------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vol 1 Issue 2 The Edifier Middlebury Chapel Summer 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- WORDS TO LIVE BY A Comfortable Church by Ken Deck I must confess that I am one who appreciates comfort. A good time is to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon in a hammock, under a couple shade trees, with a good book and a pitcher of lemonade. Yet I recognize that comfort becomes no more than sloth if it is more than a temporary rest from activity. The questions I present then are: Are we comfortable in the church? Is this comfort a respite from our service to God, or are we becoming at ease in mediocrity? All too often the church has found itself lost at home. Sitting around the kitchen table with the same old toast, wondering why things are stale, as the jungle presses in at the kitchen door. This has been the case through most of Christian history. Yet there are people, even in the most apostate of times, who were uncomfortable. They let their discomfort case them to press in to God, to stretch the confines of the comfort of the church in their time. The Morovian brotherhood, the Anabaptists, the Methodists and the charismatic renewal to name a few. They press in toward God, seeking His face, and in doing so caused the church itself to become uncomfortable and therefore received persecution for their zeal. Each of these radical movements eventually lost the fire of their zeal and in turn became the comfortable old guard with whom the next generation of zealots had to contend. Each in turn said they were comfortable and stopped pressing in toward God. Are you pressing in toward God here at Middlebury Chapel or are you just going through the motions? Perhaps some old grievance or hidden resentment has become a root of bitterness and has tangled you like a vine, immobilizing you. If you would touch God you must set aside grievances and resentments that have long outlived the events that set them in motion. The imprisoning effect they have on you is inescapable. You become a prisoner in a cell of your own building and serving as your own jail keeper. Perhaps you feel you have tried in the past and failed, so there is no point in continuing the struggle. This failure should do no more than strengthen our resolve to pursue God for God Himself has promised a reward to the Zealot. (Deu 4:29) If we are content to meet week by week to sing a few songs, hear a few verses and go home, our Spiritual clock has stopped ticking. If we no longer care to pursue excellence in what we do in the church, if the fact that we know the words to the songs prevents us from recognizing a spiritual sacrifice to God, we are approaching a comatose condition. If there remains however a flame, or even a spark, that wants more of God, then let us resolve to pursue Him until He answers (Heb 10:36). To run toward Him (I Cor 9:24; Heb 12:1). To give ourselves as zealots to the cause of worship. Zeal-ot (n.): a person who is zealous, esp. to an extreme of excessive degree; fanatic. Zeal: to be excited, praise, intense enthusiasm, ardent endeavor or devotion; SYN see passion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- TESTIMONY by David Staley Services to the Lord is an important duty for the Christian. Truly, the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power. Power given to us by the Holy Spirit to do the good works God has prepared in advance for us to do. One Christian to be recognized for his obedience and service to God is Rich Herbert. Rich became a Christian when he was very young, and was provided with a solid biblical upbringing by his mother. Rick's father held a view that was contrary to his mother's which caused conflict in the family. Yet, God used this to draw the rest of the family closer as they diligently prayed for Rick's father and his salvation. When Rick was a junior in High School his father died, and to the family's knowledge, without accepting Jesus. This disillusioned Rick about God's faithfulness for he knew his mother held fast to Acts 16:31 which says that if you believe in the Lord Jesus both you and your whole household will be saved and she believed that this applied to her husband. At the funeral though, a friend told Rick's mother he had led her husband to the Lord a few days before his death, and God's faithfulness was revealed. As Rick grew older he had problems and walked away form the Lord several times. He continued to have struggles with his walk with Jesus until 1981. He then began regular attendance here at Middlebury Chapel where he began to see god showing him to trust in Him. God told Rick that he was doing a work in his life and a foundation was firmly laid that can be seen today. The Lord used Rick in a mighty way at a job he worked at doing maintenance at a Senior Citizen Apartment. One particular lady struck him as outgoing and after befriending her, he asked her to come to church. She did, but it took quite a time for her to respond to the message of salvation. Finally, God allowed Rick to pray with her to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Now Rich still brings her to church, and she leads Bible studies at home, as well as organizing preachers to speak at her apartment complex. There was also a co-worker that Rick worked with at the apartments who God drew to Himself through Rick. This particular person took 10 years to respond, but God showed Rick His faithfulness. God also showed Rick the need to be patient just as He is patient with us. For the past three years Rick has been involved with the prison ministry at the Summit County Jail where the fruit is very ripe. He has helped preach there, given his testimony and led many to the Lord. He is also actively involved with the youth here are Middlebury in the Brigade program. He coaches the softball team, and trains the young boys in the scripture, as well as providing an example of a godly man for them. Today, Rick lives in Akron and his mother also lives with him. She is involved with her church where she has gone to for over 20 years. She is also involved with discipling women at the Summit County Jail. Rick has come to know that even though we are imperfect, God is perfect. He is able to use us in spite of our shortcomings, for if we had to obtain perfection before He could use us, none of us would be fit for service. We all have a place of service in God's Kingdom and the Lord has given us all different gifts. God can and will use us, but He is looking in His children not for mere ability but rather for availability. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPEN FORUM Poetry: Dandelions - We Love You! Twas a sunny day in May As I traveled on my way When I was strangely moved to pray--- For my eyes beheld a scene Of the yellow on the green! In the wake of winter's storm God's earth again was warm And new life was there in form: It was easy to be seen For there was yellow on the green! But in the town and in the city, These blooms are scorned--and that's a pity! Men say that they are weeds, And they hate their awful seeds, Which will soon be in the air To be carried everywhere! But in the town and in the city Don't forget---They once were pretty: When they were yellow on the green! In life too, we must remember There's a May for each December. Some times are tough, some days are lean, But God controls the changing scene, And His blessings come --- like yellow on the green! by Arleen McMahon WALKING THROUGH ETERNITY She has not gone away To cause us pain nor tears For she gave us so much of herself Over these past and precious years. She gave us golden moments To hold within our hearts And tho' she has crossed the shores of life We will never really be apart... For the many things she taught us And the sharings of joy and laughter too Will live on in our memories To bring us gladness As she would have them do. And now the Savior has beckoned To come, receive her rich reward Of happiness in glory And abiding with the Lord. She has not gone away To cause grief to you and me She has simply gone a'walking... Walking through Eternity! submitted by Les Beverlin ------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVIEWS Books: Prophet by Frank Perretti reviewed by David Staley Seeing how I am probably the only Christian who has not read "This Present Darkness" or "Piercing the Darkness", I might not be qualified to review "Prophet" by Frank Perretti, but I'll give it a shot! I did enjoy the intrigue of the book and admired Frank Perretti's style of writing. I believe the main message of this book was well delivered: the complex evil of abortion and the call on a young man's life to not only to return to God, but to speak out for Truth. The pace and thrill of the plot was good, except for the conclusion which seemed to end too suddenly for me. I would recommend this book to be read by anyone who enjoys good fiction, especially those interested in the Pro-Life movement. Music: Gang Affiliated by Gospel Gangstas reviewed by David Staley I have just purchased the debut CD by the Christian rappers Gospel Ganstas. I was not disappointed. I had heard about this group for a couple of years, and the wait was worth it to hear them! The music is top of the line with some interesting samples backing lyrics that are straight forward. Note that some descretion should be used for younger listeners by parents. Don't get me wrong, there is no profanity and the Lord's name is never taken in vain, but there is a bit of rough "street slang" used. Every song has the central theme that Jesus Christ is Lord and the only way to tackle life's problems and bring glory to God is through Jesus Christ. Give it an honest listen and I believe you too will not be disappointed. Saviour Machine by Saviour Machine reviewed by David Staley When I bought this tape I knew that it would be a forceful musical journey. Sure enough it was. Produced by Terry Taylor of Daniel Amos and mixed by Gene Eugene of Adam Again it is music of high quality and integrity. I would give this recording a rating of Classic! On the surface the music may sound typical of "rock" music. But give it a careful listen because the artistry of the music is latent. As you listen you will hear this is not your usual Christian rock band. The vocal style is powerful and full of emotion and conviction. I have been waiting for a powerful artistic group that combines music, art and intelligent Christian lyrics. Saviour Machine does that! Saviour Machine excites and confronts. It is also great to blast in traffic! --------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCERT CALENDAR Date Time Artist Location Aug 9 6 pm Dynamic Twins First Assembly of God 808 Metbliss Ave. Delphos, Ohio 419-692-6741 for info Aug 12, 13 7 pm Rick Cua same as above Aug 19 7:30 pm Dino Ft. Recovery High School Ft. Recovery, Ohio 1-800-551-FORT for info Aug 27 7 pm Bride Canton Palace Theater Canton, Ohio 216-923-5322 for info Aug 28 ? Glad Mt. Vernon Nazarene College 614-397-6862 for info Sept 3 7 pm AVB Westerville North HS 950 County Line Road Westerville, Ohio 1-800-521-0290 for info Sept 4 3:30pm Acappella same as above Sept 4 7:30pm Petra Fulton County Fair Wauseon, Ohio 419-446-9352 for info Sept 10 7:30pm Kellye Huff Brunswick Reformed Church Brunswick, Ohio 216-225-5475 for info Sept 18 7 pm Steven Curtis JAR Arena Chapman University of Akron 216-923-5322 for info ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FINAL WORDS Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of the Edifier! Your contributions help to edify all of us! The next issue will be out in the Fall...may the Lord bless you and keep you!************************** -------------------------------------------------------------------------