"E" IS FOR EXAMPLE! by Ray Eddy

I’m sure everyone is aware of how important an example can be. There are many things in life which we learn when someone gives us an example. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic all call for learning by example.

Having good examples is important when it comes to morality and virtue. The morals of a nation are set by the examples we give our children. Too often we fail to give that ‘good’ example and we tell our children, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say.”

When it comes to teaching our children Christian character, there is nothing more important than setting a good example. The Apostle Paul recognized this when he wrote to a young man new to the ministry. In 1 Timothy 4:12 he writes, “…be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Paul was asking Timothy to be an example as he mentored young believers in the basic requirements of the Christian Faith because he knew we learn best by example.

Have you thought about the example you are setting for those who are new to the Christian Faith, or for that matter, the example you are setting for those who are not Christian? Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, ”You are the salt of the earth, … You are the light of the world.” Salt brings flavor to life, and light dispels the darkness of this world.

Therefore… BE THOU AN EXAMPLE!

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WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Ray Eddy

This is the story of Billy the Butterfly. Billy wasn’t always a butterfly; he used to be a caterpillar. He was confined to the ground and everywhere he went, he had to crawl. Then one day he had the urge to build himself a house (Cocoon). He crawled into it one night and the next time he awoke he found that he was no longer looked like a caterpillar. His many legs were gone and he had these two fixtures on his back. When he attempted to crawl on the ground, he found it was very difficult.

One day another butterfly noticed him crawling on the ground and he flew down to him. “Why are you crawling” he asked? “What do you mean” said Billy, “I’ve always crawled, only now it has become more difficult.” The other butterfly said to him. “That’s because you’ve been changed. You’re no longer a caterpillar, you’ve been ‘transformed,’ you’re a butterfly, and butterflies are made to fly.” With that, Billy spread his wings and soared off into the air with his new-found friend.

Many Christians, after they have been ‘transformed’ (Romans 12:2), still try to crawl along in the world as they have always done before, because no one told them that they are a ‘new creature’ in Christ. They are no longer ‘conformed’ to this world, but have been ‘transformed’ (like that butterfly), and they are to ‘put off the old and put on the new’ and begin to fly.

Don’t crawl! Read God’s Word for Flying Instructions!

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IT'S A REMARKABLE THING! by Ray Eddy

In the Concise Webster’s Dictionary ‘remarkable’ is defined by only two words, ‘noteworthy’- that is worthy or taking notice of, and ‘extraordinary’- that is uncommon. Both of these words as well as the word “remarkable” could be used to describe the Bible.

It is ‘noteworthy.’ Think for a minute about what you know about God? As a Christian, everything you know about God is what you’ve learned through His Word. The Bible was written by men through the inspiration of God that we might know God and His Son and of God’s purpose for His creation. That is truly ‘noteworthy!’

The Bible is ‘extraordinary’ in its origin and preservation. It began with the spoken word carried down through generations, its accuracy preserved by God. Eventually it evolved into the written word. While we do not possess the original writings, archeological discoveries have continued to prove the accuracy of the Bible as we have it today. It has defied attempts by those who would seek to destroy it. It is truly extraordinary.

It is ‘remarkable’ in its power to transform the lives of those who are exposed to and accept its teachings. It’s ‘gospel’ is “the power of God unto salvation” to those who believe in it (Romans 1:16). It is described as “…quick and powerful” in Hebrews 4:12, and “…is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” in the same verse. It is a ‘remarkable’ book; it is God’s Book. Let it ‘transform’ your life! (Another remarkable thing)

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MAKE PREPARATION! by Ray Eddy

Before each round in professional golf, the player’s caddy walks the course. He marks down distances, notes where the traps and water hazards are, and notes the pin placement on each hole for that day. He makes those preparations so that his player can successfully navigate the course with the lowest possible score.

In many ways, life is like a round of golf and you, as a caddy, have to prepare for it. In golf, there are easy holes and there are more difficult ones. There are hazards to avoid when possible and if you find yourself in one, you need to know how to get out of it. Some golfers even resort to prayer when they find themselves in difficulty. (Prayer helps in life also.)

The bottom line for the average golfer is to finish the course with his temper and his clubs intact and to reach the 18th hole. In life the 18th hole is death. When the round is over there is no time to wish you had done something differently; no going back and replaying a hole.

Paul obviously wasn’t thinking about golf when he said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have finished my course.” But he was thinking about the conclusion of his life on earth, and because he had properly prepared his time on earth with Christ as his Savior, he could say that there was a crown of righteousness awaiting him. How’s your round of life going?

IT'S STILL AMAZING! by Ray Eddy

According to a Music web site, the song ‘Amazing Grace,’ has been recorded 6,000 times, which may make it the most recorded song on the planet. The song was written in 1779 and what is remarkable is that it is as popular today as it has ever been. It was the theme song, as sung by Cliff Barrows, for the Billy Graham Crusades.

It was played at the site of the Oklahoma bombing memorial, the 9/11 memorial service after the attacks on the twin towers, and the memorial for the 32 students killed at Virginia Tech., as well as numerous funeral services around the world.

It was written by John Newton who as a young man deserted from the English Navy, was recaptured and punished and then became involved in slave trading. He later had a religious awakening and became a poet, song writer, and a clergyman. It has no reference to Jesus, just God and the Lord, yet it is un-mistakenly Christian by the word ‘Grace.’

As amazing as the song may be, God’s grace is even more amazing. We may talk about God’s love, but it is “by grace’ that we are saved” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace will be around as long as there is sin in the world, the need for forgiveness and the need for the daily presence of a living, loving savior to be our guide and strength each day.”

Grace, God’s unmerited gift to us!

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"THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!"

Some people may not understand the above statement. To them, the church is the building. Walk into any community and stop someone on the street and ask them where the church is located. They will probable ask you which church you are looking for. Then they will begin to name the various church denominations that they are familiar with. When this person has determined what denominational church you are seeking, they will, no doubt, direct you to a specific address where that church building is found.

The Greek word for ‘church’ is ‘a called out people’ i.e. the people of God.
The people who are called the church often meet in a building which over time has come to be called a Church. But the building is not the church.

When the church is in the building it is ‘gathered’ for the purpose of worship, teaching, and other activities for personal spiritual growth. When the church has left the building it is ‘scattered’ for the purpose of witnessing to people they meet daily. At any time the church may be driving a bus, waiting tables, teaching pupils, shopping in a mall etc., this is where church fulfills its purpose.

Since the church is out of the building more than it is in it, people of the world should be able to recognize it, not by its denomination, but by its demeanor. Are you the ‘church’ when you’ve left the building?

WHEN PEOPLE TALK ABOUT YOU! by Ray Eddy

Believe me, people will talk about you. People are sure to form an impression of us by what they hear as a family, a community, a society. But what will they hear, and what will be the gist of their conversation when our names are mentioned? It would be nice to be a fly on the wall just to hear what they have to say. Sometimes you meet people for the first time and they say, “Oh, I’ve heard about you.” If you ask them what they’ve heard, they hem and haw and somehow sidestep the question. That’s when you know that what they’ve heard was probably not good. But wait, are there things in your life that you would be embarrassed to know that people are discussing in your absence? Has anyone ever asked you if your ears were burning because they were talking about you?

The best way to avoid this problem is to live a life that is above reproach, one that exemplifies the righteousness that God demands of us. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Paul, in writing to the church of the Thessalonians in his first letter says in chapter 1 that people everywhere were talking about them, but it was their “Work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope,” (v3, 7-9) that they were talking about.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT YOU?

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