Church: Zion United Methodist Church (1807 Duncan Road; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package.”
Commentary: This sign utilizes a classic quote to remind the reader that the Christian should be externally focused.
Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, NASB)
Church: Zion United Methodist Church (1807 Duncan Road; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “No Jesus -- No Peace. Know Jesus, know peace.”
Commentary: This sign reminds the reader of the promise of peace Jesus gave. Jesus left a unique peace, one that transcends the worldly concept of peace. (John 14:27)
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27, NASB)
In the beginning of his spiritual autobiography, The Confessions of Saint Augustine, Augustine of Hippo (354-430) wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.”
Church: Walridge Baptist Church (3020 Walridge Road; Knoxville, TN 37921)
Sign: “Don’t keep the faith. Share it.”
Commentary: While I would add the word “just” to the first sentence (as I feel keeping the faith is also appropriate), the sign’s charge to share one’s faith is important.
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (II Timothy 2:2, NASB)
Who have you shared your faith with?
Church: St. Mark United Methodist Church (7001 S Northshore Dr; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “God cared enough to send his very best”
Commentary: This sign, posted at ALK’s home church, draws on Hallmark's famous slogan "When you care enough to send the very best". Since the catchphrase was first introduced in 1944, it has made its way into the American lexicon. The best the sign refers to is Jesus. The message illuminates some of the reasons Jesus came to earth: He represents God's best, sent by God, out of love.
By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. (I John 1:9, NASB)
Church: Grassy Valley Baptist Church (10637 Kingston Pike; Knoxville, TN 37922)
Sign: “Peace on the outside comes from having God on the inside”
Commentary: This is the flip side of the church sign from the previous post. It notes that peace originates from having God's presence within, not from external security.
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NASB)
Is there peace in your life. Why? Why not?
Church: Grassy Valley Baptist Church (10637 Kingston Pike; Knoxville, TN 37922)
Sign: “Availability is better than ability for God”
Commentary: Despite the unfortunate wording (especially the choice of preposition), this sign relays the truth that in relationship to God, availability trumps ability. I do, however, prefer its wording to the more traditional "God wants our availability, not our ability" as I believe God appreciates both.
The Scriptures (and history) are full of accounts of God using imperfect people to accomplish great feats. In contrast, apart from Christ, we can do nothing.
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:4, NASB)
Church: Zion United Methodist Church (1807 Duncan Road; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “A Person of Words
And Not of Deeds
I Like a Garden
Full Of Weeds”
Commentary: This poem reminds its reader of the necessary correlation between one’s faith and one’s actions.
“Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” (James 2:17, NASB)
Church: Zion United Methodist Church (1807 Duncan Road; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “Don't leave Christ out of Christmas.”
Commentary: This expression has become cliche but that makes it no less relevant. As its name should suggest, Christ should be as much a part of Christmas as the word itself. The term "Christmas" originated as a compound meaning "Christ's Mass". It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first attested in 1038.
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." (Luke 1:31-33, NASB)
The sign reminds its reader of the "reason for the season". It is so easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the Christmas holiday. Remember to celebrate the Savior's birth this Christmas season.
Church: Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church (7234 Middlebrook Pike; Knoxville, TN 37909)
Sign: “Wise men still seek him today”
Commentary: This sign is a play on words reminding its reader of the original wise men who sought the Christ child and encouraging her to follow their lead. The wise men, likely astrologers, are alternately called "wise men" and "magi." The NASB and NIV call the visitors "magi" while the AMP, ASV, CEV, ESV, HCSB, KJV, NKJV, NLT, NRSV, and RSV refer to them as "wise men". Regardless of how you designate the visitors, the sign rings true - wise people still seek Jesus today.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:1-2, NASB)
Note: This oil painting, The Visit of the Wise Men, was created by contemporary Palestinian artist Zaki Baboun (b. 1962).
Church: Bethesda Christian Fellowship (1015 Cedar Ln; Knoxville, TN 37912)
Sign: “He who throws dirt loses ground”
Commentary: This clever proverb has a literal and idiomatic meaning. Its idiomatic meaning involves two colloquialisms: “throwing dirt” and “losing ground”. It states the futility of slandering one’s opponent in winning an argument. The Bible also instructs its readers not to speak out of bitterness or anger.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31, NASB)
See also Leviticus 19:17, I Timothy 3:11, James 4:11.
Church: Rocky Hill Baptist Church (7409 S Northshore Dr; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “In everything give thanks!”
Commentary: As one might suspect, many church signs have appropriately catered to the Thanksgving holiday this week. This sign, a direct quotation from the letters of Paul, reminds its readers that it is God's will that we be thankful for all things, perceived blessings and curses alike.
in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalnoians 5:18, NASB)
Church: Heartsway Baptist Church (2810 Middlebrook Pike; Knoxville, TN 37921 )
Sign: “Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up.”
Commentary: This quote can be found in God’s little Instruction Book and other such inspirational devotionals. The sign presents three common reactions to trials and reminds its reader in times of trial to look to God. Scripture informs us that we can cast our anxiety on God because he cares for us.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:6-7, NASB)
Church: Zion United Methodist Church (1807 Duncan Road; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “A sense of humor is like a needle and thread... it will patch many things.”
Commentary: This axiom reminds its reader of the therapeutic value of humor. The Bible also acknowldges this aspect of a healthy lifestyle.
A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22, NASB)
The Message's interpretatiuon of this verse reads: "A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired."
Church: Rocky Hill Baptist Church (7409 S Northshore Dr; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “The Key to Heaven Is Hung on a Nail!”
Commentary: This sign reminds its readers of the cost paid for the believers' admittance into heaven: namely Jesus being nailed to the cross. The nails used to embed Jesus to the cross are not specifically mentioned in the accounts of his crucifixion, but they are referenced when Thomas vows not to believe until he has seen the damage they caused.
So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "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 20:25, NASB)
Church: St. Mark United Methodist Church (7001 S Northshore Dr; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “Give God What’s Right, Not What’s Left”
Commentary: This sign, at ALK’s home church, reminds the reader to give God her best and not simply what is left over. Paul writes of prioritizing giving to the Lord. He advises the Corinthian church to give to God on the first of the week (I Corinthians 16:2):
On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. (I Corinthians 16:2, NASB)
Is giving to God one of your financial priorities?
Church: Chapel By the Sea Baptist Church (1051 Sea Mountain Hwy; North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582)
Sign: “God Loves You! And He Approved This Message”
Commentary: This sign uses the ubiquitous campaign advertisements to draw out one of the simplest yet most profound Christian truths: we have a God who loves us. How would the world look if everyone truly felt they were loved by the creator of the universe?
The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying,
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness." (Jeremiah 31:3, NASB)
Note: The other side of this sign read: "No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes!" I will let you interpret that one for yourselves...
Church: Marble City Baptist Church (2740 Sutherland Ave; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “Be an organ donor/ Give your heart to Jesus/ Worship with us”
Commentary: This cheesy sign reminds its reader that Jesus said the greatest commandment is giving one's heart, soul, and mind to God.
And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'" (Matthew 22:37, NASB)
Jesus cites Deuteronomy 6:5 in this verse.
Church: Marble City United Methodist Church (2554 Sutherland Avenue; Knoxville, TN 37921)
Sign: “We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.”
Commentary: This sign both reminds its readers of Jesus’ command not to judge (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37) and also his final mandate to be his witnesses to all of the earth. Just before ascending, Jesus’ final words to his followers were:
“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NASB)
Church: Zion United Methodist Church (1807 Duncan Road; Knoxville, TN 37919)
Sign: “Conscious is not God’s voice. It is his gift.”
Commentary: Despite the spelling error in this sign (the quote should read “conscience”, not “conscious”), this sign is a great reminder that a conscience is a gift from God. I Peter affirms this, noting that a good conscience is something worth asking God for:
Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (I Peter 3:21, NASN)
Church: Church of God of the Union Assembly (3428 Keith Ave; Knoxville, TN 37921)
Sign: “To be almost saved is to be totally lost”
Commentary: This sign unequivocally polarizes the terms lost and saved. Jesus did the same. Scholars have agreed that the key verse of Luke's gospel is found in Luke 19:10 in which Jesus says:
"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10, NASB)
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