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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Personal God

Never again are we to look at the stars, as we did when we were children, and wonder how far it is to God.  A being outside our world would be a spectator, looking on but taking no part in this life, where we try to be brave despite all the bafflement.  A God who created, and withdrew, could be mighty, but he could not be love.  Who could love a God remote, when suffering is our lot?  Our God is closer than our problems, for they are out there, to be faced; He is here, beside us, Emmanuel.

                                      ...  Joseph E. McCabe, Handel's Messiah

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Edmond Church of Christ Songs - MP3

Edmond Church of Christ Congregational Acapella Singing

Jump to:   A-B   C-G   H   I   J-L   M-O   P-S   T   U-Z

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Sunday, February 08, 2015

A Preacher’s Classic

When I preach there are some who say
They could listen to me all day
Others think I preach too long,
And some think I go about it wrong.
Some say my sermon is much too deep
To others it’s shallow and they go to sleep.
Some report I hold them spellbound,
While others squirm and look around.
Some believe I have no light,
And others think I preach just right.
Some affirm that I’m too bold,
While others wink and say I’m cold.
Some used to say I was much too young,
But others declare my spring has sprung
Some folks tell I have met success.
Others think my work’s a mess.
Some have said my pay is too low,
When they discover the pace I go.
Still others say it’s above the peak
“Why, he only works three hours a week!”
From all of this it is plain to see,
That as a preacher, I’m up a tree.
Condemned if I do,
Condemned if I don’t.
Criticized if I will,
Criticized if I won’t.
I can’t please men of such discord,
So I’ll just keep trying to please the Lord.

Thursday, March 06, 2014

The Power To Overcome

The Power To Overcome
—Douglas F. Parsons

I remember as a kid watching a movie in which a huckster went from town to town with a huge rattlesnake in a glass cage. The man would cover the glass with a blanket and walk into the local saloon and would bet the toughest, bravest man in town would not be able to hold his hand against the glass without jerking it back when the rattlesnake struck. When the citizens chose their challenger the huckster tore the blanket off to reveal the biggest, most menacing, evil-eyed reptile ever seen by man. Annoyed by the light and noise, the snake coiled to strike, his rattles buzzing nervously. The toughest, bravest man would break out in a cold sweat. But prodded by the expectation of his friends, he moved his hand toward the glass. The snake coiled even tighter. Slowly the man inched his hand toward the glass and finally touched it. As he did, the snake struck with fury. And reflexively, the toughest, bravest man jerked his hand away. The huckster had won again.

Why? Because no matter how big and brave and tough the men were, the threat of that striking reptile through the invisible glass was a fearsome thing. The only thing between them and certain death was a thin pane of glass.

I have often thought what a great metaphor that scenario was for spiritual warfare. The snake is Satan and the forces of evil. The glass is Jesus. As long as we stay on the right side of the glass, we have nothing to fear. Of course, if we go sticking our hand inside the box, there is plenty of danger. But for those on the safe side of the glass, for those who live a life of faith and obedience to Christ, there is nothing to fear. The only ones terrorized by the evil inside the cage are those who do not trust the glass to keep them safe, or those who stick their hands inside the glass.

There are two important things we must understand about spiritual warfare: first, there is real danger on the wrong side of the glass; and second, we are safe on the right side of the glass, no matter how fearful things appear. But what does that mean? It means we must submit to God in all things and resist the devil (James 4:7).

One of the keys to winning spiritual warfare is "to know when to hold'em and when to fold'em." We need to fight when we should fight, and flee when we should flee. Do you want to run away from your financial obligations? Stand and fight. Are you trying to grow spiritually? Stand and fight. Is it hard to improve family relationships? Stand and fight. Are you tempted to toy with a relationship that isn't Christ-centered? Flee. Are you tempted to buy something you can't afford? Flee. Are you tempted to put together a deal that isn't totally honest? Flee.

Resist the efforts of Satan to accuse you and bury you with guilt. Be on guard against his wiles. Recognize them. And stand firm against him in the strength God provides.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Sermon Titles

Sermon titles should be clear, not cute. If the title doesn't give the reason for listening, you've just wasted your title.

Thursday, June 06, 2013

The Year of Jubilee - The Year of GRACE

The Year of Jubilee - The Year of GRACE is a a major theme in Scripture. It is itself part of the Bible's teaching on Sabbath (Jubilee is the Sabbath of Sabbaths). The theme sheds great light on the ministry of Jesus and our own mission in the world as his disciples. I invite you to read on this magnificent biblical trajectory.

http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/2008/10/jubilee-and-story-of-god.html

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Conform to Environment

Sermon Illustration: A diver lives in the water but breathes the air. He is able to function because he takes his environment with him. If he "conforms" to the environment around him, he will eventually die! Therefore, he refuses to be conformed!

Monday, March 04, 2013

Before God


Recently Congress passed a law that will push forward the use of unmanned drones here in the US. In fact, there is a prediction that, between the federal, state and local governments and local police, there will be as many as 30,000 drones used for surveillance. Some will be as large as passenger planes, but others might be as small as a humming bird – meaning you might not even know they are there.


This action from government – not only allowing this to take place, but actively supporting it – has lots of people upset. Their argument is that it infringes on their right to privacy. I would have to agree it seems as though our government may be overstepping its role, but I also think people have a false idea of privacy.

I think this is especially true when it comes to our spiritual lives. We often believe that as long as nobody sees us – or knows what we are doing – then it doesn't matter what we do. In other words, too many people believe it is only wrong if they get caught. But, we forget that ultimately we don’t answer to a drone-snooping government, but to an all-seeing God. God not only knows our actions, but he knows our very heart. John 3:20, “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he know everything.”


So, let us live our lives knowing that God sees and knows, not only the things we do, but what we think as well. He loves to see the good you are doing. Let us remember what the children’s song says and be careful what we do because the father up above is looking down in love. So first accept the fact you are a sinner, but know that God loves to forgive too. Be confident that someday He will say, "Well Done!"


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Preaching Jobs


The Central Church of Christ in Shawnee, Oklahoma is currently taking applications for a full time minister and would like your help. If you know of someone that might be a good fit, please forward this message to them.

The Central congregation has been in existence for over 100 years, with a stable eldership, a solid financial position, and opportunities for growth. We’re located in the downtown area of Shawnee about 50 minutes east of downtown Oklahoma City. We are looking for applicants that are sound in the scripture and able to work well with families. Our current preacher, Rob Prater, has accepted a position with the Crosstown Church of Christ in Tulsa and will be leaving us soon. We plan to accept resumes until March 15, 2013 or until we find a good match for our congregation. For more information about the congregation, interested parties can call the church office at 405 273 3065 or can call me at 405 615 1105.

Interested applicants can mail resumes to
The Central Church of Christ
10th and Bell Street
Shawnee, OK 74801

Or can send information to this email address bobperry34@gmail.com

Thank you for your help,

Bob Perry
Elder, Central Church of Christ
Shawnee, Oklahoma