Homecoming 2010
Jeremy Northrop
The plans for today have been in the work for the better part of two years. As is the tradition in Ashland, the church here celebrates her homecoming on the fourth Sunday each April. Originally, brother J.C. Enlow was the scheduled speaker for Homecoming 2009. Because of a hunting accident, brother Enlow was not able to be here last year. We are grateful to God that he was able to make a recovery and be with us for Homecoming 2010. The events of the day promise to be a good day in fellowship with each other and in worship to God. As you probably know, the day will begin with brother Enlow speaking in the class this morning, delivering the sermon during the worship hour, the church will have an afternoon meal, then the church will have an early afternoon worship service at 1:30 PM. Brother Enlow has been in contact with Sam Ford, our regular song leader, and will have a special worship service this afternoon.
Some have questioned why the congregation here or any congregation of the Lord’s church should have a special event like Homecoming. There are many purposes which Homecoming 2010 can serve. It is an opportunity for Christians to come together and have fellowship with each other. Brother J.C. Enlow, for example, is no stranger to the congregation here. He served as the regular preacher here for several years. It is noteworthy that he has been able to maintain a good-standing relationship with the church here. He is not the only one. There are other past members who have moved away or, for some other reason, no longer are regular attendees to the services of the Ashland church of Christ. Homecoming is a good opportunity for members, both past and present, to renew friendships, visit with each other, and have the spiritual fellowship with one other. The church of the first century engaged in spiritual fellowship (Acts 2:42). Paul and John longed to see brethren they knew and indicated the deep relationship they had with them (2Timothy 1:4; 2John 14). It just makes sense that Christians today have the same kind of relationship with each other.
In short, the homecoming service can serve as a time of reunion. In John 14, Jesus comforted His disciples by telling them He was leaving to prepare a place for them. He then stated, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). He spoke of the reunion He would have with His disciples on the day of judgment. Certainly, today is a day of reunion as members past and present of the Ashland church of Christ come together and worship God together.
When we think about the day of judgment, however, we are reminded that it will not be a day of reunion for everyone. Matthew 7:21-23 describes two groups of people who will be present on the day of judgment. To some, He will say, “depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” There are a lot of people who say “Lord, Lord” but Jesus says this is not enough to have fellowship with Him. There are some who indeed think they are saved but in actuality are not saved.
Thus, today can also be a day of reflection. Sometimes, Christians use special events like homecoming to seek prayers of the church, reflect on some of the troubling things in their lives, and inwardly determine to do things differently. There are other times, when the personal reflection leads to a deeper more serious challenge. Special events of the congregation can be a time when people listening to the lessons presented will deeply consider their own relationship with God. When we see others who we know are in a good relationship with God, we might find our own lacking. In fact, one of the blessings of the church is the time we can spend with those of “like precious faith” (2Peter 1:1). One of the reasons for church discipline is so fellowship is severed and those not living right may learn shame (2Thessalonians 3:14). This shame is designed to motivate the transgressor to do right.
Dear reader, it may be that this day is special today simply because you have dear friends and want to renew old acquaintances. It may be you need to reflect and make some resolutions in your personal life. It may be you need to deeply reflect and renew your relationship with God. Whatever your needs, today is the day of salvation (2Corinthians 6:2). Choose today to make whatever changes need to be made in your own life.
