A Christian’s Voice From Raymore – November 14, 2009
Are You Looking
When I went away to college for the first time, I was fortunate to be with other Christians. I also met for a period of worship and for bible classes every day, right on campus! There were also a great number of conservative, bible-believing, bible-teaching churches within driving distance of the campus.
I realize that not everyone has the opportunity that I had. Perhaps you are in a situation quite different than the one described above. Perhaps you are surrounded by fellow-students who do not have the same values and who certainly have different priorities in life. Perhaps you are in an area of the country where there is NOT a congregation of God’s people with whom you can worship and study. If that is the case, then it is primarily to you that writing in today’s column.
My father had the occasion to work with a small band of disciples in Manhattan, Kansas from 1979 through June 1983 and, in an article that he wrote for Truth Magazine while he was there, he said,
“It is important to the faithful child of God to know where other children of the Father are meeting, so they can meet and worship faithfully, according to the New Testament scriptures (Acts 2:42, 41). It should be the mutual concern of all involved to find faithful disciples when they move to a community and the disciples in the community to receive those coming to the community, so as to be strengthened and to offer encouragement, etc. Consequently, it seems to me that there is a need to be a bit more concerned about letting people know where we are meeting and to help those leaving us find a faithful group of disciples in the community where they are going.”
Dad was very interested in getting the word out to Christians who were not receiving needed encouragement of fellow-Christians, because they had failed to “connect” once they established their routines away from home. He continued in the Truth article,
“Inasmuch as there are a number of people coming to Ft. Riley and moving out, I would like to hear from those who are meeting near military bases so I can tell any who are leaving here where you are. Take note, you who are meeting near a military base, of our address (1112 Pierre in Manhattan Kansas) and inform any military personnel there of our meeting place and/or our personal address (1937 Judson, Manhattan, KS 66502) and phone number which was listed above. Also, you may inform us that they are coming, so we can be expecting them and possibly help them in some way to find a good living quarters, etc.
“Also, we would like to hear of congregations meeting near college campuses, so we can inform any student that is transferring there. If you have any who are coming to KSU, be sure to let them know of us. The parent would surely manifest a Christian concern who helps the son or daughter learn of a congregation which is faithfully working under the Lord and encourage them to be a part of it. A failure to be concerned and make the effort manifests either a lack of knowledge or love for the child. Disciples must remain faithful till death, if the eternal well being is to be secured. Such requires serving – being active in the Lord’s word and seeking to interest and motivate others to be faithful.
“So, as the disciple Onesiphorus “sought” Paul out “diligently, and found” him and was not ashamed of his “chain” (2 Tim. 1:16-18), each child of God today must show an equal concern for truth and God’s disciples. Can we help? Let us hear from you. You can help us help others by letting us know of your presence and determination to serve God faithfully.” (Truth Magazine XXIV: 37, p. 599
September 18, 1980).
At the time of this writing, I must confess, I don’t know if that work in Manhattan continues today. If you know, would you drop me a note? But, if you are reading these words, and I can be a resource to you in “connecting” with God’s people, please let me know. There are two ways that you can do that. You may post a comment at the end of this blog, or you can send me a private e-mail at randy.sexton@achristiansvoice.com. I will do my best to provide you timely information and encouragement to assist you in your daily walk as a devoted disciple.
Bless you as you travel life’s journey. Make right choices and give glory and honor to the Lord who, as we said in this morning’s reflections, “remembered His holy promise and Abraham, His servant, so he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing, that they might keep His statutes and observe His laws. Praise the Lord!”
–Randy Sexton