The Champions Spirit
Volume 69, Issue 8
Feb. 28, 2010
In This Issue
The Book of the Upright
In chapter 10 of Joshua, we read of a unique battle and an interesting citation. The event and its account followed the peace treaty Israel made with the people of Gibeon. (You remember the story; the town sent a few representatives claiming—and looking the part with moldy bread and worn-out sandals—that they had come from a far-away land to seek peace with Israel. Without consulting the Lord (Josh. 9:14), Israel made a rash treaty and only later learned they had been deceived. The envoys were not from a distant land at all, but from a city less than 20 miles west of Jericho! However, Israel kept their word to the people of Gibeon. Even though the Gibeonites would become perpetual “hewers of wood and drawers of water,” peace and protection were given from the people of God.
When a coalition of five kings made war against Gibeon, Israel was asked to come to the rescue. In an amazing display of the Lord’s involvement and power, He sent hailstones that killed more of the enemy than did all the forces of Joshua! It was in this battle that Joshua asked the Lord for the sun to stand still in the sky so that its success might be continued. The Lord responded positively and Joshua 10:14 says, “There was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel.”
That’s the event. One of the interesting verses of the account is in 10:13: “Is it not written in the book of Jashar?...” What was the book of Jashar? Obviously, it was a book that people of the writer’s day knew about. Other than another such reference in 1 Samuel, and perhaps one other, we don’t know much about the book. However, there may be a hint in the name of the book itself. Literally, it is the “Book of the Upright.” Just think what that says! Not only were the great works of God recorded, included with such events were “the Upright!” How else would you describe Joshua? I wonder....who else “made it” in the book? Caleb? He seems to fit the title. Moses. Who better? Now a thought, if such a book were written today, who would it include? What about you? Would an author include an illustrative story of your faithful, “upright” walk with God? What a nice place to be—not merely in the sight of men but in the sight of the Almighty—written in the “Book of the Upright.”
—Larry Keele
FAMILY MATTERS...
The family of the Lord in Champions welcomes our guests today. We are thankful you have chosen to be with us during this important time with God.
This column had already been completed before Cindy Schlesener was immersed into Christ. We certainly want to welcome her to the family of God, washed by the saving blood of the Lamb of God. Also, after evening services Sunday, Madison Phillips was baptized by her father, Kent. When a young person makes the great decision to put Christ on in baptism, the influence of family, Bible school teachers, and others is readily seen. Such is the case with Madison. We are thankful for her choice! Wednesday, Chrisanne and Scout Rhodes came to rededicate their lives to the Savior as well. What a joy is our Lord!
The Teacher’s Banquet was a wonderful evening. We congratulate Carolyn Hixon, Brenda Jackson, and Karen McCall as they were recognized for their years of service in the Cradle Roll Class!
Tomorrow, Lord willing, Marvin and Sue Trice, Janet and I will leave for a three-week visit to Slovakia, working with several congregations and others. Please pray for this work! You will be blessed by those who use of their talents for the glory of God in filling in during my absence.
Look at the Book: Read the book of Judges!
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Jeremy’s Junction
Here at Champions, we are blessed with a group of talented, hardworking, loving, Christ-like teens. They really take Paul’s words to the Colossians to heart when he says:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
To name just a few: Rebecca Mahle was awarded all 1's at her solo and ensemble competition last Saturday. Now, she is lettering in choir as a freshman! Amanda Mahle is graduating summa cum laude - #15 in her class! In addition to this, J. K. Bickham recently made Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating scout spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.
We have also been blessed with teens that love the younger children and take an active role in their classes. Tony and Elijah Brown and Jacob Reed are just a few of the teenagers who have been helping with the elementary classes on Wednesday evenings. In addition, Amanda, Luke, Brittany, Kevin, Rebecca, Dylan and Matt McKain, and many others have gladly stepped in to help with the Sunday night Bible Hour.
A great blessing from this past week was that Madison Phillips was baptized Sunday night around 10 p.m. It was a great encouragement to see so many of her family and friends come back to the building to see her father, Kent, baptize his daughter. We are very proud of Madison and look forward to a long life of serving the Lord together. We are also very proud of all the Godly parents who push their kids to work hard while still keeping God number one in their lives.
Make sure you acknowledge our teens for their accomplishments and service. They are really helping to show the world that teenagers care about more than just shopping, electronics, and parties. Our teens at Champions care deeply about God and His kingdom, and it shows in everything they do!
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
—Jeremy Geurin
John’s Jogs
TEACHERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF ANY CONGREGATION
When you study church growth it becomes obvious that the educational program is vital to a growing congregation. When a congregation ignores the educational program it stagnates and dies. But when it has an active, effective educational program the congregation is alive and growing.
So much depends on our knowledge of the Word of God. Note II Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” We are comforted by the Word of God (Rom. 15:4). We are kept by the Word of God, we are led by the Word of God (Acts 20:32; I Peter 1:5; Romans 10:17). We grow by the Word of God (I Peter 2:2).
Bible teachers are truly a special group of people. To be effective they must catch the attention of their students, hold their interest, create a desire to learn and inspire action on the subject being taught. They spend many hours of study in order to know and understand the topic they are teaching. To really be effective they must also know their students and how to respond to their needs. This is especially true when teaching children. Then they must know how to treat various students because each one has different needs. My experience has taught me that children may not remember what we teach them, but they will remember how we treat them. Therefore, a teacher must be a special person.
Bible teachers have the most responsible function in the world. Note why we study the Bible: we study it to learn of creation, of man’s fall and of God’s plan of redemption. Then note the reason we teach it is because of Jesus’ Great Commission for us – Go, Teach to Convert, Baptize and then Teach to observe all previously taught. Teaching to observe includes going, teaching to convert and baptizing as well as teaching the love of God, love of man, service of humanity and teaching others to do likewise.
Any school, church or secular, is only as successful as the teachers who relate to their students. THAT’S HOW IMPORTANT A TEACHER IS!!!”
This past Friday evening we showed our appreciation to our teachers by honoring them with an “Appreciation Banquet.” Let me suggest that you individually tell your teacher or your children’s teachers how much you appreciate them. Further, I suggest you think back on those teachers who had an effect on your life and call or visit them and let them know it.
—John Qualls