The Buckner Baptist Beacon Ye are the light of the world. – Matthew 5:14 The Buckner Baptist Beacon Volume 1 Number 6 March 9, 2014 Ye are the light of the world. – Matthew 5:14 Happiness is elusive and mysterious. Many have tried to define happiness and our culture is filled to overflowing with advice on how to be happy. Countless books have been written; seminars about happiness abound; and people still lack the sense of real peace and happiness. To some happiness comes through what is possessed. For others it is a product of hard work and success in a profession or career. Still to others happiness is being able to have things their way. The church world has even struggled with what happiness is. This is evident through the definitions that are given of what makes churches successful. Budgets, buildings, numbers of members and attenders, are just a few of the standards used today to measure success and happiness. Worship is even used as a tool to manipulate people’s emotions. Feelings are substituted for the Holy Spirit and an emotional high is substituted for spiritual depth. It seems that churches want to be like the world in order to be accepted by the world rather than accepting the challenge to be different from the world. After all, the gospel confronts man with where he is in his relationship with God and calls man to repentance. That is not popular. It is the challenge of a pastor to call men and women to repentance rather than simply trying to make people feel better about themselves. It is through repentance and relationship that happiness is discovered Happiness is not found in things. It is not found in careers and position. It is not simply an emotion. Happiness is a state of being. It comes through a deep and intense relationship with Christ. The Psalmist writes Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1 The writer describes in the first three verses of Psalm 1 special qualities of the individual who is truly happy. First, the happy person is one who has a special difference. Because of relationship with God, this person has chosen to be different in thinking, lifestyle, and attitude. He has chosen to reject the advice, pattern, and attitude of the world. To reject in this way is unpopular but it is a necessary step toward happiness. Second, the happy person is one who has a special delight. In this song the happy person is pictured as one who longs for and embraces the Word of God. He takes in the Word and lets it sink down into the depths of his heart and nourish his soul. It is here he finds a sense of contentment. Third, the happy person is one who has a special destiny. While heaven is certainly a part of the destiny of the child of God there is also a destiny to be experienced in this life. That destiny is to spiritually thrive in this world in such a way that Christ is exalted. The psalmist uses the image of a unique tree. The tree is planted by a river with flowing water. Because the root of the tree grows deeply it is nourished even in times of heat and dryness. The root of the tree also provides stability in the time of storms. Being rooted in Christ and growing in relationship with Him is the source of happiness. It is not performing but it is, in the midst of a cold and callous world, enjoying the depth and the warmth of His love. What does happiness look like?
Transcript
The Buckner Baptist Beacon Ye are the light of the world. – Matthew 5:14
The Buckner Baptist Beacon Volume 1 Number 6 March 9, 2014 Ye are the light of the world. – Matthew 5:14
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Happiness is elusive and mysterious. Many have tried to define happiness and our culture is filled to overflowing with advice on how to be happy. Countless books have been written; seminars about happiness abound; and people still lack the sense of real peace and happiness.
To some happiness comes through what is possessed. For others it is a product of hard work and success in a profession or career. Still to others happiness is being able to have things their way.
The church world has even struggled with what happiness is. This is evident through the definitions that are given of what makes churches successful. Budgets, buildings, numbers of members and attenders, are just a few of the standards used today to measure success and happiness.
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Worship is even used as a tool to manipulate people’s emotions. Feelings are substituted for the Holy Spirit and an emotional high is substituted for spiritual depth.
It seems that churches want to be like the world in order to be accepted by the world rather than accepting the challenge to be different from the world. After all, the gospel confronts man with where he is in his relationship with God and calls man to repentance. That is not popular. It is the challenge of a pastor to call men and women to repentance rather than simply trying to make people feel better about themselves. It is through repentance and relationship that happiness is discovered
Happiness is not found in things. It is not found in careers and position. It is not simply an emotion. Happiness is
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a state of being. It comes through a deep and intense relationship with Christ.
The Psalmist writes Blessed is the man that
walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psalm 1:1 The writer describes
in the first three verses of Psalm 1 special qualities of the individual who is truly happy. First, the happy person is one who has a special difference. Because of relationship with God, this person has chosen to be different in thinking, lifestyle, and attitude. He has chosen to reject the advice, pattern, and attitude of the world. To reject in this way is unpopular but it is a necessary step toward happiness.
Second, the happy person is one who has a special delight. In this song the happy person is pictured as one who longs for and embraces the Word of God. He
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takes in the Word and lets it sink down into the depths of his heart and nourish his soul. It is here he finds a sense of contentment.
Third, the happy person is one who has a special destiny. While heaven is certainly a part of the destiny of the child of God there is also a destiny to be experienced in this life. That destiny is to spiritually thrive in this world in such a way that Christ is exalted. The psalmist uses the image of a unique tree. The tree is planted by a river with flowing water. Because the root of the tree grows deeply it is nourished even in times of heat and dryness. The root of the tree also provides stability in the time of storms.
Being rooted in Christ and growing in relationship with Him is the source of happiness. It is not performing but it is, in the midst of a cold and callous world, enjoying the depth and the warmth of His love.
What does happiness look like?
The Buckner Baptist Beacon March 9, 2014
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I just knew something was right outside my window. As I lay in my bed in the darkness I could hear it scratching on the screen and I could see strange shadows playing on the sheer curtains Mom had made. My heart began to beat faster as I saw the shadow of a hand creep across the curtain. It was bony and gnarled with long sharp fingernails. I lay as still as possible; barely breathing. I was paralyzed and thought that if I moved whatever “it” was would certainly get me. I didn’t make a sound.
Finally, I got my voice to work and from a dry throat my voice croaked, “Dad!” No response. I cried out again and this time it was louder and penetrated into the next room where Mom and Dad were sleeping. My brother, in the other twin bed, seemed oblivious to the danger we were in.
Dad stumbled into the room and turned on the light and instantly the shadows disappeared. There was safety in Dad’s presence and in the brightness of the light.
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After reassuring me that nothing was outside ready to get me he started back to his own bed. I begged him to stay and soon Dad, my brother, and I were all together in one twin bed. Let the shadows come. I was safe.
I was a very small boy when this happened. It happened more than once and this fear of the dark that I had pictures what you and I often go through.
David said in Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” He described what you and I go through as we face dark and dangerous times in our lives.
First, we face valleys of dark deep shadows. Walking in the darkness with us is a companion called Fear. Fear attempts to whisper in our ear that the shadows we see are ready to tear our lives apart.
Second, fear is overcome because of the Presence of God, our Shepherd. No matter the depth of the valley or the
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thickness of the darkness our Lord has the ability to see what we need and the ability to provide what we need.
Third, The Lord always takes good care of us no matter the shadows we face. It was Dad’s presence and the brightness of the bedroom light that gave me security. When facing our dark times, the Lord is always present with us. We may not feel Him. We may not seem to know where He is. We may even have questions about what we are facing but He is always there. He is Emmanuel, God with us. He is the great I AM. He is the Light of the world and in dark times it is His light that chases away the shadows. Through the lamp and light of His Word and through the strength and power of His Spirit, He enfolds us in His arms to give us safety and peace.
He won’t simply go back “to His own room.” He will stay with us through all of the darkness of this life until the dawning of that day when all shadows will permanently be chased away by the brightness His coming.
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On April 6th at 4:30, the church will begin Spring Teacher Training. The session is open to anyone who would like to attend. Those who are teaching, have taught in the past, or would like to teach are encouraged to be a part of the training. Registration for the training will begin soon.
The sessions will deal with the calling to teach. Also, the training will focus on communication skills and teaching styles. Knowing one’s self and thinking of one’s self as a teacher is vital. Preparing and developing lessons are also part of the training.
As time for Bible School and other special times of Christian education approach, this is a good time for teachers to refresh their skills and for new teachers to develop good tools.
This last Wednesday evening the Ladies’ Auxiliary provided supper. It was a wonderful meal and all of the hard work is greatly appreciated.
The Auxiliary will be providing a meal the first Wednesday night of each month. The meal Continued on page 4
The Pastor’s Pen
Afraid of the dark?
Teacher Training in April
Auxiliary News
March 9, 2014 The Buckner Baptist Beacon
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When a little one comes running and asks for a Band-Aid, the easiest response is to apply the Band-Aid and let them go back to play. But this response could have serious complications a little later. As unpleasant as the task may be, a thorough cleansing is needed before the Band-Aid is applied.
When Adam and Eve needed coats of skin to replace their aprons of leaves, God did not provide them until He talked to them about why they tried to hide from Him. He cared too much not to ask.
When the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well asked Jesus why He asked her for a drink, He never gave her a short simple answer. Instead, He talked to her about who He was and His willingness to give her living water. He asked her to go get her husband and this provided her the opportunity to share her deepest hurts. She did so and Jesus commended her for her honesty.
She was so moved she asked others to come meet a man who told her all she had ever done. Many Samaritans followed her to meet Jesus. He stayed two days longer and many believed in him.
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Jesus so loves He yearns to heal our hurts. He has proven His love by the sacrifice He made. He wants to be our Savior and Lord for all eternity, not just a Band-Aid for the present time.
As we respond to opportunities for ministry, let us remember that those who hurt do not care how much we know until they know how much we care. Whether we are interrupted during our quiet time to teach a tot a lesson in first aid or feel the need to visit a couple who has everything but is out of fellowship with the Lord or use our lunch hour to witness to a woman who is living with a man who is not her husband, we need to have the compassion that Jesus has in order to be effective.
Some may not know their need, some may try to hide it and others will be open and honest. Whatever the circumstance, our desire should be to lead them to Jesus for complete healing.
If not before, a minute after we die, we will know the joy of helping or the emptiness of hindering those in need.
Healing from the Inside Out
Jackie Robbins
Pray for Diane Carson and family
Because of the death of her mother, Ethel Arlene Dent
Harold Smith and family Because of the death of his brother Thurman Smith
Stan Penney and family
Because of the death of his cousin, Dennis Singleton
Joe Garrison
Pauline Estes
Paul Pannell
Gene Payton
Ken Brooks
Lee Laizure
Kim Beadle
Brittany Burke
Austin Burke
Nathan Burke
Brett Jones
Don Dunnington Pauline Smith’s brother
Alex Smith
Colby Eiland
Addison Juich
Canaan Williams
Ellen Smith Waynette Davidian’s mother
Nancy Hannon’s mother
Martha Elam Melissa Eaton’s mother
Ron Ritter Church Accountant
Annita Berna For improved health
Jimmy Dahler
James Walker
Al Henager Friend and colleague of Larry, Pastors in Heber
Springs
Linda Shivers Niece of Margaret Taylor
Margaret Taylor Blood test results
John Cunningham Son in law of Stan and Linda Penney
The Buckner Baptist Beacon March 9, 2014
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The Buckner Baptist Beacon
Is a ministry of The Buckner Baptist Church
2780 Wyman Road Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-442-9132
Larry F Mitchell, PhD, Pastor 4229 E Huntsville Rd
Bible Study Pastor’s Class Walking Through Adversity
Thursday March 13 • 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM Clinical
Pastoral Education Classes Sunday March 16 • 10:00 AM Sunday School • 11:00 AM Worship • Fellowship Dinner after
worship • 6:00 PM Worship • Business Meeting following
worship
Address for Paul Pannell
Culpepper Place 4461 N Crossover Rd Apt 112
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Cards for Ron Ritter
Ron Ritter has been the accountant for Buckner Church for a number of years. He has cancer and is no longer able to help with the church’s finances. The Buckner Church would like to show appreciation for Ron’s commitment and hard work.
Connie Fisher is collecting cards of appreciation from individuals in the congregation. Anyone wanting to send a card to Ron may give it to Connie. Cards may be given to her through Sunday March 16th.
The church is praying for Ron. The hope is that the collection of appreciation cards would remind Ron that he is loved and that God loves him with all of His heart.
Buckner Baptist Bushel of Blessings
Travis Sorenson,
Gary and Linda Sorenson’s son, is getting married in April. The Auxiliary is honoring him and his fiance with a Buckner Baptist Bushel of Blessings shower.
Gifts for the shower may be given to Jeri Wilson or Jennifer Fowler. They will deliver the basket of gifts. The last day to bring gifts is Wednesday March 12th.
A Special Offering is being collected
A very special young
man, Doug Lewis, went home to be with the Lord in May. He left his wife, Sabrina, and their children, Tyler, Hunter, and Meagan.
There is a group in Northwest Arkansas that is collecting funds to help the family with the expense of a headstone for Doug. Anyone wishing to make a donation may see Scot Jones. Following worship services, Scot will be in the foyer of the church should anyone wish to contribute.
Pastor’s Class
On Wednesday March 5th the Pastor began a new study entitled Walking Through Adversity. As God’s people face struggle and tough times it is important to be able to use the Word of God effectively and to depend on the strength and power of the Holy Spirit.
This study will get into the raw, ragged realities that Christians face. Tough questions will not be avoided but instead will be embraced. These questions may include, “Why?” “God, what are You doing?” “What am I going to do?” “What do I do with all of the frustration and intense feelings I have?” “Is it sin for me to feel depressed, angry, and to have questions?”
These are only a few of the questions that flood the human mind in times of adversity. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Other Wednesday Evening classes may choose to join with the Pastor’s class for this study. If teachers have questions as to whether or not their classes should attend. Please see the pastor.
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Auxiliary Continued from page 2 will be served starting at 5:30. Donations will be accepted.
The Ladies’ Tea will be held Saturday April 26th. Maggie Capel, Women’s Warden of the Year for 2013, will be the speaker. She will give her testimony about her mission work to women in prison.
