Jul 17

More Than A Fan

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Who are you a fan of? The word fan means, “Enthusiastic admirer.” With that definition in mind, obviously some of us are fans of certain sports teams, while others may be fans of actors/actresses, authors or musicians. We can be fans of pretty much anything we choose.

Most of us have probably heard of Jesus for about as long as we can remember. From the time we were young toddlers, our parents and/or grandparents probably took us to worship and taught us about Jesus and the sacrifice He made on our behalf. Many of us have probably done the same for our children and grandchildren. We have grown up hearing about Jesus and all the wonderful things He has done for us, thus turning us into big fans. The problem with this is that some of us are nothing more than fans of Jesus.

When reading through the Gospel accounts, it is evident some people followed Jesus simply because of the amazing miracles He had done (Jn. 6:2). Their motivation to follow Jesus was centered on the wrong things. They weren’t really followers of Jesus the Christ, they were only fans. Eventually, when things got tough, they turned away from their fandom (Jn. 6:60-66).

What about us today? Are we truly followers of Jesus or are we just fans? Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24). Fans never really take the field to follow after Jesus; they just stand on the sidelines and cheer. Jesus doesn’t want cheerleaders, He wants followers.

Friends, Jesus is inviting you to do more than just stand on the sidelines and cheer. He is inviting you to take the field and be a part of the game. Jesus is inviting you and me to take up our cross daily and follow after Him (Lk. 9:23).

Are you a follower of Jesus or just a fan? If being a Christian doesn’t interfere with your life on a daily basis, perhaps you are nothing more than just a fan. It’s past time to get out of the stands and follow Jesus. He needs more followers and less cheerleaders.

 

Now that’s Something to Think About!

 

May 01

Southeast Leadership Camp

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I would like to take a moment to let you know about an upcoming camp that would be very beneficial for young people. It’s the Southeast Leadership Camp and it takes place June 1st – 8th, 2014 at the Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies located in Knoxville, TN. This camp is a week devoted to helping train young people how they can use their talents and abilities to serve in the Lord’s Kingdom.There will be devotionals, classes, service opportunities and social activities each day. Why not invest in your young people by encouraging them to attend?

The best part about this camp is that it is 100% FREE. That’s right…FREE. Everything from the campers lodging to all their meals will be provided by members of the Karns Church of Christ.

I have listed some of the details below as well as the website where you can go and download the brochure and important camp forms. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (865) 691-7444.

Southeast Leadership Camp

When: June 1st – 8th, 2014

Where: Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies (Knoxville, TN)

Cost: FREE

Website: www.wedopreaching.com/leadershipcamp

 

Apr 23

This Changes Everything

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There are moments in our lives that cause everything to change: graduation, marriage, promotion, children, diagnosis or death. But what about the resurrection of Jesus? Has it had a profound impact on your life? Are you any different? Has the death and resurrection of Jesus truly changed your life or has it just changed your day? This was the question we considered this past Sunday morning at Karns in our study of God’s Word. Take a few minutes and watch this video and if you feel it is beneficial please share it with others also.

Apr 01

Just Let Go

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Letting go is a lot harder than it sounds. With each passing day this becomes more and more evident. Like most of you, I like to have total control over my life. The thought of allowing someone else to hold the reins is more than a little scary. The obvious questions and statements come to mind: “What if that person messes up?”, “What if something bad happens?”, “What if he doesn’t know what he is doing?” and “But that’s not how I would do it.”

One of the most difficult parts of our walk with God is surrendering control of our lives to Him. We like being in control. When we are in control we know how things are going to end because we can manipulate situations to our advantage. But, when someone else has control over our lives, we cannot see the end and this causes unease and apprehension.

When Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia, he said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

As children of God, when we pledge our lives to Christ through the act of baptism, we tell God we are willing to surrender our lives to Him and His cause. This means we are willing to give up control of our lives because we no longer live for self but for God. Baptism implies giving up total control in every area of our lives and allowing God to be the driving force that controls the wheel of our daily lives.

For most of us, this is a struggle. We find it quite difficult to let go of the control. Yet Jeremiah said, “I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). The wise man said, “A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?” (Prov. 20:24).

Who really has control of your life? God or you? Although letting go is hard, giving control to God is best. Maybe it is time for you to relinquish control and give God the seat He deserves in your life.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

 

Mar 11

The Church is a Blessing

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Knox County Bible Bowl 2014

Knox County Bible Bowl 2014

This past weekend was very enjoyable for me. I mean, most every weekend is enjoyable, but this weekend was extra enjoyable because of the great reminder I received. This past weekend I was reminded of something I, along with many others, already knew, but sometimes we all probably forget. Being a part of the church is a great blessing.

First, we had our annual Karns Men’s Retreat in Pigeon Forge. It was awesome hanging out with my brothers in Christ while also studying from God’s Word. I was able to enjoy some time with guys I had not previously had an opportunity to spend much time with. The late night pizza run was a blast. Looking back, our retreat was a great reminder to me of what a blessing it is to be a part of the church of Christ.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (I Thess. 5:11)

The second part of my weekend reminder involved watching several of our K-5th grade students participate in an area wide Bible bowl. Although awards are given, the focus is not on the awards but on the actual study of God’s Word. There were a lot of young people from several different congregations engaging in this study. How incredible it was to see such good participation from so many young people. As I sat there Saturday afternoon watching those young people, I couldn’t help but think about the time and dedication it took in order to prepare for that day’s activities. Yet, another great reminder of what a blessing it is to be a part of the church.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psa. 119:105)

Finally, my weekend came to a close following a youth rally we held here at Karns. We had over 130 people come and spend Sunday afternoon studying about who we are in Christ. It was such an inspiring sight to behold. Several of our young men from Karns helped participate in the youth rally in various ways: one senior guy taught one of our class sessions, two of our guys lead singing, and three of our guys preached during the evening service that night while many others read scriptures and led prayers. Sunday night, as I sat through the last session, I thought about the future of the church and what great hands it is in if these young people continue the faithful course they are on. It was just another reminder that weekend of what a blessing it is to be a part of the family of God.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6)

This past weekend was a great reminder of why I love being a part of the Lord’s church. If you are not part of a local congregation I would encourage you to seek out a faithful church in your community that practices what the Bible teaches and start attending. Become engaged with the people and grow with them. It will truly be a blessing to your life.

Now that’s Something to Think About!