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West Sparta Church of Christ
Sparta, TN

VBS Can be the Best!

7/12/2022

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Vacation Bible School is always an exciting time!  From the classes to the decorations, to the activities, singing, and refreshments, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.  Without a doubt, it is one of the highlights of the year for the church and worth every effort that is put forth to make it successful.  Most of the time people think that VBS is just for children, and that is a big part of it; however, there’s huge benefits for adults too.  In fact, it can be the best!

It can be the best way to invite someone – Everyone has friends, family members, or co-workers who haven’t obeyed the Gospel. Maybe they attend a certain denomination regularly and would never accept an invitation to come on a Sunday or Wednesday night.  But, they might gladly receive an invitation to come to VBS or even send their children.  Think of the impact it can have for them to meet fellow Christians in a lighthearted atmosphere and for them to hear solid Bible teaching at the same time. “preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15)
It can be the best way to influence children – It seems that every adult who attended VBS as a child has some special memory that stands out in their minds.  Those memories could potentially help children want to stay in the Lord’s church or even bring them back to the church later on in life.  Memories are powerful and VBS can play an important part. “and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15)
It can be the best way to grow closer – The work that goes into a few days of VBS begins months in advance.  With fellow Christians working hard together, you can’t help but grow closer. Sharing ideas, stories, and laughing together through it all is a wonderful experience. “the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16)
It can be the best way to build enthusiasm – As time goes on, enthusiasm in anything can start to drop.  It is true with our work, projects, activities, and unfortunately even the church. However, it is hard not to be enthusiastic when you see children of all ages light up as they come to learn about the Bible and sing “Booster” to the top of their lungs!  Its contagious for everyone!  “cleave to that which is good . . . fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:9,11)

God is pleased with all the work that we do for Him and He doesn’t forget it (Heb. 6:10).  VBS is just a small portion of all the good works that can be done to build the church.  With so much effort that goes into just four powerful days, it’s a shame that so much effort is not put into every work of the church.  VBS can be the best way for us to commit ourselves to do more for regular Bible classes, youth programs, evangelism, and every area of our lives.  Whatever you do for God, make it the best!

~Derrick Coble

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Missing on Sunday Night and Wednesday Night

7/5/2022

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​In any congregation there is a tendency to see attendance fluctuate.  It is noticeable primarily from Sunday morning to Sunday night, and even more so on Wednesday night.  It seems that Sunday night and Wednesdays are often treated very casually with an attitude that says, “If I don’t have anything better to do I will be there.”  This half-hearted approach is no better than the attitude of the backsliding nation of Judah of whom God said, “Judah has not turned to me with her whole heart” (Jer. 3:10). Maybe it is time for all Christians to be reminded that our lives are a “living sacrifice” dedicated to God (Rom. 12:1).  We “die daily” for Him (1 Cor. 15:31).  “Showing up” on Sunday night or Wednesday night is not a guarantee of faithfulness, but it is definitely a step in the right direction.  Just think about the results of neglecting worship and Bible study opportunities:
You don’t get encouragement--We all need encouragement and God’s design is partly for us to receive encouragement in the assembly by stirring up love and good works (Heb. 10:24).
You don’t get fed with the Word--We don’t neglect physical food so why should we neglect spiritual food? Which is more important?  Growing in respect to salvation is the best thing we can do in the middle of the week (1 Pet. 2:2).
You don’t show respect for the elders—The elder’s take care of God’s sheep.  Out of respect for them and their continual labor we ought to follow their lead and obey—even on Wednesday night (Heb. 13:17). 
You don’t set a good example—Do you have children at home who you are influencing negatively in your neglect?  Grandchildren?  Husbands/Wives? Friends? Family?  They need to see us imitating Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). 
You don’t put God first—This is a big one!  When you willfully choose to neglect God, He can’t be first in your life.  What is more important than committing ourselves to honor Him and His Word at every opportunity.  Could it be demanding? Yes.  Could it be exhausting? Yes.  Will it be easy? No.  Will it be rewarding? Yes (2 Tim. 4:8).  

~Derrick Coble

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West Sparta church of Christ - 100 Hampton Drive - Sparta, TN 38583
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