http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message.htmlen-usFri Jul 30 02:26:58 EDT 2010Fri Jul 30 02:26:58 EDT 2010CommuniSite RSS Generatorhttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message.html0http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/252/Memorable-Dad-isms.htmlMemorable “Dad-isms”        A “Dad-ism” is one of those blunt, pithy statements your Dad said to you, not once, but a thousand times. “Dad-isms” usually come in the form of a word of wisdom or perhaps a correction or warning. I still remember several of my father’s well-worn “Dad-isms”, like “haste makes waste”, or, “the sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll get done.” One that used to make me groan was, “when I was a kid we knew the value of a dollar.” My Dad had a whole line of “Dad-isms” that began with, “when I was a kid”, or “when I was a young man”. Now, I have my own collection of “Dad-isms”, and I have even heard myself relaying some of my father’s words to my own children – scary, isn’t it?!       What follows is a selection from Proverbs 4. It is a collection of “Dad-isms” – a father teaching his son about life. The father, Solomon, not only instructs his son, but remembers being a son in his father’s house. He recalls things his father used to say to him and he now relays those to his own son! Let’s listen in on this father-son chat ...  When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.”       Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.” (Proverbs 4:3-6,10-15,18-20) May all fathers be godly fathers and may our “Dad-isms” come right from God’s Word! Happy Father’s Day!  Rich HowellRich HowellTue Jun 22 00:00:00 EDT 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/235/Turning-Summer-Down-Time-into-Up-Time.htmlTurning Summer “Down Time” into “Up Time”!  It’s June – it’s summer! Can’t you just hear the “voices” of summertime calling you? Ah yes, the beaches, the theme parks, the barbecues, the mountains of North Carolina, your favorite fishing, boating and swimming spots – they call us and remind us that there is so much recreation out there and so little time! Now, it is not my intention to throw cold water on your hot summer plans, but there’s another “voice” we need to hear before any other – the voice of our Lord. Sure, we all need some “down time” this summer, but let’s not put “first things” on the back burner of the barbecue – things like our relationship to God and our commitments to His church and to our own families. We need to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” in every season, including the summer. We don’t want our “down time” to lead to a personal or congregational “down time”. To that end, here are some tips for keeping yourself and the church strong during the summer: 1.  WHEN IN TOWN, ATTEND & BE INVOLVED. In 1 Cor 15.58 Paul exhorts us to “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Don’t take a vacation from the Lord or from your brothers and sisters. Jesus died to make us “family”, so be sure to make room in your schedule for plenty of spiritual “family time”. In fact, summer is the perfect time to have people over or “out”, to pray and study together, or work on a service project. Maybe you could target a few members of the church you would like to get to know better this summer… 2.  WHEN OUT OF TOWN, ATTEND & STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD. When you’re traveling, don’t neglect the assemblies (Heb 10.24-25). Visiting another congregation is such a blessing – you can meet brothers and sisters you didn’t even know you had! And don’t slack off on times of prayer and Bible study. Don’t let your faith suffer while you’re perfecting your tan! Another suggestion to consider when planning your out-of-town excursions: Try not to miss a Sunday here unnecessarily. We need you! 3.  KEEP THE CONTRIBUTIONS COMING. Remember that the congregation here depends on your consistent giving to meet its financial obligations. The ministries, activities and operating expenses of the congregation know no vacation! Please don’t jeopardize the good things the Lord is doing through us by being negligent in your giving. If you’re out of town, leave your contribution in advance, or make it up when you return. Don’t cheat the Lord or rob from Him (Malachi 3.8-12), give generously and joyfully as you have pledged in your heart to do. If we all practice these “summertime tips” we can turn our summer “down time” into “up time,” and turn a potential “summer slump” into a “summer surge”! May God bless you and UCCC this summer!            Rich HowellRich HowellFri Jun 11 00:00:00 EDT 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/230/Dont-Forget-to-Remember.htmlDon’t Forget to Remember!      Sometimes we forget to remember. For many people, Memorial Day is just a three-day week-end, a warm-up to usher in summer activities and vacationing, a good time to fire up the barbecue or take in the Indy 500.      Don’t forget that it was originally conceived in the after-math of the Civil War as a time to remember – a day to rest from work, to step back from the daily grind, to look back and remember and honor the fallen “heroes” of yesterday and today – those, who, in the line of duty, have made the ultimate sacrifice to safe-guard our freedom. Memorial Day should be a day of collective gratitude to God for the courage, sacrifice and FAITH of those “heroes”. It should be a day of counting our blessings and not taking them for granted. The thing is, all too often, we Americans forget to remember, and the “day” loses its purpose.      Sunday is our weekly, divinely designated “Memorial Day”. A time to rest from work, step back from the daily grind, look back (and look up) and remember and honor our fallen (but RISEN!) Hero, Jesus Christ! Unfortunately, the same thing that has happened to Memorial Day has happened to Sunday. Now, it’s a day for shopping, sports, brunch, leisure. God made it as the “head” of the week, the “first day”, the “Lord’s Day”, so we could set our priorities right and set a spiritual tone for our week – put our best foot forward! We make it the “last day” of the week, the end of the week-end – “my day”. All too often, we forget to remember and the “day” loses its purpose.      So, why is it so hard for us to keep to the original purpose of these “memorial days”? Well, it’s a “human thing” – we’re forgetful. But it’s also an “every day” problem. We have trouble remembering on “memorial days” because we are not as mindful as we should be every day. See, Memorial Day was not designed as the one and only day to remember our heroes, but as a special day to collectively express the gratitude we have all year long. Likewise, Sunday is not intended as the one and only day to remember our Lord, but as a special day to collectively express the gratitude and devotion we have for our Lord all week long!      Let’s not be like the people of Jeremiah’s time: “Can a maiden forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.” (Jeremiah 2:32) So, for today, tomorrow & every day, don’t forget to remember.           Rich HowellRich HowellSun May 30 00:00:00 EDT 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/227/What-Ive-Learned-in-30-Years.htmlWHAT I’VE LEARNED IN 30 YEARS      This past Tuesday, May 18, was the 30-year anniversary of two events. One of them is well known and the other is little known. May 18, 1980 was the day Mount St. Helens erupted in southwestern Washington state. And it was the day I started full-time ministry!  (I sincerely hope there’s no ominous connection there!)      Going forward from that date, I spent four years as a youth minister at the El Portal Drive Church of Christ in Richmond, California – starting out as a single 23 year-old and leaving as a married 27 year-old (careful, Robbie!). From there, Janet and I did a semester of mission training at Sunset in Lubbock, Texas, followed by four-plus years of mission work in Rosario, Argentina. That’s where baby Katherine came along and we became three! The next stop was Oxnard in southern California where I preached in that bilingual church for six years – and where Jeffrey came along, making us a family of four! In 1994 we moved north to Martinez – back to the San Francisco Bay Area – where I preached for eleven years before moving to Gator Country at the end of 2005. It’s been quite a ride so far! I told you all that to share with you some things I’ve learned in thirty years of ministry. I’ve learned that …  this is not MY ministry, MY work or MY church – it is the Lord’s! (Mat 16:18) you can’t serve people until you put them ahead of you and above you (Php 2:3-4) people have the same basic needs everywhere you go: SALVATION (Luke 19:10), CONNECTION (1 Peter 3:18a; Acts 2:42-46) and DIRECTION (John 10:27-28; 14:6) it is the Lord who makes me competent and capable to serve as a minister – and He deserves all the credit (2 Cor 3:4-6; 1 Cor 15:9-10) Now ,the occasional incompetence, that’s all me! there are only 66 books in my library that are completely trustworthy and true and that we can’t live without – the Bible! (John 6:68; 8:31-32; 17:17; Mat 4:4) when I spend more time reading men’s words than God’s words I get weak, tentative, doubtful, critical  and skeptical (Rom 10:17; 1 Tim 1:3-7; 4:6-7) the best things happen when I rely totally on God (Prov 3:5-6) my most productive time as a minister is spent on my knees (John 14:12-14) I wouldn’t be where I am today without the blessing of an extraordinary Christian wife (Prov 31:10-31) OK, now I’m all set for the next 30 years – and this time, hopefully, without a major volcanic eruption … Rich HowellRich HowellSun May 23 00:00:00 EDT 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/202/Whole-Lotta-Shakin-Goin-On.htmlWHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN’ GOIN’ ON!             Since Christmas of ’09 there has been a string of severe earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, Indonesia, Baja California and now in western China, with several other strong ones in various places. Seismologists are saying that what they’ve seen in the past few months is the most intense and destructive round of seismic activity in recent history. Hmm …             Are these earthquakes indicators that we are nearing the End? Jesus said clearly that “No one knows the day or the hour” (Matthew 24:36), so we can’t know exactly “when” He will come back. Still, in His prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus does mention some “early warning signs” that may apply to the End of the world too (Matthew 24:3-8). These would include an increase in false teachers and false teaching (check); wars and rumors of wars (check); and, “famines and earthquakes in various places” (check). These “birth pains” would be followed by an increase in hatred and persecution against Christians; an increase in violence and wickedness in general; and the success of the church in teaching the whole world the message of Christ (Matthew 24:9-14). All these things did indeed happen leading up to Jerusalem’s destruction by the hand of the Romans. But will these events recur on a larger, more universal scale leading up to the End of time? Many prophecies suggest it and we should keep our eyes opened, but I didn’t write this piece to answer that question. I wrote to ask this more important question:             How will we conduct ourselves in this increasingly “shaky” world? Jesus Himself answers that question in Luke’s account of His end-time prophecies. (You can consider this Jesus’ “emergency disaster plan”): “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day comes upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34-36)             The shaking may go on and we may have to go through some serious trials. But if we follow Jesus’ “emergency disaster plan,” we will not be shaken down, but left standing when the dust settles and all is said and done. Rich HowellRich HowellSun Apr 18 00:00:00 EDT 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/189/Searching-for-Hametz.html“Searching for Hametz”             When God was about to rescue the Israelites from their slavery to the Egyptians, He gave instructions for the feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread. The Israelites were given this command, as recorded in Exodus 12:15:  “Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread; on the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses.”              Tuesday, March 30, is the Jewish Passover. Millions of Jews all around the world will commemorate God’s deliverance of their ancestors from four centuries of servitude in Egypt. The way the Passover feast is celebrated today is definitely a far cry from the way it was originally prescribed -- many traditions have made their way into the festivities. One such custom I find interesting is called searching for hametz. Hametz is the Hebrew word for leaven or anything containing leaven. Jews rid their houses of leaven and unleavened bread, as Exodus 12:15 mandates. But then they follow that up with a careful search for any residual “crumbs” that contain leaven or hametz. They typically light a candle and sweep with a feather in the deepest, darkest recesses of their houses. Any crumbs found are then destroyed. This ritual is carried out to show diligence in obeying God’s command to rid their houses of all leaven.            As Christians, we don’t celebrate the Passover because Jesus IS our Passover and the fulfillment of the Passover. But I like the idea of diligently sweeping the house to get rid of ALL the leaven, leaving not a single crumb behind. There might be a lesson there for us …              Leaven (soured or fermented dough used to make bread rise and to improve its flavor) was a fitting symbol of corruption and evil influences. This symbolism is carried into the New Testament in scriptures like 1 Corinthians 5:6-8. In this passage Paul speaks to a group of “leavened”  Christians – who were worldly, sin-tolerant and boastful.              “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us, therefore, celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”             Paul reasons that just as the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb is followed by a feast without leaven, so Christ’s sacrifice should be followed by a life of “sincerity and truth”, not “malice and evil.” We should never be satisfied with “a little sin” in our lives, not even a “crumb!” Remember, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” and a little sin, left unattended, can corrupt the whole person.             So, let’s take the “candle” of God’s Word and sweep every dark corner and crevice of our lives – until every last “crumb” of malice and evil is found and destroyed. May God make us His pure “unleavened bread”, that we may take our place at the Feast – on the table, beside the blessed Passover Lamb, Jesus! Rich HowellRich HowellSun Mar 28 00:00:00 EDT 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/179/Stay-in-the-Word-Church.htmlStay in the Word, Church!       Three Sundays ago I preached a message from Mark 4 on the parable of the Sower. I emphasized Jesus’ teaching on the seed planted in the “thorny” ground – how the clutter of life (worries, wealth and wants) can limit (even eliminate) our receptivity to God’s Word and our productivity in God’s Kingdom. The bottom line of the message was that we have to be more receptive to be more productive. With that truth in mind, I hope you are all staying current with your chapter-a-day Bible readings. I pray that you are not allowing anything to distract you from your “face-to-face” quiet time with God. If you stay on board with the daily readings, you will get more out of the morning sermons and will give more to your 242 small group! And if we all get on the same page and stay in the Word all year, imagine how unified in spirit and in purpose we will be as a church body! (See 1 Corinthians 1:9-10)      OK, that’s part of the reason I penned this article. The other reason is to give you a written copy of the short piece I read to you that Sunday. It is a thought-provoking piece (source unknown), that tells us what to do with God’s Word.  GOD’S WORD: KNOW IT IN YOUR HEAD. STOW IT IN YOUR HEART. SHOW IT IN YOUR LIFE. SOW IT IN THE WORLD.      Brothers and sisters, let’s all get into the Word and stay in the Word in 2010. You can be sure that it will make a huge difference and pay huge dividends. How do I know? I have God’s Word on it! “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55:10-11) Rich HowellRich HowellSun Mar 14 00:00:00 EST 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/173/So-Much-Devotion-So-Little-a-Prize.htmlSo Much Devotion, So Little a Prize (A Message from the 2010 Winter Games)        As you know, the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver are in full swing. I have only watched snippets of the events so far, but I have been trying to keep up through the news reports and media summaries. I have to say that I personally enjoy the Summer Games more than the Winter Games, but there are several Winter events and athletes I follow with some interest.        The Olympic Games have always captured the world’s imagination. I never cease to be amazed by the skill, strength, agility and grace exhibited by the athletes in their respective sports. But even more than that, I am fascinated by the participants’ desire, drive, determination and discipline. They set their sights on being an Olympic athlete in a particular sport, and then they set out to achieve that lofty goal by grueling hard work and training, with unflinching determination. They make many sacrifices along the way – putting other things, even relationships on the back burner while they pursue their dream. In a recent article I read by Elizabeth Olsen on Olympic training facilities and methods, she opened with these remarks: Olympic athletes devote their lives to training for the Olympic games. Indeed, to them training is a full time job that can consume more than eight hours a day.”          When I ponder this, a question floods my mind: Why so much devotion for such a small prize? I am reminded of the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.        Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.  (English Standard Version)        Paul wrote these words to the believers in Corinth, the city where the Isthmian Games (companion games to the Olympics) were hosted. These athletic events were held the year before and the year after the Olympics, which were held in Athens. The common prize for a victor was a simple wreath, fashioned from a myrtle tree. Yes, those ancient athletes were competing for twigs! Such devotion for so small a prize! Today’s Olympic athletes today are competing for a gold-painted piece of metal. That’s not all they’re competing for, of course. You could throw in national pride, personal achievement, admiration, adulation, sponsorships, etc. Still, in the whole scheme of things, the prize for winning an Olympic event is small – especially when you look at the degree of devotion that goes into it.        That brings a second question to mind: Why so little devotion for such a great prize? As Christians, we have so much more to run for, to strive for. Yet, we don’t always go about it with the desire, discipline, self-denial, sacrifice, hard work and determination of an Olympic athlete. Paul says we must not “run aimlessly” or “box as one beating the air” (shadow boxing!), but instead we must discipline our bodies and keep them under control. If not, we risk being “disqualified”. If Olympic athletes “devote their lives” to getting a “perishable wreath”, can we do any less as we strive for the “imperishable” gold medal that awaits us at the awards ceremony? Rich HowellRich HowellSun Feb 28 00:00:00 EST 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/167/From-Confetti-to-Ashes-Whats-Wrong-With-This-Picture.htmlFrom Confetti to Ashes (What’s wrong with this picture?)      This past Wednesday is the day certain denominations call “Ash Wednesday.” It marks the end of Mardi Gras (aka. Carnival) and the beginning of the so-called “Lenten” season. It’s when the wild celebrations, dances, parties, costumes and loud parades (like those in New Orleans) suddenly give way to a season of sacrifice and self-denial. They go from confetti to ashes – on cue! In fact, the day before Ash Wednesday is called “Fat Tuesday” (Shrove Tuesday), the last fling, where you eat and drink and do all the stuff you’re about to give up for Lent! It sounds like the Corinthian philosophy of “Let us eat and drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32). Except in this case it would be more like  “… for tomorrow we DIET!”      On Ash Wednesday, adherents attend mass and have an ash/oil compound rubbed on their foreheads, usually in the shape of a cross. They are to contemplate their sins and make vows to give up self-indulgent ways. This usually includes the promise of giving up some habit or practice they enjoy until the 40-day period of “testing” is over. This takes them to Easter Sunday (46 actual days from Ash Wednesday, but 40 days, not counting Sundays.) Afterwards, they go back to “normal.”      I brought all this up not to educate you on extra biblical ecclesiastical rites, but to float a couple of questions: Does God want “seasonal” devotion from us? Does He want us to bounce from the extreme of self-indulgence to that of self-deprivation? Does He want us to sin on cue, then repent on cue?      The answers are found in Jesus’ words in Mark 8:34-35. “And he called to him the crowd with his disciples and said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross (daily*) and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.’”  Jesus teaches us that devotion to Him is a conscious decision and commitment to following Him. Self-denial is not meant to be seasonal, but a way of life. It is not something to be regulated by a creed, limited by a calendar or displayed by a set of rituals. It is the setting aside of self in order to let Christ live in us and serve through us.      But while we’re on the subject, let’s make sure WE don’t make the same “confetti to ashes” mistake. Let’s not spend our week all self-absorbed and self-indulged, then come together on Sunday for a day of devotion and God-focus before resuming our self-indulgent ways on Monday! No, let’s rise above the fickle ways of fallen man and pledge to serve the Lord selflessly, faithfully, daily! *The word “daily” is from Luke’s version of Jesus’ statement (Luke 9:23). Rich HowellRich HowellSun Feb 21 00:00:00 EST 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/153/Something-Worth-Celebrating.htmlSomething Worth Celebrating!      As you know, today is Valentine’s Day. A holiday celebrating love sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? Love, true love, is definitely something worth celebrating! After all, love is the greatest virtue, the greatest command and our deepest need. But this so-called holiday of love is such a strange potpourri of elements, including Christian martyrdom, Greek and Roman mythology, pagan traditions, modern romantic notions and aggressive marketing – all rolled into one! So, while I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day, I am a big fan of love, especially God’s love, which makes every other kind of love possible!      Now, while we’re thinking about love this time of year, I believe we can take advantage of the season by pointing people to true love, higher love, God’s overarching love! Jesus gave us His signature commandment, when He said, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, as I have loved you … by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) We of Christ’s church are here to showcase God’s love – making His love visible, tangible, intelligible, real and accessible! How? By loving each other the way Christ has loved us! Isn’t it amazing?! By being loving, devoted spouses, family members, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, people will see us as the Lord’s people, because they will see His love in us!      Getting back to Valentine’s Day … if you’re into the cards, candy hearts, chocolates, flowers, jewelry and such – be my guest. Use those things to say “I love you” to that special one, if you want to. But don’t forget to also look for ways to say “God loves you” to someone who needs to know it. You might help them discover God’s love in their own lives – and give them and us and God something worth celebrating! “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love and God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5) Rich HowellRich HowellSun Feb 14 00:00:00 EST 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/138/Lamentations-for-Haiti.html“Lamentations” for Haiti       We’ve all heard the news. We’ve all seen the pictures. We are all saddened and sobered by the catastrophe in Haiti. It’s humbling to think that in less than a minute a capital city was turned into rubble. Misery upon poverty! Let’s be praying for the Haitian people – for the bereaved, for the wounded, for the children, for the destitute. They need help, healing, hope, love, support and continued assistance. Let’s pray that the Lord will provide all that and more, and that He may use each one of us and many others as His instruments of “relief.”       When I first saw some images of the devastation in Port-au-Prince, I couldn’t help but think of the Bible book of Lamentations. Lamentations was written by Jeremiah who was an eye-witness to the devastation of Jerusalem in 586/7 BC. No, the city was not rocked by a 7.0 earthquake, but rocked by the mighty Babylonian army. The cause was different but the effect was the same. Desolation. A city in rubble. Still smoldering. Many dead. A few dazed survivors, including Jeremiah. And yet, the prophet finds hope amid the rubble of the once-great capital:       ”But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lam 3:22-24) No matter what happens to us, or to others, God is still faithful and His love never fails. We can put all our hope in Him!       Later, Jeremiah adds these words, “For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.” (Lam 3:31-33) What does it mean that God does not “willingly afflict or grieve” us? It means that He does not enjoy our suffering. It is not His plan for us. It is not what He has in store for us (Jer 29:11). Yes, for the time being He uses pain, problems, diseases, even natural disasters to let us know that all is not well between man and His Maker – and hopefully, to wake us up (As Job 36:15 says, “He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.”)       Finally, at the end of his “lamentations” (5:21), Jeremiah pleads to God for what people in ruins need: “Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!”  True restoration is more than rebuilding structures and lives, it is being restored to a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Let’s pray that God will meet the Haitians’ short-term, long-term and ultimate needs! Rich Howell Rich HowellSun Jan 17 00:00:00 EST 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/123/A-Spiritual-Workout-for-2010.htmlA Spiritual “Work Out” for 2010  I promised last Sunday to give you a completed copy of the “plan” I briefly outlined for you in my sermon, so here it is. Remember what Paul said in Philippians 2:12-13 – that God “WORKS IN us” to accomplish His purposes. Our part is to “WORK OUT our own salvation with fear and trembling.” That is, we need to have an “action plan” to specifically live out the Christian life. A DAILY “Work Out”   Say your prayers (Eph 6:18; 1 Th 5:17)   Get into the Word (Ac 17:11; Mat 4:4) Follow the reading program, “A Year with Jesus”!   Encourage someone (Heb 3:12-14)   Do a good deed (Gal 6:9-10; Titus 3:8)   Put in a good word for God! (Heb 13:15-16) A WEEKLY “Work Out”   Assemble with your spiritual family (Heb 10:24-25)   Give generously (1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 9.6-7)   Pay a visit to someone who could use one (Js 1:27)   Invite someone to a church assembly or activity – or to study the Bible with you (Col 4:5-6) A MONTHLY “Work Out”   Be hospitable – invite someone over or “out” (1 Peter 4:9; Rom 12:13)   Get involved – be part of a ministry or program, in which you can work with others (Eccl 4:9-10)   Do something special for your Lord! (Mark 14:3-9) Try this salvation “work out” and you’ll be “in shape” in no time – in the “shape” of Jesus Christ, that is! All grace to you and all glory to God in 2010! Rich HowellRich HowellSun Jan 10 00:00:00 EST 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/122/A-Psalm-for-the-New-Year.htmlA Psalm for the New Year       As we begin a new year, Psalm 116 is a good scripture for our contemplation. Verses 7-9 encourage us to look back at what God has done for us: “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” (NIV) Hasn’t God been good to us in 2009? He has taken care of our needs and then some! He has answered our prayers. He has brought us through difficult times and down times. He has blessed us with good things, grace and growth. And here we are today – alive and well! Reading on, verses 12-14 encourage us to look ahead at what we can do for God in 2010: “What can I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” (NIV)      Notice that the Psalmist comes up with three “resolutions” (“I will” statements). We would be wise to incorporate these into our individual resolutions for this new year:  1.  I WILL LIFT UP THE CUP OF SALVATION: Since God has poured so much into our salvation, the least we can do is to take and drink deeply of His salvation in Jesus Christ. We do this by fully embracing salvation – living the saved life to the full! And, let’s not forget to lift up this cup to others (“Share the Life!”) – offering them a drink of God’s eternal salvation! Let’s make His salvation our continual “toast” for the New Year!  2.  I WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD: When we’re struggling, troubled, have an unmet need, or are facing a challenge or strong temptation, who do we call? To whom do we turn? The Psalmist chose God as His “rock”, his “refuge”, his constant support. Don’t “go it alone” in 2010, rather lean on the everlasting arms!  3.  I WILL FULFILL MY VOWS TO THE LORD: Vows are promises, resolutions or commitments we make. While we cannot begin to repay God for all He has done for us, we can “pay our dues” by doing what we should – living holy and productive lives – serving Him in the church, in our families, at work, at school – holding up our end of the New Covenant – showing ourselves faithful to an ever-faithful God.              Church, God has been so good to us in 2009. Let’s be good to Him in 2010!  Rich HowellRich HowellSun Jan 03 00:00:00 EST 2010http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/120/Getting-on-the-Same-Page-in-2010.htmlGETTING ON THE SAME PAGE IN 2010  When people get on the same page, amazing things can happen. In Genesis 11 we see what “same page” unity can accomplish. People came together in a common cause and common objective. They made such remarkable progress that God Himself, though not pleased with their purpose, was impressed with the power of their unified efforts. God commented in Genesis 11:6, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” Wow! Did you hear that? And, yes, their plan ultimately failed because it was contrary to God’s plan, but if they were able to do so much WITHOUT God’s backing, imagine what we can do WITH His backing! If we come together and get on the same page, His page, there is nothing we can’t accomplish! That brings us to a plan for “same page” unity at UCCC. Every one of you is encouraged to read and study and pray your way through the entire New Testament in 2010. By following the handy reading schedule/study guide, “A YEAR WITH JESUS,” we will cover five chapters a week, beginning in Matthew 1 and ending in Revelation 22. After you study those five chapters during the week, you will hear a sermon from that section of scripture on Sunday morning. Then on Sunday evening (at 242 group meetings) you will be able to talk over and learn how to apply those scriptures to your daily life. In the process you will get to know Jesus better as we unify ourselves around His story, His word, His will. Another element of this plan is to “share the life” by giving one of these reading schedule/study guides to a friend and offering to answer his/her questions or to be their “study buddy” for the quarter. After all, we’re not just here to get on the same page ourselves, but to bring others to the Lord and get them on the same page as well! IT’S EASY TO GET STARTED: Take one or more of the study guides (available in the lobby). Carefully read the instructions on the front and begin with Matthew chapter one on Friday the 1st! This year make a resolution you can keep – a commitment to Jesus, to His Word, and to one another. And with God’s grace and power, there will be nothing we can’t accomplish in 2010. Get on board, church, and together let’s build something that will truly reach all the way to heaven!           Rich HowellRich HowellSun Dec 27 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/121/The-Purpose-Driven-Holiday.htmlThe “Purpose-Driven” Holiday        ’Tis the season! But with the holiday clutter of shopping, traveling, decorating, card-writing, eating, and gift-giving (and getting), one can easily forget what it’s all about. Don’t let this happen to you! Let’s rekindle the spirit and purpose of Jesus’ “coming”. Let’s remember the “why” and the “what for” of His Coming, and enjoy a more fulfilling and “purpose-driven” holiday!       Read the following “purpose statements” of our Lord Jesus. Identify the specific purpose of each verse and how it impacts YOU: Matthew 1:21  She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Luke 19:10   For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost. John 1:29     Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 1 John 3:5    You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 1 John 3:8b  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. Acts 3:26      God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness. Mark 10:45   For even the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Luke 5:32     I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. 1 Peter 3:18a  For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God... 2 Corinthians 8:9    For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” John 10:10b  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 12:47b  I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. John 18:37a  For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. (All scriptures from the ESV) It is my prayer that these “purpose statements” of Jesus will ...   deepen your appreciation for His birth and Coming   give you a higher sense of purpose for the year ahead   put words in your mouth that you can pass on to others during and after the holidays!             Rich HowellRich HowellSun Dec 20 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/104/Priceless-Gifts-for-This-or-Any-Season.html“Priceless” Gifts for This or Any Season!   “Some things money can’t buy – for everything else there’s MasterCard.” Good tagline, and true. There are some “priceless” gifts that can’t be bought with money or plastic. Maybe we should give our plastic a rest and turn our attention to these “priceless” gifts. What gifts are we talking about? Here are a few ideas for starters:   í  The Gift of Thanksgiving: Gift wrap a “thank you” in a smile, a hug, a phone call or a personalized card. í  The Gift of Appreciation: Too many good deeds go unnoticed and too many good people go unappreciated. Let others know that you appreciate them, not only for what they may have done for you, but for who they are and how much they mean to you. Appreciation is sweet recognition and a beautiful way to show your esteem for others. í  The Gift of Courage: You don’t need to be the “Wizard of Oz” to give out courage! Just enCOURAGE someone! Reassuring words are a precious gift that can breathe renewed courage and hope into a disCOURAGEd individual. í  The Gift of an Open Ear: One of the greatest gifts you can offer people is to listen to them. As you have no doubt noticed, we were designed by God with two ears but only one mouth. Perhaps we were made to listen twice as much as we speak (simple math!) So be quick to lend an ear and then be patient to listen to every word. Rich HowellSun Dec 13 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/96/Dont-Be-Caught-Off-Guard.htmlDon’t Be Caught Off-Guard (A Lesson from Pearl Harbor)       Tomorrow will mark the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack of the American fleet at Pearl Harbor. We should always remember the day that would “live in infamy” – and learn from it.       What happened on December 7, 1941? Simply put, we were caught off guard. In the decades since the attack, there has been a great deal of investigation, speculation and debate over how this could have happened and who is to blame for “dropping the ball”. What seems fairly certain is that there were some warning signs and data available that, if taken through the proper channels, might have changed the complexion of this attack or thwarted it altogether. Well, I’m not writing this to debate such things, but to make a simple point: It’s not good to be caught off-guard. And even though the attack on Pearl Harbor would have a positive outcome, many lives were lost and many more would perish in the ensuing war in the Pacific.       As Christians, we have a dangerous enemy – an empire of evil, plotting surprise attacks against us. Satan’s greatest advantage is the element of surprise. Many times we just don’t see it coming. The good news is that our Lord has given us  “classified” information about our enemy to alert us and keep us from being taken by surprise (2 Cor 2:11)! Consider the apostle Peter’s inspired words: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13) We shouldn’t be surprised when, because of our devotion to Christ,  we feel pressure and opposition from those of the world. Notice that Peter didn’t say “if” this would occur, but “when”. Paul declares that persecution would happen to everyone who lives a godly life in Christ (2 Tim 3:12). Jesus also forewarned us of trouble and “tribulation” in the world (John 15:18-21; 16:1-4 & 33) By knowing these things beforehand, we can be prepared and not “freak out”, “melt down” or give in to a temptation.       Later in his letter, Peter advises: “Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9) We shouldn’t be surprised when we feel the pull of temptation, rather we should be prepared! We are all subject to the devil’s attacks and need to be on high alert at all times -- never letting down our guard (Eph  6:10-18).       In summary, whether there was sufficient data and resources to thwart the attack on Pearl Harbor 68 years ago we may never know for sure. But this we know for sure: Our “Commander” has given us sufficient data and resources to thwart the devil’s attacks on us. We need never be caught off-guard!             Rich HowellRich HowellSun Dec 06 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/85/Learning-to-Speak-Thanksgiving.htmlLearning to Speak “Thanksgiving”        To Christians, Thanksgiving is more than a big meal, more than a glorified Thursday, more than a time-honored American tradition. It is a way of life – an integral part of the Christian “essence” -- it is the very language we speak! Whether we  pray, sing, converse or write, our words should come out in the language of thanksgiving – expressing our heart-felt gratitude to God.       Back in the 80’s, Janet and I became missionaries to the South American republic of Argentina. We had to learn to speak their language, a dialect of Spanish called Castellano. One of the things I discovered about language learning is that there’s more to it than just talking differently, it also requires thinking, feeling and acting differently! The same holds true of this language of “thanksgiving”. As Christians, we are not just learning to say things in a new way, or incorporating some new vocabulary words -- we are learning to think, feel and act differently.       This is a challenge because we all came out of a world where “complaint” is spoken (and several other unsavory dialects such as “ridicule”, “gossip”, “lying”, “swearing”, “cynicism”, “blasphemy” and “ranting & raving”). These languages are rooted in sinful thinking and conduct. In contrast, the language of “thanksgiving” is rooted in holy thinking and conduct. To speak it fluently, it must become deeply ingrained in our hearts and minds.  In other words, it’s going to take more than Rosetta Stone to help you master this language!       For me and my wife, learning Castellano required a “baptism” – an immersion into the Argentine “experience”. By design, we spent our first two months living with an Argentine family while attending extensive language and culture training classes for about six hours a day. We literally ate, drank and slept “Argentina”. Coming from the world to the church, we must also experience a “baptism”, an immersion into the new ways and new walk of Jesus Christ. Our baptism in water and Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ (John 3.3-7; Acts 2:38-41; Titus 3.5) is also an “immersion” into a new Christian community, the church (Acts 2:42-47). The first 3,000 believers in Jerusalem experienced this immersion -- they feasted on God’s Word, ate regularly at God’s Table, were devoted to prayer, they had a lot of “together time”. And before you know it, in Acts 2:47, we find them all “praising God”. Even though they spoke different languages, they were all learning the same language of praise and thanksgiving!       Let’s take advantage of the season to “brush up” on our “thanksgiving”. Then, let’s freely speak the language of “thanksgiving” to everyone around us – even after the turkey and pumpkin pie are all gone! Rich HowellRich HowellSun Nov 22 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/74/Whatever-Happened-to-Sacrifice.htmlWhatever Happened to Sacrifice?       Wednesday was Veterans’ Day – a day when we remember and appreciate those who have faithfully and bravely served our country in the military, both past and present. It is a day to remember their sacrifices, small and great. Without such sacrifices, America, as we know it, would not exist.       Sacrifice is one of the things that has made America great. Not just the sacrifices of our founding fathers and courageous warriors, but of everyday people making sacrifices by working hard, helping each other, planning ahead, saving instead of spending, conserving instead of wasting, etc. Sadly, in recent decades we have become an increasingly self-indulgent, “me-first”, consumer-driven society in which few sacrifices are made. We appreciate the sacrifices of others and enjoy the blessings and privileges they made possible. But we seem less willing to make the necessary sacrifices to secure those blessings and privileges for future generations!       As followers of Jesus, we should know the meaning of sacrifice. It is because of the sacrifice of One that we are saved, blessed and heaven-bound! God sacrificed His own Son for us, and Jesus sacrificed His own life for us! We appreciate this loving, saving sacrifice! We come together to celebrate this sacrifice. We sing about it, study about it, talk about it, and pray about it. But do we make sacrifices? Or, are we too caught up in the self-indulgent, “me first” thinking of our times?       Jesus made it crystal clear – we can’t be His true followers unless we live sacrificially:       “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”  (Luke 9:23-24) While the world says, “indulge yourself”, Jesus says, “deny yourself!”       Paul echoes the same: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”  (Romans 12:1) We should use our lives to bless and benefit others!       And, “Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children. And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  (Ephesians 5:1-2)       Church, let’s do more than enjoy the fruit of others’ sacrifices – let’s pledge to live sacrificial lives. Let’s give it up, lay it down, let it go, make it count. Let’s make some sacrifices for the higher good – it’s not just the American way, it’s the Christian way! Rich HowellRich HowellSun Nov 15 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/73/Beware-of-Man.html“BEWARE OF MAN”       We’ve all seen warning signs like, “BEWARE OF DOG”, or, for us Floridians, “BEWARE OF ALLIGATORS” is always appropriate! The word “beware” simply means to be wary, watch out, be careful. It’s a way to forewarn us that in this place you may encounter danger. And to be sure, there are many creatures that can endanger us. However, none of them is as dangerous to man as man himself! Maybe we need some signs posted around town that say: “BEWARE OF MAN!”       When you look at current events – gruesome killings in Cleveland, kidnappings of young girls on both coasts and in the Midwest, a college football player brutally slain, and now, 13 dead in a massacre at Fort Hood – we see further evidence that man can be his own worst enemy. Even the Bible warns us to “beware of man”. When Jesus sent out his twelve disciples into the villages of Judea, He warned them, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. BEWARE OF MEN…” (Matthew 10:16-17a) That is sound advice because the sobering fact is: We live in an increasingly dangerous and hostile world. Paul warned young Timothy with these prophetic words over 19 centuries ago: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, ruthless, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God...”  (2 Timothy 3:1-4). Wow! Is that a true-to-life portrait of our 21st Century world, or what?! Notice that times would get tough because of what people would do and become! He essentially echoes Jesus’ words that we should “beware of man.”       These scriptures may make you want to lock yourself away and live the rest of your life in seclusion! But, not so fast ... let’s go back and read more of what Jesus said in Matthew 10:26,28: “So have no fear of them…do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Interesting. We are told to beware of man, but not to be afraid of man. Contradiction? Not at all. As we carry Jesus’ torch of truth, faith, hope and love, we need to be careful in this crazy world. But there is no need to fear anything or anyone as we “go” in Jesus’ name, because He is always with us (Hebrews 13:5-6).       Brothers and sisters, let’s continue to “freely give” what Jesus has freely given to us. Let’s reach out and touch people’s lives. Let’s tell them of Jesus, point them to Jesus and bring them to His Cross. And as you “go”, don’t be afraid, but do be careful … Rich HowellRich HowellSun Nov 08 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/72/How-We-Get-What-We-Need-How-God-Gets-What-He-Wants.htmlHow We Get What We Need; How God Gets What He Wants             I’d like to pose two questions about our relationship with God: First, are you getting what you need from God? Second, is He getting what He wants from you? There is a Psalm that addresses these key questions. Speaking through the Psalmist, Asaph, God reveals His simple “recipe” for us to get what we need and for Him to get what He wants. Let’s have a look …  “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High; and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will glorify me.” Psalm 50:10-15 (ESV)             The first thing we notice is God’s complete ownership of this world. God basically says, “it is mine.” He adds that He doesn’t actually need anything from us because we can’t offer Him anything He doesn’t already have! Similarly, the apostle Paul once said to the Athenians: “(God) does not dwell in temples made by hands, nor is he served with human hands as though he needed anything…” (Acts 17:24-25). Remarkably, although God needs nothing from us, there is something He wants from us – heart-felt devotion – thanksgiving, obedience (performing our vows) and glory (praising and boasting about Him).             Unlike God, who has no need, we, His people, have many needs – the one mentioned in Psalm 50 is our need to be delivered or rescued from life’s troubles and trials. (I’m sure all of us have a problem or two right now we would like to be rescued from!) So how do we get the deliverance we need? We call upon Him (pray for help) in the day of trouble. God will answer our plea and come to our rescue, as He promised – “I will deliver you”. Simple enough! Now, flip the coin over – how does God get what He wants? The Psalmist says, “and you will glorify me.” When we call for help and God responds, we will thank our Hero and praise Him and boast of His love, mercy and power!             Sometimes we keep a struggle or problem to ourselves, thinking we can handle it without God’s help. In the process, we may miss out on God’s deliverance or blessing (James 4:2b – “You have not because you ask not.”). At the same time, we may rob God of the glory He deserves by leaving Him “out” of the problem! (In other words, if we don’t ask Him for help, He won’t get the credit when the problem is resolved.) Worst of all, when we keep our problems to ourselves we miss the opportunity to spend time with God. See, when we call on Him we’re in His presence. And when we thank and praise Him for an answer to prayer we’re in His presence again. The greatest blessing of bringing our needs to God is the quality time we get to spend with God! Back to the original questions: Are you getting what you need from God? Is God getting what He wants from you? If not, use the Psalm 50 “recipe”, and before long you’ll both be getting what you’re after!  Rich HowellRich HowellSun Oct 25 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/67/A-Warm-Welcome.htmlA Warm Welcome on Homecoming Sunday 2009! Homecoming is always a special time of year in a university town like Gainesville. It is also special to the University City Church of Christ. Since 1897 this family of God’s people has been worshiping and serving the Lord here in Gainesville. By God’s grace UCCC has become a spiritual “home” and refuge to many over the decades, an inviting and welcoming community of believers; where Jesus is honored; and where His people are loved, encouraged and built up in the faith. As your minister I wish to extend to you a warm welcome in Jesus’ name – whether this is your first time here, or your first time in a long time, or your one-thousand and first time – WELCOME! In Romans 15:7, Paul writes, “Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”  (ESV) And just HOW are we to “welcome one another”? “As Christ has welcomed you.”  And, HOW has He welcomed us? With OPEN ARMS; with FORGIVENESS, ACCEPTANCE, and REJOICING; with LOVE, KINDNESS and ENCOURAGEMENT! Let’s all follow His lead and warmly welcome each other in the Spirit of Christ – making each other feel “right at home” in the church: our “home away from home”. Happy Homecoming! Rich HowellRich HowellSun Oct 18 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/65/Strong-Man-Stronger-Man.htmlStrong Man, Stronger Man  Samson was a strong man. Set apart from birth as a Nazirite, God endowed him with superhuman brute strength. Samson had it and he was not afraid to use it! He spent his life fighting Israel’s arch enemies, the Philistines. But, while Samson was physically strong, and had faith in God, he was morally weak and became a prisoner to his own passion. Samson lived by the “not-so-golden” rule: “As they did to me, so I have done to them” (Judges 15:11). It is the rule of retaliation or “payback” – the rule of the jungle. We see this rule played out throughout the life of Samson. Samson fell in love with a Philistine girl (his first mistake!). At his wedding feast, he made a bet with some of the young men that they couldn’t guess his riddle before the seven days of feasting were ended (his second mistake!). His bride found out the answer to the riddle and told it to the young men. An enraged Samson went on a killing spree to obtain the sets of clothes to pay off the bet. While he was out doing that, the girl’s father gave her to be the wife of one of Samson’s friends! Samson retaliated by burning up their crops, vineyards and orchards. When the Philistines found out, they burned the house of the girl’s father, killing the whole family (fighting fire with fire!). Samson would retaliate. He said, “Since you act like this, I will surely take revenge on you, but after that I will quit” (Judges 15:7). He then killed many Philistines and went back to the land of Judah. The Philistines came after him, putting the people of Judah at risk, but Samson killed a thousand of them with the jawbone of an donkey. But that wasn’t the end of his troubles … Later in life, the Philistines captured Samson when  the seductress, Delilah, discovered the secret to his strength and gave him an unsolicited hair cut! The Philistines captured Samson, gouged out his eyes and imprisoned him at Gaza. But the Philistines couldn’t leave well enough alone. They brought Samson out for a little entertainment, and sure enough, Samson brought the house down – literally! So Samson had the last word, but what a way to live! Samson thought he could take revenge one more time and then quit (Judges 15:7), but he couldn’t quit – not till it was too late. The same is true today, once you start the “payback”, where will it end? Samson’s life is an example of one who lived by the law of retaliation and died by it. Jesus was a stronger man than Samson. Jesus was the strongest man who ever lived. He had more than superhuman strength, He had divine power! He had it, but He never used it to retaliate, never used it selfishly, but only to heal and help and save. Jesus taught a different rule, the “golden” rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31). Jesus taught, “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Mat 5:39), and, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mat 5:44). Moreover, Jesus Himself practiced what He preached: “When he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but trusted Him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree …” (I Peter 2:23-24a) Jesus‘ greatest display of strength came not from what He did, but from what He didn’t do, He didn’t retaliate. When Samson was tortured and taunted he did retaliate and slaughtered thousands of his enemies. When Jesus was tortured and taunted he didn’t retaliate and saved millions of His enemies! Because He lived and died by the “golden rule”, we are saved today! Praise God above! Friends, let’s choose to emulate the stronger man, Jesus. Let’s choose His “golden rule” and “golden example” as our guiding principle. Let’s discover the glory of “turning the other cheek”. Rich HowellRich HowellSun Sep 27 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/6/Back-to-School-Time.html It’s back to school time! It’s back to desks, notebooks, binders and backpacks. It’s back to the “old grind” – of pencils being sharpened! After a long summer, it’s time for our kids to “hit the books” again. But don’t we all need to “hit the books”? The 66 books of the Bible, that is! Believers are never too young or too old to continue their “higher education” in Jesus’ school of discipleship (Luke 6:40). There is more to learn and more to live, as we become more and more like our Teacher.        If you have pushed God’s Word to the “back burner” during the summer season, isn’t it time you brought it back to the forefront where it belongs? Commit yourself to making this fall a season of “higher learning” and “higher living”, growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. Here’s how you can do it: PLUG IN! Attend Bible class every Sunday morning and Wednesday night and benefit from the church’s ministry of “higher education”. We have a fine team of gifted Bible teachers who are eager to share both God’s Word and God’s love with you. The new fall quarter of classes begins today! Don’t spend another season “unplugged”! Let’s be like the Bereans, who “received the message with great eagerness, and searched the scriptures daily to see whether those things were so.”  Acts 17:11b TURN OVER A NEW LEAF! Start or restart the practice of daily Bible study and quiet time. Grab the latest quarterly Bible reading guide and learn how to feed yourself and feast yourself on God’s Word. If you have a family, plan regular devotional times for reading, sharing, praying and singing. When you’re all together in Heaven, you’ll be glad you did this! As the apostle Paul said: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom; and sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  Colossians 3:16. WALK IT & TALK IT! God’s Word is not meant to be educational, but transformational! When we hear and adhere to God’s Word, the Spirit changes us more and more into the image of Christ. (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 3:17-18) Then, when we share what we know with those around us, the Spirit unleashes His transforming power in their lives as well! Let’s be like Paul, who said, ” I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16).        So, just think of this cover piece as a school bell. Do you hear it ringing? It means that recess is over – time to get back to class!  Rich HowellRich HowellSun Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/4/Gods-Group-Plan-and-Individual-Plans.htmlRecently, there has been a flood of debates over the president's health care proposal. What kind of health plans do we need? Is the president's plan a good plan? Are our current plans adequate? Well, don't ask me, I'm just a preacher! But I would like to address God's plans for us. He has a great plan to meet all our health needs - physical, emotional, spiritual and eternal!For the past several weeks, our Sunday morning messages have been emphasizing God's plan for our lives. He had a plan for Israel - a blueprint for a Tabernacle in which God would live and move among His people. God communicated His plan, called them to the work and equipped them with everything they needed to carry it out. He not only provided the plan and the materials, but also the abilities to do every task involved. He gave "gifts" to individuals like Bezalel and Oholiab - he filled them with His Spirit, He gave them knowledge, know-how, skill and ability. (Exodus 31:1-6; 35:30-36:2) An important observation here is that God has both a collective plan (a group plan) for Israel and individual plans for different ones to do different things ("different strokes for different folks"). The same is true of us in Christ's church. God has a "group plan" and "individual plans!"In Ephesians 2:10, Paul affirms that God has a plan for us and work for us to do: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This work "prepared in advance for us to do" includes His "general plan" that the saved live right, reach the lost, build up the church and glorify God in everything. But, this work also includes the specific and individual plans God has for each one of us! In 1 Peter 4:10-11a, the apostle tells us that each one of us is specially "gifted" to carry out a specific role or function in God's service: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies -  in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."In Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the analogy of a "body" to describe God's "individual plans" for us. The body is one, yet it is comprised of many individual members (body parts), who function in many different ways. These members or "body parts" are "gifted" by God to perform a needed function. God has an overarching plan (group plan) for the Body of Christ, the Church, but in order to accomplish this general plan, He has individual, role-specific plans for each of us! (Rom 12:4-8)Now, I don't know what the future holds for Americans' health plans, but I do know that the future is bright for those who choose God's comprehensive group and individual plans! Are you willing to exchange your plans for His?Rich HowellSun Aug 16 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/7/One-Giant-Leap-for-Mankind.htmlForty years have passed since July 20, 1969 and the historic moon-landing of Apollo 11. When Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon’s surface, he spoke the unforgettable words, “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” It was a surreal moment and I remember it as if it were yesterday. My parents, brother, sister and I, and a neighbor friend or two, sat in front of our black and white TV. We were transfixed by the live images from the moon’s surface, and were delighted by Walter Cronkite’s youthful glee as he reported this monumental achievement. It was as if Star Trek became reality before our very eyes! I do believe that the US space program has been of some benefit – it has given Americans pride and a “can do” attitude. It has paved the way for technological advances that benefit every one of us every day. But I would have to say that the moon landing was NOT the “giant leap” we thought it would be. Getting to the moon did not change things much on planet earth. It did not usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. It did not end the Vietnam War or unite the nations of the world (or even our own nation). It did not solve world hunger or crime in the inner cities. It did nothing to deter society’s moral decay. And, to this day, the space program has neither answered our most pressing needs nor our most pressing questions. Indeed, it cannot. So, is there a point to this? Yes. The real “giant leap” was not man setting foot on the moon forty years ago, but God becoming a man and setting foot on the earth 2,000 years ago! “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) This was the “giant leap” mankind needed. Not a giant leap “up,” but a giant leap “down,” from heaven to earth. God became a man and brought with Him the help we needed most – grace and truth! He did usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. His “giant leap” truly saved the world! I am so glad He came down and “graced” our troubled planet! I am so glad He lived for us, died for us and was raised for us! I am so glad He reigns over us and over all! I am so glad He changes our nature and our lives from the inside out! I am so glad He lets this crazy world go on just so more people can take the “giant leap” of conversion! I am so glad He is coming back for us so we can take the “giant leap” to meet Him in the air! I am so glad we can finally set foot in the Heavenly City and be with Him forever! So, to me, Neil Armstrong setting foot on the moon was “one small step for man,” but Jesus Christ setting foot on the earth was “one giant leap for mankind.”  Rich HowellRich HowellSun Jul 26 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/8/Please-Stand-and-Remain-Standing.htmlYou often hear these words from a song leader or worship leader. You know the drill: We are prompted to stand up for a particular song and to remain standing for the prayer that follows. It’s not hard to stand – almost any one-year old can do it. It’s no big deal, right? I mean, when we think of amazing feats, we’re impressed with how fast or how far someone can run, or high or how far they can jump, or how much weight they can lift, press or pull, or how fast they can ride a bike across France – not how long someone can stand! And yet, to “stand” when few are taking a stand, and to remain standing when and where it’s not “cool” to stand, is a feat that requires great strength and determination. In Ephesians 6:10-13, we are told to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might”, to “put on the full armor of God that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-13) Good soldiers must take a stand and remain standing.       In our daily Bible readings last week we covered Daniel 3. There we read about three young Jews who had to make the choice between bowing to the king’s image of gold or standing and holding true to Yahweh God. The heat was on – literally – times seven! Nevertheless, the three men remained standing. They refused to bow. Even when they were tied up and thrown into the fiery furnace, they stood, they walked, they had company, and they came through their fiery ordeal unscathed! Three men boldly stood where no one else would stand. And at the end of the day, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were left standing!       In 21st century America, to stand on the truth of God’s Word is not “cool”. It is not politically correct. There is a golden image of self-indulgent materialism, of humanism, of pluralism, of tolerance to false religion and sinful acts and lifestyles. We are expected to bow on cue to that “image”. People who “stand” are often criticized, ridiculed, called ugly names like “bigot” or “hate-monger” or “homophobic”. The heat is on these days and it’s being turned up every day. Still, God calls us and empowers us to “stand”. And if we will stand, He will accompany us through every fiery trial, and bring us safely through!       Our Lord Jesus said in Luke 21:36, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may STAND before the Son of Man.” Of this we can be sure: Those who stand now and remain standing will be left standing when the dust of judgment settles! So, brothers and sisters, “please stand, and remain standing” – no matter what! Rich HowellRich HowellSun Jul 12 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/9/Turning-Summer-Down-Time-into-Up-Time.htmlIt’s June – it’s summer! Can’t you just hear the “voices” of summertime calling you? Ah yes, the beaches, the theme parks, the barbecues, the mountains of North Carolina, your favorite fishing, boating and swimming spots – they call us and remind us that there is so much recreation out there and so little time! Now, it is not my intention to throw cold water on your hot summer plans, but there’s another “voice” we need to hear before any other – the voice of our Lord. Sure, we all need some “down time” this summer, but let’s not put “first things” on the back burner of the barbecue – things like our relationship to God and our commitments to His church and to our own families. We need to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” in every season, including the summer. We don’t want our “down time” to lead to a personal or congregational “down time”. To that end, here are some tips for keeping yourself and the church strong during the summer: 1.  WHEN IN TOWN, ATTEND & BE INVOLVED. In 1 Cor 15.58 Paul exhorts us to “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Don’t take a vacation from the Lord or from your brothers and sisters. Jesus died to make us “family”, so be sure to make room in your schedule for plenty of spiritual “family time”. In fact, summer is the perfect time to have people over or “out”, to pray and study together, or work on a service project. Maybe you could target a few members of the church you would like to get to know better this summer… 2.  WHEN OUT OF TOWN, ATTEND & STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD. When you’re traveling, don’t neglect the assemblies (Heb 10.24-25). Visiting another congregation is such a blessing – you can meet brothers and sisters you didn’t even know you had! And don’t slack off on times of prayer and Bible study. Don’t let your faith suffer while you’re perfecting your tan! Another suggestion to consider when planning your out-of-town excursions: Try not to miss a Sunday here unnecessarily. We need you! 3.  KEEP THE CONTRIBUTIONS COMING. Remember that the congregation here depends on your consistent giving to meet its financial obligations. The ministries, activities and operating expenses of the congregation know no vacation! Please don’t jeopardize the good things the Lord is doing through us by being negligent in your giving. If you’re out of town, leave your contribution in advance, or make it up when you return. Don’t cheat the Lord or rob from Him (Malachi 3.8-12), give generously and joyfully as you have pledged in your heart to do. If we all practice these “summertime tips” we can turn our summer “down time” into “up time”, and turn a potential “summer slump” into a “summer surge”! May God bless UCCC this summer!             Rich HowellRich HowellSun Jun 14 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/10/Conformed-Or-Transformed.htmlIn these times of political correctness and conformity, I consider Romans 12:2 to be one of the most important and relevant verses for believers today: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind …”” Paul’s point is clear: The world calls us to conform while the Lord calls us to be transformed. And those of the world don’t just want us to conform, they pressure us to do so. John the Baptist and Jesus experienced the pressure to conform: “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market place and calling to their playmates, ‘We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ’He has a demon’; the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”  Matthew 11:16-19 The Jewish religious leaders and “experts of the Law” criticized John for being so austere, rugged and anti-social. They expected him to “lighten up” and join the human race, but John wouldn’t dance on cue to their happy tune! On the other hand, they criticized Jesus for being too social and for indiscriminately mixing with “low lifes”. They expected him to be more “religious”, somber and selective. But Jesus refused to mourn on cue when they played their dirge! The thing is, these leaders didn’t want a prophet and a Savior, they wanted marionettes to which they held the strings! John and Jesus, however, refused to acquiesce, for they marched to the beat of a different drum – that of the Heavenly Father!       What about us? Who beats the drum we march to? Do we allow the influences and pressures of society to shape the way we live, think, speak, and feel? Or, are we shaped by the renewing Spirit and Word of God? The fact is, we live in a world very much like that of John and Jesus, in which societal demands and expectations are aggressively communicated with the goal of making each of us into “one of them.” We saw a couple of weeks back what happens when someone stands up and refuses to conform. That “someone” was Carrie Prejean, a young lady from San Diego – Miss California. She decided that being “Biblically correct” (transformation) was more important than being “politically correct” (conformity). She didn’t give the “expected” answer to the gay marriage question she was asked. She may have lost the Miss USA crown as a result, but perhaps she is going after a higher crown!       Friends, God’s Word is clear, and the choice is ours – to conform or be transformed. We can allow the world to shape us or allow God to use us to help reshape the world for Christ! The stakes are high and the time is now – choose transformation and stand your ground. Rich HowellRich HowellSun May 03 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/11/A-Taxing-Question.htmlIt’s baaaaaack ... April 15th, the deadline for paying our dues to Uncle Sam. It’s never a popular date for Americans, and with the economic downturn, this is an especially rough tax season. May God help us meet our tax burden and may He continue to meet all our needs! Speaking of taxes, I want to pose a tax-time question: Are you paying what you owe? Now before you tell me that your taxes are none of my business, allow me to bring Jesus into the question ... The Jewish religious leaders asked Jesus a question about taxes: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Mat 22:17). This question was a ploy, a trick, a trap. They thought they had Jesus right where they wanted Him. If He said “yes”, it could alienate many of His Jewish followers. If He said “no”, they could accuse Him of rebellion and tax evasion! Jesus’ reply, however, was not what they expected, much to their chagrin... “’Show me the coin for the tax’, and they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ (Mat 22:18-21) They were blown away by His profound response! Jesus put them in their place and, if we listen closely, His words will put us in our place too! While Jesus supports us paying our dues to the government, He also supports us paying our dues to God! The key to appreciating Jesus’ words here is to notice His question: “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Coins have Caesar’s face (or in our case, one of our nation’s leaders) so they belong to him (or to his country). Whereas, we human beings bear God’s likeness and inscription and we belong to Him! The “tax” question they asked Jesus was: Should we pay Caesar what he requires, but Jesus takes it to a higher level. He answers, Yes, but don’t forget to pay God what He requires – your hearts, your devotion, your very lives! So, in this tax season, let’s go beyond the question of how much we should give to Uncle Sam as good citizens of the USA. Let’s also think about how much we should give to God as faithful citizens of His Heavenly Kingdom. I’ll ask again: Are you paying what you owe? The good news is that the more of yourself you give to God the more of Himself He will give to you – the more blessed you will be – the more useful in His service! I encourage you to “Render to God the things that are God’s” and prepare to be blessed, not over-taxed! Rich HowellRich HowellSun Apr 19 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/12/Home-Improvement-Review.html“What I pray for is your improvement”, Paul told the Corinthian believers in 2 Corinthians 13:9 (RSV). That has been our goal in this recent series of Sunday morning messages called “Home Improvement”. We are taking aim at your improvement, my improvement, our improvement. Being better Christians, better students, better teachers, better spouses, better parents, better kids, better friends, better citizens, better servants, better teachers, better encouragers, better leaders, better followers. Why? Because being improved people will improve our homes and our church Home. It will also improve our ability to reach out and carry out the serving, saving mission of our Lord. Let’s review what we’ve covered so far: #1 – “Home Improvement”: We learned what we are (God’s building) and where we build (on the foundation of Jesus Christ) and how we build (with lasting materials and investments). #2 – “Time to Build”: We learned from Haggai that it’s “time” to put God’s House first, and that it takes “time” to build it up. Time is one of the key investments we can make for improving God’s House. #3 – “What You Do with What You Have”: We learned that it’s not about who has the most resources, or who has the best “gifts” and abilities. It’s all about using what God has given each of us – to do His work on His House! #4 – “A City With Walls”: We learned the importance of walls or “boundaries” – putting more distance between ourselves and the “ways” of the world (not the people of the world!). #5 – “A Gated Community”: While we need walls for security, we need gates for accessibility. We saw the “gates” both as “entrances” for the lost to enter and as “exits” for the saved to go out and seek and save the lost! #6 – “Opening Your Heart Gate”: It takes open hearts to be an open church. We learned the importance of opening our “heart gates” to those around us, those among us and to our Savior above us! #7 – “A House United”: From the incident at Babel we learned that unity is powerful and that communication is vital to unity – especially God’s communication! #8 – “Talking the Talk”: The two kinds of communication that keeps God’s people going and growing is talk that encourages and talk that builds up. That brings us up to speed. Keep your ears opened, your eyes on the “blueprint” (the Bible) and keep your tools handy – we’ve got more “home improvements” to make! And remember, it’s God who makes it possible to change, to grow, to improve. That’s why my prayer continues to be “for your (our) improvement”. Rich HowellRich HowellSun Apr 05 00:00:00 EDT 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/13/Time-to-Spring-Forward.htmlIt’s that time of year again – when we tweak our clocks to add an hour of daylight to our spring and summer afternoons. (I hope nobody forgot ...) And while I don’t enjoy losing the hour of sleep, (as we did last night), I do enjoy the extended daylight. To help us remember which way we change our clocks and watches, a catchy phrase was invented: We “fall back” in the fall and “spring forward” in the spring. As believers in Jesus we should always be in the “spring forward” mode. We “spring forward” out of baptism to live a “new life” (Rom 6:3-4), where “all things become new” (2 Cor 5:17). Along these lines, the apostle Paul encourages us to do what he did – keep pressing onward and upward (Php 3:12-14), never looking back (or falling back). How would you describe your life today? Are you “springing forward” or “falling back”? Friends, life is not lived on level ground but on a slope. And on this slope we have no brakes, meaning that we are either springing forward (gaining ground) or falling back (losing ground) – there is no third possibility. Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us three keys to keep us springing forward in Christ: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin that entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross ... 1) To keep springing forward we need to lay down the things that weigh us down. We can’t let the economy get us down, or any other concern of life – we need to lay our burdens at Jesus’ feet – and trust Him to take care of us while we put Him first (Mat 6:33). 2) We also need to get rid of the things that hold us back – namely, our sins. We may ask for forgiveness, but do we ask for freedom from repeated and “pattern” sins?  We can’t spring forward very far when we keep falling back into the same ruts, the same sins. 3) We need to stay focused on Jesus, the one who started the race and finished it. Peter walked on water as long as he stayed focused on Jesus. When he looked away and saw the conditions around him, however, he began to sink. The same is true of us. As long as we’re focused on Jesus, He keeps us afloat, renewing our strength and endurance (Isaiah 40:30-31). But if we look around we’ll sink. If we look back, we’ll fall back. Yes, it’s time to “spring forward” – in more ways than one. Rich HowellRich HowellSun Mar 08 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/14/Two-Birthdays-Two-Hundred-Years-Ago.htmlAbraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin were two very influential men, who shared little in common except their birthdays. They were both born on February 12, 1809 – 200 years ago this past Thursday. That’s right. Lincoln, the American president, and Darwin, the English naturalist, came into the world on the same day! Lincoln and Darwin came from opposite sides of the Atlantic, and they shared an opposite world view. One of them believed that “all men are created equal”, while the other believed that no man was created – period. Each man taught and promoted and fought for his respective “cause”. And the influence of both men has been widespread and far-reaching – even into the 21st century. Let’s take a closer look at “equality”. Most evolutionists in America say they believe in equality, but is that consistent with the theory they espouse? The truth is,  you can’t really believe that “all men are created equal” unless you believe in a Creator God. If we were to change the wording to, “all men evolved equally”, would it be true? Would it work? Such a statement doesn’t even fit the evolutionary theory! There is no equality in evolution. Rather there is “natural selection” and “survival of the fittest” – processes which do not treat all creatures equal or give them all the same opportunity to survive and thrive. Are we Americans OK with that? Well, Karl Marx, Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin liked the idea of eliminating “inferior” peoples just as “natural selection” eliminates the weak, the diseased, and the problematic. They were, at least in part, inspired by Darwinian theory. And even here in America many are fine with eliminating unwanted babies or unwanted elderly (you know, we’re just giving “natural selection” a little help!) Friends, we must face the fact that belief in evolution gives rise to inequality. The good news about Darwinism is that in a just-published Gallup Poll, it was found that only 39% of Americans believe in the evolutionary theory as it is normally taught in our schools and universities. Just 39%! A majority of Americans still believe in “intelligent design” by an Almighty, compassionate God. This, in spite of evolution being taught as the only viable explanation for our origins. Even in Darwin’s own Great Britain, half of them still believe in a Creator God and 43% said they believe in a “young earth”! I am guardedly optimistic that as the evolutionary theory enters its third century, we are not buying it. We are giving it a big thumbs down! It doesn’t sound right, look right, feel right, or work right in everyday life. Perhaps God is granting us success in our warfare against this false teaching: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) I think it’s safe to say that our nation and world are better off today because of Abraham Lincoln. I wish I could say the same for Charles Darwin ... Rich HowellRich HowellSun Feb 15 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/15/The-Best-Is-Yet-to-Come-Or-Haggai-The-Rest-of-the-Story.html A week ago I spoke on the topic “Time to Build”. Reading from the prophet Haggai, we found that the Jews had put the work of rebuilding God’s House on the back burner – for 15 years! Meanwhile, they busied themselves with their own houses and interests. Haggai was sent to light a fire under them to get them to set their priorities right and put God’s House first. He told them to “go”, “bring materials” and “build” – and they obeyed! And they were blessed “from that day forward!” I applied the message to one of the “building materials” we have at our disposal – our time – and how we need to invest more of our time into the Lord’s House. Now, would you like to hear the rest of the story of Haggai? In chapter 2 we learn that after starting the work with great energy and enthusiasm, the Jews became disillusioned with what they were building. There were a few among them who had seen Solomon’s temple before it was destroyed, and this new temple paled by comparison (Hag 2:2-3). It was smaller, not built with the same magnificent materials or assembled with the same precision and craftsmanship. The old was better than the new. The past was better than the present. Disappointment kicked in and their initial enthusiasm was kicked out. Do we in the church feel the same way sometimes? For those of us who have been in the church for decades, it might seem like the church was better “back in the good old days.” Have we become somewhat disappointed and disillusioned with the church today? Do you ever feel like our efforts aren’t accomplishing much? If so, Haggai has news for us: “Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? Yet now be strong ... all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work for I am with you ... my Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not ... The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts”. (Hag 2:3-9) What is God’s message through Haggai? That the present “house” may not seem as good as the former, but the future “house” will be better and brighter than both! In other words, the best is yet to come! Friends, the best times of our lives and of God’s House are not behind us, but ahead of us! So, be strong, give God your best. Work wholeheartedly and enthusiastically, knowing that He is with us and that the best is yet to come!             Rich HowellRich HowellSun Feb 08 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/16/It-Really-Makes-You-FEEL.htmlWithout a doubt, the Bible is a book that really makes you THINK. But God also designed the Bible to make us FEEL. This is particularly true of the Psalms, the Bible’s most emotionally charged book. This collection of inspired poems, prayers and praises speaks to our hearts, not just our minds. As you read and study the Psalms, you can’t help but identify with the emotions and moods of David and the others Psalmists. The Psalms teach us to embrace positive emotions (“right feelings”, not just “good feelings”) and to process and resolve negative emotions.         It is important that we respond emotionally to God and His Word, not just intellectually. Otherwise, our devotion to Him tends to become cold and calculating, rather than heart-felt and vibrant. Remember, God commands us to love Him with all of our hearts, not just our minds (Mk 12.30). Does God just have your attention, or does He have your heart? Do you worship Him “on auto-pilot” while your heart is elsewhere? (Mark 7.6) The Psalms can tap in to our emotional side and help Him capture or recapture our elusive hearts!          Here is a Psalms sampler of “right feelings” (and there are many more where these came from!): SECURITY: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.”  4:8 CONFIDENCE: The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?”  27:1a “For by You I can run upon a troop; and by my God I can leap over a wall.”  18:29 DELIGHT in His Word: “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”  19:10 JOY & GRATITUDE:  “I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”  9:1-2 SORROW for sins: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight.”  51:3-4a JOY in HIS FORGIVENESS:  “How blessed (happy) is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!”  32:1 It is my prayer that God’s Spirit will use our time in the daily readings from the Psalms to open our hearts and really make us “feel.” (If you haven’t yet started the readings, grab a schedule in the lobby and start with today’s date. I guarantee you’ll “feel” better in no time!) Rich HowellRich HowellSun Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/17/A-Plan-for-Getting-In-Shape-in-2009.htmlThe two most common New Year’s resolutions are about DIET and EXERCISE. Here is a doable plan for a healthy diet of spiritual nourishment and a balanced spiritual “work out” to get us in shape for the New Year. It’s a regimen designed to specifically “live the life.” See what you think… A Simple DAILY Plan: Every day ... Say your prayers (Eph 6:18; 1 Th 5:17) Get into the Word (Ac 17:11; Mat 4:4) Encourage someone (Heb 3:12-14) Do a good deed (Gal 6:9-10; Titus 3:8) Put in a good word for God! (Heb 13:15-16) A Simple WEEKLY Plan: Every week ... Assemble with your spiritual family (Heb 10:24-25) Give generously (1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 9.6-7) Pay a visit to someone who could use one (Js 1:27) Invite someone to a church assembly or activity – or to study the Bible with you (Col 4:5-6) A Simple MONTHLY Plan: Every month ... Be hospitable – invite someone over or “out” (1 Peter 4:9; Rom 12:13) Plug in – be part of a ministry or program, in which you can work with others (Eccl 4:9-10) Do something special for your Lord!(Mark 14:3-9) And remember that while we “WORK OUT” our own salvation with fear and trembling, God  “WORKS IN US” and through us to accomplish His good purposes! (Philippians 2:12-13) Give this salvation diet and “work out” plan a try and you’ll be “in shape” in no time – in the “shape” of Jesus Christ, that is! Have a healthy, happy 2009 – all grace to you and all glory to God!Rich HowellSun Jan 18 00:00:00 EST 2009