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Mene- God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it. Tekel- Thou art
weighed in the balances and art found wanting. Peres- Thy kingdom is divided
and given to the Medes and Persians. (Daniel 5:25-28)
We said last week that we would preach on "How the Church of Our Day has
been built." I also have said in the past that our kind of church cannot save our
kind of world and there is a strong reason for it.
Some years ago it was discovered that our schools were no longer safe for
our children to attend. The reason given was that certain materials were used
to build our schools and they were hazardous and dangerous to one's health.
So all schools have to be renovated. Recently , we have learned that water, air.
soil, minerals, plants, are now being threatened by the way we have abused the
above list. You and 1 know that the Creation in which we live belongs to God.
God has granted us stewardship of creation and we should meet these
stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect
Because there are now certain endangered plant species, there is now a cry
to protect growth, forests and other irreplaceable natural treasures. So today
we support measures designed to maintain and restore nature's ecosy stems. In
fact, today it is almost impossible to be elected to a government office unless
he or she cares about the earth and its fullness. David, the Psalmist, declared
"The Lord which made heaven and earth.." (Psalms 115:15) "The earth is the
Lord and all its fullness." We are told to come and behold it and to consider
its heaven, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast
ordained. (Psalms 8:3)
God knew that his earth must remain healthy if his people were to live and
all his animals, so he made people to be stewardship over his earth.
Now listen with me how Jesus felt about his church: "And I say unto you
that thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of "hell
shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 6:18)
Let me say this, I have no fear to write this message. I say as Paul, "Finally
my brethren, rejoice in the Lord, to write the same things to'you. to me indeed
is not grievous, but for you it is safe." (Phil. 3:1) Like Paul you need to know that
everybody in the forest does not care about clean waterand clean air. There are
those not concerned about dead fish in the river, nor the sea. So like the earth,
there are those as Bro. Paul preached "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers,
beware of the concision. (Phil. 3:2)
So Jesus said to Peter at the gates of the church there wil I be a war, to prevail
against the church. You see, my friend, the church is kin to the earth, she has
been told to be white, clean and to be without spot, to array herself in purity and
to be ready at any moment for the return ofthe maker. "And every man that hath
this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."(I John 3:3) Seeingye have
purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love
ofthe brethren. (I Peter 1:2)
You and I must not be afraid to speak out. telling others what God's word tel Is
us. "Likewise, must the deacon be grave not double tongued, not given to much
wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, wives are to be grave, not slanderers, sober,
faithful in all things." (I Timothy 3:3-12)
A few weeks ago we preached on the thought "Somebody Needs to do
Something." When 1.4 million babies are aborted every year, somebody needs
to do something. When 51.7%ofchurch involved youth drink beer and 52% use
marijuana and these do not differ greatly from youth who are not in church,
somebody needsto do something. When 3 million alcohol related violent crimes
occur each year and 3 out of 4 cases of spouse abuse are alcohol related,
somebody needs to do something.
When Christians are actively persecuted and discriminated against on the
job, somebody needs to do something. When the churches of our nation are
wel I acquainted with these issues, yet largely unwilling to address the social and
moral problems of our day for fear of ridicule or rejection, somebody needs to
do something.
Can I tell you what is killing, murdering our young people, middle-aged
people and the elderly- Bro. Paul said to "Beware of false teachers." Paul, the
apostle, warned of concision. Those who are short on the saying of God's word,
those who skip through the requirements of God. The church has become like
the forest, water that needs to be clean, become a killer to those who drink of
. it. The air of the forest is now killing all who breathe it.
When the air in our church gets contaminated with deacons who are not
blameless, as the steward of God and becomes self-willed and soon too angry
and given to wine, 1 have become stricter and it seems money has become their,
game. Friend, you have a church that is in danger of becoming a Christian
species which are on the danger list. Let me say this, your gates will not prevail.
It maybe hell itself, but it will not prevail. Go ahead make your selection on you
belief, but somewhere God has got someone somewhere who will dare to climb
those big scriptural mountains and say from the top, "For the bed is shorter than
that a man can stretch himself on it and the covering narrower than that he can
wrap himself in it. For the Lord shall rise up. He shall be wrought" (Isaiah 28:2021)
Brother Daniel when he saw what the King, Belshazzar had done, I like to think
that Daniel would have gone and climbed on of those endangered species trees
and waved his hand and said, "Hold on, Belshazzar, you have gone too far. This
is one tree you will not cut down." That is what we need in our churches,
somebody who is not afraid to climb.
Daniel had seen that Belshazzar had made a feast to a thousand of his lords
and drunk wine before them. It is said these feasts lasted six months or longer.
The big mistake Belshazzar made was when he sent for the gold and silver
vessels which his dad Nebuchadnezzar had taken out ofthe temple in Jerusalem.
Notice with me the gates here, that he used to destroy the vessels of God.
Belshazzar had princes, wives and concubines drink from these vessels . The
scripture says these vessels were for the house of God, but Belshazzar did not
care, "They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, ofbrass, of iron,
of wood and of stone.".
1 know those ball games and sports which gets more out of you than the
praises of God is a gate, and they will not prevail over the voice that could have
shoutedamenandglorytoGod. The folks at this feast who had praised the gods
of sticks and stones, silver, gold, which were of gods you could see not, nor hear,
nor know, not knowing about the God in whose hands thy breath is and whose
are all thy ways hostnot glorified. (Daniel 5:23) While they sit, cheering on their
team and while this impious act was being committed "In the same hour came
forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the
plaster of the wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part ofthe hand that
wrote."
Remember what Jesus said, "The gates ofhell shall not prevail..." Belshazzar
used the vessels of God. like some preachers we know of today, they use the
vessels like Belshazzar who was drunk, but they suddenly became sober as they
saw something that was supernatural, a handwriting on the wall, right over the
golden candlestick.
Possibly every face turned pale, a deathly pale. The king's countenance was
changed and his thoughts troubled him so that the joint of his loins were loose
and his knees smote one against another. In his haste he sent for his wisest men
to come and read that handwriting on the wall.
Yes, my friend, Belshazzar had made the forest ofthe people ofGod drunk.
You might say he used the church to ruin the holiness of God's place like some
of you today who have chosen men who are unfit to be deacons, choir leaders
and singers who attempt to defile the words of God.
It does not say what hour or the time of night but, on the wall appeared a
hand. I have seen such persons when God shows up. The silver cord of life is
weakened and their legs are weakened, like Belshazzar they send for someone
to come and interpret what had gone wrong. Many were sent for but no relief.
Oh, he promised whoever could help him would be third ruler in the kingdom,
they would have gifts and a gold chain should be put around their neck.
But all was in vain. The king was troubled. Are you troubled about teen
pregnancies, alcohol, drugs? You ought to be. What about abortion?
F inally, the queen came in. She told the king where one who could interpret
the handwriting on the wall was. So Daniel was sent for He was familiar with
it He knew his father's handwriting
My dear fellows, sou can't get this gift from Duke. Wake Forest. Southeastern
nor Campbell. No sir. it is a gift from God. "When he ascended up on high
he led captivit> captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Ephesians 4:7-13)
How sad it would have been if Daniel would have taken this salary increase,
insurance package and a wonderful retirement and two months vacation. No
sir. during this revival Bro Daniel had been given a message and he was to
interpret it. Looking over on the wall. Daniel w itnessed a real doctrine "Mene.
Mene." Looking at the king he said. "King, God hath numbered thy kingdom
and finished it." The only reason some of you have gotten as far as you have
in disobedience to God's word is that you are smart in your earthly mind to
always Find another who will sav the same things, preach what you preach,
believe like you believe In other words, you took the chain and let the boat go
on without rocking it.
No so w ith Daniel. He said "King. Tekel-Thou art weighed in the balances
and art found wanting." Some of you have done well in the forest of God. You
selected those dry songs, separated those which mention the blood of Christ,
forced preachers to accept a doctrine which has been passed down through
the ages.
Solomon, upon reaching an old age said. "1 have no pleasure in them. While
the sun or the light or the moon or the stars be not darkened, nor the clouds
return after the rain In the days when the keeper of the house shall tremble, and
strong men shall bow themselves and the grinder cease, because they are few
and those that look out the window be darkened." (Eccl. 12:1-3)
Daniel is now saying "King, it is over and you have been found wanting.
God has numbered your days because what you fought over and made others
to drink of your disbelief, your kingdom is now divided and given to the Medes
and Persians." In other words, that which you have been having into the pulpit
and put together from up the road is now divided. You see. just prior to this if
some would have said to Belshazzar your time is now. you must step into the
balance and be weighed.
Let me ask you the question, if you were to be weighed, today, right now.
would you be found wanting?
David when recognizing that he was about to be weighed cried, "Save me.
O God. for the waters are come in upon my soul." (Psalms 69:1) Let me close
with the words "Somebody once ask the question: where is the life we have lost
in living? And how far we have fallen and how we got so far behind?
I have shared with you my convictions about the church. For the past
twenty-five years I have seen a great change, and as we approach the end of
this twentieth century and begin a new one, many lives are full ofclutter and
noise. One writer said these did not come suddenly nor did it happen overnight.
What has happened to the church has been clutter and noise and it seems we
are unable to eradicate it and the clutter and noise has intertwined themselves
around us, hugged us tightly and never let us go. Like tenacious weeds that
may grow into the bark of a healthy tree and endanger it, so clutter and noise
take root and grow in our lives until they sap us of our spiritual vitality. Gradual ly
as we grow older we accumulate things. In this book of yearning minds and
burning hearts it tells how we accumulate things. We purchase new gadgets
and clothes and books and we discover that one needs a larger space to
accommodate our goods. Seems all of us need larger houses just for two more
cars, more everything. All it means is gates that have been said shall not prevail.
Purnell Swett High News
Thousands of students across Robeson County want to major in elementary
or secondary education. Scholarship and programs exist to aid in
the student's a education. One scholarship, the Teaching Fellows, allows
students to receive their tuition, books, and board paid in full.
Brandy Buckley was selected as the regional finalist for Teaching Fellows
Program from Pumell Swett High School. Brandy Buckley maintains
a strong 3.7 GPA and ranks tenth among 208 seniors. Brandy was
the only sophomore to be named a challenge scholar. She also was selected
as a junior marshal. Brandy has received numerous awards in
math and science and has participated in various clubs including; FECLA,
drama. SADD, Quiz Bowl. National Honor Society, and the German
Club.
Brandy Buckley bestows a positive attitude as a student at Purnell Swett.
The faculty, staff, and the student body would like to wish her the best of
luck at the final screening February 17.
By: La Donna Locklear
David McCallum of Purnell Swett High School, receiving a five year
fully paid scholarship to attend Elon College.
This year McCallum received recognition for All County and All Conference
in football. McCallum recorded 88 tackles and 4 sacks on defense.
McCallum is an active member in both Spanish and the AASO club.
McCallum will play in an East-West All-star game in July.
By: Matthew Campbell
Purnell Swett High School senior, Brandy Buckley was selected as the
regional finalist for the Teaching Fellows Program.
Gospel Singing to be part of Indina
Unity Conference March 15
Gospel Singing Highlight of North
Carolina Indian Unity Conference
An Old Fasjiiowefl-Inspirational
Gospel Music Fest will be one of
the highlights of the 26th Annual
North Carolina Indian Unity Conference
on Thursday evening,
March 15, 2001 from 6:00- 8:30
p.m. at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux
Convention Center, Fayetteville.
Make your plans now to be a part
of this spirit-filled evening of gospel
singing featuring statewide and
nationally-known gospel groups.
Tickets will be included in the cost
of registration for the Unity Conference.
Individual tickets purchased
in advance or at the door
are only $5.00 per person. Children
12 years old and under are admitted
free.
The audience will enjoy the wonderful
music of five groups of Gospel
Singers. From Marietta, Georgia.
We will rejoice with the singing
of Tony Gore & Majesty ,who
are nationally-known. Another nationally-known
group from
Robbinsonville, North Carolina is
the Jody Brown Indian Family,
members of the Eastern Band of
Cherokee. Adding to the wonderful
evening of gospel singing are
three other outstanding groups
from North Carolina including the
Coharie River Boys, Clinton; the
Sycamor e
Gospel Singers, Red Springs' and
Pam Southerland, Lake
Waccamaw. With this lineup of talent
, no one who loves gospel music
will want to miss this event.
The Master of Ceremony for the
Gospel singing will be Greg
Richardson, executive director of
the N.C,. Commission of Indian
Affairs and a member of the board
of directors of United Tribes of
North Carolina.
For information about tickets,
please call Gladys Hunt at (910)
483-8442 or call your local tribal
organization.
The Conference Pow Wow will
follow the Gospel Singing on
Thursday evening, March 15 from
9:00 P.M. until. There is no charge
for the Pow Wow. Dancers, drums
and all people from across the state
and the nation are invited to attend
and participate. Archie Lynch of
the Haliwa Saponi Tribe, Hollister
is the coordinator of the Pow Wow.
OTHER MAJOR EVENTS OF
THE INDIAN UNITY CONFERENCE
INCLUDE:
Wednesday, March 14- Indian Arts
and Crafts Market
Artists/Traders Reception and
Special Showcase
Wednesday, March 14- Miss Indian
North Carolina Pageant
Thursday & Friday, March 15/16Quilting
Competition and Exhibition
Literary Competition
Non-juried Art Competition and
Exhibition
Friday March 16- Awards and Recognition
Banquet- 6:30 P.M. followed
by the
Adult and Youth Dances
Saturday, March 17? 8:00- 11:00
A.M. - Breakfast and General Assembly
IV
Poetry Reading
and Art Show
Location: Public Schools of
Robeson County
Indian Education Resource
Center
Date March 8, 2001
Time: 7:00 P.M.
Come to experience
a spiritual enlightenment
through poetry and art
Sponsored by:
Yvonne Dial
Greg Sampson
Delora Cummings
Emily Crain
featuring creativity and design
of Pumell Swett High School
students
1
Special For Native Americans! I
in me last tew days, 3 ladies have reordered
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One fromTX, TN, and MS. Their
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If you believe Native Americans can
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UNCP Board of Trustees to Meet
The UNC Pembroke BoardofTrustees
will hold their regular quarterly
meeting Friday, February 23, at I p.m.
4th floor, Lumbee Hall.
An updated report on the new Honors
College, a naming opportunity for
part of the building and several otl
matters are on the agenda as acti
items. Information items include i
proval of architects for the new
million science building.
Everything you need to know about
Hormone
Replacement
Therapy
Thursday, March 1 5:30 p.m.
FirstHealth Family Care Center
923 W. Third Street, Pembroke, NC
L, 521-6029
FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Mnvites you to attend a free
community educational
lecture on hormone
v/ ' replacement therapy.
?
Speakers:
Stephen Szabo, M.D.
OB / GYN Specialist
FsrstHealth
F A M I L Y CARB CJE N T ? R
M N I I 0 I I jjfc