Happy Anniversary

As of yesterday, Feb 25, 2010 this blog is one year old. Looking back I think this has been a good year.  I entered the world of blogging after reading:

http://thetractorcab.wordpress.com/
http://www.treymorgan.net/
http://www.dalejenkins.com/Dale_Jenkins/Welcome.html
http://preachersstudyblog.com/
and
http://www.faughnfamily.com/

So a special thanks to Tykerman1, Trey, Dale, Bruno, and Adam for introducing me to the power of blogging.

I hope my thoughts have been useful, occasionally funny, and helped you each day in your walk with God.

Keep reading and keep growing.

Scott

How to Help Your Church Family Grow

Where you worship is probably similar to Parrish, where we attend and where I preach.  We are a good group of people.  We are active in our faith and are decent folk.  But like you, we can be better.  I put some thought to this idea of congregational self-improvement and I have a few suggestions on how we can all Help Our Individual Church Family Grow.

First we help by Living Pure Lives. The local congregation needs to have the respect of the community it is in.  That level of respect lies squarely upon the shoulders of each member.  "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, (Titus 2:11-12)."

Next we help by Being Friendly. Each visitor needs to feel welcome.  They should see we appreciate them and love them. Such a realization will make them want to return.  Do not stand back and let someone else greet visitors -- you be one of the first.  The Hebrew writer says, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Heb 13:2)."

We can also help by Giving Our Full Support to the Leaders.  Effective leaders are a great blessing to any congregation of God's family.  None can progress without faithful and efficient leaders, and as members we can make or break our leadership.  Again from the Hebrew writer we learn, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Heb 13:17)."

Another way we can help our church family grow is by Promoting Unity. Peter gives us a formula for unity in 1 Pet 3:8-12, "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For 'Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.' " The unity formula is:

1. Unity of Mind.
2. Sympathy for each other.
3. Brotherly Love.
4. Having a Tender Heart.
5. Having an Humble Mind.
6. Not Being Vindictive.
7. Bless each other.

A fifth way to help our congregation is by Working Hard at Being a Soul-Saver. This is as simple as letting your non-Christian friends and family know why you are a Christian and how you came to Christ.  Remember the wise preacher tells us, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. (Prov 11:30)."

To be a Soul-Saver, Living in Unity, Supporting the Leaders, Friendly, while Living Pure Lives, takes Living a Life of Full Surrender. Jesus said it best, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-27)."

Keep Growing  for the Lord.

Scott

Top Ten Reasons I Love Being a Preacher

From my study in Parrish, Alabama comes this morning's top ten.  Top Ten Reasons, I Love Being A Preacher:

10. I get to talk during worship.
9. I am blessed to have extra time to study God's word.
8. I don't sleep through the sermon.
7. I serve the GREATEST PEOPLE on Earth -- God's people!
6. Although the pay hasn't always been great, God's Retirement plan is wonderful.
5. People invite me to be part of their celebrations (weddings, anniversaries, etc.)
4. Fellowship Meals!  Christian ladies (and some of us men) can really cook!
3. The privilege to help people in times of physical, fiscal, and spiritual needs.
2. My family shares in my ministry.
and reason I most love to preach . . . .
1. There is no greater message to proclaim! (Rom 1:16).

Rejoice in the Lord always, I repeat REJOICE!

Scott

The Bachelor

First, I am not a fan of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. This morning the local DJ's on the radio were discussing Monday's episode.  From what a gathered from their discussion, this was an episode where all the women who were sent home came back to talk about some events on the show.  Apparently, there was one girl who crossed a line that caused the producers to send her home disqualifying her participation. I learned that she had 'inappropriate' relations with a male staffer on the show (I also understand the show terminated his employment).  From the descriptions on the radio, it seems that others saw this girl fondling and caressing with this male staffer, there were hints that they may have also gone farther.  

Fast forward in the chronology of the show to two weeks ago.  I was curious to see who the last three girls would be and what two this Bachelor would choose for the final episode.  I had to change channels.  The show gave the appearance that each of these girls spent a night in the same room with the Bachelor in an intimate and romantic setting.  I am human (specifically man enough) to know that more than likely the three couples did not just hold each other in those special rooms.  I am sure that some form of sexual conduct took place.

I have a question for you:  Why would they force one of the women to leave for being intimate with more than the Bachelor, when the show promotes the Bachelor being intimate with multiple women and even provides a room for him and three special women?  Does anyone else see the inconsistency?

Now, just for a reminder, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;" (1Th 4:3-5).

Sexual immorality is from the Greek term "porneia" from which we get the word pornography.  The term includes any an all forms of sexual intercourse between people not legally married.  My point is this:  Everything about The Bachelor screams sexual immorality.  Our society places too much emphasis on sexuality and promotes sexual relations outside of marriage.  Sex is desirable and should be enjoyed, but only where God sanctions.  Sexual relations are set apart for marriage, the Hebrew writer says as much, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. (Heb 13:4)"

Challenging you to live in Holiness and Sanctification,

Scott

The Final Word from God

If God had one last thing to say, what would it be?  If there was something very important that we should remember, what would He tell us?  Well, He has.  Take a look at the last chapter of Revelation - Rev 22:6-21 and you have God's Final word.  Here is a *.ppt presentation of the sermon from yesterday morning.

Feb 21 Am God’S Final Words

View more presentations from Scott McCown.

Have a Great Day walking with God!

Scott

Saddlebags, City Streets, & Cyberspace - A Book Review

I am reaching into the vault of book reviews to pull out this one, I shared with an online preachers groups a few years ago.

Michael W. Casey, Saddlebags, City Streets, & Cyberspace; A History of Preaching in the Churches of Christ, (Abilene;ACU Press) 1995. 210 pp.

Michael Casey provides the churches of Christ with an historical volume of a different genre from most other Restoration History texts.  One would expect that in a fellowship that focuses much attention on preaching in our worship, there would be multiple volumes discussion the development and style of our gospel preaching.

Casey develops preaching and advises his reader to realize that preaching is a living representation of a living message that will always change and adapt as people change and adapt within their environment.  According to Casey's research, styles of preaching reflect not only the environment of the audience, but to a large extent the culture of the preacher.  As evidence of the adaptability of preaching, Casey points the reader to observe the change in Alexander Campbell.  He notes that Campbell made observed a change in sermon he preached ten months prior to crossing the Atlantic.  Campbell changed his preaching from a stoic recitation / reading to a more extemporaneous style for the American Frontier (p 19-20).  Early in the book, Casey warns that preaching, no matter the style or cultural form, must be faithful to the message of the Gospel.

Campbell, even while preaching more extemporaneously, preached from a Baconian (Rationalistic) style.  This style grew out of Thomas Reid's ideas of Common Sense, which states that every rational individual will come tot he correct answer if given the correct facts. American Rationalism an adaptation of Scottish Realism had four principal elements: (1) enthusiasm for natural science, (2) strict empiricism, (3) a love for inductive reasoning, and (4) the celebration of Frances Bacon as the father of inductive science (p 25-26).  Out of this rational approach grew the tradition of debates.  The assumption of those debating is that if Common Sense is common then fact presented to a reasonable audience will convince them of the Truth.

Casey then gives descriptions of various styles of preaching and gives examples of those using these styles.  he describes T. B. Larrimore as an example of a Narrative Preacher.  He discusses the influence of N. B. Hardeman and his Tabernacle Sermons on Evangelism and Campaign Preaching.  Casey assigns the genre of "Scholarly Tradition" to those who delve into Historical Criticism, specific exegesis, and general application.  Many early proponents of this Scholarly Tradition were the professors and leaders at various Christian Colleges and Universities.  To Casey, those that preach "Jesus Centered" lessons are Evangelical in tradition.

Casey concludes asking, "What's next?"  In this age of mass communication, we have very little reason to think that preaching will always remain the same.  If in the past, preaching evolved as Casey aptly describes, in this age of ever changing technology preaching will adapt, and should as long as preaching remains true to the Gospel message.  Casey recommends a shift or "reconnection of the academic discipline of rhetoric with homiletics" (p 199).

Seemingly, Casey blames much failure on the Rational Tradition for weaknesses in the Restoration Movement.  He also admits that each "tradition" has its own problems.  The emphasis then remains that the message is more important than the method of presentation.

In the intervening decade and a half since publication of Casey's book technology has impacted preaching.  Additional material discussing "PowerPoint Tradition" and even the influence of blogs, Facebook, and Twitter on preaching would be a welcome appendix.  I would personally like to see and evaluation of the methods of Paul, Peter, Stephen, and especially Christ.  As 21st Century Restorers, we can still learn much from these great men of the past and those that followed them.


Preach the Truth, no matter what!

Scott

What is the Church of Christ?

Admittedly, I feel completely inadequate to publish an answer. But with all the discussion, SPIN, and rhetoric circulating around Kenneth Starr's acceptance to take over the Presidency of Baylor University and the storyline that he will place membership with the on campus Baptist Church, I felt it was time to cautiously chime in. The answer I will give is mine and not necessarily the answer of every one who holds membership in a congregation claiming to be the Church of Christ

First, allow me to quote from Frank S. Mead, Handbook of Denominations in the United States, 5th Ed, (Nashville:Abingdon Press), 1970. "There is a distinctive plea for unity at the heart of the Churches of Christ -- a unity that is Bible based.  It is believed here that the Bible is the "beginning place" in and through which God-fearing people can achieve spiritual oneness" (p 85).  "They disclaim being a denomination, but claim to be nondenominational with no headquarters, no governing boards, and no clergy" (p 86). Mead lists numbers of colleges, universities, and lists a few publications in Texas and Tennessee then stresses, "Since all official status in these institutions is lacking, none of them being authorized to speak for the entire church, their conformity in ideas and teachings in all the more remarkable" (p 87).  Elsewhere in the article Mead mentions the concept of congregational autonomy with each congregation being governed by her own elders and deacons. (Mead lists, W.E. McClenney, B.W. Stone, and Earl I. West as sources for his information p 238.)

With this article as background let me give MY answer to the title question: "What is the Church of Christ?"

First while consisting of many congregations scattered around the world, the Church of Christ is universally one as she is: 1) the Body of Christ - Eph 1:22-23; 2) the Bride of Christ - Eph 5:21-33; Rev 21:2; 3) the Household of God - 1 Tim 3:15; and 4) the Kingdom of Christ - Col 1:13) among other descriptive terms.  Notice that each term is ultimately singular: body, bride, household, and kingdom; thus individual congregations made up of individual Christians are what comprise the universal singular Church of Christ.

I suppose the second point should answer who is a part of this universal Church of Christ?  Going back to God's word we find that those who are in Christ by faith have put on Christ and become part of God's family through the promised Seed of Abraham (Gal 3:26-29).  Here, I think is a particularly sticky issue.  In my past I have made too much of an argument about baptism and not enough about faith.  Let me be very precise in my wording; each individual that is a part of the house of God is saved by God's grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10).  Without faith man cannot please God (Heb 11:6).  However, what is truly faith?  Faith is not mere mental acceptance of facts.  Faith is trusting obedience.  Faith that does not submit to God is not faith.  Those that put on Christ by faith in Gal 3:26 were those who were put in Him when by faith submitted to immersion to contact His blood.  Paul tells the Romans Christians he was glad they had obeyed from the heart the standard of teaching that saved them (Rom 6:17-18).  That standard of teaching that saved them was the same doctrine that Paul taught the Corinthians - (the Gospel - 1 Cor 15:1-5; Rom 1:16).  That good news that saved was the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus as Christ.  Paul explains the Roman's faithful obedience to that gospel in Rom 6:3-6.  ALL the individuals world-wide who are en christo (in Christ), and ALL the assemblies of those individuals, are the universal Church (Body, Bride, Kingdom, Household) of Christ.

Now as Mead observed, these congregations are autonomous (self-governed).  Basically, that means what we do at Parrish may differ in someways from how they do things at Malibu, Baltimore, Nashville, London, Edinburgh, Kiev, or Jasper.  We may see some things as acceptable that others do not.  Some of the things they accept may not be acceptable here.  Sometimes these differences are merely cultural.  Sometimes these differences are simple matters of opinion.  However, there may be times when we think a Biblical issue is at the center of our differences. When the issue is considered by one or both to be a matter of doctrinal importance, lines of communication should allow for civil discussion.  If we come to an impasse, we may choose to limit cooperative fellowship.  That should not mean that each think the other is "hell bound and determined."  Such should simply mean we choose to work along side of those we feel are more like us.

Ultimately, God and Christ will judge each congregation (consider the Seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2 & 3 - God judged each individually), and they will judge each individual.  Maybe that is what Paul had in mind when he wrote, " . . . work our your OWN salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12, emphasis; SMc).  You and I as individuals will stand before God on our own.  We will face judgment as to whether we as an individual were in Christ and lived in sanctification and holiness (1 Thess 4:3-7).  Each eldership will give account for the congregation they served (Heb 13:17).

I am a Restorationist.  I believe that we must all go back to God's word for life and godliness.  I believe as many before me that we must set aside denominational nomenclature and return to purely Biblical ideas and principles.  I believe there is room for division in opinions or expediency. I believe mutual understanding of Biblical doctrines provides unity whereas disagreements in doctrine limit fellowship.  I believe that as long as humanity is involved there will be differences that seem insurmountable.  I believe we should teach the truth as we understand truth, allowing for folks to disagree, while continuing to hold fast to healthy spiritual teaching (sound doctrine). I believe in the end of time God will sort out who is and who is not His children.  I believe I must do my best to follow God and to teach others what I learn.  I cannot force them to agree with me, but I must share what I see is God's plan.  To do less would be irresponsible on my part.

Now let the comments flow!

Scott

Celebrating Senior Saints

I thought I would take today to share with you one of the things the great young people at Parrish Church of Christ do every year for our Senior Members.  Every year around Valentines Day our teens serve a meal to our Senior Members.  Those of us who are the parents of these young people help with decorating and meal preparation.  We also have a young lady who takes pictures of each couple, widow(er), or attendee that they will be given at a later date.  Enjoy the video.
 


Go with God.
Scott

Top Ten Signs a Teenage Male is in Your House

This summer our son, Andrew, turns 13. This seems to be a turning point year for him.  He is learning to play guitar, he played Jr High Basketball, and is currently working out for football.  In the past he participated in quiz bowl events in Elementary and earned a 1st Degree Level 3 BlackBelt in TaeKwondo, but this is his first year to venture into major sports.  Amy and I realize we have a budding teenager in the house.  Here are the Top Ten Observations from the Home Front in Oakman, Alabama:

10. There are always piles of clothes to wash.
9. There is never enough food in the house.
8. Football is king.
7. You hear an instrumental cover of "Stairway to Heaven" coming from his room, when the radio is off.
6. You are accustomed to the clanging sound of free weights.
5. Fingerprints appear high above ALL doorways.
4. Two words - Body Spray!
3. The refrigerator is always open.
2. Getting his hair cut (combed) is an ordeal.
1. You learn sarcasm is a way to communicate love.

Those of you who have older sons, let me know: What are some signs I missed?  What can I look forward too?
Scott

Song Leader Suggestions

This Tuesday we continued our mid-week series on singing and learning more about music in worship.  David Courington continues to do a great job in his presentation.  Here are some suggestions he gave for song leaders to which I give a hearty - AMEN!

1. Remember the three keys to success - Practice, Practice, and Practice.
2. Speak loudly, announcing the number of the song twice.  Give the audience time to turn to the song before beginning.
3. It is not about the song leader, but singing and worshiping God.  Avoid being a distraction.
4. Sing loudly - The congregation will not likely sing above you.
5. Start with confidence - Brethren will help yo, but if they think you are going to fail, they will wait and see before they follow you.
6. Avoid the Disaster Twins: Too Low and Too Slow!
7. Select songs that are appropriate for the occasions. (Do not lead "Ready to Suffer" just before the sermon, or "Why Not Tonight" as the morning invitation song.)
8. Check with the preacher to see if any particular song(s) will fit with his sermon.
9. Generally avoid new songs for Sunday morning or when many visitors are present.
10. Do not allow the congregation to slow you down.  Keep the tempo steady.

Have great singing!

Scott

Encouraging Comedy

A great piece of comedy from someone unique. Listen to his perspective at the end.



Scott

Top Ten Ideas to Help Destroy the Local Church

The home office is feeling quite sarcastic this morning and provides us the following top ten list:  Top Ten Ideas to Help Destroy the Local Church.

10. Be irregular or at least habitually tardy in attendance at Bible Classes, worship, and other activities.
9. Talk critically about church leaders in public, around other members, and to your family.
8. Be apathetic in you singing.  Please do not move you mouth and never demonstrate emotions when you sing.
7. Do not come prepared for Bible Classes and worship when you do attend.
6. Talk about where you attend in terms of "they" instead of "we;"  As in, "Do you know what 'they' are doing down at the church?"
5. Constantly criticize and look for opportunities to complain or to think the worst of the church or other Christians.
4. Do not study your Bible at home or anytime you are away from the assembly.
3. Do not be "ready to give an answer" for the "hope" you have of inheriting eternal life.
2. Do compartmentalize your life into sections such as: a) Private Life, b) Public Life, c) Church Life, and d) Family Life.  Do not let these separate lives cross over and merge.
And the number one idea to help destroy the local church is  . . .
1) Expect others to do more (contribute, work, etc.) than you are willing to do.

Seriously, take each of these ideas and do the opposite to help the local church grow!

Scott

I Quit!

I quit!  I have had enough!  I'm tired!  I'm worn out!  I'm frustrated!  I cannot take anymore!  I am resigning today!

I am quitting, you cannot change my mind!  Do NOT try to talk me out of it.  I refuse to second guess my decision to quit!  My mind is made up, my decision is final!

Honestly, I have wanted to say that for a long time.  I have considered quitting before and have taken hours to pray about it.  This is the only way!  I quit!

Quitting is a tough decision to make.  Quitting is not the weak way out.  Quitting take determination!  Quitting takes a great deal of faith.  When you quit, you wonder what people are going to say.  You wonder how your resignation will affect others.  But I have to quit!  Now it the time to quit!  Quitting was a difficult decision, I had to consider some characters in Biblical Historical Narrative.

What if Noah had quit?  No one was on his side, people laughed at him, encouraged him to quit, but he kept building the ark.
What if Abraham had quit?  No one would blame him.  How can you continue to have faith that God will give your children and inheritance when you are 98 and childless?
What if Joseph had quit? At every turn life seemed against him.  Yet he hung in there, did not quit and God's people received relief from a great disastrous famine.
What if Jesus had quit?  Satan offered a way out.  He asked God to take away cup of burden, but nevertheless, He stuck with God's plan.

But I have to quit!  There is just no way around it.  This is something I have to do -- right NOW!  TODAY!  This moment!  I refuse to put it off any longer, so for the record as of right now, I QUIT!

• I Quit worrying about what others think and I start caring more about what God thinks.
• I Quit making excuses for not being a better husband and father.
• I Quit complaining about the church and my brothers and sisters in Christ.
• I Quit prejudging others.
• I Quit looking for and finding fault.
• I Quit gossiping.
• I Quit looking for the easy way out.
• I Quit living for self and start living for Jesus.

Will you quit with me?

As we quit, let us resolve to be like all those Bible characters who stayed the course.  At the end of our individual lives, may we be able to echo Paul and say, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Tim 4:6-8.

Scott

Singing Lessons

Last night, David Courington began a month-long series of lessons that our leaders hope will help our congregation to better sing with understanding and with the Spirit.  Here are some important lessons I think every congregation of God's people need to hear.

• 1. Singing can improve with 1) Good Coaching, 2) Good Examples, and 3) the 3 "P's" -- Practice, Practice, and Practice.
• Good singers are taught, not born!
• Ten Suggestions to IMMEDIATELY Improve Congregational Singing:

1. Remember Your Audience - Eph 5:19 - is God.
2. Remember Your Neighbor - Col 3:16.
3. Sit up.
4. Hold your head up.
5. Look up at the leader.
6. Start with the leader.
7. Sing out.
8. Keep up with leader.
9. Speak up - enunciate.  Don't be lazy with your speech.
10. Hold your note and volume - don't trail off at the end of phrases, verses, or songs.

Come join us each Tuesday in February at 6:00 for these lessons. 
Happy singing.  

Scott

Morning Vocabulary Lesson

I read a new word last night.  Well the word is not new, and not necessarily new to me, but one that I do not read or hear often.  This wonderful word applies to some great concepts.  The way the book I was reading used this word, it applied more to me the first ten years of our marriage than it did to my wife, and now for the last 10+ years this word applies more to her. This usage of this word may not apply to many in our nation today, unless of course you live in a rural area.  Then again this word, as used last night, may not always apply there either.  Jesus' life on earth fit this word, and this word applies to Him now as He is at the right hand of the Father.

What is the word?  Propinquity!  I like that word.  I am going to make it one of my favorites.  I plan to find excuses to us this word.  The way my reading last night used "propinquity" gave it the meaning of "being near to the place of your birth."  Look at Jesus' life on earth you realize as you study maps that He never really lived too far from his home.  If you look at Jesus as God's Son, He is near God now.

As I think a little deeper, Jesus was never far from His Father, even while on earth.  Propinquity also means: "nearness of kin" or "nearness of place and time - proximity."  Hmm.

James 4:8 encourages our propinquity to our heavenly Father, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (ESV).  The more I think, the more I realize that propinquity is exactly what God wants with us.  Everything He did throughout history has the goal of bringing His wayward creation back to close propinquity to Him.

Have a great day with the Lord!
Scott

Excuses, Excuses, You Hear Them Every Day

The title is a line from an old song, I think the Kingsmen did the original version. There is truth in those lyrics, people supply excuses for many missed opportunities and appointments. Here are a few favorites (typos are in the originals):

1. Please excuse Johnny for being, it was his father's fault.
2. Kimmy is under Doctor's orders not to do p.e., please execute her.
3. I was late to work because my cat unplugged my alarm clock.
4. I was late because I could not find my shoes.
5. I cannot come in to work today, my garage door is broken.
6. I was late because my wife is expecting and I was experiencing morning sickness.
7. I will not be in today, my cat has hairballs.
8. Please excuse Jenna's absence, she was sick and I had her shot.
9. I had to take my dog to her psychiatric appointment.
10. I borrowed a friend's car to get to work.  The car was reported stolen and apparently used in a robbery.  I was in jail for possession of stolen property.  The police were interrogating me, which kept me from calling in to work.  I was eventually able to convince the officers of my innocence, so they let me go and I got here as fast as I could.

I need to tell you that a secretary called the local police about that last one and found it to be completely fabricated.

Excuses are not the sole property of students and employees.  If we are honest with ourselves we are guilty of excuse making.  The compiler of Proverbs records an ancient excuse for laziness, "There's a lion in the road, there's a lion in the street" (Prov 26:13).

In the arena of the Christian experience, one finds people making excuses for: 1) not obey the Gospel, 2) refusing to give up a sinful practice, or 3) getting involved in the Lord's great work.  Our lame excuses will not hold up.  I can hear them now, "God, I would have done . . . ., but you see there was this . . . ."  I just do not see that standing in God's court of law.  What about you?

Maybe, just maybe, instead of excusing why we cannot, let's rationalize why we should and can serve God (Rom 5:8; Phil 4:13).

The next phrase of the Kingsmen's song reminds us about excuses, "The devil, he'll supply them if from church you stay away . . ." Here is a video of the Kingsmen Heirs.

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Have a great day! -- No Excuses!
Scott