The Champions Spirit
Volume 67, Issue 46
November 16, 2008
In This Issue
Souls—All Around the World!
One of the great attributes of this congregation is its great desire to be mission-minded. There is a passion for souls to be saved, whether here near our building (through America 2008, for example) and throughout the world (through various missions supported and participated in).
As an indication of your resolve to share the Good News of Jesus, today we are blessed to be able to hear three of the men with whom we are fortunate enough to partner with in the effort to serve our God Most High.
While these three men are a real part of our work as we share prayers, finances, and other support, I would like to take a moment just to remind you of how they represent a much larger group of men and women. As you read the names and locations of work of the following—all of whom are supported through your gifts and love—mention each (and their families) as you give thanksgiving and make your requests unto God through prayer.
- Juan Ambriz - Student, Brown Trail School of Preaching
- Jordan Arnold - Student, Sunset International School of Preaching
- Peter Chin - Singapore
- Eddie Cloer - Truth for Today
- Emily Dunnagan - Togo, West Africa
- Dale DuVerney - Rogers City, Michigan
- Clint Everhart - German
- Craig Ford - Papua New Guinea
- Jason Freed - Paris, France
- Roman Halamicek - Bratislava, Slovakia
- Will Hanstein - Faculty, Bear Valley School of Preaching
- George Hall - Central America
- Eric Tan - China
- Sascha Terry - Porto Alegre, Brazil
May our thoughts and prayers be with these brave soldiers of the cross that are spread out from sea to shining sea, and far across the ocean. On this Mission Sunday, we humbly ask our God for Souls—All Around the World!
—Larry Keele
FAMILY MATTERS...
We are continually blessed by the presence of visitors to each of our services. If you are a guest today, we hope that you will join us for our potluck lunch that will follow our morning services. We are glad you are here!
The family of God in Champions continues to grow! We welcome Don and Donna Garrett and Sophia Smith as they have each chosen to place their membership with us. May we grow in our love for and service to the King together!
The Spiritual Growth Workshop was a great event for the churches of Christ in the greater Houston area. We should all express our thanks to Bill Yasko as he directed the workshop again this year (and to Dot for the hours spent as well!)
As noted above, our emphasis is on missions today. In view of that, our speakers for today include Juan Ambriz, Eric Tan, and Will Hanstein. Be sure and make them welcome!
Parting Thought: If you love Jesus-tell others about Him-anyone can honk!
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Bill's Bits
Deliberate and Intentional
As you read this, the Gulf Coast Spiritual Growth Workshop has finished. As I write this, I am still preparing for the workshop. I am speaking twice and my topics are “Is the Great Commission Still Great?” and “What Happened to Mom, Dad, and the Kids?” Two important questions which, on the surface, seem miles apart. But as I read and study and prepare to address the questions I am reminded that there is one answer to every important question that we can ask. The answer is Jesus.
What makes the Great Commission “great”? Jesus. The more I study and the more I look at the Great Commission the more I am convinced that Jesus lays out a “Go and Grow” mission. We are a people who are intentionally giving ourselves over to the nature and character of Jesus. We are also a people who are deliberate about showing the world around us the power of God to change lives. We are called to go into the world sharing the growth that comes by living in relationship with God.
What is Jesus doing in the life of the family? He is changing them to be reflections of His nature and character. Families that are healthy are families that are focused on Jesus. They have a plan to instill Christian values, Christ-like character, and Savior-oriented service in the lives of the kids by mirroring those qualities in the lives of mom and dad. Families that are spiritually healthy are deliberate and intentional about looking like Jesus.
Deliberate. Intentional. Words that point us to choosing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. As I prepare I am struck by the need to be a people who walk with purpose in the path of the Christ. Do you have a plan to walk with God every day? Do you set aside time and resources to simply be in His presence and soak up His glory? Do you share with others what it is that God has done in your life? These are intentional questions that help us think about what it is to be deliberate. And that is what God wants us to be. Deliberate about looking like Jesus.
—Bill Rasco
Jeremy's Junction
The Houston Rockets are looking pretty good. With the addition of Ron Artest, it seems like we may have our own "big 3" that can help us make a deep run in the playoffs. It could be interesting. Last night I stayed up and watched the Rockets take on the Phoenix Suns. There was an instant where Suns player Barnes ran over Rockets player Rafer Alston. A fight ensued. At one point during the fight, Shaq came over and all the Rocket players who were nearby immediately met the floor. Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Rafer, and almost every one else wearing a red jersey found themselves on the floor quickly. Shaq just shoved whoever he could get his hands on.
Shaq is a massive player I have watched since he came into the league. Right now, he stands 7'1" and 330 pounds. When he starts shoving, people start flying. It is simple physics.
A few weeks ago Ryan Martin gave an amazing talk on the book of Revelation. He summed it up basically by saying God wins! You just need to make a decision on who you will follow.
God is bigger than Shaq. He is bigger than anything. When He shows up, everything bows down. Satan and his forces hit the floor. Those with Him, bow down and accept the amazing rewards that God offers. Those who oppose him will hit the floor and fall through it.
The question should be easy. Who will you follow? God is the victory. I recommend you follow God.
—Jeremy Geurin
John's Jogs
THE ROAD OF LIFE
Did you ever just stop and reflect on your life like where it is, where it has been and where it is going? I have. Life has many twists and turns, ups and downs, heartaches and pains but also happiness, encouragements and successes. Is there a constant in all of these situations? I just received this article in the Walled Lake, Michigan church bulletin which is an excellent answer to these questions:
At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I had done wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him. But later on, when I met Christ, life was more like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I was in front and had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable – it was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!”
I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn’t answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say,"I’m scared!" He’d lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed – gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord’s and mine. And we were off again.
He said, "Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight." So I did&mdashto the people we met, and I found that in giving I received and still our burden was light. I didn’t trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it; but I’m learning to listen and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful and constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, He just smiles and says….”Pedal!”
(Author Unknown)
The lesson is obvious and true – if we want a happy, fulfilled and abundant life we must let go and let Jesus take control! Have a great week!
—John Qualls