Woody's Words

Smithtown Salvos??? By David Woodbury I gotta confess it: I cringe every time I hear the Army using the term ‘Salvos’ to describe itself. We used to be:  The Salvation Army, Smithtown Corps But now we are referred to, by ourselves as: Smithtown Salvos. I readily acknowledge that the terminology ‘corps’ is not easily comprehended by today’s generations and probably needs to be replaced. I would suggest that we look back into our earliest history and resurrect the term ‘mission’ which I believe, would be more easily understood and clearly describe our purpose. Hence we would be known as: The Salvation Army, Smithtown Mission. The dictionary defines salvo as: a simultaneous discharge of artillery or other guns in a battle. While we are certainly in a war against sin and suffering I’m not sure we want such an aggressive persona attached to our image. I have no problem with the general population using ‘Salvo’ as a term of endearment, which probably found it...

THE MATTER OF CIRCUMCISION Romans 2:24-29 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.” 25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. 26 And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? 27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it. 28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. (Romans 2:24-29 – NLT) In ...

T HE FAILURE OF THE LAW Romans 2:17-23 By David Woodbury 17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. 18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. 20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth. 21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.  (Romans 2:17-23 – NLT) Reliance on a detailed set of regulations (law...

THE OUTCOME OF LIFESTYLE CHOICES Romans 2:5-16 By David Woodbury What is it that motivates a person to adopt a certain lifestyle? Generally it has to do with what the person perceives as being most beneficial and satisfying for them personally. However, there are times when the mature person needs to look outside their own personal satisfaction and fulfilment and see a bigger picture. Personal happiness, satisfaction and fulfilment are rather narrow spectrums for lifestyle decision making, for it focuses on a very self-centred basis. In making decisions that will impact us in the here and now, in the future and on into eternity, we need the influence of a power greater than ourselves. For Paul, this higher power cannot be anything less than the living God whom he serves. Within the kindness, tolerance, and patience of God Paul sees the motivator that ought to, not only focus our decision-making processes outside our own narrow egocentric interests but also impel us i...

SALVATION ARMY - who are you? The way forward – part 2 By David Woodbury During his term as The Salvation Army international leader, General Andre Cox called Salvationists worldwide to Mobilise. In responding to his call we must clearly understand the essence of the mission to which we are called. Effective mobilisation depends on Salvationists knowing exactly what their mission is. While there is a need for The Salvation Army to clearly state its objectives in a mission statement that is relative to community understanding, there is a more fundamental necessity for Salvationists to clearly understand their role and participation within the organisation. It may well be that the new mission statements are more focused on community understanding rather than internal assimilation and motivation. With any mission statement there are two questions to be considered: Will people remember it? Will it motivate them? William Booth had a very clear focus for the m...

LIFESTYLE CHOICES – Part 2 Romans Chapter 1, verses 26-32 By David Woodbury 26For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Romans 1:26-27 - NLT) In this day when homosexuality is promoted as a legitimate, alternate lifestyle choice, the Christian church must find a way of affirming God’s truth on this matter without sounding moralistic and judgmental. It ought to be a message that springs from love and not judgment; it cannot be put in the too-hard basket . The church cannot be in denial of God’s word on this issue, no matter how difficult it is to engage in intelligent, respectful and compassionate dialogue. However, Christians cannot allow themselves to be bullied into silenc...