That They May Know Virtue …

Our blog has been relocated and can now be found at http://campcommit.wordpress.com Please visit the site and send in your comments, articles and suggestions!!! Thank you all in advance!

For Him, Miss Brittany N.

Acting. It’s something we all do. Everyone has a tendency to exaggerate or conduct themselves differently in different situations to get attention. In church people may seem very kind, gracious and godly, but these same people often act ungodly in school or when they are around friends who are not Christians because they want to be popular and they want everyone to like them. God does not want us to act like this; He just wants us to lead our lives according to the Bible.

Acting can cause us to lead a double life. How you act at school is often different than how you act at church or in your home, but you should not live that kind of life. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 NIV). God wants you to be the same Christian wherever you go. Different situations call for different actions (such as if you are just playing with your friends you can be louder than if you are sitting in church), but your attitude should always be Christlike no matter what circumstance you are in.

When people focus too much on themselves they ignore what everyone around them needs. No body likes to be around people who are constantly worried about themselves and who think the world revolves around them. As Christians we should bring all the attention to God. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). The kind of attention we need to be drawing is the kind of attention that will glorify God. By helping people in need and giving to the poor we show people what kind of life Christ can give them. Being dramatic can be fun, but in the end we need to be sure that the attention is not on us but on God.

By Kenjillen and Brittany Newburn

 
I get confused, my head gets turned
By what could never save.
Despite the righteous things I’ve learned,
Sometimes I misbehave.
I trust myself, forget my Christ,
But worries grow darker and gray.
But when I’ve fully sacrificed
I find trust and peace and the way.
Sin attracts me by temptation
and lures me from sweet fellowship,
I take the bait and find frustration
Sorry I spurned His leadership.
I set my goals and don’t include Him
Pursuing all my selfish aims,
But when I finally make and reach them,
what I saw as glory shames.
What I need most for lasting joy,
there’s but one place to go.
Salvation from what would destroy,
Eternal victory over the foe.
I need Him, oh I need Him–sure!
What other conclusion make?
For sadness, my comfort, for sin my cure,
I need Him! Him I’ll take.

By Neal Pollard

Today the sermon led off with Philippians 2:12-13
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

I think as Christians we have neglected two things, as relates to these verses.

First, the idea of “working out” our salvation. Another meaning for that Greek word is “to make oneself fit.” This is not easy, and it requires action on our part. We must take an interest in the Gospel and in its message; we cannot be saved with a passive state of mind. A faith that is not constantly asking questions and working towards improvement and a growing knowledge is no faith at all. Do not avoid tough questions and tuck them away out of sight, simply because you have no immediate answer and “God works in mysterious ways.” Work them out.

Second, we must make our faith individual. In the New King James, it says “your own salvation.” Most other versions simply say “your salvation,” but the idea is still there. We cannot inherit faith of our parents. We can follow in their footsteps, but not simply for tradition’s sake. If we simply imitate them, we have no ground of our own, save the idea that “My parents raised me that way, it must be right.” Find out if and why it’s right. Think of faith as a house. You can build it to look like your parents’ house, but you cannot build it on their foundations; there is already a house there. You must build your own foundation on which to raise your house.

By Andrew Baggott

Thank you so much for allowing us to post this, Andrew!

The story was told to me of a man who attends his lifelong friend’s funeral. Both of the men had been avid smokers. As the man passes his friend to say his final goodbye he leans down and whispers, “Hey man, you want a cigarette?” His friend doesn’t answer. So the man tries again. “Hey man, you want a cigarette?” Again the friend does not answer. The man is perplexed. He can’t understand why his friend who has had a 50 plus year addiction to cigarettes would not accept his offer for a smoke. Most of us would say, “Well, duh!! He’s dead!!”

Paul tells us in Romans 6:11, “So you also must consider yourselves DEAD to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ.” (ESV) In this context Paul is addressing how we have been made one with Christ in His death and therefore are dead to our fleshly sinful nature. I would like to concentrate on the second half of the point that Paul is making, this concept of be “dead to sin.” In the little story I opened up with most of us would roll our eyes and find it utterly ridiculous that a man would offer his dead friend a “smoke” and be surprised that he didn’t accept it. Romans 6:4-7 says, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” I would like to submit to you that as dead men and women we sometimes sit up in our coffins and indulge ourselves in our previous sinful habits. What does it mean to be dead? More importantly what are the implications of us being dead to sin? Oxford’s English dictionary defines dead as “ 1. No longer alive. 2. Lacking emotion, sympathy or sensitivity. 3. No longer relevant or important.”  Directly applied, “being dead to sin” means that 1.Sinfulness no longer runs through our veins, 2. It has no emotional hold on us. and 3. These desires have paled and faded because of who we have become and to whom we belong. I want to challenge each of us, if this is something we struggle with, to change our thinking. All too often I have heard people treat falling back into sin as that occasional cookie that they know they shouldn’t eat but really won’t hurt because they pledge to do better tomorrow. This is NOT the right attitude!! We are dead to sin! Christ has freed us! Sin does not have a hold over us anymore! Don’t mentally change the definition of dead and give Satan a foothold. Now, that being said I understand that coming to that point takes time and effort. But don’t give yourself the excuse of “ It’s ok because I am not perfect.” No! You are supposed to be dead to these things. Some habits take longer than other to kill, like smoking or drinking (the -quote- big sins), but what about the “little sins”? What about the little lies or deceptions you allow, or disobeying and dishonoring your parents, or maybe it’s gossiping or not treating your spouse correctly.
Let’s not resurrect our sinful man! Most of us would roll our eyes at the absurdity of the man in our story expecting his friend to sit up and take the cigarette. How much more absurd is it, if who we have been made dead to sin then sit up and accept Satan’s offers.

By Ashlyn Newburn

“No God, no peace; know God, know peace.” Have you ever seen those words on a bumper sticker? The truth of that witticism is made clear throughout the Bible. In Isaiah 54:13, we learn that the Israelites needed to know God in order to have peace: “And all thy children shall be taught of God; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”

Peace is a beautiful thing! Some of the most beautiful people in the world’s eyes are famous (or infamous) for saying that they want “Peace on earth” more than anything else, in well-known beauty pageant interviews. A peace-filled elderly face is one of the more beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. A peaceful morning spent reclining in a hammock with a good book – ahhh….bliss! What comes to mind when you think of the word “peace”?

As a mother, Isaiah’s admonition to teach the children about God brings to mind the peace that I want my own children to have. I know that “peace on earth” is a futile wish. God tells us in His Word that there will always be wars and strife on earth, because we live in a fallen world. No country in the world is strong enough to guarantee a peaceful life for its citizens. He also teaches us that we are to try to live at peace with everyone, to the best of our ability. No two people in the world who spend much time together can always be at peace with one another. So, how can that verse in Isaiah apply to my life? How can my children have peace? God promises us peace beyond all understanding. That peace – the peace that our human minds can’t really comprehend – that’s the peace I want my children to be given. And that’s the peace that only God Himself can give. It’s a peaceful soul, a peace of mind, and it’s truly beautiful.

If I want my children to have that peace of mind, what do I need to do? Obviously, I need to teach them about God. How can knowing about God bring great peace? Romans 8:6 teaches that to be spiritually minded is life and peace. And at the other end of the spectrum, ignorance of God and His laws will cause us to perish (Psalm 119:92-93). Some of the life choices I see young people make tell me that they either have no peace of mind now, or will soon have no peace of mind due to the consequences of those choices. And as I examine why they are making those choices and walking a path that leads away from the Giver of peace, I reflect on the fact that God wants them to have His peace through knowing Him. When we learn about God, we learn about the plan that He set in motion to give us salvation; knowing we have salvation will give us true peace. If you aren’t sure of your salvation, that’s the first step you must take – learn what the Bible teaches about salvation in Christ and make sure you will have eternal peace. Once you have that assurance, however, you will still be facing Satan on a daily basis as he tries to steal your peace of mind. When we learn about God, we learn about the lifestyle choices that will keep us walking in His ways; walking in His ways will give us great peace of mind in our daily lives.

Are there some problems in your life that seem to rob you of peace? If you’re a mother, have you taken deliberate, thoughtful steps toward ensuring that your children choose those things that will give both you and them peace of mind? Younger ladies, have you taken steps to make sure that the choices you make show that you know God? Have you examined carefully those “little” choices that the world promotes and we so often readily accept? Some of those choices that can lead to a lack of peace are recreation and entertainment choices, boy-girl relationships, educational methods, opportunities for earning an income. Maybe you haven’t experienced the turmoil that some of those choices can create, but your parents surely have and can guide you in discerning the way God would have you go. Perhaps you haven’t experienced it yourself, but you have friends who have shared their struggles with you. And all of us have seen plenty of examples in the pop culture of seemingly beautiful people who have no peace because they made choices outside of God’s will. Can you evaluate those examples and identify the areas which show a lack of peace caused by a lack of the knowledge of God and His will? Once you’ve identified the areas that steal your peace or have the potential for stealing your peace, then you must study God – learn what is His will in those situations so that you can live in such a way as to be given peace from above.

In His Service,

Christa Newburn

I just finished reading a beautiful blog post by a very inspiring young woman. I have enjoyed following her blog for a few months now, but today I read something there that broke my heart. This young woman spoke of her faith, how strongly she believes in what she’s been taught, how she would die for her faith and how countless others before her have died for that same faith. She spoke with heartfelt words of the spiritual attacks on her faith and the faith of her family. She told of the horrific murders that have taken place because of the hatred aimed at those who believe as she does. She informed the world that she stood her ground, and her family and friends were standing with her. This would be a magnificent article about faith – except for one thing. This young wife and mother is not a Christian, she’s Jewish. How sad it made me to read her words and realize just how many people are resting on their faith and do not even know that they are resting in false arms! So many people think that they are saved, when in reality, their ‘faith’ keeps them far from Christ’s love. I don’t know what this woman thinks about Christianity except that she wrote about how tired she is of receiving emails from well-meaning individuals who would dissuade her from her beliefs, and how sick she is of Christians trying to ‘take advantage of the young Jews.’ I don’t know what she believes about the birth, life and death of Jesus, but I do know that she does not believe that baptism into Christ’s death is the only way to be saved. Though we, as Christians, have much to learn from this woman’s example of dedication and devotion to God, how dreadful it will be for her and for so many like her on judgment day when the God who sent His very Son to die for them will look away and say, ‘I never knew you; depart from me.’ (Matthew 7:23).

This young lady is just like the Jews were at the time Jesus came to die for us. They too held to their traditions and rituals, and they too will be lost. Only when we give up all our rights and all our beliefs about how things ’should be’ will we find the One who holds us in His hands. Only when we realize that it is not by our works, but by the saving power of Christ that we are saved will we be rescued from eternal damnation. And to think that so many young Christians today live as if they have no Christ. Girls who dress like the world, guys who think like the world, millions of ‘believers’ who are living the lives of those who hate Christ. To think that we, as saved children of the King, have the opportunity to show people like this Jewish woman the truth and the gospel of Jesus but we instead spend time making ourselves blend into the culture, too afraid of standing out. If we do not stand for Christ now, what makes us think He will stand for us on Judgment Day? This woman stakes her eternal life on traditions and beliefs that are wrong. What are you staking your life on? Will you blend into the world only to wake up one day and realize that you ARE the world? Or will you reach out your hands to people who are lost, who are betting their salvation on things they have been trained to believe all their lives?

It was sad to read this young Jewish woman’s words, but do you know what really broke my heart? After I finished reading that post, I logged onto Facebook. I clicked on my friends list. I scrolled down the list of names, and I looked at each one and wondered what the world thinks of us. When people who are not Christians see our Facebook profiles, can they tell that we are the Redeemed? Sure, our Information tab might state that we are members of the Church of Christ, but what do our pictures state? I have seen far, far too many profiles of people claiming to be Christians that in no way reflect what Christ stands for. Even if your profile does not have any nasty language, crude humor, obscene pictures or anything like that, does it clearly show who you are in Christ? It can be free from bad language without being filled with ‘whatever is pure.’ When I think about how many people are willing to die for false teachings, I wonder how many of us are really, truly willing to die for the truth. But you know, sometimes what’s harder than dying for the truth, is living for the truth. It takes a lot of effort and commitment to constantly be on guard every day for anything Satan could use against you.

When you’re on Facebook, strive to make sure that everything you post is not only free from bad words or attitudes, but strive to make each post uplifting, edifying, encouraging. Use Facebook as a tool to reach out to people on your friends list who do not know the truth. I applaud and commend all of you who have been writing such encouraging articles and notes that you post on Facebook. It is such a blessing to see those. I encourage all of us to look at our own profiles and remove anything that God would find offensive. God does not tolerate sin, so why do we?

One last thought. In John 15:14 Jesus tells us that we are His friends if we do what He commands us. How do we know what God commands us? By studying His word. I wonder if we all spend as much time in the Bible as we do on Facebook. Does your life reflect who you are in Christ? Do you say one thing and live another? Unlike the Jewish woman I mentioned, we have the truth, we know what’s right; but it’s not what you know, it’s how you use the knowledge that you have that counts. Drinking, smoking, dressing immodestly, cursing. These are all terrible things, things that a Christian should have no part in. But what about lying, cheating, obsessing over new trends or the latest book series, self-pity and selfishness? These are just as bad. As Christians we do not just have a responsibility to refrain from using bad language or getting involved in worldly things, we also have a responsibility to use edifying language and to use every opportunity we have to spread the Word of God.

For Him, Brittany Newburn

Hello everyone, just checking out the blog and seeing how things work. I’m looking forward to helping out with the blog and reading what other people write for it!

For Him, Brittany Newburn

A friend, Dr Kent Keith, offered a marvelous piece of advice when he was 19 years old that was eventually published in Reader’s Digest (December 1982). It has since travelled around the globe … several times! He later wrote a book about the grace, wisdom, and happiness that come from facing the worst in our world with the best in ourselves. He titled the book, and his paradoxical commandments, Anyway (© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001). I believe you will find his work simple and elegant, yet profound, as it helps us look for what it is our hearts “see” when love is all around.

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

Can you think of ways love plays in each paradoxical command? Love’s sisters, hope and faith also play supporting roles in these “commandments.” After nearly 40 years, Kent has revealed an 11th paradoxical commandment: The world is full of violence, injustice, starvation, disease, and environmental destruction.
Have faith anyway.

Take some time to reflect. What examples of positive, lasting change do you think it possible for faith, hope, and love to achieve? As you reach out to your neighbor … and your enemy, in what ways can you help to make a meaningful and satisfying difference, whether you get the credit or not?

One could easily question whether God is interested in rites, rituals, or religions; I get the sense He is most interested in RELATIONSHIP—like any father, He wants to share His love with His children. And He wants His children—you and me—to seek relationship—that is, to love—one another (Matthew 22:36-40). We can best demonstrate that love by opening our hearts to the needs of another (Matthew 25:31-45). In so doing, the world—even a world fraught with evil—will see God, and her citizens will see the love He wants us to share … anyway!

Remember: You are beautiful and you are loved … exceedingly so!

That we may know virtue,
Jack