Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Happy Birthday Charlie! Charlie – Charles, that is, you really made a mark on this world. “Darwin” is a name recognized by just about everyone, and it’s in every kid’s textbook. I guess that makes you pretty famous. But then, there’s a lot more to life than “famous.” Good ol’ Charles. Think of what this world would be like if you had not come along with all your weird theories about where man came from, and the origin of all the species on the earth. Well, Charlie, I hope you understand why I won’t be celebrating your birthday, and why others who read their Bible won’t be celebrating, either. The truth is, there are many who don’t think much of your “scientific” calculations. The last survey by the Gallup folks says less than half believe you “got it right” in your “evolution” theories. Only 9% agreed that your “core evolution theory” (which says man is a product of godless, mindless coincidence) accurately describes the origin of man. Now Charlie, don’t get angry with me when I remind you of the fact that us foolish old Bible believers still believe man is God’s creation, not just a mere accident in far distant history. No, you didn’t make many converts out of us, but this is still your birthday and I’m just trying to be nice .By now your conscience is really bothering you when you think of what you did to so many of our young people, telling them they are just “advanced” apes. Don’t expect me to cut you any slack. You are just reaping what you have sown. The old prophet Hosea talked about that in chapter 8, verse 7 of his book. Look it up. That Paul fellow, you may have heard of him, he wrote to some church folks in Galatians 6:7: “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Imagine that. And long before Paul, old Jeremiah talked about the same thing in chapter 12, verse 13 of his book. There is something I have wanted to ask you for a long time. Did you ever think about, well, what if you were wrong? Did that ever cross your mind? Now you know those “foolish old Bible believers” were right, and that judgment is something you would like to avoid and forget. There really is a heaven, and a hell. I feel sure it “crosses your mind” now and then. I remember reading one of your comments on this whole subject of man and the missing links. You said something about an ordinary man plowing up his garden in the spring. You said he would probably find lots of those “missing links” because they were so plentiful. You sure missed it there. By the way, what about that guy over in England who found some bones near the little village of Piltdown? You didn’t plant those bones, did you, Charlie? If you were trying to fool a bunch of people you really did it then. They were so eager to find a “missing link” that they were hoodwinked by someone who had filed and varnished the teeth and the jaw of an ape. The British Museum people were embarrassed that they had not really done their homework. They wanted to find that missing link – the link your folks just had tofind to prove your theory. That’s what can happen when you make up your mind before all the facts are in. I imagine you wanted to hide somewhere. Do you know what?  I haven’t heard of any gardeners around here, or anywhere else, who have found any of those missing links. To be blunt, it is the “chain” that is missing, not just a “link”. Sorry about that, Charlie, but that’s the way it is. One more thing. I keep hearing that some of your friends who no longer agree with your “natural selection” now claim humans just rose up over night. One called it a “Hopeful Monster,” but it is also said that others preferred a more dignified term, like “Punctuated Equilibrium.” I’m sure you had a long visit with them about that. Well, I guess I didn’t cheer you up on your birthday. Nothing I or anyone else could say can cheer up someone where you and your friends are. I’m sorry. It could have been different. Carl Garner

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO YOU? There's a sweet old story, translated for men, But writ in the long ago; The gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Of Christ and His mission below. You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day, By the deeds you do, by the words you say. Men read what you write, whether faithless or true, Say! What is the gospel according to you? 'Tis a wonderful story - that gospel of love, As it shines in the Christ-life divine; And O, that its truth might be spoken again In the story of your life and mine! You are writing each day a letter to men! Take care that the writing is true. 'Tis the only gospel some men will read - That gospel according to you. Author Not Known

WHAT DOES GOSPEL MEETING MEAN TO YOU? Our gospel meeting is just around the corner! To some, it seems that gospel meetings are nothing more than a traditional formality. It appears that some are willing to discard such efforts, to nail the coffin shut because they believe gospel meetings serve no real purpose today. Perhaps it isn’t wise to do away with such special efforts so hastily. Could it possibly be that the lack of support by brethren for gospel meetings and other special ways of outreach says more about our misplaced priorities than we would like to admit? While not trying to put anybody on a “guilt-trip,” that may be a question that’s worth pondering. What does our gospel meeting mean to you? Does our gospel meeting mean an opportunity to grow in our Lord? We all should be concerned about growing “in the grace and knowledge” of Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). We are to long for God and His word as a baby longs for milk (I Pet. 2:2). How many babies turn down the opportunity to eat? They eat a lot, and they eat often! Does our gospel meeting mean an opportunity to get our batteries recharged? It’s easy for even the very best of Christians to become weary, drained, and exhausted. Gospel meetings can be like a breath of fresh air! By drawing closer to God, His word, and our brethren, we can find new strength and zeal to “fight the good fight faith” (I Tim. 6:12, Psa. 85:6, Isa. 40:28-31). Does our gospel meeting mean a special opportunity to reach out to the community? Certainly we should always try to reach our community with the precious message of Jesus (Acts 5:42), but gospel meetings are special in that the entire congregation works together in an organized, united effort to reach out to our community. Does our gospel meeting mean an opportunity to examine and evaluate our lives? Honest self-reflection is a must for Christians (2 Cor. 13:5). Gospel meetings provide an important occasion for all of us to look at ourselves in the light of God’s word (Jas. 1:21-27). Does our gospel meeting mean an opportunity for fellowship? There is a wonderful spirit of companionship, sharing, and togetherness in being Christians (Rom. 1:12). During gospel meetings, it’s wonderful to see brethren from neighboring congregations who attend and participate because they understand the preciousness of the relationship we share in Christ (I Jn. 1:7-9). Does our gospel meeting mean an opportunity for getting into God’s book? We all may be sure that the speaker for our gospel meeting, brother B. J. Clarke, will build up, challenge, stimulate, and even rebuke us, as needed from God’s word. Few of us would turn down a good dinner invitation. Isn’t that exactly what a gospel meeting is? Our gospel meeting will be a wonderful time of worshiping God with our brothers and sisters. The Bible will be preached, and lives will be touched. When I think about what our gospel meeting means to me, it’s such an opportunity for me to show my love and support for the Lord and His church, it can’t be taken lightly! How about you? Mike Vestal