Menu Close

JUNE 2024 THE BUILDER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
June 2024
NEXT MEETING June 24, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
8 p.m. (EDT) Worship Service
Moreland Christian Church
5600 KY Hwy 2141, Hustonville, KY
Speaker: Greg Herriford, Lead Minister
First Christian Church, Lexington

THANKS
Thanks to Hiseville Christian for hosting our May meeting. There were 80 men present from 22 congregations.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
July 22—Russell Springs Christian
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—Glenview Christian
November 25—Jamestown Christian

QUOTABLE QUOTES
It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they’ve been fooled.” (Mark Twain)
What a tragedy it is to believe in a big God and to settle for small dreams.
Don’t regret growing older. It’s a privilege denied to many.
When we water down the meaning of sin, we water down the sacrifice which paid for it.
The same disciples who couldn’t pray for one hour were able to fish all night. Your priorities matter!
A minister who cares about where you will spend eternity will preach not what you want to hear but what you need to hear.
It is not the will of God if it goes against the Word of God.
Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.
Your days are better when you focus on your blessings more than your problems.
It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible. (George Washington)
One day you will be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.

TRUTH VS. DECEPTION
Uncovering Three False Teachings Within the Church
#1 Prosperity Gospel
The Prosperity Gospel, also known as the Health and Wealth Gospel, teaches that God’s primary desire for believers is financial prosperity, physical health, and material success. It often suggests that you will be wealthy and free from suffering if you have enough faith. This teaching distorts the Biblical message of faith and misrepresents God’s intentions. It can lead to materialism, disappointment, and a shallow understanding of faith. The Bible does not guarantee material wealth and teaches that believers will face trials and sufferings.
#2 Universalism
Universalism is the belief that ultimately everyone will be saved and reconciled with God regardless of their faith or actions in this life. It suggests that there is no eternal punishment. Universalism contradicts the teachings and the need for faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and the concept of judgment and accountability. It undermines the significance of personal belief and repentance.
#3 Denial of the Trinity
Some reject the Trinity which teaches that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is fully God yet one in essence. Denying the Trinity goes against centuries of Christian consensus and the clear teachings of the Bible. The Trinity is foundational in Christianity and essential to understanding the nature of God. —Mark Anthony Mitchell, Atlanta.

HOW DO PEOPLE START ATTENDING CHURCH?
*A friend’s invitation. 86%
*An organized visitation. 6%
*A minister’s invitation. 6%
*Advertising. 2%
PEOPLE BRING PEOPLE!

BIBLICAL IGNORANCE
Following a recent Gallup study, it was concluded that “churches in America face no greater challenge than overcoming biblical illiteracy. Many Christians don’t know what they believe or why. Their faith is not rooted in Scripture. They revere the Bible but don’t read it. The Bible has not in any profound way penetrated our culture.” (Let God Speak,” Randy Frazee, Christian Standard, May/June 2024).

INDEPENDENCE DAY – JULY 4
PRAYER FOR LIBERTY
“Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth, and the life, hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make men free. Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived. Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. It costs too much to be hoarded. Make us see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.” –Peter Marshall, before the U.S. Senate

MORBUS SABBATICUS
Morbus Sabbaticus (Sunday Sickness) is a disease common to church members. Some of the symptoms are:
*It never interferes with the appetite.
*It never lasts more than 24 hours.
*No physician is ever called.
*It is contagious.
*It can prove fatal in the end—to the soul.
The attack usually comes on suddenly every Sunday. No ill effects are felt on Saturday night, and the patient awakes as usual, feeling fine. He (She) eats a hearty breakfast. About 9 a.m. the attack comes on, and it lasts until around noon. In the afternoon, the patient is much improved. He (She) may have another attack which lasts through the evening. The patient is able to go to work Monday, as usual.

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cw.young@windstream.net)

MAY 2024 BUILDER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
May 2024

MAY MEETING DATE
When Memorial Day occurs on the FOURTH Monday of May, MFC meets on the THIRD Monday.

NEXT MEETING May 20, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
8 p.m. (EDT) Program: Luke Vaught and the Band Table Singers
Hiseville Christian Church, 70 West Main Street.

THANKS
Thanks to First Christian Elizabethtown for hosting our April meeting. There were 85 men present from 22 congregations.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
June 24—Moreland Christian
July 22—Russell Springs Christian
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—OPEN
November 25—Jamestown Christian

HOST NEEDED
If your church would like to host our October meeting, please contact Secretary Mike Vaught at mcv1788@gmail.com and Builder Editor, Charles Young at cw.young@windstream.net

EXTRAORDINARY WISDOM BY YEARS
“I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country they stop what they are doing and wave back.” (Age 9)
“I’ve learned that if I want to cheer myself up I should try cheering someone else up.” (Age 13)
“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.” (Age 92)

SYMPATHY EXTENDED
Bro. Billy F. Minor, 86, of Louisville, passed away April 17, 2024. He was a retired minister, serving many Christian churches in both Kentucky and Indiana.

JUST MY OPINION
As in past years, First Christian Church hosted the April meeting of Men for Christ. Unless you have been actively involved in the hosting, planning and coordination of our MFC meetings, you can’t appreciate the enormity of the tasks. One of the greatest challenges is to prepare a meal for ???? of men. The best guess for the number to expect is often determined by previous attendances. Based on that information, the crew at First Christian planned for that number plus a few extra. Imagine the disappointment when only 58 men showed up plus 27 from FCC! Situations such as this undoubtedly affect the willingness of congregations to host meetings. Currently being faced with declining attendance and a number of churches who are reluctant to host, perhaps it is time to look at a restructuring of MFC. I don’t have a master plan, but perhaps some idea starters will stimulate interest.

*Develop an intensive promotional plan for our churches to help create renewed interest in MFC.
*Schedule meetings only 3 or 4 times yearly at a central location.
*Eliminate major meals; start worship/program at 7 p.m. with a time of fellowship/refreshments following.
*Schedule Executive Committee meetings at a time other than regular meetings.
*Employ a manager/coordinator/overseer of activities. –Charles Young

JESUS NEVER SAID:
–“listen to your heart”
–“be true to yourself”
–“trust your gut”
–“feel good about who you are”
–“happiness is what matters”
–“just be a good person”

JESUS ACTUALLY SAID:
–“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”—Luke 9:23

WHAT DOES GOD SEE IN YOU?
Remember, when you combine what you care about with what you know how to do and look for an opportunity to serve, God will bless your efforts. (Guideposts)

I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH
I believe more profoundly in the church every hour that I live. A man can make his testimony go further through the church than through any independent movements. He can make his money, his testimony, and all his work go further. He can do more than constructive work through the church than any other way in the world. That is my deepest conviction. I have watched all kinds of independent movements, and my conviction steadily deepens that a Christian is doing the wisest thing possible when he links his life with the church.—George Truett (1867-1944) Church Bulletin Bits

HITCHHIKERS ON THE CHURCH ROLL
Highways aren’t the only places where you’ll find hitchhikers. Almost every church has plenty of members who are also looking for a free ride. They demand all the privileges and responsibilities of church membership without supporting the congregation with their money, time, and service. Don’t be a hitchhiking Christian. Get fully involved in the life and ministry of your church. Aren’t you glad Jesus wasn’t looking for a free ride as he faced the decision of going to the cross on your behalf? Church membership that costs you nothing is worth exactly that.—Clip-Art Features for Church Newsletters

SOME SOBERING QUESTIONS
FOR CHURCH MEMBERS
Suppose you had to run for church membership as a candidate runs for political office. Would you win or lose?

Suppose you were arrested for being a Christian. Would there be enough evidence to convict you? —Church Bulletin Bits
—Church Bulletin Bits
TAKE TIME
To think. It is the source of power.
To play. It is the secret of perpetual youth.
To read. It is the fountain of wisdom.
To pray. It is the greatest power on earth.
To love and be loved. It is a God-given privilege.
To be friendly. It is the road to happiness.

THE APOSTLE PAUL’S
PLAN FOR CHURCH FINANCE
This plan for church finance is based on
1 Corinthians 16:2:
Periodic: Upon the first day of the week.
Personal: Let each one of you.
Provident: Lay by him in store.
Proportionate: As he may prosper.
Preventive: That no collections be made when I come.
—Church Bulletin Bits

SELECTIVE HEARING
As you’re praying and listening for God to speak to you, remember this: It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want Him to say.
—Anonymous

APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
April 2024

NEXT MEETING April 22, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
Worship Service 8 p.m. (EDT)
First Christian Church Elizabethtown
1811 North Miles Street
Our Speaker: Stuart Jones, FCC Senior Minister

OUR APRIL HOST
From its beginning in the home of a faithful Christian woman in 1877 to locations on West Dixie, North Mulberry, West Poplar and now North Miles, the story of First Christian is simple and consistent. It’s a story of believers working together to lead people closer to Jesus Christ. We do this by Loving God, Loving People, and Serving Others. Stuart Jones is in his 16th year as Senior Minister.

THANKS
Thanks to Glendale Christian for hosting our March meeting. There were 127 men present from 23 congregations.

HOSTS NEEDED
If your church would like to host our June or October meeting, please contact Secretary Mike Vaught at mcv1788@gmail.com and Builder Editor, Charles Young at cw.young@windstream.net.

MAY MEETING DATE
When Memorial Day occurs on the FOURTH Monday of May, MFC meets on the THIRD Monday. The May 20 meeting will be at Hiseville Christian Church, 70 West Main Street, Hiseville.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
May 20—Hiseville Christian (3rd Monday)
June 24—OPEN
July 22—Russell Springs Christian
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—OPEN
November 25—Jamestown Christian

A CHANGE IN PROCEDURE
To ensure a smooth transition from the speaker’s message to our business session, copies of the Minutes and Financial Reports will now be available for pick up PRIOR to the start of the meeting.

CHRISTIAN CAMP SEASON
Schedules for 2024 are available on the camp websites:
www.whitemills.camp
www.kycampcalvary.com

CAN YOU IMAGINE?
A minister had dinner at the home of a couple in his church. After he left, the wife said to the husband, “I think he stole our spoon!” This bothered her for a whole year. A year later, the couple had the minister for dinner again. Unable to resist, the wife asked, “Did you steal our spoon last year?” The minister replied, “No, I put it inside your Bible.” (Copied)

WELCOME
Every church sends a message through how they welcome and treat guests. Those with no strategy send the loudest message. “What we believe has not impacted how we treat you.” Not to be hospitable is to prove the message of God’s grace hasn’t impacted the totality of the church. Hospitality is the combination of two words: stranger and love. It literally means to show love to strangers and it is very biblical. God’s hospitality toward us is the foundation and motivation for our hospitality toward others. God loved us while we were still strangers. While we were His enemies, He pursued us. And now we are to accept others the way Christ has accepted us. Being hospitable is even a qualification for being a leader in the church (1 Timothy 3:2). Churches must have a plan for how they show love to those who are their guests. (Eric Geiger at ThomRainer.com)

ANSWERED PRAYER
Just because your prayers weren’t answered the way you wanted doesn’t mean your prayers weren’t answered!

CHRISTIAN STANDARD: PRESERVING OUR HISTORY WHILE PROVIDING FOR OUR FUTURE
In 2017, just months after we acquired Christian Standard, the accountants informed us of a storage unit in Cincinnati that we were paying a monthly fee to maintain. To eliminate this expense, I assembled our editors to explore the storage unit and then to clean it out. What we found was priceless. Inside that dark, sterile unit were the contents of what had been the Standard Publishing library, including the archives and bound volumes of some products that went clear back to 1866, the year Christian Standard started. I wrote about that adventure after we recovered those artifacts and rehoused them in a library we created in Quincy, Illinois. You can read about it in “Raiders of the (Almost) Lost Artifacts” at ChristianStandard.com.

In our latest issue of Christian Standard, we sought to show the incredible value of the Restoration Movement’s history and how it frames where we are today and how that knowledge might help us to face the future. Christian Standard considers this history and our role in it as a sacred trust—and so does our benefactor, The Solomon Foundation. To that end, TSF has incorporated a brand-new library which will serve as the archive’s permanent home within its nearly completed phase-three construction project at its headquarters in Parker, Colorado. Dedication of this facility should occur this summer, and preparations are underway to move the archive from its present location in Illinois to its new permanent home in Colorado. We thank The Solomon Foundation for their shared passion for the preservation and curation of our history!

But the Restoration Movement is about much more than history. History is a foundation upon which to build a future, and Christian Standard is dedicated to an effective, God-honoring future for our movement and its leaders and churches. This is why we make our print magazine content available online for free, and why we have an online-only news operation, and why we now have decades of old issues of Christian Standard accessible to everyone via our website. We do that because we believe our content is an indispensable resource for great churches and committed Christ followers! We seek to eliminate all obstacles so that our readers and all Christians can access the resources and receive the encouragement that we so desperately need today.

I am so encouraged by the number of people who have been responding to our donation appeals! Your gifts are making an incredible difference in our ability to provide these resources to you. I am asking that the churches in our movement consider making Christian Standard Media part of your monthly mission support. No amount of support is too small, and as a thank-you, we will provide an annual print subscription to all churches and individuals for every $50 donated. Just click on the donate button at our website, fill in your gift amount, and we will gratefully send you our print magazine all year. Please include your email and street address to receive print copies.

Once again, thank you so much and pray for us as we continue to play a role in building the kingdom! (Jerry Harris, Publisher, Christian Standard Media)
——————————————————————

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cw.young@windstream.net)

MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charles

THE BUILDER
March 2024

NEXT MEETING March 25, 2024
7 p.m. (EDT)
Glendale Christian Church
Our Speaker: Jeremy Willis, Journey Christian Church, Shepherdsville

14 YEARS LATER–REPRINT FROM JANUARY 2010 NEWSLETTER
Our next meeting is January 25, 2010, at Lebanon Christian Church. The scheduled speaker is Jeremy Willis, Prospective Minister for the New Shepherdsville Church Plant.

2024 PRAISE REPORT
Praising God for Journey Christian Church and the tremendous influence they have had in the community since starting on October 10, 2010.

THANKS
Thanks to Columbia Christian for hosting our February meeting. There were 115 men present from 24 congregations.

HOSTS NEEDED
If your church would like to host our June or October meeting, please contact Secretary Mike Vaught at mcv1788@gmail.com and Builder Editor, Charles Young at cw.young@windstream.net.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
April 22—Elizabethtown First Christian
May 20—Hiseville Christian (3rd Monday)
June 24—OPEN
July 22—Russell Springs Christian
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—OPEN
November 25—Jamestown Christian

THOUGHT PROVOKING
One of life’s greatest ironies: Sometimes our greatest gifts are presented in the packaging of adversity.

HOW CRUCIAL IS THE RESURECTION?
We cherish the birth of Jesus, His wisdom, His loving deeds, His courage in the face of a brutal death, but it is Christ’s resurrection which is absolutely crucial to Christian beliefs. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul explained that the Resurrection was the foundation of our Christian belief system. He insisted that if Christ had not been raised from the dead, then we who believe in eternal life have no hope for it al all. “If the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (I Corinthians 15:16-17, NRSV). Finally, Paul expresses very clearly how crucial the Resurrection is to our Christian hope. “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:19, NRSV).

MOST BORING SERMON IN THE BIBLE
I’m sure it will never happen to you. But have you ever seen other people in church begin to doze off during the preacher’s sermon? Well, it wouldn’t be the first time! There’s at least one Biblical precedent. Paul’s audience began to fall asleep. Especially one young sleepy lad who was sitting in a third-story window. (Acts 20:7-12). Now, sitting in a third-story window just might not be too safe to begin with. But I guess the building standards were different then. Thankfully, this boring sermon had a very happy ending! Paul raised the young lad back from the dead after his big fall. And the church grew by leaps and bounds! And when he grew older, imagine what it was like for this young guy to tell that story to his grandchildren! (Copied)

ANNOUNCING A CHANGE IN PROCEDURE
To ensure a smooth transition from the speaker’s message to our business session, copies of the Minutes and Financial Reports will now be available for pick up PRIOR to the start of the meeting.

MEN’S CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY WHITE MILLS CHRISTIAN CAMP
Registration for this year’s April 25-27 Men’s Conference, UNLEASHED, is open online at whitemills.camp/events.

KNOW GOD’S VOICE
We waste so much nervous energy trying to make decisions. We can stress less when we remember three things: Gather the facts. What are the odds that the thing you are worrying about will ever occur? Control what you can control. Weather? You can’t control it, but you can watch the forecast. Don’t second-guess yourself. Make the best decision you can with the facts at hand. Pray, and take the next step. When you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep – read Scripture. Distinguish between God’s voice and the voice of fear. Worry takes a look at catastrophes and groans, “It’s all coming unraveled.” God says, “every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good” (Romans 8:28 MSG). Worry never sleeps, but God’s children do. (March 13, 2024, Max Lucado’s Words of Hope and Help)

WINTER/SPRING WEATHER ALERT
If weather conditions require the cancellation of our meetings, information will be posted on the website. www.kymenforchrist.org. You may also contact any member of the Executive Committee.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
Don’t dismiss a good idea simply because you don’t like the source.

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com) Editor: Charles Young, (cw.young@windstream.net)

THE BUILDER FEBRUARY 2024

Charles

THE
BUILDER
February 2024

NEXT MEETING February 26, 2024
7 p.m. (EST)
Columbia Christian Church

Our Speaker: Joe Tipton, Senior Minister, First Christian Church, Monticello
Joe is originally from Wilmore, KY. He is an Asbury University graduate and holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership from Cincinnati Christian University. He had two successful youth ministries at The Carpenter’s Christian Church in Harrodsburg, Ky and Jessamine Christian Church in Nicholasville, Ky. In 2008, he was promoted to Associate Minister at Jessamine Christian Church and began a ministry of preaching and teaching. Joe started at FCC in August of 2011.His primary areas are preaching and leadership.
Joe is an avid sports fan (Go Cats!), basketball official, and golfer. Joe is married to his wife Jamie and they have three sons, Canon, and twins Jack and Andrew. His hobbies are reading, music and golf.

THANKS
Thanks to White Mills Christian for hosting our January meeting. There were 81 men present from 20 congregations.

HOSTS NEEDED
If your church would like to host a meeting, please contact Secretary Mike Vaught at mcv1788@gmail.com and Builder Editor, Charles Young at cw.young@windstream.net.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
March 25—Glendale Christian
April 22—Elizabethtown First Christian
May 20—Hiseville Christian (3rd Monday)
June 24—OPEN
July 22—Russell Springs Christian
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—OPEN
October 28—OPEN
November 25—Jamestown Christian

QUOTABLE QUOTES
Long before Zaccheaus couldn’t see Jesus the tree was already planted to meet his needs.
Be careful how you use words and time. You can’t get either of them back.
Often the best thing about not saying anything is that it can’t be repeated!
By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong!
You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.

A PRAYER FOR MY MINISTER
Father, let me be a pillar of strength to help hold up my minister and not a thorn in his flesh to sap his strength, or a burden on his back to weigh him down. Let me support him without striving to possess him. Let me lift his hands without shackling them. Let me give him any help that he may devote more time to working for the salvation of others and less time to gratifying my vanity. Let me work for him as the minister of all the members and not compel him to spend precious time in pleasing me. Let me be unselfish in what I do for him and in what I ask him to do for me.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
The story is told of the boy who took his cap pistol to church and fired it in the middle of a boring sermon. The father grabbed him by the arm and started to lead him out of the church. An elderly woman whispered to the father “I hope you are not going to whip that boy. He’s scared the devil out of more people than the preacher has in years.”

CLOSE SHAVE
“Mother,” said Johnny, “is dad going to heaven?” “Why, son?” “Well,” Johnny replied, “in all the pictures of angels I’ve ever seen they don’t have a beard, and daddy has one.” “Well,” sad mother, “if your father gets there it’ll probably be by a close shave.”

A PRAISE REPORT
Louisville Bible College (LBC) hosted a Celebration Service on Feb. 3 at Life Bridge Christian Church adjacent to the LBC campus, wrapping up the college’s 75th anniversary observance in 2023. Since 1948, Louisville Bible College has been committed to “Educating preachers and other Christian leaders for Christ’s church.” Due to a debt load of hundreds of thousands of dollars, LBC did not hold classes in 2015-16. However, under the leadership of Dr. Tom Mobley, who returned for a second tenure as president of LBC, the college “rebooted” with classes resuming in the fall of 2016. Eliminating all college debt was a key factor in the rebooting process. In 2018, Christian Financial Resources entered into a 15-year loan agreement with LBC to underwrite the college’s indebtedness. LBC was able to pay ahead on the loan and in November 2022 refinanced the remaining debt with the Christian Restoration Association at 0 percent interest, part of CRA’s Recycled Riches program. John Mitchell, CRA’s executive director, said, “It was a true privilege for the Christian Restoration Association to assist LBC in their debt-free campaign by providing them with one of our Recycled Riches loans. We were thrilled to take advantage of the opportunity to partner together to advance the mission of LBC.” In conjunction with its 75th-year anniversary, LBC launched a fund-raising campaign, “With an Eye to the Future,” to raise $75,000 to help eliminate its remaining debt. As only God can do, the goal was not only met, but enough funds were donated to erase the college debt completely! With its debt eliminated, the college is now looking to the future and to the effective fulfillment of its mission. A task force is currently working to present recommendations for future ministry opportunities to the Board of Regents. Special attention will be given to student recruitment, IT needs, and operational systems. As LBC’s bright future unfolds, President Kerry Allen and the administration team, along with the Board of Regents, recognize the gracious hand of God that has brought about this tremendous blessing, and are committed to operating debt-free in the years to come. (Christian Standard, 2-14-24)

WINTER WEATHER ALERT
If weather conditions require the cancellation of our meetings, information will be posted on the website. www.kymenforchrist.org. You may also contact any member of the Executive Committee.

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cw.young@windstream.net)