Though None Go with Me…

By Stephen Zubia, DCA Sunday School Superintendent
 
It amazes me how some people can shut themselves out from the people around them and live their lives in isolation. I immediately think of a neighbor who appears to be content shutting herself away from anyone living next door to her. She drives up to her house, opens the garage, drives in and immediately closes the garage door behind her long before she steps out of the car! Why? Is it fear? Is it an extreme case of introversion? Maybe paranoia? The answer to why she does all this is beyond my ability to know, unless something changes in our neighborly relationship. While I may never receive a friendly greeting or a simple head nod of acknowledgement while I’m her neighbor, I’m determined to be that kind and friendly personality that my neighbors deserve.
 
As a child of God who has committed his life to Christ, I am determined to be faithful to Him in spite of what ‘enlightened’ minds and modern Christian thinkers may do or say contrary to God’s Word. I’m content to live out the words of a familiar spiritual song, “Though none go with me, I still will follow; no turning back, no turning back.” There are countless names of those we can think of who have turned their backs from serving the Savior of the world. They returned to habits once left behind, picked up sins they promised (to God) to never entertain, and the list of wrongs continues to rack up for these once upon a time Christians. If we’re not careful, discouragement can settle in and take over the confidence that we enjoy in the God of our salvation.
 
Christ declared to His followers, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Christ provides a glorious peace for those who decide to follow Him, trust in Him, and love Him despite who turns away. Family, friends, and foes will have all manner of opinions about Christ and our commitment to living/loving Him. Beware! enemies to the cross should not be entertained; rather, we should look to the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2), Whose promise is to never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Let us not forfeit the peace He openly extends to us by entertaining the distractions this life shoves in our way.
 
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
no turning back, no turning back.
 
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
though none go with me, I still will follow;
though none go with me, I still will follow;
no turning back, no turning back.
 
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
my cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
my cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
no turning back, no turning back.
 
The world behind me, the cross before me;
the world behind me, the cross before me;
the world behind me, the cross before me;
no turning back, no turning back.


DCA: Day Care Assembly?

By Stephen Zubia, DCA Sunday School Superintendent

 
I recently read an online article from the President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University that preached harder to the reader than many preachers dare to utter behind the modern church pulpit. Dr. Everett felt prompted to write a response to the overwhelming attitude that is plaguing our society and, I dare say, church culture-the attitude of the victim mentality. “It’s not my fault,” responds the victim, “I cannot be held responsible for this or that action, thought, attitude, or sin!” Sadly, this attitude keeps both the Christian and sinner from living a life of complete surrender to God and His holy will for our lives. It’s much easier to pass blame onto something or someone else.
 
Consider Dr. Everett’s response to the student who complained about feeling uncomfortable after a chapel service sermon:
 
“That feeling of discomfort you have after listening to a sermon is called a conscience. An altar call is supposed to make you feel bad. It is supposed to make you feel guilty. The goal of many a good sermon is to get you to confess your sins—not coddle you in your selfishness. The primary objective of the Church and the Christian faith is your confession, not your self-actualization.” (Piper, 2015)
 
Now if only that same boldness could disseminate from the countless churches that sprinkle the country. If only the message could sink into the heart of the Christian and sinner to the point where we look to the church as more than just a day care of the soul. Let’s throw out the victimized card whenever we’re challenged to live a higher standard in our walk with God. Respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and watch the hand of God work in your life. 
 
It is my hope, as Sunday School Superintendent, that my lessons will put forth such a challenge to those who attend my class-myself included. At DCA, it is our hope that attending our services will result in nothing less than a meaningful experience with God.
 
This is not a day care. This is a church.
 

Reference

Piper, D. E. (2015). This is Not a Day Care. It’s a University! Retrieved from Oklahoma Wesleyan University: http://www.okwu.edu/blog/2015/11/this-is-not-a-day-care-its-a-university/