pages of history.  When we do so, what do we see?

·         Evaluation of the name “Easter”

·         Evaluation of ancient seasonal celebrations

·         Evaluation of Easter symbols  

·         Evaluation of Easter in America.  For the first 100 years of European life in North America, the Puritans did not observe the holiday.  Question:  Why do you believe the celebration was resisted in this country for so long?

·         Evaluation of Lent

From all this, we conclude fairly that Easter owes its existence more to pagan religion and human tradition than the commandments of God. 

Conclusion:
Easter is clearly a day rooted historically in pagan celebrations.  But what is its contemporary significance?  The day is not biblical, but historical and traditional.  As long as this is remembered, all will be well.

Despite a little rain, the West Broad Church of Christ was blessed to conduct our 4th Annual 10K Outreach during the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K on March 31.  More than 42,000 persons registered for the event, and the starting point (yaayyy!) was right in front of our church building!  Each year, we seize this wonderful opportunity for outreach and open our doors to runners.  They come in to use the restroom, converse, warm up (those early spring mornings are chilly!), grab some hot cocoa, get literature about God’s work at West Broad, and simply “hang out” as they wait for their wave to begin.  A record 560 persons crossed our threshold this year, and we are praying that opening the doors of our building may, in some small way, lead them to open the doors of their hearts to Jesus Christ.

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Back to Basics – Fundamental Questions of Doctrine and Duty
“The Name of the Church: Considering Called or Calling” Lesson 3
Wednesday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
March 21, 2012
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator

Introduction:
We have discussed two questions in this series. We will conclude tonight with a final question that has been the subject of much debate. Specifically, “What is the name of the church?” Grab your Bible, and we will find out together.

I. The Name of the Church – The Matter of “Called
It is important to remember that for us, everything has a name. In this connection, we are convinced that the church has a specific, designated name. This gives rise to two questions: (1) is there a historical reason that fuels our “convincing” and (2) what biblical proof do we offer for our choice of name?

· a hint from history

· arguing the text. Question: If you are familiar with the argument, what is the main proof-text for the proper name of the church? The argument appears to be sound. Yet, there are other considerations . . .

o concerning Corinthians

o a thought from Timothy

o deliberating designations. We focus on a few texts as we think about the name of the church. Do those texts provide us with the biblical limit?

If the church had more than one name in New Testament times, can we give it only one name in our time?

II. The Name of the Church – The Matter of “Calling”
As we think about that question, is it possible that instead of focusing on what the church is called, we should focus on what the church is called to be? Question: How would that emphasis impact the conversation? How would it impact our actions as Christians?

Conclusion:
Names are important. Nevertheless, it appears that as we read Scripture, the designation of the church is overshadowed by the descriptives of the church. We know conclusively that the church belongs to Christ (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:23). But what is the business of that church? With the ministry of Jesus as our example, should Christians focus on called, or calling?

]]> http://www.wbchurchofchrist.org/latest-news/back-to-basics-fundamental-questions-of-doctrine-and-duty-lesson-3/feed http://www.wbchurchofchrist.org/latest-news/back-to-basics-fundamental-questions-of-doctrine-and-duty-lesson-2 http://www.wbchurchofchrist.org/latest-news/back-to-basics-fundamental-questions-of-doctrine-and-duty-lesson-2#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:31:58 +0000 James http://www.wbchurchofchrist.org/?p=9179 Back to Basics – Fundamental Questions of Doctrine and Duty
“Can a Person Be a Christian and Member of a Denomination?” Lesson 2
Wednesday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
March 14, 2012
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator

Introduction:
This is the second lesson in our series reviewing basic doctrinal matters. Last week we opened our Bibles and concluded, based on the accounts of Solomon, Luke, and Jesus, that God hears the prayers of the repentant sinful person making his way to him.

Now, it is time for tonight’s discussion. Millions of people attend denominational churches. Several of them are in our families. As we think of this truth, we are forced to ask: is it possible for a person to be a Christian and a member of a denomination? You may have an answer to the question, already. Nevertheless, grab your Bible and let us see what we can see together. . .

I. A Christian in a Denomination? First Look
It is said that a person “can’t be taught wrong and baptized right.” Question: What does this mean? The Bible is pretty clear regarding denominational existence and practice. So let us consider the matter step-by-step.

· on becoming a Christian. What is involved in becoming a child of God?

Ø Hear

Ø Believe

Ø Repent

Ø Confess

Ø Be baptized

· divine response to the obedient. “If one does what they did, he will get what they got.” Question: How do you respond to this assertion? Why?

II. A Christian in a Denomination? Second Look
Let us take a moment now to think about the central focal point and secondary focal point.

· central focal point

· secondary focal point. What should be observed by the person who was “baptized right but is worshiping wrong . . .?”

Ø observance of the message of the denomination

Ø observance of the practices of the denomination

Ø observance of the fate of the denomination. Question: How do you respond to this second look at “a Christian in a denomination?”

Conclusion:
What have we seen? Only that (1) it appears that persons who did what is taught in Scripture receive what is promised in Scripture, and (2) the servant of God cannot be true to the Lord in denominationalism. To the contrary, when he learns better, he must do better.

We are aware of the tragic, unexpected event known as “9/11.” Well, let’s “rewind” 1,602 years to August 24, 410 AD.  On that day, the city of Rome was besieged and pillaged by an army of 40,000 blood-thirsty soldiers led by a wily warrior named Alaric.  Before then, Roman coins bore the legend Invicta Roma Aeterna: eternal, unconquerable Rome.  This sense of national pride and confidence arose from the fact that it had been more than 800 years since the City had fallen to an enemy’s attack.  But in 410, Rome’s military power could not prevent its walls being breached, its women assaulted, and its sacred precincts burned and sacked. What does an event that transpired more than 1,600 years ago have to do with our lives today? Plenty.  We Americans have long borne the attitude, Invicta America Aeterna: eternal, unconquerable America. But we have been forced to rethink that attitude after being attacked on our own shores and struggling through more than a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan (former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield said the war would “… not last for more than six months.” He was a little off in his prediction).  Our economy is in serious trouble with record unemployment, a flood of home foreclosures, and ever-mounting national debt.  Millions have trusted in the superpower called America and found that America, like ancient Rome, is not so super, after all.  But there is hope.  Paul wrote, “… the gospel of Christ . . . is the power of salvation for everyone who believes . . . (Rom. 1:16, emphasis mine).  If we are to survive, we must return to the Lord (Psa. 33:12; Prov. 14:34).  History has proven that superpower status cannot save a nation;  however, obedience to the God of heaven can! If you’d like to learn more about that “obedience” and what it means for your life, friend, please feel free to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30! —JLNJR (Resource: Christianity Today, 9/06, p. 79)

Back to Basics – Fundamental Questions of Doctrine and Duty
“Does God Hear a Sinner’s Prayers?” Lesson 1
Wednesday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
March 7, 2012
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator

Introduction:
People of faith must sometimes go backward as we go forward (Heb. 5:11-12).  With that truth in mind, we will spend time this month thinking through core doctrines and questions.  Is our understanding valid, or does it need to be adjusted?  We will begin tonight with a question that has been “asked and answered” in the minds of many.  That’s fine, but what does the Bible say?

I.  The Matter of a Sinner’s Prayer
Question:  What have you heard regarding the question, “Does God hear a sinner’s prayer?”

• Words from a blind man (Jn. 9:1-41).  A “doctrine” is formed from one verse.  Is there more to consider?

§ Verses from Luke

§ Verses from Solomon

§ Verses from Manasseh

§ Verses from Christ

Conclusion:
What do we see?  Only that the Bible seems to teach that the prayer of the sinner is the action that allows him to know God’s blessing of direction, provision, and forgiveness.  The distinction must be made between the sinner and the sinful, however.  With this distinction in mind, we ask again: “Does God hear a sinner’s prayers?”  Based on Scripture, the answer is “yes” – and that is great news for sinners like you and me (Rom. 3:10)!