The picture, above, is of my youngest grandchild, five years ago. Like me, and probably you, she is thinking about Christmas. It is a good theme for our thoughts, as long as we think about it in the right way.
Earlier today I replaced the message on the little bulletin board on my office door. Here is what it says:
Not only in late November and most of December but all the time,
we live between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“Thanks be to God (Thanksgiving) for
His inexpressible gift (Christmas)”
(2 Cor. 9:15).
The late Andre Crouch, asked, “How can I say thanks?”
The song goes on to talk about what we have in Christ.
The Apostle Paul answered that question long before the Gospel singer put it to music.
We say thanks by giving ourselves a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1-2).
Give thanks. Give yourself.
Merry Christmas.
Many times, over the past half-a-century, I have thought about, preached, and taught about that concept. Unfortunately, we too often look at that self-sacrifice in a theoretical, hypothetical way.
"if someone comes to me, points a gun at my head, and asks if I love Jesus, I won't deny Him."
Well, fine, but the fact of the matter is, that is very unlikely to happen. Few, if any of us, will ever be called on to give our lives all at once. If we are called on in that way I hope we will be faithful, but most of us are called on to give our life a little at a time--moment by moment, decision by decision, act by act. I frequently fail.
Let me use one decision that comes to us each Sunday.
Any of us who are familiar with the New Testament understand that God's people ought to be involved in a local church. Hebrews 10:25 is favorite of pastors seeking to encourage church attendance.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 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.
It's not my purpose to try to guilt you into something, but I do want to connect this  Thanksgiving/Christmas concept with church attendance. One way that I "give my body as a living sacrifice" (or perhaps it is a result of having given myself to the Lord, or maybe even both) anyhow one  way that I demonstrate this self-sacrificial concept is to be a regular part of an assembly of believers. Does that involve sacrifice? Yes, it does. If I am going to be a part of church on Sunday, it means I can't stay up all night on Saturday. When the alarm rings on Sunday morning it means I don't just turn it off and stay in bed. It might even mean that I leave the K-pop concert early. But you say, "I haven't found the perfect church with the perfect pastor yet." Quit searching. I was the imperfect pastor of an imperfect church for 42 years. Imperfect? Yes, but also wonderful. Instead of looking for a perfect church, look for one that help you grow and one where you can serve. With apologies to your uncle, don't just go to a church because some of your relatives go there, or because it has the same name as the island you are from. Talk to someone you trust who can help you make a choice. Don't become a church-wanderer--just going from church to another week by week. Sure there are reasons to visit another church, but you should be able to honestly say about one church, "This is my church." Getting to know a group of people and letting them get to know you, will be valuable. Brent Branham and Victor Decker, were my pastors for a brief time while I was in college. Both were imperfect people. Both had a profound impact on my life. It is a great opportunity. OK, that is enough. Let me know if I can help. are a couple of business opportunities, dates, things you need to do.
- Pre-register. Come and see Joshua Combs.
- Pray for new students.
- Charity asked us to pray for guidance for her. Please do.
- Get your work done, your bill paid, your room cleaned.
- If you want to stay in the dorm over Christmas break, or if you are hoping to stay somewhere else, talk to Alex as soon as he gets back.
- Have a Merry Christmas!
January 7…………………………… Orientation
January 8-9……………………….. Registration
January 10…………………………. Spring semester classes begin
March 12-14……………………… Annual Board Meeting
March 15-17……………………… PIU Days
March 18-22……………………… Spring Break
April 19……………………………… Good Friday (no classes)
May 3………………………………… Baccalaureate Service
May 4………………………………… Spring Semester Ends
May 4………………………………… Graduation
I know there are good reasons for some of you to live off campus, but, if you aren't living on campus, you should really consider living in the dorm this spring.
- You have good neighbors like Kathy and the Tavarezes.
- You have good access to the Library.
- You are around for chapel and other opportunities that help you grow.
- You will save gas.
- You don't have to depend on others to get you here in time for class.
Don't assume you can't afford to live in the dorm. Let one of us sit down and work the numbers with you.
The Prez.
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