West Main

DISMISSING  GOD

“On no clear evidence theologians and philosophers declare God to be omniscient [all knowing] and omnicompetent [all capable and all powerful]. Plainly if there is such a God who really wished to reveal Himself to mankind, He would do so in a way that left no doubt.” The previous quote is by Robert Gorham Davis posted in a New York Times editorial published in a book by D. Bruce Lockerbie, Dismissing God. Lockerbie chronicles various literary figures such as Davis who in their writings struggle against God. Some of these writers went on to have faith while others died in despair and anger.

To say we live in a culture today that largely dismisses God would not be an exaggeration. Though popular polls in the press state that the majority of our nation claims to believe in God, one wonders what exactly such belief actually means. Perhaps belief in God is one thing and believing God is routinely and presently active in human affairs is another matter all together. Saying you believe in God does not necessarily cost anything in terms of accountability or responsibility. Our society on the whole appears to dismiss God from biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, sociology, theology, and a host of other “ologies.”

In all the dismissing and being dismissed directed at God these days, the words of the Apostle Paul come to mind: “Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: ‘So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge’” (Romans 3:4). Paul is quoting the words of Psalm fifty-one where David is confronted by the prophet Nathan for his murder of Uriah and his adultery with Bathsheba. Whatever David’s rationalizations and self-justifications for his sin were, they came crashing down upon him by the truth-power of God’s word. David comes to acknowledge and admit that he had been lying to himself and was a sinner in need of forgiveness and redemption.

What is particularly striking about this episode in David’s life is that the truth and power of God’s word to correct David and steer him away from murder and adultery was always present and available. Surely if one were to have asked David prior to committing his sins, “Do you believe in God?” David would have emphatically declared, “Yes, I believe in God!” However, David, like all of us, can dismiss God from our thinking and actions. The seeming ease in which we can dismiss God from our minds is frightening. We must never under-estimate the power of the flesh. Believing in God is not enough. Our faith in God must be embodied in our daily life and actions.

The lesson from David and what our society that dismisses God must recall is that every word of God will prove true and every man a liar. The only question that remains will be at what point each of us will come to this realization. Will we see the truth and power of God’s word in our lifetime where repentance can occur, or will we see ourselves as liars as we stand before God’s throne where only judgment remains? Belief alone is not enough, our faith must be embodied in this life on earth.  Everything else is just a lie.  

-- Terry

PROFILE OF A DEACON

We will be having a seminar emphasizing the New Testament role of a Deacon, the relationships and ethics of a Deacon, and the faith and skills of a Deacon.  The seminar is for all men who serve as Deacons or for men who would like to serve in the future. The seminar dates are October, 12, 19, and 26 from 7-9:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

JAMES II  NEEDS

Our pantry is in need of some food items.  Please pick up a few of these items the next time you are shopping: canned chili, peanut butter (the 16-18oz. size), small jars of jelly, and canned tuna.  Also, cash is welcome to help buy our frozen food items.  Thank you so much for all that you do for our James II program.

HARVEST PARTY 

Get ready for a great time on October 22.  Bill and Barb Viera will be hosting our Harvest Party this year at their home (weather permitting and if it is not raining). Festivities will start at noon and continue until 5:00 p.m.  Lunch will be at 1:00 p.m. We will have a sign-up sheet at the back of the auditorium this Sunday for the foods to bring.  We will have fun games for the kids, too.  Please bring your lawn chairs, etc. and plan for an exciting afternoon of fellowship.  Please try to car pool from the church building as parking space is limited.  Anyone wanting to car pool, please be at the church parking lot by 11:00 a.m.  Please call Barb Viera with any questions.

TUPPERWARE AND PASTA PARTY 

This is a fundraiser for the youth group at West Main! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 8, at noon in the Fireside Room.  The theme is “Pasta Party” and lunch will be served!  Call hosts Nanette Murphy or Colleen Abbott to RSVP so they can plan for lunch.  Have fun, stock your kitchen with Tupperware and support our teens all in one place!

For Donna York as she recovers from hip replacement surgery at home ... Mandy Breithaupt requests prayers for her daughter, Vicki, who will be having more tests and a tube implant in her stomach ... David Mayes requests prayers for Cora Sawyer and Dett ... Conrad Arvin had a second stroke and is in rehab.  He is not doing well ... For our President and all of our military men, women and families.

THANK YOU NOTE

Dear West Main Family:

Thank you so much for the flowers, phone calls, visits,  and especially your prayers after my hip surgery.  I am at home recovering and I am enjoying your phone calls.  I hope to be back with you at church soon.   My love to you all,     Donna York