Category: Article

Last week the elders put forth three men to serve as deacons. We feel these men will be a great addition to our existing deacons. The roll of a deacon can be time and energy consuming and we are thankful we have men willing to serve in this capacity. These men will be blessed to serve and we will be blessed to have them serve.

            One of the blessings of being a deacon is that you are fulfilling a need. In Acts 6 there was a problem. The Grecian widows were being neglected and they went to the Apostles. The Apostles told them to select seven men to fulfill this need, which they did (Acts 6:1-7). A need was fulfilled. These have been asked to serve the needs of greeters, visitation, and care groups.

            A second blessing of being a deacon is the opportunity for development. Remember the Apostle wrote, “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 3:13). As a deacon one learns how to carry out a task assigned and to serve the congregation.

            A third blessing is that the church grows as a result of a good work being accomplished. After the Apostles had the church to select seven men to carry out the designated task, the scriptures record, “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).

The elders are very excited about the future for the assembly at Walter Hill and hope you are too. God bless our current deacons and these men put forward as potential new deacons.

By Justin Morton

Last Sunday, we looked at what the Bible says about the one church. We talked about how the one true church of our Lord teaches the right things, lives the right life and worships the right way. While we often spend more time talking about what the church teaches and how they worship, I’d like for us to give more thought to how the church is supposed to live.

We noted last Sunday that one of the things the early Christians were devoted to was fellowship (Acts 2:42). Just a few verses after this we read about what their fellowship looked like. Notice, “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46). Not only did the early church worship together, but they spent time together outside the temple. They broke bread together in their homes. While I appreciate the time we have together before and after our services each week, this should not be the only times we are with one another. If we want to be like the early church, we must do what they did.

I want to challenge members of our Walter Hill family to purposely plan to spend some time with other members of our church family outside our times of worship each month. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just invite some people over for a meal or make plans to go out after one of our times of service. Plan a play date for the kids or just go and grab a cup of coffee or sweet tea. If we do this, I believe we will see the same effects the early Christians saw: church growth in spirit and in number.

             Perhaps you’ve heard about a Gallup poll reflecting a drastic drop in the number of Americans who believe in God. The latest poll shows that only 81% of Americans believe in God – down from 87% in 2017. The poll also showed that only four in ten believe God can intervene on people’s behalf through prayer. While these facts are disturbing, I urge everyone to examine the various demographics of this poll at:  https://news.gallup.com/poll/393737/belief-god-dips-new-low.aspx

            While we are saddened to see our nation drift farther and farther away from God, we are fearful our religious freedom is in jeopardy. Our Savior has told us what He expects of us: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33; NKJV).

            As a Christian minority, will we be willing to hold true to the faith? Knowing what God expects of us and doing the same are often two different things. We already know that, or we’d never sin again (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). If put to the test, will we deny our Lord or confess Him? I’m sure we’d all like to think we’d not be like Peter (Luke 22:33-34, 54-62). But God’s people must always be prepared to stand up for what is right, and the Scriptures are filled with many examples. Let’s keep building up our faith by reading about such in Daniel 1, 3, 6:10-28 or Hebrews 11.

            We are approaching my favorite time of the year – Christmas! However, the holidays can be a time of sadness and depression for those who have lost loved ones. On Sunday afternoon, November 6th, we will host a special session of GriefShare from 3:00-4:30 called “Surviving the Holidays”. This is for members of this congregation only. Then, beginning on January 8, 2023, we will host a 13-week session of GriefShare open to everyone. More details will be announced later.

Justin Morton

My first experience with fishing was in the pond behind our house, a pond I knew very well because I lost quite a few baseballs in that pond. However, I never spent much time fishing. Then one day my uncle was fishing and decided to teach me the finer points of his hobby. Within a matter of minutes, I had caught my first fish. As exciting as it was to catch that fish, do you know what I remember most about that day? I remember the fish struggling to survive. That fish wanted to be back in the water because water is a source of life for fish. Once a fish is out of water, it is unable to survive for very long.

Sometimes I feel as though Christians have a lot more in common with fish than we probably realize. You see, like fish, we sometimes take the bait and allow ourselves to be pulled away from our source of life into a world that threatens our survival. James said “A friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). When we allow ourselves to bite the lure the world dangles before us, we are pulled away from obedience to God. We find ourselves giving in to sin and thereby making ourselves an enemy to God.  Like fish, we take the bait and are pulled away into a world that threatens our survival, our eternal survival.  

Sure the bait looks appetizing, but it’s just a trick. By the time the fish realizes it has made a huge mistake, it is struggling to survive. Friends, let’s stay alert so we don’t take the bait that leads to our separation from God.

Fall is probably my favorite time of the year.  The chill in the air and a little reprieve from the hot summer along with the anticipation of the holidays make it a very exciting time.  It is also an exciting time for Walter Hill.  We have several fall activities coming up including a camping trip, RUSH at Freed-Hardeman, our Fall Fellowship, our teen’s Fall Retreat, and our Annual Gospel Singing.  If you haven’t attended our singing, please put it on your calendar now and make plans to attend.  It is a great evening of beautiful singing and beautiful fellowship!  I’m sure most families have events, vacations, or other activities planned this fall as well!   

The date of this bulletin should remind us of the brevity of life.  Some of us may recall the events on this day back in 2001 and for many of us, that day is still etched in our memory.  Other days in this month from recent years are also etched in our memory that remind us of the same.  As of today, there are 111 days left in 2022 (depending on how you count).  Little did we think about the time left in the year 2001 and how our lives would be changed after that single day.  It should remind us to treasure the time with which we have been blessed.  Count our blessings for the first 254 days of this year and make the most out of the 111 days left.  Don’t wait until 2023 to make new resolutions.  Resolve now to appreciate what we have, love who we have with us, and use the activities this fall to bring glory to an Almighty God and bring people to Christ!

by Justin Morton

Today begins a new quarter in our Bible school program. If you have not already done so, take some time to check out all the different class options we have available for our adults. There are so many different classes to choose from that I am sure you will find one on both Sunday and Wednesday nights you will enjoy.

And let’s not forget about our children. We are blessed at Walter Hill to have so many talented and capable teachers in our children’s classes! Do not miss the opportunity you have every Sunday and Wednesday to bring your child to Bible class. Your kids will really enjoy the classes and learn a whole lot about God’s Word too.

Throughout the Bible, we see over and over again the importance of studying God’s Word (Psa. 1:1-2; 119:9, 11,16, 97). The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa. 119:105). Can you image being in darkness and having access to a lamp but choosing not to make use of it? That would not make any sense. Likewise, we have this lamp, the Bible, to help direct us through this dark world; let’s make sure we are using our lamp.

Let me challenge each of us to be here every Sunday and Wednesday night for our Bible classes. Let’s see if we can raise our attendance for each of these nights to at least 200 present. I know we can do it. What do you say? Will you choose to take advantage and make the most of this opportunity to engage in a deep study of God’s Word?

            Thursday, September 1, marks the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Month. Boston Children’s Hospital has this staggering statement on its web site about suicide in children and teens: “Among children between the ages of 15 and 19, suicide is the second leading cause of death, and the leading cause of death for 14- to 15-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” According to the VA, the suicide rate for veterans is 1.5 times the rate of non-veteran adults. Depression and suicide are real problems in today’s world. And most of us are ill-equipped to confront these issues.

            Depression and suicidal thoughts have been around almost from the beginning of civilization. The prophet Elijah – undoubtedly a great man of God – provides a great case study for Bible students (1 Kings 19:1-18). To attribute such thoughts and behavior to a lack of faith is very naïve. Most of us need some help and encouragement to weather life’s storms.

            If you have a smart phone, please download an app dealing with suicide prevention and help just in case you ever need it. Three such apps are: A Friend Asks; SPA (Suicide Prevention App); and SAMHSA. All have the 24/7 phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255. You can always dial 911 in an emergency, but 988 is the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number. Hopefully, none of us will ever need this help line, but if we do, these are the experts!

            As you read through the gospels, notice how often Jesus took care of someone’s mental or physical problems before expecting them to follow Him. For example, consider the demon-possessed man in Luke 8:26-39 or the four thousand He fed in Matthew 15:32-39. Seeking help when needed is a sign of wisdom – not weakness!

By Justin Morton

Sometimes we can walk into people’s lives at just the right moment. Do you recall the story of Naaman (2 Kings 5)? Naaman was a mighty warrior who was highly regarded by his master because he was a successful military leader. However, despite his great military success, Naaman had one big problem: he was a leper. As the leprosy progressed, it had the potential to completely change Naaman’s life.

But, at just the right moment in time, a young servant girl who served Naaman’s wife, shared some news that led to his healing. She told her master about the prophet Elisha and his ability to perform miracles (2 Kings 5:2-3). Now consider that this young girl could have kept quiet and let Naaman continue to suffer. She could have decided Naaman was a lost cause who wouldn’t believe her since she was just a servant. Although she had several options, she chose to do the right thing. The young girl made a decision to share news with Naaman that eventually led to his healing.

Like Naaman, many people find themselves in the midst of a major problem. They are infected with a life altering disease known as sin (Rom. 3:23). If not treated properly, this disease will ultimately kill them for all of eternity (Rom. 6:23).

Friends, we have a choice. Will we share the lifesaving news we have been entrusted with or will we choose to keep quiet? I am certain there is a Naaman in your life who needs you to step out of your comfort zone and share the good news of Jesus with him or her. Why wait? Work up the courage to share the amazing, lifesaving news of the gospel sometime this week.

A few weeks ago, many of us met before Sunday evening services to stuff envelopes with a letter, a book titled “Reasons to Believe”, written by Kyle Butt and Eric Lyons, and a bookmark with a link to the World Video Bible School website which encourages the study of God’s word.  We mailed out 681 of these packages to our neighbors in the Walter Hill Community. 

Thanks to all of you who were able to meet to help in this effort.  Our intent was to remind those in our community that through the struggles the pandemic has caused and the effect it has had on the economy, one thing remains constant, that is God.  We also wanted to encourage the study of His word.  We are reminded of the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13.  Our hope is that the seeds we have sown will be as those which fell on the good ground, that they will bear much fruit.  How fortunate we are to be able to assemble each Lord’s Day to worship God who loves us.  Let us all remember the Great Commission given by our Lord in Matthew 28:18-20 and be sure we are doing our part to teach others about Jesus. 

by Justin Morton

For some of us, a new season is beginning! It’s not quite fall just yet, but many of our Walter Hall family have entered into a new season of our lives. This summer some of our members have gotten married, had children, moved to new homes, started new jobs, and our students, educators and support staff are headed back to school; maybe some of you are beginning a new season as empty-nesters. Even if you haven’t made a major life change over the last few months, consider that the upcoming weeks present all of us with an exciting opportunity.

New seasons and stages often cause us to make changes, to look for ways to do things differently than we did in the past. Perhaps some of our students want to make better grades or to forge stronger friendships. Maybe some of our adults want to improve job performance or to commit to budgeting. Whether we are going to school or work or beginning a new stage in our home lives, let’s desire to make tomorrow a new beginning of letting our lights shine brightly for Jesus.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Making good grades and increasing work performance are good things; however, living our lives for Jesus in a way that others want to know more about Him is even better. I pray this season of your life is a blessing and you accomplish all of your goals. But most importantly, I pray in the coming weeks you will shine your light for Jesus!