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!