Category: Article

By Johnny O. Trail

We are faced with many temptations in our Christian Walk.  When we face temptations, it is easier to overcome if we have a support structure in place.  Things such as church attendance, prayer, Bible Study, and fellowship with like-minded people tend to help us overcome the trials we face.  Thus, we should never take these things for granted.

What about those times when we are alone?  How do we act when we are away from other Christians and people who know us?  For many, this may be the true test of one’s Christianity.

In the Old Testament, we find good examples of people who acted in a godly fashion even though no one was around who would have known otherwise (Daniel 1:8).   Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego provide some prime examples of this.  In the book of Daniel, we read an account of some young men who were taken away in the first wave of Babylonian occupation.  These young men were taken to the nation of Babylon and indoctrinated with the customs, traditions, and religion of the empire (Daniel 1:3-5).  They were many miles away from home and the nation of Israel.  As a result, it would have been easy for them to act in an esoteric manner concerning their religious beliefs.  After all, they were under immense pressure to conform to the standards of a Babylonian culture.

Considering these facts, why didn’t Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego simply compromise their values (Daniel 1:8-16)?  Besides, no one would have known!  They were intermixed with a group of pagan captives who had no knowledge of Yahweh, and no means of notifying other Jews about the behavior of these young men.

The sterling example that these young men set should speak volumes to a twenty-first Century audience.  Certain individuals in the church might be more prone to temptations of this nature than others.  People who are away from home for extended periods of time (on business trips, etc) could be tempted to transgress God’s commands.  Being away from family and friends could make one think that he can sin with impunity—after all no one knows!

The fact of the matter is that God knows.  When Potiphar’s wife approached Joseph, he could have committed adultery without anyone knowing.  No one was in the vicinity of Joseph and Potipher’s wife to know otherwise (Genesis 28:11).  Why did he not do it?  He refused to sin because God would have been offended.  We need to follow the example of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego.  Regardless of where we are at or who knows us we must choose to do the godly and right things—no matter what the consequences.

by Justin Morton

Let me begin by saying “Happy Father’s Day!” to all the dads here at Walter Hill.  I hope today is a special day for you whether your children are grown or still at home.  Whether you are able to spend time with your children or not, I hope you know how much your family loves and cherishes you and appreciates everything you do to help provide for them.

I once read, “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”  The older I get the more that quote rings true in my own life.  I have a great dad.  He worked hard to provide for the physical needs of our family.  He spent countless hours teaching me how to play ball and coaching my teams.  My dad demonstrated what love and patience looks like, even when it wasn’t always easy.  But of all the wonderful things my dad did for me over the course of my life, the most important was that he taught me about Jesus and the importance of following Him.  While I know not everyone had or has a father like that, I am sure many of you can relate to such sentiments when it comes to your own father.

Dads are special.  And while we celebrate fathers on this special day, sometimes we are guilty of not quite celebrating our dads the same way we celebrate our moms.  So today, let’s make sure we celebrate the fathers in our lives who are not only helping provide for our day to day needs, but also who hopefully are training and leading us and our children to follow after Jesus.

Speaking of fathers, Paul wrote, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  Dads, there are many wonderful things we can do for our children that they will remember throughout their lives: spending time with them, laughing with them, giving them our undivided attention and encouraging and supporting them in the pursuit of their passions.  But the most important thing will always be to train and instruct them in the way of the Lord.

If you are a dad, I hope you take the responsibility God has given you seriously.  You could never be given a greater responsibility.  Spend time with your children teaching them and showing them the importance of living lives of service to God.  This time and energy will be the greatest investment you will ever make.  After all, it’s an eternal investment for you and your children. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).    

What an amazing week and a fantastic Vacation Bible School!  From the record-breaking VBS attendance on Sunday evening and the BBQ dinner, to the ice cream on Wednesday night, each moment was special, and we could see it in the excitement and in the eyes of the children! 

             We are especially grateful for the many folks that came together to make this VBS not only possible but truly meaningful.   A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing volunteers—organizers, teachers, craft leaders, snack coordinators, decorators, Bible characters, those that spent hours smoking the BBQ and churning homemade ice cream, and others that worked behind the scenes.  Each of you played a vital role in creating a wonderful VBS environment for the children.  We are incredibly thankful for your dedication, and your hard work and your kindness throughout the week.  It did not go unnoticed.

  We also are thankful for the adult speakers who led our Bible lessons throughout the week.  Their thoughtful teaching and enthusiasm brought the story of Moses to life.  As we explored Moses’ calling, his initial reluctance, and God’s power revealed through the plagues, our children—and adults—were reminded that God equips those He calls.  These stories served as powerful examples that excuses, fears, or insecurities should not keep us from fulfilling God’s mission for us, especially when it comes to evangelism. 

  In Exodus 4:12, God says to Moses, “Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (ESV).   His promise echoes through the New Testament as well.  In Hebrews 4:12, we are reminded that “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (ESV)  God’s Word itself empowers us!  It is not our strength, but His living Word that transforms lives.

  Through Moses’ journey, we learned that obedience to God’s mission often requires stepping out in faith, even when we feel unqualified or afraid or way out of our comfort zone.  Just as Moses overcame his doubts with God’s help, we too are commanded to share the Good News boldly, trusting that God will provide what we need.  The children’s enthusiasm in singing, crafts, skits, and prayer was inspiring, and it reminded us all of the importance of a childlike faith.

  A special thanks to Chris & Emily Elrod and Brandon & Abbi Thomson for the countless hours of preparation, planning, and prayer poured into this year’s VBS.  Your leadership and love for our children and families were instrumental in making this week a success!

by Justin Morton

This summer we have an incredible opportunity to grow and be uplifted through the study of God’s Word.  On Wednesday nights for our summer quarter, all adult classes will be meeting in the auditorium for a special series of lessons based on our congregational theme for this year.  Everything will be the same as normal for a Wednesday night, except when it’s time for class.  We will dismiss our children to their classes and then the adults will be blessed to hear a guest speaker.

I am really excited about this special series.  I hope you will make plans to join us each week.  It is my hope and prayer that we all will be blessed and have a greater appreciation for the ways we can see the Goodness of God.  Here is the schedule for this upcoming series.  Flyers are available in the foyer and educational wing.

Theme: I See the Goodness of God

June 11 – In His Creation – Demetrius Desnoes (Franklin Road CoC, Murfreesboro, TN)

June 18 – In His Law – Mike Baker (Green Hill CoC, Mt. Juliet, TN)

June 25 – In His Holy Spirit- Craig Evans (Mt. Juliet CoC, Mt. Juliet, TN)

July 2 – In His Providence – Jerry Morton (Little Swan CoC, Hohenwald, TN)

July 9 – In His Son – Bryan Hayes (Bethlehem CoC, Murfreesboro, TN)

July 16 – In His Discipline  – Chuck Mullins (Lascassas CoC, Murfreesboro, TN)

July 23 –  In His Salvation – Ralph Richardson (New Hope CoC, Readyville, TN)

July 30 –  In His Church – Phillip Heffington (Woodson Chapel CoC, Nashville, TN)

August 6 – Prayer Service for Back to School

August 13 – In His Second Coming – Wayne Miller (109 CoC, Lebanon, TN)

August 20 –  In His Judgment – Chuck Morris (Spring Meadows CoC, Spring Hill, TN)

August 27 – In His Reward – Cody Boston (Central CoC, McMinnville, TN)

by Justin Morton

It’s the sound so many have been waiting to hear. The final bell of the school year has rung, and class is finally dismissed. The kids are excited because summer is finally here, although some of the adults may not quite share the same enthusiasm. The end of the school year brings a time of relaxation, adventure and cherished moments spent with family and friends. For many of us, over the course of the next several weeks, we will take a much needed vacation. While that may just mean relaxing around the house, it could also mean loading up the car and traveling several hours to some thrilling destination with our family.

The summer is usually an exciting and memorable time. And while this time of year provides us with ample opportunities for travel and memory-making adventures, I want to issue a challenge for each and every one of us. No matter what our plans are this summer, whether we are spending the majority of our time here at home or on the road to bask in the sun, let’s make sure we include worship and fellowship with believers as a part of our summer plans.

The Hebrew writer reminds us, “ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). We need to remember that worship and fellowship provide great opportunities to help encourage us, strengthen us and build our faith.

Even during the summer months, when our routines may change, gathering for worship and fellowship remains vital. For one thing, God is still worthy of our worship, even when we are “on vacation” (Psalm 29:2; 145:3). You and I being on vacation does not change the fact that God is still deserving of our worship and praise. Secondly, no matter where we may find ourselves this summer, the devil is still on the prowl (I Peter 5:8) and looking to destroy us (John 10:10). The more time we spend away from God and the great people of God, the better opportunity Satan has to deceive us and influence us away from the Lord (Revelation 12:9).

So, no matter where we may find ourselves this summer, I want to challenge you to make sure the Lord and His people are a part of your journey. Make a commitment right now, before you even begin your summer fun, that on the Lord’s Day you and your family will always be assembled with the saints, no matter where you are.

 As May rolls around, young people, and teachers, are celebrating the end of another school year.  Summer is an opportunity to take a break from the rigors of class attendance, homework, and exams.  More time can now be spent with family, friends, and pets.  Vacation travel is a possibility for some, while hobbies will keep others occupied.

This past week, we celebrated with our graduating high school seniors their academic achievements, wishing them well as they move to the next stage of their lives.  We also have some college graduates, and they too are to be commended for their achievements as they will transition to another level in their lives.

For our students who will be returning for another school year in the fall, use your time wisely in your academic studies.  Do the best you can do in your studies.

Thank you, teachers, for educating our young people.  Whether you teach in our public schools, private schools, or home schools, we need good, Christian teachers in the classroom.  Walter Hill is blessed to have many educators and other support personnel.  Thank you!

As important as a good academic education is, we must never lose sight of the fact that a solid, Biblical education is also essential to living a life that is pleasing to God.  Personal Bible study is key to gaining a greater knowledge of God and His Word.  Whether we are a child or the most senior adult, we have a responsibility to study God’s Word and keep His Words on our hearts.

Walter Hill provides Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday evenings to enhance our learning and understanding of God’s Word.  We have classes for the youngest of our children to the oldest of our adults.  These classes would not be possible without having capable teachers teaching the classes.

The Bible class teachers at Walter Hill are to be thanked for their service in preparing classes and providing instruction.  Teachers put much time and effort into making our Bible classes beneficial for us.

The author of the book of Hebrews writes of some great people of faith in chapter 11, but at the end of the chapter he states that time did not permit him to mention so many more that did mighty things.  There are many involved in teaching at Walter Hill, beyond teaching a Bible class.  It could be VBS, Lads to Leaders, devotionals, or personal Bible studies.  Thank you to all our teachers, regardless of the specific role you have.

Men, one request we frequently receive from our Wednesday evening teachers is to keep the devotional talks before class brief.  When the devotional talks go too long, the teachers do not have enough time to teach the material they have prepared.  Please try to keep your devotional thoughts to about 10 minutes.  Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

by Scott Miller

             Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes is a leadership program geared to train the youth in leadership in the Church.  Leadership through the program is determined in four different ways:  1)leadership through spreading the gospel and teaching, 2)leadership through leading worship, 3)leadership through fellowship and relationships, and 4)leadership through knowledge.  All these leadership skills are vital for continual growth in the Church. 

The program also gives adults an opportunity to serve and build strong relationships with the youth that they would not have otherwise.

Strengthening and sharpening these leadership skills gives youth encouragement and confidence in themselves to lead and even stand up for the teachings of Christ at times when standing up for Christ is not popular.

The question for each of our youth that participates in the events is,  “Are you more confident in the scripture and leadership skills than you were last year?”  If the answer is yes, then the program is a success. 

Each of these leadership skills can be used in the Church, in the family, and in the business world.  The world needs more Christian leaders!

Last weekend, our youth from 4 years old to 19 years old participated in the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes convention.  What a great weekend!!!  The focus of the weekend was “God meant it for Good”  – the story of Joesph.  We had up to 50 at the convention and up to 35 participate in the activities.

Our youth participated in sharing the gospel through speech, leading others in singing and worship, debating “hot” topics in the Church, puppet teams, reading scripture to a group and testing of Genesis Bible knowledge through Bible Bowl.  We also used our talent by presenting scrapbooks and art projects at the convention – including an actual coat of many colors. 

This weekend we discussed that God is able to use activities and events that the world would consider not good to bring about good.  There were many lessons on Joseph and what happened to him that God was able to use for good, as well as, lessons on Paul and what happened to him through the missionary journeys that God used for good.

Puppets gave our youth an opportunity to grow and lead through fellowship with each other as Esther, Paul, David and Joesph battled it out for a game of Bible jeopardy.  Congrats to Esther for the most points!  Still looking for the insta-coat when temperature in service becomes extreme.  (“insta-Coat it’s no joke”).

We would like to thank all the youth who participated and the adults who helped.  As Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes say, a Church’s Lads/Leaderettes program is only as good as the adult leaders. 

We are starting to prepare for next year!  If anyone wants to take an area to lead and train, let Scott Miller know.

by Justin Morton

Today is a special day.  Easter Sunday, sometimes called Resurrection Day, is a time when many will fill auditoriums for the purpose of worshipping and celebrating God’s great victory over death.  If you are visiting with us today, we are so glad you are here!  We hope you find our worship uplifting and God honoring.  If you have any questions about what you hear or see today, please ask someone, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Imagine what it must have been like for Jesus’ followers during the three days His lifeless body laid in the tomb.  After all the chaos and sorrow of Friday, those hours must have felt incredibly bleak.  Despite Jesus telling His disciples about His death and resurrection on several different occasions, they did not understand (Mark 9:30-32; Luke 18:31-34).  They were expecting their Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom and help the Jewish people break free from the grips of Roman rule.  But like many other so-called “messiahs” before him, death seemed to swallow up any hope of Jesus being the long-awaited Messiah.  Those hours between Friday evening and Sunday morning were probably filled with doubt and despair.

The women showed up at the tomb early that morning to prepare the body with spices for burial (Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1).  The disciples, who heard reports that the tomb was empty, did not believe it (Luke 24:11); a few translations say they thought it was “nonsense.”  While there are many unanswered questions about those silent hours, one thing is fairly certain—the disciples were not anticipating the amazing events of that day. 

But then, early on Sunday morning, everything changed.  The women found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty (Luke 24:2-3).  The body of Jesus was gone.  In a state of perplexity, they heard some of the most encouraging words ever uttered, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:5-6).  Those words transformed their hopelessness into hope.  Immediately, the women went and reported what they had seen and heard.

Friends, the tomb that was empty a couple thousand years ago is still empty today.  Because of that empty tomb, we gather each Lord’s Day to celebrate.  The grave has been conquered.  And thanks be to God, our victory has been secured because of Jesus Christ, our living hope! 

I love this time of year – Spring is here!  It is a season of renewal, with nature coming back to life after months of barrenness.  This change is a reminder of God’s wisdom and creativity.  In His wisdom, He established seasonal cycles as recurring reminders of His presence and power (Romans 1:19-20).  The beauty of new blooms should not only inspire awe, but also lead us to acknowledge the Creator who made it all.

Our lives also experience seasons.  Some are filled with joy, while others are challenging and test our faith.  Observing nature’s cycles reminds us that we sometimes need spiritual renewal.  Just as winter can leave the landscape bare, life’s trials can leave their marks on us.  We need God’s word to guide us through these challenges and root us firmly in His goodness (Psalm 1:3).

The tree described in Psalm 1 is planted by rivers of water (Psalm 1:3).  Let’s ensure we stay close to our source of spiritual nourishment, renewing our commitment to daily Bible study.  Imagine examining your own annual growth ring, like those of a tree.  What would this year’s ring show – a season of growth or a season of drought?  We have control over our spiritual growth, so let’s commit to being in the word daily.

Our brothers and sisters may be experiencing different seasons.  Some may be sad while others are happy.  If you’re in a joyful season, use your energy to encourage Christian brothers and sisters who may be in a different season.  If you’re in a difficult season, rely on the support God provides through the church.  Reach out to others to strengthen connections, helping each other in daily life.  By doing so, you aren’t burdening others – you are blessing them by giving the church an opportunity to demonstrate its faith in God, even in difficult times (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Through all seasons, God remains in control.  In both bright days and dark nights, He is our Maker, Redeemer, Protector, and Father.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in Daniel 3:16-18 exemplified this faith when they faced the fiery furnace.  They did not doubt God’s ability to deliver them, but resolutely stated that even if He chose not to deliver them, they would still serve Him instead of Nebuchadnezzar’s gods.  Similarly, we may face hardships, but God is always God, and our commitment to Him should not depend on circumstances.

If you need spiritual renewal, look to nature’s cues from God.  Embrace this time with joy and refresh your commitment to studying His word, connecting with fellow Christians, seeking opportunities to serve others, and remaining steadfast in your commitment to Him.  Remember, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

by Chris Elrod

Wednesday night was a special night as we witnessed Denine Jackson become a new creature in Christ Jesus.  As I turned the corner to go greet our new sister, I looked up and saw a group of teens surrounding her, welcoming her into the family of God.  I snapped a picture to capture this heartwarming moment.  I had never seen so many teens greet an adult after they were baptized.  It was such a humbling moment.

In class, I got everyone’s attention by singing, “Create in Me” a beautiful, short song based on Psalm 51.  As the teens began to sing with me, I was blown away by how beautifully they were singing out to the Lord.  It sounded amazing.  Before diving into 1 Kings 18 where we studied Elijah challenging and defeating the prophets of Baal, we sang, “Thank You, Lord.”  We sing this every time someone is baptized.  Once again the teens lifted up their voices in worship to the Lord, loudly and proudly. 

Some of the challenges in youth ministry include how you measure success.  Sure we can look at attendance numbers, count the number of baptisms and responses, or recognize how many our group invites, but how do you measure spiritual growth?  Perhaps, it’s in observing these moments from Wednesday night where we saw our teens sing boldly and greet not one of their classmates who was baptized into Christ, but an adult, many had probably not met before.

Seeing our teens greet sister Denine demonstrates that they understand the significance of what they witnessed.  They understand they were witnessing the powerful working of God, as God raised Denine from spiritual death to life (Colossians 2:12).  Our teens understand the value of a soul, a value set in the life and death of Jesus Christ.  As the teens poured out their hearts to God in song, they demonstrated a desire to give to God what He alone deserves, our praise!  What if these were metrics we used to evaluate ourselves?  Do we rejoice when someone is baptized?  Do we sing out in worship?  If not, start today. 

God is at work in our teens, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).  Certainly, He will bring His work to completion (Philippians 1:6)!  And certainly the same is true for us older Christians as well. 

Parents, thank you for the spiritual work you do with your children!  Your influence is immeasurable, keep up the good work.  Church family, thank you for continuously supporting our teens!  Your support is invaluable!  Keep up the good work!  And may our God and Father in heaven continue to mature these young saints, in Christ Jesus.