Hillsboro Church of Christ
Volume 63 - July 2023
In This Issue of The Hillsboro Christian
By Brad Clouse“But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.”
(James 2:18-19)
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)
James is considered to be the most practical book in the New Testament. It is in this letter that we learn the characteristics of true faith: “The great teaching of the book is that true faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Faith that never gets beyond mind or mouth is not sufficient. Certainly, faith must be there, but it must be more. The noun ‘faith’ must be translated into an action verb” (James E. Smith). Our faith is firmly rooted in the transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Such faith transforms our behavior. It obeys. It perseveres. It is alive.
The author of this letter is James, the half-brother of Jesus: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings” (James 1:1). We read in John 7:5 that he along with his other brothers did not believe in Jesus. Then, post-resurrection, Jesus appeared to him (I Corinthians 15:7), and in that moment, his life was forever changed. James would dedicate the rest of his life to living an active faith in the service of his Lord. According to church history, he would suffer and die for his faith in Jesus.
“[James] shows us what genuine faith looks like in real life and will challenge us about how real faith works hard and lives distinctively. James’ aim is that his readers would serve Jesus more wholeheartedly and radically.”
(Sam
Allberry)This month, we are beginning a new sermon series entitled FAITH ALIVE, which will take us through the book of James. During this series, we will learn what an active faith in Jesus Christ looks like:
“The Testing of Your Faith”
“Consider the Source”
“Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment”
“Accompanied By Action”
“Out of the Same Mouth”
“Who Is Wise and Understanding Among You?”
“Humble Yourself Before the Lord”
“Where Your Treasure Is”
“Be Patient”
(James 1:1-12)
(James 1:13-25)
(James 1:26-2:13)
(James 2:14-26)
(James 3:1-12)
(James 3:13-18)
(James 4:1-17)
(James 5:1-6)
(James 5:7-20)
The theme of our newsletter is FAITH, which corresponds with our upcoming sermon series in the book of James. In this edition, you will find an article from Adam Steele with encouraging words regarding this topic. Also, our guest contributor for this month is Kevin Whitsett, Operations Coordinator for Person 2 Person Ministries. May the contents of this newsletter help us all “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18).
In Christian love, Brad
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brad Clouse, a Louisville, Kentucky native, graduated from Louisville Bible College in 2010 with a Master's Degree in Sacred Literature after earning his former degrees at the same university. Brad served at smaller churches in Adair County Kentucky while in college before being called to Ohio in 2009. Brad ministered to the New Vienna Church of Christ congregation for 12 years before being called to the Hillsboro Church of Christ as the Senior Minister.
He is pictured here with his wife, Julie.
Looking for a daily connection to scripture? Grab your Bibles, let’s go through the Word!
We’ve created a daily morning devotional that you can find on YouTube, Facebook, or our website.
Brad, Adam, Micah, James, and Dave have worked hard putting this together. Each day one of the guys breaks down a few verses of the text for us to connect with in more understandable chunks. Each one lasts 3-5 minutes long.
What a great way to start your morning! Check it out!
Life Line Screening will be here at Hillsboro Church of Christ
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 9:00 A.M.
GET SCREENED FOR STROKE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK WHY SHOULD I GET SCREENED?
For 4 out of five people who have a stroke, the first symptom of any illness is the stroke Screenings provide Peace of Mind or Early Detection What’s included?
Carotid Artery screening
Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Atrial Fibrillation
Osteoporosis Risk
You can register at: Get screened for stroke and cardiovascular disease risk - Life Line Screening
By Kevin Whitsett
One of my favorite movies is “Signs,” starring Mel Gibson. He portrays a Minister who has lost his faith due to his wife’s accidental death. Raising two children on the family farm, Gibson’s character has turned his back on the Lord to the point that in one scene, he looks angrily toward heaven and shouts at God, “I hate you!” But a few strange events take place (ok, an alien shows up!), and by the end of the movie, he has returned to his faith, believing the truth of Romans 8:28, which says, “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”
I wonder how many good Christian people have struggled with their faith when difficult times come. To be honest, I have. Just recently, my wife was lying in an Emergency Room bed, writhing in pain and sickness. It wasn’t the first time and probably won’t be the last. After praying for God to bring healing, which didn’t come until many hours later, I began to question if God really cared. “By your power and through your grace, please heal my wife,” I prayed. But the healing didn’t come as fast as she or I would’ve liked. Several days later, once my wife was feeling better, people would say, “God is good!” Yet I would think, “Why wasn’t He good while she was suffering in the E.R.?”
Don’t worry. I haven’t lost my faith! But honestly, I can understand why some people do.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “…the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” When “things hoped for” don’t show up exactly as we might want or expect, then that “certainty” goes right out the window. So exactly, what is this faith that brings certainty?
The rest of Hebrews 11 gives us all sorts of examples. Verse 3 says, “By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God.” None of us were there when the world was created, but by faith, we believe it to be true. Verses 4-38 mention people like Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and more…17 people are named who “by faith” did amazing things. Countless others are referred to as well, who “by faith” performed unbelievable acts of obedience and trust. Have you read those verses lately?
In speaking of the unnamed faithful, verses 33-38 tell us, “Who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mocking and flogging, and further, chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, on mountains, and sheltering in caves and holes in the ground.”
I hang my head in shame as I read those verses. How dare I wonder if God is still good while my wife is sick; how dare I feel sorry for myself? Saints of old were sawn in two, hiding in holes in the ground, tortured, and killed with a sword, and their faith in God stood strong. They couldn’t see “a better resurrection,” but they believed in it. They couldn’t see God on His throne but knew He was there. The struggles of this world didn’t cause their faith to crack. Yes, the world was not worthy of them.
That’s the kind of faith I want. A faith that doesn’t lead me away from God when the hard times come but a faith that causes me to run toward Him. I’m thankful that God understands if our faith does waver at times. After Jesus rose from the dead, He went to Sunday evening service (well, kind of!). He met His disciples that Sunday night, but Thomas wasn’t there. The disciples met with him and said, “We have seen the Lord!” But Thomas said, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25b). That’s why he has been nicknamed Doubting Thomas; he had to see it to believe it.
The following week, Thomas was with the disciples when Jesus appeared again. He told Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief but
be a believer” (John 20:27). Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus understands our disbelief and doubts, and is patiently willing to prove Himself? When we struggle, He provides just what we need at just the right time to bolster our faith.
Just ask the father mentioned in Mark 9. For years his son had been tortured by an evil spirit. The boy had seizures, foamed at the mouth, and was thrown into the fire and the water to kill him. So the father tells Jesus, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (Mark 9:22b). I love Jesus’ reply! “If you can?” It’s as if Jesus was saying, “Let’s see…I am the Son of God who created the entire universe; I think I can do something about your boy!”
What He actually told him was, “All things are possible to the one who believes” (v. 23). There’s that faith thing again. And the father’s reply has probably been echoed
by countless saints throughout the years, including me: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (v. 24).
There it is. “I do have faith, but at times my faith wavers. I do believe, but at times, it’s hard.” I can relate to that father. I thought of him while in the E.R. with my wife. And I prayed those same words, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
If you’re struggling with your faith, read Scripture. The Biblical stories and references I mentioned in this article, and many more, are written for our instruction. We need to hear how the people mentioned in Scripture lived by faith. When we learn how they did it, we can also be encouraged to do it.
God says, “The righteous will live by faith” (Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:7). Let’s do that…even when life gets hard!
Kevin Whitsett has been the Operations Coordinator at Person to Person Ministries, Hillsboro, OH, since the summer of 2018. Previously, he had served only two churches during his 34 years of located ministry: the Grundy (VA) Church of Christ (15 years) and the Georgetown (OH) Church of Christ (19 years). His amazing wife is Cindy, and they have a daughter and a son, both of whom serve in located ministry.
Tammy Tekuelve (sister to Shannon McCray) was baptized by Micah Wednesday, June 14th. Congratulations Tammy on your decision to follow Christ!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Independence Day
Day: Tuesday, July 4th
The church office will be closed for July 4th.
Faith in Action
Day: Thursday, July 6
Missions Team Meeting
Day: Thursday, July 20th
This is a women’s ministry. They meet once a month on the 1st Thursday of the month @ 6:00 p.m. in the Connection café. Any woman is welcome to join!
Family Camp
Day: Monday-Friday July 24 - 28
MomConnect
Day: Thursday, July 27
They will have their monthly meeting @ 6:30 p.m. in the Connection Café.
See page 4 for details
MomConnect meets once a month in the Connection Café from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This is a group where mothers from all backgrounds, and with any story can meet together and also offer a much needed break to catch their breath. Come join us.
THANK YOU
THIS AND THAT
A great big thank you for your generous outpouring of love for Shalom Orphanage!
We needed $12,000.00 to pay the rent for the next year. You gave $14,00.00+.
That was amazing! Just know that the extra money will go to meet whatever needs may arise, and with almost 50 kids in the home, there will always be a need for money.
So, from someone who has been to the Orphanage several times and fell in love with the kids, I say “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart
Your sister in Christ, Janet Epley
THANK YOU
Hillsboro Church of Christ, thank you so much for the Bible. I really appreciate it and I will be sure to use it as I further my relationship with God. Your support to me and my family means a lot. We love our church family!
Blessings & Love, Hannah Burton
THANK YOU
Hillsboro Church of Christ, thank you for the blanket. A special thanks to Brad for his comforting words at the service. We appreciate all the prayers from everyone too.
Martin & Angela Boris
THANK YOU
A big thank you for the flowers and all the cards sent for John’s 80th birthday. What joy to open each one and remember dear friends.
Again Thank You, John and Cheryl Porter
AREA 937
The Area 937 food Pantry will be collecting corn bread and muffin mix for the month of July.
If someone asked you to explain faith using a metaphor, how would you explain it? You might say something like, “Faith is like the wind; you can’t see it, only the effect that it has.” You may say something like, “Belief is saying it is going to rain, but faith is buying an umbrella.” Or, if you are an electrician, you might use this metaphor, “Faith is like an electrical wire; it is what connects us to God and allows his power to flow through us.” Preachers tend to be good at coming up with metaphors about various things. When I was in college, we used to play a game where someone would give us an object or concept, and in just a few seconds, we had to devise a way to use that object to illustrate a biblical idea. (Fun fact, this is a great way to say some truly heretical things.) Metaphors, illustrations, and parables have been used to explain the deeper things of God from the beginning of humankind.
In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of armor and weapons to explain the life of a Christian and our place in the larger story God is telling. He talks about being ready to “stand firm” against the enemy. He also outlines for us who the true enemy is, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (6:12) Next, Paul goes on to describe the pieces of armor that we carry into battle. One of the pieces he mentions is “the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (v.16).
By Adam Steele
How is faith like a shield? The shield that Paul more than likely has in mind would be the Roman style which was a rectangular shield called a scutum. It was about 3 ½ feet tall and slightly curved. These shields were designed to be used in conjunction with the soldier on either side of you. When a group of Roman soldiers stood beside each other, holding their shields, they created a kind of wall with many strategic advantages. The purpose of a shield is protection; it doesn’t do damage to the enemy, but it protects you from the enemies’ attempts to harm you.
The question then becomes, “What does our faith protect us from?” Being a minister means that I have had the privilege of being a part of many funerals. There is a distinct difference between a funeral for a person of faith and a funeral for a nonbeliever. While those in attendance at a Christian’s funeral are sad about the loss of their loved one, there is no despair. They believe this parting is only temporary, and they will see their loved one again someday. This is the idea that Paul keys in on in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.” Christians don’t grieve in the same way because their faith gives them hope.
When Satan throws his darts of despair, the shield of faith provides protection.
Our current culture has so much confusion about a wide range of issues. Foundational ideas such as the definition of “Man” and “Woman” are being questioned to the point of absurdity. Our world seems intent on taking the simple concepts God has built into our universe and making them intentionally vague and confusing. Amid the rain of Satan’s darts of confusion, the church must stand firm, the shield of faith in hand. We will be ridiculed as being “narrowminded” or “archaic,” but in a world of confusion, we have clear direction from God.
I think the biggest thing that our faith gives us is courage. When you genuinely believe that God himself has spoken, that his design and desires for his people can be understood and put into practice, we should be filled with hope and courage. God has given us all we need. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). Let’s hold up our shields and stand our ground, firm in the faith. May you be protected by your faith, and may God grant you the courage to continue to stand against all that Satan will throw your way. To God be the glory.
Grace and Peace
Adam
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam Steele is originally from western Pennsylvania. When he was eleven his parents moved to West Virginia where he lived through his time in high school. Adam attended Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO.
While in college he met his lovely wife April. Adam and April have two children Silas and Sadie. Adam has a passion for ministry and for God’s word and has served as Youth and Families Minister at HCC since 2016.
Christian Children’s Home of Ohio
In March of 1969, a serene 175-acre farm in Wooster became known as the Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) when members of the independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ movement learned of a local boy with no safe place to call home. They were initially licensed as a foster/group home serving three to five children at one time. CCHO now has five cottages on its campus that are home to as many as 36 at-risk kids at once, children who need to know that they are loved, valued, and finally safe.
For our Residential kids, telling strangers your deepest, darkest secrets is, unfortunately, a common occurrence. They often identify with what has happened to them, not able to comprehend their worth inherently given to them as a child of God.
That’s where CCHO comes in. We offer our kids a new perspective that focuses on who and whose they are, the gifts and talents God gives them, and building resilience as they work through the challenges in their lives.
Since the early 1980s, our congregation has given monthly support to assist CCHO in changing lives. One such life is a fifteen-year-old boy named Chris.
Chris lived in a home filled with abuse and violence. Anger and depression were common feelings to him. Frequently witnessing violence between his parents, he never experienced love or connection.
Chris began to resent his parents and joined a gang to gain a sense of self-worth. He would steal cars and start fights for attention, only to find himself in jail.
Chris had a tough time getting along with his peers and adults. He would hold in his feelings and become verbally and physically aggressive when he reached his breaking point.
Recently Chris participated in an outing of his choice to celebrate his growth. He and a favorite staff member visited Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. Chris was able to challenge himself to ride the tall water slides and overcome his fear of heights more proof that he’s capable of so much.
Chris once battled every relationship. Now he is becoming the compassionate young leader God created him to be.
If you would like to receive notices about prayer requests, you can do so by texting
@hccprayer
to the number 81010.
This will add you to the list.
Any prayer requests we send out will come as a text from HCC Prayer Requests.
r a y e r
REQUESTS 07/01/2023
Health and Other:
Chuck Chaney
Ohio Mission Bible Training Center
Janet Pence
Shalom Orphanage
Don Watson
Sharon Webb
Wayne Wiedenbein
The 25 souls for Christ
Family Loss:
Barbara Boris family
Denver Conley family
Peg Helfinstine family
Missions:
The Brittons, The Millers, The Newmans
Shut Ins:
Jewel Calmes
John Porter
Carol Setty
Sharon Webb
Cancer:
Jeffery Aurigema
Ken Aurigema
Rob Butler
Kari Crafton
Judy Roush
Mark Sears
HCC Leadership:
Steve Allen
Brad Clouse
Roger Epley
Dan Fauber
Jeff Griffith
Micah Herrick
Mike Labig
Adam Steele
Richard VanZant
Military:
Tyler Amos
Ryan Burns
Mark Conover
Thadeus Conover
Corey Hughes
Alex Klein
Phillip Mycroft
Average attendance for the month of June was 306
Average weekly giving for the month of June $11,326.00
Our weekly need is: $11,229.13
P
