Life Here and There

I wanted to pass along the letter that we’re mailing out to everyone in our church family, just in case someone misses it…

Dear Family and Friends,

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It’s so hard to believe that 2009 has slipped away so quickly. We continue to feel so blessed under God’s care and are so happy that He has placed us into such a wonderful church family!

The year has brought about some major developments in our family’s life. Angie moved from being a Therapist to teaching Bible in a Christian school, which also meant a change in school for Ella as well. The biggest development, of course, is that we’re now expecting little Samuel David to be born in April of next year.

Within the church, we’ve seen the launch of our food pantry and growth in different areas of the church’s life. We stand amazed at the willingness of people to get involved in seeing lives touched and changed. It’s also been a great privilege to meet new people and welcome them into Bethel this year.

We count it such a joy to serve alongside each of you and can’t wait to see the great things God will do in, around, and through us in the upcoming year

May God bless each and every one of you!

photo credit: alicepopkorn

John R. Rice often described biblical theology as “profundity wrapped in simplicity.” This is one of those truths that is both deeply profound, and wonderfully simple. If you want friends… (wait for it) be friendly!

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I became a Pastor in February of 1997, almost 12 years ago. In that 12 years, I’ve learned a lot about the Scriptures, about theology, and about the methodologies of ministry. But one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned is to really love people. In one of my early pastorates, I received some advice that, had I taken it, would have in some respects stripped joy all but completely from my life. I was told never to get close to anyone. Always remember that “they” might turn on you. Never trust, never have close friends. I’m so glad I refused that advice.

Even in a leadership situation where I was hurt by many of the words of other people, God also taught me to love people without condition. When Angie and I moved to Kentucky, we fell in love with many people. We enjoyed almost eight wonderful years at Scottsville Road Baptist Church because we loved the people, and they loved us back. It made parting difficult, but God taught us so much there.

Now, living in northwest Arkansas and serving Bethel Baptist Church, we feel overwhelmed and blessed with some of the best friends we’ve ever had and one of the most loving churches in the entire world. This morning, I was reading a sermon by W. A. Criswell on love and he had these words to share…

However, eloquent we may be, however gifted, however wonderfully blessed of God with nine and ten talents, if our spirit is crude and rude and rough, if our heart is not filled with the milk of human kindness, if we’re not actuated and motivated by a wonderful care and concern for God’s fellow creatures, our eloquence is like sounding brass and clanging cymbal. Our gifts of the spirit are nothing and our very philanthropies fall to the ground.

I want to challenge every Pastor, every leader, every fellow human being reading this post to remember to love people. Open up, take the risk, make a connection, trust someone, show affection and appreciation, and lavish upon yourself the joy of loving others, beginning with Jesus Christ.

Dear Family and Friends,

It seems impossible that three years have passed since we moved our family to northwest Arkansas. . We feel so overwhelmed when we think about all with which God has blessed us since coming home to Bethel.

Ella started the first grade and seems to be coming out of her shell a “little” bit-(she gets that from her daddy). One of our greatest gifts this year was Ella making the decision to place her trust in Christ and accept Him as Savor. We look forward to her baptism in January. Angie continues her work as a therapist with children and families. She faces unique challenges everyday with children and families that have been wounded by this world and it’s a constant reminder that there are hurting people all around us-in need of redemption. In addition to loving ministry as Bethel’s Pastor, Brandon has also taken up the hobby of graphic and web design. In Angie’s words, he “plays on his computer.”

Many of you are aware that we are continually praying and seeking God’s plan for our family- in particular “growing” our family. This year has not been without its difficulties; however a cute little furry dog name Beau was added to the Cox household and he has been sweet comfort for a little girl’s heart who has prayed daily for a brother or sister. Please keep us in your prayers that we will know and embrace the Father’s will for us as a family.

This year we will travel to St. Louis to be with Angie’s family for the Holiday. We look forward to her mom’s great cooking, singing Christmas carols around the piano (yes they really do that) and reading the Christmas story on Christmas morning! We won’t get to travel to Kentucky this year, and we will dearly miss our family and friends there.

This is a season to rejoice-to celebrate God’s great gift to us-Emmanuel! We pray for God’s blessing to be upon each of you this Christmas and throughout the coming new year.

We love you all-

Brandon, Angie, & Ella Grace Cox

In his second letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul begins by saying “I am bound to thank God always for you all…” I’ve always loved that little snippet of Scripture because of its plain message – I am bound, obligated, indebted to give thanks. It’s the least I can do in light of all that our wonderful God has done for me. I wanted to take a few moments and list out some of those things for all who will read.

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You hear about the “next things” happening in the lives of friends from college – graduation, marriage, children. Today I learned that my friend, Scott Attebery, lost his wife to an auto accident in Pine Bluff. She passed away earlier this morning. His experience was documented here, and you can see who Scott is here.

Our hearts break for him and his family. We didn’t know Jill, but Scott was a leader among students at CBC and has been a great Pastor to his church in El Dorado. They are new parents – I cannot imagine it. Please pray for Scott and Bryce and their larger family as well.

Read This: Six Degrees of Separation Is Now Three.

My wife doesn’t believe me, but I’m fascinated by this entire concept – everybody knows everybody else. Each week, new people visit our church and almost always see someone they know, even when they’re moving here from out of town. Of course, we do live in the hometown of the world’s largest retailer. Nonetheless, it’s a fascinating study.

It’s Christmas morning, and I’m sick again. Not that I’m complaining. It’s actually become a tradition. Just a few years ago I basically lost Christmas day because of some kind of wicked, evil flu! I think it’s God’s way of keeping me a bit humble, and challenging me to express my gratitude in spite of a little illness, which I’d like to do… (more…)

Our annual Friend Day was this past Sunday and we ended up hosting a ton of friends and first-time guests. We had 224 for AM worship. More importantly I received some feedback telling me that a few of our guests who had not been to church in many years were delightedly surprised by the service. I always enjoy having guests but I’m really thrilled when we connect spiritually with people who don’t go to church yet.

God blessed in the preaching too. The story of Abraham’s (almost) sacrifice of His Son Isaac, and how that event was the climactic moment in his becoming the “friend of God” came alive. I could tell people were responsive and God moved in their hearts throughout the service. I’m looking forward to our Pastor’s Oasis this week, but I can’t wait until next Sunday!

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Cory and I had a nice treat today in visiting with the directors of the Association of Baptist Students at the University of Arkansas. After touring the property, I was impressed with their ability to squeeze so much out of so little. Rather than a state-of-the-art facility, they were “making do” with three older houses, all in need of some repairs. I appreciated so much hearing the hearts of Director Warren Dugas and Associate Director Brad Harris.

Is collegiate ministry “missions?” I believe, absolutely! Let me tell you three reasons why: 1.) College students are a little nuts! When they’re fired up, they’ll charge into the most dangerous countries in the world for the greatest cause on earth… and they’ll raise money to do so. 2.) There are so many places that college students can connect with others who will pull them away from Christ that we have to offer them a ring of friends who will help them remain true to the faith. 3.) One of the greatest missions opportunities that exists today is the reaching of international students from closed nations that are studying in the states. We can reach them, disciple them, and then send them home as missionaries to their own country!

We must soon realize that America is one of the world’s greatest mission fields and college campuses are the central focal point in a cultural war that is being waged every day. You don’t have to worry much about liberalism creeping into your local church, but college students endure an onslaught of insulting propaganda concerning their faith everyday. I know, I suffered it once myself as a Religious Studies major at a state university.

I, for one, will begin standing beside this invaluable ministry. I’ll speak up on their behalf, attempt to raise money, and get involved when and where I can. If one of my fellow brethren from a sister church should happen upon these thoughts, I’d encourage you to do the same. Visit the campus, visit the ABS house, and hear the hearts of its leaders. Students are worth it! You can start be checking out their website here.