http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message.htmlen-usFri, 18 May 2012 17:45:33 EDTFri, 18 May 2012 17:45:33 EDTCommuniSite RSS Generatorhttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message.html0http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/951/Fools-for-Christ.html“Fools for Christ” Today is April Fool’s Day (also known as “All Fool’s Day”). What a strange and silly holiday it is! Nations on every continent consider April 1 a special day. Its origins aren’t precisely known, and some of the notions about how it got started are as foolish as the day itself! Most likely, our modern April Fool’s Day has its roots in the vernal equinox festivities prevalent in the ancient Middle East. On the last day of those festivities (March 31 or April 1), they would send the “naïve” and “gullible” on bogus errands or “wild goose chases.” The poor fools… Whatever does this have to do with us? Well, Mark Twain once said of April Fool’s Day: "This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three-hundred and sixty-four days!” His remark caught my attention because as believers in Christ we need to be reminded that we are “fools for Christ” (1 Cor 4:10). Let’s listen in to some of the apostle Paul’s inspired words from that same letter: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’ Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what we preached to save those who believe ... to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ (is) the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor 1:18-20). And he continues, “Do not deceive yourselves. If anyone of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Cor 3:18-19a) So let’s be “fools” for Jesus on this “fool’s” day and on every other day of the year! Let’s live the selfless, sacrificial, spiritual, sanctified life, which many consider “foolish”. Let’s openly share the good news message, which many call “foolishness”. Let’s continue in the “foolish” pursuits of discipling, praying, studying God’s Word, serving and worshiping God. Because we know that on Judgment Day, the tables will turn – the last will be first, the least will be the greatest, the humble will be lifted high AND those thought to be the fools will turn out to be the wise, and vice-versa! No fooling … Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/944/Medicine-for-Lifes-Aches-and-Pains.htmlMedicine for Life’s Aches and Pains What do you reach for when you have aches and pains? Well, there’s always the Tylenol, Advil or aspirin, but they can’t relieve the deeper hurts of life – the heartache, the heartbreak, the wounded spirit, the worried mind. No, you will need something stronger to heal those things – “prescription meds” from our Lord, the Great Physician! I have found certain Scriptures to be great medicine for life’s aches and pains. For me, some of the best “prescriptions” in the Bible come from 2 Corinthians. They have helped me through some of life’s more painful moments. Let me share a few of them with you … When you feel sad or sorrowful: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…” 1:3-4a When you feel like a loser and a failure: “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph…” 2:14a When you feel incompetent: “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God.” 3:4-5 When you feel old and worn out: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day.” 4:16 When you feel like the pain will never go away: “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” 4:17 When you feel lonely and a long way from Home: “So we are always of good courage; we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not my sight. We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” 5:6-8 When you worry about how you’re going to “make ends meet”: “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.” 9:8 When God answers your prayer with a “NO”: “But he (God) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 12:9a I hope you find relief and healing in these “prescriptions” – and that you continue to search the Scriptures for more healing medicine for life’s aches and pains. Use only as directed … Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/931/Same-Birthdays-Different-World-Views.htmlSame Birthdays, Different World Views Abraham 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 – 203 years ago. 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, 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 the unwanted elderly (you know, we’re just giving “natural selection” a little “human” help!) Friends, we must face the fact that belief in evolution gives rise to inequality and gross inequities. The good news about Darwinism is that in a recently 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 can’t say the same for Charles Darwin ... Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 04 Mar 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/927/From-Confetti-to-Ashes.htmlFrom Confetti to Ashes (What’s wrong with this picture?) This past Wednesday was 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 noisy parades (like those in New Orleans) 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, the participants, I guess, go back to “normal.” I brought all this up not to educate you on modern-day, extra-biblical 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 Luke 9:23-24. “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 constant commitment. Self-denial is not meant to be seasonal, but a way of life, a daily “cross” we carry as we follow Jesus. It’s not something to be regulated by a creed, limited by a calendar or performed by a set of rituals. Rather, it’s the “daily” 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 a similar “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, sacrificially, daily! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 26 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/921/Something-Worth-Celebrating.htmlSomething Worth Celebrating! As you know, Tuesday is Valentine’s Day. A holiday that celebrates 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 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 command, 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 and 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 hear 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 of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/899/Give-the-Timothy-Advantage.htmlGive the “Timothy Advantage” As Americans, we are devoted to the education of our children. We know they need a good foundation of knowledge in order to be productive adults and good providers for their families. We know that a good education gives them an advantage in life. As Christians, we should be even more devoted to the spiritual education of our children. They need a good foundation of knowledge from God’s Word in order to be faithful and productive servants in the Kingdom of Christ. A good example is Paul’s young “understudy”, Timothy. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul wrote to Timothy, “From childhood you have known the holy scriptures which are able to make you wise to salvation.” Timothy was prepared to accept God’s salvation through faith in Christ because he had been carefully taught and trained in God’s Word. Paul remarks in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” These two godly women planted the seeds of faith in Timothy’s young heart by teaching him God’s Word and, no doubt, by showing him their own example of trust and obedience to the Lord. What an advantage Timothy had, and because of that advantage he flourished in his Christian life! Are we giving our children the same advantage? In contrast to Timothy’s situation, consider Judges 2:10, “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who did not know the Lord, nor the work which He had done for Israel.” Imagine that! The grandchildren of those who first left Egypt through the Red Sea didn’t even know God or the great things He did for them! How could this have happened? Perhaps they were so busy conquering and settling the land – enjoying what God gave to them – that they forgot to point their children to the God who gave it all to them! It appears that didn’t make it their first priority to teach and train their children in the words and ways of God. As a result, they relegated that new generation to a life of sin, hardship and captivity. They put their precious children at a serious disadvantage and an entire generation floundered as a result. Let’s not go there! Let’s give our own children and all the children we can reach the “Timothy advantage”. Let’s teach and train them “in the way they should go”, so that when they’re grown “they will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Teach them at home and bring them to Sunday and Wednesday Bible classes. Make plans for your kids to flourish in faith, not flounder in ignorance. Sounds like another good new year’s resolution! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/880/A-New-Year-Psalm-for-2012.htmlA New Year Psalm for 2012 Here are some good words from the 116th Psalm for your year-end reflection. The first section (verses 7-9) encourages 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) Can you relate? Hasn’t the Lord been good to us in 2011? 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! The second section (verses 12-14) encourages us to look ahead at what we plan to do for God: “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) We too should look ahead at what we can do for God. The Psalmist came up with three resolutions” (“I will” statements). We would be wise to include these in our resolutions for 2012: 1. I WILL LIFT UP THE CUP OF SALVATION: Since God has poured so much into our salvation, the least we can do to honor Him is to take and drink deeply of His salvation through Jesus Christ. We do this by living, worshiping and serving in His presence. And, let’s not forget to lift up this cup to others – 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 down or troubled, have an unmet need, or are facing a challenge or a 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 2012, lean on the everlasting arms! 3. I WILL FULFILL MY VOWS TO THE LORD: Vows are promises, resolutions or commitments we make. While can never even begin to repay God for all He has done for us, we can “pay our dues” by doing what we should – serving Him in the church, in our families, at work, at school – holding up our end of the New Covenant – proving ourselves faithful to God and to those around us. Church, God has been so good to us in 2011. Let’s be good to Him in 2012! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/879/2012---Year-of-The-Daily-Bible.html2012 – Year of the “The Daily Bible”! We are getting close to the finish line for our Bible reading program, “Treasures Old and New”! God bless all of you who stayed the course and who will have read the entire Bible by the end of this coming week! Congratulations! Wasn’t that a worthwhile investment of time and devotion?! Now, if you didn’t finish it all, don’t feel bad. I hope the reading you did blessed you and that you will be more motivated than ever to “read it all” in 2012! Speaking of which … When we read Acts 2:42-47, we see that one of the keys to the success of the early church was their devotion to God’s Word. Their “daily” devotion was producing “daily” results – “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” I’m thinking that if WE have the same “daily” devotion as THEY had, God may give us the same type of “daily” results! To that end, we are offering a new Bible reading plan for the members of UCCC in 2012. We will use “The Daily Bible in Chronological Order” (NIV). Some of you may already own one of these Bibles, but if not, we now have them available for purchase before and after our next few meeting times. The cost is $13.00 each. The Bible is arranged into 365 readings, with the month and day at the top of each page. A little “sun” appears at the beginning of each day’s section. You will be reading an average of four chapters per day from the NIV, arranged in chronological order. The readings also contain helpful background notes by F. LaGard Smith (Church of Christ author, speaker and college professor, who has roots in Florida!) If you prefer to use your own Bible and not a “Daily Bible,” you can still do this Bible read-through in chronological order. How will it work? I will be printing out the “Daily Bible” reading assignments for each day on the back of the sermon outline sheet. I will do this week by week so you can be reading the same scriptures as those who use the special Bible. So, whether you use the “Daily Bible” or your own Bible, let’s make it our congregational goal to GET ON THE SAME PAGE (God’s page!) so we can FOLLOW JESUS AS “ONE”! The departure date is January 1, 2012. Let’s all be “prayed up” and ready to go on this fascinating, life-changing, church-transforming journey of “daily” devotion to the Word of God! Don’t be left behind! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 25 Dec 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/875/The-Best-Gifts-Money-Cant-Buy.htmlThe Best Gifts Money Can’t Buy! Shopping is fine. It can even be fun – sometimes. But if your holiday gift-giving is getting you down – if you’re growing tired of the heavy traffic, long department store lines or risking identity theft with your on-line purchases – if you’re tired of buying things for the ones you love instead of doing things with them, you may want to look into an “alternate gift list.” How about giving the people you love some gifts that money can’t buy? For example … The Gift of Thanksgiving: Gift wrap a “thank you” in a smile, a hug, a phone call or a personalized card. 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. The Gift of Courage: You don’t have 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. 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! So be quick to lend an ear and then be patient to listen to every word. The Gift of Time: How sad that we spend so much time during the holidays trying to find the perfect gift for our loved ones, when we could be spending that time with our loved ones! Why not give them the gift they need and long for – some extra time and attention. Time is a very special gift because in giving time what you are really giving is yourself! The Gift of Forgiveness: Notice that the word “forgive” includes the word “give”. Forgiveness is a gift. And like any true gift, it cannot be deserved, earned or paid back. It is a free gift and yet the most costly of all gifts. Consider what it cost God and His Son to offer us forgiveness! This holiday season, let a bygone be bygone, let go of a grudge, cut your losses, swallow your pride, release someone from the prison of your disfavor. You will be doing yourself a big favor too! Where can you find gifts like these? Amazon.com? E-bay? Wal-Mart Supercenter? No, just reach up to God, reach into your heart and reach out to those around you. Gifts like these will touch people and draw you closer to them and to our Heavenly Father, who is the Giver of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). So, in this and every season, give your loved ones and friends the best gifts money can’t buy! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/857/Dont-Be-Caught-Off-Guard-A-Lesson-from-Pearl-Harbor.htmlDon’t Be Caught Off-Guard (A Lesson from Pearl Harbor) Wednesday will mark the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack of the American fleet at Pearl Harbor. We should 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 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 processed, might have changed the complexion of the attack or thwarted it altogether. Well, I’m not writing this piece 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 stated 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,” give in or give up. 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 experience hardships or feel the pull of temptation, rather we should stay alert and be prepared! We are all subject to the devil’s attacks and need to be on high alert at all times -- never letting our guard down (Eph 6:10-18). In retrospect, we may never know for sure whether there was enough data and resources to thwart the attack on Pearl Harbor 70 years ago. But this we know for sure: Our “Commander” has given us sufficient data (the Bible) and resources (prayer, the Holy Spirit and each other) to take the surprise and sting out of the devil’s attacks – to turn potential setbacks into victories! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/845/Se-Habla-Thanksgiving.htmlSe Habla “Thanksgiving” To Christians, Thanksgiving is more than a great 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 Argentinian Spanish required a “baptism” – an immersion. By design, we spent our first two months living with an Argentine family while attending extensive language and culture training sessions 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 “culture” 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, and had a lot of “together times”. And before you know it, in Acts 2:47, we find them “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 this beautiful language to those around us – even after the turkey and pumpkin pie are all gone! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/821/Lets-Talk-About-Deacons.htmlLet’s Talk About Deacons A deacon is a servant of the Body of Christ who has been proven (“tested”), chosen by the church and appointed by the leaders to coordinate one or more ministries of the congregation. And while all believers are called to be servants (including leaders – Mat 20:25-28), deacons are “designated servants,” exemplary servants, recognized by the Body as ministry leaders. Serving as a deacon is better thought of as a “function” or “role” than as an “office.” It is a role which carries delegated authority and responsibility, and which meets a need for the common good. The New Testament word, “deacon”, comes from a Greek verb DIAKO, which literally means “to run errands”. The root noun is DIAKON, which carries the idea of “waiting on” people – like waiting tables or performing another type of “hands-on,” people-oriented service. The New Testament gives us specific spiritual, moral and domestic qualities to look for in those who are selected to serve as deacons (as it does with those selected to serve as elders). Let’s review and consider the specific qualities we find in the Scriptures regarding “deacons”: “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:8-13 – NIV) “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” (Acts 6:3 – NIV) These words were spoken by the apostles when a problem surfaced with the distribution of commodities among the converts in Jerusalem. So, while these seven are not called “deacons,” the same word for “service” (DIAKONIA) is used here. In the context we see that the congregation chose the seven and the apostles appointed them to carry out this task. This freed the apostles to stay “on task” in their ministry of the Word and prayer – to keep the church growing! Please keep these scriptures and thoughts in mind as we prayerfully consider adding a deacon to serve in a particular role, to meet a particular need. Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/804/Reflecting-on-Columbus-Day.htmlReflecting on Columbus Day This past Monday was Columbus Day Observed. This year marked 519 years since the first landing of Christopher Columbus in the new world – on the easternmost isle of the Bahamas, San Salvador. In subsequent voyages Columbus would explore many of the Lesser and Greater Antilles, the mainland of South America (Venezuela) and the east coast of Central America. While he was not the first European to reach the American continent, his four voyages launched the lasting European colonization of the new world – and so changed the world! What I find most fascinating about Columbus’ story is his belief that the earth was spherical, like a ball; not a flat disc, like a coin (which was the long-held belief). Columbus wasn’t the first to suggest this counter theory to the “flat earth,” but he was the first to be in a position to prove it – funded by the new king and queen of Spain in 1492. Of course, there were practical reasons for the expedition, but I would imagine that many of Columbus’ contemporaries thought he had “gone off the deep end” (pun intended)! One thing for sure, nobody, not even Columbus, had any idea what he would stumble onto – an uncharted continent, a new hemisphere, a whole new world! As Christians, we have something in common with Columbus. Like him, we don’t buy into the popular notions of our time – the scientific, social and philosophical opinions of our day. We believe in another “dimension.” We believe that there is more to this world than the “flat one,” the physical realm seen by the naked eye! The world, meanwhile, is filled with one dimensional “flat thinkers” – deceived deceivers, who can’t think “out of the box.” They believe in a self-made universe that somehow organized itself into perfect clockwork, then somehow spawned “life,” which somehow evolved over time with increasing complexity. And the greater deception is the belief that we are now the masters of our own destiny, charting our own future! People need to know the truth – that our origin, purpose and destiny are in the hands of a Creator God! As Columbus’ faith and determination finally afforded him the opportunity to “set sail” from his old world to discover a new one, so it is with us. Our faith in the Creator and His Son gives us the opportunity to “set sail” from this old world and arrive on the shore of a whole new world! And, truly, everything is “new” in Christ, isn’t it? There is a “new birth” (John 3:3-5), in which the Lord makes us “new creatures” (2 Cor 5:17), so we can live a “new life” (Rom 6:4), with a “new hope” (1 Peter 1:3-4), while we wait for “a new heavens and a new earth” (2 Peter 3:13)! Brothers and sisters, let’s tell the world what we’ve discovered: “There is another dimension to life, and a whole new world in Jesus Christ!” Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/796/How-Will-the-World-End.htmlHow Will the World End? It’s bad enough that misguided individuals keep trying to predict WHEN the world will end (the latest “guess” is 12/12/12, based on clever interpretations of Mayan prophecy). Now, scientists and others are predicting HOW it will end! The question of HOW the world will end has been in the media spotlight recently in a number of articles in science journals, TV specials and internet and newspaper stories. This past Tuesday, I read where three U.S. born scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for findings they say show that the universe is expanding at an accelerated pace. The three claim that there is an unknown “force” pushing the universe apart – some call this force, “dark energy.” They postulate that, if their suspicions are correct, billions and billions of years from now the universe will be pushed so far apart that it will become non-functional, devoid of light, heat and energy and finally just frozen over. I wish people would make up their minds! Is it “global warming” that’s going to do us in? Or, is it “universal freezing”? While we let the “experts” debate such lofty matters, let’s see what our Creator says about HOW the world will end. In 2 Peter 3:3-13 we find some clear answers. We find that by God’s Word the universe was created; by God’s Word the ancient world was flooded; and, by God’s Word the earth, the universe, and everything in it will be destroyed by fire – undone, melted down, not frozen over! This “day of the Lord” will come, not when the Mayans or scientists or crackpots say it will – but in God’s own time – unexpectedly, “like a thief.” So where does that leave man? It all depends on how we have lived – in Christ or out of Christ. For those who put their faith and trust in the Son of God, we will live forever in a “new heavens and new earth” – an eternal creation, where we will bask in the glory and goodness of our Lord forever and ever (2 Peter 3:13; Rev 21-22). Lost humanity, on the other hand, will end up banished from God’s Presence forever – tormented forever and ever (Mat 25:41,46; 2 Thes 1:7-9; Rev 20:10-15). So, HOW WILL THE WORLD END?, is a good question; but a better question is: WHERE WILL YOU AND I END UP? “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?” 2 Peter 3:11 (ESV). Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/759/Where-Were-You-Then-Where-Are-You-Now.htmlWhere Were You Then? Where Are You Now? Questions for Reflection on the 10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 It’s hard to believe, but today marks ten years since the horrific terrorist attacks of 9/11. And, as you would expect, there has been a plethora of TV specials, documentaries and news articles covering those events from every conceivable angle. Today, my “angle” and purpose in this cover piece is to pose two questions to God’s family at UCCC: Where were you then? And, where are you now? The first question is easy for most of us to answer. We can remember where we were and what we were doing. And we can probably even remember how we felt as we heard the reports and saw the surreal images appear on our TV’s or computers. But I want to ask this question from a spiritual, Christian point of view: Where were you then? Were you saved? Were you close to the Lord? Were you spiritually aware, alert, focused? Or, was your mind cluttered with worldly matters and concerns, or worse, trapped in sinful desires? Were you zealous and passionate for Christ at the time? Or, casual and complacent in your Christian walk? And, what was your initial response to the news of the attacks? Were you stunned, startled, angry, scared? Did you take time to pray? And if so, what did you pray? Did you wonder what the world was coming to? Did you wonder what your own life was coming to? Did you wonder if the Lord was coming!? Were you motivated to examine yourself to see where you stood with God (2 Cor 13:5)? Were you alarmed and appalled by your own sins? Did you vow to make lasting changes in your life? Did you feel a greater urgency to speak up for Christ and save the lost people around you? Then we come to the second question: Where are you now? Are you in a better place, on a higher plane than you were ten years ago? Have you been growing out of sin and self and worldly ways, while growing into His love, His will, His mission, His holiness? Now, as a nation, I don’t think we are in a better place than we were ten years ago. I was hoping and praying that 9/11 would shake America out of its doldrums – that we would become a more united, righteous and God-fearing nation. But no matter where our nation is heading, as Christ’s church, we need to assume our God-given place as “a city set on a hill”, a shining “lamp” lifted high (not hidden under a bushel or a bed!). We need to be what we were called to be: God’s holy nation, the light of the world, the salt of the earth (Mat 5:13-16; 1 Pet 2:9). I hope we can all say, as a church and as individual believers, that “where we are now,” ten years after 9/11, is in a better position to reach the lost, build up the saved and bring much honor and glory to His Holy Name! I’m sure that none of us will ever forget where we were ten years ago today. But my prayer is that none of us will ever forget where God wants us to be every day. Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/748/The-Good-News-About-Good-Works.htmlThe Good News About Good Works! A “Labor Day” Reminder of the Value of Christian Labor Tomorrow is Labor Day – a national holiday since 1894. Originally conceived as a day of solidarity and appreciation for America’s unions and laborers, it has become a national “day off” – and the symbolic end to the summer season. (So we can expect cooler weather any day now, right?) As laborers for Christ, I thought this would be a good time to step back and look at our “labor” in the Lord – the work we do for Jesus’ cause, in Jesus’ name. A few Sunday nights ago, I gave a sermon with the title: “The Good News About Good Works,” and I’d like to highlight for you some of the scriptures and points from that message. (The answers are given at the bottom of the page, but not in the correct order … heh, heh! HINT: The longer blanks are for the two-word answers.) 1. THE WORK WE DO IN CHRIST IS _________! (Mat 11:28-30; 1 John 5:3) 2. WE ARE NOT SAVED ______ GOOD WORKS, BUT ______ GOOD WORKS! (Eph 2:8-10) 3. GOD HAS WORK _________________________! (Eph 2:8-10; Rom 12:5-8; 1 Cor 12:14-21; Titus 3:8,14) 4. EVERYTHING GOD COMMANDS US TO DO, HE ___________ US TO DO! (Heb 13:20-21; 2 Cor 3:4-6; Ex 25:8-9; 31:1-6) 5. GOD ________________________ WE NEED TO CARRY OUT HIS WORK! (Ex 3:20-22; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Pet 4:10-11; Phil 2:13; 4:13; Col 1:28-29) 6. WHEN WE WORK FOR THE LORD, WE NEVER WORK __________! (Mat 28:19-20) 7. THE WORK WE DO “IN THE LORD” ________________________! (John 15:16; 1 Cor 15:58; Rev 14:13) ANSWERS (in no particular order): BY; FOR EVERYONE; ALONE; EQUIPS; LASTS FOREVER; EASY; PROVIDES EVERYTHING; FOR Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 04 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/724/Back-to-School-Time.htmlBACK TO SCHOOL TIME! 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 young people and children 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! Come and bring your family to every Sunday morning and Wednesday night Bible class session and benefit from the church’s ministry of “higher education”. We have classes for all ages and a fine team of gifted Bible teachers who are eager to share God’s Word and God’s love with you. The new fall quarter of classes starts September 4 – don’t miss out! 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 (also available online) 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.” Col 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 – Bible class! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 21 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/709/It-Really-Makes-You-FEEL.htmlIt Really Makes You FEEL! Without 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 be 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) God wants your heart more than anything – and the Psalms can help Him capture or recapture it! 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 (God’s laws) 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 Spend some quality time in the Psalms and I guarantee you’ll “feel” better (and “feel” more) in no time! (In our daily readings, Treasures Old & New, we are in the middle of the Psalms – grab a quarterly reading schedule in the lobby and climb aboard!) Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/691/Sound-Financial-Advice.htmlSound Financial Advice Need to find some sound financial advice? Well, I wouldn’t recommend looking for it in Washington! Their solution to a bad economy and runaway spending seems to be boiling down to this: BORROW MORE TO SPEND MORE. It looks as though they will raise the “debt ceiling” to new heights in order to keep spending more than they take in. What if a family ran their budget like that? (Some do!) Picture a family that is spending twice as much as it makes. Their credit cards are maxed. Finally, the parents call an emergency meeting to discuss their financial woes. But no one in the family is willing to cut any expenses – neither bills nor frills! Instead, they settle on this strategy: To petition their credit card companies to raise their debt limit! Now, I’m no Wall Street genius, but I don’t think we can call this approach “sound financial advice” for a family or a country! If we can’t find “sound financial advice” in Washington, where can we find it? Well, look no further than your Holy Bible – it is chock-full of timeless counsel on money matters. Paul’s inspired words in 1 Timothy 6:6-11,17-19 give us a good place to start. Check out Paul’s six points of “sound financial advice:” 1. Be content with what you have – and thankful! (1 Tim 6:6-8) The opposite of contentment is covetousness (greed), which is always wanting more. 2. Don’t let money go to your heart – don’t focus on it, don’t want it too much, and, whatever you do, never love it! (1 Tim 6:9-10) 3. Don’t chase after money, instead “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Tim 6:11) 4. Don’t let your money go to your head! If you’ve got it, don’t think or act all “high and mighty,” but stay humble. (1 Tim 6:17a) 5. Don’t “lean” on your money – it’s not stable or secure. Instead, “lean” on the Lord – make Him your trust and hope. (1 Tim 6:17b) 6. Use your money for “good” – for God – invest in the Kingdom! Give generously to help the needy and to help fund Christ-centered missions and ministries. Such investments are “sound” and will pay eternal dividends! (1 Tim 6:18-19) Church, let’s keep praying for our nation’s economy, and let’s determine in our hearts to keep living right and giving right. Then, we won’t have to worry about what the future holds for our worldly assets, because we know that God holds our eternal assets safe and secure! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 24 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/680/When-Things-Go-South....htmlWhen Things Go South ... (A Message from Habakkuk) Is all the bad news getting you down? It seems that every time you pick up a newspaper or tune in (or log in) to a news program you get hit with more bad economic news. Unemployment is still very high. Wages are low, but prices for goods and services keep going up. Our nation’s debt is now measured in the trillions and we still have to keep raising the debt ceiling. Many homeowners owe more on their house than its market value. More and more people are relying on government entitlement programs, while fewer and fewer are contributing to the coffers in the form of income tax. Yet the spending goes on and on … Americans are feeling the squeeze and their confidence is shaken. People are genuinely concerned about the future of these United States – wondering if the American dream is becoming the impossible dream! As Christians, we are especially concerned about the declining morality of our nation. We are witnessing daily assaults on faith, marriage, the family, the Bible, the church, and on godly values and morals. Meanwhile Americans are spending more and more of their time and money on entertainment, pleasure and leisure. This tendency translates into less productivity in the work place. Eventually, this catches up to us and diminishes our quality of life – perhaps that is part of what is happening. I can’t help but believe that America is in decline because America is taking steps away from God. In times like these, we need to keep our heads and hearts. The prophecy of Habakkuk can help! The prophet lived in the late 7th century B.C. The kingdom of Judah was “going south” – economically, morally and spiritually. Not to mention that the mighty Babylonian empire was casting a shadow on Judah’s future. God revealed to Habakkuk His plan to punish the Jews with a more sinful nation, Babylonia. After which time, God would then punish the Babylonians. Habakkuk, though troubled by this news, found peace and reassurance even in those dark times. He wrote and sang this song to God: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stall, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior....” (Habakkuk 3:17-18) What is Habakkuk saying? That no matter what happens, I’m happy because I have the Lord! Can we sing the same tune in our troubling times? Can we say, “Though the price of gas be $5; though our homes lose their value; though food prices go sky high and we can’t eat out as much as we used to; though we can no longer afford good health care; though our nation loses its place as a world leader; YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL BE JOYFUL IN GOD MY SAVIOR!” Things may be “going south”, but if you know the Lord, you can keep on “growing north!” Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/644/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 very words to my 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 HowellSun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/633/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 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 HowellSun, 05 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/620/Jesus-Is-Coming...Yesterday.htmlJesus Is Coming … Yesterday? Here we go again. Another prediction of Judgment Day has come and gone. If you can read this today, we are still here and the End has not yet come! To be sure, we believe that Jesus will come back one day, any day, as He promised. However, it comes as no surprise to us that Jesus did not come (or show a “sign” of His coming) on the day Harold Camping said He would. Camping, an 89 year-old radio evangelist, claims that he has “done the math” which pinpoints Jesus’ return for May 21, 2011. (Or, at least he claimed that the 21st would be “the beginning of the End.”) The same man, about 17 years ago, declared September 6, 1994 as the Day of judgment and rapture. It didn’t happen so he went back to the drawing board and re-calibrated his numbers. This time he was even more sure, but “this time” turned out the same as last time! Amazingly, some folks actually believed Camping’s prediction, and took drastic steps to brace for tribulation – like quitting their jobs and stocking up on commodities. Unbelievable! Another unfortunate response to “bogus” predictions is that it gives “naysayers” the opportunity to label all Christians as extremist “whackos,” and/or to take “pot shots” at the promise of Jesus’ 2nd Coming, and at the Bible in general. Nevertheless, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mat 24:35). This world’s days are “numbered,” but “WHEN will it happen?” The very next verse answers the “when” question: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Mat 24:36). What part of this verse does Mr. Camping (and others like him) not understand?! No human being has ever known or ever will know exactly WHEN Jesus will appear in the clouds to raise the dead, judge all mankind, destroy the cosmos, receive His saints and banish the lost. “No one knows.” Friends, the Bible does not contain a code for calculating the precise date of the End of the world. The Bible DOES contain numbers, signs, symbols and events, prophecies, promises and warnings. Some of these events have already occurred. Others have yet to occur. A number of key prophecies have had a limited fulfillment long ago, but will have a universal fulfillment in the future. The point is: There’s a plethora of information on the “End” woven into the tapestry of the 66 books of the Bible, and it is there for our consideration and prayerful contemplation (Deut 29:29). But the purpose of that information is to prepare us for eternity, NOT to establish an exact time table for the events themselves! So, how should we respond? Should we get comfortable and forget that time is running out? Should we let down our guard? Certainly not! Jesus’ words in Luke 21:34-36 give us the right approach to the End times: “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that Day come 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.” Sure, on the subject of the End of time, the world will continue to hear the voices of false teachers, quack prophets and unbelieving critics. But let’s make sure they hear our voices too! Let’s stand up and ring out the Good News – the truth that Jesus loves and saves and is coming soon! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 22 May 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/609/It-Comes-From-Within....htmlIt Comes from Within… “I don’t know where that came from”, insisted the talented quarterback, when fined for making an obscene gesture to a fan after a tough loss. “I was only joking”, insisted the senator who encouraged young people to study hard or they might wind up serving in our military in Afghanistan or Iraq! “I don’t know what got into me” insisted the popular comedian who spouted forth racial slurs after getting upset with audience members during a performance – “It just kind of came out of nowhere.” The list goes on and on of high profile people letting their tongues get away from them, and trying to explain themselves. And it’s not just a problem for “high profile people” … Where do such rash comments and actions come from? How do these things get into us? Do they just come “out of nowhere”? Jesus tells us plainly: “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23. The implication is obvious: Nothing comes out of us that wasn’t already in there! There are two ways to deal with things that come out of us. The first is to BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU LET OUT! Like David, who asked God to place a guard at his mouth to keep foolish, sinful talk from getting out (Psalm 141:3). James urges us to slow down and think before we speak (James 1:19). But this strategy alone stops short of dealing with the core issue – the heart. The second approach is to BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU LET IN! Jesus said in Matthew 12:34-35, “How can you speak good when you are evil? For from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” It’s simple really: IF WE WANT TO KEEP OUR OUTPUT PURE, WE MUST KEEP OUR INPUT PURE! Many Christians today think it’s just fine to take in TV shows, movies, literature and music laced with profanities, sexual situations, pointless violence, bloodshed, gore, the occult, etc. They think it does them no harm and that God is fine with it – after all, it’s just entertainment. How mistaken and deceived we are if we believe this! When we fill our minds with garbage, our hearts will eventually “overflow” with garbage. What goes in will come out! On the other hand, if we fill our minds with God’s Word and spiritual things, our hearts will “overflow” with those good things! Now that we know this, what will we do, church? Let’s do what Proverbs 4:23 advises: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for out of it flow the springs of life.” Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/581/Money-Matters.htmlMONEY MATTERS There are several good reasons to think about money right now: First, it’s tax season (ouch!). Second, our nation is struggling economically and our leaders are trying to come up with a functional budget (double ouch!). And third, we just had a Ministry Fair, reminding us of the important things we can do with our money and other God-given resources! One of my favorite quotes about money comes from the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. When the wingless angel, Clarence, informs George Bailey that he has come from heaven to help him, George asks: “You wouldn’t happen to have $8,000 bucks laying around, would you?” Clarence answers in the negative, explaining that money is of no use in heaven. George then retorts, “Well, it comes in pretty handy down here, Bub!” Both statements are true – money is of no use in Heaven and it does come in pretty handy down here! Money matters, and it should matter to us as Christians. How we view money matters. Paul says that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:9-10a). When it comes to money, how much you HAVE is not as important as how much you WANT IT! In verse 11, Paul goes so far as to say we that we need to “flee” from such dangerous desires! On the other hand, the attitude we should have toward money and material things is one of “contentment” (read verses 6-8). Being content will guard our hearts against greed and free us to be generous. And, how we use our money matters. Money is a God-given resource (like time, energy, abilities and skills) – after all, “the earth and everything in it is the Lord’s” (Psalm 24:1). We should use money in ways that reflect our devotion to God and our faith in Him. We should budget carefully, pay our bills (and our taxes), provide for our own, give generously to those in need and invest in the expansion of the Lord’s Kingdom, the church. Paul, inspired by the Spirit, says it best: “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” I Timothy 6:17-19 George Bailey was right – money does “come in pretty handy down here!” Use as directed. Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 17 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/556/Lamentations-for-Northern-Japan.html“Lamentations” for Northern Japan We’ve all heard the news. We’ve seen the pictures. We are saddened and sobered by the catastrophe in Japan. WHAT CAN YOU AND I DO? First, let’s commit to praying for the Japanese people – for those bereaved, wounded, exposed to harmful radiation; for those who have lost their homes, their possessions, their livelihoods. We can also help them financially and we’ll be letting you know soon how UCCC can be involved in the relief effort. When I first saw the images of the devastation in Sendai, north of Tokyo, it reminded me of the Bible book of Lamentations. Jeremiah, its author, was an eye-witness of Jerusalem’s destruction (586 BC). No, the city wasn’t rocked by a 9.0 earthquake, a torrential tsunami, and harmful radiation, but it was rocked by the mighty Babylonian army. The cause was different but the effect was the same. Ruin, death and destruction. And yet, the prophet finds hope amid the rubble of the once-great city: ”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 our hope in Him no matter the circumstances! Later, Jeremiah adds this: “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). God does not enjoy our suffering. It is not His plan for us. It is not what He wants for us (Jer 29:11). But God does use pain, problems, diseases, even natural disasters to serve notice that all is not well between man and His Maker (as Job 36:15 says, “He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.”) Aren’t you glad that God loves us so much that He will not let us go quietly into the night of eternal banishment?! He went to great lengths to offer us salvation through Christ and He goes to great lengths to wake us up and win us over! 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 coming to a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Let’s pray that God may meet the short-term, long-term and ultimate needs of all those impacted by this triple disaster. And may our hearts be touched to be prayerful, generous and more reliant upon God. Rich HowellAnonymousSun, 20 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/547/Conformed-Or-Transformed.htmlConformed? Or, Transformed? In 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, even pressures us to conform while the Lord calls us to be transformed. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ 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 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 some of the “lowly” company he kept. 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, those leaders didn’t want a prophet and a Savior, they wanted marionettes to which they held the strings! John and Jesus, however, refused to play along, 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 the 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.” A recent example of this happened in England last week. An AP article out of London reported: “A British court has ruled that a Christian couple cannot care for foster children because they disapprove of homosexuality.” Unbelievable! “Sir” Elton John and his male lover can adopt a child in England, but a mature Christian couple who had a good track record with foster children were disallowed because they wouldn’t “conform” – they wouldn’t “dance” or “wail” on cue. Friends, God’s Word is clear, and the choice is ours – to be conformed or transformed. We can let the world shape us, or, let God shape us and use us to reshape the world for Christ! The stakes are high and the time is now – choose transformation. Stand your ground and make a difference – like John and Jesus did! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/530/The-Case-of-the-Walking-Trees.htmlThe Strange Case of the Walking Trees! The gospel of Mark contains perhaps the most unusual of Jesus’ healing miracles. It happened in Bethsaida after Jesus had fed the 4,000. A blind man was brought to Jesus for healing: “And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands upon him, he asked him, ‘Do you see anything?’ And he looked up and said, ‘I see people, but they look like trees, walking.’ Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and saw everything clearly.” (Mark 8:23-25) First, he was blind and saw nothing. Then Jesus put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him and he saw people that looked like walking trees! In other words, he had sight but it was distorted. Finally, when Jesus touched his eyes a second time, the man looked hard and everything came into focus. The walking trees were gone! This story stuns many Bible readers. They say, “You mean Jesus couldn’t do it right the first time – it took Him a second try?!” No, no. Jesus didn’t fail in his first attempt. He knew exactly what He was doing. He gave the blind man his eyesight, but also took him through a process that required effort on his part – “he looked intently and was restored.” Is there a lesson here for us? I think so. We were once blind people in a sin-darkened world (2 Cor 4:3-4,6), until Jesus gave us light and the eyes to see it. But even as new creatures with new life, we can allow the world to distort our vision – if we look with our eyes instead of our faith (2 Cor 5:7). For example, we may look at people and see the needs of the body while overlooking the deeper needs of the soul. We may see the problems of the world, but we forget the cause (sin) and the solution (salvation in Christ). We may focus on the “here and now” instead of on the “here-after.” We may even see ourselves the way others see us rather than how God sees us. It’s like the case of the walking tree people all over again! The Laodicean believers had a distorted view of themselves (Rev 3:17-18). They saw themselves as rich, prosperous and self-sufficient. But Jesus, who “looked intently,” saw them as “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked”! Jesus advised them to get some “salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.” So if your vision is distorted by the world, Jesus may need to touch your eyes again. Go to Him. Go to His Word. Pray about it. Then, try again – “look intently,” with your faith, not your physical eyes. Perhaps your vision, like that of the man Jesus touched, will be “restored” and you too will “see everything clearly.” Yay! No more walking trees! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/524/Something-Worth-Celebrating.htmlSomething Worth Celebrating! As you know, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. A holiday that celebrates 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 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 command, 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 hear 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 of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5) Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 13 Feb 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/521/Still-Glowing....htmlSTILL GLOWING … Our Old Testament readings from this past week were from the latter chapters of Exodus, which include the amazing account of Moses’ glowing face (Exodus 34:29-35). It happened on Moses’ second visit to God on Mount Sinai – after he had broken the first set of stone tablets. While on the mountain, Moses asked to see God’s glory and his request was granted! Moses saw the goodness and glory of God from behind – not God’s face, but His back! Talk about a close encounter! No one had ever seen so much of God before! When Moses came down with the Ten Commandments, his face glowed! The reason? “Because he had been talking to God.” At first, Aaron and the tribal leaders of Israel were afraid to approach him, but Moses reassured them and they gathered around the man with the glowing face. Moses then relayed God’s words and commandments to the Israelites. Then Moses covered his face with a veil. Remarkably, this didn’t happen just once, but “whenever Moses went in before the Lord” (into the Tent of Meeting). So, Moses would go in, remove the veil and spend time talking with the Lord. He would come out with his face glowing and would relay God’s words to the people. Then he would cover his face until his next visit with God. But what the Old Testament account doesn’t tell us WHY HE COVERED HIS FACE. No problem, the New Testament does tell us … In 2 Corinthians 3:7-16, we learn that Moses covered his face to keep the Israelites from seeing the FADING GLOW on his face. That’s right! He didn’t veil his face because its glowing was a scary thing to look at, or that it might blind someone – it was because Moses didn’t want the people to be discouraged when they saw the fading glory! Paul makes two points from this incident – one is about the inferior, fading Old Covenant of Moses versus the better, brighter New Covenant of Christ. The other point is about us – that as New Covenant Christians, we can come before God with open, unveiled faces and live before the church and the world “unveiled.” That’s because our glow isn’t fading, it’s getting brighter and brighter! 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 explains that as we spend time with the Lord, contemplating His glory, we shine with ever-increasing brilliance – “from one degree of glory to another”! This is a vital work of the Holy Spirit – to keep us glowing and growing! So, brothers and sisters, if the glow in your heart and on your face is fading, take a tip from Moses and spend some time with the Lord – in prayer, in His Word, in worship. But unlike Moses, let the Holy Spirit make the glow in you grow, not fade. Then we can be more of what Jesus called us to be – “the light of the world”! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 06 Feb 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/515/Beware-of-Man.html“Beware of Man” We’ve all seen signs reading, “Beware of dog”. And, of course, here in Florida, many lakes and ponds are decorated with signs warning us to beware of the alligators. To be sure, there are many animals and beasts, even insects that can hurt or maim man. However, none of them is as dangerous to man as man himself! Maybe we need some signs around town that say: “Beware of man”! The recent shooting tragedy in Arizona gives us further evidence that man can be his own worst enemy. Even the Bible warns us to “beware of man”. Consider the words of Jesus when he sent his disciples on their first mission: “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. If we stopped reading right there, we might just want to lock ourselves away and live in seclusion! But let’s read what Jesus went on to say in verses 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. We need to be careful in a crazy world, especially as we carry the torch of truth, faith, hope and love in Christ. But there is no need to fear anything or anyone if God is with us and we are with Him! Still the question arises in times like these: WHY? Or, HOW could something like this happen in the civilized world? The answer is simple and short. SOMETHING IS WRONG, and God tells us what it is. It’s the same thing that went wrong in the Garden of Eden. The same thing that turned a “very good” world (Genesis 1:31) into a very bad one (Genesis 6:5-6). It’s SIN – man’s rebellious deeds, words and thoughts which cross the nature and the Will of His Maker. Paul warns us about conditions on planet earth growing worse due to man’s sinfulness: “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...” We’re seeing a lot of this in our world today! Later, Paul adds:“But evil men and deceivers will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:2-4,13) Indeed, “beware of man” … Jesus cuts right to the heart of the matter in Matthew 24:12: And because wickedness is multiplied, most men’s love will grow cold.” Did you catch that? The more sin there is in the world, the less love. “What the world needs now is love” – true. But in order to increase love we must decrease sin! Are the world’s inhabitants ready to minimize sin in order to maximize love? Are we, Christ’s church, ready to show them the way? The world is waiting for someone to make sense of the senseless shooting spree in Arizona, or the one last year in Fort Hood, Texas. Well, we can do more than make sense of it; we can point people to the solution! Let’s speak up and tell them the truth about God’s plan to save us from our sins and from ourselves! Don’t be afraid, but do be careful… Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 30 Jan 2011 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/476/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, 19 Dec 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/465/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: The Gift of Thanksgiving: Gift wrap a “thank you” in a smile, a hug, a phone call or a personalized card. 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. 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. 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. The Gift of Time: How sad that we spend so much time during the holidays trying to find the perfect gift for our loved ones, when we could be spending that time with our loved ones! Why not give them the gift they need and long for – some extra time and attention. Time is a very special gift because in giving time what you really give is yourself! The Gift of Forgiveness: The word “forgive” includes the word “give”. Forgiveness is a gift. And like any true gift, it cannot be deserved, earned or paid back. It is a free gift and yet the most costly of all gifts. Consider what it cost God and His Son to offer us forgiveness! This holiday season, let a bygone be bygone, let go of a grudge, cut your losses, swallow your pride, release someone from the prison of your disfavor. You will be doing yourself a big favor too! The best thing about these “priceless” gifts is that you don’t have to risk identity theft, fight holiday traffic or long department store lines to find them. Just reach up to God, reach into your heart and reach out to those around you. These gifts will touch people and draw you closer to them and to the Father, the Giver of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). Now, that’s what I call “priceless”… Rich HowellRich HowellThu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/404/Se-Habla-Thanksgiving-Thanksgiving-Is-Spoken-Here.htmlSe Habla “Thanksgiving” (“Thanksgiving” Is Spoken Here) To Christians, Thanksgiving is more than a great 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 culture. 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 “culture” 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, and had a lot of “together times”. 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, 21 Nov 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/395/Whatever-Happened-to-Sacrifice.htmlWhatever Happened to Sacrifice? Thursday was Veterans’ Day – a day to 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, who make sacrifices by working hard, lending a hand, 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 benefit and bless others! And in Ephesians 5:1-2,“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.” Church, let’s do more than enjoy the fruit of others’ sacrifices – let’s pledge to live sacrificially. Let’s give it up, lay it down, let it go, make it count. Let’s make sacrifices for the higher good – it’s not just the American way, it’s the Christian way! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 14 Nov 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/383/Christianity-Unmasked.htmlCHRISTIANITY “UNMASKED” I love almost everything about the fall: The cooler days and nights; homecoming; football fever; cooler days and nights; a rise in church attendance and activities; fall colors; Thanksgiving; cooler days and nights (did I already mention that?). The thing I don’t like about the fall is Halloween. It’s not a holiday in my book, it’s the “un”holiday (remember, the word holiday means HOLY DAY.) Some of the ways we celebrate Halloween may be innocent enough, but I don’t like the fact that it has its origins in ancient Celtic rituals which focus on death, evil and the appeasing of evil spirits. One such ritual was to wear masks in order to fool the malevolent spirits so they wouldn’t recognize you – or, to scare them away! (They must have thought that these wandering spirits weren’t very smart!) In any case, that led to the custom of people wearing masks this time of year. The truth is, we are prone to wear masks any time of year, not just in this season – figuratively speaking. Too often, even as Christians, we try to hide our true feelings, intentions, needs, weaknesses or sins. Instead of being “real”, we play it safe, we keep it in. We put on a brave face instead of our real face. The Lord, however, calls us to remove all masks and pretensions, as he spoke through the apostle Paul, saying, “Let love be genuine,” (Romans 12:9a) “What does this statement have to do with masks?” you may ask. Well, the word we translate “genuine” is a Greek word meaning “unhypocritical.” The Greek word “hypocrite” literally means, “one who speaks from behind a mask.” Actors in the Greek theater were called “hypocrites” because they held masks up to their faces expressing the emotion or state they were play-acting. They were pretenders – hiding their true selves “behind a mask.” Jesus pointed out hypocrisy in those who were not genuine, not sincere – those refusing to show their true selves. Another question we could ask from Romans 12:9a is: “What do masks have to do with love?” The truth is, we can’t really love or be loved while hiding behind a mask – because love requires honesty, sincerity, being “real”. If we’re not “real” with each other, we can’t have “real” love! If we don’t have “real” love, we’re not “real” Christians, not the “real” church. So, in this season of masquerades, or in any season, “let love be genuine” – let’s be God’s “unmasked” people! Rich HowellRich HowellSun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/342/Huddle-Up.htmlHuddle Up! The college football season is in full swing with the Gators having played their first conference game yesterday. This is always an exciting time of year, especially if you live in a football-driven town like Gainesville. One of the aspects of the game of football that doesn’t get much attention is the huddle. We all know what happens – the team actually gets together in a circle – sometimes arm in arm or even holding hands. (I remember the first time I saw a pro team hold hands in the huddle – it was the Denver Broncos’ “Orange Crush” defense back in the late 70’s. I thought it was pretty funny that those big, tough guys had this tender moment together before lining up to smack the other team around!) Once in the huddle, the quarterback or captain calls the play, gives the “play count” and usually says something to encourage them, like, “Let’s go!” or “Let’s make this work!” It’s the job of everyone in the huddle is to listen to the play call, to mentally review what their specific assignment is and mentally rehearse how to execute that assignment – and to remember the play count. This simple meeting helps a football team play as a team – that the MANY may play AS ONE. In the same way, our worship assemblies and small group meetings are like spiritual “huddles.” They are times of communication, coordination, solidarity and encouragement – as we seek to give honor and praise to our Lord and do His bidding. Our simple meetings can help us serve the Lord more as a “team” – that the MANY may work AS ONE. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) So, in football season or any season, let’s all be sure to “huddle up” at every opportunity. And, then, when we break from the “huddle,” let’s not go back to the sideline until the next huddle! Rather, let’s line up and do our part to execute the play that was called from the Great Playbook! GO TEAM!! Rich HowellRich HowellFri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/331/Back-to-School-Time.htmlBack to School Time! 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! Come and bring your family to every Sunday morning and Wednesday night Bible class session and benefit from the church’s ministry of “higher education”. We have classes for all ages and a fine team of gifted Bible teachers who are eager to share God’s Word and God’s love with you. The new fall quarter of classes just started last Sunday – don’t miss out! 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.” Col 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 – Bible class! Rich HowellRich HowellThu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://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 HowellRich HowellSun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 06 Dec 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/6/Back-to-School-Time.htmlIt’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, 06 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 26 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 03 May 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 05 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDThttp://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, 08 Mar 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org:80/Ministers-Message/15/The-Best-Is-Yet-to-Come-Or-Haggai-The-Rest-of-the-Story.htmlA 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, 08 Feb 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://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, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST