Losing Touch

Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. . . (Isaiah 51:1)

As a child, the church was as much a part of my life as my own home. Our family church was built in 1874, just after the Civil War. Both my mother and father's great grandparents were in the church; and they built the large, white structure on land furnished by one of my great grandfathers. The church was very typical of eastern NC churches of that era, wood framed with windows on all four sides, a double door in the front, and pulpit in the rear. A dividing partition ran down the center of the church. The men sat on the right hand side from the front door, the women on the left. When I was a small child and before the educational building was added, each corner of the large building was a Sunday school space, curtained off by draperies. So, there were 4 Sunday school classes. Just in front of the pulpit, on the communion table, was a small round table bell. When Sunday school was over, the Sunday school super intendant would tap on the bell.

I have two homes, one in town and one on the beach. I prepare my own food, (thank God with the help of a microwave). And each time before I eat, I tap on the bell in each house. I don't want to forget “the rock from which I was hewn, the hole of the pit from which I was dug.” I have seen most of the world. I have had an exciting life, have outlived most of my friends; but I do not want to forget the basics of life, the memories of things that have brought me this far.

Tragic is the person who loses touch with the values of life. In our urban lifestyles we have forgotten our rural ancestors who looked with fond memories on the “homeplace”, the farm home where several generations were reared. In the pomp and circumstance of the padded pews and operatic choirs of the city church, we have forgotten the homecoming of the country church with lunch spread on outside tables. Relatives came from far and wide because this was a time for the rejoicing of families in well earned memories, not only of one another, but the graciousness and promises of the Christian life.

It is a sad social recluse who does not enjoy the homecoming at his school or college. In spite of the fact that everyone has changed, everyone has aged. The guys have become bald. The girls have become “less small”.

“Old Age” by Buddha

The glorious chariots of the kings wear out;
the body also comes to old age;
but the virtue of good people never ages;
thus the good teach each other.

It is truly tragic that the only time most families see one another is at a funeral. Don't be surprised if your family is the last one to love you in time of need. God is good. You can survive without family. Nearly 50 years as a totally blind, disabled person, only three cousins have been in my house, two of the same mother. One cousin sends me some food each Christmas. Christ told us that we must be willing to give up our family, if we were going to follow Him. My family, generally speaking, are all church goers. But, like so many, are just “playing church”. God, in His unquestioned sovereignty has assured me that my last worry should be my disinterested, unconcerned family. They do not know what lies in their pathway either.

Even denominations lose touch with their doctrine and the fundamentals of their beliefs. Think of the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Lutherans, who do not object to homosexual pastors or same sex marriage. It must be a depraved church goer, who can sit in a church knowing that a homosexual minister is telling him how to live. STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR MORAL PRINCIPLES. It is a depraved congressperson who can sit in a committee room, making laws to govern people with the likes of a Barney Frank. STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR MORAL PRINCIPLES. It is a depraved state legislator who can sit in a legislative building making laws to govern hardworking, tax paying, God fearing citizens with the likes of R. C. Soles or Julia Boseman. STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR MORAL PRINCIPLES.

Eight times in the Holy Scriptures we learn of the “wrath of God”. We know that the modernistic, liberal church goers just believe in the love of God. Remember, our God is a consuming fire. (Deuteronomy 4:24) Don't lose touch with the absolutes of heaven and hell. Our country is beyond a political battle. It is now a spiritual battle. On 9-9-09 we heard a false witness in the congress promoting the tax paying of abortions (murder of children). Mother Theresa said before her death, “Only prayer will save America.” It is obvious that Christians are not fasting, certainly should be praying. “God is Boss.” The church is not on a majority rule basis any more than a military mission is on a majority rule. When a commanding officer, in time of war, orders “cease that territory from the enemy” the warriors do not have a vote. We are in a spiritual battle. You are on your own in this battle. Your knowledge of God's Word, your liberal minister, will not supply any defense when you stand before God in judgment.

Jesus Christ has never lost touch with you. He never knew what it was like to lose a wife or a child. But he was a man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3), and understands being tired, hungry, thirsty and knew what it was to work with his hands. He was all points tested, but was without sin, a sinless savior. (Hebrews 4:9). Twice God rested, after the creation of the universe and after the crucifixion of His beloved son, when Christ said, “It is finished”. Never lose touch with the finished work of Christ. Colossians 2:10 Don't lose touch with the fact that in Him you are complete. Everything you do in his name, will be blessed.