Bulletins
That Most Important Step
About nine years ago, I walked back into a church building I had left and avoided for two decades. I remember it was this time of year because after the morning worship service as I was nearing my car, one member invited me to a New Year's Eve party he had planned at his house. This man knew of me but hardly knew me because my days of attending this church regularly were before he started attending. Still, he invited me to his home just as he did faithful members of the congregation. I thanked him while saying I had to work that night, which I did. But the truth, shameful as it was, also was that even if free that night I might have chosen a gathering with others and different types of New Year's Eve refreshments. You see, I was still straddling a fence, maybe a few steps better than in recent years but still territory far from safety for my soul. That Lord's day evening I did email one of the men who as I recall was preaching or at least worshipping elsewhere that particular day. I wanted him to know I was sorry to hear about his health problems but also that I had heard about this by attending that morning's worship service and I planned to do so again. Had this man, whom I greatly respected even in my worst days, ridiculed me the way I deserved, he might have just pushed me off the fence back into hopeless territory. Instead, he said my email meant a lot to him and that he had never stopped praying for me. He followed Galatians 6:1 knowing it said, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."
Others helped pull me over the fence as well. Some sent cards. Soon after my return on a snowy day when Wednesday Bible study was canceled because of unsafe road conditions, I received a phone call to make sure I didn't needlessly venture into bad weather but also to encourage me about my return. People did their part as James 5:19-20 says, "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." If choosing to model oneself after a Bible character, no one really picks the prodigal son, but Luke 15:11-32 certainly pertained to me.
I write this not only to express thanks to those who warmly welcomed me back into the fold but encourage anyone struggling with their upcoming steps and that Christians following God's word will welcome you as well. While Christians want you back, don't do it for them but do it for your soul. You need the Lord!
Certainly, I am far from perfect and a finished product now. If I was, I would no longer need the church. Instead, my plan is to be at Mattoon's South Side Church of Christ every meeting time possible and to live faithfully each day. I am so thankful I took those first uncomfortable steps back into the building and to the Lord. Along with repenting and being baptized, it was the best decision of my life. My only regret is I didn't do so much sooner.
-Written December 24, 2023
(Scripture quotes are from the NKJV)
- December_31_2023-1704074068.pdf (396.01 kB)
