“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9 – 10a)
The words of the Teacher in Ecclesiastes are important ones for believers to put into practice. So many times, we try to serve the Lord as isolated “islands” rather than as “chains” linking us together. In other words, we have the tendency to do ministry by ourselves rather than seeking others. Notice how Jesus put together his team. He called men from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different social classes to join Him. There were times when they bickered among themselves (Matthew 20:20 – 24). However, after the Day of Pentecost, the apostles were working together more and more. Yes, there is the exception of Philip, but my point is … we very rarely see the apostles, Paul, Barnabas, and others ministering by themselves.
Last week at the Alabama State Convention in Daphne, two of our Pickens Baptist Association ladies were honored with the Alabama Baptist Volunteers of the Year Award. They are Mrs. Debra Abston and Miss Kimberly Posey (KP to everyone else). They were recognized for the way in which they minister together in their home church – Highland Baptist Church, in the Pickens Baptist Association, and in US and International missions. It was a blessing to watch them receive these awards. I understand this now this is the third time that the PBA has received this honor. The first ones were Mr. Buddy and Mrs. Emily Kirk in 2009, followed by Mrs. Cynthia Colvin in 2012. WOW! For a small Baptist Association, what great examples we have of persons laboring together to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world.
I couldn’t finish this December newsletter without saying something about Christmas. The apostle John wrote: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (1:14a) Jesus, the Word, left all of His authority and power in Heaven beside His Father to reside and live among us. He came “to seek and to save that which was lost”. (Luke 19.10) All of us, His Creation, was lost and needed a Savior, a Redeemer. He chose to become man. He chose to eat, drink, and get to know us. He chose to teach and show us how to live for Him. Then, eventually, he chose willingly to give His life to redeem us. How can we cheapen the significance of the Christmas season with only the giving of presents, spending time with family and friends, and watching football until our eyes bug out? Christmas is so much more. May we keep Christmas special by remembering, honoring, and praising the Lord Jesus Christ who was not only born, but also died for our salvation!
Until next month,
Bro. Lyle