By Faith – A Tribute to my friend and colleague Louis Boyd
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
I continued reading in Hebrews this week and came across the famous chapter 11. This is an amazing record of Godly men and women who trusted God in every way even when it was not the popular thing to do. The author begins this list by starting with himself and all other true believers as he points out that by faith “we” understand that God spoke the universe into being. God spoke and it was created. He did not create out of what was visible but instead out of nothing which takes FAITH to understand and believe. The author then goes through his list of people of faith. I don’t think the author was attempting to list every single person in the past that lived by faith, but he was pointing out some of the outstanding men and women who should be commended for their faith. Let me point out some of my favorites. “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family (v. 7).” “By faith Abraham, even though he was past age . . . was enabled to become a father (v. 11).” “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice (v. 17).” “By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned (v. 29).”
As I was reading about all these great men and women of faith, I had a hard time not thinking of people (past and present) that I have had the pleasure of knowing who were also men and women of faith. By faith, Scena Hendrick trusted the Lord in giving up her desires in order to serve her family and the people of God. By faith, Charles Collins gave me a chance to be used by God in music ministry. By faith, Dr. Jim Woodward spoke into the lives of many students at Oklahoma Baptist University not knowing how much the Lord was going to use his words and example. By faith, Dr. George Anderson led First Baptist Church Canton to relocate to One Mission Point, not knowing all that God was going to do here.
By faith, Louis Boyd served the Lord and sought to bring Him glory in all that he did. Louis was a true minister in every aspect of his life. Louis used every opportunity he had to share the love of Jesus with everyone he came in contact with. By faith, Louis developed me in to a better minister by giving me a quality example. By faith, Louis ministered to my boys in their time of need. By faith, Louis shared his faith to the very end of his life knowing that he would not see the total impact he was making on lives for eternity. Thank you Louis for showing me what being a man of FAITH is all about.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (12:1).”
Living by faith,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
And I will give you REST...
And I will give you REST…
This past week, I have for some reason been very tired. I think it may have to do with all the sickness in our house, the busyness at work, recovering from entertaining family the week before, and American Idol. Whatever the reason, I have been exhausted to the point of almost falling asleep every time I sit down and am still. What a perfect time then to read Hebrews 4. In this chapter of Hebrews, the author, some believe to be Paul, points out to the Jewish converts the promise of entering God’s rest. The author takes the reader all the way back to creation when he reminds us that “on the seventh day God rested from all His work (v. 4).” The author then transitions to the true meaning of rest. He lets the reader know some will enter the “Sabbath-rest” and some will not. What is required to enter the Sabbath-rest of which Paul is speaking? What does this give us rest from? What does that mean for us?
“There remains a Sabbath-rest for the people of God (v. 8).” The author is pointing out a new meaning for “rest”. The Jewish converts would have been very knowledgeable of the Hebrew shabbat (e.g. Gen. 2:2; Ex.20:11; Ex.23:12) which was the Sabbath “rest” and the Hebrew nuah/menu hah (e.g. Ex. 31:14; Deut. 3:20) which referred to the “rest” that Israel, if faithful, was to experience every day in the promised land. Here in Hebrews 4, the author is pointing out the rest that comes when one turns his/her life over to Christ and accepts Him as their Savior. After conversion, believers cease from their efforts to gain salvation by their own works. Because of what Christ did on the cross, our need to work for salvation was nullified. It gives me great joy to know that the work that Christ did for me gives me eternal rest in Him. “Let us therefore, make every effort to enter the rest, so that no one will fall by following the example (Israel’s sad example in the desert) of disobedience (v. 11).”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
This past week, I have for some reason been very tired. I think it may have to do with all the sickness in our house, the busyness at work, recovering from entertaining family the week before, and American Idol. Whatever the reason, I have been exhausted to the point of almost falling asleep every time I sit down and am still. What a perfect time then to read Hebrews 4. In this chapter of Hebrews, the author, some believe to be Paul, points out to the Jewish converts the promise of entering God’s rest. The author takes the reader all the way back to creation when he reminds us that “on the seventh day God rested from all His work (v. 4).” The author then transitions to the true meaning of rest. He lets the reader know some will enter the “Sabbath-rest” and some will not. What is required to enter the Sabbath-rest of which Paul is speaking? What does this give us rest from? What does that mean for us?
“There remains a Sabbath-rest for the people of God (v. 8).” The author is pointing out a new meaning for “rest”. The Jewish converts would have been very knowledgeable of the Hebrew shabbat (e.g. Gen. 2:2; Ex.20:11; Ex.23:12) which was the Sabbath “rest” and the Hebrew nuah/menu hah (e.g. Ex. 31:14; Deut. 3:20) which referred to the “rest” that Israel, if faithful, was to experience every day in the promised land. Here in Hebrews 4, the author is pointing out the rest that comes when one turns his/her life over to Christ and accepts Him as their Savior. After conversion, believers cease from their efforts to gain salvation by their own works. Because of what Christ did on the cross, our need to work for salvation was nullified. It gives me great joy to know that the work that Christ did for me gives me eternal rest in Him. “Let us therefore, make every effort to enter the rest, so that no one will fall by following the example (Israel’s sad example in the desert) of disobedience (v. 11).”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
ARE YOU NEGLECTING YOUR GIFTS?
ARE YOU NEGLECTING YOUR GIFT?
Last weekend we saw God work through us as we proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ. It was incredible to see around 90 people on Sunday morning using their talents and gifts to help lead worship. From the choir, praise team, band, orchestra, drama team and the technical team, everyone did a marvelous job! My prayer through all the preparation and Sunday was that Jesus Christ be exalted and that the Holy Spirit would have room to move in lives and transform them. That is exactly what we were allowed to participate in this past Sunday. To use that old Hebrew expression again: WOW!
Now that Easter is over, it is not time to sit back on our laurels and relax, satisfied with our past. No it is time to drive ahead and continue to mature and grow in the Lord and in our worship leadership. In 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Paul is instructing Timothy on the importance of being a good example and on the dangers of neglecting the gifts that God had given him. Paul also warns against neglecting the doctrine of Timothy’s faith. If that were to happen, Timothy would neither be protecting himself nor his congregation. What does this mean for us? First we are to be examples to the church and to the world “in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in truth, and in purity (v. 12).” You may not be aware that you are being watched by church members and the lost world. As a leader in worship every week, you are placed in front of people that need to see growth in your faith and your love of God. Whether you like it or not, who you are and how you act really does matter. Secondly, Paul tells us to not neglect our gifts. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts when we accept Christ as our Savior. These gifts are given in order for us to edify and build up the body of Christ. I believe that God gives us specific gifts but he also can give us gifts that help us fulfill the area of ministry where He puts us. Here at FBC Canton, we are in the worship ministry. I think this passage is reminding us not to neglect our role in this ministry. People need to see the worship ministry of FBC constantly growing in maturity, in faithfulness, and in worship leadership. WILL YOU DO YOUR PART?
Last weekend we saw God work through us as we proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ. It was incredible to see around 90 people on Sunday morning using their talents and gifts to help lead worship. From the choir, praise team, band, orchestra, drama team and the technical team, everyone did a marvelous job! My prayer through all the preparation and Sunday was that Jesus Christ be exalted and that the Holy Spirit would have room to move in lives and transform them. That is exactly what we were allowed to participate in this past Sunday. To use that old Hebrew expression again: WOW!
Now that Easter is over, it is not time to sit back on our laurels and relax, satisfied with our past. No it is time to drive ahead and continue to mature and grow in the Lord and in our worship leadership. In 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Paul is instructing Timothy on the importance of being a good example and on the dangers of neglecting the gifts that God had given him. Paul also warns against neglecting the doctrine of Timothy’s faith. If that were to happen, Timothy would neither be protecting himself nor his congregation. What does this mean for us? First we are to be examples to the church and to the world “in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in truth, and in purity (v. 12).” You may not be aware that you are being watched by church members and the lost world. As a leader in worship every week, you are placed in front of people that need to see growth in your faith and your love of God. Whether you like it or not, who you are and how you act really does matter. Secondly, Paul tells us to not neglect our gifts. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts when we accept Christ as our Savior. These gifts are given in order for us to edify and build up the body of Christ. I believe that God gives us specific gifts but he also can give us gifts that help us fulfill the area of ministry where He puts us. Here at FBC Canton, we are in the worship ministry. I think this passage is reminding us not to neglect our role in this ministry. People need to see the worship ministry of FBC constantly growing in maturity, in faithfulness, and in worship leadership. WILL YOU DO YOUR PART?
Monday, April 6, 2009
THE COMING OF THE LORD
The Coming of the Lord
“We do not want you to be ignorant about those who have fallen asleep,
or to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.”
1 Thessalonians 6:13
At this time in the year, our attentions are drawn to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although this emphasis gives us a hope for today, I believe the theme in 1 Thessalonians 4-5 gives us a hope for tomorrow and eternity. Paul emphasizes in these chapters the coming of the Lord. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (4:16-17).” Paul’s reasoning for sharing this information with the Thessalonians was for encouragement. This is the same reason why I am sharing this with you this week. With all the things going on in our country and with our church members, we need all the encouragement we can get. We have a HOPE that the world does not know.
In Chapter 5, Paul explores the difference between the world and the Christian. He contrasts us by using the illustration of darkness and light. “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness (5:5).” The Day of the Lord, will surprise those in darkness like a “thief in the night (5:2).” But for those in the Light (Jesus) we should be alert, self-controlled and ready. We should be ready for the return of Jesus. Paul wants to remind the believer that our hope is in Jesus Christ who has prepared a place for us so that we will live together with Him for eternity. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (5:11).”
Aaron Hodges
“We do not want you to be ignorant about those who have fallen asleep,
or to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.”
1 Thessalonians 6:13
At this time in the year, our attentions are drawn to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although this emphasis gives us a hope for today, I believe the theme in 1 Thessalonians 4-5 gives us a hope for tomorrow and eternity. Paul emphasizes in these chapters the coming of the Lord. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (4:16-17).” Paul’s reasoning for sharing this information with the Thessalonians was for encouragement. This is the same reason why I am sharing this with you this week. With all the things going on in our country and with our church members, we need all the encouragement we can get. We have a HOPE that the world does not know.
In Chapter 5, Paul explores the difference between the world and the Christian. He contrasts us by using the illustration of darkness and light. “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness (5:5).” The Day of the Lord, will surprise those in darkness like a “thief in the night (5:2).” But for those in the Light (Jesus) we should be alert, self-controlled and ready. We should be ready for the return of Jesus. Paul wants to remind the believer that our hope is in Jesus Christ who has prepared a place for us so that we will live together with Him for eternity. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (5:11).”
Aaron Hodges
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