Concluding Remarks

This is always a sad time. The time when everything comes to an end. Brother Duane Cogburn spoke about next years meeting, most likely to be in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This also includes our final song and closing prayer. It was a pleasure being with everyone through this meeting. May God bless us all in His grace!

Wayne Moore: Can we get there?

After a week of sermons about issues in the church today and things we can do better, Brother Wayne Moore closed the meeting with some encouraging words. He encouraged us to be strong, stand fast, and be ready for whatever storms may come. He spoke to the fact that there were many young brothers involved in leading prayers and songs. There were many teenagers and young children at the meeting. The next generation is coming along. We just have to make sure we have a strong, scriptural foundation prepared for them.

Chad Prince: Left-wing literature

Have you been in a Christian bookstore lately? It's overwhelming! There are more books for sale about how to live the Christian life than there are Bibles! Many of our friends and families read these books. Some of them are good, but some are not scriptural. How do you know the difference? A strong foundation in the Bible and a good filter. Chad explains what this filter should be.

Hunter Bulger: Take heed unto thyself

Brother Hunter Bulger gave an excellent sermon on taking heed unto ourselves. In today's world, we all "take heed" unto something. For some it is a job, a hobby, a person, but what about God? Do we take heed unto ourselves concerning God? Hunter encourages us to do just that.

Allan Daniel: How may I impact the direction of my children?

Brother Allan Daniel explained that we all have an impact on someone, somewhere, sometime, whether we want to or not. We may not think anyone wants to be like us, but there are those who think we "hung the moon" so to speak. Sometimes these are our own children! The best way to direct them is to direct ourselves!

Duane Cogburn: On what points should lines of fellowship be drawn?

Sometimes lines of fellowship are drawn quickly and harshly. Lines have been drawn so long ago that now there are congregations in close proximity to one another that don't know why they don't work together! So if we must completely withdraw from a brother or a congregation, when should we? What should we look for?

Terry Darnell: How do I cooperate with those I don't agree with on all points?

Cooperation with others even though we disagree is almost an oxymoron. Cooperation implies that we do agree! Brother Terry Darnell taught that we should find things that we do agree on and strengthen relationships based on that. Stronger relationships will have a better chance of discussing differences than those based on arguments and disagreements.

Carley Conner: What can I do with my talents to help the church grow?

Brother Luke Allen opened for Brother Carley Conner by reading some scripture. Brother Carley then proceeded to explain that he didn't know what we could do, because he didn't know our specific talents. However, it is widespread that people have talent and don't do anything with it. We don't need to try to be like someone else, we only need to use what we have to do our part!

Scott Conner: Analysis of gifts and talents.

What is the difference between gifts and talents? Are they the same? Brother Scott Conner explains that a talent is something we possess that we can do while a gift is something Jesus possesses that He gives us to do.

Tony Whiddon: Am I part of the problem or the solution?

Brother Tony Whiddon spoke to us about what the problem is and whether or not we are a part of it. In general, if we aren't doing the things we should be, Bible study, prayer, visiting, teaching, loving, etc., then we ARE part of any problem! Only when we have the right attitude toward God and our fellow-brethren can we be part of any solution.

Dana Johnson: How can I examine myself?

Self-examination is a difficult, but necessary process. It is one that must be honest, thorough, and ongoing. Brother Dana Johnson gives us some excellent points to consider about how we can examine ourselves!

David Burnham: How can I evangelize beyond the assembly?

Evangelism beyond the assembly doesn't have to be difficult. It is about finding ways to open doors. Our lifestyle may cause someone to ask a question. That question may be our opportunity to teach them about Jesus! This sermon encourages us to be the people we should be so that when opportunities arise we are prepared!

Gerald Carter: How can I carry sermons outside the assembly?

Brother Gerald spoke of a developing plan his congregation is using to try and spread the gospel. This plan involves the creation of sermon outlines that are mailed to friends of the members. Hopefully, one day this will turn into home bible studies and a saved soul!

Allen Kirk: How may I prepare those who follow me?

Young people can make a difference! Brother Allen spoke of many young people who have made significant accomplishments before the age of 18! So what are we doing to prepare those? This sermon gives suggestions to the young to help prepare them and help them become aware of their situation in the world today.

Don Avaritt: What should I do to develop my skills in the kingdom?

The number one skill needed in the church today isn't preachers, singers, prayers, givers, or any other title. It is simply DESIRE! We need to fall in love with Jesus like we are in love with our kids, grandkids, parents, or anyone else we hold dear! We need to love Him so much we can't help but want to share him with others! That is the desire we need! If we can get that, everything else will fall into place!

Bill Prince: How did Jesus want us to act in the kingdom?

What does God expect of us? Perfection! Does this mean absolute perfection in that we never do anything wrong? No, but it does mean that we do everything right that we know how to do! We don't know everything, so we aren't expected to do everything right! But we are expected to not sin willfully! That is perfection, when we choose to live for God the best we know how!

Sam Dick: Christ's Intent for His Kingdom

Brother Sam spoke to us about the difference in the "global" church (even though that title is not in the Bible) and the local church. Local churches have no governing body, and are free to make their own decisions within the approval of the scriptures. He also spoke about how each of us need to have a congregation to answer to.

Jim Pritchard: Fellowship and Interaction of God's People

The church has too often looked for reasons to divide rather than reasons to fellowship. Are we still too hasty to cut people off? Would Jesus be as ready as we are to send people away and split congregations? Or would He be more merciful and patient in teaching?

Donald Thompson: Church Organization and Function

The Lord's church is not centralized and has no earthly headquarters. How, then, do we operate? In two capacities - as individuals and as an assembly. As individuals we are much more free to teach. Women are permitted to teach others (and instructed to do so) as part of an individual effort to spread the gospel. Yet while we are in an assembly, there are much more rigid rules guiding our actions.

Chris Richardson: Bible Study and Understanding

Bible study is VERY important to every Christian. However, Chris pointed out that just as important is the meditation that goes along with the study. Our study should be more of quality than just seeking quantity. Chris reminded us that it is better to meditate on one verse and get it than to read 5 chapters and miss the whole point!

Mark Carpenter: The Impact of Modern Society on the Church

How has society impacted us? Most likely more than we realize! However, all the advancements of society can be used for good or evil! While Satan is light years ahead of us on TV, the Internet, radio, etc., that doesn't mean we still can't use these technologies to bring glory to God!

Dwight Thomas: Tradition Vs. Law

Brother Dwight made some excellent comments on tradition and how it can be both helpful and deadly. Periodically it is worth reviewing our traditions to see if they are in accordance with God's will.

Brad Prince: The Importance of Establishing the Biblical Pattern

Uzzan, Nadab and Abihu, Lot's Wife, Ananias and Sapphira. All examples of not following the Biblical pattern. What about us? Are we? Let's consider the Biblical Pattern for life and worship as we begin the day.

Harry Cobb: History of the Church

Brother Harry presented a very interesting history of the Church. No doubt he compressed a LOT to keep it to an hour, but he did a good job. There's enough facts and information here that it will take a few "listens" to catch all of it! Maybe he will email me his notes sometime so we can have those, too!

Though he presented a lot of facts, he made it very clear that throughout history the Church has been split as we see it today. However, the sad thing is that these splits almost always come from within! Paul told the Ephesians that their own elders would create problems, and it still arises today. May we all be so bold as to humble ourselves despite any respect that others may give us. To God be all the glory!!!

Thanks, Harry, for all the teaching and encouragement!

Introduction: Brad Prince

Here is the audio from the Camp Meeting Introduction from earlier this evening. Many thanks to Mark Carpenter for having his digital voice recorder there. The audio program on my computer crashed...!!!

Thanks Mark!