West Broad Church of Christ

Faith and Doubt — Discussions on Being Certain When You Are Uncertain (Lesson 1)

James — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:33:31 +0000

Faith and Doubt — Discussions on Being Certain When You Are Uncertain
“The Question of Doubt and Hope,” Lesson 1
Sunday and Wednesday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
January 29 and February 5, 2012
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)

Introduction:
Today we will begin a challenging discussion. There are many affirmations of faith with which we are familiar, but what happens when what we say is at odds with what we see?

· A consideration: from peace to pain

This experience ushered in a change from which these people may never recover. They believed in God, but belief did not prevent tragedy. What could this couple do as they struggled to continue to believe in what they could not see even as they were confronted by what they could? How do you respond to this same question as a person of faith in downtown Richmond?

I. The Value of Doubt
Question: Imagine you are visiting a car dealership. You overhear the salesperson making a very convincing sales pitch to another customer. The customer listens attentively and then buys a car without asking a single question. What would you think of that customer?

· Considering P.T. Barnum

· Considering the value of doubt

n Moses’ moment

n Gideon’s guidance

n John’s justification

Despite the value of doubt, the results of lingering and excessive doubt can be unfortunate.

· The voice of “scholarship”

· The voice of friendship

Question: Have you known a person who was consumed by doubt? What was the result?

II. The Need for Hope
What do we do after we have asked questions related to the seemingly impossible situations of our lives?

· Considering declaration beyond imagination. Hope can be seen as an unrealized expectation that will not be disappointed.

n Hope and the psalmist

n Hope and Paul

Hope is the opposite of despair. Question: Have there been times in your life when doubt was stronger than hope? How did you deal with those times?

Conclusion:
As we live this life, we will face situations that challenge significantly the notion of an all-powerful God. We will doubt in those moments, but we will also learn to hope in those moments. We do this because we sense, somewhere within us, the truthfulness of the biblical witness. Trouble is, but we understand that God is, as well. So despite our doubt, we hope. But is that all we do? Please be here for our next meeting and we will continue our conversation, Lord willing. We’ll see ya then!

Sex and Service: Gender Roles in the Lord’s Church (Lesson 2)

James — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:49:30 +0000

Sex and Service: Gender Roles in the Lord’s Church
Lesson 2 — “Thinking Through the Text”
Adult Wednesday Evening Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
January 11, 2012
J.L. Nesmith, Jr., D.Min., Facilitator

Introduction:
In our first lesson, we saw that several congregations in our country have adopted a gender-inclusive position regarding the role of women. In that connection, we are forced to ask questions. That is, how do we know that the egalitarian perspective is not divine? How can we know that a gender-inclusive church is not a God-endorsed church? We can only answer those questions by consulting the Bible. Grab your copy as we do so on tonight.

I. Review of the Question
Is the question of women’s roles in the church connected to the liberation movement of the 1960’s?

A look at the past
A voice from the past

We see that the question of women’s roles in the church is not a 20th or 21st century phenomenon. Still, how do we deal with this issue?

II. Review of Selected Texts
Question: You recall that several of the churches we discussed last week noted their commitment to being prayerful and biblical in their decision to use women in leadership roles. How are our efforts different from theirs? Are they different?

Roles at Ephesus. Question: If Paul is dealing with a culturally specific matter, how can we continue to enforce his prohibition, today?
Jesus’ choice of leaders
Consideration of deacons and elders
Spiritual leaders as gifts
Roles at Corinth
Roles in Jewish history. We notice several Jewish examples of women engaging in the action of leadership.

Action of Miriam
Action of Deborah
Action of Huldah
Action of Anna. As we consider these examples, what is it that God might want us to learn?

Conclusion:
The question of the role of women in the church is a “hot button” issue. Yet, the word of God has a way of “cooling” the situation. When we approach the question with an attitude of discovery instead of one fueled by preconceptions and agendas, we see that God speaks simply and powerfully to the ways in which women are to serve him in the church. According to Scripture, (1) they were not formal leaders, and (2) they did not participate in the public worship assembly. Nevertheless, also according to Scripture, they (3) participated noticeably and nobly in the work of the church. How does this truth impact us at West Broad? How does it speak to the role of women, here? Lord willing, we will answer that question during our final discussion in this series. You can’t wait, can you?

Sex and Service: Gender Roles in the Lord’s Church (Lesson 1)

James — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:08:10 +0000

Sex and Service: Gender Roles in the Lord’s Church
Lesson 1 — “A Matter of Introduction”
Adult Wednesday Evening Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
January 4, 2012
J.L. Nesmith, Jr., D.Min., Facilitator

Introduction:
Women perform admirably in every sphere of American life. The same is not true in the church. How can we respond to this apparent “gap?” What accounts for the absence of the participation of women in church leadership? As we think of West Broad’s efforts planned for Jesus during this New Year, how can we know whom to use or how to use them? This will be an informative and exciting discussion. Please pray for this series and invite your friends and neighbors to be present as we undertake this journey of discovery together!

I. Review and Response of Some
Question: What has been your experience regarding the role of women in the leadership of the church? What arguments have you heard? What fuels those arguments?

· The witness of a writer

We observe this review. But what has been the response? We see the answer in the actions of several congregations . . .

· Pasadena Church of Christ

· Stamford Church of Christ

· Northlake Church of Christ

· Troy Church of Christ

· Church of Christ in Columbia, Maryland

· Pittsfield Church of Christ

· Providence Road Church of Christ

· Los Alamos Church of Christ

· Manhattan Church of Christ

· West Islip Church of Christ

· Agape Church of Christ

· Bering Drive Church of Christ

· Canyon Creek Church of Christ

· Highland Church of Christ

· Heights Church of Christ

· Mercy Street Church of Christ

· Plymouth Park Church of Christ

· Southwest Central Church of Christ

· Sunset Ridge Church of Christ

Conclusion:
You might agree that the ways of society often become the ways of the church. How can we know the appropriate course of action in downtown Richmond? Specifically, when it comes to the role of women in leadership in the West Broad Church of Christ, what will we do? We’ll continue our conversation on January 11, Lord willing. Be here!

The Loneliness of Home

James — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:31:47 +0000

“The Loneliness of Home”
Sunday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
January 1 and 8, 2012
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator

Introduction:
For millions of people, the home is not the place of protection, nurturing, and identification it should be. What circumstances contribute to a situation in which home becomes a place of loneliness, and how can we (and our loved ones) move beyond that loneliness in this New Year?

I. Considering Mark’s Message
If we’re going to rise above the loneliness of home, we must do what Jesus did.

6:1 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.

And he went about among the villages teaching.

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. (ESV)

', 'Mark 6', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Mark+6');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Mark 6 provides useful information toward this end.

· The Homecoming of Jesus

· The Reaction to Jesus. Christ’s neighbors did not encourage him in his abilities; rather, they minimized his abilities. Question: Have you ever experienced such treatment? How did it impact you? How did you feel?

· The Pronouncement of Jesus. The Lord makes a statement in

4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” (ESV)

', 'Mark 6:4', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Mark+6%3A4');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Mark 6:4. Question: Have you seen evidence of this statement in your life? In the life of someone you know? What was the impact?

II. Applying Mark’s Message
Mark’s message may be seen in the lives of many contemporary Christians. It can be seen in . . .

· The loneliness of a wife

· The loneliness of a child

· The loneliness of a church member

III. Growing Beyond Mark’s Message
In examining

', 'Mark 6:1-4', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Mark+6%3A1-4');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Mark 6:1-4, two facts move us past the loneliness of home.

(1) Closed minds are difficult to open

(2) Identification precedes application. When we know who we are, we can know and pursue our calling. Question: Why do you think so many of us are locked in the loneliness of home (in both our physical and spiritual houses)?

When his hometown dismissed him, Jesus kept pushing forward. Question: How does Christ’s example speak to your life on this morning? Have you identified your purpose? Are you pursuing it? How do you know?

Conclusion and Challenge
We are all shaped by our environment, but successful living demands that we mold the future by letting go of the past. Despite the fact that he was minimized by those he loved, Jesus went forward.

· An example from history

· A challenge for us

Doing these things will enable us, by God’s grace, to move beyond the loneliness of home and embrace the brightness and promise of a new day . . . and a New Year!

The Christ Who is Bigger Than Christmas

James — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:53:43 +0000

I was working in a supermarket café recently and was blessed to undergo a wonderful experience. My laptop and Bible were placed on my table, and an elderly woman came to me and struck up a conversation. “Excuse me,” she said. “I don’t mean to take up much of your time, but that is something you do not see often,” referring to my open Bible. She went on to tell me that some months ago she had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that had reached Stage 4. Despite that, she repeated Jesus’ words in

7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (ESV)

', 'John 15:7', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+15%3A7');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >John 15:7, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” She repeated these words through six treatments of chemotherapy. Today, as she shared with me, she is cancer free. Friends, it is interesting how God works. Sometimes even we as people of faith are tempted to restrict his power or his willingness to act. We see negative situations that are (in our thinking) too advanced or problems and challenges that are entrenched or seemingly insurmountable. Prior to the woman’s visit to my table, I had been reading and thinking through the Lord’s words recorded in

27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? (ESV)

', 'Jeremiah 32:27', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Jeremiah+32%3A27');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Jeremiah 32:27. God declares, “I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” The next thing I knew, a woman whom I had never met was sharing a powerful testimony that spoke directly to the truth of that passage. The action we cannot imagine, God can easily perform. The help we feel is impossible is more than possible with him. The rescue we see as beyond our reach is in his hand. A woman in a café reminded me of that fact. On today, I hope you will be reminded, as well. Christmas 2011 is over, but Christ endures. His power endures. His promises endure. And they will endure into 2012 and beyond. If you are overwhelmed, my friend, trust him. If you are facing a fight that is bigger than you are, know that it is just his size. Be encouraged and be transformed — what a great way to ensure a very happy New Year! —JLNJR

Comparing Courts and Community

James — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:20:08 +0000

Have you heard them, yet? I am referring to the annual arguments regarding Christmas displays and Seasonal wishes. That is, do we say, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays?” Well, Americans across the country debate the appropriateness of the government sponsoring or permitting the display of Christmas trees and nativity scenes. State courts and the Supreme Court have ruled on the matter and, in many instances, the decisions have been against religious displays. We see the thinking of the court. What is the thinking of the community? Well, in a 2005 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 83 percent of Americans said displays of Christmas symbols should be allowed on government property. In a 2005 Pew Research Center poll, 74 percent said they believe it is proper to display the Ten Commandments in government buildings. Now, let’s be honest, friends. We know that plenty of Americans confess Christ; far fewer actually live for him. Nevertheless, even these people understand that reminders of the Lord, particularly during the Christmas Season, are good, acceptable, and even preferred. The courts are increasingly pushing God out of the public square. On the other hand, they are increasingly allowing, endorsing, and upholding practices, beliefs, and behaviors that are ungodly and unbiblical (

20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
and shrewd in their own sight! (ESV)

', 'Isa. 5:20-21', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Isa.+5%3A20-21');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Isa. 5:20-21). The educated, informed judges are saying “no” to God. On the other hand, the regular, day-to-day people are saying “yes” to him. Hmmm . . . it makes you wonder: who is more “educated and informed” — the court or the community (

37 David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly. (ESV)

', 'Mk. 12:37', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Mk.+12%3A37');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Mk. 12:37)? The argument continues, of course, but please pray that Americans everywhere will embrace not only the Holiday display of Jesus on public property, but the every day display of Jesus in their lives! —JLNJR (Resource: “Religious Displays and the Courts.” Online at http://pew forum.org/Church-State-Law /Religious-Displays-and-the-Courts.aspx. Accessed 12/15/11)

The Rest of the “Christmas Story”

James — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:40:20 +0000

You are familiar with “The Christmas Story.” A young woman and her husband are traveling, and she is about to give birth. They cannot find suitable accommodations, so her son is born in a place reserved for animals. Angels announce his birth, and shepherds bear witness to their testimony (

2:1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (ESV)

', 'Luke 2:1-20', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+2%3A1-20');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Luke 2:1-20). Tens of millions of people refer to “The Baby Jesus” during this time of year. It is a wonderful story. But the story of Christmas does not end at the Savior’s birth. In fact, that is only the beginning. You see, Christ was not only born; he also grew up. As he made his way from the crib to the crowds, he challenged humanity with incredible truths and called us to receive and embrace tremendous responsibilities. You see, according to Jesus Christ, the prime task of men and women is to be about the business of God (

49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (ESV)

', 'Lk. 2:49', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Lk.+2%3A49');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Lk. 2:49). We are to answer temptation and distress not with human wisdom, but with the Holy Scriptures (

4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (ESV)

', 'Matt. 4:1-11', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+4%3A1-11');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Matt. 4:1-11). From Christ’s perspective, people everywhere should look past religion and endeavor instead toward righteousness (

23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (ESV)

', 'Matt. 23:1-28', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+23%3A1-28');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Matt. 23:1-28). We are called to be persons who are sacrificial and outwardly focused, quite unlike the common, “me-driven” expectation of our age (

14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (ESV)

', 'Jn. 13:14-15', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Jn.+13%3A14-15');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Jn. 13:14-15). Finally, Jesus makes it plain that living as he commanded brings either great reward or dire consequence (

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Matthew 8:11-12
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Matthew 8:11-12

11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (ESV)

', 'Matt. 7:21-27; 8:11-12', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+7%3A21-27%3B+8%3A11-12');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Matt. 7:21-27; 8:11-12). What can we say to all this? Only that the story of Christmas is more than an infant, a mother, and some animals. It is the presentation of the Prince of Peace who calls you to “follow him” (

14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. (ESV)

', 'Mk. 2:14', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Mk.+2%3A14');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" >Mk. 2:14). The question during this festive Holiday Season is, how will you reply? —JLNJR

A Parade of Care and Connection

James — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 03:31:29 +0000

Members of the West Broad Church of Christ were recently blessed to participate in a wonderful Saturday morning of sharing and caring. On December 3, the Dominion Christmas Parade passed in front of our church building. As we have for three years now, we seized the opportunity to do good and opened our doors to provide warmth, restrooms, hot cocoa, cool hospitality, and information about our work for Jesus to spectators. Ninety (90) folks blessed us with their presence, and we were privileged to enjoy pleasant conversations and bright, appreciative smiles. A parade, people, goodwill, and Holiday cheer — that is certainly a winning combination!

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Holy Harmony: A Review of Music in the Church

James — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:07:39 +0000

“Holy Harmony: A Review of Music in the Church”
Adult Wednesday Evening Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
November/December 2011
J.L. Nesmith, Jr., D.Min., Facilitator

Introduction:
Music is a powerful influence. How do we see it used in Old Testament times? New Testament times? The period after the New Testament? And how does all this speak to our understanding of music in the church, today?

I. Music in Ancient Israel
Music is deeply rooted in the people of God. How do we know this is true?

· The voice of Exodus

· The voice of Job

· The voice of David

There is another interesting development in terms of the use of music among the Hebrews.

· The choir question

· Dealing with David

Conclusion:
Music among the Hebrews was vocal and instrumental. It focused on the reality and sureness of God and the reliability of his word. Scripture and the acts of God was primary, not emotional and/or sentimental performance. Question: How would you view the music of the ancient Hebrews in light of the music of churches today?

A Fantastic Day for Friends and Family

James — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:16:31 +0000

On November 20, we combined exciting, God-centered worship, warm, loving family and friends, a delicious, satisfying meal, and congenial, gracious fellowship. What was the result? A fantastic day of praise and connection at the West Broad Church of Christ Annual Friends and Family Day! A record-setting, door-busting 243 persons were present during this special effort to share Christ’s wonderful news with the individuals nearest and dearest to us, and saying that we had a good time in the Lord would be a massive understatement! But if you missed Friends and Family Day 2011, don’t worry — you can join us for Friends and Family Day 2012! But why wait that long? We are happy to see friends and family at any time at West Broad. So, make plans to join us this Sunday . . . you will be so glad you did!

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