Looking for Lincoln

Today ten of us traveled to Springfield, IL, to search for Lincoln! Actually, we went to the Lincoln Presidential Museum. WOW! It was great. I would encourage everyone to make the trip to Springfield. There are many other Lincoln sites to visit in Springfield to enhance the trip. Lincoln's home and tomb, plus both the old and current state capitals are located in Springfield.

Lincoln was a president who took a stand on an issue and did not budge. This strong stance caused many people to hate Lincoln. The museum portrays this through the numerous politcal cartoons that showed this hatred. Lincoln did what he believed to be the right thing to do, whether it was popular or not.

This reminds me of church leaders. Elders and evangelists have to take strong stands on the Gospel and these may not always be the most popular positions. But if we are standing on the solid rock of Jesus and His Word, we have to stand firm! I pray that the elders at South Side will continue to always stand firm on the Solid Rock, popular or not! It is not the goal of the church to be popular! It is the goal of the church to be faithful. May we continue to contend for the faith that was once delivered!

It thrills me that Lincoln was immersed into Christ to have his sins forgiven!

There is a tradition among Illinois Disciples that John O’Kane, when state evangelist, discussed the state of Lincoln’s soul with him on several occasions; finally he was convicted and wished to be immersed. He reportedly knew that his wife, who had strong Episcopal and Presbyterian social obligations in Springfield, would be greatly embarrassed if it were known that a “Campbellite” evangelist had baptized him. But one night, Lincoln slipped away from the house with proper garments for baptism, met O’Kane and was immersed in the waters of the Sangamon River.

Christians Only: A History of the Restoration Movement by James DeForest Murch, p. 155, Standard Publishing, 1962.

Unity and Truth Together!

Yes, the restoration plea is about unity. But that is only part of it. This unity hinges on the second part, which is truth! The restoration plea, you see, stands only on the authority of the Scriptures. Raccoon John Smith once stated it this way in the 1800's, “Let us, then my brethren, be no longer Campbellites or Stoneites, New Lights or Old Lights, or any other kind of lights, but let us come to the Bible, and to the Bible alone, as the only book in the world that can give us all the light we need.” Notice that union and truth are together! Union not based on truth is not biblical union at all. My prayer is that we continue to come to the Bible and the Bible alone! I pray that that Bible will continue to be our source of authority! I pray that we use the Bible only to make Christians only! Let's restore the restoration plea of unity, but ONLY on truth!

What a week!

This week has reminded me of Hebrews 10:25 on how we are not to forsake our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

This week has offered opportunities for many of us to encourage one another - all the more so as we see Sunday approaching! It started last Sunday with fellowship and encouragement opportunities in both of our services. Then on Monday evening, it continued with a meal, report and fellowship at Pleasant Meadows. Tuesday evening offered a great time of fellowship by the churches of Christ and Christian churches here in Vermilion County. And then our own fellowship and Bible Study and Prayer time on Wednesday. We are not through yet! Ladies can attend the fellowship at Hanging Rock tonight, if they would like. Saturday the Sunday Bible School Classes are meeting and sharing a meal together.

Encouragement! Encouragement! Encouragement! Keep it up as we continue to see the next Lord's Day approaching!

Service matters!

What a nice evening yesterday at Pleasant Meadows. Yes, even the "cozy" ride down and back was nice. It is always great to be able to spend time with Christian brothers and sisters, even when you have to sit real close!

It was a treat to hear about all the things going on at Pleasant Meadows. It was my first trip to the home, although we support it monthly through our missions giving at South Side.

We were also reminded that our service does matter. It does not matter how small or large the task is, they are all so very important for the kingdom.

Reflecting on 9-11-2001

I wanted to reflect on the fifth year since 9-11-2001. That day I was teaching history at a Christian school in Ohio, already having started into my regular routine. My classroom was in the library and someone told me to turn the TV on because a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. I turned it on briefly, and then went back to teaching, figuring that it was an accident. It wasn't too long after that when the assistant administrator popped his head in the door and told me a plane just went into the Pentagon. I said, "no way"! I turned the TV back on and it stayed on most of the day after that.

Before we left school, the whole Jr/Sr High met in my classroom/library and we had a prayer meeting. We did not know all the details yet, but knew it was enough to cause concern and a certain level of fear. At the same time, we knew we had a God that would be our strength through whatever we would have to face. We prayed for the victims. We prayed for the surviving families. We prayed for our president. We prayed for our students. We prayed for our families. We prayed for our staff.

I will never forget this day as the staff tried to comfort the fears of the students and other staff members. Even when I got home, I needed to remind my children that God is our rock - we must stand upon him, no matter what might happen. I am reminded of the words of David:

Psalm 31:1-4 - In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, A stronghold to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me. You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength.

God Bless America, the land which we love!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

I really enjoy Wednesday evenings. Yes, it is a busy day. I make the trip to Danville twice. Then if you throw in a meeting of the elders and deacons, followed by an elders's meeting . . . whew!
But I love teaching. I enjoy good Christian fellowship. I enjoy spending some time together in prayer for friends and family of the church. I am glad that I GET TO serve in this way! I hope you feel the same way!