June 2005

05.27.2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

As I began writing this article I found myself sitting at a car garage waiting for Beverly to pick me up. Yes, car trouble again! Can you believe it?!

I tithe, try to be “nice” and succeed about ¼ of the time, and I even go to Wednesday night prayer meeting.

You would think all of this “good” stuff would insulate me from bad things happening. And after all, need I remind you; I am the senior pastor of ARBC. Surely that counts!
It is no surprise to you to find, in spite of all of these “spiritual “ things I do, I still face difficulty and problems in life.

Maybe you do “spiritual” stuff too! But the “spiritual” stuff does not insulate you from bad things either.

What is going on here?

“Jim, you are a trained theologian. Surely, you can give us the answer to the problem of pain and suffering!” Surely, being “nice” counts for something!

Are you kidding? Theologians have wrestled with suffering for thousands of years. The book of Job in the Old Testament deals with this topic. How can I add insight to what has been written?

But since I need to fill up this space let me muse about the topic.
First, forget the idea that if you do good, evil will not happen to you. Some of the godliest people we know have suffered greatly. Pain, illness and suffering happens even to Christians.
Second, settle the fact that you are loved by God regardless of the circumstances. The circumstances, whether good or bad have nothing to do with God’s love for you. God loves you. Period! Settle it! Love is His nature and is not dependent on our activity.
Third, chalk up the why to “mystery”. I know pain toughens us up and builds character, but it also does several thousands other things for us and others that we can’t possibly know about this side of glory. So, don’t try to figure out the “whys” or the “wherefores”- at least not in the midst of the problem.
Fourth, ask God for grace, mercy and the gift of His presence, to make it through the tough times.
Fifth, don’t retreat from your brothers and sisters in Christ. We know pain. We’ll help you bear the load.
Sixth, ask Him to get you out of the problem! And do it quick! (Mt. 7:7-11)

Part 2 (Now I am back in my office after suffering with my car! Ha!)
I am proud of how ARBC responds to needs. You gave Paul Burleson a good love offering in the Spring Bible Conference. You gave the Carter family a good offering to help defray the medical costs involved in Pastor Jimmie Carter’s death. And all the while you continued to support the general budget. Thanks!
Let me remind you of a couple of events just ahead of us.
June 12:
Denim Sunday followed by a cookout and program and then we will “pound” the Washburnes with food and/or gift certificates.
July 17:
In the PM business meeting we will discuss where we think the Lord is directing us to focus the energy of ARBC.

Part 3
(Still in my office!)
Memorial Day is the “official” start of summer. My desire for you this summer is to have a “blast” to the glory of God! Enjoy your vacation, enjoy your family and enjoy your Lord! You will miss a Sunday or two here and there at ARBC (so will I!). Don’t feel guilty. Go enjoy and watch for God’s activity wherever you go.

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

Posted by arbc at 04:08 PM