Beacon, Vol. XXIX, 2000 -...

BEACONA PUBLICATION OF BELLVIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST

4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL 32526(850) 455-7595

Internet Web Page: http://www.bellviewcoc.comE-mail: [email protected]

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A PUBLICATION OF BELLVIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST4850 Saufley Road; Pensacola, FL 32526

(850) 455-7595; Fax (850) 455-9940Internet Web Page: http://members.tripod.com/bellviewcoc

E-mail: [email protected]

VOL. XXIX JANUARY 3, 2000 NO. 1

MEETING TIMES

SUNDAY:9:00 A.M. BIBLE CLASSES

10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP

WEDNESDAY: 7:00 P.M.

BISHOPS: Paul Brantley, Bill Gallaher, Fred StancliffMINISTER: Michael HatcherDEACONS: Henry Born, Elward Brantley, Jerry Caine,

Bill Crowe, Louis Herrington, James Loy,Richard Parker

MISSIONARY: Ira Y. Rice, Jr.

PROCLAIMINGTHE GOSPEL

Monte L. EvansEvery member of the Lord’s church must be

involved in proclaiming the gospel of Christ.The words “proclaim” or “preach” in the Greekis kerusso which is defined as: “to be a herald,or in general to proclaim, to publish or preach.”As per the Great Commission given by ourSavior in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-16,we must kerusso in order to be pleasing to Godthe Father. The proclaiming of the gospel mustbring every Christian joy and satisfaction, notdread and fear.

Faithful In Our ProclamationAs soldiers in the army of Christ, we must

always be faithful to proclaim His gospel to alost and sinful world. It is true we are to beexamples or lights to the world that it may see

our good works and glorify our Heavenly Father(Mat. 5:14, 16). However, being a good exampleis not actually proclaiming or preaching the gos-pel of Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul makes itclear that the Word must be preached withurgency. This charge was given because Paulknew (by inspiration) that men would not enduresound doctrine, but would turn their ears fromthe Truth. The gospel of Christ is the only thingthat will bring salvation to an individual (Rom.1:16). If obedience to the gospel of Christ is, theonly way one can free oneself from the bondageof sin, what else should motivate us to faithfullyproclaim His gospel?

Fervent In Our ProclamationFervent in the Greek carries the meaning, to

be hot, or to boil. For us to be fervent in ourproclamation, we must be ardent or zealous inour preaching of the gospel. We must display afervency of spirit in our proclaiming the gospelof Christ. In other words, we must be excited to

share the Good News with friends or family. Asvaliant soldiers, we must boldly proclaim anddefend the Truth. To fervently proclaim theTruth does not mean that we are to preach withan arrogant or superior attitude. Our attitudemust be one of love and compassion towardthose who are needful of the gospel.

Fearless In Our ProclamationsWe, as Christians, must be fearless or with-

out fear in our proclaiming the Word of Truth.We must always be brave, valiant, and virtuoussoldiers of Christ, confident that we are neveralone in the war against Satan. God’s prophetsof old were threatened, beaten, imprisoned, andkilled because they spoke the Word of God. Theapostles of Christ likewise were threatened,beaten, imprisoned, and killed for the gospel’ssake. Yet, the prophets of God and the apostlesof Christ fearlessly proclaimed the message thatsaves. Today, when we proclaim the gospel ofChrist we must do so without fear. It is ourresponsibility to teach and preach the gospel thatsaves to our associates, friends, and families.The proclamation of the gospel must bepreached Faithfully, Fervently, and Fearlesslyif we are to have Heaven as our eternal home.

2141 Kingston; Muskogee, OK 74403

TONGUE CONTROLAl Brown

“If any man among you seem to be religious,and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth hisown heart, this man's religion is vain” (Jam.1:26).

In this passage, James addressed what hasalways been a very persistent and difficultproblem for Christians. Those to whom he wrotehad been taught all their lives that the whole ofreligion was bound up in external rituals anddeeds. His readers were deeply religious. Theirformer religion (Judaism as taught by the rabbis)

touched almost everything they did. They tookgreat care lest they become ceremonially de-filed, but they paid little attention to the condi-tion of the heart.

Jesus often encountered this fallacy duringHis ministry. He was the Master Teacher, but Hehad little success in correcting it. When Jewsobeyed the gospel, it was difficult for them toabandon this philosophy of religion and embracethe lofty moral purity of mind and body towhich they were called under the “perfect law ofliberty.” The religion of the Pharisees was, asJesus said, one of saying and not doing (Mat.23:3). Like their former mentors, these brethrenhad not learned that God was to be served witha pure heart and a blameless life as well as withdevout worship. In reality, this great truth wastaught in the law and the prophets (Lev. 19:2,17f; Isa. 1:11-20; Mic. 6:6-8), but the rabbis ofIsrael had chosen to ignore it.

James’ admonition has not lost its relevanceover the years. So many (including brethren) arecontent with a religion of external rituals. At thesame time, they ignore the importance of purehearts, righteous lives, and good works. God hasalways wanted His people to worship Him bycertain prescribed forms (Lord’s Supper, prayer,singing, et cetera). In this passage (1:26), Jamesis stressing that worship without the other isvain religion.

It should be noted that the man Jamesdescribes is not insincere; he has deceivedhimself. The verb means that he fancies (orsupposes) that his religion is acceptable to Godwhen, in fact, it is empty, futile, and worthless.James does not imply that control of the tongueis the only Christian attribute, but that it requiressuch dedication a person who is successful inthis can master any other requirement. Is thereanything that can illustrate his point morevividly? No Christian has such: control over histongue that he is never in danger of misusing it.

As always, Satan is there to deceive him intothinking that the tongue does not really havesuch a potential for evil, and, even if one doessay vile or vicious things, he is still a goodChristian.

How many times, for instance, do Christiansthink it is better to tell a white lie than to hurtsomeone’s feelings? God says, “putting awaylying, speak every man truth with his neigh-bour” (Eph. 4:25). There are no extenuatingcircumstances that justify any kind of deception!Walking the narrow path of truth and sincerityis never easy. Lying in its grosser forms may beeliminated from one’s life, but extreme care anda large amount of determination are still re-quired to always speak the truth.

Obviously, the same thing applies to othersins of the tongue. A slanderous tongue, an en-vious tongue, a profane tongue, or a filthytongue are all indications that something isrotten within. A destructively critical tongue, atongue that sows discord among brethren, or onethat plants distrust in marriages betrays the samewickedness within.

A man may believe it does not matter whathe says or how he says it. He may deceivehimself into thinking mere words are not veryimportant. He may attempt to justify a harsh,unkind, cutting tongue by claiming he only sayswhat he thinks. No one doubts he is saying whathe thinks, but what he should realize is that suchspeech reveals how unregenerate his heart is.Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heartthe mouth speaketh” (Mat. 12:34).

The person who does not control his tonguemay seem very devout in other ways. He may(and probably does) think of himself as a goodChristian, for the deception is real. He maycherish the noblest of sentiments and be able toconvey these thoughts to others. The most sub-lime sentiment is worthless, however, if itcannot be translated into everyday life. James

says such a person's worship is vain; in otherwords, it is an idle, empty, useless, unrealthing—a counterfeit of genuine worship. Hemay have exceptional talents and be willing touse them, but his worship is still vain. The mostpowerful sermon, the most beautiful voice insong, or the most comforting words in prayercannot erase or atone for the sin that lies in hisheart.

James’ language is very strong in this verse.Some will no doubt tremble as the force of itsinks into their hearts. If this is true with you,you not only need to hear these words but act onthem. Everyone is confronted with the danger ofhaving an uncontrolled tongue. If he does not“keep his mouth” as with a bridle (Psa. 39:1), heis deceiving himself. All his hymn-singing andsermon-hearing is offensive to God. His soul isin great peril, for Jesus showed the role wordswill play at the last day: “Every idle word thatmen shall speak, they shall give account thereofin the day of judgment. For by thy words thoushalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt becondemned” (Mat. 12:36).

Deceased

THERE’S A WORLDTO BE WON FOR

CHRISTIt is unbelievable, but if all the unsaved

people in the world were to line up single file atyour front door, the line would reach around theworld 30 times. And horror of horrors! This linewould grow by 20 miles each day! If you wereto drive 50 miles per hour for 10 hours a day, itwould take you 4 years and 40 days to get to theend of this line of lost souls. And by then itwould have grown by another 30,000 miles!

Look out your front door! See lost souls!Read John 4:35. Author Unknown

SICK AND SHUT-INPlease remember in your prayers: Leon

Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Geneave Dean, Floy Dell Lindesmith, TimLamb, Fran Waters, and Fred Stancliff.

READING/INVITATIONJanuary 12, 2000

Reading: Michael WilkesInvitation: Fred Stancliff

January 19, 2000Reading: Ray WilliamsInvitation: Dusty Wilkes

MARK THESE DATESJanuary 9, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.January 10, 2000–Baby Shower for

Vanessa Liddell, at 7:00 P.M., in thegeneral purpose building. See NancyLoy and Sharon Caine for details.

January 10, 2000–Visitation Group 3 meetsat 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.

January 16, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meetingat 5:00 P.M., in room 7.



January 31, 2000–Visitation Group Get-together at 6:00 P.M. in the generalpurpose building. A covered-dish mealwill precede the meeting. Make plans onattending and help support our visitationprogram for the new year.

PANTRY ITEM NEEDEDCanned Fruit

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





THE VIRGIN BIRTH—MYTH OR MIRACLE?

Guy N. WoodsThe virgin birth, for the devout Bible be-

liever, is one of the most cherished and, at thesame time, one of the most essential features ofour faith. Believed, every important characteris-tic of the movement for which our Saviour diedfalls easily and properly into place; rejected, itis, and must ever be, but another of the world’sfalse religions. Here, faith is put on trial; at thispoint is determined whether one accepts themiraculous on which so much is to follow in thesacred narrative, or repudiates it, and all the restas fanciful and mythical stories.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the radicalschool of historical criticism, to which every-thing smacking of the supernatural is distasteful,should attack, with special vehemence, the

narratives of the virgin birth of our Lord. Thesedevotees of disbelief have long been with us,and their attacks on the historic faith have oftenbeen effectively refuted; more recently and fromamong us have risen those so enamored with“modern speech” versions of the Scriptures(whose translators were often of the school ofdestructive higher criticism), that they reject thedoctrine that the Lord is the only begotten Sonof God and deny that His birth of a virgin is apart of Messianic predictions.

Specifically, they allege that in the greatEmmanuel prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, “Thereforethe Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold,a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shallcall his name Immanuel,” as older versions ren-der it, the passage should more properly read, “ayoung woman shall conceive and bear a son.”Since a “young woman” is not necessarily a“virgin,” they would thus strike from that pre-eminently vital prophecy the doctrine of the

virgin birth of Christ. That which prompts theeffort of the higher critics is obvious: if they cansucceed in ridding the prophecy of Isaiah of anysuggestion of virginity in the birth of Jesus, theway opens to them to deny all supernaturalismin the birth of the child mentioned in the proph-ecy. This is precisely the procedure of thoseamong us who question the traditional render-ing, who insist that the fulfillment was local andcurrent with the utterance of the prophecy, andwho urge that “young woman” more properlytranslates the Hebrew original than does theword virgin.

Their effort fails for a number of reasons:(1) Hebrew literature furnishes no instance ofthe word almah (rendered “virgin” in Isaiah7:14), to indicate a married woman or a non-virgin. An induction drain from all of its biblicaloccurrences necessitates the conclusion that itcan mean only “an unmarried woman and a truevirgin” (Psa. 68:15 “damsels”; Exo. 2:8 “maid”;Pro. 30:19 “maid”; Gen. 24:43 “virgin”; Songof Sol. 1:3, 6:8 “virgins”; Isa. 7:14 “virgin”).Martin Luther, in his characteristic style, oncesaid, “If a Jew or Christian can prove to me thatin any passage of scripture almah means ‘amarried woman,’ I will give him one hundredFlorins.” Orr, in his classic work on the subject,quotes Luther’s statement and adds significantlythat the one hundred florins have never beenclaimed! (2) Even more significant, however, isthe fact that about three hundred years beforethe Lord came to the earth the Septuaginttranslators rendered the word almah by theGreek word parthonos which can only signify“a virgin.” The irresistible force of this isapparent when it is considered that the Septua-gint version is a translation from Hebrew intoGreek and was done by some of the mosteminent scholars of the Hebrew people. Let it beremembered also that this translation was donebefore there was any argument over the meaning

of the word, or any reason for a Jew to evade itsobvious and proper import.

(3) Most significant of all, and conclusive ofargument in rising above all reasonable doubtthat the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the birth ofa virgin, is Matthew’s inspired commentarythereon. After having related the details of theLord’s birth, he added: “Now all this was done,that it might be fulfilled which was spoken ofthe Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virginshall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,and they shall call his name Emmanuel, whichbeing interpreted is, God with us” (Mat. 1:18-23). Not to be overlooked is the AmericanStandard Version’s rendering of Matthew’sstatement: “Behold, the virgin shall be withchild.” The specific virgin of Isaiah’s proph-ecy—and not another! Being Emmanuel (“Godwith us”), He can be no other than our Lord whocame down from heaven and who entered uponthis existence by being born of the virgin Mary.

Matthew’s unquestioned affirmation thus(a) demonstrates that the birth of Jesus to Maryestablished the messianic character of Isaiah7:14; (b) identifies the virgin of the passage withMary; and, (c) proves that any translation ofIsaiah 7:14, by any word or words signifyinganything less than the virginal character of theLord’s earthly mother (as do most of the so-called modern speech versions of the Bible), isboth false and fatal to one’s faith.

It is painful, and the situation ought to occa-sion the most serious thought and action on thepart of those who love the Lord and respect thetruth of His Word, that there are those among us,in ever increasing numbers, who are beinginfluenced greatly by liberal and modernistictheologians to deny the Messianic character ofIsaiah 7:14. Our Christian schools were, bymuch sacrifice on the part of faithful brethren,established to defend the faith, and they havebeen in times past bastions of truth in the fight

for a pure faith and a faultless practice. Theirpotential in this respect is exceedingly great;their ability to influence and to lead away fromthe primitively pure gospel is equally awesome;and it should never be forgotten that theseinstitutions have been in the forefront of everymajor apostate movement that has plagued thechurches of Christ. Men have no right, eithermorally, legally, or spiritually to teach error whohave been employed to teach the truth; and thosewho yearn for forbidden paths and who prate ofacademic freedom should also remember thatthere is such a thing as academic honesty, andif they cannot conscientiously teach that forwhich they accepted employment, they ought tohave the candor and the decency to quit—notcorrupt unsuspecting children of Christianparents who often do not learn until too late thattheir offspring have been offered up on the altarsof liberalism, modernism, and permissiveness.

Deceased

“OH, MY GOD!”Charles Broyles

Hardly a day goes by that we do not hearsomeone exclaim, “Oh, My God!” Whether atwork or school, the bank, supermarket, or eventhe church parking lot, we hear this expressionrepeatedly. Television, no doubt, is the chiefoffender, with nearly every game show, soapopera, situation comedy, prime time drama, andmovie featuring the phrase.

“Oh, My God!” has become a faddish andclever saying. It is used to register alarm, sur-prise, delight, dismay, sarcasm, and almostevery kind of response. Probably some cannotimagine why. Why does “Oh, My God!” grateso upon our ears?

Young people, we do well to consider thefaith and devotion manifested by men and wo-men from the long ago; several of these are

singled out and presented as examples forChristians today (Heb. 11). They insisted onusing reverence and humility while addressingDeity. Abraham approached God with thesewords, “Behold now, I have taken upon me tospeak unto the Lord, which am but dust andashes” (Gen. 18:27). Jacob marked each placethat the Lord spoke to him with a stone or altar,recognizing that even the plot of ground wassacred because the Lord had revealed Himselfthere (Gen. 28:17). Can you imagine the patri-archs referring to God in the offhanded mannerthat is prevalent today? Jehovah God is to bereverenced! (Heb. 12:28); woe if we respect notGod (Isa. 45:9).

Although we are not under the Law of Mosestoday (John 1:17), we worship and serve thesame God revealed to the Hebrew fathers. Weshould have the posture of godly fear and awethat were shown by Peter before Jesus (Luke5:8) and the apostle John on Patmos (Rev. 1:17).

The Jews sought to protect and preserve thesacredness of God’s name. In the centuries be-fore the birth of Jesus, they decided to stoppronouncing it altogether so that its usage wouldnot become common and ordinary. Should weas young people show less respect and regardfor our Heavenly Father?

“Oh, My God!” goes beyond such euphe-misms as “Goodness!” or “Gracious!” or “Gee!”or “Golly!” (which are also wrong to use). Thereason is that it is not a euphemism at all! Theydo not attempt to disguise the reference to God.If “Oh, My God!” is not a vain usage of God’sname, what in the world is?

Our speech reflects our character and attitude(Mat. 12:34-35). Let us refuse to be guilty ofshowing an empty and low regard for the Godof Heaven! “Let no corrupt communicationproceed out of your mouth, but that which isgood to the use of edifying, that it may ministergrace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).

Copied


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Geneave Dean, Fred Stancliff, and JacklynnAyliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother).


Reading: Ray WilliamsInvitation: Dusty Wilkes

January 26, 2000Reading: Carl AyliffeInvitation: Henry Born

MARK THESE DATESJanuary 16, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting

at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.January 17, 2000–Visitation Group 1 meets

at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.January 24, 2000–Visitation Group 2 meets

at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.January 31, 2000–Visitation Group Get-

together at 6:00 P.M., in the generalpurpose building. A covered-dish mealwill precede the meeting. Make plansnow to attend and help support ourvisitation program for the new year.


PSALM 117:1-2“O praise the LORD, all ye nations:

praise him, all ye people. For his mercifulkindness is great toward us: and the truth ofthe LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye theLORD.”

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





SATAN’S LETTER OFENCOURAGEMENT

Lennie ReaganDear Mr. and Mrs. Lukewarm,

I am so glad you took my suggestion thispast winter and did not bother too much aboutattending the services and activities of theLord’s church during the freezing cold weather.You had the right idea about the possibility ofgetting sick or maybe slipping on the sidewalkfrom the ice and snow. Now, by all means, youmust avoid getting out too much in this summerheat. You might over heat or you might evenperspire from your air-conditioned car to theair-conditioned building and you know howsick you may become going from cool to hotback to cool. You must stay well if you aregoing to work every day and you cannot affordto miss a day at work. The heat will not botheryou as you go about your other activities such

as shopping, visiting family, and friends, oreven going on recreational outings. You knowhow important it is for everyone to get away fora while. So, you go right ahead and workaround the house as you need to do on yourdays off and then on Sundays and Wednesdaysyou can travel, visit, sleep, or just loungearound the house. I mean, after all, you haveworked all week long. You poor thing!

I realize that the health problems you havemay be somewhat of an inconvenience at times;but, just think of all the services of the churchyou can miss by blaming your absence on notfeeling well! Who can blame you for that? Thefact that you are able to go to the store, work,cook and clean house, cut grass, and do manyother things should not slow you down fromusing your illness to miss services.

Now, I need to prepare you for what is goingto happen next. The members of the church willsend cards, letters, make phone calls, and evenvisit you because you have been missing ser-

Visitation GroupGet-together

January 31, 2000, at 6:00 P.M.,in the general purpose building.

A covered-dish meal will precede themeeting. Make plans now to attendand bring you suggestions on improv-ing the visitation program.

vices. They will plead with you to repent andcome back to the Lord (just like you ever left)before you lose all desire of spiritual matters.And they will tell you that they love you. Justwho do they think they are? Do not believethem when they say that you are teaching yourchildren its okay to miss services. When theytell you that your missing services is a badinfluence on your neighbors and friends, denyit! Besides, your neighbors are not your con-cern. If you were to confess that you have beenunfaithful, regardless if you have missed one orfifty-two services because of what they callneglect, I can’t tell you how silly and embar-rassing that would be for you.

Here is what you need to do. If you willkeep telling them, “I know that I need to comeback,” I will keep giving you lies (I meant tosay excuses) to miss. If you miss a service everynow and then just to be missing, act like themembers are wrong for showing concern foryour absence. Get mad, blame them, the elders,the preacher, blame anyone or anything; but, itis not your faulty! But above all, Do not re-pent!Your friend and father of lies,B. L. Z. Bub(P.S. I did not mean anything by the lukewarmthing. You don’t have anything to worry about.)

Adapted

THINK ONTHESE THINGS

Pat PattersonIn the long ago it was Solomon who wrote

concerning man: “For as he thinketh in hisheart, so is he” (Pro. 23:7). The apostle Paulwrote, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things aretrue, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoeverthings are just, whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever thingsare of good report; if there be any virtue, and if

there be any praise, think on these things” (Phi.4:8). Thus, there can be no doubt concerningthe importance that is placed upon our thinking.For this reason we must realize that we canallow our thinking to be shaped and changed byour peers, by evil influences, and even bymoney! For a moment, please consider thesepertinent passages:

1. “And have no fellowship with the unfruit-ful works of darkness, but rather reprove them”(Eph. 5:11).

2. “Be not deceived: evil communicationscorrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33).

3. “And be not conformed to this world: butbe ye transformed by the renewing of yourmind, that ye may prove what is that good, andacceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom.12:2).

4. “Take heed, and beware of covetousness:for a man's life consisteth not in the abundanceof the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15-).

5. “Beware of men” (Mat. 10:17).6. “For what is a man profited, if he shall

gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? orwhat shall a man give in exchange for hissoul?” (Mat. 16:26).

7. “Take heed what ye hear” (Mark 4:24).8. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon

earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and

where thieves break through and steal: But layup for yourselves treasures in heaven, whereneither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and wherethieves do not break through nor steal: Forwhere your treasure is, there will your heart bealso” (Mat. 6:19-21).

9. “For the love of money is the root of allevil: which while some coveted after, they haveerred from the faith, and pierced themselvesthrough with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:10).

10. “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know yenot that the friendship of the world is enmitywith God? whosoever therefore will be a friendof the world is the enemy of God” (Jam. 4:4).

These are by no means all of the verses thatcould be used to raise our awareness concerningareas that influence our lives by the way wethink. Time and time again, all of us have heardthe familiar phrase that is usually used in acontext of improper activity. “They just did asthey were taught.”

With that thought in mind, who then candeny the importance that must be placed uponBible study? What better way to instill propervalues, morals, and ethics in the lives of ourchildren than to begin from the earliest opportu-nity we are afforded as parents to teach themGod’s Word. Remember, it was said of Timo-thy: “But continue thou in the things which thouhast learned and hast been assured of, knowingof whom thou hast learned them; And that froma child thou hast known the holy scriptures,which are able to make thee wise unto salvationthrough faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim.3:14-15). As parents, we must assume theresponsibility of “Train[ing] up a child in theway he should go” (Pro. 22:6). We would dowell to take advantage of all the opportunities toensure that our children are receiving instruc-tion and proper training by noting the instruc-tion of Deuteronomy 6:4-7,

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is oneLORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thyGod with all thine heart, and with all thysoul, and with all thy might. And these

words, which I command thee this day,shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teachthem diligently unto thy children, and shalttalk of them when thou sittest in thinehouse, and when thou walkest by the way,and when thou liest down, and when thourisest up.Not only should parents provide those op-

portunities at home, but they should also besupportive of planning done by the elders whotake seriously their responsibility to “feed thechurch” (Acts 20:28) in providing classesadapted to the age of the group being taught.Every Christian making up the body of Christ,purchased by His blood, should also take seri-ously the command to “study to shew thyselfapproved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15). Even so,sometimes (and once is too many) teachers willreport that it is hard to teach a child as theyshould because their parents allow them to missmore than they attend! Usually, it will be thesesame parents several years later who will bedistraught over the unfaithfulness of theirchildren and will try to shift the blame bysaying, “The church has failed!” How muchheartache and how many times will this have tobe repeated before the lesson is finally learned:An unfaithful example begets an unfaithfulfollower! After all, “They only did what theywere taught!” Paul stated it this way, “Be notdeceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever aman soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).

Let us encourage everyone to take advantageof all opportunities for growth by study (1 Pet.2:2; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6). Let us determinenot to be conformed to this world, but rather“transformed by the renewing of your mind,that ye may prove what is that good, and ac-ceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:2).Let us remember to keep our hearts with alldiligence “for out of it are the issues of life”(Pro. 4:23). Let us always remember as parents,that our children will most likely “do as theyhave been taught”!

PO Box 690; Sapulpa, OK 74067


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Geneave Dean, Fred Stancliff, Floy DellLindesmith, Alice Williams, Hairston andJoyce Brantley, and Jacklynn Ayliffe (CarlAyliffe’s mother). George Dodd (RayDodd’s brother) is terminally ill.


Reading: Carl AyliffeInvitation: Henry Born

February 2, 2000Reading: Elward BrantleyInvitation: Paul Brantley

MARK THESE DATESJanuary 24, 2000–Visitation Group 2 meets

at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.January 31, 2000–Visitation Group Get-

together at 6:00 P.M., in the generalpurpose building. A covered-dish mealwill precede the meeting. Make plansnow to attend and help support ourvisitation program for the new year.

February 7, 2000–Visitation Group 3 meetsat 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.

February 13, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at5:00 P.M., in room 7.

February 14, 2000–Visitation Group 1meets at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.

February 20, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meet-ing at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.




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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP




MISSONARY: Ira Y. Rice, Jr.

BEACONVOL. XXIX JANUARY 24, 2000 NO. 4

A PUBLICATION OF BELLVIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL 32526



CHARACTERISTICSOF THE CHURCH

Burt GrovesThe church which Jesus built (Mat. 16:18)

must retain the splendor which God gives. Manylook to those outside for keys which openopportunities for growth. Can you imagine Paulconsulting with worshippers of Diana in Ephesusto learn how to reach more people with thegospel? Would he have written Demas, whoabandoned him, because of his love for thisworld, to learn better ways of preparing peoplefor heaven? Jesus promised Peter and the otherapostles the keys to the kingdom (Mat. 16:19).Obviously those keys were the gospel, the Wordof God. Since all truth was given to the apostles(John 16:13), we turn to the New Testament tolearn what the church must do to grow as Godwills. There we learn that Christ’s church must

be:A Praying Church

The power to grow does not abide in us unlesswe abide in Christ. “I am the vine, ye are thebranches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, thesame bringeth forth much fruit: for without me yecan do nothing” (John 15:5). Jesus prayedlengthy prayers. “And it came to pass in thosedays, that he went out into a mountain to pray,and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke6:12). Jesus also prayed brief prayers. “Then saidJesus, Father, forgive them; for they know notwhat they do” (Luke 23:34). How can one followJesus without praying? “Ask, and it shall be givenyou; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall beopened unto you” (Mat. 7:7). We must pray forGod’s will to be done in us and others (1 John5:14).

People misunderstand prayer. Someone de-cides to marry a worldly person and explains, “Iprayed, and I know God wouldn’t let me feel this

NEW ARRIVALTony and Vanessa Liddell are the proud

parents of a baby boy, Ethan Bret, born onJanuary 25, 2000. Ethan is 20 inches longand weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz.

The grandparents areLouis and Jane Herrington ofPensacola, FL, and Bobbya n d J o a n L i d d e l l o fMemphis, TN.

Our heartfelt prayers andcongratulations are extended to all.

is right if it were wrong.” Another makes anoccupational choice which results in his facingdifficult temptations, the same types oftemptations which have caused him to sin in thepast. He reasons, “I prayed and feel sure that Imade the right choice.”

One can never do wrong and please God. Hegrants our petitions only when we obey Him(1 John 3:22). Proper prayers cause growthwithin which leads to growth from without!

A Serving ChurchNo one follows Jesus without serving (Mark

10:45). Too many men equate leading a prayer orserving the Lord’s supper as working for theLord. A serving church is people doing far morethan participating in worship. God calls Hispeople to participate in “every good work” (Col.1:10).

Jesus summarized the work of the church inwhat we call the great commission (Mat. 28:18-20). The church must preach Christ to the lostthat they might be save and teach the saved thatthey might not be lost. Church buildings alone donot attract the lost to the gospel. Church buildingscan deceive. Once, Christians thought: “If onlywe had better facilities we could accommodatemore people in our services and lead more toChrist.” Limited facilities can limit outreach, butso can buildings which shout of the affluence ofthe members. Affluence attracts the affluent, butnot to the Lord. All help the preaching of Christwith attendance, listening carefully andprayerfully, and bringing others to hear Christpreached.

Often efforts to reach others seem wasted.Charles Kettering, inventor of the starter for autosand later research chief of General Motors, saidlate in his life that failures were valuable andagreed with his son who said that the highlyeducated were not likely to be inventors. Why?They are conditioned not to fail: an inventor canfail 999 times, but if he succeeds once he hasachieved his goal (Smithsonian, Vol. 19, No. 4, p.135). Christians must be willing to fail in the

quest of souls for Christ.Teaching others requires filling oneself with

God’s Word until it overflows in one’s speechand conduct. Remember the urgency of God’sbusiness (Rom. 12:11). Working diligently, Jesuswarned that a day was coming when no one canwork (John 9:4). Saints who neglect the salvationof sinners also neglect their own salvation (Heb.2:3). Those who rationalize their lack of serviceneed to learn that faith working by love avails(Gal. 5:6).

A Giving ChurchWhat we give for Christ counts for us. “Not

because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that mayabound to your account” (Phi. 4:17). No one canearn salvation, but everyone can follow Him whodid. God calls Christians to give generously,thoughtfully, cheerfully and faithfully (2 Cor.9:6-8). How many people are lost today becauseprosperous Christians are not as generous as theyshould be?

First, we must give ourselves to the Lord. Thesinner gives himself by repenting of his sins anddeclaring his trust in Jesus by submitting tobaptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).Saints give themselves by living for Christ inworship, morals, benevolence, and evangelism!

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Visitation GroupGet-together

January 31, 2000, at 6:00 P.M.,in the general purpose building.

A covered-dish meal will precedethe meeting. Make plans now toattend and bring you suggestionsfor improving the visitationprogram.

UPWARD ANDONWARD

Tony BoydChristians are challenged at every stage of our

development to move ever upward and onward.From the very beginning, the Christian journey isone of actively seeking improvement and growth.“Know ye not, that so many of us as werebaptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into hisdeath? Therefore we are buried with him bybaptism into death: that like as Christ was raisedup from the dead by the glory of the Father, evenso we also should walk in newness of life. For ifwe have been planted together in the likeness ofhis death, we shall be also in the likeness of hisresurrection” (Rom. 6:3-5). Paul’s clear teachingthat as we rise from the watery grave of baptismwe are to live a new life, one totally differentfrom before.

As we grow in Christ, our journey is also aforward one. “Brethren, I count not myself tohave apprehended: but this one thing I do, for-getting those things which are behind, and

reaching forth unto those things which are before,I press toward the mark for the prize of the highcalling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phi. 8:13-14).Our upward journey requires us to constantlypress forward, toward new challenges and ex-periences within the body of Christ.

The ultimate goal of course, is heaven. Theonly way to reach heaven is by moving upwardand onward. We cannot afford to remain satisfiedwith past accomplishments, nor with presentconditions. “Therefore leaving the principles ofthe doctrine of Christ, let us go on untoperfection; not laying again the foundation ofrepentance from dead works, and of faith towardGod” (Heb. 6:1).

An old song that is favored by many, is titled“Higher Ground.” It says, “I’m pressing on theupward way, new heights I’m gaining every day.Still praying as I onward bound, Lord plant myfeet on higher ground.”

Is that your prayer for your life today?HCR 81 Box 75; Salem, MO 65560

RESTORING JOYThere could be nothing more tragic than the

loss of a soul. God has done so much to insurethe salvation of our souls (John 3:16; 1 John3:16). Do you not think that we ought to do allthat we can to aid and attain that provision? Thereare a number of things that we can do to insurethe joy of salvation.

1. I can make sure that I am faithful to God inall phases of my life (Rev. 2:10; 1 Cor. 15:58).

2. I can try with all of my might to help othersmaintain their faithfulness by encouraging them(Heb. 10:24).

3. I can do everything possible to help restorethe erring child of God (Gal. 6:1-2; 1 Cor. 5:1-5).

4. I can look for opportunities to teach othersthe saving message of the gospel (Mat. 28:18-20).

Let’s be involved in restoring joy to the livesof those that we love. Copied


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Geneave Dean, Fred Stancliff, Hairstonand Joyce Brantley, and Floy DellLindesmith. George Dodd (Ray Dodd’sbrother) is terminally ill.

SYMPATHYOur deepest sympathy is extended to

William Weekley in the death of hisbrother, Charles Henry Weekley, Jr., onJanuary 21, 2000. Please keep William andhis family in your prayers.

READING/INVITATIONFebruary 2, 2000

Reading: Elward BrantleyInvitation: Paul Brantley

February 9, 2000Reading: Allen BrazellInvitation: Scot Brazell

MARK THESE DATESFebruary 7, 2000–Visitation Group 3

meets at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.February 13, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.February 14, 2000–Visitation Group 1

meets at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.February 20, 2000–Elders/Deacons’

meeting at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.February 21, 2000–Visitation Group 2

meets at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.February 28, 2000–Visitation Group 3

meets at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.


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CHRIST DIEDIN VAIN IF

The apostle Paul wrote the Galatians letter towarn the church against false teachers. Theprimary false teaching was that the GentileChristians must be circumcised and keep thelaw of Moses to be saved. Paul writes to warnagainst falling from grace by turning back to thelaw (Gal 5:4). Paul reasons in the text that if thelaw could save Christ died in vain (Gal. 2:21).Christ died in vain “if’ many of the doctrines oftoday are true—if.

As noted above, Christ died in vain if thelaw saves. If one could be saved by the OldTestament law, then the death of Christ wasunnecessary, thus in vain. The law could not(cannot) save (Gal. 3:21; 5:3-4). The law wasgiven because of transgressions until Christcame and was only a shadow of that which wasto come. (Gal. 3:19; Heb. 10:1). The law wastaken out of the way and replaced by the law of

Christ (Col. 2:14; Rom. 7:5-7; Heb. 8:6-13;2 Cor. 3:6-18).

Christ died in vain if there is no resurrection.If there is no resurrection, there is no eternallife. If there is no eternal life, there is no realsalvation. Our faith is vain, because it is in arisen Savior. All preaching of Christ is vain, ifthere is no resurrection (1 Cor. 5:12-21). Ifthere is no resurrection, Christ is still in thegrave and has not destroyed him who has thepower of death (1 Cor. 15:16-17, 22-26). There-fore, if there is no resurrection Christ died invain.

Christ died in vain if we can be saved with-out the shedding of blood. There are those whodeny the need or necessity of blood. Some havegone so far as to remove the mention of it fromtheir songs. Was the shedding of blood neces-sary? Yes. Without the shedding of blood, wecould not be saved (Heb. 9:12-22; 10:4, Rom.3:25; 5:9; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:19).

Christ died in vain if the church is unneces-

sary. If one can be saved outside the Lord’schurch, Christ died in vain. All the saved are inthe church (Acts 2:47). Christ died for thechurch (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25-27; Gal. 1:4), tosave it.

Christ died in vain if morality alone willsave one. How many times have you heardsome talk about a person, and say, “If anyonewill be saved this person was.” They talk aboutthe goodness of that individual. Surely, onemust be a good person (live a good moral life)(Tit. 2:12). But will morality alone save? No,because all have sinned (Rom 3: 10, 23). Andonly the blood of Christ can save one from theirsins (1 Pet. 1:19). The blood of Christ is appliedto one’s sins in obedience to the gospel (Rom.1:16; 1 Pet. 1:19-22).

Christ died in vain if you die lost. He died invain as far as you are concerned. He died thatyou might be saved, but you refused His sacri-fice.

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WHAT SHALLWE GIVE?Shan Jackson

Before we can truly be useful to God wemust meet Him face to face. Before we canaccomplish any great thing we must go to Godand find His will. Moses met Him at the burn-ing bush and we meet Him through His inspiredWord, but we must meet Him nonetheless.

And when we meet Him what shall we give?All David had was a sling, but with God’s helpthat sling brought down a mighty giant and amighty nation. All Jonathan had was a swordbut with God’s help that sword also broughtdown the heathen. All Rahab had was a basket;all Dorcas had was some material; all Paul hadwas dedication and desire.

Anything and everything we have, beingwilling to use, God will glorify. Men andwomen surrounded by common things which

God can make uncommon is usage.Ask a farmer what he has as he stands before

the open furrows of his field. His answer, “Onlyseeds.” But seeds, as is the Word of God, aredesigned to be planted, and, the Lord will givethe increase.

PO Box 904; Palacios, TX 77465

SEEKING THE LOSTNOTHING in all of the world is more im-

portant than soul-saving! If the church could befully convinced of this, we not only could, butwe would literally saturate our community andthe world with the saving message of the gos-pel.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke19:10). Brethren, do we not realize that Jesusknew what was really important in this life?And remember, He left us an example, that weshould follow (1 Pet. 2:2).

But, as a general rule, what do you thinkmost members are doing in the matter of savingsouls? The fact of the matter, far too many aredoing nothing. It is true, that most are doingalmost nothing about the most important thingin the world.

God has placed upon our shoulders thisimportant work. If the saving message is to beheard, it must come from the church, “the pillarand ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15).

Author Unknown

ARE YOUREADY FOR THEJUDGMENT DAY?

Gary ColleyMany have been the jokes about the

“dooms-day man” going about with his signsaying, “The World Is Coming to An End”! Themodern man just does not want to be bothered.But likewise some, who claim to believe the

Lord will return, are failing to prepare. So manyhear the gospel regularly, but put off obeying!There are also a host of Christians who began inthe church with good intentions to follow theLord, but the “cares, riches, and pleasures ofthis life” caused the Word of God to be chokedout of their lives (Luke 8:14). Therefore, theywill not be in the number of “the wise virgins,”but among the foolish who were closed out ofthe joys and blessings of Heaven (Mat. 26:1-13).

Though no man knows the time when theLord will return (Mat. 24:36), and not even that“Jesus Is Coming Soon” as some sing withoutknowledge, still we must not forget the Lord’spromise to return and His exhortation to beready (John 14:1-3; Acts 9-11)! Have we for-gotten that when our life is removed from ourbodies, all probation time for preparation ispast; that we shall then wait in Hades (place ofthe unseen spirits) for the Judgment?! “And asit is appointed unto men once to die, but afterthis the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Of the eternalseparation of that day, Jesus said, “And these[wicked] shall go away into everlasting punish-ment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Mat.25:46). “All” will appear before the judgmentseat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10-11)!The words of this article are not just new-fangled thought! The book of Jude records byinspiration that these warnings were sounded allthe way back to Enoch, the seventh from Adam!He prophesied saying:

Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousandsof his saints, To execute judgment upon all,and to convince all that are ungodly amongthem of all their ungodly deeds which theyhave ungodly committed, and of all their hardspeeches which ungodly sinners have spokenagainst him. These are murmurers, complain-ers, walking after their own lusts; and theirmouth speaketh great swelling words, havingmen’s persons in admiration because ofadvantage. But, beloved, remember ye thewords which were spoken before of theapostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How thatthey told you there should be mockers in the

last time, who should walk after their ownungodly lusts. These be they who separatethemselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.But ye, beloved, building up yourselves onyour most holy faith, praying in the HolyGhost, Keep yourselves in the love of God,looking for the mercy of our Lord JesusChrist unto eternal life. And of some havecompassion, making a difference: And otherssave with fear, pulling them out of the fire;hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.Now unto him that is able to keep you fromfalling, and to present you faultless before thepresence of his glory with exceeding joy, Tothe only wise God our Saviour, be glory andmajesty, dominion and power, both now andever. Amen (Jude 14-25).

ARE YOU READY FOR THE JUDGMENTDAY???

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GRACE ISCONDITIONAL

Some cannot comprehend that the grace ofGod is compatible with works. They surmisethat if salvation is by the grace of God, it cannotbe by works. On the contrary, salvation is bothby grace and works. These works are not worksof human merit or works of the law of Moses,but they are works of righteousness (Acts10:35) which are the conditions God establishedfor man to obey. God extends His grace uponcertain conditions.

Suppose a particular rich man tells a youngfriend that he will give him a million dollars ifhe would name his first child after him. If andwhen his friend meets the condition, will heactually earn the million dollars? No! One doesnot earn a million dollars simply by naming achild after someone. It was a gift; he simplyreceived the gift by meeting the conditions. Soit is with the grace of God. To receive the graceof God, obey the gospel and work the works ofrighteousness.

Author Unknown


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Geneave Dean, Hairston and JoyceBrantley, and George Dodd (Ray Dodd’sbrother).


Reading: Allen BrazellInvitation: Scot Brazell

February 16, 2000Reading: Jeremy CaineInvitation: Bill Cline

MARK THESE DATESFebruary 7, 2000–Visitation Group 3 meets

at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.February 13, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at


meets at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.February 20, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meet-

ing at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.February 21, 2000–Visitation Group 2

meets at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.February 28, 2000–Visitation Group 3

meets at 7:00 P.M., in the zone room.


WORTH PONDERING...A religion that does not depend com-

pletely upon the power of the gospel, theadequacy of Scripture, and the effectivenessof preaching cannot result in the salvationand sanctification of souls.

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VOL. XXIX FEBRUARY 7, 2000 NO. 6

MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





A LITTLESCRIPTURALCOUNTING

Jerry MoffittFrom our earliest days in school we learn to

add and subtract. It would redound to theirglory if brethren and all religious peoplepracticed simple mathematics in religion. Goddoes not demand calculus, trigonometry,geometry, or even algebra. A little simplearithmetic will do. He said, “Ye shall not addunto the word which I command you, neithershall ye diminish ought from it” (Deu. 4:2; seealso Deu. 12:32; Pro. 30:6; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Pet.4:11; Mat. 15:13; 2 John 9-11; and Rev. 22:18,19). Let us notice:

The Work of the ChurchThe work the Lord specified for the church

to do is plainly delineated in the New Testa-

ment. One, we are to evangelize the lost (Mat.28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). Two, we are to edifythe saints (Acts 20:32; Col. 3:16). Three, we areto care for the needy (Jam. 1:37; Gal. 6:10).That is all. The church is not commanded to bea political coalition. We are not a psychiatric ormedical association. We do not replace orcompete with the home, labor unions, secularschools, service clubs, drug agents, or localgovernment. And brethren, to put a religiousveneer on these things and try to bring theminto the church is clumsy and hypocritical.

The Acts of WorshipThe acts of worship are clearly enumerated

in the Word of God. One, there is preaching(Acts 20:7; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). Two, there is prayer(Acts 2:42; 1 The. 5:17). Three, we havesinging (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19), and four wehave giving of our means (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Fiveis the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:20).Not to add to the Word of the Lord (Deu. 4:2),we must subtract instrumental music, lighting of

candles, burning of incense, holy water, the signof the cross, prayer to the dead, humming,dedication of babies, Christmas and Easter asholy days, and all other shades of Judaism,paganism, and strange inventions of rebelliousman (Mat. 15:7-9).

Offices in the ChurchThese are easily counted in Scripture. One,

there are bishops, and two there are deacons(Phi. 1:1). Three, there are evangelist (Eph.4:11). Four, there are teachers (Acts 13:1). Tobe scriptural, we must subtract deaconesses,presidents, cardinals, a special priesthood, de-nominational pastors, and padres. Away withpopes, archbishops, nuns, Very RightReverends, and holy orders. May we further besatisfied with brethren, Christians, saints, anddisciples (Acts 15:14; Acts 22:26).

May God give us courage to add the thingsfrom heaven, and the resolve to subtract thosethings from men. May we exhibit humilitytoward those we charge to imitate our efforts.

213 Sabine; Portland, TX 78374

THE LORD’S SUPPER: ITS OBSERVANCE

Andy KizerAt least four different religious ideas are

connected with our observance of the Lord’ssupper. Al l o f these have very deepsignificance.

First, the communion is always associatedwith prayer. When He set up this act ofworship, Jesus, our example, gave thanks foreach of the elements of the communion service.The serious prayers uttered when we communewith the Lord involve thanksgiving andpetition.

The second important element to rememberin the communion service is the element offellowship. In this practice there is fellowshipwith each other as members of God’s chosen

family; fellowship with God, the Father, andfellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew26:29 suggests that since the establishment ofthe kingdom on the day of Pentecost, our Lordhas been meeting with His disciples. In someway, He is present when we all come togetherto participate in the communion.

The third element of the Lord’s Supper is tobe found in the fact that it is a memorial. Paulspeaks of this in l Corinthians 11. This in-stitution is the perpetual reminder that we aresaved by the blood of Christ. When we partakeof this meal we remember that Jesus died on thecross. We remember that on that cross He shedHis blood for us, for the remission of our sins.God wants us to keep that memory alive.

Finally, the communion service is a de-claration. When we partake, as Paul states in1 Corinthians 11, we declare our faith that Jesuswill come again. The Lord’s Supper is observedin a spirit of hope with an attitude of optimismon the first day of every week. “For as often asye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shewthe Lord's death till he come” (1 Cor. 11:26).

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CHRISTIANS AREESTABLISHED BYPREACHING THE

GOSPELJoseph D. Meador

A number of men have given up preachingthe gospel and are preaching “the signs of thetime.” We refer to preaching from the maga-zines, newspapers, or books. Such sermonshave been presented on such diverse themes as:The Need for Greater Environmental Con-sciousness in God’s World, Foreign Policy andthe State of Israel, and How to Relax andLoosen-Up.

BIBLE CLASSESThe spring quarter for the Bible

classes held on Sunday morning andWednesday evening will commencein March. Make plans to attend.

It is not uncommon to hear personaldevelopment theory taught directly out of pop-ular self-help books instead of the gospel ofChrist. Rarely is any specific text of the Biblementioned.

Modern Preaching Versus the GospelModern preaching theory, with emphasis on

staging an emotionally-charged performance,complete with mood lighting, smoke, andmirrors is one symptom of the change whichhas taken place among us. The emphasis is onthe method rather than on the message.

Another preaching theory seeks to transformthe preacher into a country or folk storyteller.The message may be one of common sense anddry wit, but in using this method of en-tertainment the preacher teaches precious littleabout the gospel.

Usually such methods are employed becausethe preacher involved has given himself over todelivering a non-offensive, passive, and ambig-uous message with the purpose of keeping thebrethren satisfied and coming back! This was aproblem in Paul’s day—the give-them-what-they-want not what-they-need philosophy(2 Tim. 4:1-8).

The ProblemPreaching styles are not the problem. The

trends in many pulpits today are symptoms of amuch worse condition. The problem in the pul-pit, and in the pews, is a lack of genuine faith inthe inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of theBible as God’s pattern for salvation. That is thereal problem.

The “Old Jerusalem Gospel” has becomeobsolete and irrelevant, in the minds of some.Its usefulness has faded, and it is a curiosity ofthe past.

In many congregations a synthesis betweenthe gospel and various psychological and socialbetterment theories has occurred. This has beenmixed with a heady dose of “unity in diversity”which has resulted in an anti-gospel messagetouted as a “new gospel for a new church.”

However, the gospel as preached by JesusChrist and His apostles is not a mere historicalmessage (as the liberal dialecticians among usare now teaching in many “Christian” schools).Its teaching is far from obsolete (John 12:48-50;20:30-31; Gal. 1:6). The gospel, proclaimed byfaithful preachers, continues to be a spiritually,ethically, and morally powerful message whichis centered in the person of the Lord JesusChrist. The gospel has exclusive power to savethe obedient soul.

“So...I am ready to preach the gospel to youthat are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed ofthe gospel of Christ: for it is the power of Godunto salvation to every one that believeth; to theJew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:15-16).

The enduring Word of God is the standardby which all will be judged. It shall never passaway. “But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospelis preached unto you” (1 Pet. 1:25).

Let us never substitute for “him that calledyou into the grace of Christ unto anothergospel: Which is not another; but there be somethat trouble you, and would pervert the gospelof Christ” (Gal. 1:6-7).

Let us never seek to be spirituallystrengthened by trendy preaching, which is huskand not kernel. Rather, let us diligently seek areturn to hearing the authentic Word. This willstrengthen us and save others. This is themission of the church.

8900 Manchaca Road; Austin, TX 78748


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, George Dodd andWillodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s brother andsister). Hairston Brantley will have tests onFebruary 14 and possible surgery onFebruary 16. Bill Waters (Leon Water’sfather) is in Baptist Hospital. JacklynnAyliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother) is not doingwell. Maria Bonaparte (the Crowe’sneighbor) has lung cancer.


Reading: Jeremy CaineInvitation: Bill Cline

February 23, 2000Reading: Jerry CaineInvitation: Bill Crowe

MARK THESE DATESFebruary 13, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at


assignment cards handed out.February 20, 2000–Elders/Deacons’

meeting at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.February 20, 2000–Visitation Group 2

assignment cards handed out.February 27, 2000–Visitation Group 3

assignment cards handed out.

PANTRY ITEM NEEDEDVegetable and Chicken Soups

1 SAMUEL 26:24“And, behold, as thy life was much set

by this day in mine eyes, so let my life bemuch set by in the eyes of the LORD, andlet him deliver me out of all tribulation.”

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I TAKETHAT BACK!

Mel FutrellThere is an adage that says, “The spoken

word is like the last opportunity, it doesn’t comeback.” And oh, what a true statement that is!Brethren, how many times in our lives have wemade some remark and almost immediatelyregretted the utterance? In all likelihood it is afault we have succumbed to numerous timesthrough the years. But words once spokencannot be recalled. So we honestly try to lessenthe impact by saying: “I didn’t mean it”; “That’snot what I intended to say”; “I take it back,” etc.Sometimes this helps and sometimes the damagehas been done.

Is it any wonder our Lord said, “For out ofthe abundance of the heart the mouth speak-eth...every idle word that men shall speak, they

shall give account thereof in the day of judg-ment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified,and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”(Mat. 12:34-37). Without a doubt, our speech isa very important part of our Christian life. Andbeing human, we are sometimes rash; our speechis no exception. It often times leaves somethingto be desired. But is our speech beyond our con-trol, or can it be measured by choice? The Bibleindicates that the latter is the correct response.And the voice of Scripture rings out with thisaffirmation. Solomon said, “Be not rash with thymouth...a fool’s voice is known by multitude ofwords” (Ecc. 5:2-3). The great apostle Paul pro-claimed: “Let your speech be alway with grace,seasoned with salt, that ye may know how yeought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). Com-menting on this verse one brother said:

Of particular importance in the Chris-tian’s relationship with those outside thechurch is his speech, which is indicative

of his character and provides an avenuefor influence. Paul reminds his readersthat their speech should always be gra-cious or “acceptable.” The unique charac-ter of Christian speech is then furtherdefined: Christian speech should beseasoned with salt” (The Living WordCommentary, Vol. 11, p. 100).

And James said we could and should bridle ourtongues: “If any man among you seem to be reli-gious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceivethhis own heart, this man's religion is vain” (Jam.1:26).

Brethren, we seldom get in trouble for whatwe do not say, but rather for what we do say andhow we say it. Let us not render our religionvain by false and/or careless speech. Let usdetermine to measure our speech and to heed thewords of the little children’s song, “Be carefullittle tongue what you say.”

959 Alford Ave; Birmingham, AL 35226

LAZYBONESJohn W. Moore

Are you lazy? Would Solomon have identi-fied you as a “sluggard” (translated lazybones inthe NRSV)? What does it mean to be lazy or asluggard? Let us take the following biblical test:

1 . Do you lie around all day with nothing todo? The Hebrew word atsal—translated “slug-gard” means to sit idly.

2. Do you chronically dislike simple exer-tion, such as getting up to get dressed, answerthe phone, etc., even though you are bothmentally and physically healthy? The Hebrewword atsal also means to be indolent, which canbe defined as just described. Consider the wordsof Solomon, “As the door turneth upon hishinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. Theslothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grievethhim to bring it again to his mouth” (Pro. 26:14-15).

3. Do you have to always be told to dosomething before you do it? Listen to Proverbs6:6-8, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; considerher ways, and be wise: Which having no guide,overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in thesummer, and gathereth her food in the harvest”

4. Do you wait around until the last minuteto accomplish a task? “How long wilt thousleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out ofthy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, alittle folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thypoverty come as one that travelleth, and thywant as an armed man” (Pro. 6:9-11).

5. Do you budget your time and money tomeet the needs of the future? “The sluggard willnot plow by reason of the cold; therefore shallhe beg in harvest, and have nothing” (Pro. 20:4;6:8).

6. Do you often find yourself sleeping manyhours at a time? “As the door turneth upon hishinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed” (Pro.26:14; 6:9).

7. Are you always in want, with no means tosupply? “The soul of the sluggard desireth, andhath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall bemade fat” (Pro. 13:4; 6:11).

8. Does your employer grimace at yourwork? “As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke tothe eyes, so is the sluggard to them that sendhim” (Pro. 10:26).

9. Do you make excuses for your lack ofwork, accomplishments, etc.? “The slothful mansaith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in thestreets” (Pro. 26:13). “The sluggard is wiser inhis own conceit than seven men that can rendera reason” (Pro. 26:16).

10. Do your possessions and physical appear-ance reflect neglect and inattention? Hear theobservations of Solomon: “I went by the field ofthe slothful, and by the vineyard of the man voidof understanding; And, lo, it was all grown overwith thorns, and nettles had covered the facethereof, and the stone wall thereof was brokendown. Then I saw, and considered it well: I

looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet alittle sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of thehands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as onethat travelleth; and thy want as an armed man”(Pro. 24:30-34). “He that diggeth a pit shall fallinto it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpentshall bite him” (Ecc. 10:8).

11. Are your talents unused or unrefined? InMatthew 25:26, the Lord identified the unprofit-able servant as lazy because he did not use histalents.

I sincerely hope that none of us could consis-tently answer yes to any of the above questions.A consistent yes is a true indicator that one isslothful, lazy, or a sluggard; and if we remain inthis state, we will lose our souls (Mat. 25:30).

Let us not waste time or be lazy, for there ismuch to do as a servant of the Lord and as acitizen in His kingdom.

8900 Manchaca Rd; Austin, TX 78748

A FATHER’S ADVICE“Teach them as many of the seven hundred

thousand words of the English language as youhave time to, but the greatest word is God; thelongest word: eternity; the nearest word: now;the darkest word: sin; the swiftest word: time;the meanest word: hypocrisy; and the deepestword: soul.”

Author Unknown

WHEN DO YOUSTUDY YOUR BIBLE?

When do you study your Bible? It is sadwhen some among us don’t know why webelieve, or worse, don’t know what we believe.Too many so-called Christians rely on the “faithof their fathers” and do not really have our ownfaith. Why? The reason is obvious: “So thenfaith cometh by hearing, and hearing by theword of God” (Rom. 10:17). And unless we,

individually, spend some time in the BOOK, wewill never develop our own faith.

Many of our young people are lost to theworld because when confronted with temptationand the pleasures of the world they do not havea faith that is based upon personal knowledge.Study your Bible every day. Search for God’sanswers to life’s problems. Grow in your faithas you feed on God’s Word. It is then that wecan share that conviction with others.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that Imight not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:11).

Author Unknown

GOD’S AUTHORIZEDWORSHIP

Colossians 3:171. LORD’S SUPPER—The New Testament

and early church history record that Christiansmet on the first day of every week (Sunday) toworship God and remember Christ (Acts 20:7;1 Cor. 11:23-34; 16:1-2).

2. PRAYERS—(Acts 2:42; Phi. 4:6-7;1 The. 5:17-18).

3. SINGING—God’s Word authorizes onlyvocal music and specifically singing (Eph. 5:19;Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12). The New Testamentshows no use of mechanical instruments ofmusic in worship to God by the church Christestablished. Church history notes no such usefor nearly 700 years after the New Testamentwas completed. It is an innovation of men, notof God.

4. GIVING—Free-willed, cheerful, gener-ous, and every week (Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 16:1-2;2 Cor. 8: 9).

5. PREACHING OF THE WORD— Thegospel of Christ, not men’s doctrines norentertainment, saves and strengthens us (Acts2:42; 20:7; Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:18-23).

Author Unknown


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley,George Dodd and Willodean Gann (RayDodd’s brother and sister). Bill Waters(Leon Water’s father) is in Baptist Hospital.Jacklynn Ayliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother) isnot doing well. Maria Bonaparte (theCrowe’s neighbor) has lung cancer. LouGafford has been diagnosed with cancer ofthe kidneys.


Reading: Jerry CaineInvitation: Bill Crowe

March 1, 2000Reading: Bill GallaherInvitation: Dale Cunningham

MARK THESE DATESFebruary 20, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meet-

ing at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.February 20, 2000–Visitation Group 2

assignment cards handed out.February 27, 2000–Visitation Group 3



GENESIS 2:1-3“Thus the heavens and the earth were

finished, and all the host of them. And onthe seventh day God ended his work whichhe had made; and he rested on the seventhday from all his work which he had made.And God blessed the seventh day, andsanctified it: because that in it he had restedfrom all his work which God created andmade.”

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“WE’RE ALWAYSHERE, UNLESSWE’RE GONE!”

W. Kent GrahamA local business in Atoka, Oklahoma, has an

advertising slogan which proclaims, “We’re al-ways here, unless we’re gone!” Every time I seethis commercial I cannot help but think of someof our beloved brethren. The story is told of aChristian who was compelled to extol his faith-fulness in worshiping God. He rightly assertedthat every faithful child of God is presentand an eager participant at every designatedBible Study and Worship Assembly. He pro-fessed that those who were unnecessarily absentfrom any assembly of the saints were sufferingfrom spiritual illness. Supporting his proclama-tion, he said of his family, “We’re always here,

unless we’re gone!”This well meaning Christian’s message pro-

duced a resounding “hollow ring” as it washeard throughout the classroom auditorium.Those whom he was trying to convince andpersuade knew well that the man had failed tocomplete his sentence. He should have said,“We’re always here, unless we’re gone fish-ing!” They knew that he was in worship as longas he felt like being there. Occasionally, he andhis family did not come for “whatever” reason.He was not overly concerned about the effect ofhis family’s absence on the congregation, norwas he very concerned about the effect of hisdecision on his children’s respect and reverencefor God. Very likely, he figured that he wouldjust be doubly devoted to God sometime in thefuture.

Although this individual may have meantwell, he was lacking in spiritual maturity, andwas somehow blinded to his own unfaithful

NEW BIBLE CLASSES BEGINNINGBible classes for the spring quarter will begin Wednesday, March 1 and Sunday,

March 5. Make plans now to attend these classes.Sunday Schedule

Adults I Romans I Paul BrantleyAdults II Acts II Michael HatcherAdults III Acts I Louis HerringtonNew Converts Studies In Christian Doctrine And Practical

Christian Living Bill Gallaher

Wednesday ScheduleAdults I Judges & Ruth Michael HatcherAdults II I Samuel Bill CroweAdults III II Samuel Ray FosheeNew Converts Studies In Christian Doctrine And Practical

Christian Living Bill Gallaher

ness. Faithful Christians must realize the impor-tance of being consistent in their faith. Thisgoes for every facet of our duty as a follower ofJesus Christ. Yet, our presence at all of theBible class assemblies and worship assembliesis a fundamental test of our devotion to God!Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom ofGod, and his righteousness; and all these thingsshall be added unto you” (Mat. 6:33). Christ haspromised to providentially provide for ourphysical necessities, but we must properlyprioritize our lives by placing our spiritualwelfare as our chief concern in life! It is notalways convenient to remain faithful, and attimes we must make some sacrifices to remainfaithful; but it is just these “tests of faith” whichlet us know if we truly are a faithful Christian.Paul wrote, “Be not deceived; God is notmocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, thatshall he also reap. For he that soweth to hisflesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but hethat soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reaplife everlasting. And let us not be weary in well

doing: for in due season we shall reap, if wefaint not” (Gal. 6:7-9). Good brethren, pleaseunderstand that when we neglect any assembly,even just one, we injure the good name of thechurch, lessen its power, discourage our fellowChristians, dishonor God, and do ourselves andour families an inestimable disservice. Will yoube in every worship assembly and everyBible study every time the “Saints” meet?Brethren, I humbly ask, “If not, why not?”

PO Box 1704; Fulton, TX 78358

THERE’S A WORLDTO BE WON FOR

CHRISTIt is unbelievable, but if all the unsaved

people in the world were to line up single file atyour front door, the line would reach around theworld 30 times. And horror of horrors! This linewould grow by 20 miles each day! If you were

PROUD GRANDPARENTSShelby and Jennette Nall are proud to

announce the birth of their grandson,Jackson Wade Nal l , born onFebruary 20, 2000, to Michael andGlenda Nall of Pensacola, FL.Jackson weighed 5 lbs. 6 oz. and was

19 inches long.Our heartfelt prayers and con-

gratulations are extended to all.

to drive 50 miles per hour for 10 hours a day, itwould take you 4 years and 40 days to get to theend of this line of lost souls. And by then itwould have grown by another 30,000 miles!

Look out your front door! See lost souls!Author Unknown

DOES THE BIBLEREALLY SAY WHATWE THINK IT DOES?

Steven D. Cline“There’s never been a man on the moon!

The only man on the moon is the one God putthere for burning sticks on the Sabbath Day!”So was I told by an old gentleman back in themid-70s. Actually, the Bible never mentionssuch an occurrence. It was simply an exampleof what an individual believed the Bible said.

You may be quite startled to know that thereare many expressions that good and honest folkaffirm are in the Bible but actually are not. Verybriefly, the following are but a few: “Before theend of time, you will not be able to tell theseasons apart.” “Never put the price of a dog inyour pocket.” “Every tub shall stand on its ownbottom.” “Mary Magdalene was a prostitute.”“Blood is thicker than water.” “Once a man,

twice a child.” “The Bible itself says it can’t beunderstood.” “You can repent between thesaddle and the stirrups.” “Jesus had a ruddycomplexion.” “One thousand years shall pass,but not thousands.” “Weaker but wise.” “Threewise men came to visit baby Jesus at the man-ger.” (Actually, the number of wise men isnever given. By the time they reached Bethle-hem, moreover, the small family had movedinto a house (Mat. 2:1-12)

In order to be pleasing to God, we must doHis will. Jesus one time said in John 7:17, “Ifany man will do his will, he shall know of thedoctrine, whether it be of God, or whether Ispeak of myself.” The Bible has been given tous in order for us to learn the will of God. Weare told in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study [give dili-gence] to shew thyself approved unto God, aworkman that needeth not to be ashamed,rightly dividing [handling aright] the word oftruth.”

It is one’s responsibility to God and himselfto take the time and make the effort to learn thewill of God. In the last day we will be judged,not by our ignorance of what the Bible teaches,but by the words of Christ Himself (John12:48). Let us remember that the holy Scrip-tures are able to make us wise unto salvation(2 Tim. 3:15). Let us remember as well thatGod sees it as a noble act to study and searchthe Scriptures (Acts 17:11).

The Word of God is quick, or alive, power-ful and sharper than a sword with two edges(Heb. 4:12). In fact, Stephen calls the Scripturesthe “lively oracles” or the living Word in Acts7:38, and Peter says “If any man speak, let himspeak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). Thus,let us take great care when we say such thingsas “Eve ate an apple” or “The Bible says youcan be saved by faith alone,” for to say such, isto make God’s Holy Word say that which itdoes not. Copied


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley, LouGafford, George Dodd and Willodean Gann(Ray Dodd’s brother and sister), BillWaters (Leon Water’s father), JacklynnAyliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother), and MariaBonaparte (the Crowe’s neighbor).


Ray Dodd and his family in the death of hisbrother Jack Dodd on February 21, 2000.Please keep Ray and his family in yourprayers and help them in any way you can.

READING/INVITATIONMarch 1, 2000

Reading: Bill GallaherInvitation: Dale Cunningham

March 8, 2000Reading: Andrew HatcherInvitation: Ray Dodd

MARK THESE DATESFebruary 27, 2000–Visitation Group 3

assignment cards handed out.March 5, 2000–Men’s Class at 5:00 P.M.,

in room 1.March 5,2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.March 12, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assign-

ment cards handed out.March 12, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.March 19, 2000--Visitation Group 3 assign-

ment cards handed out.


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MEETING TIMES


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CONTENTMENTAl Macias

We live in a world that is moving so fast thatwe sometimes wish we could get off (at least forawhile), but we cannot. We live in a world whereit seems many are rushing to get to nowhere. Welive in a world in which people have more thanthey ever had and yet still want more. What hashappened to contentment? What has happened tobeing satisfied with the basics of life? Is it wrongfor people to want to have more and more andmore? Let us go to the Scriptures and see whatGod’s Word says about having and wanting moreand never being satisfied.

In 1 Timothy 6:6-11, the apostle Paul wrote toTimothy, and to all of us, about contentment andabout gain. First of all, Paul said that “But godli-ness with contentment is great gain. For webrought nothing into this world, and it is certainwe can carry nothing out. And having food and

raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Tim. 6:6-8). In these verses, and the verses that follow, wefind out where many of us have gone wrong. Wefind out just exactly what God sees as being suf-ficient for our lives while we journey through thisearth. Who else would know better than GodHimself what is best for us in this world of ours?God created us and He knows the dangers thatawait us every day we spend in this life. There-fore, we should heed whatever He has to sayabout contentment and about wanting more andmore and never being satisfied.

Paul says first of all that godliness with con-tentment is great gain. We can easily see thateven contentment by itself is not sufficient, butrather godliness with contentment should be ourgoal. Now the question we all must ask ourselvesis how was Paul using the word godliness here?Godliness is anything we do to try to be more likeGod. That is to be like God in character. In thebeginning, we read in the book of Genesis that

God made us in His own image; and when mansinned, he was no longer in the image of God.But God, being the loving God that He is, madeit possible for man then and man now to be ableto get rid of sin and again be like Him. It isthrough the Word of God that we learn how to beGodly. And it is when a person is trying to beGodly that he will see things as God sees thingsand therefore will be content with whatever Godsays in His Word. How content are you?


SOLDIERS OF CHRIST,ARISE!

Alton W. FonvilleIn the Ephesian letter the apostle Paul is

encouraging brethren to prepare themselves forthe battle with the devil which is before them. Inchapter 6, beginning with verse 11, Paul says,“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may beable to stand against the wiles of the devil.” In theverses following he describes what that armour is,and says (to you and me): “Stand therefore.” Inverse 16 he says, “Above all, taking the shield offaith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all thefiery darts of the wicked.”

Paul is describing the behavior of a soldier forthe Lord and some of his duties. He is not speak-ing of something strange to him. He spoke fromfirst-hand information. In Philippians 2:26 hespeaks of himself as a fellow-soldier.

From a brief look at the life of Paul it isevident that a soldier of the cross of Christ hassome work to do. Being a soldier is not a passivejob. It is not enough to enroll in an army and sitdown. We must stand for something. We must beactive against the wiles of the devil.

We must first realize that the devil is alive andwell today and is out there all around us, workingwith all his forces to overtake us. If we do notrealize that important fact, we are likely to be

overtaken. The devil is subtle and sly. He knowshow to catch us in our weak moments. He knowshow to deceive us into following him.

What does a good soldier have to do to pre-vent being overtaken by the devil? We muststudy God’s Word so we will know what there isto do. We must come to realize that there are falseteachers on earth today, teaching their ungodlylies. We must be willing to obey the commandsof God relating to these false teachers whereverthey are found. They may be so close to us thatwe fail to realize that they are of the devil and notof the Lord. False teachers are at work in thefamily of God—the church. Only a casual open-ing of the eyes will show that is true. But whenfalse teachers invade our own families, we aremore prone to overlook it rather than deal with itas Jesus told us. Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-37,

Think not that I am come to send peace onearth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.For I am come to set a man at variance againsthis father, and the daughter against her mother,and the daughter in law against her mother inlaw. And a man's foes shall be they of his ownhousehold. He that loveth father or mothermore than me is not worthy of me: and he thatloveth son or daughter more than me is notworthy of me.To be a good soldier of the Lord, we must be

ready to stand against the actions and teachings ofour own children when necessary—no matterhow it hurts. We must not shrink back simplybecause it is our family. We must be strong in theLord and obey the commands to “withdrawyourselves from every brother that walketh disor-derly” (2 The. 3:6). This soldier must be strongand obey that command even if it divides his ownfamily, just as he is supposed to obey it when itrelates to the family of God. Being a good sol-dier is refusing to be entangled in the affairs ofthis world (2 Tim. 2:4). To be entangled with ourearthly family to the degree we refuse to obeyGod, is not being a good soldier of Christ.

It is time for the soldiers of Christ to arise and

stand for something. Stand against the devil andhis angels; stand for Christ and His church whichHe will present to Himself “not having spot, orwrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should beholy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27). Soldiers!Do not let the church be spotted. Do not let ithave blemishes or wrinkles. Let us put back onthat armour which may have been laying idle formany years and let us serve the living God. Arise!

HC 33 Box 140; St. Paul, AR 72760

WHEN WE KNOW WEHAVE LOST OUR

“FIRST LOVE” FORTHE LORD

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee,because thou hast left thy first love” (Rev. 2:4).

When my delight in the Lord is no longer asgreat as my delight in someone else, I have lostmy “first love.”

When my soul does not long for times of richfellowship in God’s Word or in prayer, I havelost my “first love.”

When my thoughts during leisure moments donot reflect upon the Lord, I have lost my “firstlove.”

When I claim to be “only human” and easilygive in to those things I know displease the Lord,I have lost my “first love.”

When I do not willingly and cheerfully give toGod’s work or to the needs of others, I have lostmy “first love.”

When I cease to treat every Christian brotheras I would the Lord, I have lost my “first love.”

When I view the command of Christ as re-strictions to my happiness rather than expressionsof His love, I have lost my “first love.”

When I inwardly strive for acclaim of thisworld rather than the approval of the Lord, I have

lost my “first love.”When I fail to make Christ or His Words

known because I fear rejection, I have lost my“first love.”

When I refuse to give up an activity which Iknow is offending a weaker brother, I have lostmy “first love.”

When I become complacent to sinful condi-tions around me, I have lost my “first love.”

When I am unwilling to forgive another foroffending me, I have lost my “first love.”

Author Unknown

A CHILD PRAYS“I’m just a little child, eight years old. I’ve

been doing a lot of thinking, and I am worried.Please God, I know you can help me with thesethings I just don’t understand.

It’s about Mommy and Daddy, God, that I’vebeen wondering. I love them both, and they loveme, I know. I want to know if they are going toheaven when they die. They sure do want me togo, because they send me to Bible school everySunday and then they come to worship. But God,I don’t understand why Mommy and Daddy donot go to Bible study, too. And Sunday nights,when Johnny and Mary and their momma anddaddy go to church again, my mamma and daddyeither stay home and watch television or visitsome friends. Is this all right, God? I have read inthe Bible where Jesus said that we must seek Himfirst—and I am worried.

Another thing, God—in Bible school, myteacher taught me how important it is to pray, andto think You for our food and everything that wehave. But, I’ve never heard my daddy pray! Isthis all right, God? I guess I’m just kinda mixedup—I think Mamma and Daddy are the best inthe whole world, and I want to be just like themwhen I grow up. I love you God!”

Author Unknown


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley, LouGafford, George Dodd and Willodean Gann(Ray Dodd’s brother and sister), BillWaters (Leon Water’s father), JacklynnAyliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother), and MariaBonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor).


Reading: Andrew HatcherInvitation: Ray Dodd

March 15, 2000Reading: Daniel HatcherInvitation: Ray Foshee

MARK THESE DATESMarch 5, 2000–Men’s Class at 5:00 P.M.,

in room 1.March 5,2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.March 12, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assign-


P.M., in room 7.March 19, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-

ment cards handed out.March 19, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting

at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.March 25, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.March 29, 2000–Fifth Wednesday Singing

at 7:00 P.M.


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VOL. XXIX MARCH 6, 2000 NO. 10

MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





DOES CHRISTDEMAND SACRIFICE?

Jerry BatesIt seems many people in this country have the

attitude of wanting something for nothing. Theywant all the material blessings others have, butthey are not willing to sacrifice and work forthem.

They want this country to be strong andpowerful, but are not willing to sacrifice to main-tain that strength.

Major sSullivan Ballou of the Union Army, in1861, once wrote a letter to his wife. One para-graph that he wrote is significant.

I have no misgivings about or lack ofconfidence in the cause in which I amengaged, and my courage does not halt orfalter. I know how strongly Americancivilization now leans on the triumph ofthe Government, and how great a debt we

owe to those who went before us throughthe blood and suffering of the Revolution.I am willing, perfectly willing, to lay downall my joys in this life to help maintain thisGovernment and to pay that debt.A week later he made the ultimate sacri-

fice—his own life. In the next 130 years manyothers made a similar sacrifice. Often, it is notpleasant to sacrifice, but we all realize that fromtime to time sacrifice must be made for the coun-try to remain strong.

The same is true in the Lord’s Kingdom. Wewant to be part of that kingdom, but are wewilling to sacrifice for it? We want God to makeall the sacrifices. We bless and praise God for Hisgrace and mercy in sending His Son to die on thecross. Yet when it is suggested that we mustlikewise make a sacrifice, we somehow think thatit is unfair and unjust for God to expect us to giveup something. Jesus made it plain that to be Hisdisciple involves hardship and sacrifice.

“If any man will come after me, let him deny

himself, and take up his cross daily, and followme” (Luke 9:23). “And whosoever doth not bearhis cross, and come after me, cannot be my disci-ple” (Luke 14:27). The cross is not some physicalburden or illness which inevitably comes toeveryone. It is the voluntary hardship or sacrificethat we make for the good of others and God’sKingdom.

The Bible is full of examples of people whomade sacrifices for their faith. Hebrews 11 givesseveral examples of great men and women offaith. Each of them suffered hardships and sacri-ficed for his/her faith. John the Baptist made theultimate sacrifice when he told Herod that it wasnot lawful for him to have his brother’s wife(Mat. 14:4). According to tradition, all of theapostles except for John paid the same price,being put to death for their faith.

Service to God has always cost man some-thing. David is referred to as a “man after God’sown heart.” He once made the statement that hewould not offer a sacrifice to God which cost himnothing (2 Sam. 24:24). Each of us is to be aliving sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1). Can we be aliving sacrifice if we do not give up something?

We teach our children the old proverb: “Any-thing worth having is worth working for.” Weencourage our young people to be great scholarsor athletes. Yet, to be a scholar involves self-discipline and years of lonely study and work. Tobe a great athlete involves countless hours ofpractice which no one ever sees. Salvation isassuredly worth having (1 Cor. 2:9), therefore, weought to be willing to sacrifice and work for it,doing God’s will.

We should be encouraging our youth to bewilling to make that sacrifice. What are you sacri-ficing for God? Are you willing to bring your lifeinto conformity with the Word of God? Are yousacrificing materially so that the gospel can bespread throughout the world? Are you sacrificingyour time to learn the Word of God and teachyour neighbor about Christ? Are you using your

talents in service to God? See Mark 12:30-31.Matthew 19:16-30 records the case of the rich

young ruler coming to Christ. He also wanted tofollow Jesus. But when asked to make the samesacrifice the apostles made, he went away sor-rowful. For him salvation cost too much. Formany alive today salvation costs too much. Thesacrifice is too great. However, Jesus promises usthat if we are willing to make the sacrifice therewards are worth it. “And every one that hathforsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father,or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for myname's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, andshall inherit everlasting life” (Mat. 19:29). Areyou willing to sacrifice for Christ?

PO Box 753; Palestine, AR 72372

IF YOU DO NOTWANT DIVORCE

If you do not want a divorce, put your matefirst. I shudder when I hear a woman say, “Oh, Iput my children ahead of everything!” Youshould put your husband first, knowing that thegreatest gift you can ever bestow upon your sonor daughter is the security which comes fromknowing that mother and daddy love each other.

If you do not want a divorce, learn to ex-press your love to your mate. Love is never outof style or out of date. There is no taboo ontenderness in any culture. A man or woman needsto be loved no less at fifty than on his or herwedding night.

If you do not want a divorce, learn to livewithin your means. It is a fine thing to do with,but it is even better to be able to do without suc-cessfully! Refuse to live beyond your income orto become a compulsive buyer. Piling up debtshas a way of breaking down a marriage.

If you do not want a divorce, learn to build,not blast, the self-esteem of your partner. Prac-tically all of us from time to time, wonder aboutour worth. In those moments, nothing is so dam-

aging as the discovery that the one person whoought to know and love us best is the very personwho puts us down!

If you do not want a divorce, then do notmarry a mate with the idea of reforming himor her. It has been my studied conclusion thatvery few people are ever changed by the simpleaction of walking down a marriage aisle.

If you do not want a divorce, then learn tocompromise with each other. Never forget thatthe sweetest words ever to fall from human lipsare, “I’m sorry, please forgive me.”

If you do not want a divorce, then seek andfind common goals and directions. We live in aday when each does “his own thing,” the wifegoing in one direction, the husband another, withrarely the twain meeting. Do things together.

If you do not want a divorce, then rejectinterference from in-laws and relatives.

Author Unknown

RESTORING THECODE OF DECENCY

Neal PollardWhile holding a meeting in north Alabama,

this writer had the pleasure of visiting in thehome of an elder of a nearby congregation. Histwo teenage daughters were truly refreshing.They did not attend their high school prom, didnot swim with boys at the public pool, and posi-tively never wore clothes that were immodest.These were not strange girls. They were pretty,popular girls heavily involved in all kinds ofschool activities. They were confident and coura-geous. No doubt these girls will live rich, full,and joyful lives.

In The Visitor, the Adamsville, Alabamachurch bulletin, Tim Rice writes under the date ofFebruary 21, 1995:

A substitute teacher I know recently over-heard some cheerleaders at school say

something like the following: “I feel sorryfor Jane [not her real name]. She is a mem-ber of the church of Christ. She can’t wearshort dresses. Her parents would not let hergo to the prom. Why, even when her fam-ily goes on vacation, they don’t go to thebeach where the action is, they go off bythemselves. And she wears spandex pantswhen she goes swimming there. She can’tgo to any of the pool-parties we havebecause her parents don’t think it’s right togo mixed swimming. She doesn’t smokeor do any of the fun things. And she goesto church all the time.”Will she be warped or rebellious? Will her

parents’ strictness cause her to snap or go wild?Or, have we let the voice of the world convinceus that chaste, conservative, and wholesomevalues ruin young lives?

The woman this writer married was raised likethose elders’ daughters and “Jane.” She is normalin every way. She has always received greatrespect from world and church, male and female!She has no difficulty faithfully believing the truthabout the ever-present danger of producing lustthrough activities like mixed swimming, dancing,or brief attire (cf., Gal. 5:19; 1 Pet. 4:3; 2 Cor.12:21; Webster’s New World Dictionary defini-tion of “lasciviousness”). She has adopted 1 Tim-othy 2:9 as her code of decency, being modestfrom the inside out and putting her emphasis onwearing the whole armor of God and not the biki-nis, mini’s, tight, and slight attire of the world!

Yes, television and movies have desensitizedus with half-clothed, unclothed, and up close menand women, as if such were natural and accept-able. The summertime dress code of the worldsuggests that we are free to do whatever pleasesus. The invitation of the devil’s sermon is: “Comeunto me, nude and uninhibited, and I will giveyou popularity, acceptance, and freedom.” Woeto the Christian who swallows that lie!

PO Box 745; Mechanicsville, VA 23111


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley, LouGafford, Paul Brantley, George Dodd andWillodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s brother andsister), Bill Waters (Leon Water’s father),Jacklynn Ayliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother),and Maria Bonaparte (the Crowe’sneighbor).


Reading: Daniel HatcherInvitation: Ray Foshee

March 22, 2000Reading: Brantley JohnsonInvitation: Louis Herrington

MARK THESE DATESMarch 12, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assign-


P.M., in room 7.March 19, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-


at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.March 25, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.March 29, 2000–Fifth Wednesday Singing

at 7:00 P.M.

PANTRY ITEM NEEDEDCanned Meat

25TH ANNUAL BELLVIEWLECTURES

Sad Statements Of The BibleJune 10-14, 2000

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





CAN WEUNDERSTAND

THE BIBLE ALIKEDavid P. Brown

Men may misunderstand the Bible in as manydifferent ways as there are people to read it. ButGod did not intend such misunderstanding. Inmatters of obligation to God, all men must be intotal agreement. Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me,and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgethhim: the word that I have spoken, the same shalljudge him in the last day” (John 12:48). TheWord of God will read that exact same way onthe day of judgment as it does now and viceversa.

All mentally capable people can (are able to)understand, but they do not do so. It is obvious,therefore, that there is a difference between canand do.

Actually, the question should be: “Can weunderstand the Bible?” When we understand, wewill be alike, Paul made this clear to the Ephe-sians when he wrote, “How that by revelation hemade known unto me the mystery; (as I wroteafore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, yemay understand my knowledge in the mystery ofChrist)” (Eph. 3:3-4; also see 1 Tim. 3:14-17;Acts 17:11; John 5:39).

When men orally, or in written form, teachthat men cannot “understand the Bible alike,”they are writing for one reason—to bring aboutunderstanding on the part of their audience! Butwhat do they expect of their audience? They wantevery one to “understand alike” that “everyonecannot understand the Bible alike”!!! We shallnot belabor such nonsense.

Seeing it is not God’s fault, why do peoplemisunderstand the Bible? The answer is not farfrom any of us. Please note the following simplerequisite to the understanding of the scriptures—“an honest and good heart” ( Luke 8:15).

In this parable the Word of God is said to bethe seed of the kingdom (v. 11) It did not changeas it was sown “by the wayside”; “on the rock”;“among thorns” or “on the good ground” ( Luke8:5-8). The first three places the seed fell repre-sents dishonest hearts they were not good becausethey were not honest.

Before one is going to “hunger and thirst afterrighteousness” and thereby “be filled” (Mat. 5:6),there must be the integrity of heart (intellect, will,conscience, and emotions). Jesus said, “If anyman willeth to do his will, he shall know of theteaching” (John 7:17). Seeking the truth formerely academic reasons will not bring under-standing. There must be the will to comply withwhat is learned before full understanding ispossible.

Jesus spoke of those who did not understandbecause they would not. Jesus said that theirhearts had “waxed gross.” They had lost theirhonesty because of idols in their hearts. Suchidols were more important to them than under-standing God’s truth (Mat. 13:13-15).

Paul further emphasized this regarding thedeparture of the Gentiles from God. Paul wrote,“because that, knowing God, they glorified himnot as God, neither gave thanks; but became vainin their reasonings, and their senseless heart wasdarkened” (Rom. 1:21). The heart that does notexpend its energies in glorifying God by obeyingHis will, will slowly but surely lose whateverknowledge of God it ever had. The heart kepthonest cannot fall into this trap. The “reprobatemind” of Romans 1:28 is a direct result of adishonest heart. Also consider Hebrews 5:11-14.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 Paul tells of thosewho do not have a “love of the truth” and that“had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Such willnever understand God’s truth. Integrity of theheart will prevent this from happening.

Why do people persist in misunderstanding,though they have been exposed to the truth?Surely this study of God’s Word gives us the

answer as to why such is done and what we mustdo to continue to understand God’s will for ourlives. The writer of Proverbs penned: “But thepath of the righteous is as the dawning light, Thatshineth more and more unto the perfect day”(Pro. 4:18). He also wrote: “Keep thy heart withall diligence; For out of it are the issues of life”(Pro. 4:23).

The people who understand the Scriptures asthey relate to our salvation will believe and prac-tice the same things. The dishonest heart will notunderstand and will set about to justify itself withsuch nonsense as: “We cannot understand theBible alike.”

People can be honestly and sincerely wrong,but that honesty will not let them be happy andcontent in their error. It will drive them towardthe truth. Having confronted the truth one of twothings must be given up. In order to keep one’shonesty, truth will take the place of error regard-less of the cost. But if in coming to the truth, theerror is found to be more comfortable, error willremain to the exclusion of truth, honesty and sin-cerity. The heart thereby is darkened!

Our understanding or misunderstanding ofGod’s saving truth is directly related to an honestor dishonest heart. Yea, verily, we are totallyresponsible for what we believe and practice!

25403 Lancewood; Spring, TX 77373

BAROMETERS OFSPIRITUALITY

Jack GrayWhen we think of the measuring gauge of

spiritual temperature within a congregation, weusually focus on the attendance and contribution.Admittedly these do tell a great deal. They are“the proof of our love” and tremendously impor-tant. I have been very conscious recently of otherindications of spiritual strength or weaknesswithin a congregation, and I felt you would be

25TH ANNUALBELLVIEW LECTURES


interested in what visiting people many timeslook for in us. It may help us to evaluate our owncongregation.

When do members arrive at the building?I like to arrive at a meeting service on the firstnight at least 30 minutes early and observe thepeople as they arrive. It will tell you a lot aboutthe fellowship within the congregation and howprecious it is to the members. When most peoplearrive within the last five minutes before theservice is to begin, you begin to see duty and ob-ligation...rather than a love for the Lord and adesire to associate with brethren.

Where do the young people sit? Front andcenter is wonderful. You know some good thingswill come of this. But when they begin to huntthe back corners, you know you have got prob-lems. Even when a nucleolus are down front,danger signs are seen when you notice that somedo not blend with the group.

How many leave through the front vesti-bule? It is amazing how much you can learn fromthis. Some congregations leave like a flock ofquail; but when people love their brethren, youwill not find them looking for back doors. Thisnaturally has nothing to do with where they areparked on the parking lots. It is very easy to gothrough the front vestibule, even if you are thengoing to follow a hallway to a back entrance. Youmiss so much fellowship when you do not.

How well is the building cared for? Noticeespecially the restrooms and the waste baskets.Observe the people who ignore paper on the flooror anything obviously out of order. The littlethings show congregational pride. People whoreally care about the appearance of their buildingwill also care about other phases of the Lord’swork.

Does everyone stay until the service is over?Leaving during the invitation song is probably themost discourteous and thoughtless thing a mem-ber of the church ever did. It shows a lack ofconcern for those who might need to respond. It

also shows that we do not look upon it as thefocal point of the service. In fact, anyone wholeaves a worship service before it is dismissed,except in a case of real emergency, is castingreflection both on the congregation and the Godthey profess to love and serve.

What is the attitude of the congregationtoward advertising and promotion? It seemsinvariably true that those who are not willing tospend are not willing to be spent in God’s service.If members are stingy with money in promotingevangelism, you can be sure that they will notwant much involvement in other ways either.Perhaps even worse, it reflects their true attitudetoward souls. When a congregation uses cheapadvertising materials or has objections to moneyspent in soul winning, you can be sure that thereal problem is in not really believing in the valueof a single soul. If the soul is really the mostprecious thing in the world, what Christian couldpossibly object to another $100 used in a provenmethod to save another soul?

Does the congregation really appreciatebiblical preaching and teaching? Are they moreinterested in “plays and games?” Do they obvi-ously want ear-tickling lessons? Do they want thebest lesson for the prospect and the erring or dothey only selfishly consider what they like andwhat benefits them personally? Much can belearned from such attitudes.

When our barometer of spirituality is read,how do you feel we measure up in these criticalareas? Can you think of ways for making im-provements? Copied


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley, LouGafford, Paul Brantley, Iris Gallaher,George Dodd and Willodean Gann (RayDodd’s brother and sister), Bill Waters(Leon Water’s father), Jacklynn Ayliffe(Carl Ayliffe’s mother), and MariaBonaparte (the Crowe’s neighbor).


Reading: Brantley JohnsonInvitation: Louis Herrington

March 29, 2000Reading: Bryan LoyInvitation: Tim Lamb

MARK THESE DATESMarch 19, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-


at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.March 19-24, 2000–Gospel Meeting at Jay

Church of Christ, Jay, FL. Terry JoeKee from Jonesboro, AR, will be speak-ing. Sunday: 10:00 A.M., 11:00 A.M.and 6:00 P.M. Monday-Friday: 7:00P.M. A potluck will be held after themorning service. Singing will be held at5:30 P.M.

March 25, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-ment cards handed out.

March 29, 2000–Fifth Wednesday Singingat 7:00 P.M.

April 9, 2000–Dinner on the Grounds andSinging, after the morning service.


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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





ARE WE LEDBY THE SPIRIT?

Mel Futrell“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).Does the Spirit give direction to us today?

Does the Spirit lead/guide us today? Must I beled by the Spirit? Should I be filled with theSpirit? To all of the above, we answer YES. Infact, since those led by the Spirit of God are thesons of God, the converse would also be true—those not led by the Spirit God are not the sonsof God. Are there not then strong implicationsfrom this verse concerning those who are not ledby the Spirit of God? I believe so, and this latterstatement is possibly one we have given toolittle attention to.

The reasonable question that inevitably arisesfrom the discussion of this verse is: “How arewe led by the Spirit?” The simple and whollyscriptural answer is by the Spirit—revealed

word of God. And to be led by the Word of Godis to do as the Spirit directs in the Word. This ofcourse necessitates study of the Word on ourpart. Yet, as plain and direct as the Scriptures areon the leadership role of the Holy Spirit throughthe Word, there have been and will continue tobe those among us who by their statements leadme to conclude that they are insisting on someadditional leading or leadings of the Spirit,independent of the Word. Please note just a fewof these statements:

Being led by the Holy Spirit of God does notinvolve our “doing” things as much as itrequires our “letting” him work in us” (TerryRush, The Holy Spirit Makes No EarthlySense p.66).The church must be open to the invigoratingpresence of the Spirit’s fresh breezes throughour sometimes study worship experiences(Rubel Shelly and Randall Harris, The SecondIncarnation, Howard Pub., 1992, p. l32).

Of course, the words of the Spirit given in the

25th AnnualBellview Lectures


The Ramada Limited (8060 Lavelle Way;850/944-0333) is providing a special rate forindividuals attending the Bellview Lecturesoffering the following price (tax not included)$45–1 to 2 people per room. When calling forreservations be sure to tell them you are at-tending the Bellview Lectures.

Scriptures are an integral part of the Spirit’sleading. But there is more. The Holy Spiritguides us in ways beyond the words written inthe Bible (Joe Beam, Seeing The Unseen,Howard Pub., 1994, p. 269).Please understand, it is not the act that savesus. But it is the act that symbolizes how weare saved! The invisible work of the HolySpirit is visibly dramatized in the water (MaxLucado, In The Grip Of Grace, Word Pub.,1996, p. 115).Now brethren, the above statements clearly

articulate a leadership of the Spirit apart fromthe Word. But, thankfully, none of these men isour authority in religion.

It is somewhat revealing to me that thosebrethren who hold to an additional leading bythe Spirit apart from the Word never appear tosay with certainty how this is done. Is it a stillvoice in the night? Does the leading comethrough a vision or dream? Or is it just a warmcozy feeling? But if they can not be certain as tohow the Spirit is leading them, how can they becertain He is leading them? You see, if onespeculates that the Spirit leads in some wayindependent of the Word, he must then relyupon something other than the Word to defendhis position. If not, why not?! And if he attemptsthis then subjective feelings and hunches aregiven equal status with objective Truth. Con-sider this, suppose two different people get twodistinct and opposing leading/messages from theSpirit, who or what will determine which ofthem is correct? And what if the leading they getcontradicts the teachings of the Spirit in Scrip-ture, who wins out? These are valid questionsthat need to be answered. Brethren, if the HolySpirit operates upon an individual in conviction,conversion, or sanctification apart from theWord then the Bible, which is all Scripture God-breathed, is not able to thoroughly furnish usunto every good work. Is that what some areimplying or just a flat out saying? Do somebelieve the Holy Scriptures are inadequate tosave and sanctify man? Please consult the fol-

lowing chart for an accurate picture of theSpirit’s operation via the Word.

THE SPIRITTHE WORD1. Quickens John 6:63 Psalm 119:502. Begats John 3:5-6 1 Peter 1:233. Sanctifies 1 Peter 1:2 John 17:174. Leads Romans 8:14 Psalm 119:1055. Comforts/ Ephesians 3:16 Romans 15:4;

Strengthens Acts 20:326. Indwells Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3:16

In the final analysis, all direction, guidance,and leadership of the Spirit is done through theWord of God, the Spirit’s sword (Eph. 6:17).And this sword is powerful (Rom. 1:16), active(Heb. 4:12), and all-sufficient (2 Tim. 3:16-17).Brethren, to “walk...after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1),or to “walk by faith” (2 Cor. 5:7) is to be led bythe Spirit, and this only by the Word.

959 Alford Ave; Birmingham, AL 35226

“GOOD ADVICEFROM 1915”

Henry Devere“Let us, dear brethren, keep the old gospel

plow moving, let us plow deep and wide. Do notcut and cover. Plow every inch of the ground,and the church will have fewer unconverted menand women in it.

Do not try to add men and women to thechurch. God will do this if the material is right.I fear there are many in the church, so to speak,that God did not place there. Let us be carefulhow we build. Let us look more to quality thanquantity. Do not beg people. If you once beginthis way when you have ceased begging, theywill go pouting.

Do not try to pull them in, for if you do,when you quit pulling, they will backside. Donot try to fiddle people into the church, whenyou quit fiddling, they will fiddle out.

Just preach the gospel plainly and completelyto the people and keep right on preaching (Rom.1:16; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). Fill the honest seeking heartfull of the truth and such will obey. Dishonest-hearted people the devil will keep and God’ssimple plan for their salvation will not be ac-cepted by them. Preach the gospel and be happy;never quit!”

Copied

“YOU CAN NOT GETTHERE FROM HERE!”

Ted J. Clarke

You have heard the story of the man whostopped at a farm house and asked directions toa certain place. Supposedly, the farmer hadheard of the place, but looked at the traveler andsaid, “Yeah, I know of the place, but you can’tget there from here.” That would be like drivingon a one way street and coming to an intersec-tion that had all of the street signs shown above.You could not go on straight because it says donot enter; you cannot turn right or left; nor canyou make a “U” turn. You discover that you arereally going the wrong way! Well, you maythink that this whole idea is impossible, but it is

not any more impossible than telling someonethat he/she cannot get to one place from another.Yet, we sometimes think that some peoplecannot get to heaven because of where they arein their lives.

The truth is that anybody who wants to besaved can be saved, if they are willing to doGod’s will in the matter. If you know the rightdirections you can get to any spot in the world,assuming that you are willing to do your part.John 3:16 assures us that God truly has loved thewhole world. Second Peter 3:9 asserts that Godwants everyone to find their way to heaven.Everyone you see is a person whom God wantsto be saved!

Look at those who were saved in the Scrip-tures. Those guilty of crucifying Christ weresaved (Acts 2:36-41). Saul of Tarsus, who wasa murderer and blasphemer, was saved (Acts7:58-8:2; 1 Tim. 1:13-16). People who werehomosexuals, drunkards (same as drug abusers),idol worshippers, common thieves, and robbers,me n a n d w o me n w h o w e r e s e x u a l l yimmoral—all of these kinds of people weresaved by the gospel and can still be savedtoday—if they are willing to obey the Lord andgive up their sinful ways of life! The apostlePaul, after describing the kinds of wickednessabove, said to the Corinthians, “And such weresome of you: but ye are washed, but ye aresanctified, but ye are justified in the name of theLord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor.6:11).

Brethren, let us never act as if or tell certainpeople that they cannot get to heaven from here,regardless of how wicked they may be. Leteveryone know that they can get to heaven, givethem the proper directions from wherever theyare and let God’s word work (Heb. 4:12).

When you were born, you cried and theworld rejoiced. Live your life in such a mannerthat when you die the world cries and you re-joice.

P.O. Box 251; Mammoth Springs, AR 72554


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley, LouGafford, George Dodd and Willodean Gann(Ray Dodd’s brother and sister), BillWaters (Leon Water’s father), JacklynnAyliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother), and MariaBonaparte (the Crowe’s neighbor).


Elaine Maxey and her family in the death ofher mother, Rita Williamson, who passedaway on March 11, 2000. Please keepElaine and her family in your prayers andhelp any way you can.


Reading: Bryan LoyInvitation: Tim Lamb

April 5, 2000Reading: Jim LoyInvitation: Tony Liddell

MARK THESE DATESMarch 29, 2000–Fifth Wednesday Singing

at 7:00 P.M.April 2, 2000–Men’s Class will meet at

5:00 P.M., in room 1.April 2, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assign-

ment cards handed out.April 9, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-

ment cards handed out.April 9, 2000–Dinner on the Grounds and

Singing, after the morning service.


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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





AMERICAIS BOILING FROGS

Paul SainPossible you have heard the story of how to

boil a live frog. You do it gradually. If you put afrog in water that is already boiling, he will jumpout. However, if you put the frog in tepid water,he will find it comfortable and stay. Then increasethe temperature gradually. As the water getshotter, the frog hardly notices and gets used to thehotter water until, finally, he is boiled to death.

I am fearful that America is “boiling frogs”—and we are the frogs.

We are gradually becoming accustomed tosome really terrible and harmful things. Adultery,premarital sex, pornography, disrespect for thosein authority, profanity, blasphemy, etc. are someexamples. These things were evil and repulsive togenerations past, but are now tolerated and hardlynoticed by our desensitized culture.

We are so desensitized to the glorification ofevil on the electronic screen, that hardly anythingis unacceptable if it is done in the name of enter-tainment.

If you think I am overstating the case, take alook at an average day’s fare on television. Thereare things commonly seen on TV which mygrandfather would have quickly labeled porno-graphic! And I dare you to take count of thecursing, sex between unmarried people, and thetaking of God’s name in vain which are donedaily in the homes of America through thiscaptivating medium. And this is to say nothingabout violence and crimes.

Disregard, for the moment, the impact that thiscan have on adults. What is such going to do tothe thinking and values of the children who get asteady diet of it from early childhood through theteenage years? And, if you are inclined to say thatTV does not influence us, then explain theenormous amounts advertisers pay. They are surethat you are influenced by what you see and hear.

There is a “boiling of frogs” going on in thea-ters also. In 1939, Clark Gable shocked Americawith one curse word in “Gone With The Wind.”In the 1960s Abbott and Costello were required tochange the ending to their famous “who’s onfirst?” routine and replace a curse word with aeuphemism. But, oh, how things have changedsince then. The profanity in movies now isatrocious, including most with a PG-13 rating, andsome with a PG rating.

In a different direction, consider this: In 1969,“Midnight Cowboy” was rated X in its originalrelease. Now it carries a less restrictive R rating,and, as one newspaper reporter stated it, “mighteven earn a PG-13 if it should catch the ratingsboard in a generous mood.” You see, what wasonce “X” is now “R” and will, one day soon, be“PG-13.”

The explicit sex scenes (which always involvea sinful situation), the graphic violence, and thevile language are senseless and debasing, yet moreand more acceptable to a numb and jaded society.One has to wonder how much we will accept inthe name of entertainment!

What’s that I smell? Something boiling? Boy,it’s getting hot in here: Rrribbit!

217 East Jefferson; Pulaski, TN 38478

THAT PRECIOUSINSTITUTION CALLED

THE CHURCH OFCHRIST

The beloved and divine institution called thechurch of Christ should be found and enjoyed byall the world! Many have found this treasured“Pearl” of great price and are now enjoying itsblessings (Mat. 13:44-46). That was the intentionof its purchaser, founder, and builder. He gave Hisall that the gospel might be delivered to the worldand that the New Testament might be ratified withlost man (Mat. 26:28). He sent His chosen apos-

tles to preach the terms of pardon to all meneverywhere and invited all to come in order thatthey might accept His grace, mercy, and love(Mat. 28:18-20; John 6:44-45). This body, thechurch, called out to live differently from theworld, is the place in which Heaven has placedsalvation (Eph. 5:23). Paul taught the Corinthians,and Christians today:

Be ye not unequally yoked together withunbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteous-ness with unrighteousness? and what commu-nion hath light with darkness? And whatconcord hath Christ with Belial? or what parthath he that believeth with an infidel? And whatagreement hath the temple of God with idols?for ye are the temple of the living God; as Godhath said, I will dwell in them, and walk inthem; and I will be their God, and they shall bemy people. Wherefore come out from amongthem, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, andtouch not the unclean thing; and I will receiveyou, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shallbe my sons and daughters, saith the LordAlmighty (2 Cor. 6:14-18).Sadly, some have never found the New

Testament church. Whatever be the reason, theyare the losers. We must strive to reach them withthe gospel. Prejudice, family raising, error, thedesire for worldly pleasure, fame or money, etc.,have caused many to never investigate the evi-dence of the Bible. They have no taste for spiritualthings. These seem to believe that if they neverget serious about future eternal matters. God willoverlook them in judgment. Such is not the case(2 Cor. 5:10-11).

Others have found the church revealed forthe salvation of lost man, but have not renderedobedience to the gospel. Seemingly, they have de-cided that they want no part of Christianity andhave rejected it. Their opinions and feelings arethat one can be saved outside as well as in, if theyjust live a moral life and are “honest and sincere.”And when it comes to religion, they say they be-lieve that one church or way is as good as another.These deceive themselves into believing that error

25th AnnualBellview Lectures


The Ramada Limited (8060 LavelleWay; 850/944-0333) is providing a specialrate for individuals attending the BellviewLectures offering the following price (taxnot included) $45–1 to 2 people per room.When calling for reservations be sure to tellthem you are attending the Bellview Lec-tures.

is as good as Truth, that man’s ways are equal toGod’s way, and that “one church is as good asanother.” Of course Jesus said, “He that rejectethme, and receiveth not my words, hath one thatjudgeth him: the word that I have spoken, thesame shall judge him in the last day” (John12:48).

Many have tasted the blessings in Christand His church, by obedience, but after awhilethey quit studying, serving, and giving, and fallaway. What a terrible waste it is for one to besought and bought by a loving, sacrificing, dyingSaviour, and then to turn back from these blessedand honored positions to the dregs of the world!Thus, many lose their souls, the souls of theirfamilies, and the friends who follow them. Paulteaches that those who were

once enlightened, and have tasted of the heav-enly gift, and were made partakers of the HolyGhost, And have tasted the good word of God,and the powers of the world to come, If theyshall fall away, to renew them again untorepentance; seeing they crucify to themselvesthe Son of God afresh, and put him to an openshame (Heb. 6:4-6).

Author Unknown

USTA-GONNA-OUTGHTA

Dear reader:There is these three really nice guys, see. They

are pleasant enough to meet, easy to talk to, andseem good as gold. They almost always smile.They are friendly enough. But they are deadly!

They will kill a church...or any other group.Even a family. Or a marriage. But, their specialtyis destroying the church.

The first one’s name is USTA. You hear hisname pop up all the time. Usta is the guy whoonly a few years ago was in there pitching, doingthe work, supporting the cause. I meet himeverywhere and he is always telling me how he“usta” go to church and “usta” be in Bible School.

He also usta pray and usta take his family toworship and study. Usta is deader than a doornail.The church can do nothing on what Usta offers.

Then there is Gonna. He’s loaded with goodintentions. He is gonna get started back to wor-ship. Just as soon as things slack up a little bit heis gonna bring his wife and children and come tochurch. But, last Sunday was too cold and nextSunday he is gonna be out of town. Any day nowhe is gonna get things right. Gonna is a killer. Heis the one who is responsible for keeping the kidshome from worship. He does not do anything...buthe is gonna!

The third one’s name is Oughta. Oughta isalways one step from getting the job done. Heknows what should be done and what he oughtabe doing but he does not do it. He starts thingsand then fades out. A lifetime passes and hemanages to convince himself that oughta is asgood as doing.

Be on the lookout for these three killers. Theyhave been found guilty of the eternal spiritualdestruction of millions and are known to be atlarge at present. If you see one of them...like inyour mirror...turn him in to the Father at once!

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Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley, LouGafford, George Dodd, Willodean Gann,and Connie Koise (Ray Dodd’s brother andsisters), Bill Waters (Leon Water’s father),Jacklynn Ayliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother),and Maria Bonaparte (the Crowe’sneighbor). Iris Gallaher and Harold Stapleshave medical tests scheduled for March 27.

READING/INVITATIONApril 5, 2000

Reading: Jim LoyInvitation: Tony Liddell

April 12, 2000Reading: Harold MaxeyInvitation: Fred Stancliff

MARK THESE DATESApril 2, 2000–Men’s Class will meet at


ment cards handed out.April 2, 2000–Gospel meeting at Foley

Church of Christ, Foley, AL. StanleyRyan of Columbiana, AL, will bepreaching. Sunday: 9:30 & 10:30 A.M.,6:00 P.M.; Monday-Thursday: 7:30P.M.


DAYLIGHT SAVINGSTIME BEGINS

Daylight savings time be-gins on April 2. Remember to

set your clocks ahead one hourbefore going to bed on Saturday.

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VOL. XXIX APRIL 3, 2000 NO. 14

MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





CONTROVERSY:THE CHURCH’S

NEW TABOOChuck Pearson

It is an unspoken rule. It is one of those topicswhich brethren shun, and would like to pretenddoes not exist. It causes many members of thechurch today to squirm in their seats, and get de-fensive. It is also the bane of every “changeagent” and “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” for withoutit, they would go unchallenged in their quest todestroy the body of Christ! This new taboo of thechurch of Christ is controversy.

So many brethren seem amazingly uncomfort-able with controversy. They would like to justwash their hands of it, and get on with their com-fortable, unchallenging, and blissfully ignorantexistence. Change agents, on the other hand, ada

mantly fear controversy. They have a good reasonto! Controversy is what calls attention to theirfalse doctrines and divisive motives. It makesbrethren aware of their tactics, and actually causesthe faithful to refute their heresy, and stand firmfor the truth! In either case, controversy hasbecome taboo, and those who attempt to becontroversial are labeled as troublemakers.

The problem here is that controversy is at thevery core of the gospel! Jesus was about the mostcontroversial person in Israel during the time Hewas on the earth! What about when He overturnedthe tables of the moneychangers in the temple(Mat. 21:12-13)? Or how about when He pro-nounced the woes upon the scribes and Pharisees(Mat. 23:13-33)? Was this not controversial?What can we say about Peter and the otherapostles when they were brought before theSanhedrin for preaching the gospel? Peter an-swered to them: “We ought to obey God ratherthan men” (Acts 5:29). Was this not controversial

in the extreme?Today, when faithful brethren attempt to stand

firm for biblical truth, and defend the gospel, theresponse (sadly, from their own brethren!) is often“that is too controversial!” Folks, the Bible is con-troversial by definition! Try telling most secularpeople today that the world was created in sixdays and see what happens! Better still, try tellingabout two-thirds of the world’s population thattwo thousand years ago the Son of God came tothis earth, was nailed to a cross, died for our sins,rose from the dead, sits at the right hand of Godtoday in heaven, and that through Him we mighthave eternal life if we believe and obey His Word.Will this not stir up quite a bit of controversy? Ifyou do not believe me, go tell it to a Muslim andwatch his reaction!

Brethren, to be a faithful Christian is to be con-troversial. The gospel message is not compatiblewith worldliness. Christians are to be “not of theworld” (John 17:16), as Jesus also was not. Whenthis happens, there is going to be controversy!What should we do? Shy away from controversyand let the world go unconfronted by the gospel?God forbid! The church has a message to sharewith the world. The bride of Christ can only teachthat message effectively to alien sinners if weourselves are a distinct people, shaped by God’sWord, and not afraid to be controversial!

What about within the church itself? Are we toshy away from controversy among our ownbrethren? Again, God forbid! If our brethren aredigressing from the truth, should we not try towarn them and lead them back? What happens toour teaching if we ourselves are no longer a pure,distinct people? Ye are the salt of the earth: but ifthe salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it besalted?” (Mat. 5:13). This is going to cause con-troversy! But it must be done!

What about false teachers? When a wolf comesinto one of our pulpits, are we just going to sitthere and do nothing while he leads people astraybecause it would be “too controversial” to con-

front him? What about Paul’s instructions to thechurch in Rome: “Now I beseech you, brethren,mark them which cause divisions and offencescontrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17)? Again, this isgoing to cause controversy! But it must be done!

We cannot be afraid of controversy, brethren!Yes, it may be uncomfortable, and people mightget offended. But what of their souls? Is not ourtemporary comfort and people’s hurt feelings areasonable price to pay when we are talking abouteternity? As we have been instructed in theScriptures, let us be bold and “earnestly contendfor the faith” (Jude 3)!

Route 4, Box 161-A; Camden, AR 71701

WHAT HAPPENED TOTHE POTTED PLANTS?

O. J. RussellThis story is true—only the names and places

have been withheld to protect the guilty! Acongregation moved into a new building withgleeful delight and some degree of pride over theelegant surroundings in which they would wor-ship. Someone supplied two beautiful five-footplants to adorn the front of the new auditorium.

Some months following the opening service inthe new building, to the dismay of the elders andbuilding committee, the plants disappeared. Saidelders and said committee sounded the alarm. Thecongregation was bombarded with announce-ments. Men were deputized to seek the whereabout of that which was lost. Apologies weremade to the donors of the decorative plants. Fortwo months the missing potted plants became theconversation piece of the church at worship andat home. The search was intensified and theannouncements and pleadings seemed unending.

The quest ended quite abruptly when the localpreacher dared to solve the problem. It took nerveto do it! Since the potted plants had not been

found and obviously were not going to be, hearose following a long announcement about thelost decorations and said, “We have heard a greatdeal about the missing plants that were lost. Fortwo months, at every service, announcementshave been made and people have earnestly lookedto that which is lost. For years we have knownthat sheep have strayed from the flock. Prodigalsons are away from the worship and the Bibledeclares that they are lost. Each soul missing heretoday is more valuable than the whole world—andyet we have not heard one announcement nor havewe seen anxious concern about Mary Smith, JohnBrown, or Sam Jones whose eternal welfare mayhang on our concern. If we had put forward one-tenth the energy in locating the lost souls of thisflock that we have the lost potted plants, surelythe angels in heaven would rejoice!”

Suffice it to say, no other announcements weremade about the plants.

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BELLVIEW LECTURESThe Twenty-fifth Annual Bellview Lectures,

Sad Statements Of The Bible, will be held June10-14, 2000. Twenty-nine will be speaking: KeithA. Mosher, Sr.; David P. Brown; HarrellDavidson; Terry M. Hightower; John Priola;Eddie Whitten; Lynn Parker; Guss Eoff; HaroldBigham; Ronnie Hayes; Howell Bigham; Ted J.Clarke; Joel Wheeler; Ira Y. Rice, Jr.; CliffordNewell; David Jones; Eddy Craft; Gary Grizzell;Carl Garner; Curtis A. Cates; Tom Wacaster; TimNichols; Joseph D. Meador; Michael Hatcher;Michael Light; Noah Hackworth; Paul Vaughn;Joe Galloway; and, Bobby Liddell. The followingmen will be writing lessons for the lectureshipbook but will not be speaking: Gary Summers andBob Sweeten.

The lecture topics include: What Makes A SadVerse?; What Is Truth?–John 18:38; When Fel-lowship Is Broken–Genesis 3; “Only Evil Contin-

ually”–Genesis 6:5; Cannot Enter The Land–Deu-teronomy 34:4; Another Generation Which KnewNot Jehovah–Judges 2:10; “Curse Ye Meroz”–Judges 5:23; “No King In Israel”–Judges 17:6;“Ichabod”–1 Samuel 4:21-22; “Absalom, My Son,My Son Absalom! Would God I Had Died ForThee”–2 Samuel 18:33; 19:4; “Who Made IsraelTo Sin”–1 Kings 14:16; “Departed Without BeingDesired”–2 Chronicles 21:20; “Mine Own Famil-iar Friend”–Psalm 41:9; “Rivers Of Waters RunDown Mine Eyes”–Psalm 119:136; ImproperLeaders–Jeremiah 5:31; “Neither Could TheyBlush”–Jeremiah 6:15; “We Will Not Walk Ther-ein”–Jeremiah 6:16; “Is It Nothing”–Lamentations1:12; Elders Feeding Themselves–Ezekiel 34:2;“Weighed In The Balances, And Found Want-i n g ” – D a n i e l 5 : 2 5 - 2 7 ; “ J e r u s a l e m ,Jerusalem”–Matthew 23:37; “Depart FromMe”–Matthew 25:41; “I Know Not TheMan”–Matthew 26:74; “My God My God WhyHast Thou Forsaken Me”–Matthew 27:46; “GodHeareth Not Sinners”–John 9:31 UnconcernedWith Sin–1 Corinthians 5:2; “So SoonRemoved”–Galatians 1:6-9; “They Will NotEndure Sound Doctrine”–2 Timothy 4:2-3;“Demas Hatch Forsaken Me”–2 Timothy 4:10;Dead Thinking They Were Alive–Revelations 3:1;and, Sad Verses Not In The Bible.

If you are planning on attending the BellviewLectures be sure to make your motel reservationsnow. Ramada Limited (8060 Lavelle Way) offersthe following price (tax not included) $45–1 to 2people per room. Their phone number is 850/944-0333. When calling for reservations be sure to tellthem you will be attending the Bellview Lectures.

Pensacola is a great place to take your summervacation and at the same time attend the BellviewLectures. For further information please contactthe office by phone, mail, or at our e-mail address([email protected]). Check out our website listed below for more information. We hopeto see you in June.

(http://members.tripod.com/bellviewcoc)


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Geneave Dean,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley, LouGafford, George Dodd, Willodean Gannand Connie Koise (Ray Dodd’s brother andsisters), Bill Waters (Leon Water’s father),Jacklynn Ayliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother),and Maria Bonaparte (the Crowe’s neigh-bor). Harold Staples is scheduled for furthertests.


Reading: Harold MaxeyInvitation: Fred Stancliff

April 19, 2000Reading: Horace MyrickInvitation: Dusty Wilkes

MARK THESE DATESApril 9, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-

ment cards handed out.April 9, 2000–Dinner on the Grounds and

Singing, after the morning service.April 9, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.April 16, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting at





PANTRY ITEM NEEDEDCanned Vegetables

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





WHO IS SATAN?Clint Brown

Satan is described by our Lord as “the ruler ofthis world” (John 14:30—NKJV). Paul saysSatan is “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), and“the prince of the power of the air, the spirit thatnow worketh in the children of disobedience”(Eph. 2:2). From these Scriptures alone we gainthe one the Bible calls “the devil,” or Satan.

From the above stated passages we know thatSatan is real, that he is in the world, that he ispowerful, that he works in people, and that heinfluences us to disobey the will of God. Whilethe Bible teaches these things, there are still manypeople claiming to be Bible believing Christianswho teach that Satan is not real, that there will beno ultimate judgment for him or for his followers,and that there is no such thing as eternal punish-ment in hell. It seems that Satan is living up to hisdescription by holding a powerful influence inthese peoples’ lives and causing them to disobey

God’s will through false teaching. However, weshould not be swayed by the false musings of thepopulace. We have God’s inspired Word con-cerning the reality of Satan and his schemes.

Satan is pictured as the deceiver of theworld. The Bible describes “that old serpent,called the Devil, and Satan” as one “whichdeceiveth the whole world” (Rev. 12:9). He was“that serpent” who deceived the woman in thegarden and introduced sin into the world (1 Tim.2:14). This is the same one who now deceived theworld into the sin of believing that we are not thehandiwork of a Creator God, but are elevatedanimals on an evolutionary ladder. It is Satanwho deceives the population into the sin of deter-mining that the thing in the womb can bedestroyed if it is expedient for the woman. Doyou still wonder from whence the evil influencesin this world come? Indeed “the whole worldlieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19).

Undoubtedly, the greatest weapon that Satanhas is deceiving us into denying his very

existence! No one likes to be deceived. But it isobvious that the world has fallen prey to thedevil’s schemes because they are not equipped todefend themselves against his wiles with theWord of God. Like Eve in the garden, if we treatGod’s Word as trivial, fictional, or mythical, wewill surely fall into deception with the world oflos humanity.

Satan is seen as the enemy of truth. If we lethim, Satan will snatch the Word of God from ourhearts (Mark 4:15). He wants to blind our mindsto the light of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). Put simply,he will deceive those who “because they receivednot the love of the truth, that they might besaved” (2 The. 2:9-12). Satan is truth’s enemy.He hates truth because he is the father of lies.And everyone who does not receive the truth is oftheir father, the devil (John 8:44). Nevertheless,many brethren are falling for his lies. Many arecompromising the truth of the gospel forentertainment oriented worship. Striving to“connect with culture” they are “selling our theSavior.” Appealing to the felt needs of the peoplerather than meeting their real needs shows theextent to which Satan has influenced us againstthe truth. The serpent is once again active in thelives of people to persuade them to disobeydivine directives.

But those who know God’s Word “are notignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). We knowthat as he works against the truth of God, Satanwill transform “into an angel of light” (2 Cor.11:14). Therefore, we need not give in to thedevil’s attacks on truth. While many, because oftheir allegiance to Satan, will not “endure sounddoctrine,” we must “preach the word” of God’struth (2 Tim. 4:2-5).

The Bible shows Satan as the great dis-courager of the brethren. Peter says the devil is“our adversary” who walks about “as a roaringlion, walketh about, seeking whom he maydevour” (1 Pet. 5:8). One of the ways Satan seeksto devour us is through discouragement. ThoughGod’s Word assures us that the trials and hard-

ships of this life are for the benefit of the faithfulChristian (Jam. 1:2-4), the devil will use them forour hurt. While Job probably suffered more sud-den devastation than anyone else in history(except for our Lord), he nevertheless gives us agreat example of patience in the midst of trials.Satan afflicted this man with the death of hischildren, the destruction of his livelihood, andfinally the deterioration of his health, but thegodly Job proves to us that Satan can be over-come (Jam. 5:11). Submit to God, resist the deviland he will flee from you (Jam. 4:7). Peterteaches us to “resist stedfast in the faith” (1 Pet.5:9). Though Satan is powerful and active in theworld today trying to discourage God’s people,we have the blessed promises of our Lord whohas “destroy[ed] him that had the power of death”(Heb. 2:14). Indeed, “If God be for us, who canbe against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

Satan is real. Satan is cunning (Gen. 3:1).Satan is powerful. But Satan is not all-powerful.There is only One who has all power and author-ity. God has only allowed Satan to continue hisdeceit until the eternal purpose of God is com-plete (Eph. 3:11). We would be foolish to thinkthat Satan does not exist. But, we would be morefoolish to live like it. Since God will ultimatelysentence Satan and his followers to eternal pun-ishment in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10, 15), “whatmanner of persons ought ye to be in all holyconversation and godliness” (2 Pet. 3:11)?

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WHAT KEEPS YOUFROM BIBLE STUDY?

Have you heard about William McPherson? Adynamite charge blew up in his face. Damage wassevere. He lost his hands. Part of his face was leftnumb. Realizing how much the Bible meant tohim, he set out to find a way he could read it.Without hands he tried to use his lips to readBraille, but numbness made that impossible. He

When you were born, you cried and theworld rejoiced. Live your life in such amanner that when you die the worldcries and you rejoice.

discovered he could use his tongue to decipherthe Moon Type system of dashes. This methodleft his tongue bleeding and very sore, but he keptat it. Gradually it became easier and he learned toread. In sixty-five years he was able to read theBible through four times with his tongue.

Now, what is it that keeps you from readingand studying the Bible? Is it the TV schedule, ballgames, or other self-interest that prevents us fromBible reading daily? Are these things really theproblem? The story of William McPherson makesit clear that we do what we want to do. The onewho will not read has no advantage over the onewho cannot read.

Via “Plainview Proclaimer”


Sad Statements Of The Bible, will be held June10-14, 2000. Twenty-nine will be speaking: KeithA. Mosher, Sr.; David P. Brown; HarrellDavidson; Terry M. Hightower; John Priola;Eddie Whitten; Lynn Parker; Guss Eoff; HaroldBigham; Ronnie Hayes; Howell Bigham; Ted J.Clarke; Joel Wheeler; Ira Y. Rice, Jr.; CliffordNewell; David Jones; Eddy Craft; Gary Grizzell;Carl Garner; Curtis A. Cates; Tom Wacaster; TimNichols; Joseph D. Meador; Michael Hatcher;Michael Light; Noah Hackworth; Paul Vaughn;Joe Galloway; and, Bobby Liddell. The followingmen will be writing lessons for the lectureshipbook but will not be speaking: Gary Summersand Bob Sweeten.

The lecture topics include: What Makes A SadVerse?; What Is Truth?–John 18:38; When Fel-

lowship Is Broken–Genesis 3; “Only Evil Contin-ually”–Genesis 6:5; Cannot Enter The Land–Deuteronomy 34:4; Another Generation WhichKnew Not Jehovah–Judges 2:10; “Curse YeMeroz”–Judges 5:23; “No King In Israel”–Judges17:6; “Ichabod”–1 Samuel 4:21-22; “Absalom,My Son, My Son Absalom! Would God I HadDied For Thee”–2 Samuel 18:33; 19:4; “WhoMade Israel To Sin”–1 Kings 14:16; “DepartedWithout Being Desired”–2 Chronicles 21:20;“Mine Own Familiar Friend”–Psalm 41:9;“Rivers Of Waters Run Down Mine Eyes”–Psalm119:136; Improper Leaders–Jeremiah 5:31;“Neither Could They Blush”–Jeremiah 6:15; “WeWill Not Walk Therein”–Jeremiah 6:16; “Is ItNothing”–Lamentations 1:12; Elders FeedingThemselves–Ezekiel 34:2; “Weighed In TheBalances, And Found Wanting”–Daniel 5:25-27;“Jerusalem, Jerusalem”–Matthew 23:37; “DepartFrom Me”–Matthew 25:41; “I Know Not TheMan”–Matthew 26:74; “My God My God WhyHast Thou Forsaken Me”– Matthew 27:46; “GodHeareth Not Sinners”–John 9:31 UnconcernedWith Sin–1 Corinthians 5:2; “So Soon Removed”–Galatians 1:6-9; “They Will Not Endure SoundDoctrine”–2 Timothy 4:2-3; “Demas HatchForsaken Me”–2 Timothy 4:10; Dead ThinkingThey Were Alive–Revelations 3:1; and, SadVerses Not In The Bible.

If you are planning on attending the BellviewLectures be sure to make your motel reservationsnow. Ramada Limited (8060 Lavelle Way) offersthe following price (tax not included) $45–1 to 2people per room. Their phone number is 850/944-0333. When calling for reservations be sure to tellthem you will be attending the Bellview Lectures.



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Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Lou Gafford, Louis Herrington, GeorgeDodd, Willodean Gann and Connie Koise(Ray Dodd’s brother and sisters), BillWaters (Leon Water’s father), JacklynnAyliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother), and MariaBonaparte (the Crowe’s neighbor). HaroldStaples is scheduled for further tests.Hairston Brantley is scheduled for surgeryon April 11.


Reading: Horace MyrickInvitation: Dusty Wilkes

April 26, 2000Reading: Shelby NallInvitation: Henry Born

MARK THESE DATESApril 16, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting at




ment cards handed out.May 7, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-


ment cards handed out.June 10-14, 2000–25th Annual Bellview

Lectures. Theme: Sad Statements Of TheBible. Make plans now to attend.





MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





A CHRISTIAN FATHERIS A PROTECTOR

David MacyOrdinarily we only hear about a man protect-

ing his family physically. We often hear thequestion: “What would you do if someone brokeinto your home and attacked your family?”“Would you kill them or would you stand by andlet your family be abused?” I am sure there areseveral different opinions on this subject. But thepoint is, most people think of a father’s protectionin terms of physical protection, but a Christianfather protects his children in several ways. Youcould beat the stuffing out of everyone who triedto abuse your family in any way, and still be apoor all around protector.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities, against powers, againstthe rulers of the darkness of this world, against

spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).A Christian father protects his family spiritually.He stands between them and the ferocious powersof darkness. The possible assault of a man oreven men against a family is nothing compared tothe daily assault of Satan and all of his evilforces. But even the old devil himself is forced torecognize the authority of the husband and fatherin the home and his God-given role as protector.I wrestled with Satan often to protect my preciouschildren and without the strength which Jesusgives I would have lost the battle every time.

A Christian father also protects his familymentally and emotionally. He stands against any-thing which would be detrimental to their emo-tional health. Pornography is detrimental and des-tructive so he stands against pornography. Dirtymovies are detrimental so he stands against dirtymovies. False teaching is detrimental so he standsagainst false teaching. I know from experiencethat it is very difficult to keep any child, and es-

MICHAEL HATCHERINVITED TO TEACH INMURMANSK, RUSSIA

Michael Hatcher has been invited to go toMurmansk, Russia, this year and teach in theBible College there. To do this, he will haveto raise a travel fund. If you would be willingto help, please send your checks to BellviewChurch of Christ marked for the HatcherTravel Fund. Thank you in advance for yourhelp.

pecially teenagers, away from evil influences, andeven some participation in things which you donot approve, but just strongly voicing your disap-proval carries much more weight than you mayrealize.

A real life father who protects in the true senseis a rarity today, but what a beautiful thing it iswhen you find one and observe his words andaction which are far more precious than a greatabundance of riches to his family. They are safeon many fronts while most families are beingbombarded with little or no protection, and oftenare completely destroyed. Yes, one Christian mancan do worlds of good.4820 Appalachian Hwy; Blue Ridge, GA 30513


Sad Statements Of The Bible, will be held June10-14, 2000. Twenty-eight men will be speaking:Keith A. Mosher, Sr.; David P. Brown; HarrellDavidson; Terry M. Hightower; John Priola;Eddie Whitten; Lynn Parker; Guss Eoff; HaroldBigham; Ronnie Hayes; Howell Bigham; Ted J.Clarke; Joel Wheeler; Ira Y. Rice, Jr.; CliffordNewell; David Jones; Eddy Craft; Gary Grizzell;Carl Garner; Curtis A. Cates; Tom Wacaster; TimNichols; Joseph D. Meador; Michael Hatcher;

Michael Light; Noah Hackworth; Paul Vaughn;Joe Galloway; and, Bobby Liddell. The followingmen will be writing lessons for the lectureshipbook but will not be speaking: Gary Summersand Bob Sweeten.

The lecture topics include: What Makes A SadVerse?, What Is Truth?; John 18:38; WhenFellowship Is Broken; Genesis 3; “Only EvilContinually”; Genesis 6:5; Cannot Enter TheLand; Deuteronomy 34:4; Another GenerationWhich Knew Not Jehovah; Judges 2:10; “CurseYe Meroz”; Judges 5:23; “No King In Israel”;Judges 17:6; “Ichabod”; 1 Samuel 4:21-22;“Absalom, My Son, My Son Absalom! WouldGod I Had Died For Thee”; 2 Samuel 18:33;19:4; “Who Made Israel To Sin”; 1 Kings 14:16;“Departed Without Being Desired”; 2 Chronicles21:20; “Mine Own Familiar Friend”; Psalm 41:9;“Rivers Of Waters Run Down Mine Eyes”; Psalm119:136; Improper Leaders; Jeremiah 5:31;“Neither Could They Blush”; Jeremiah 6:15; “WeWill Not Walk Therein”; Jeremiah 6:16; “Is ItNothing”; Lamentations 1:12; Elders FeedingThemselves; Ezekiel 34:2; “Weighed In TheBalances, And Found Wanting”; Daniel 5:25-27;“Jerusalem, Jerusalem”; Matthew 23:37; “DepartFrom Me”; Matthew 25:41; “I Know Not TheMan”; Matthew 26:74; “My God My God WhyHast Thou Forsaken Me”; Matthew 27:46; “GodHeareth Not Sinners”; John 9:31 UnconcernedWith Sin; 1 Corinthians 5:2; “So Soon Re-moved”; Galatians 1:6-9; “They Will Not EndureSound Doctrine”; 2 Timothy 4:2-3; “DemasHatch Forsaken Me”; 2 Timothy 4:10; DeadThinking They Were Alive; and, Revelations 3:1;and, Sad Verses Not In The Bible.

If you are planning on attending the BellviewLectures be sure to make your motel reservationsnow. The Hospitality Inn (4910 Mobile Highway;Pensacola, FL 32506) offers the following price(tax not included) $45—1 to 4 people per room.For reservations call 850-453-3333. When callingfor reservations be sure to tell them you will be

attending the Bellview Lectures.Pensacola is a great place to take your summer

vacation and at the same time attend the BellviewLectures. For further information please contactthe office by phone, mail or at our e-mail address([email protected]). Check out our website listed below for more information. We hopeto see you in June.


YOU TEACHA LESSONJohn D. Cox

Many people teach lessons without realizingthat they do. We do very few things withoutteaching by the example we set. An old sayinggoes like this: “Actions speak louder than words.”We have all heard some loud professions con-cerning Christianity, but they were drowned outby the actions of the one making the profession.When you deliberately absent yourself from anyservice of the church, you teach lessons by yourabsence. This is true whether it be on Sundaymorning Bible study, Wednesday night services,Sunday night services, or any other time set asideby the church for such services.

Notice some of these lessons:1. You teach that this particular Bible lesson

is unimportant.2. You teach that what you do is more impor-

tant than studying the Word of God.3. You teach that a person can be a faithful

Christian and still not be interested in the study ofthe Bible.

4. You teach that you already know as muchas you want to know about the Bible.

5. You teach that, in your opinion, you havenothing to offer to others in Bible study.

6. You teach that you are completely indiffer-ent as to the success or failure of that particularstudy period. In fact, people will come nearer get-

ting the idea that you want it to fail.These lessons and others are taught to others

both in the church and out of the church, whenyou have the opportunity to attend Bible studyand choose not to do so. My brother, what kind oflesson are you teaching? Copied

PLEASE COME HOMESome of you who are reading this were once

dedicated Christians. Your love for Christ andHis causes burned bright. Your faith was real andstrong. Your life was being built upon Christ anddirected by His Word. The church was at thecenter of your activities. But, that has all changednow! You see the old Christian friends once in awhile, but it is not the same. Every now and thenyou get the urge to return to Christ but you put itoff “for a while.” I am convinced that you werehappier when you were a faithful Christian andthat some day you intend to return to Him—hopethe following suggestions will hasten that day:

First, you must face up to it. You have left theLord! You are no longer faithful to Him! You areno longer living the life of a Christian!

Second, face up to what that means. It meansthat you are facing life without God’s help andwithout the blessing of prayer (1 Pet. 3:12). Youhave got to “go it alone”! And if you die in yourpresent condition, your eternal abode will be withthe Devil and his angels (Mat. 25:41).

Third, your course of life will determine thecourse of life of others. If you remain as your are,your family will be greatly influenced in that di-rection. If you return to the Lord, chances aresome of them will also. You are not just “decid-ing for yourself”!

Fourth, it is easier now to return than it willever be. The longer you are away, the moredifficult the return. So do it NOW! Do not waitanother minute.

Author Unknown


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Hairston Brantley, Lou Gafford, LouisHerrington, Willodean Gann and ConnieKoise (Ray Dodd’s sisters), Bill Waters(Leon Water’s father), Jacklynn Ayliffe(Carl Ayliffe’s mother), Maria Bonaparte(the Crowe’s neighbor), and Earl Gerean(Ray Foshee’s friend). Harold Staples is inBaptist Hospital, room 348. Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law) has beendiagnosed with a brain tumor.


Ray Dodd and his family in the death of hisbrother, George Dodd, who passed away onApril 12, 2000. Please keep Ray and hisfamily in your prayers.


Reading: Shelby NallInvitation: Henry Born

May 3, 2000Reading: Richard ParkerInvitation: Paul Brantley



ment cards handed out.May 7, 2000–Men’s Class at 5:00 P.M., in

room 1.


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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP






Sad Statements Of The Bible, will be held June10-14, 2000. Twenty-eight men will be speaking:Keith A. Mosher, Sr.; David P. Brown; HarrellDavidson; Terry M. Hightower; John Priola;Eddie Whitten; Lynn Parker; Guss Eoff; HaroldBigham; Ronnie Hayes; Howell Bigham; Ted J.Clarke; Joel Wheeler; Ira Y. Rice, Jr.; CliffordNewell; David Jones; Eddy Craft; Gary Grizzell;Carl Garner; Curtis A. Cates; Tom Wacaster; TimNichols; Joseph D. Meador; Michael Hatcher;Michael Light; Noah Hackworth; Paul Vaughn;Joe Galloway; and, Bobby Liddell. The followingmen will be writing lessons for the lectureshipbook but will not be speaking: Gary Summersand Bob Sweeten.

The lecture topics include: What Makes A SadVerse?, What Is Truth?; John 18:38; When

Fellowship Is Broken; Genesis 3; “Only EvilContinually”; Genesis 6:5; Cannot Enter TheLand; Deuteronomy 34:4; Another GenerationWhich Knew Not Jehovah; Judges 2:10; “CurseYe Meroz”; Judges 5:23; “No King In Israel”;Judges 17:6; “Ichabod”; 1 Samuel 4:21-22;“Absalom, My Son, My Son Absalom! WouldGod I Had Died For Thee”; 2 Samuel 18:33;19:4; “Who Made Israel To Sin”; 1 Kings 14:16;“Departed Without Being Desired”; 2 Chronicles21:20; “Mine Own Familiar Friend”; Psalm 41:9;“Rivers Of Waters Run Down Mine Eyes”; Psalm119:136; Improper Leaders; Jeremiah 5:31;“Neither Could They Blush”; Jeremiah 6:15; “WeWill Not Walk Therein”; Jeremiah 6:16; “Is ItNothing”; Lamentations 1:12; Elders FeedingThemselves; Ezekiel 34:2; “Weighed In TheBalances, And Found Wanting”; Daniel 5:25-27;“Jerusalem, Jerusalem”; Matthew 23:37; “DepartFrom Me”; Matthew 25:41; “I Know Not The

Man”; Matthew 26:74; “My God My God WhyHast Thou Forsaken Me”; Matthew 27:46; “GodHeareth Not Sinners”; John 9:31 UnconcernedWith Sin; 1 Corinthians 5:2; “So SoonRemoved”; Galatians 1:6-9; “They Will NotEndure Sound Doctrine”; 2 Timothy 4:2-3;“Demas Hatch Forsaken Me”; 2 Timothy 4:10;Dead Thinking They Were Alive; and, Revela-tions 3:1; and, Sad Verses Not In The Bible.

If you are planning on attending the BellviewLectures be sure to make your motel reservationsnow. The Hospitality Inn (4910 Mobile Highway;Pensacola, FL 32506) offers the following price(tax not included) $45—1 to 4 people per room.For reservations call 850-453-3333. When callingfor reservations be sure to tell them you will beattending the Bellview Lectures.

Pensacola is a great place to take your summervacation and at the same time attend the BellviewLectures. For further information please contactthe office by phone, mail or at our e-mail address([email protected]). Check out our website listed below for more information. We hopeto see you in June.


CONVERSATIONABOUT BEER

DRINKINGI was speaking to a teenager at a high school

conference and one fellow came up to me andsaid, “Now, Doc, I don’t drink, and I don’t intendto drink, but actually, what is wrong with afriendly glass of beer?”

I said, “Do you know anything about thechemistry of alcohol?” “No,” he said, “I don’t.”I said, “Alcohol is one of the greatest blessingGod ever gave us.” “Is it? I thought it was just a

curse,” he said.“No, it is a great blessing. The two reagents on

a chemist’s reagents rack which he uses as sol-vents are alcohol and water. Alcohol dehydratesand it dissolves. It is a marvelous thing. Thephotographic industry, tinctures, dyes, medicines,all kinds of things make use of alcohol.

There are about 19 kinds of commercialalcohol which brilliant chemists have developed,and we produce them by the tons. The kind ofalcohol you drink is one type (ethyl), and the kindyou put in your radiator is another kind (methyl).But all alcohols are poisons. In the body, they aregoing to cause ill effects. The reason is that theydehydrate and they dissolve.

Have you got a little imagination? Let us do alittle chemical experiment here in your imagina-tion. Let us take 16 bottles. In the first eight let usput alcohol and in the last eight let us put water.Over here we will see that alcohol dissolves, andhere that it hardens.

Take, for example, some kind of fat and put iton water. It will just float around. What if we putfat in alcohol? Shake it up and it will dissolve.Take some resin, put it in alcohol, shake it up andit will dissolve. It goes to the bottom of water andstays. What happens to camphor? It floats on thewater. Put it in alcohol and it will dissolve. Wehave fat, resin, and camphor. They will dissolvein alcohol. Put a green leaf in alcohol and it willtake the color out. Now put these things in waterand nothing happens. Now shift over here. Put alittle bit of bread in alcohol. What will happen? Itwill get hard. Put a piece of meat in alcohol.What will happen? It will get hard, it dehydrates,it takes the water out of the meat.

Now this dehydrating and dissolving are thecharacteristics of alcohol which make it a greatblessing. But, friends, when it goes down yourgullet, it does not know if it is inside or outside.As soon as it gets in there it begins to work in the


Michael Hatcher has been invited to go toMurmansk, Russia, this year and teach in theBible College there. To do this, he will haveto raise a travel fund. If you would be willingto help, please send your checks to BellviewChurch of Christ marked for the HatcherTravel Fund. Thank you in advance for yourhelp.

same way. It is not affected by gastric juices. It isabsorbed through the walls of the stomach intothe bloodstream and all your nerves and yourbrain are bathed with it. Every nerve has fattysubstance called lipoid and the moment alcoholtouches it, what happens? The alcohol dissolvesit. When you dissolve the covering and insulationof the nerves, it is just like a telephone exchangewith the insulation off: you do not get the mes-sage through to the proper source. This is whymen stagger. They call for their right leg to actand the left leg gets the message. When alcoholgoes into the heart of the nerves, that happens tobe like the white of an egg. Alcohol cooks it.Alcohol is a great harm to the human body andmind because of these two properties of dissolv-ing and dehydrating. Furthermore, alcohol is anarcotic, a deterrent of normal body functions. Itis poison which adversely affects our judgmentand self-control. It is, we believe, a harm to ouroffspring because it poisons the life-giving cells.”

We talked for half an hour; and finally theteenager said, “Sir, that’s the first time I haveever had an intelligent answer as to why Ishouldn’t drink beer. Thank God you told us.”

Via “The Saluter”; Dresden Church of Christ;501 Evergreen, Dresden, TN 38225

THANK YOU FORTHE PETUNIA

Flower shows feature flowers from the earliesttulips to the last poinsettia, but no one everexhibits a petunia. Brides carry flowers from theedelweiss of the mountains to the lilies of thevalley, but no bride would consider carrying apetunia. Everyone ignores the petunia, but it goesright on blooming. It is time for someone to ap-preciate it.

Church leaders should be sensitive to flowers,because flowers remind them of people. In fact,

any group of people has about as many varietiesof plants as does the garden. Every group has its“roses” which must be handled with kid gloves toavoid pain or hurt. Every group has its “Irises”which are susceptible to rot if they are not con-stantly in the sunshine. There are “shrinkingviolets” that need to be encouraged, the stubborn“glads” that cannot be bent once their stem is set,and the tender “morning glory” which blooms insplendor at the beginning of the day and fades bynoon. Every variety of folk need some specialattention to make them bloom...except the petu-nia.

So you can understand why “petunias” are sodear to any church leaders’ hearts. They are thosefolks who go on doing their part without specialattention. No one fusses over them or pampersthem or cultivates them. No one praises them fortheir dependability or loyalty. But, like the pe-tunia in the garden, they do not seem to mind.They cause no trouble, they create no commotion;they just keep blooming the best they can.

So, at the end of an especially difficult anddisappointing day there rises from the churchleaders a very special prayer, “Dear Lord, thankyou for Petunias!”

Via the “Highland Village”


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Hairston Brantley, Lou Gafford, LouisHerrington, Harold Staples, WillodeanGann and Connie Koise (Ray Dodd’ssisters), Jacklynn Ayliffe (Carl Ayliffe’smother), Maria Bonaparte (the Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), and Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law).

RESTOREDHarold Maxey was restored on April 23,

2000. Please keep Harold in your prayersand offer encouragement.

READING/INVITATIONMay 3, 2000

Reading: Richard ParkerInvitation: Paul Brantley

May 10, 2000Reading: Joshua WilkesInvitation: Scot Brazell


ment cards handed out.May 7, 2000–Men’s Class at 5:00 P.M., in

room 1.May 14, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-





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VOL. XXIX MAY 1, 2000 NO. 18



MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





A NOBLE PURPOSEFOR YOURMARRIAGE

Thomas B. WarrenMarriage is not a relationship whereby two

partners stand with their backs to one another,each using marriage only for his own selfish pur-poses. Neither is marriage to be pictured by twopersons facing one another that they worship oneanother. They are to worship God, not one an-other. Instead of these two erroneous views, mar-riage is better considered as two people standingside-by-side facing toward heaven, with resolveto help one another to be happy in this life, tohelp one another walk closer to God. All thevarious aspects of marriage should be pointedtoward this goal. Mature people can help oneanother to this goal. Immature people will drive

one another away from it. “As Sarah obeyedAbraham, calling him lord: whose children yenow are, if ye do well, and are not put in fear byany terror. Ye husbands, in like manner, dwellwith your wives according to knowledge, givinghonor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel,as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to theend that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Pet.3:6-7).

Marriage may well be compared to a book.You know the cover of a book does not alwaysaccurately convey just what the contents are. Art-ists are hired to make the cover as attractive aspossible, but the book itself may be very dull anduninteresting. Some of the chapters may be veryinteresting while other chapters are not. Some ofthem may be very exciting, while some of themmay be very dull. But a good book has a goal; ithas an aim. Just so it is with marriage: a goodmarriage has a goal.

The best marriages have the goal of helping


Michael Hatcher has been invited to goto Murmansk, Russia, this year and teachin the Bible College there. To do this, hewill have to raise a travel fund. If youwould be willing to help, please send yourchecks to Bellview Church of Christmarked for the Hatcher Travel Fund.Thank you in advance for your help.

one another to heaven. To this end, husbands andwives should be obedient to God. They shouldobey God as the Bible directs. They should wor-ship in their homes together. Side-by-side theyshould have their eyes on Christ, the author andfinisher of our faith, and they should help oneanother deal with all of the complex problemsand profound relationships of husbands andwives; they should help one another to walk thatpathway that leads to everlasting life.

P.O. Box 937; Seagoville, TX 75159

I AM A NEWCOMERWON'T YOU PLEASESmile at me as I walk in the door. You are my

first impression of the church, during the first fewmoments I am in your building, and this firstimpression will probably stay with me a longtime.

Help me find my place in the service. I willnot find your help an intrusion. In fact, I willremember your kindness.

Speak to me during the after-service fellow-ship time. I know you want to see your friends,but I may find it hard to believe that you truly

care for each other unless I first see evidence thatyou care for the stranger in your midst.

Tell me good things about the church, yourelders, deacons, and ministers. I want to believethat I have come to a place where people loveeach other and where they believe that they aredoing something exciting and important for theLord.

Notice me even if I am not family. I do notwant to feel invisible just because I am unmar-ried, a single parent, a teenager, or an olderperson.

Talk to me again the second week when Icome back and the third and fourth. I am still nota part of your church family.

Invite me to become a part of some churchactivity or small group. I need more contact withthe church family.

Author Unknown


Sad Statements Of The Bible, will be held June10-14, 2000. If you are planning on attending theBellview Lectures be sure to make your motelreservations now. Ramada Limited (8060Lavelle Way) offers the following price (tax notincluded) $45–1 to 2 people per room. Theirphone number is 850/944-0333. When calling forreservations be sure to tell them you will beattending the Bellview Lectures. (Please makenote of the motel. This is a correction to previ-ous articles).



“Sad Statements Of The Bible”June 10 - 14, 2000

Saturday, June 107:00 PM What Makes A Sad Verse? Keith Mosher7:45 PM “What Is Truth?”; John 18:38 David Brown

Sunday, June 119:00 AM “Rivers Of Waters Run Down Mine Eyes”; Psa. 119:136 Ira Y. Rice, Jr.

10:00 AM Cannot Enter The Land; Deu. 24:4 John PriolaLunch Break

2:00 PM Improper Leaders; Jer. 5:31 Clifford Newell3:00 PM “God Heareth Not Sinners”; John 9:31 Michael Hatcher

Dinner Break7:00 PM “Neither Could They Blush”; Jer. 6:15 David Jones7:45 PM “Depart From Me”; Mat. 25:41 Tim Nichols

Monday, June 129:00 AM “Mine Own Familiar Friend”; Psa. 41:9 Joel Wheeler

10:00 AM “Ichabod”; 1 Sam. 4:21-22 Harold Bigham11:00 AM “We Will Not Walk Therein”; Jer. 6:16 Eddy Craft

Lunch Break1:30 PM “Demas Hath Forsaken Me”; 2 Tim. 4:10 Joe Galloway2:30 PM Elders Feeding Themselves; Eze. 34:2 Carl Garner3:30 PM Open Forum

Dinner Break7:00 PM “Curse Ye Meroz”; Jud. 5:23 Lynn Parker7:45 PM Dead Thinking They Were Alive; Rev. 3:1 Bobby Liddell

Tuesday, June 139:00 AM “Departed Without Being Desired”; 2 Chr. 21:20 Ted Clarke

10:00 AM Another Generation Which Knew Not Jehovah; Jud. 2:10 Eddie Whitten11:00 AM “Only Evil Continually”; Gen. 6:5 Terry Hightower

Lunch Break1:30 PM “Jerusalem, Jerusalem”; Mat. 23:37 Tom Wacaster2:30 PM “They Will Not Endure Sound Doctrine”; 2 Tim. 4:2-3 Paul Vaughn3:30 PM Open Forum

Dinner Break7:00 PM When Fellowship Is Broken; Gen. 3 Harrell Davidson7:45 PM “Is It Nothing?”; Lam. 1:12 Gary Grizzell

Wednesday, June 149:00 AM Unconcerned With Sin; 1 Cor. 5:2 Michael Light

10:00 AM “So Soon Removed”; Gal. 1:6-9 Noah Hackworth11:00 AM “Who Made Israel To Sin”; 1 Kin. 14:16 Howell Bigham

Lunch Break1:30 PM “No King In Israel”; Jud. 17:6 Guss Eoff2:30 PM “My God My God Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me”; Mat. 27-46 Joseph Meador3:30 PM Open Forum

Dinner Break7:00 PM “Weighed In The Balances, And Found Wanting”; Dan. 5:25-27 Curtis Cates7:45 PM “Absalom, My Son, My Son Absalom! Would God I Had

Died For Thee”; 2 Sam. 18:33 Ronnie Hayes


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Hairston Brantley, Lou Gafford, LouisHerrington, Harold Staples, Willodean Gannand Connie Koise (Ray Dodd’s sisters),Jacklynn Ayliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother),Maria Bonaparte (the Crowe’s neighbor),Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’s friend), andMartha Parker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law).


Reading: Joshua WilkesInvitation: Scot Brazell

May 17, 2000Reading: Michael WilkesInvitation: Bill Cline

MARK THESE DATESMay 7, 2000–Men’s Class at 5:00 P.M., in

room 1.May 14, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-



ment cards handed out.May 29, 2000–Visitation Group Get-to-

gether at 6:00 P.M., in the general pur-pose building. A covered-dish meal willprecede the meeting.

June 10-14, 2000–25th Annual BellviewLectures. Theme: Sad Statements Of TheBible.

PANTRY ITEM NEEDEDPeanut Butter and Jelly

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A PUBLICATION OF BELLVIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST 4850 Saufley Road; Pensacola, FL 32526


MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





HE CARETH FOR YOUNoah A. Hackworth

One of the most touching, comforting pas-sages in the New Testament is unquestionably1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; forhe careth for you.” More literally the passagereads: “All your care cast upon him, because withhim there is care about you.” “Casting” translatesthe word epirripto (aorist tense, a once-for-allact) which means our cares are “deposited” withthe Lord. Berry uses the word epirripsantes(having cast) which more clearly brings out theaorist. “Anxiety” is from merino or merimnanwhich is seemingly connected with merino whichmeans “to draw in different directions, anxiouscare, distractions.” Here is a splendid example:

Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious foryour life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shalldrink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall puton. Is not the life more than the food, and the

body than the raiment? Behold the birds of theheaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap,nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Fatherfeedeth them. Are not ye of much more valuethen they? And which of you by being anxiouscan add one cubit unto the measure of his life?And why are ye anxious concerning raiment?Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow;they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I sayunto you, that even Solomon in all his glorywas not arrayed like one of these. But if Goddoth so clothe the grass of the field, whichto-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven,shall he not much more clothe you, O ye oflittle faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying,What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after allthese things do the Gentiles seek; for yourheavenly Father knoweth that ye have need ofall these things. But seek ye first his kingdom,and his righteousness; and all these things shallbe added unto you. Be not therefore anxious


Michael Hatcher has been invited to goto Murmansk, Russia, this year and teach inthe Bible College there. To do this, he willhave to raise a travel fund. If you would bewilling to help, please send your checks toBellview Church of Christ marked for theHatcher Travel Fund. Thank you in advancefor your help.

for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxiousfor itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evilthereof (Mat. 6:25-34).

God’s people are at times frustrated, distractedby worldly cares, and pulled in different direc-tions, and what is to be done when this occurs?What many people do is head for the psychia-trist’s office for some time on the couch and abrain analysis. What can more profitably be doneis for the “right thinking Christian” to take thesecares and cast them upon the Lord once for all.This is what is to be done when suffering is morethan can be handled. This is what must be donewhen the burden or the cross we must bear getstoo heavy. Paul offers similar teaching: “Bear yeone another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law ofChrist” (Gal. 6:2). “For each man shall bear hisown burden” (Gal. 6:5). There is a differentGreek word used in these passages. In the formerit is the word bare. In the latter it is portion. Inthe former the burden can be borne by the indi-vidual person with no required help. But in thelatter the burden (load) is too heavy and help isneeded. Our Lord is available twenty-four hoursa day. He is always ready to receive our requests(cf., Isa. 55:6; Phi. 4:6).

When the Lord said, “And lo, I am with youalways, even unto the end of the world” (Mat.28:20), He meant that He is with us always, everyday, all the days, pasas tas hemeras, until thecompletion of the age. The Lord hovers above uswatching over us. He walks beside us sharing ourload with us. He is under us supporting us, andHe walks behind us encouraging us. An unknownauthor has written:

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed hewas walking across the beach with the Lord.Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. Foreach scene, he noticed two set of footprints inthe sand: one belonging to him, and the other tothe Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed

before him, he looked back at the footprints inthe sand. He noticed that many times along thepath of his life there was only one set of foot-prints. He also noticed that it happened at thelowest and saddest times in his life. This reallybothered him and he questioned the Lord aboutit. “Lord, you said that once I decided to followyou, you’d walk with me all the way. But Ihave noticed that during the most troublesometimes in my life, there is only one set of foot-prints. I don’t understand why when I neededyou most you would leave me.” The Lordreplied, “My son, my precious child. I love youand I would never leave you. During yourtimes of trial and suffering, when you see onlyone set of footprints, it was then that I carriedyou.”

This is a vast universe God has created andeach one of us is only a speck in it, but God inHis Omniscience knows exactly where we areand what is going on in our lives. He loves eachone of us as though there was only one to love.Whatever cares and burdens we bear, and thereare many, let us take advantage of the advicegiven to us by the Holy Spirit through Peter: “Allyour care having cast upon him, because withhim there is care about you.”

5342 West La Vida Court; Visalia, CA 93277





















Waters, Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey,Martha Wilcoxson, Hairston Brantley, LouGafford, Louis Herrington, Harold Staples,Harold Maxey, Cliff Carroll, WillodeanGann (Ray Dodd’s sister), Jacklynn Ayliffe(Carl Ayliffe’s mother), Maria Bonaparte(the Crowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), and Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law).


Reading: Michael WilkesInvitation: Bill Cline

May 24, 2000Reading: Ray WilliamsInvitation: Bill Crowe

MARK THESE DATESMay 14, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assign-




gether at 6:00 PM in the general purposebuilding. A covered-dish meal willprecede the meeting.

May 31, 2000–Fifth Wednesday Singing at7:00 PM.



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SENIORS...GO FORTH TO LIFE

Gary ColleyWith a voice of congratulation, a word of

praise, a tear of joy for you, and a shining starof hope, we extend the thought to this article.

Years of work and accomplishment havecome and gone, at time with hardly a notice!But here it is! The time parents and youngpeople have looked toward with anticipation.We wanted the goal for you, but with a tinge ofsadness it has come and we are proud of yourperseverance. The finality of this part of yourpreparation has made the difficulties that wereencountered along the road all worthwhile!

The church of Christ has been an intrinsicpart of your lives. By God’s inspired Word, ithas taught you to realize you will not be temp-ted above what you are able to bear (1 Cor.

10:13). That the Lord’s teaching, believed, andreceived into your hearts, sustains you in timesof indecision and helps you in the solution ofyour problems (1 Pet. 5:7). It has taught youhonesty and integrity that the world so needstoday: telling the truth is better than lies; keep-ing your word will be approved wherever youmay go; paying your debts will make you rightin the sight of God and man; not taking thatwhich belongs to others, even their good name,is the way to live; and being fair in your deal-ings with others will give you many happydays. Purity and maturity are continual goals ofthose who would live godly in Christ Jesus(2 Tim. 3:12).

But the Lord’s church should be the centerof your lives! That which Christ built and gaveHis blood to purchase is of more value than anypossession of earth or accomplishment in life.To be upright in the sight of man is important,but to be right before God is a million times

HIGH SCHOOLGRADUATEOur congratulations are

extended to Michael Wilkeswho will be graduating from the HomeSchooling Program on May 20. Michaelplans on attending Pensacola Junior Col-lege.


Michael Hatcher has been invited togo to Murmansk, Russia, this year andteach in the Bible College there. To dothis, he will have to raise a travel fund. Ifyou would be willing to help, pleasesend your checks to Bellview Church ofChrist marked for the Hatcher TravelFund. Thank you in advance for yourhelp.

more important! Jesus said, “For what is a manprofited, if he shall gain the whole world, andlose his own soul? or what shall a man give inexchange for his soul?” (Mat. 16:26). Whileliving the Christian life, decisions come mucheasier: What job shall I take? Who shall be myassociates? Who shall I marry? And, on and onwe could go. “Let us hear the conclusion of thewhole matter: Fear God, and keep his com-mandments: for this is the whole duty of man”(Ecc. 12:13).

We are all proud of you? We want the bestfor you! All that now stands between you andthe top of the ladder, is the ladder! Place yourfoot on each step with care and “Go forth tolife.”

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CONSIDER THISClint Brown

If there was ever a man who could play“second fiddle” well, it was John the baptizer.As one of the most unsung heroes of the Biblerecord, his example of courage is often ne-glected, left out, and even forgotten. How manysermons have been devoted to John the bap-tizer? How many books have been written abouthim? Yet, this man filled the role of forerunnerto the Son of God!

It was prophesied that this man would come

in the “spirit and power of Elias” (Mal. 4:5;Luke 1:17). He was to come to “Prepare ye theway of the LORD” (Isa. 40:3-5; Luke 3:4-5).This he did by boldly proclaiming God’s truth.His message was powerful and easily under-stood: “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven isat hand” (Mat. 3:2).

But consider this: John’s parents, Zachariasand Elizabeth, are described as “righteous be-fore God, walking in all the commandments andordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6).What a family! What a compliment! But, Isuppose they would consider the greatest com-pliment to be the one our Lord gave to their sonwhen He said, “Among them that are born ofwomen there hath not risen a greater than Johnthe Baptist” (Mat. 11:11). That is not only acompliment to John, that is also a great compli-ment to his parents. Godly parents are a virtuefor the production of God-fearing children. Nowonder it was asked at John’s birth, “Whatmanner of child shall this be!” (Luke 1:66).

Yes, the example of John the baptizer isgreatly overlooked, but even more so is thegreat example of his parents.

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Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Lou Gafford, Harold Staples, Cliff Carroll,Nancy Travis, Willodean Gann (RayDodd’s sister), Jacklynn Ayliffe (CarlAyliffe’s mother), Maria Bonaparte (theCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), and Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law).


Reading: Ray WilliamsInvitation: Bill Crowe

May 31, 2000Reading: Carl AyliffeInvitation: Dale Cunningham


ment cards handed out.May 21, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.May 28, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-



May 31, 2000–Fifth Wednesday Singing at7:00 P.M.



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WHAT WILL HELPONE EXCEL AS A

CHRISTIAN?Curtis A. Cates

It is my belief that most Christians wish tomake their lives as effective for the Lord and Hiscause as possible. We are not satisfied with theordinary, just being mediocre. “Whatsoever thyhand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecc.9:10). We want to give God our full measure,using to the greatest possible potential the talentsHe has given us. What will help us please him inthis way?

One, the Christian must have “Godwithin.” Enthusiasm. “What do ye more thanothers?” (Mat. 5:47). Do we go the extra mile(Mat. 5:39-44)? Let Christ be seen in you (John3:1-2; Mat. 5:13-16; Acts 6:10).

Two, the Christian must prepare for effec-tive, dedicated service. If you have the abilityand potential to preach, develop those talents(2 Tim. 2:2). If you have the ability to teach Bibleclasses, prepare yourself (Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Tim.2:15). If you can carry a tune, young men, de-velop as good song leaders. And, what a need wehave to develop as great elders and deacons (1Tim. 3:1-15)! Use your talents, brethren.

Three, the child of God must be confidentin the Lord. “And who is sufficient for thesethings?” (2 Cor. 2:16). Paul knew that in the Lordand with His help (Phi. 4:13), he was sufficient.The Spirit strengthens us through His Word,through faith (Eph. 3:16-17; Rom. 10:17; Eph.6:17). Realize, dear reader, that you (as Esther)may be raised up “for such a time as this” (Est.4:14). Stand in the gap, dear friend!

Four, Christians must have the courage oftheir convictions. The Christian soldier is notafraid of criticism. In fact, the Lord tells us thefaithful will undergo persecution (Mat. 5:10-12;

HIGH SCHOOLGRADUATE

Our congratulations areextended to Mary Carrollwho will be graduating from Pine ForestHigh School on May 25, 2000.

MICHAEL HATCHERINVITED TO TEACH INMURMANSK, RUSSIAMichael Hatcher has been invited to go

to Murmansk, Russia, this year and teach inthe Bible College there. To do this, he willhave to raise a travel fund. If you would bewilling to help, please send your checks toBellview Church of Christ marked for theHatcher Travel Fund. Thank you in advancefor your help.

1 Pet. 4:16). “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith,quit ye like men, be strong” (1Cor. 16:13). “Thoutherefore endure hardness, as a good solider ofJesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). “Have not I com-manded thee? Be strong and of good courage; benot afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lordis with thee” (Jos. 1:9). If you work for the Lord,believe me, the devil is not pleased and willcriticize you! One can do nothing and avoidcriticism.

Five, faithful children of God have oneunified goal—to seek the kingdom first (Mat.6:33). What did Paul say? “This one thing I do”(Phi. 3:13-14). Those who seek the praise of Godrather than of men have their priorities straight(John 12:42-43).

Six, we must be dedicated, diligent, hardworkers. With our minds on the Lord (Phi. 1:21),we will labor. “If any would not work, neithershould he eat,” Paul observed in the secular realm(2 The. 3:10); can we expect approval from Godand be lazy slackers in the spiritual realm? Suc-cess does not come from breaks in life but fromhard work. The command is to “work” (2 The.3:12; 1 Cor. 15:58)! “Give of your best to theMaster” (cf., 2 Pet. 1:5-11). Do not be satisfiedwith mediocrity; God is not!3950 Forest Hill Irene Rd; Memphis, TN 38125

VISITATIONIS THE KEY!

Visitation is the key that opens many doors. Itopens the door to new friendships as we visitnewcomers and visitors. It opens the door toBible studies with those who have not obeyed thegospel. It opens the door to cheerfulness when wevisit with those who are sick or shut-in.

It opens the door of communication with thosewe visit who have become discouraged or way-ward. It opens the door of heaven for those whovisit, for our Lord said that those who visited thesick, the hungry, the naked, would enter into thatwonderful place.

Visiting is more than entering a physical door.It means going into another’s heart and life whenthe proper doors are opened. Those who visitothers are going to them with a heart of love, careand helpfulness.

This week, why not make several visits, andexperience the benefits and beauty of visitation?

Author Unknown(Editors Note: Make plans now to attend theVisitation Group Get-together on May 29 at 6:00P.M., in the general purpose building. A covered-dish meal will precede the meeting.)





















Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Elaine Maxey, Lou Gafford, Diana Brazell,Harold Staples, Cory Crowe (Bill andPeggy Crowe’s grandson), Jacklynn Ayliffe(Carl Ayliffe’s mother), Willodean Gannand Connie Koise (Ray Dodd’s sisters),Maria Bonaparte (the Crowe’s neighbor),Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’s friend), MarthaParker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law). RayFoshee is in Sacred Heart Hospital.

RESTOREDHarold Maxey and Dale Cunningham

were restored on May 22, 2000. Please keepthem in your prayers and offer en-couragement.


Reading: Carl AyliffeInvitation: Dale Cunningham

June 7, 2000Reading: Elward BrantleyInvitation: Ray Dodd




May 31, 2000–Fifth Wednesday Singing at7:00 P.M.


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THE DIGNITYOF PREACHING

Leon ColeUnless I have misread and misunderstood the

Bible, it places great emphasis on the work ofpreaching. “For the preaching of the cross is tothem that perish foolishness; but unto us whichare saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).“Preach the word; be instant in season, out ofseason; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2). “But hath indue times manifested his word through preach-ing” (Tit. 1:3). “Go ye into all the world, andpreach the gospel to every creature” (Mark16:15).

There are great examples of preaching in boththe Old and the New Testament. John the Baptistpreached so powerfully that people went out tohear him from Jerusalem, Judea and the entire

region round about Jordan. Our Lord’s Sermonon the Mount contains more quoted phrases thanany discourse. Think of Peter’s proclamation ofthe gospel recorded in Acts 2. We have Stephen’ssermon, which cut men to the heart in Acts 7.Several sermons preached by Paul are recorded.He reasoned of righteousness, temperance, andjudgement to come. He proclaimed how that Godhas appointed a day, in which He will judge theworld in righteousness.

Preaching then, is serious business. If Godchose and ordained it as the means of proclaimingsalvation to the world it ought to be approachedwith dignity and decorum. Verily, it should notbe reduced to sideshow carnival antics.

It has been my unfortunate lot, in recent years;to witness in the church what has been calledpreaching. I know that preaching is unique in thata degree of the personality is seen in the delivery.But when speakers prance, preen, and cavort andact like they have St. Vitus Dance it detracts from

NEW BIBLE CLASSES BEGINNINGBible classes for the summer quarter will begin Sunday, June 4. Make plans now to attend these

classes.Sunday Schedule

Adults I Romans II Jim LoyAdults II Romans I Paul BrantleyAdults III Acts II Michael HatcherNew Converts Studies In Christian Doctrine And Practical Christian Living Bill Gallaher

Wednesday Schedule

Adults I I Samuel Bill CroweAdults II II Samuel Ray FosheeAdults III I Kings Michael HatcherNew Converts Studies In Christian Doctrine And Practical Christian Living Bill Gallaher



“If you find yourself loving any pleasurebetter than your prayers, any book better thanthe Bible, and any house better than the houseof God...any persons better than Christ, or anyindulgence better than the hope of heaven...take alarm.”

Thomas Guthrie

any truth that might be presented. The emphasisis to be on the message not the messenger. Ofcourse, there is something to be emotional andexcited about in the gospel. But when Jesuspreached on the mountainside, He sat and quietlytaught. When men resort to cheap theatrics andconduct a service more like a political rally thanone of religious instruction, something is wrong.Paul said that his preaching “was not withenticing words of man’s wisdom...That your faithshould not stand in the wisdom of men, but in thepower of God” (1 Cor. 2:4-5).

We are not crying out against eloquence(Apollos had it). We are not deploring pathos andemotion (Paul had it—Acts 20:32). Certainly wedo not mean preachers should not be touchedwith compassion for the lost (Jesus was). We aresimply saying, keep preaching on the lofty plainwhere it belongs and leave the antics and theshenanigans to politicians and talk-show hostsand hostesses.

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Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Elaine Maxey, Lou Gafford, HaroldStaples, Ray Foshee, Willodean Gann andConnie Koise (Ray Dodd’s sisters),Jacklynn Ayliffe (Carl Ayliffe’s mother),Cory Crowe (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sgrandson), Maria Bonaparte (Bill andPeggy Crowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean(Ray Foshee’s friend), Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), MadelineQuinn (Diana Brazell’s mother), and GinaCates (Allen and Diana Brazell’s daughter).

READING/INVITATIONJune 7, 2000

Reading: Elward BrantleyInvitation: Ray Dodd

June 14, 2000Bellview Lectures

MARK THESE DATESJun 4, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assignment

cards handed out.Jun 4, 2000–Men’s Class meets at 5:00

P.M., in room 1.Jun 18, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-

ment cards handed out.Jun 18, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.Jun 25, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.June 25, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.


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VOL. XXIX JUNE 5, 2000 NO. 23



E-mail Address: [email protected]

CONSEQUENCES OFWORLDLINESS

Mark K. LewisA culture obsessed with technology will cometo value personal convenience above almost allelse, and ours does...Among [the] consequen-ces...is impatience with anything that interfereswith personal convenience. Religion, morality,and law do that, which accounts for thetendency of modern religion to eschewproscriptions and commandments and turn tocounseling the therapeutic sermons; of moralityto be relativized; and of law, particularlycriminal law, to become soft and uncertain.Religion tends to be strongest when life is hard,and the same may be said of morality and law.A person whose main difficulty is not cropfailure but video breakdown has less need ofthe consolations and promises of religion(Robert Bork, Slouching Towards Gommorah,

p. 9).Robert Bork is not a New Testament

Christian, of course, but the above quote hasprovided some insightful thought regardingmodern American culture and the effect ofworldliness of religion. American society,including the church of the Lord, has become, inthe past generation, increasingly obsessed withcreature comforts; such a statement is self-evidentand needs no proof. The results in the church arequite apparent: declining church attendance, lessemphasis on law and commandment keeping, andmore emphasis on love and grace counseling as avital part of the church’s ministry watered downpreaching and increased fellowship activities—allof these are designed to accommodate theconvenience and pleasure of man, rather thanseeking to please God. But, very few areinterested in pleasing God anymore, and thus,many leaders in the church today think that, inorder for us to survive, we must meet worldly

MATTHEW 28:19-20“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all thingswhatsoever I have commanded you: and,lo, I am with you alway, even unto the endof the world.”



Man half-way: give him what he wants inexchange for his paying for our high-pricedpreachers and exorbitant buildings. As Bork says,most Americans’ greatest problem today is notwhere is their next meal coming from (thuscreating dependence upon God), but whathappens if my television breaks down before theSuper Bowl. Such a mind-set means there will bevery little interest in religion.

People who live for personal convenience donot want religion interfering. In modernhedonistic America, religion and morality are thebiggest enemies; in the church, this translates intor e b e l l i o n a g a i n s t “ h a r d p r e a c h i n g , ”commandment keeping, law, and the strait andnarrow. Now fellowship denominations becauselines are either not to be drawn or are to beblurred into indistinction—line drawing is“inconvenient,” may offend someone, may hurtsomeone’s feelings—in other words, cause someworldly human to not be happy with their presentcondition. And above all else, Americandemocracy means the “pursuit of personalhappiness without restraint or guidelines.” Self-esteem, feeling good about one’s self, positivespiritual attitudes are in; anything, that means,anything at all which inconveniences man or hisinner being, are out.

The Bible, of course, has not changed, andthose who value personal comfort more than

serving God are in serious spiritual condition.The admonition to “Love not the world, neitherthe things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15) isstill the doctrine of Christ. “Furthermore then webeseech you, brethren, and exhort you by theLord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how yeought to walk and to please God, so ye wouldabound more and more” (1 The. 4:1). Americandemocracy and cultural norms are not thestandard by which God’s people are to judgethings or live; we must learn to look past thefleeting norms and passing fancies of men andnever forget the timeless truths of the word of theLord. But unfortunately, many are saturatingthemselves with the values of this age rather thandrinking deeply and letting their minds beinfluenced by the teachings of Christ. When wespend one hour a week in church, and 167 in theworld, there is not much chance that we are goingto be able to resist the devil’s lies.

“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: fora man’s life consisteth not in the abundance ofthe things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).Not a popular doctrine in the world today, andincreasingly unpopular among God’s people. Butstill the truth by which we shall be judged on thefinal day!

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Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Elaine Maxey, Lou Gafford, Harold Staples,Ray Foshee, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Jacklynn Ayliffe (Carl Ayliffe’smother), Cory Crowe (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s grandson), Maria Bonaparte (Billand Peggy Crowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean(Ray Foshee’s friend), Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), MadelineQuinn (Diana Brazell’s mother), and GinaCates (Allen and Diana Brazell’s daughter).


Bellview LecturesJune 21, 2000

Reading: Allen BrazellInvitation: Ray Foshee

MARK THESE DATESJun 18, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assignment

cards handed out.Jun 18, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.Jun 25, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assignment

cards handed out.June 25, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.


ADDRESS CHANGEJay and Carmen Worley’s new address is:

8990 North Davis Highway Apt. 73;Pensacola, FL 32514. Please update yourdirectory.

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VOL. XXIX JUNE 12, 2000 NO. 24



E-mail Address: [email protected]

WHEN GODIS LEFT OUTBill Brandstatter

Another horrible shooting in a school hasshocked this nation. The events in Denver arealmost beyond belief. Many are asking, why? Iasked myself the same question. Then I askedanother question: “Why didn’t this kind of thinghappen when I was in high school?” We hadchildren with problems. We had kids who wereoutcasts and ridiculed. We had classmates whowere considered “freaks.” But no one shot any-body. We had fellow students who were frombroken homes and abusive parents. We knew ofkids in school who had alcoholic parents. I wasraised in the wild 1960s. But no one brought agun to school. So why the problem today? Afterdoing some thinking and praying I have arrived atwhat I think are three rather valid reasons why

this sort of insanity is going on today.First, when God is left out, problems and

Satan will come in. This is true throughout thehistory of the world. Bibles cannot be handed outin our schools today. Prayer cannot be madeopenly in a class room. The Ten Commandmentsonce posted, have been banned from schools. Yet,it is alright to hand out birth control informationto 13-year-olds. It is okay to graphically instructjunior high kids on how to have safe sex. It ispermissible to give out free abortion informationcounseling to children as young as 14 withoutparental consent, but it is wrong to give the childa Bible. God has been taken out of the school andproblems and Satan have come in.

Second, when discipline disappears so doescontrol. When I was a boy if I disobeyed myteacher I went to the principal’s office. If hespanked me, dad did also when I got home. Now,there is no corporal punishment. Spanking isbanned in many schools. Now “positive and



negative reinforcement” techniques are beingused instead. When discipline is gone, so iscontrol. Children are running many schools, andmany homes because some parents and teachersare afraid to discipline for fear of a lawsuit.

Third, we have lost our ability to say NO.This goes along with discipline. Society tells usthat we are not to tell someone they are wrong.Many today are calling evil good and good evil.To tell someone No is the wrong thing to do. Yet,Jesus said, “let your communication be, Yea, yea;Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than thesecometh of evil” (Mat. 5:37). We ought to setguidelines for what is acceptable, and what is not.Those guidelines ought to be adhered to nomatter what. Where is the backbone that teachers,school administrators and parents once had? Ifear it has gone out with the Bible and discipline.

These three answers to my question, Why?may be too simplistic for some. Perhaps there areother psychological and sociological reasons thatcontributed heavily to the senseless killings. Butcertainly it is worth a try to once again put Gotback in our schools. It is worth the life and wel-fare of our children to restore discipline. It isworth the welfare of this country to once againsay no. Maybe if we do these some of the schoolswill once again get back to where they were whenI was younger. I pray that God will give us thecourage to stand and do what is right.

313 Circle Drive; Vienna, IL 62995

A PARABLEThere once was a godly woman, who was a

good cook. Each day she took well-prepareddishes to some of her neighbors. Although herneighbors could tell the food was good to eat,they refused to touch the food she prepared.Naturally, this woman asked why her meals werenot being eaten. She received this reply, “You aresuch a good cook and seem to enjoy cooking so

much, we just did not think it important or neces-sary to eat what you had prepared.”

There once was a congregation that possessedmany dedicated, hardworking teachers. Eachweek these teachers would study hard to bringwell-prepared lessons and minds to Bible schoolto share with their classes. Although the Word ofGod was being taught, many members of thecongregation did not attend the Bible classes.When asked why, they replied: “The teachers justseem to enjoy teaching so much and since ourtime is so valuable, we just did not think it impor-tant or necessary to become involved in a class.”

Which story is the most absurd?Author Unknown

“HI, REMEMBER ME?”Glenn Colley

Be careful what you say and do. You neverknow who might be watching.

Last Wednesday morning I spoke for thechapel at the Memphis School of Preaching, anda preaching student approached me to introducehimself. He said he had seen me recently withCaleb, my son, at the Tennessee Department of

Safety, where we were getting Caleb’s driver’slicense. Now that had been a frustrating experi-ence. People were packed in that little buildingwaiting while patience wore thin, and the crowdwas swelling. The machines which printed li-censes were not working right, the lines haddissolved into just large groups of people withtheir arms folded over their chests. To make itworse, the staff became confused and beganservicing people who had waited ten minuteswhile those who had waited an hour and a halfcontinued to stand.

And this young preaching student was there.I did not know him, but he knew me, and now,two weeks later, I was at his school talking aboutpreaching. I cannot tell you how glad I was thatI did not lose my cool when waiting for thatdriver’s license! Imagine the impression I wouldhave left if I had given in to the frustration andshown my anger to those people.

My point is simple: Remember who you areeverywhere you go. Do not just talk about beinga Christian, act like a Christian. You never knowwhich stranger will turn out to be someone youwill need to later teach or encourage.

And one more thing—the Lord is alwayswatching.

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THE SECRET OF THEIRSUCCESS

In an assembly of preachers, a man whopreaches for a large congregation was asked toshare what the large church was doing to promotesuch growth. Each preacher got his pen ready totake notes of each fantastic program and idea thatmade the large congregation tick.

However, a very unexpected answer was to begiven. The speaker said, “We have no organizedprograms, no promotions, no drives, no advertis-

ing programs, and no buses.”In stunned amazement someone suggested that

the preacher must surely do a lot of personalevangelism. Again they were surprised when thepreacher said that he did not do an excessiveamount of visiting. He indicated that most of histime was spent in studying for his classes andsermons. Of the last 50 people who had beenbaptized, the preacher had only worked person-ally with two of them.

The secret of their success was very simpleand in keeping with biblical examples. They be-lieved in the priesthood of all believers and thisleaves them free to develop their own work andministry. They work on the principle that eachone has a gift from God and that he ought todevelop a work around that gift involving thoseof like interest. Of course, considerable encour-agement is given for each member to develop histalents and use them in the work of the Lord.

Indeed, this large congregation did have a lotof work going on, but it was developed in aspontaneous way by the members themselves.Most of the growth has come through Biblestudies when the church members invite a fewmembers and several non-members into theirhome to study the Word of God. They selecteda book of the Bible or a topic and then studiedthrough it. Many such groups are in progress.

This concept gets back behind a strong tradi-tion of how “church work” is to be done. It getsback to biblical model and, most important, itworks practically.

No one has to wait around for someone to starta project and put a deacon, or elder, or preacherin charge. Each member allows the Lord to usehis/her talent and the congregation grows for Godgives the increase. I believe this system has greatmerit and should demand our immediate atten-tion. If not, why not?

Author Unknown


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Elaine Maxey, Lou Gafford, HaroldStaples, Ray Foshee, Willodean Gann (RayDodd’s sister), Jacklynn Ayliffe (CarlAyliffe’s mother), Cory Crowe (Bill andPeggy Crowe’s grandson), Maria Bonaparte(Bill and Peggy Crowe’s neighbor), EarlGerean (Ray Foshee’s friend), MarthaParker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law),Madeline Quinn (Diana Brazell’s mother),and Gina Cates (Allen and Diana Brazell’sdaughter).


Reading: Allen BrazellInvitation: Ray Foshee

June 28, 2000Reading: Jerry CaineInvitation: Louis Herrington

MARK THESE DATESJun 25, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.June 25, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.


ADDRESS CHANGEScot Brazell’s new address is: 3007 East

Gadsden Street; Pensacola, FL 32503.Please update your directory.

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BEACONVOL. XXIX JUNE 19, 2000 NO. 25




MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





VISION FORTHE HOME

John MooreThe home is the foundation of human civiliza-

tion. If a country possesses homes that are pureand stable, then that country will be stronger andgreater. When homes are weak and dysfunc-tional, the nation will experience greater difficul-ties of crime, rape, divorce, murder, molestation,drugs, and corruption. Individual citizens arecomponent parts of any country or national en-tity, and those individuals become who and whatthey are as a result of their familial influence andnurturing. If the principles and values of truth,integrity, honesty, love, and purity are absent inone’s formative and adolescent years, then littlehope can be maintained for that individual tobecome a productive and contributing member ofsociety. The home is the molding mechanism for

character and self-esteem. It is the place whereone should learn about fairness and mutual re-spect for his/her fellow man. When these valuesare neglected or abandoned, there will be devas-tation in the form of moral decay, a weakenedgovernment and a dejected and demoralizedpeople.

Valueless homes produce a valueless societywhere fear and corruption are pervasive andwhere evil is triumphant. Bankers, lawyers, mer-chants, carpenters, doctors, plumbers, educators,preachers, and even presidents were once pureand wholesome little infants and children. Theirbeliefs about the world and their outlook on lifeare the result of their nurturing. Their viewsabout right and wrong and good and evil areformed from what they have seen, read, or beentaught. While man is not destined or bound bythe past; and while we do have the power tochange, we must recognize the powerfully signif-icant impact of the forces within the family unit

MICHAEL HATCHERINVITED TO TEACH INMURMANSK, RUSSIAMichael Hatcher has been invited to go to

Murmansk, Russia, this year and teach in theBible College there. To do this, he will haveto raise a travel fund. If you would be will-ing to help, please send your checks toBellview Church of Christ marked for theHatcher Travel Fund. Thank you in advancefor your help.

that penetrate our hearts and minds to mold ourthinking and influence our behavior, and thusinfluence our society.

For nations to be strong, for churches to betrue, for communities to be civilized, they mustall recognize the significance of the home. Thefuture status of these institutions will be depend-ent upon what is believed and practiced in thehome. Consequently, our homes must see theirimportance and essential role and plan for thefuture. Families must have a vision for the future,for “where there is no vision, the people perish”(Pro. 29:18). Indeed, the values of peace, pros-perity, and well being before God will vanish iffamilies, as well as leaders, educators, etc., donot consider and make provision for the future.

Do we as parents, as a church, as a commu-nity, as a nation want peace? harmony? love?goodwill? safety? Do we want our children to goto heaven and to experience a life full of purposeand meaning? Do we want our sons and daugh-ters to be happy and optimistic about the futurewhile possessing a confident assurance aboutwhom they are what they are doing here andwhere they are going? If so, then we must have avision for the future. A vision that first and fore-most begins with God. In Proverbs 29:18, vision

has reference to revelation; and so if God’s Worddoes not take priority in our current activities andplans for the future, then we will perish as anation, home, or church. However, if we keep thelaw, there will be happiness (Pro. 29:18b).


FROM SAN QUENTINAdvice To Young People

On TemptationPerhaps you may say that I am a poor man to

be giving advice, for now at the age of twenty-four, I am an inmate of San Quentin Prison.However, I feel that I have learned somethingthat may be of aid to young people in keepingthem from making the mistakes that I have madeand preventing much suffering on their part andtheir loved ones.

1. When you are tempted to disregard the ad-vice of your elders, remember that they haveyour interest at heart. Their many years of experi-ence has given them wisdom. Do not keep yourproblems to yourself, but, take them to yourelders, they are willing to help you.

2. Establish a program of church work inwhich you will take an active part. It is necessarythat your greatest interest be in the church lestthe attractions of the world lead you astray. Thisinterest in the church and its work will keep yourmind on the things that are really worthwhile inlife.

3. Find your recreational activities withChristians. In every young person there is a de-sire for recreation and entertainment. This shouldbe encouraged within the church rather than withyoung people of worldly desires.

All are inclined to take the path of least resis-tence, but, I wish to assure you that this path canlead to nothing but unhappiness and sorrow. Itmust be remembered that anything worth havingis worth working for and, upon reaching your

goal, great is the pleasure of being able to say,“There is a job well done of which I need not tobe ashamed.”

May I encourage Christians to work amongthe many prisons. It is a great opportunity to helpthe cause of our Lord.

Author Unknown

A LOOK BEHINDTHE FIG LEAVES

Sam DilbeckIn recent years, many have claimed that soci-

ety dictates what is modest. Their arguments gosomething like this: “During the Victorian Age,it was considered immodest for a woman toreveal her ankle or wrists in the presence of aman. Moreover, in many middle eastern coun-tries the women are required to wear full lengthdresses, veils and shawls that only reveals theireyes. In such countries and times it would bewrong for Christians to not wear veils or to showtheir ankles.” Thus, “society dictates modesty.”The folly of this argument can be shown by itsconclusion. For example, if an African tribal cus-tom dictated that women be unclothed, then theChristian woman living and working with thattribe would be compelled to be modestly nakedas well. Americans rarely dress like other cul-tures.

Aside from this, the lesson that God sendsfrom the fig leaves is that society does not dictatewhat is modest. God, since the foundation of theworld, has declared what is right, not man (Isa.45:19; Jer. 10:23; Pro. 14:12). This includes theway mankind is to dress. In the Garden, after thesin was committed, Adam and Eve constitutedthe whole of society on every scale, local, area,continental, and even world-wide. Thus, if soci-ety dictates what is modest, God should haveallowed Adam and Eve to keep their aprons.However, God saw a need to change their

clothes; He replaced their foliage vesture with“coats of skin” (Gen. 3:21).

Many Christians have succumbed to the no-tion that if the clothes cover just the right area,then everything else can be uncovered. For men,it is considered enough to have only his lowerbody covered. He can remove his shirt in publicwith little or no repercussion from society andeven from many Christians. The woman is ex-pected to cover the same area and is also ex-pected to cover part, or all, of her upper body.

What has not helped the matter is how artistsof the ages past have placed the fig leaves ontheir images of Adam and Eve. According tomost conceptions, Adam only needed one strate-gically placed leaf and Eve only needed three.Contrary to these artistic impressions, Adam andEve both covered only the area below theirwaists (apron means clothes that hang from thewaist). What is more, the text said they “sewedfig leaves together, and made themselves aprons”(Gen. 3:7). This means a collection of leaveswere sewn together as a bunch. However, manymodern people only consider the artists’ rendi-tions and conclude that since Adam and Eve onlyneeded to cover a few small sections, then that isall they have to do as well.

The leaves leave us a lesson—a few properlyplaced scraps of material are not enough to es-cape immodesty. Adam’s and Eve’s clothes,though modest by today’s societal standards, didnot cover enough to please God. After He re-buked them for their transgression, God madethem both coats of skin (Gen. 3:21). This showsthat they simply did not have enough covered.After God was finished, Adam had more thanshorts and bare chest, and Eve had more than abikini. God had them wearing full coats. Place-ment is not the end-all of modesty, it also in-cludes quantity—a rule God instituted and taughtwhen He replaced the fig leaves.

P.O. Box 219; Leonard, TX 75452


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Elaine Maxey, Lou and Buster Gafford,Harold Staples, Ray Foshee, WillodeanGann (Ray Dodd’s sister), Jacklynn Ayliffe(Carl Ayliffe’s mother), Maria Bonaparte(Bill and Peggy Crowe’s neighbor), EarlGerean (Ray Foshee’s friend), MarthaParker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law),Madeline Quinn (Diana Brazell’s mother),and Gina Cates (Allen and Diana Brazell’sdaughter).

RESTOREDTony Liddell was restored on June 18.

Please keep Tony in your prayers and offerhim encouragement.


Reading: Jerry CaineInvitation: Louis Herrington

July 5, 2000Reading: Bill GallaherInvitation: Tim Lamb

MARK THESE DATESJuly 2, 2000–Men’s Class at 5:00 P.M., in

room 1.July 2, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assignment

cards handed out.July 9, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.July 9, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assignment

cards handed out.


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BEACONVOL. XXIX JUNE 26, 2000 NO. 26




MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





PRAYERS AT THELORD’S TABLE

William S. ClineMen who lead public prayer have a special

responsibility to think what they are going to sayso the congregation can follow them and say“Amen” to what is said. Not only should theprayer be thought out, it should also be spokenout. Too many times this writer has had troublehearing the public prayer from the front pew.

At this writing I am concerned about theprayers that are offered at the Lord’s table. It ismy conviction that too often our prayers arestereotyped. They come forth as mere words thathave been memorized through the years andinstead of being the thoughts of the person theyare the sweet soundings and words that have beenhanded down through the generations. We have

all noticed this. When brother “A” was calledupon to pray, we knew, word for word, what hewould say. When brother “B” was called upon tolead the prayer the same was true of him. I haveseen children that had memorized the prayers ofcertain brethren and made a game of quotingthem! Brethren, this ought not to be.

The prayers at the Lord’s table are blaringexamples of lack of thought and memorizedwords and phrases. How many times does thesecond prayer begin, “In like manner, Father.”And nine times out of ten there has been nomanner expressed in the first prayer or in a shorttalk at the table. Admit it brethren, practically allof us are guilty of this.

In our prayer at the Lord’s table we usuallytake time to tell Christians what the bread and thefruit of the vine represent, as if they did notalready know. If we are not doing it for the sakeof Christians then who are we doing it for? Must

we tell God what the items represent? Must wepreach to the non-Christian in the prayer?

How often do we address our prayer to Godand then talk of Him shedding His blood on thecross? How often do we ask God to bless thebread and the fruit of the vine? This was donenearly 2,000 years ago. Why not follow theLord’s example? When He took bread, He gavethanks. We should do the same: Give thanks forthe bread and the fruit of the vine.

The prayer at the Lord’s table is not the timeor place to pray for “all the sick and afflicted theworld over.” It is not the time to pray for “all themissionaries on foreign soil or in difficult fields.”This is not the time for a general prayer. Itshould be a specific prayer for a specific purpose.

Brethren, please do not misunderstand me. Mywriting here is not to rebuke. My purpose is notto make fun. God forbid that I should ever dosuch a thing! I am concerned about our worship.Men only improve when they are taught to doso. Do not let what has been said cause you tobecome so self-conscience that you cannot leada prayer. On the other hand do try to improve inyour leading prayer. All of us have room forimprovement.

Deceased

IT IS TIME TOCONTENDEddie Whitten

Do you remember 1906? For those who havebeen in the church long enough to know, 1906was the year the First Christian Church wasrecognized as a separate entity from the churchof Christ. Division had occurred over the use ofthe instrument of music in worship to God. Thisis just a symptom of a greater peril—the authorityof the Bible in what we do in worship.

Bible authority is being swept aside again!Many of our congregations are following a socialapproach to worship, sacrificing the blood ofJesus for a self-satisfying, self-gratifying lip ser-vice to God. The attitude is of “What can thechurch do for me?” rather than, “How can I be ofservice to the church?” This departure from theprinciples of Christianity has swept and is sweep-ing many away into a void of humanism whereeach man is his own standard. Jesus takes a backseat to every whim, and man becomes the captainof his own destiny.

Jude was aware of this kind of departure. Hewarns repeatedly of those who had followed thesame course. He implores that the faith be con-tended for. He cites the terrible end of those whodeparted from the faith. We have no reason tobelieve that those who depart from the faith todaywill not suffer the same consequences. Let us nothave another 1906! Let us contend for the faith.It is all that we have!

3616 Brown Trail; Bedford, TX 76021

THREE TIMELESSQUESTIONS

David SouthDuring one of his lectures at the Freed-

Hardeman University Lectureship in 1998,George Bailey made reference to that famouspreacher of yesteryear, Gus Nichols. Wheneverbrother Nichols was asked to do counseling ofany sort (biblical, marital, financial, etc.) healways began by asking three questions. Heinsisted that if the answer to any one of the threequestions was “No” then there would be no rea-son to continue with the counseling session. AsI considered these three questions, I realized thatthey are good questions for all of us to answerevery day of our lives.

SYMPATHYOur deepest sympathy is extended to Tina

Foshee in the death of her sister, AgnesDenney, on June 20, 2000. Please keep Tinaand her family in your prayers.

BAPTIZED/RESTOREDWe rejoice with Kristin Caine in her

decision to put on Christ in baptism on June25, 2000. Please keep Kristin in your prayersand offer her encouragement.

Carl Ayliffe was restored on June 21, 2000.Please keep Carl in your prayers and offer himencouragement.

ADDRESS CHANGESAllen and Diana Brazell’s new address is:

4625 Dean Drive; Pace, FL 32571. Their tele-phone number is 994-1028. Nancy Travis’new address is: 4245 Beau Terra Lane;Pensacola, FL 32514. Her telephone numberis 471-0920. Martha Wilcoxson’s new addressis: Galleria Oaks Guest Home; 570 SouthlandDrive; Birmingham, AL 35226. Please updateyour directory.

1. Do you really want to do what is right? Inevery aspect of your life, do you really want to dowhat is right? What is your standard and goal asa spouse? As a parent? As a child? As a boss? Asan employee? As a neighbor? As a citizen? “NowI pray to God that ye do no evil; not that weshould appear approved, but that ye should dothat which is honest, though we be as reprobates”(2 Cor. 13:7).

2. Are you ready for the Bible to tell youwhat is right? Of course we recognize that theBible is the standard for what is right. It isimperative that we turn to the Holy Scripture forthe proper instructions. Our behavior in everypart of our lives must be based on biblicalguidance. One is reminded of David’s attitudereflected in Psalm 119:128: “Therefore I esteemall thy precepts concerning all things to be right;and I hate every false way.”

3. Are you willing to do what the Bible saysright now? Good counsel does no good if it is notheeded. Procrastination will damage any worth-while endeavor. For example, marriages growweaker by the minute if good principles ofstrength are ignored or delayed. The Bible plainlystates that it is a sin to know to do good and notdo it (Jam. 4:17). Procrastination is especiallydeadly when it comes to spiritual matters.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold,now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).

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LIVING THE WORDGlenn Colley

Paul Stewart knew the law. He taught criminaljustice at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Heheld a bachelor’s degree, a law degree, and amaster’s degree. Authorities arrested Stewart athis home the other day. It seems that when he leftNew York about 11 years ago, he also left eight

felony convictions. The charges included bur-glary, larceny, and desertion from the Army.

Interesting situation: Stewart knew the law, hetaught the law, the problem was, he did not keepthe law. This story often applies to religion. I maybe a member of the church, professing to be aChristian. But, until I apply His truths to my life,I am not His disciple. Jesus said, “Not every onethat saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into thekingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will ofmy Father which is in heaven” (Mat. 7:21).

Copied


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Elaine Maxey, Lou and Buster Gafford,Harold and Lucille Staples, Ray Foshee,Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister), MariaBonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), and Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law).

READING/INVITATIONJuly 5, 2000

Reading: Bill GallaherInvitation: Tim Lamb

July 12, 2000Reading: Andrew HatcherInvitation: Tony Liddell

MARK THESE DATESJuly 9, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.July 9, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assignment

cards handed out.July 16, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.July 16, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.July 23, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assign-

ment cards handed out.July 30, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-

ment cards handed out.July 31, 2000–Visitation Group Get-to-



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BEACONVOL. XXIX JULY 3, 2000 NO. 27




MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





WHY PEOPLE LEAVECONGREGATIONS

Darrell ConleyAlthough I am neither a prophet nor the son

of a prophet, and have been wrong about manythings, the perspective and experience of forty-four years of preaching and before that of grow-ing up in a preacher’s home give me a viewpointnot everyone has. I have preached full-time fornine churches and, while I was at home, myfather preached for twelve more. I have also hadthe advantage of a number of talks with mybrother and son who are both full-time preach-ers, and with a number of friends who have beenpreachers and elders for a number of years. Theconsensus of their views and mine is to be foundin this article.

The majority of people leave a congregation

because they move out of the area. They have nochoice. A number of years ago, people as a rulewould spend their entire lives in one congrega-tion or two. I will never forget Raymond Hamby,who was in his forties at the time and an elder ofthe Chestnut Drive congregation in Atlanta,Georgia, telling me that my going there was thefirst time he had ever been involved in hiring apreacher. He had grown up in the MorelandAvenue congregation where W. D. McPhersonwas still preaching after some thirty-five yearsand had finally as an adult moved to ChestnutDrive where J. C. Townsend was already thepreacher and would remain so for a total oftwelve years, until I went there. Hamby died atage seventy, still an elder at Chestnut Drive,having been a member of only two congrega-tions. Now people move all over the country,often not of their own free will. Of necessity,they must change congregations. May the Lord

BOOK CORNERThe library has recently added several new books for members of

the congregation to check out. Those books are: Baker Encyclopedia ofChristian Apologetics by Norman Geisler; Encyclopedia of 15,000Illustrations by Paul Lee Tan; Church Growth: Man’s Ways or God’s Way?

by Curtis A. Cates (editor); Return To The Old Paths by V. Glenn McCoy; The New Foxe’sBook of Martyrs by John Foxe; Dispelling The Darkness, Misconceptions Concerning:Satan, the Occult and the Dead by Greg W. Harmon (editor); The Hub Of The Bible:Remaining True To Acts 2 by Barry Grider (editor); Holy Spirit on Christian’s spirit byGary Grizzell; The Christ Of The Bible—The Gospel Of Christ and Let Us Refuse The EvilAnd Choose The God by Cliff Lyons (editor); “For God So Loved The World,” “TheUnchanging Kingdom Of God In A Changing Age,” “Building The Christian Arsenal,” and“Building The Christian Arsenal II” by Monte Evans (editor); Seeing The Invisible byWilliam S. Cline; The Biblical Prophets Including Revelation, He Leadeth Me, and VictoryIn Jesus by Leon Stancliff; God’s Messages Bible Commentary—Acts (Vol. 3), Romans(Vol. 4), 1 and 2 Corinthians (Vol. 5), Galatians-Colossians (Vol. 6), and 1 Thessalonians-Philemon (Vol. 7) by Leon Stancliff; and Sad Statements Of The Bible by Michael Hatcher(editor). Reference books can only be used in the library.

If you are interested in any of these books or any of the others in the library please seethe librarian (secretary) to check them out.

assist them in having the wisdom to choose asound one. Today there is more of the otherkind!

A few are no longer able to attend because ofhealth. Others cannot attend because they areconfined to their homes, or the distance to thebuilding.

The Truth Must Come FirstSome do not like the preacher, so they

change. Today, there are several congregationswithin driving distance and we have a choice ofpreachers. I admit, some men are hard to listen tobecause of their style. But we ought to judgepreaching mainly on content, not style. Somewho have poor content have great style. Content(the truth, presented plainly and lovingly) mustcome first. However, the preacher must do his

best in both presentation and content. If we aregoing to have “roast preacher” for lunch everySunday, we might do him and ourselves a favorby changing congregations!

Others change because they do not like theelders or the eldership. Divisions and conspira-cies arise against them in spite of such injunc-tions in the Bible as Hebrews 13:17: “Obey themthat have the rule over you, and submit your-selves: for they watch for your souls, as they thatmust give account, that they may do it with joy,and not with grief: for that is unprofitable foryou.” May I suggest that obedience is more thanagreement. Elders, of course, have authority onlyin matters of judgment. In matter of faith, theLord has the authority. Some, of course, thinkthey are brighter than those who are the elders of

God’s people. Some think that they should bemade elders and when they are not, pout andleave. Others cause a division and start a newcongregation, which may or may not make a goof it.

These days the church has many within itwho are more liberal than the Bible is—that is,they loose where it binds. Such people are lead-ing many into apostasy. Others (some in reac-tion) are antis—that is, binding where the Bibledoes not bind. Both extremes will cause us tolose our souls. We have no business remainingin congregations where these things are sup-ported.

The Church Is Not HurtI have never known the church to be hurt or

diminished by those who removed themselvesbecause they got angry, because they got theirfeelings hurt, or because they taught false doc-trine. On the contrary, the church was alwayshelped and strengthened when they left. Thoughsometimes diminished in size, it was strength-ened in spirit.

What a shame that all those in a congregationcannot remain faithful to it and mature in theLord! As I think of some people who have leftcongregations where I have been, I am grieved.I wish they had stayed and behaved themselves.Some of them did many good works. Some wereimmature as well. We pray for their repentance,for their continued growth, and for their and oureternal salvation.

14202 Susancrest Dr.; San Antonio, TX 78232

ALCOHOLThomas F. Eaves, Sr.

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise”(Pro. 20:1). “Who has woe? Who has sorrow?

Who has contentions? Who has complaints?Who has wounds without cause? Who has red-ness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine.Those who go in search of mixed wine” (Pro.23:29-30). Alcohol inhibits one’s faculties (Pro.23:33-34). Alcohol anesthetizes (Pro. 23:35).

Alcohol is involved in approximately: 30% ofall suicides; 50% of all homicides; 68% of man-slaughters; 52% of rapes and sexual assaults;48% of robberies; 62% of assaults; 49% of allviolent crime. (The Nat. Inst. On Alcohol Abuse& Alcoholism quoted by The Tennessean,Sunday, Sep. 14, 1997, p. 3F).

Alcohol is the cause of much tragedy in oursociety. In 1995 and 1996; highway fatalitieshovered around 42,000 each year, reversing atrend earlier in the decade when fatalities dippedto fewer than 40,000 annually. Of these fatalcrashes, alcohol was involved in more than 40%,or approximately 17,000 deaths each year in ’95and ’96 (Sheriffs, Jan-Feb 1998, p. 17).

“How many alcohol-impaired drivingincidents occur in the United States each year?While no one knows the accurate number, thebest estimate to date is over 123 millionannually, according to a study published in theJan. 1997 issue of the Journal of the AmericanMedical Association (JAMA)” (Sheriffs, Jan-Feb, 1998, p. 17).

Alcohol Is a Drug! Ethyl Alcohol found inbeer, wine, and whiskey is a depressant drugwhich dulls the inhibitions and decreases thepowers of self-evaluation and self control.

What is the answer to this great problem?“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,

When it sparkleth in the cup, When it goethdown smoothly” (Pro. 23:31). Also readHabakkuk 2:15; Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21;and Ephesians 5:18. If you never take the firstdrink you will never become an alcoholic or anabuser of alcohol.

Deceased


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Elaine Maxey, Lou and Buster Gafford,Harold and Lucille Staples, Ray Foshee,Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister), MariaBonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), Martha Parker (Richard Parker’ssister-in-law).

RESTOREDTim Lamb and Larry McDaniels were

restored into Christ on July 2, 2000. Pleasekeep them in your prayers.


Reading: Andrew HatcherInvitation: Tony Liddell

July 19, 2000Reading: Daniel HatcherInvitation: Fred Stancliff

MARK THESE DATESJuly 16, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.July 16, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.July 23, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assign-





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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





HISTORICALEVIDENCESGary W. Summers

She was 21, single, poor, and pregnant. Toopoor, in fact, to afford even a back-alley butcherin her home state of Texas, where abortion wasthen illegal. Too poor to travel to California,where the procedure was permitted. Supposedlypregnant from a gang rape, she filed a suit chal-lenging the Texas abortion law, then went aheadand reluctantly had her child, who was put up foradoption.

This is the history of Norma McCorvey, the“Jane Roe” whose lawsuit led to the SupremeCourt’s 1973 landmark Row v. Wade decisionlegalizing abortion on demand. Now, McCorvey,and abortion-rights activist, has admitted tocolumnist Carl Rowen that her gang rape story was

a fabrication to bolster her legal claim. Like somany other young single women in her predic-ament, McCorvey says, she became pregnant“through what I thought was love.”

Jesse Whitlock wrote the above two para-graphs, citing as his source U.S. News and WorldReport (Sept. 21, 1987, p. 13). This information,as well as the chart across the page, appeared inthe August 24, 1989, issue of The Edifier.

As most people are probably aware, NormaMcCorvey has recently (1995) changed her views:she is now thoroughly pro-life. These historicalnotes are of great value since an entire generationhas now grown up with abortion being legal.

Historically, people have seen a need to protectlife before birth. Hippocrates, in the fifth centuryB.C., wrote the “oath” which doctors have used fora long time: “I swear by Apollo Physician, byAsclepius... I will use treatment to help the sickaccording to my ability and judgment, but never

with a view to injury and wrong-doing. Neitherwill I administer a poison to anybody when askedto do so, nor will I suggest such a course. Simi-larly, I will not give a woman a pessary to causeabortion” (The Abortion Holocaust, p. 142).

Christians, by A.D. 150, mentioned specificallythis sin in The Didache: “Thou shalt not murdera child by abortion nor kill them when born” (TheApostolic Fathers, pp. 123-124). Of course, theNew Testament is our authority, but this quotationshows that brethren were consistent with the Bible.

Doctors under the rule of the Third Reich wererequired to destroy life, as well as conduct gro-tesque experiments on the living. Perhaps this factexplains the wording of the Declaration ofGeneva, which was passed in 1948: “I will notpermit considerations of religion, nationality, race,party politics, or social standing to intervene be-tween my duty and my patient; I will maintain theutmost respect for human life, from the time ofconception; even under threat, I will not use mymedical knowledge contrary to the laws of hu-manity. I make these promises solemnly, freely,and upon my honor” (Abortion: Questions andAnswers, pp. 184-185).

It is time once again to restore the respect forlife—from the womb—that our forefathers foundnecessary to protect.

312 Pearl Street; Denton, TX 76201

WE’RE ALL GOING TOTHE SAME PLACE

Clint BrownBefore I became a Christian I attended the

“Church of God” denomination. One eveningfollowing the services I accompanied one of thecouples to a fast food establishment where we satto eat. While we were eating, a group of peoplecame in from a local Baptist congregation and satdown across the aisle. After exchanging smiles and

pleasantries something was brought up about thediffering beliefs of the two groups. When itbecame obvious that we disagreed on several areasof doctrine, one lady said, “Oh well, we’re allgoing to the same place—we’re just takingdifferent roads to get there.”

As one who had just recently become a“religiously-minded person,” I had often wonderedwhy there was such a great diversity of beliefsystems when we all claimed to follow only oneauthoritative document—the Bible. It was obviousto me that you did not have to be a master ofAristotelian logic to figure out that something wasnot right. If everyone was following only whatthey claimed to follow, they would not teach twodiametrically opposed things in regard to how aperson is saved. They would not teach opposingdoctrines concerning how to approach God inworship, or a hundred other doctrinal essentials.God is the Author of the Bible, not of confusion(1 Cor. 14:33).

So you can imagine my reaction to the lady’sstatement in the restaurant. It was time to get tothe bottom of this mess and iron out the contradic-tion. Upon looking into the various religious or-ganizations, I came across a gospel preacher wholovingly, but very plainly showed me what theBible said about certain false doctrines thatcharacterized the “Church of God” denomination.Foremost among them was the use of femaleleadership in the mixed assembly (there was awoman preacher at the “Church of God” at thetime). Having read and studied these passages, itwas obvious to me that a person does not have tobe a genius to understand them.

I presented this material to the womanpreacher, as well as to a respected gentleman ofthe “Church of God,” but got this statement:“Besides this, our doctrine is not very differentfrom ‘church of Christ doctrine.’” Instead ofdirectly dealing with the passages at hand, theychose rather to hold up the banner of denomi-

NEW ARRIVALHorace and Sheila Myrick and

Neva Bryant are proud to announcethe birth of their great-granddaughterand great-great-granddaughter (re-spectively). Alia Paige Janes wasborn on July 7, 2000, to Jessie andTiffany Janes of Pensacola, FL. Alia

weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces. Ourcongratulations is extended to all.

nationalism.So what is the truth about the assertion that we

are all going to the same place, but on differentroads? Is it true that the various sects are allfollowing only the Bible when it comes to theessential of Christianity? Is it safe to be “not verydifferent” from Bible doctrine? I want to discusseach of these points in reverse order.

First, to say that “Church of God” doctrine isnot very different from “church of Christ doctrine”(their way of saying “Bible doctrine”) is laugh-able. They are about as similar as night is to day.However, is it safe to be merely “close” to Bibledoctrine? When Agrippa told Paul “Almost thoupersuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:27)?When Jesus informed the scribe that he was “notfar” from the kingdom was He implying that theman was in a saved condition (Mark 12:34)? Thetruth is that “close” does not count when it comesto spiritual essentials. The essentials must be inplace for our lives to be right with God. “Close”will not cut it.

Next, is everyone who claims to follow onlythe Bible for their faith and practice actually doingso? Hardly! When I showed these friends that thedenominations are not following the Bible only,I heard the popular comeback that “the churchesof Christ are not all identical either.” They say,“Some meet at 9:00 and some meet at 10:00 am.Some have preaching before the Lord’s supper,some afterward.” However, we are dealing withthe essentials of the faith. Matters of obligation,not matters of option. We may differ on whetherto stand or sit when taking the Lord’s supper, butwe cannot differ on the essentiality of its “first dayof the week” observance (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2).We may differ on using blue hymn books or redhymn books, but we cannot alter or modify theLord’s command to sing (Eph. 5:19). Realizingthat there are areas of Christianity that are essentialin pleasing God, we can readily see that thedenominational world is not following the Bible

only in these matters. The Bible and theirfeelings—yes. But the Bible only—no.

Finally, what of the statement “We’re all goingto the same place, we’re just taking different roadsto get there”? Jesus said, “I am the way...no mancometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).If Jesus is the only way, and the Bible is the onlyway of knowing His will, then it is ridiculous totalk about taking “different roads” to arrive at thesame spiritual destination.

Having said all of that, there is a sense in whichwe are all going to the same place. We are allgoing to the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10),and Jesus said there are only two roads that leadthere, the broad and the narrow (Mat. 7:13-14).

Which road will you take to the Judgment? Theway of the cross, or the way of the world? He hasreconciled us “in one body by the cross” (Eph.2:16). Anyone not found in that “one body” istaking the way of the world. Denominationalismdoes not represent the “one body” of Christ—itrepresents contradiction and confusion. I willchoose to take the narrow way of the cross and bea part of that one body who follows the Biblealone. That is my desire for all the sincere soulsof this world.

Copied


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Martha Wilcoxson,Elaine Maxey, Lou and Buster Gafford,Harold and Lucille Staples, Fred Stancliff,Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister), MariaBonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), and Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law).


Reading: Daniel HatcherInvitation: Fred Stancliff

July 26, 2000Reading: Brantley JohnsonInvitation: Dusty Wilkes






I would rather fail in the Cause thatsomeday will triumph, than triumph in acause that someday will fail.“Now thanks be unto God, which alwayscauseth us to triumph in Christ” (2 Cor.2:14). Copied

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





FORSAKING ALLDanny Box

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you thatforsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be mydisciple” (Luke 14:33).

When we look up the word forsake we notethat it means to “give up something formerly helddear; to renounce; to leave altogether; to aban-don.” In the context of this verse we hear ourLord saying that unless we give up all that wehave formerly held dear, and leave it altogetherwe cannot be counted as one of His followers. Letus look together at what we must forsake if wehope to please the Lord.

I must Forsake “My Church.” Matthew15:13 tells us that every plant which God has notplanted shall be rooted up. The Lord promised tobuild one church (Mat. 16:18) and that is exactlywhat He did, and if we want to be saved we must

be a part of His church and not “My Church.”I must Forsake “My Parents.” The Lord, in

Matthew 10:37, tells us that if we love mother orfather more that Him we are not worthy of Him.We cannot put anyone or anything before ourlove and service to the Lord. We must “seek yefirst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”(Mat. 6:33), and give Him our first-fruits, and notlet anyone stand in our way of doing right.

I must Forsake “The Doctrines of Men.” Ifwe teach for doctrine the commands of men, thenwe are worshiping the Lord in vain (Mat. 15:9).The Word of the Lord was given to us “fordoctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruc-tion in righteousness” so we might be “complete”furnished with all that we need to do right (2 Tim.3:16-17). If we teach and preach anything else wewill stand condemned.

I must Forsake “All Worldliness.” Johnsaid, “Love not the world, neither the things that

are in the world. If any man love the world, thelove of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).James said that if we are friends of the world weare the enemy of God (Jam. 4:4). No man canserve two masters. No man can serve God and theworld, so we must forsake this world and keepourselves unspotted from the world.

I must Forsake “My Way.” Jeremiah saidthat the way of man is not in himself and that mancould not direct his own steps (Jer. 10:23). Thereis only one way that leads to eternal life and thatWay is the Lord. No man can get to the Fatherexcept through Him. Will you not Forsake all,and Surrender to the Lord before it is too late?

10985 Country Haven; Cottondale, AL 35453

A SUMMARYOF THE BIBLE

Franklin CampThere are some things one needs to carefully

consider as one engages in the study of the Bible.This book which we are studying is no ordinarybook. It may affect us in one of two ways: pro-perly studied and applied, it will affect us forgood in time and eternity; the improper study ofit will cause one to lose one’s soul.

The Bible is every man’s book. It is not in-tended for some special group. But not only is theBible every man’s book, it is written for the aver-age person. Scholars may study it, but it is notwritten necessarily with scholars in mind.

No one ever outgrows the Scriptures. Themore one studies them, the wider and deeper theybecome. The Bible is a book which enables oneto look into eternity. The best evidence of theinspiration of the Bible is to be found between itscovers. No one will ever be a useful Christianunless one is a student of the Bible.

Matthew Henry said, “The Scriptures were

written not to make us astronomers, but to makeus saints.” It is no wonder the Paul urged Timothyto study the Scriptures, “rightly dividing,” orhandling aright, the Word of truth, that he mightbe an approved workman before God.

The Bible is the greatest book in the world. Itis the most accessible, and in it one finds truththat can be found in no other book.

The Bible is the only book that can give asatisfactory explanation of God, the world, man,sin, salvation, service, and life here and life here-after.

The Bible acknowledges man’s faults, it ispatient with man’s weaknesses, it is severe withman’s sins, and it is honest with his virtues andhis hopes.

To own the Bible is to be rich. The study, toknow, and to trust the Bible is to find life. Tostudy the Bible is to be wise; to obey it, to bestrong.

To know the Bible and to handle it aright isthe greatest accomplishment within the reach ofany person. One may know English, astronomy,literature, music, sociology, and philosophy; butif one does not know the Bible, one has failed inthe only subject that brings all things into theirproper relationship and that enables one to knowlife at its best.

The one who seeks to know the Bible willendeavor to study its contents book by book, meetits characters as they unfold through its pages,study it types, its doctrine, its topics, paragraphs,sentences and words. This is a lifetime work.

The Bible is the one book that can save manya heartache. The following was found on the fly-leaf of a Bible placed by the Gideons in a motelin Birmingham, Alabama: “May God bless theman who placed this book here. I am a younglady twenty-one years old, fatherless and mother-less. Tonight this book saved me from taking awrong step. May the next reader find it the

comfort that I did.”There is no greater accomplishment in life

than to be able to rightly divide the Word of truth.It is worth all the sacrifice that is necessary togive to such a study. One can never be great inthe true sense of that word who does not know theWord, love it, live it, delight in it, and teach itwithout perversion and without misrepresenta-tion.

The one who studies this book and knows howto handle it is in a position to render the greatestservice in the world. No wonder Paul told Timo-thy: (1) to study, (2) to be a workman, and (3) toseek to be approved of God. There is no higherambition on earth.

The Bible is a mirror that enables us to seeourselves. It is food which supplies the strengththat we need, a lamp to guide our way, a hammerto break and to build, a sword to fight and todefend, the seed to plant and grow, and the goalto own and to become our reward.

There are no experiences in life for which theBible does not furnish a passage. May thesethoughts lend encouragement to all of us to be-come diligent students of the Word that we mayknow the way of life and find the life that is lifeindeed.

Deceased

WHY SHOULD IPLACE MEMBERSHIP?

Wayne Price“Why do I need to place membership; I’m

already a member of Christ’s church?” “I’m amember of the church ‘at large,’ and I believe thatis enough,” another proclaims. That question is agood one, surely deserving an answer.

In times past, when people moved from onecongregation to another, they often took with

them a letter of recommendation. It was a goodpractice, for it served to introduce one (or afamily) to the new congregation, and informedthe new congregation that the bearer was faithful.

Whatever happened to such a practice? If itwas a good idea then, why is it not also a goodidea today? Obviously, it would assist the eldersto do their work in a better way. They are shep-herds of the flock, (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Heb.13:17), yet it is hard at times for them to evenfigure out who is in their flock, and who is not.

Sometimes sheep (Christians) move into anarea, worship with the local church for a while,them “shop around” for a few years for greenerpastures. Are they a part of the local flock just byvirtue of their moving into the area? Surely not!The fact is, some still consider themselves mem-bers of the congregation back home. Do the shep-herds “back home” watch for their souls? Theanswer is obvious! Local elders may wonder: “Isthat sheep in our flock, or does he belong inanother local flock overseen by other elders?”Perhaps some of these “suitcase” Christians justwant to become lost in the crowd, which mayexplain their refusal to place membership with thelocal congregation.

A number of years ago, a family moved to anew city, and placed membership with the localchurch there. On the card submitted to be read tothe congregation, they stated they desired to be apart of the oversight of the local shepherds towatch in behalf of their souls. We recommendthis practice as worthy of emulation.

If all members would follow such a policy, thefirst eldership would know that they were nolonger responsible for these sheep, while thesecond eldership would know that their job ofwatching after the welfare of their sheep wasgreater now. But at least both would know whichsheep were in their flock!

P.O. Box 760; McLeod, OK 74851


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Louand Buster Gafford, Harold and LucilleStaples, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), and Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law).


Reading: Brantley JohnsonInvitation: Dusty Wilkes

August 2, 2000Reading: Bryan LoyInvitation: Henry Born





HEBREWS 10:25-26“Not forsaking the assembling of our-

selves together, as the manner of some is;but exhorting one another: and so much themore, as ye see the day approaching. For ifwe sin wilfully after that we have receivedthe knowledge of the truth, there remainethno more sacrifice for sins.”

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





MUSIC IN WORSHIP:MAN’S CHOICE OR

GOD’S?Lennie Reagan

As we look to the Word of God the evidencefor singing as a specific requirement should beclear. Jesus and His disciples sang in the upperroom (Mat. 26:30), Paul and Silas sang in prison(Acts 16:25), Paul taught that singing glorifiesGod (Rom. 15:9), singing is used as a teachingtool one to another (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), sing-ing is described as “the fruit of our lips” as weoffer praise to God (Heb. 13:15), and singing isparallel to praying, thus, stressing the vocalpraise to God (Jam. 5:13). All of these passagesform an unbroken chain of authority for worshipto God in singing without any additions to or

subtractions from His command.It is unsuccessfully argued that to hold to the

divine directives for vocal singing without anyadditions or subtractions is to fail to understandhow it was done in the first century. Those whoseek to modernize our singing, accuse that thechurch today has turned first century, spiritual,up-beat, high energy singing into a dull, boring,lifeless hour of agony. It is suggested that theearly church had singing that was spontaneous,and while it was non-instrumental, the vocalmusic the first century church offered to Godwas more like chanting and other forms of non-articulate vocal sounds. Does the Bible silencethis argument? Indeed it does! As with mostquestions, the solution is found in an open andhonest heart who seeks to submit to what theBible teaches.

The wording of the instruction from themouth of Christ reminds us of the parameters of

A LITTLE BOY IN CHURCHA little boy in church today is a busy little lad.

He often tries the patience of his mother and his dad.He fumbles in his pockets; he needs some gum to chew.He whispers something funny; he’s underneath the pew.

He draws a picture of a cat; it looks more like a bird.The preacher, preaches on and on; he hasn’t heard a word.

But try one’s patience he will, he’s lovable and dear.He can’t sit still for very long, But aren’t we glad he’s here!

The above may sound really familiar to many of us. And I know that sometimes parents feel asif they are hindering others in worship. Just remember that this is the best place to train our childrento worship God. You sure cannot train them outside the assembly. So just keep up the good work andtrain them in the way they should go (Pro. 22:6). You would be surprised at what they are learningfrom you. Author Unknown

worship: “God is a Spirit: and they that worshiphim must worship him in spirit and in truth”(John 4:24). Thus, we correctly come to theconclusion that we must worship God as He ispleased and not by the whims of men—it isGod’s choice. Yet, we have the spiritual descen-dants of Cain, Nadab, Abihu, and Uzziah. Theadvocates of error, instead of following theguidelines and authority of Peter, Paul, James,and John, seek to draw new boundaries whichseem to fit the new and expanded concepts ofwhat God meant to say.

Paul, in writing to the church at Ephesusinstructs: “And be not drunk with wine, whereinis excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speakingto yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritualsongs, singing and making melody in your heartto the Lord; Giving thanks always for all thingsunto God and the Father in the name of our LordJesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to an-other in the fear of God” (Eph. 5:18-21). Thecommand in verse 18 is to “be filled with theSpirit” and verses 19-21 tell us how that in mani-fest.

“Be filled” is translated from the Greek wordplerousthe and it means to influence fully, pos-

sess fully. It is interesting to note that the verbplerousthe is used as the second person, plural,present imperative which is literally translated“ye all are to be filled.”

In verses 19-21, Paul gives five plural partici-ples with imperative force which agree with theverb plerousthe. What that means is that Paul’sinstructions included all of the saints and that:

• All of you speaking• All of you singing• All of you making melody• All of you giving thanks• All of you submitting yourselves

Additionally, the participles heautois ren-dered “to yourselves” (Eph. 5:19), and heautourendered “one another” (Col. 3:16), are reflexivereciprocal pronouns and demand an interchangeof actions. This type of word usage eliminatesthe proposed abuse by those who suggest that theBible allows special music such as choirs, spe-cial singing, and other innovations. The Bibleauthorizes congregational singing. Thus, if theBible authorizes congregational singing, all othersinging has been excluded from the worshipservice because it has not been authorized.

Some will attempt to make an argument for

adding the mechanical instrument of musicbased on the phrase “making melody.” Thisphrase is translated from the Greek psallontesand from the root word psallo. Pershbacherdefines psallo in the Old Testament as to moveby a touch, to twitch, to play on a stringed instru-ment; to sing music; however, in the New Testa-ment it is defined “to sing praises.” Vines agreeswith Pershbacher’s definition and assigns theapplication of psallo to twitch, twang, then toplay a stringed instrument, as it was used in theOld Testament. However, in the New Testamentdefinition of psallo would be incorrect and alsodishonest as we are under the New TestamentLaw of Christ.

The music to be produced in worship is vocalmusic (speaking with enunciation and articula-tion of words) and is to be directed to God andfellow Christians. The source of the music is theheart and the heart is the instrument which ac-companies the vocal music. The Bible authorizesus to sing, nothing more, nothing less.

PO Box 321; Coldwater, MS 38618

WHAT AREYOU SAYING???

Tim SmithYou are missed when you are away from the

assembly! Think about it, what with all theteaching in the New Testament on setting anexample and exerting influence, not to mentionthe passages requiring of us full devotion to theCause of Christ, what does your absence say?

What does your absence say to the childrenof our congregation? Does it tell them that “seekye first the kingdom of God” (Mat. 6:33) isimportant? Does it tell them that you love theLord “with all your heart, with all your soul, andwith all your mind”? Does it encourage them to

shine their light before others? When they fail tosee you in the assembly, what message will theylearn?

What does your absence say to the adultmembers of the church? Does is tell them that,although God’s people are assembling, you havesomething better to be doing with your time?Just what is that “something better”? And whatabout the things you are withholding from them?The Bible speaks of worship as a time when wepray together (Acts 2:42), sing together (Eph.5:19; Col. 3:16), commune together (1 Cor. 11),give together (1 Cor. 16:1-2), and study together(Acts 20:7; 2 Tim. 4:2-4). If you are not present,you cannot participate in these togetheractivities. You steal from yourself the fellowshipof the brethren, but you also steal from thebrethren your participation in the worship.

What does your absence say to the preacherand the Bible Class Teacher? Does it tell themthat, though they worked hard on their lessons,you had something more important to attend tothan worship or Bible Class? Just what is that“something more important”? Will it still bemore important come Judgment Day?

And, lastly, what does your absence say tothe Lord? Will He understand the reason yougive for absenting yourself from the assembly?He knows the truth, we cannot fool Him! If youare “too tired” for the assembly, would youequally be “too tired” for work? If it were afamily reunion instead of an assembly of thesaints, would your excuse keep you fromattending? If it were an “Iron Bowl” ticket inyour hand instead of a Bible, would your“excuse” prevent your attending? Would Jesus,the One who bore His Cross to Calvary, reallyunderstand the “excuse” you are offering andexcuse your absence? Think about it.

127 Enon Road; Webb, AL 37376


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Louand Buster Gafford, Harold and LucilleStaples, Jean Flesher, Willodean Gann (RayDodd’s sister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill andPeggy Crowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean(Ray Foshee’s friend), and Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law).


Ray Dodd and his family in the death of hiscousin, Junior Tittle, on July 20, 2000.Please keep Ray and his family in yourprayers.

PLACED MEMBERSHIPAl and Jean Flesher have place mem-

bership with the Bellview congregation.Their address is: 1012 Avia Lane; Pensa-cola, FL 32507. Their telephone number is497-1426. Please update your directory.

READING/INVITATIONAugust 2, 2000

Reading: Bryan LoyInvitation: Henry Born

August 9, 2000Reading: Jim LoyInvitation: Paul Brantley

MARK THIS DATEJuly 31, 2000–Visitation Group Get-to-



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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





OF MOLDY CHEESEAND RAT POISON

Tyler YoungWhen it becomes necessary to undertake the

unpleasant but crucial task of pointing the spot-light of truth on brethren who are perverting thegospel and dividing the church, some in thechurch will object that such is unwise, if notunbiblical. Though they may concede that a cer-tain preacher, congregation or brotherhood eventmay be the source of false teaching, they wonderwhy we cannot simply look beyond the errorbeing taught and acknowledge the good that isdone by these brethren.

On a certain level, we can appreciate the gooddone not only by false brethren and even denomi-national organizations. Some who are steeped infalse religion do a great deal of good for the

culture, for example, by lobbying for pro-lifelegislation. We can learn from the works of aPresbyterian scholar. And some lectureships orworkshops in the church may have many goodclasses and lessons during their programs.

But when it comes to false teaching in thechurch the biblical mandate is clear. We mustavoid them and warn others who may be deceivedby their “smooth and fair speech” (Rom. 16:17-18; 2 John 9-11). When it came to those whoarise “speaking perverse things,” Paul said,“Watch,” and that he “ceased not to admonishevery one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:28-32).

Wherever brethren got the idea that we neednot warn about false teachers, it certainly was notfrom the Bible (Phi. 3:2; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 2 Tim.2:16-18; 2 Pet. 2:1ff).

It is true that one can scrape mold from a hornof cheese to find what is beneath the surface to bedelicious and edible. It is also true that rat poison

contains 98% edible material, and only 2% deadlyelements. For all the nourishment the rat may getfrom the 98%, the 2% will still kill if ingestedwith the rest.

False teachers advocating error on otherwisegood programs are doing more than making thoseprograms moldy. They are poisoning souls withdeadly error. Love for truth and souls requireswe warn: “Beware. The cheese may look good,but a little poison is enough to kill.”

1211 North Granbury St; Cleburne, TX 76031

WEARY OF GODL. Duane Canby

The prophet Micah lived and preached in the8th century before Christ. His burden was for thelost state of the kingdom of Israel. Idolatry wasrunning rampant: the priests were racketeeringupon the people, and God’s law was forgotten. Asa result, Israel was riding for a fall. In Micah sixthe prophet called the people to hear Jehovah’scontroversy against them, and in verse three theLord said, “O my people, what have I done untothee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testifyagainst me.” Just as Israel had forsaken the divineway because they were tired of it and wantedsomething different, so many today are departingfrom God’s will for the same reason and arebringing upon themselves His wrath.

Weary of God’s NameGod had given His people His name, for Israel

means “God preservers.” Israel, however, caredlittle about that. Instead, they were speaking thelanguage of Baal and Ashtaroth. Today, we facethe same problem. Multitudes are discontent withbeing just Christians. They want some otherappellation as well. Thus, they honor doctrinesand systems which are not of God just as Israeldid. Beginning at Antioch, the disciples werecalled “Christians.” This is the new name ofIsaiah 62:2. There is salvation in no other (Acts4:12). The church is the bride of Christ (2 Cor.

11:2) and, therefore, should wear His name andno other. Faithfulness demands as much. But,people are tired of the Lord’s name and want towear human names, which gender division andapostasy.

Weary of God’s Way of WorshipThe law of Moses gave Israel specific instruc-

tions regarding the worship of God. This worshiphad become virtually nonexistent, and what didexist was largely half-hearted formality. Israelwanted something new and different, so theyborrowed from their pagan contemporaries andbuilt altars to idol gods in the high places ofCanaan. How striking is the parallel to modernworship. The houses of worship today are oftenas forsaken as the temple in Jerusalem. NewTestament worship is to be in “spirit and in truth”(John 4:24). This means that with fervent sincer-ity and love we are to engage in the five scripturalitems of worship: teaching the gospel, singingpraise to God, giving as we have been prospered,partaking of the Lord’s supper, and prayer. But,millions today change the teaching to entertain-ment or lectures on human philosophy, or poli-tics. Mechanical instruments are added to thesinging and sometimes substituted for it alto-gether. Giving is largely set aside in favor ofcarnivals, bingo games, rummage sales, etc.; theLord’s supper is omitted or altered; and prayer ischanged from a force to a farce.

Weary of Obedience to God’s LawAt one time Judah actually lost the book of the

law and later discovered it in the days of KingJosiah. Israel as a whole had become so weary ofobeying God that they forgot what obediencedemanded. Today, who can find a single gospelcommand that many people who pose as Chris-tians have not, in their weariness of it, pervertedor omitted altogether? Some have become so tiredof the worship and work of the church that theyhave decided to entertain themselves and theworld instead. Baptism was too much trouble, so

NEW ARRIVALCharles and Alice Williams

are proud to announce theb i r th of the i r grandson,Jackson Walker Williams,born on July 31, 2000, toMichael and Carole Williamsof Charlotte, NC. Jacksonweighed 10 pounds and was

22 ½ inches long. Our congratulations areextended to all.

sprinkling and pouring was substituted. Even thatwas too wearisome to many, so they forgot italtogether. “Going to church” has become sotiresome that many have decided to worshipbeside their radios or in the wide-open spaces. Inany case, the results will be just as tragic as theywere for ancient Israel, for the principle is thesame.

Weary of God’s RestraintsEveryone knows what it means to become

weary of parental restraints and to threaten to doas we please when we get a chance. Many havemade the sad mistake of enacting those threats.With the heavenly father the problem is similar.Israel refused to be limited to God’s will. Theydenied the reality of punishment and did as theypleased. Today, we live in a world that thinks thata “thou shalt not” is an insult to scientific psy-chology. We hear of free love, trial marriage, andsocial salvation. Inhibitions are unpopular relicsof the past. The wonderful blessing of freedomhas gone to seed. Any sensible, mature person cansee that the restraints of his parents were intendedfor his own good and protection. Likewise, anyspiritually mature person can see the value ofGod’s restrictions and will be happy to respectthem whether they are doctrinal or moral. TheLord has given us “all truth” (John 16:13). Heforbids that we alter it in any way (Gal. 1:6-8).The anathema of heaven awaits any person orchurch that refuses to abide within the realm ofdivine authority.

Weary of the Plan of SalvationSalvation to Israel meant the availability of the

physical needs of life, freedom from the oppres-sion of their adversaries, and the hope of thecoming Messiah. The conditions involved in thephysical needs at least, were summarized infaithful obedience to the law of Moses. But, Israelwas tired of this plan and sought to obtain God’sblessing without it. They spurned the warnings ofthe prophets and complacently went toward

certain destruction. The moral man finds furtherobedience most wearisome and trusts in his worksalone for salvation regardless of what he believes.Denominationalism has found baptism a nuisanceand has taught salvation by faith only. Nominalmembers of the Lord’s church have foundrepentance too great a chore and while paying lipservice, have sought salvation on faith andbaptism alone. As a result, the threat of worldli-ness to the identity of the church is as great asanything else. We need thorough conversion inheart as well as in form. Then, and only then, willobedience to the Lord be more a joy than a duty,and one will not sin like Israel by being tired ofGod.

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1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-4“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren,

and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye havereceived of us how ye ought to walk and to pleaseGod, so ye would abound more and more. For yeknow what commandments we gave you by theLord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even yoursanctification, that ye should abstain from forni-cation: That every one of you should know howto possess his vessel in sanctification and hon-our.”


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Lou(in Sacred Heart Hospital, room 229) andBuster Gafford, Harold and Lucille Staples,Jean Flesher, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law), Sam Stough (JeanFlesher’s father), and Ann McMalley(Marge Williams’ aunt).

BAPTIZEDWe rejoice with Shannon Meador in her

decision to put on Christ in baptism on July26, 2000. Please keep her in your prayersand offer encouragement. Shannon’saddress and telephone number are: 706West Avery Street; Pensacola, FL 32501;444-9928.


Reading: Jim LoyInvitation: Paul Brantley

August 16, 2000Reading: Harold MaxeyInvitation: Scot Brazell

MARK THESE DATESAugust 6, 2000–Men’s Class will meet at

5:00 P.M., in room 1.August 6, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.August 13, 2000–Visitation Group 2 as-

signment cards handed out.


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BEACONVOL. XXIX AUGUST 7, 2000 NO. 32




MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





I’M A MEMBER OFTHE CHURCH OF

CHRIST TOO!Monte L. Evans

As we go about our daily activities in afriendly, upbeat manner, we sometimesencounter individuals with whom we are able tostrike up a casual conversation. As theconversation matures, questions are sometimesasked regarding employment, school, religion,etc., no doubt, at one time or another, each oneof us has had the opportunity to state: “I’m amember of the church of Christ” only to hearfrom the other party: “I’m a member of thechurch of Christ too!” In days long since past,this response would have produced a feeling ofcomradery, togetherness, and a special bond.Great joy would have been experienced by

encountering an individual with a honest heart, asubmissive demeanor toward the Savior, and onewho had the ability to discern the Truth. Sadly,when the words, “I’m a member of the church ofChrist too!” fall upon our ears, we wonder andsay to ourselves: “Exactly what do you mean bythat statement?” In an era long since gone wewould know very well what was meant by thatstatement. However, in 2000 the statement: “I’ma member of the church of Christ too!” can andd o e s h a v e n u me r o u s d e f i n i t i o n s a n dinterpretations. In order to have a betterunderstanding of what is meant by the statement:“I’m a member of the church of Christ too!” oneis almost forced to ask, “Are you a member of acongregation whose leadership adheres orupholds or is silent regarding controversialsubjects like:

1. That one may drink alcohol sociallywithout committing sin (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal.5;19-21)?

2. The doctrines of Bales, Fuqua, Billingsly,and Woodroof regarding divorce and remarriage(Mat. 19:9; 5:32; Mark 10:11-12)?

3. The A.D. 70 Theory (The second advent ofChrist has already taken place in the year A.D.70)?

4. The importance of modesty (1 Tim. 2:9-10)?

5. That all we do in life is worship?6. That defending the Faith is not important

(Jude 3)?7. That the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew,

Mark, Luke) and the gospel according to Johnare not a part of the New Testament Canon?

8. That a person is saved by grace only(1 Pet. 3:21)?

9. The abandonment of congregationalgathering in lieu of “cell groups” or “glorygroups” (1 Cor. 11:20)?

10.That “children’s church” or “children’sBible hour” is not a separation from worshipperiod (Acts 20:7)?

11.That baptism is not essential for salvation(Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21)?

12.That fellowship with the denominations isnot sinful (2 John 9-11)?

14.The idea that the eldership is to beconcerned only with their own congregation andnot be concerned with what is taking place in thebrotherhood (1 Cor. 16:13; Heb. 13:17; Tit. 1:9-11)?

15.The celebrating of “Christmas” and“Easter” as religious holidays?

16.The administering of church discipline(2 The. 3:6, 14-15; 1 Cor. 5)?

17.The marking (the acknowledgment) offalse teachers (Rom. 16:17)?

18.The dangers of attending the InternationalSoul Winning Workshop or the Nashville Jubileeand other events where known false teachersspeak heresy (1 Cor. 15:33)?

19.That one is not to judge others (John

7:24)?20.That the Holy Spirit operates in a direct

way on the heart of an individual, separate andapart from the Word of God (Col. 3:16)?

21.That angels help individual’s find/choosea spouse?

22.That we live in an age of the miraculous(1 Cor. 13)?

23.That women may serve as elders and ordeacons, teach before a mixed assembly, leadprayers, lead singing, and serve on the Lord’sSupper before a mixed assembly (1 Tim. 2:11-14)?

24.The use of a choir during the worshipperiod (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19)?The amount of questions one might ask afterhearing: “I’m a member of the church of Christtoo!” could easily take up several pages.However, at this time space is at a premium.

The purpose of this article is not to ridicule ormake light of the problems facing the churchtoday. The problems facing the church are realand serious. However, these problems can beresolved if brothers and sisters in Christ wouldstudy the Word of God, recognize and submit toChrist’s authority and depart from the doctrinesof men. Honest and sincere hearts belong tothose who faithfully follow the Savior and refuseto compromise or deviate from the Truth.

The purpose of this article is to encourageand exhort the members of the church to be ofone mind, speak the same thing, and be perfectlyjoined together (1 Cor. 1:10). To encourage allmembers to study God’s Word to be approved ofGod (2 Tim. 2:15). To encourage members togrow in the grace and the knowledge of JesusChrist (2 Pet. 3:18). To encourage the spirit ofhumility and to put off the soul destroyingattitude of pride.

If it were the case that every member of thechurch were on the same page (engulfed in theTruth) there would be no divisions. If all

NEW ARRIVALRichard and Linda Parker

wish to announce the birth oftheir granddaughter, MadelineRachel, on August 6, 2000, toTerrell and Alicia Parker ofKinnesaw, GA. Madeline wasborn three months prematureweighing 2 pounds 13 ounces

and 13 inches long. Please keep Madeline inyour prayers.

PLACED MEMBERSHIPBill and Pam Busch have placed member-

ship with the Bellview congregation. Theiraddress is: 3621 Evelyn’s Lane; Pensacola,FL 32526. Their telephone number is 456-9931. Please update your directory.

members of the church would be willing toadhere to the Holy Scriptures there would beunity and comradery. If unity and comraderywere the norm the next time one heard the state-ment: “I’m a member of the church of Christtoo!” one would know with certainty exactlywhat was meant.

3601 N. Highway 146; Baytown, TX 77520

I MET THESTRANGEST MAN

He said he believes in the Bible as the Wordof God, but he never reads it.

He said the church would be more effectivein its ministries if more of its members werereally dedicated and active, but he is not.

He said he feels that the church assembliesare times for edification and praise, but he neverattends.

He said the younger generation needs stron-ger spiritual values, but he does not show themin the life that he lives.

He said the church is not doing the work theLord intends it should do, but he is not working.

He said he believes that God hears and an-swers prayers, but he does not pray.

He said he knows the Lord is coming again,but he lives as though the Lord will never come.

A strange man indeed!Author Unknown

AS FOR ME AND MYFAMILY

A preacher came calling on a man about hissoul and was concerned for his salvation. Thepreacher pleaded with the man to come to Christ,but the man would not budge.

The next Lord’s day when the invitation songwas sung, the man responded. Walking down the

aisle and clutching the preacher’s hand, the mansaid, “Preacher, I want to get right wit God.” Heconfessed his faith in Christ and was baptized forthe remission of sins. After the services the mantold the preacher what had made him come torealize the great importance of accepting Christas Savior.

He said, “Preacher, after you left my homethe other evening, my little boy climbed on mylap. He said that he had heard what you said tome. He reached out his chubby little arms, hug-ged me real tightly, put his mouth up to my earand whispered, ‘Daddy, we don’t want to be aChristian, do we?’ Preacher I went upstairsweeping; now realizing the terrible consequencesof the example I was setting for my family. Thatis one reason I obeyed the gospel—to get myselfright with God so I can help my family to knowHim!” (Psa. 8:2; Mat. 21:16).

Author Unknown


Waters, Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Lou(in Sacred Heart Hospital, room 229) andBuster Gafford, Harold and Lucille Staples,Jean Flesher, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Sam Stough (JeanFlesher’s father), Ann McNalley (MargeWilliams’ aunt), Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law), Madeline Parker(Richard and Linda Parker’s grand-daughter),


Billy Bland and his family in the death ofhis son, Jared Bland, on August 4, 2000.Please keep this family in your prayers.


Reading: Harold MaxeyInvitation: Scot Brazell

August 23, 2000Reading: Horce MyrickInvitation: Bill Cline

MARK THESE DATESAugust 13, 2000–Visitation Group 2

assignment cards handed out.August 13, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.August 20, 2000–Visitation Group 3



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MEETING TIMES


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WHEN TRAGEDYSTRIKESLevi Sides

From the time that Adam and Eve sinned inEden man has experienced tragedy. It may takemany forms, two of the most prevalent beingsickness and death. Tragedy affects differentpeople in different ways—some become veryemotional, while others remain quiet and calm.Some get over it quickly; others never get over it.No matter whether he is emotional of calm, theChristian is better equipped than anyone else tohandle tragedy. There are several reasons whythis is true.

The Christian has a host of fellow Christianswho come to his aid in time of need. Now I amnot referring to the so-called Christian who rarelyever attends any of the services and never parti-cipates in the work of the church, but rather to the

one who is an active worker in a local congrega-tion. It has been my experience that when the trueChristian suffers a tragedy he is surrounded by hisbrothers and sisters in Christ who provide sup-port, sympathy, and whatever else is needed. Thisis but an application of the command to bear oneanother’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).

The Christian realizes that his eternal rewardwill more than compensate for any suffering inthis life. He will have the attitude expressed byPaul in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “Wherefore wefaint not...For our light affliction, which is for themoment, worketh for us more and more exceed-ingly an eternal weight of glory; while we looknot at the things which are seen, but at the thingswhich are not seen.” When we set our affectionson things above and seek to lay up treasures inheaven, we are able to say as Paul said, “I havelearned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to becontent” (Phi. 4:11).

The Christian has the precious promises found

in God’s Word. “And we know that to them thatlove God all things work together for good, evento them that are called according to his purpose”(Rom. 8:28). “I am the resurrection, and the life:he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shallhe live” (John 11:25). “Casting all your anxietyupon him, because he careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).

The Christian has an all loving and all power-ful mediator, Christ, who is ever living to makeintercession for us (1 Tim. 2:5). Our mediatorunderstands our troubles and wants to help us(Heb. 4:5). Fellow Christian, in time of tragedy,show your faith by having a peace which passethunderstanding, a peace which can only come bybeing a child of God and a joint heir with Christ.

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FRAIL CHILDRENOF DUSTBurt Jones

In the twilight of the twentieth century thistired and traumatized world is satiated with ten-sion and torment. It is a troubled world becauseof its troubled people. A general feeling of unrestis prevalent. “Nerves” have become the majortopic of conversation and the chief concern evenof those within the body of Christ. There is astark naked element of fear running like a highlycharged cable or a slithering snake through thesouls of men, even though our Lord offers us restin our fear and trouble (2 The. 7:7; Mat. 11:28).Human beings with priceless souls are beingwooed by vice, crime and worldliness, led to theslaughter by the factions of the pro-murderers, orthe gays and lesbians. Countless other lobbyinggroups, through a conduit of corrupt congressmenand senators, make us to feel as though we repre-sent no more than cogs in a machine that may bereplaced at any time at the discretion of themachine itself. The individual is being pressured,coerced, blackmailed, confused, distorted, dis-

turbed, robbed and yet soothed to the point thathe has lost his will—and is uninterested in findingthe way out or back (Mat. 13:19-22).

As gospel preachers and as Christians we arefaced with going out to save a world that does notwant to be saved. Brethren, there is no peacewithout God. There is no cause for man withoutGod’s intent, purpose and design.

Man may saturate himself with the pleasuresof sin for a season (Heb. 11:25). He may be calledby presidents to dispense advice from his store ofearthly wisdom, but he will not find in any one ofthese things the fulfillment of his soul’s greatyearning. He misses the most obvious of invita-tions. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, andye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened untoyou: For every one that asketh receiveth; and hethat seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh itshall be opened” (Mat. 7:7-8).

We are frail, and, as the fine old hymn states,we are as feeble as frail. We are inadequate and

IN MEMORY OFWILLIAM LEON

WATERS, JR.Our warmest sympathy is extended to

Fran Waters and her family in the death ofher husband, Leon, on August 7, 2000 fromMultiple Sclerosis. He was 59 years old.

Leon was born August 17, 1940 inDeFuniak Springs, Florida. He grew up andwent to schools in Pensacola, Florida. Leonmarried Fran in 1961. In 1994 they werecontacted during a door-knocking campaignand invited to a gospel meeting. This led toBible studies and subsequently to their bap-tism into Christ in February 1995.

Please keep Fran and her family in yourprayers and offer any assistance possible.

inferior whenever we attempt to use our stamina,our moral resources. Indeed, were we to be themost righteous of the righteous, “we are all as anunclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are asfilthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and ouriniquities, like the wind, have taken us away”(Isa. 64:6).

I was in a gospel meeting where three sets offragile but feisty grandparents were baptized.Two of them were over seventy years of age. Ata time when too many of our elderly are saying,“It’s too late to teach an old dog new tricks,”these good souls had seen that we were not teach-ing dogs and we were not engaged in tricks. Theywere baptized. As each couple arose after havingbeen buried with our Redeemer, I had the unadul-terated joy of gazing into the faces of three setsof seventy-year-old infants. Never shall I forgetthat moment!

“Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, InThee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail; Thymercies, how tender! How firm to the end! OurMaker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend!”

P.O. Box 985; Moundsville, WV 26041

IS GOD FIRST INYOUR LIFE?

Al MaciasToday we are living in a world that has be-

come very competitive and materialistic. We asa society have become so involved in trying tohave a nice house that we forget about the home.We sometimes become so caught up with thetemporal that we forget about the eternal. Webecome so concerned with the physical that weforget about the spiritual. The Bible relates exam-ple after example of how easy it is to forget Godwhen we get so involved in “this, that, and theother.” In Haggai chapter one, we find such anexample of how the people of God had forgotten

Him because of other things they had put first intheir lives.

The people of God had been taken intoBabylonian captivity during the years of the pro-phets Daniel and Ezekiel (around the years 606,597, and 585 B.C.), because they had become sorebellious toward God. At the end of the 70-yearcaptivity in Babylon, God stirred the spirit ofCyrus, king of Persia, to sign a decree permittingthe people of God to go back to Jerusalem andwork on the temple which laid in waste (Ezra1:1). The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyedby Nebuchadnezzar back in the year 585 B.C., inone of the attacks against the city of Jerusalem.When Cyrus signed his decree, only a remnantdecided to go back and work on the temple, andthey actually began to work as soon as they gotback to Jerusalem. But, almost from the begin-ning, they encountered opposition from others.Thus, they stopped working on the temple forawhile.

When Darius became king of Persia, the Jewswere allowed to continue working on the temple,but they had become disinterested, because theywere too involved in working on their ownhouses. When God’s people talked about resum-ing their work on the temple, they said, “The timeis not come that the Lord’s house be built.” Godwas not pleased with their attitude, and communi-cated to His people through the prophet Haggai:“Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiledhouses, and this house lie waste?...Consider yourways” (Hag. 1:4-5). The Lord wanted His peopleto examine their lives and take notice that thingswere not going so well for them with their crops,with their food, and with their wages. They werenot being blessed by God, and why? They werelosing out on God’s blessings because they hadbecome so wrapped up in themselves and hadforgotten God and His temple. How involved arewe with ourselves? Let us never become so self-centered that we forget God altogether.


SICKPlease remember in your prayers:

Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Lou andBuster Gafford, Harold and Lucille Staples(in Baptist Hospital, room 252), JeanFlesher, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Madeline Parker (Richardand Linda Parker’s granddaughter), MarthaParker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law),Sam Stough (Jean Flesher’s father), andAnn McNalley (Marge Williams’ aunt).

BAPTIZEDDaniel Gallaher was baptized into Christ

on August 13, 2000. His address is 2301Silverside Loop; Pensacola, FL 32526. Histelephone number is 944-8655. Please keepDaniel in your prayers and help him growas a Christian.


Reading: Horace MyrickInvitation: Bill Cline

August 30, 2000Reading: Shelby NallInvitation: Bill Crowe

MARK THESE DATESAugust 20, 2000–Visitation Group 3 as-

signment cards handed out.August 20, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting

at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.August 27, 2000–Visitation Group 1 as-



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10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





THE CRY ROOMLynn Parker

In the back of most every church building itawaits the noisy youngster. It is the nursery,sometimes known as the “cry room.” Commonlyused for the care of infants and toddlers, it some-times is the site of training and discipline wherean unruly child (old enough to behave better)goes to receive some “woodshed encourage-ment.” Now it is not a mandate of Scripture thatevery congregation build and make available acry room, but it sure can be expedient.

You cannot help but wonder if there ought tobe a cry room available for older kids, too. Thereare those immature church members who may bein need of a nursery. The apostle made this ob-servation concerning brethren at Corinth: “AndI, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto

spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes inChrist. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for yewere not yet able to bear it: nay, not even noware ye able; for ye are yet carnal: for whereasthere is among you jealousy and strife, are ye notcarnal, and do ye not walk after the manner ofmen?” (1 Cor. 3:1-3).

It is normal for a new convert to be immaturein the faith. It is evidence of stagnation and thusinexcusable for Christians to remain spiritualbabies for years. Yet, in most every congregationthere are at least a handful that never grow up.They squall, bawl, fight, sulk, pout, frown, gripe,and nit-pick until folks begin to realize they mustbe handled with velvet gloves. These malcon-tents demand an inordinate amount of time andattention—just as you would expect when suchchildishness becomes evident. But here is offereda few suggestions to the babies and the baby-

sitters.To the immature we say, GROW UP! Put

away your petty gripes. Wipe your feelings off ofyour sleeves. Put away the cry rag. Come out ofthe nursery. Think of others and cease being self-centered. “Let each one of us please his neighborfor that which is good, unto edifying” (Rom. 15:2). The church is bigger than you andyour childish desires. There are weighty andpressing matters that really need the attention ofelders, preachers, and faithful members. Self-pityis a waste of precious time and energy. Sure, youcan move to another congregation but eventuallythe problem—your attitude—will surface there,too. Unless you repent of your immature andpetty behavior, you will never find a congre-gation to satisfy you. More importantly, a personwith the disposition we describe here cannotenter heaven! One man unknowingly told onhimself when after being at one congregation forno more than five years stated, “This is the long-est I’ve ever stayed at one congregation.” Hesoon thereafter got mad and left.

You can tell loads about a person by watchinghow they respond to correction. Some receive itmeekly and give serious examination to well-intentioned criticism. The wise man wrote: “Re-prove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: “Reprove awise man, and he will love thee” (Pro. 9:8), “Heis in the way of life that heedeth correction; Buthe that forsaketh reproof erreth” (Pro. 10:17),“Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; Buthe that hateth reproof is brutish” (Pro. 12:1),“The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of lifeShall abide among the wise. He that refusethcorrection despiseth his own soul; But he thathearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding”(Pro. 15:31-32), “Better is open rebuke Thanlove that is hidden” (Pro. 27:5).

The “cry room crowd” does not take correc-tion well. As a matter of fact, it makes them liv-id, defensive, and ready to quit. According to

them, the shepherds of the flock are held in highesteem as long as they correct the other sheep—you know, the ones who need it. The preacher isabove average until his sermons hit this crowd—then watch out! But, neither man’s anger or hispride fit into God’s plan. James wrote, “Ye knowthis, my beloved brethren. But let every man beswift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: forthe wrath of man worketh not the righteousnessof God. Wherefore putting away all filthiness andoverflowing of wickedness, receive with meek-ness the implanted word, which is able to saveyour souls” (Jam. 1:19-21).

To the carnal, immature members we humbly,lovingly say: learn to accept correction and criti-cism as well as you can give it. If you wantbrethren to respect and appreciate you, show thatyou can be faithful and cooperative even whenyou do not get your way.

Now to brethren who for years have had towalk on “egg shells” around some of these hard-hearted easily-offended, ready-to-explode types,your patience and long-suffering is commend-able. Paul wrote, “Now we that are strong oughtto bear the infirmities of the weak, and not toplease ourselves” (Rom. 15:1). You hearty soulshave done that very thing for way too long. Youhave borne with the immature and exhorted andencouraged them. You have been long-sufferingwith their temper tantrums and pouting periods.You have silently endured their outrageous accu-sations. Good brother and sister, quit jumpingevery time they holler “frog”! Some will nevergrow up until they see that the world does notrevolve around them. Do not let a few voices ofdiscontent impede the progress of good work forGod. There are no indispensable folks. Even ifthey threaten to leave the congregation, we can-not help but ask, “What harm does it do to thebody to lose such divisive, trouble-making andcaustic members?”

We love every family that makes up every

NEW ARRIVALJean Cline is proud to an-

nounce the birth of her grand-son, John Aaron, born on Au-gust 17, 2000, to Gary andMary Barch of Olive Branch,MS. John weighed 7 pounds

11 ounces. Our congratulations is extendedto all.

congregation of the Lord’s people. We know thathearts can change if they have the will. If youhave been camping in the cry room, change!Take your place with the spiritual—the grownups—and be a real asset in the congregation!

1331 Spring Cypress Road; Spring, TX 77373

THE SANDWICHGENERATION

A sandwich is quick, easy to make, with littleor no cleanup. It’s convenient and fast. It’s forthe hurry-up crowd, the 30-minute lunch bunch.It’s the way we are...in a hurry. The sandwichculture wants everything immediately, if notsooner. I saw two men leave a restaurant becausethey had to wait two minutes on a sandwich!

This attitude comes into the church as well.We want our services, quickly made, at the lastminute. We don’t care about making preparationsbeforehand. We want the preacher’s part to bejust right, not too long, not too dry. We want himto be juicy and humorous, full of depth, and, oh,so understandable. For sure, he better finishbefore the other churches do so the good mem-bers can be first in line for a more important mealat the local restaurant.

Extra words at the Lord’s table? No! “Just thefacts, man,” (to borrow and modify a phrase).Wordy prayers? Well, you know, “For a prayerto be heavenly, it doesn’t have to be eternal,” wealways say. Our services come neatly boxed,concisely made, just like a sandwich. What’smore, we “sandwich” in the church’s activitieswhen it’s convenient to fit our schedule. A week-end away from the home church, for some, is aweekend away from church attendance. It’s justnot convenient! If it doesn’t fit in, then we justforget about it. Relatives, meal preparation(ironically), TV schedules, and rest cycles, re-place “inconvenient” worship services.

The service I hear described in the Bible ismuch more than a quick hurry-up sort of affair.It’s more than just a sandwich, easily made andeasily consumed. “Enter ye in at the strait gate:for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, thatleadeth to destruction, and many there be whichgo in thereat: Because strait is the gate, andnarrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, andfew there be that find it” (Mat. 7:13-14). “Andwhen he had called the people unto him with hisdisciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever willcome after me, let him deny himself, and take uphis cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34). “I be-seech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies ofGod, that ye present your bodies a living sacri-fice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is yourreasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).

Convenient? Ease? Not the Christian life Iread about in the Bible. Many of the “sandwichgeneration” will be sorely mistaken and eternallydistressed that their religion of convenience hasgiven them a false hope of heaven. There will notbe a fast food entrance there...there will be nocurbside check-in. Time will no longer be ofessence, for time will have been suspended. Taketime for the Lord today, and you won’t be disap-pointed. Do a hurry-up job, have a convenient-for-me attitude, abbreviate the essentials, and youwill have an inferior product, unacceptable to theLord. Author Unknown


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold andLucille Staples, Lou and Buster Gafford,Jean Flesher, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Madeline Parker (Richardand Linda Parker’s granddaughter), MarthaParker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), andSam Stough (Jean Flesher’s father).


Marge Williams in the death of her aunt,Ann McNalley, who passed away onAugust 18, 2000. Please keep Marge andher family in your prayers.

RESTOREDLarry McDaniels was restored on

August 21, 2000. Please keep Larry in yourprayers and offer him encouragement.


Reading: Shelby NallInvitation: Bill Crowe

September 6, 2000Reading: Richard ParkerInvitation: Dale Cunningham

MARK THESE DATESAug 30, 200—Fifth Wednesday Singing at

7:00 P.M.Sep 10, 2000—Attendance Drive and Din-

ner on the Grounds.


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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





THE POWER OF ONEFlavil Nichols

During the war between the states, a youngwoman learned the truth and obeyed the gospel.Her sweetheart, J. H. Halbrook, was a confederatesoldier. He was captured by the union army andkept a prisoner in Michigan until the war wasover. He was given a ticket to Nashville, Tennes-see, and $2.50. From there, he returned to Center-ville and found what was left of his home andfamily. He found his girlfriend and they weremarried. His wife studied the Bible with him, andhe soon became a Christian. He thought the truthwas so good and so simple that he began to teachand baptize many of his friends and neighbors.He began to preach, but he recognized his needfor more training, so he came to the original MarsHill Bible School, taught by T. B. Larimore.

Upon completing his studies there, instead ofgoing back to Tennessee, they moved farthersouth, coming into Walker, Marion, Fayette, andLamar counties in Alabama. One of his manyconverts was Charley Alexander Wheeler. Hiswife taught him to read from the Bible. Alongwith his wife, C. A. Wheeler obeyed the gospeland soon began preaching to others. He startedmore than 100 congregations and baptized morethan 6,000 people.

But wait, the story is not ended! One of those6,000 was my father, the late Gus Nichols!Twelve thousand were baptized under his preach-ing. Among those baptized by Gus Nichols, noone knows, nor can know, how many began topreach “the glorious gospel of Christ” (2 Cor.4:3-4); but I personally know several. I, FlavilNichols, am ONE who he baptized and whom heencouraged to preach the truth. And under mypreaching, about three thousand have been bap-

Attendance Drive and Dinner on the GroundsSeptember 10

After the morning service in the general purpose building.Bring family members, friends, neighbors, and others for

Christian fellowship and home-cooked food.Members of the congregation will provide a covered-dish meal.

tized. A few among them preach the gospel, also!Only eternity can reveal the total results of the

conversion of that one girl nearly one hundredand fifty years ago. The results are not yet all in!But this shows that TWENTY-ONE THOU-SAND people have become Christians throughthis single thread in the fabric of her influence.

“Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37).YOU are important, too! Dear reader, if you goto heaven, others probably will be saved by you!“For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thoushalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, Oman, whether thou shalt save thy wife?” (1 Cor.7:16). “Let your light so shine before men, thatthey may see your good works, and glorify yourFather which is in heaven” (Mat. 5:16). EachONE is very important.

100 13th Street NE; Jasper, AL 35504

THE CHURCH MUSTBE EVANGELISTIC

Joseph D. MeadorSome years ago I heard an older gospel

preacher say that after he “retired” he would liketo “do evangelism.” Remarkable! How sad thatmany “cannot see the forest for the trees.” Havewe become so professionalized that we no longertake the command to “go into the world” person-

ally? Indeed, I am afraid that this symptom ofnon-evangelism among all Christians (not justelders and preachers) is a problem in manyplaces.

As one searches the riches of God’s Word, theideals of godliness and holiness along with theattitudes of servant-hood and obedience shinebrightly as spiritual qualities for which all menshould aspire. Christianity as a vibrant and activelifestyle really depends upon a well studiedgrowth for its existence within the individual (2Tim. 2:15). Those who “hunger and thirst afterrighteousness” and who feed upon the “doctrineof Christ” grow steadfast as the cedar of Lebanonand will flourish as the palm-tree (Psa. 92:12).

Evangelism ProperRegarding the doctrine of evangelism, one

finds after a careful evaluation that whether or notwe possess these lofty ideals and attitudes maydetermine, in the long run, if we are genuinelycommitted to evangelism as an integral part ofliving the Christian life. Those who are growingin the faith have no problem in recognizing theimportance of teaching others about the salvationafforded them in Christ. Neither do such maturingChristians wait on an organized effort before theystart teaching the lost. It just comes naturally. Infact, doing personal evangelism is the immediateby-product of true conversion to Christ as onerealizes that he or she, like Paul, is a debtor to

NEW BIBLE CLASSES BEGINNINGBible classes for the fall quarter will begin Sunday, September 3. Make plans now to attend these

classes.Sunday Schedule

Adults I 1 Corinthians Michael HatcherAdults II Romans II Louis HerringtonAdults III Romans I Paul BrantleyNew Converts Studies In Christian Doctrine And Practical

Christian Living Bill GallaherWednesday Schedule

Adults I Christian Evidences Video (auditorium) Michael HatcherAdults II Christian Evidences Video (auditorium) Michael HatcherAdults III Christian Evidences Video (auditorium) Michael HatcherNew Converts Christian Evidences Video (auditorium) Michael HatcherHigh School Christian Evidences Video (auditorium) Michael Hatcher

those who are lost because of the salvation whichthe Lord has provided (Rom. 1:14). In essence, ifwe are truly thankful for our own salvation thenwe will be very serious about telling others!

Evangelism PracticedThe pattern book which provided both motiva-

tion and methodology for evangelism is the NewTestament. God’s Word portrays for our twenti-eth century minds those first century men andwomen who were committed to personal evange-lism and in whose lives evangelism was exempli-fied.

Paul (Rom. 1:16), a converted persecutor ofthe church, was not ashamed of the gospel ofJesus Christ, as he now realized that it alone pro-vided to both Jews and Gentiles the true source ofreconciliation and eternal salvation.

Peter (Acts 2:14-42), the apostle who haddenied his relationship to Christ some three times,now by virtue of steady spiritual growth is pri-vileged to boldly preach the first complete gospelsermon. For the first time men and women weretold why they should obey the gospel and howthey were to do it.

Lydia (Acts 16:24, 40), a woman fromThyatira who was one of Paul’s converts and whoworked in Philippi selling purple dye, formed thenucleus of the congregation at Philippi, alongwith her friends. In face, Paul and his companionsmade Lydia’s house their headquarters before andafter their stay in the Philippian jail.

Philip (Acts 8:5-6; 21:8), after being forced toleave Jerusalem because of severe persecution,traveled some 36 miles down to the city ofSamaria where he preached Christ. Althoughgreat prejudice existed in the minds of manytoward the Samaritans (and vice versa), Philip,constrained by they love of God, went anywayand met with a great reception.

In view of these examples of dedication toevangelism, each of us should realize that we,too, are debtors to our untaught friends andneighbors. It was unto this end that Jesus came to“seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke19:10) which today is the mission of everyChristian worker (Mark 16:15-16).



Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold andLucille Staples, Lou Gafford, Jean Flesher,Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister),Natalie Carter (Peggy Crowe’s mother),Maria Bonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), Madeline Parker (Richard andLinda Parker’s granddaughter), MarthaParker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), andSam Stough (Jean Flesher’s father).


Lou Gafford in the death of her husband,Walter (Buster) Gafford, on August 27,2000. Please keep Lou and her family inyour prayers and offer any assistance pos-sible.

READING/INVITATIONSeptember 6, 2000

Reading: Richard ParkerInvitation: Dale Cunningham

September 13, 2000Reading: Joshua WilkesInvitation: Ray Dodd

MARK THESE DATESSeptember 3, 2000–Visitation Group 2

assignment cards handed out.September 10, 2000–Visitation Group 3

assignment cards handed out.September 10, 2000–Attendance Drive and

Dinner on the Grounds.


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BEACONVOL. XXIX SEPTEMBER 4, 2000 NO. 36




MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





DOCTRINE DODGERSMonte L. Evans

In the Sixties and early Seventies “DraftDodger(s)” was commonly spoken and heard. ADraft Dodger was an individual who whendrafted to serve this country in a militarycapacity refused to do so. These individuals fledthe United States of America to Canada (at leasta large majority of draft dodgers did) to avoidserving in the armed services. By dodging thedraft they showed their disregard for authority,violated the law, and were subject to be pro-secuted for their actions.

In the Nineties “Draft Dodger” is virtuallyerased from the vocabulary of the masses. Yet,another type of Dodging is taking place not onlyin the United States but throughout the world.This type of dodging is “Doctrine Dodging.”

Simply said, many are dodging the doctrine(teaching) of Christ. The harsh reality of theDoctrine Dodger is that he has no regard for theauthority of Christ, he is a law breaker and issubject to prosecution (before the judgment seatof Christ) for his actions. To dodge the doctrineof Christ places one’s soul in eternal jeopardy. InDeuteronomy 18:18, Moses speaks the words ofGod to Israel promising that a Prophet comingfrom their own brethren would speak His Word(God’s Word) as He (Christ) is commanded. Inthe following verse Moses continues to say,“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever willnot hearken unto my words which he shall speakin my name, I will require it of him.” Accordingto the apostle Peter the prophet spoken of byMoses is Jesus the Christ (Acts 3:22-26). Petermakes it clear in verse 23 that those who are notwilling to hear that prophet (His doctrine) shall

be destroyed. John 12:48 teaches all mankindthat the words of Jesus (His doctrine) will be ourjudge when He comes to gather the faithfulsaints. Who would want to dodge His doctrinesince it will be our judge?

In Matthew 17:5, God the Father tells all whowill pay attention that we are to hear His Son inwhom He was well pleased. The faithful Biblestudent easily understands that God commandsus to hear (give heed) His Son’s doctrine. To bea “Doctrine Dodger” is precarious and is inessence to commit spiritual suicide.

We must be sure that we give heed to thedoctrine of Christ. Failure to do so speaksvolumes of one’s person and love for God. Thosewho dodged the draft decades ago received par-don for their crime. Those today who dodge thedoctrine of Christ will in no way receive pardonfor their crime. When one dodges Christ’s doc-trine they dodge His teaching regarding faith,repentance, confession, and baptism for the re-mission of sins; thus, forfeiting God’s pardonafforded to man. Will you choose to be a “Doc-trine Dodger”?

3601 N. Highway 146; Baytown, TX 77520

THREE SOLUTIONSTO TRIALSGeorge Pledger

In Paul’s account of his asking God to removethe thorn from his flesh (2 Cor. 12:7-10), we findthree possible ways God could have answered.These are applicable to us today.

1. God could have removed the thornaltogether. Paul asked for this when he besoughtthe Lord three times that the thorn “might depart”from him. This request was refused. We, too, willfind that when we ask for a problem to beremoved altogether, the request is seldom, ifever, answered.

2. God could have let the thorn remain butcould have given Paul the strength to bear it.This is what He did. The answer was, “my graceis sufficient for thee.” We can take consolation inthis fact, that however big the problem, orhowever long it lasts, the Lord will always giveus the strength to bear it and the stamina to en-dure it.

3. God could have given Paul the strengthto bear the burden and then turn it into a blessing.This, too, is what happened for the strength givenmade Paul stronger. Paul wrote, “Most gladlytherefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, inreproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, indistresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak,then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

All of us have some trials to bear. When weask for assistance, we do not know in whatmanner it will come; but we do know, it alwayswill be what is best for us.

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JESUS DIED FORTHE CHURCH!

Barry GriderI still hear the words of the old gospel preac-

her ringing in my ears, “I would rather be theman who drove the spear into Jesus’ side, than tobring harm to the spiritual body of Christ—thechurch.” Such a statement made an indelible im-pression on my memory, though I was only aboy. Indeed, the church of Christ is precious: shewas purchased with His blood. As the hymnistwrote,

“From heav’n He came and sought her,To be His holy Bride; With His own bloodHe bought her and for her life He died.”It is truly sad that our world rejects the blood-

Attendance Drive and Dinner on the GroundsSeptember 10

After the morning service in the general purpose building.Bring family members, friends, neighbors, and others for

Christian fellowship and home-cooked food.Members of the congregation will provide a covered-dish meal.

bought body of Christ. To do so is to denigratewhat Jesus did at Calvary. The Lord promised inMatthew 16:18 to build His one and only church,“And upon this rock I will build my church; andthe gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Hischurch had a purchase price; it was His very ownblood. Paul, speaking to the Ephesian elders,said, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, andto all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghosthath made you overseers, to feed the church ofGod, which he hath purchased with his ownblood” (Acts 20:28). Again, the beloved apostlewrote, “Husbands, love your wives, even asChrist also loved the church, and gave himselffor it” (Eph. 5:25). Jesus suffered in the gardenof Gethsemane for the church. He endured cruelreproaches during His wicked trial, again for thechurch. He agonized on the cross, pouring outHis blood, that he might bring the church intoexistence. How could anyone argue that thechurch has nothing to do with man’s salvation?

When man considers his condition outside ofChrist (Eph. 2:12) and the necessity of beingcleansed in Christ’s blood (Eph. 1:7; 2:13), hewill want to be in the blood-bought. The onlyway one can receive the benefits of Christ’sblood is to be in the blood-bought. FollowingPentecost we read, “And the Lord added to thechurch daily such as should be saved” (Acts2:47). Why did the Lord do this? To be cleansedby the blood requires being in the blood-boughtchurch. Salvation, therefore, is to be found in the

church and only in the church, which has beenauthorized, built, and purchased by Christ.

Considering the high cost of the Lord’schurch, what kind of persons ought we to be?The writer of Hebrews records, “He that despisedMoses’ law died without mercy under two orthree witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment,suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hathtrodden under foot the Son of God, and hathcounted the blood of the covenant, wherewith hewas sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath donedespite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:28-29).

How often do we show disrespect for Jesus’blood? One way we do this is by being cynical orindifferent to the blood-bought body of Christ.Some members cannot respect the Lord’s bloodenough to assemble with the church on theLord’s day and commemorate His death (Mat.26:28-29; Acts 20:7). Others disrespect Hisblood by living unholy lives, which mars thecause of Christ and brings shame to His church.

Friends, if we are not ashamed that Jesus diedfor our sins, likewise, let us not be ashamed ofthe church for which He died, either. Let us bemembers of the blood-bought, that we might besaved; and let us never do harm to that divineinstitution for which Jesus gave His life. Re-member, if we do so, we are worse that a soldierwho pierced our Lord’s side 2,000 years ago.

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Marilyn Hall (in Sacred Heart Hospital,room 526), Elaine Maxey, Ray Williams,Harold and Lucille Staples, Lou Gafford,Jean Flesher, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Natalie Carter (Peggy Crowe’smother), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Madeline Parker (Richardand Linda Parker’s granddaughter), MarthaParker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), andSam Stough (Jean Flesher’s father).


Reading: Joshua WilkesInvitation: Ray Dodd

September 20, 2000Reading: Michael WilkesInvitation: Ray Dodd


assignment cards handed out.September 10, 2000–Attendance Drive and

Dinner on the Grounds.September 10, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.September 17, 2000–Visitation Group 1

assignment cards handed out.September 17, 2000–Elders/Deacons’

meeting at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.September 24, 2000–Visitation Group 2


PANTRY ITEM NEEDEDFruit Juice and Canned Fruit

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





A LOVE FORTHE TRUTH

Bob SpurlinThe most compelling need of our day is a love

for the truth. Unfortunately there is a deficiencyin this regard that is woefully lacking. As a boymy father, grandfather, brothers, and I would goto Bentley’s Barber Shop in Hartselle, AL, to geta haircut. My grandfather, J. F. Dean, was anelder in the church and was recognized as awalking Bible. Occasionally, at the barber shopa question would be raised about some Biblerelated subject. My grandfather would reply, “theBible says so and so,” and then he would quotethe pertinent Scripture. As a child my memorywas clear regarding how silent that place ofbusiness became when he finished his answer.The presentation of truth silenced the questioner

and convicted the hearts of those present. Be-loved, there was a day when men and womenwould shudder at the truth and/or tremble at thespoken Word (Heb. 4:12; Acts 24:25).

How do we show our love for the truth?Initially, we should love hearing the truth orgospel proclaimed (Eph. 4:15; Acts 2:41). Thiswriter has noticed over the last ten to fifteenyears a lack of appreciation for the truth and themajesty of God’s written Word. One brother tolda gospel preacher that he should watch what hesaid because there were sectarian people in theaudience. One even remarked that he should notspeak on religious error due to certain peoplebeing present. Wonder how Peter or Paul wouldpreach today? Would they simply slap people onthe back, shake their hands, and then declaresome philosophical jargon? Most Bible studentsknow better. If we truly love the truth then joywill soar in our hearts as the spoken Word is

preached. A love of the truth will cause us tocrave and hunger for it like a fine meal (Mat.5:6). Solomon said, “Buy the truth, and sell itnot” (Pro. 23:23). A love for the truth will causeus to submit to it (Jam. 4:7-8). Jesus said, “If yelove me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

A love for the truth will also cause one to liveit to the uttermost. There can be no greater chal-lenge for our love of the truth than living it daily.Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to dieis gain” (Phi. 1:21). Jesus was the personificationof truth and truly exemplified how we shouldconduct our lives. Luke wrote his second treatiseto Theophilus and said, “All that Jesus beganboth to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). Paul said,“Only let your manner of life be worthy of thegospel of Christ” (Phi. 1:27—ASV). Friend, alove for the truth is not only the purpose of ourbeing, but everlasting life will be the result of afaithful life.

122 Brooks Lane; Somerville, AL 35670

“GIVE ME ONESOUL TODAY”

Pat McIntoshI pulled out my file on personal work recently

and thumbed through the mountain of material Ihave on the subject so as to stir my thinkingalong this line. I noticed as I flipped through, thatnot only have I filed away numerous articles onpersonal work and evangelism, but that throughthe years I have preached some two dozen ser-mons on the subject (and some of those morethan once). The bulletins that come through themail and cross my desk quite frequently touch onthe great need to reach the lost Workshops,gospel meetings, cottage classes, new books,tracts, etc., are all geared toward saving souls.And so it seems to me that our realization of the

need for evangelism is very acute. We knowpeople are lost without Christ. We know that thegospel is the power of God unto salvation. Weknow that if men are to be won to Christ it willtake our efforts and united talents. There seemsto be the deep longing within every congregationI have worked with to “do something.” Peopleare just not satisfied with “keeping house.”

It also seems to me that our problem is notmethodology. The open Bible studies, film strips,video tapes, correspondence courses, etc., havebeen proven to be very effective tools for teach-ing the lost. Each individual must adapt whatevermethod might best suit his teaching abilities.Obviously, I have one particular tool which Iconsider most effective, but I am not shackled tothat one method of teaching. Whatever tool youmight use, just make sure that it meets the needin the most effective way.

Now the question: Why are we not baptizingmore souls into Christ? Those who have doneresearch tell us that the last couple of decades hasseen a decline in effective personal evangelismon the local area. According to statistics, it takes100 members of the Lord’s church to reach onesoul for Christ in one year. This does not includeour own children. Thus, on the average, a con-gregation of 200 can only expect to baptize twopeople in one year’s time. I do not know howthat strikes you, but it makes me gag. We havethe tools, the awareness of the lostness of human-ity, and the desire to see the body grow. Where,then, lies the deficiency?

To excuse the lack of growth on the disinter-est of those around us is not an adequate answer.I think the problem lies in our conviction. Theearly church, though driven from their homes,their cities, and even their families, still “wentevery where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).Perhaps our greatest problem is the “things” thatsurround us. It might be that we have developeda “come-and-get-it” mentality, and think that if

BRIDAL SHOWERA bridal shower for

Jamie Loy will be heldMonday, October 2, at 7:00

P.M., in the general purposebui lding. Contact Jane

Herrington for details.

we must preach the truth, hold to the pattern ofsound doctrine, and keep our own house in orderthat folks will flock to the building for teaching.Or it could be that we are comfortable in a “non-confrontational” setting. “Don’t make waves!”Maybe what we need is another great persecutionto scatter us abroad! One thing I know for sure,the words of that popular song ought to be on ourlips and in our hearts:

Lead me to some soul today,oh teach me Lord just what to say!

Friends of mine are lost in sin,and cannot find their way.

Few there are who seem to care;few there are who pray.

Melt my heart and fill my life.Give me one soul today!

PO Box 447; Millport, AL 35576

WHEN COMINGTO WORSHIP

When we come together to worship God,there are some things that we should bring along,and there are some things that we should leave athome.

We should bring along: (John 4:24)A cheerful disposition. Worship will be

joyful. A pleasant smile. Others will be encour-aged.

An open mind, ready to learn. The preacher’s

efforts will be more successful.An honest heart. We can worship with a clear

conscience.A humble and contrite spirit. Worship will be

more acceptable unto God.A rested body. (Tired bodies often cause one

to drop off to sleep. One does not worship whileasleep.)

We should leave at home: (1 Cor. 11:24-29)All home and business problems and worries.The plans for the week.Thoughts and plans about the vacation.All envy, malice, ill will, and insincerity.

Author Unknown

DOUBTERSThe famous engineer and inventor, Robert

Fulton, returned to America from Paris in 1805to test his invention of the steamship. In 1807, hewas ready to take the steamship Claremont on atrial run up the Hudson River between New YorkCity and Albany.

The story is told that, in the excited crowdwhich watched the proceedings, there was anegative, pessimistic, doubtful old man. Whilepreparations were being made to start the testrun, the old man kept repeating, “They won’tever get her started.” The steamship, however,was started, and began its trip up the river to thecheers of the crowd.

The doubter was then heard to say, “Theywon’t ever get her stopped.”

Does he remind you of anyone? There are twokinds of doubters: the active, investigative doubt-ers who are willing to study the evidences beforereaching a conclusion; and the lazy, prejudicialdoubters who are unwilling to consider anypossible evidences. Be a good doubter. Considerthe evidence why you should believe the Bibleand be a member of the church you read abouttherein. Author Unknown


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold andLucille Staples, Lou Gafford, Jean Flesher,Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister), MariaBonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), Madeline Parker (Richard andLinda Parker’s granddaughter), MarthaParker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law),Sam Stough (Jean Flesher’s father), and BillWaters (Fran Waters’ father-in-law).

BAPTIZEDRichard Ayliffe was baptized into Christ

on September 10, 2000. His address is 5749Hermosa Circle; Pensacola, FL 32526. Histelephone number is 453-0076. Please keepRichard in your prayers and offer himencouragement.


Reading: Michael WilkesInvitation: Ray Dodd

September 27, 2000Reading: Ray WilliamsInvitation: Louis Herrington


assignment cards handed out.September 17, 2000–Elders/Deacons’

meeting at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.September 24, 2000–Visitation Group 2



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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





ETERNITY TO THINKBobby Liddell

He had planned on dying, not at 36. Like therest of us, he had planned on living and thoseplans centered around the things which, to him,were more important and more pressing thanothers. He had not planned on leaving two littlechildren and a wife alone to rear them. Yet, hedid. His funeral was yesterday, and he did leavethose little children and her. He left everythingelse in this world.

We did not know him nearly as well as wewould have liked. The church had helped obtainmedicine he needed, and we had taken the oppor-tunity to invite him to learn about Jesus, theGreat Physician. Telephone conversations en-sued. Letters and tracts were sent with hope.Numerous visits made, seemingly had no effect.

Time went by too quickly and he was not saved.You see, he was always too busy. Too busy to

come to worship. Too busy to bring his family.Too busy to study the Bible. Too busy to save hissoul. Too busy to serve the Lord. It seemed hewas always working, or he had just come fromwork and was tired, or he was just about to go towork. He was busy so, in his mind, he justifiedhis actions and reasoned away his and theirsouls’ needs. There was just no time then— andthere is not time now, but now there is, for him,eternity. Eternity. Endless ages to think abouttime, 36 years of time to be exact, and its rejectedopportunities. Eternity to think about a home intowhich Christ never was invited; to think about aspouse with whom he never sought the joy ofsalvation; to think about two little children forwhom he never had the time to “bring them up inthe nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph.

6:4); and eternity to think about his soul, hismost prized possession, which he sold for earthlywages and earthly pleasures. “For what is a manprofited, if he shall gain the whole world, andlose his own soul? or what shall a man give inexchange for his soul?” (Mat. 16:26).

His funeral was yesterday. He died withoutChrist and without hope (Eph. 2:12). For him,eternity is sealed. There is nothing I, the church,or anyone else on earth can do for him now. Theburden of that thought is why, at 3:00 A.M., I amwriting this article. Perhaps, someone will read itand realize the worth of their soul, the brevity oflife and the eternity before them. For those stillliving, there is yet time and opportunity to obeyGod, but one day, it will be too late. “And as it isappointed unto men once to die, but after this thejudgment” (Heb. 9:27). Friend, do not let deathfind you “too busy.” Render obedience to theLord today. Believe in Him (John 8:24). Repentof your sins (Acts 17:30). Confess Him as Christ(Mat. 10:32-33). Be baptized (Mark 16:16). Livefaithfully (Rev. 2:10). Heaven will surely beworth it all.

3283 Lynchburg; Memphis, TN 38134

IS IT A SIN TOMISS WORSHIP?

Rod RutherfordIs it really necessary to attend every service of

the church? We are not talking about those whoare physically unable to be present because ofsickness or the infirmities of age. Certainly Godunderstands their situation and does not expectthem to do what is impossible.

But what about reasonably healthy, activemembers of the church? What if I am on vaca-tion? Or traveling? Or visiting friends or relativeswho are not members? What if I just do not feel

like going sometimes? Is it okay to miss?If I am a Christian, a member of the church, I

do not belong to myself. I belong to Jesus Christ.I was purchased by His blood (1 Cor. 6:19-20).Christ is my Lord and Master (Acts 2:36; Mat.7:24). As my Lord, it is His right to commandand my obligation to obey (Luke 6:46). I cannotpick and choose which commandments to obey,but I must strive to the best of my ability to do allHis will (Mat. 7:21-23; Jam. 2:10).

My Lord has told me to “seek ye first thekingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Mat.6:33). Am I seeking first the kingdom if I let myown pleasure, or convenience, or just plain lazi-ness come between me and His command toworship?

The command to attend the worship servicesof the church is stated plainly in Hebrews 10:25:“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves to-gether, as the manner of some is.” If I willfullyforsake the worship assembly of God’s people, Iam guilty of deliberate sin. Sin, if unrepented of,leads to spiritual death (Jam. 1:15; Rom. 6:23).

Faithful attendance at all the services of thechurch, except when prohibited because of ill-ness or extreme circumstances beyond our con-trol, is essential for all of God’s children. Thefellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ, theknowledge gained from study of God’s Word,and the strength received from all aspects ofworship are as essential to the spiritual health ofa Christian as nourishing food, fresh air, andclean water are to the physical health of ourbodies.

Those who fall away from the faith seldom doit immediately and deliberately. It is usually donegradually, one step at a time. The way it mostoften begins is by a gradual forsaking of theassembly. Each time one misses, it becomeseasier to miss the next time. Eventually, one endsup back in the world with no regrets. In such a

BRIDAL SHOWERA bridal shower for Jamie

Loy will be held Monday,October 2, at 7:00 P.M., inthe general purpose build-

ing. Contact Jane Herring-ton for details.

condition, he is lost eternally (Rom. 6:23; 2 Pet.2:20-22).

Do you attend every service of the church thatyou are physically able to attend? If you do not,then you need to repent and seek the forgivenessof God, whose law you have transgressed (Acts8:22; 1 John 1:9). You need to confess your sinpublically before the church and ask the saints topray for you (Jam. 5:16).

It is a sin to miss worship, if it is donewillfully!

PO Box 5048; Duluth, GA 30096

SUNDAY IS MADEOR RUINED ON

SATURDAY NIGHTThe Jews were smarter than we give them

credit. Their Sabbath began at 6:00 pm on Fridaynight. What is wrong with us on Sunday? It isSaturday! We so abuse Saturday that we drag inon Sunday. Sunday actually begins Saturdaynight.

Remember the “Good Ole Days”? ComeSaturday night we got out our “Sunday clothes,”shined our shoes, and prepared our Bible classlesson. Sunday was the “Big Event” of the week.Sunday was reverenced. You cannot be carnal onSaturday night and be spiritual on Sunday morn-ing. Airplane pilots cannot socialize Saturdaynight if they fly on Sunday. Baseball pitcherscannot socialize Saturday night if they pitch onSunday. A preacher cannot socialize on Saturdaynight if he preaches on Sunday.

A Christian ought to be the most rested manin town when he wakes up on Sunday morning.How many football coaches allow their playersto stay up all hours on the night before the biggame? They know the value of rest if players areto function the next day.

We need to study 1 Corinthians 14, but notsimply to debate the charismatic. We are partici-pants in worship. We bring psalms and hymns.We are to participate, not spectate. Tragically, wemake the song leader, the preacher, and evenGod the participants. “Do something for me,God.” (“A goose pimple?”) We have a “receivingmentality” in worship. Wrong. We come to giveour praise and worship unto God and the by-product is receiving. The congregation is not theaudience—it is the giver. It all starts on Saturdaynight.

Author Unknown

IN MEMORY OFLUCRETIA “LOU”

GAFFORDOur warmest sympathy is extended to

the family of Lou Gafford upon her deathon September 12, 2000 at the age of 73.

Lou was born in Philadelphia, Pennsyl-vania, and had resided in Pensacola, Floridasince 1960. She was preceded in death byher husband Buster Gafford and a daughter.

Please keep the Gafford family in yourprayers and offer any assistance possible.


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold andLucille Staples, Jean Flesher, Neva Bryant,Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister), MariaBonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’s neigh-bor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’s friend),Martha Parker (Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), Sam Stough (Jean Flesher’s father),Peter Varsalona (Alice Williams’ father),and Thelma Loy (Jim Loy’s mother).


Richard and Linda Parker in the death oftheir granddaughter, Madeline Parker, onSeptember 14, 2000, at the age of 1 month.Madeline passed away due to complicationsof a pre-mature birth. Please keep theParker family in your prayers.


Reading: Ray WilliamsInvitation: Louis Herrington

October 4, 2000Reading: Carl AyliffeInvitation: Tim Lamb


assignment cards handed out.October 1, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-


DIRECTORY CHANGEPlease make the following change to

your directory: Michael Hatcher’s cellphone number is 261-7419.

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





KEEP IT AS INTHE DAYS OF OLD

Tom MooreThroughout Amos the prophet of God had

painted a very dark and grim picture concerningIsrael’s destiny. Israel had become as evil as theheathen nations around about them. Severalhundred years before God warned His people ofthe consequences of trying to be like the nationsaround them: “Nevertheless the people refused toobey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay;but we will have a king over us; That we alsomay be like all the nations; and that our king mayjudge us, and go out before us, and fight ourbattles” (1 Sam. 8:19-20).

Thus, Israel had become like the nationsaround about them, just like they wanted. Theyhad changed the worship of God, they had

changed God’s organization for them, and nolonger desired to be true to the one genuine God.

In the last part of Amos, this burden bearingprophet set forth a glorious ray of hope for thepeople of God. The prophet looking toward abrighter day, proclaims, “In that day will I raiseup the tabernacle of David that is fallen, andclose up the breaches thereof; and I will raise uphis ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:That they may possess the remnant of Edom, andof all the heathen, which are called by my name,saith the LORD that doeth this” (Amos 9:11-12).

Amos sees a broken down tabernacle restoredto its former glorious state. Amos saw this taber-nacle raised up “as in the days of old”; he waslooking to a time that the people of God wouldagain be united in truth. Amos, by inspiration,was privileged to look into the future and beheldthe church of the living God (Acts 15:13-18).The church was to be glorious and true as was

the tabernacle of God “in the days of old.”Today there are many who are trying to break

down the walls of truth in God’s glorious church.Many are striving to be like the nations(denominations) around about them. There arethose today who boastfully declared themselvesto be “change agents.” These “change agents” arewanting: (1) a “new hermeneutic,” (2) a changein God’s plan of salvation, (3) a change in theway we worship God, (4) a change in the way thechurch is organized, (5) a change from biblicalunity to unity in diversity. They are doing justlike the Israel of old—rejecting God’s desires fortheir own.

About 2,500 years ago, Jeremiah pleaded withGod’s people, saying, “Thus saith the LORD,Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the oldpaths, where is the good way, and walk therein,and ye shall find rest for your souls. But theysaid, We will not walk therein. Also I setwatchmen over you, saying, Hearken to thesound of the trumpet. But they said, We will nothearken” (Jer. 6:16-17).

Today, many are saying, “We are changeagents, and we will not walk therein.” Thesechange agents are breaking down the walls oftruth in the Lord’s church, and thus, are bringingupon themselves “swift destruction” (2 Pet. 2:1).

We must keep the Lord’s church “as in thedays of old,” adhering stickily to the “old paths.”We as God’s people must “speak thou the thingswhich become sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1). Wemust “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3).We must “war a good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18) and“lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:12). We must“speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11), do allby the authority of Christ (Col. 3:17), and holdtrue and firm to the faithful Word of God (Tit.1:9).

Solomon long ago pleaded, “Buy the truth,and sell it not” (Pro. 23:23). Please do not sellout to the change agents, keep the church of our

Lord as it was in the days of old! Let that oldtime first century gospel ring true and mighty!Remember, our Lord is “the same yesterday, andto day, and for ever” (Heb. 13:8).


WHAT DO YOUHAVE TO OFFER

Marvin L. WeirIn the business world, people want to know

about fringe benefits, sick days, vacations, salary,o p p o r t u n i t y f o r p r o mo t i o n , w o r k i n gconditions—and rightly so. Thus, beforecommitting to work for an organization,inquiring minds ask, “What do you have to offerme?” Can you imagine a business answering bysaying, “We are biblically based. We strive tohave quality Bible classes and to present thought-provoking sermons that challenge people toreflect on their soul’s eternal welfare. We arebenevolent minded and desire to help those whohave legitimate needs. Our mission is to proclaimthe risen Savior to a lost and dying world. Weregard the Word of God as being authoritativeand precious—our only worthwhile guide as wejourney through this life. We enjoy thefellowship with all fellow members of likeprecious faith. What we have to offer is worth farmore than silver or gold. You will be happy to beassociated with us.”

I imagine that most would quickly pointout—and rightly so—that the above descriptionbetter describes a church than a business! Onemight even say, “You cannot expect a business tobe a church. People must distinguish between thetwo institutions, and understand their goals,purposes, and concerns are not the same.”

There is however, another side to the story.On several occasions in recent years I have hadthose who profess to be members of the Lord’s

Gospel Meeting with Danny BoxOctober 29 - November 3, 2000

Sunday Morning: 9:00 & 10:00 A.M.; Sunday - Friday Evenings: 7:30 P.M.Sunday Bible Class: What Makes A Strong Church?Sunday A.M. Worship: If Everyone Were Just Like Me, What Kind Of Church

Would This Church Be?Sunday P.M. Worship: Some Hindrances To Church GrowthMonday Evening: What The Church Of Christ BelievesTuesday Evening: Marketing The ChurchWednesday Evening: Encouraging Words To The ChurchThursday Evening: Some Things In Hell That Should Be In The ChurchFriday Evening: If We Never Meet Again

Covered-dish meal will be provided Monday - Thursday at 6:00 P.M.Come and enjoy Christian fellowship and gospel preaching.

church to visit the congregation and ask, “Whatdo you have to offer?” Parents want to knowwhat you can offer them, their teenagers, andtheir toddlers. They would like for me to say,“We offer a most exciting entertainment andrecreational package. There are church softballand bowling teams for the adults. We have aprofessional youth minister who is well paid tosee that the youth are always on the go—skitrips, river floats, and camp-outs. We also havemany other forms of entertainment in our state-of-the-art gymnasium—ah, ugh, I mean our fam-ily life center. There is mother’s day out threetimes each week, and our cafeteria provides ameal each Wednesday evening. Our Bible classcurriculum is second to none—we offer classeson how to succeed in business, how to cope withstress, and how to manage one’s finances. Our

most popular classes are entitled ‘Cooking ForChrist’ and ‘Exercising To The Glory Of God.’”

Why is it folks can so clearly see the fallacyin the above description of the business, butcannot see the fallacy in the above description ofthe church? Many simply do not want to see!They love the lifestyle they are living, and theycater to having all their “felt needs” met! It is asit was in Isaiah’s day when the people said, “tothe seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesynot unto us right things, speak unto us smooththings, prophesy deceits” (Isa. 30:10). And, ofcourse, the cowardly liberals and spineless hire-lings are quick to provide that which will draw acrowd even if they must forego offering thatwhich leads to eternal life.

5810 Liberty Grove Road; Rowlett, TX 75088


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold (inBaptist Hospital, room 320) and LucilleStaples, Jean Flesher, Tim Lamb, AllenBrazell, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law), and Sam Stough(Jean Flesher’s father).

READING/INVITATIONOctober 4, 2000

Reading: Carl AyliffeInvitation: Tim Lamb

October 11, 2000Reading: Elward BrantleyInvitation: Tony Liddell

MARK THESE DATESOctober 1, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-

ment cards handed out.October 8, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.October 8, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.October 15, 2000–Visitation Group 2 as-

signment cards handed out.October 15, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting

at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.October 22, 2000–Visitation Group 3 as-



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BEACONVOL. XXIX OCTOBER 2, 2000 NO. 40


(850) 455-7595; Fax (850) 455-9940Internet Web Page: http://www.bellviewcoc.com


MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





PERSONALEVANGELISM

IS FORGOTTENBob Spurlin

Some years ago this writer had in hispossession a gospel tract entitled, “The ForgottenCommandment.” The tract did not have referenceto the subject under consideration, however,many commands of God are forgotten. Amongsuch commands is the requirement of personalevangelism. During the mid and late sixtiespersonal evangelism was constantly beingstressed by preachers and elders alike. The fruitof this enterprise resulted in numerousconversions to Christ. It was little wonder thatchurches of Christ became the fastest growingreligious group in America.

What are the advantages of personalevangelism? Why should Christians be involvedin personal evangelism? Notice the followingreasons for Christians engaging in this greatwork.

1. Personal evangelism is commanded bythe Lord Himself.

Jesus met with His disciples for the last timeon that secluded mountain of Galilee, and said,“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizingthem in the name of the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observeall things whatsoever I have commanded you”(Mat. 28:18-20). This command was given ini-tially to the disciples of Christ, but then Jesussaid, “Teaching them to observe all things what-soever I have commanded you.” The earlyChristians took this command to heart, poundingon the doors of their fellow man and conse-quently Paul could say, “the gospel, which ye




Covered-dish meal will be provided Monday - Thursday at 6:00 P.M.in the general purpose building.

Come and enjoy Christian fellowship and gospel preaching.

have heard, and which was preached to everycreature which is under heaven” (Col. 1:23). Vis-ualize if you can, the world being evangelized inless than three decades. Obviously we understandthat not everyone obeyed the gospel, but did havethe opportunity of hearing it without fear orfavor.

We are on the brink of the twenty-first cen-tury with mass media, satellites, printing presses,radio, television, the Internet, and much more.Yet, the church of the Lord has become derelictin its evangelistic thrust. Personal evangelism isone person talking to another person about hisneed for Christ and bringing him to a decision.You do not have to be a rocket scientist to dis-cover why the Lord’s church is not growing. Thechurch is not a they or a them, it is a we or us.Therefore, we must get busy and be compliant tothis command of God.

2. Personal evangelism will make the world

a better place.My friend, this writer does not have to inform

you about the wretched condition of our worldwith the infestation of crime, and shootings aswell as the perversity that plagues our nation.There has never been a time in human historywhen personal evangelism needs to be practicedmore than now.

The gospel of Christ is the only cure for theplague of sin (Rom. 1:16). When people live bythe teachings of Christ, they will respect theirneighbor, his property, and practice the goldenrule. The teachings of Jesus require people to livedifferently than what they did previously.

This writer remembers with fondness a periodof time when we could leave our doors unlocked,whether we were home or gone. Of course, todaywe need dead bolt locks and a variety ofsophisticated security systems in order to be safe.The gospel of Christ has the power to change

PLACED MEMBERSHIPDot Lambert and Madeline Graves have

placed membership with the Bellview congre-gation. Their addresses and telephone num-bers are: Dot’s: 1500 North 50th Avenue;Pensacola, FL 32506; phone, 453-3545.Madeline’s: 1727 Creighton Road; Pensacola,FL 32504; phone, 505-9483. Please updateyour directories.

NEW ARRIVALLouis and Jane Herrington are

proud to announce the birth oftheir grandson, Galen JaredLundy, born on September 27,2000, to Damon and VaydraLundy of Senatobia, Mississippi.Galen weighed 7 pounds 11ounces and was 19 1/4 incheslong. Our congratulations is ex-

tended to all.

NEW WEB SITE ADDRESSPlease make note of the Bellview Church

of Christ’s new web site address.http://www.bellviewcoc.com

Email: [email protected]:

[email protected]

lives and make them productive citizens insociety. Saul of Tarsus, fierce persecutor ofChristians, became a world renown missionary,because he obeyed Christ. Only the power of thegospel could make this change possible. Pauldiscussed the sinfulness of the Corinthians andenumerated their sin, prior to the gospel beingpreached in that pagan city. They were“fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, noreffeminate, nor abusers of themselves withmankind,” hence Corinth was not the ideal citywhere we would like to raise our families (1 Cor.6:9-10). Paul gives another example of thegospel’s power, “And such were some of you:but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but yeare justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, andby the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11).

The practice of personal evangelism will in-crease respect for life, property, and the value oftelling the truth will be enhanced.

3. Personal evangelism will cause thechurch to increase in number.

Three thousand souls were obedient to thegospel on Pentecost and like a snowball goingdown hill the church multiplied exceedingly(Acts 6:7). The idea of sheep stealing, ortantalizing church members to leave their homecongregation, and go else where has becomemore and more common in recent years. Weshould not be interested in swelling our numberby simply snatching other Christians from otherplaces. The Lord’s church is not growing in thismanner, but rather it is switching from church ofchurch.

If the church is going to grow, Christiansmust go out into the highways and byways andcompel the people to come in (Luke 14:23).Mass evangelism has certainly had its place, butpersonal evangelism has always been effective,originating with Jesus’ teaching the Samaritanwoman in John chapter four, to Christiansteaching their neighbor across the street.

When people are taught the gospel of Christ,

they become Christians, and the Lord will addthe saved to the church (Acts 2:47). It just makessense to practice personal evangelism, if for noother reason than to see an increase in thenumber of disciples (Acts 2:41, 47; 6:7).

122 Brooks Lane; Somerville, AL 35670


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold Staples,Jean Flesher, Tim Lamb, Willodean Gann(Ray Dodd’s sister), Thelma Loy (Jim Loy’smother), Sam Stough (Jean Flesher’s father),Maria Bonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Martha Parker (Richard Parker’ssister-in-law), and Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend).

RESTOREDDot Lambert was restored into Christ on

September 24, 2000, and Madeline Graveswas restored into Christ on October 1, 2000.Please keep Dot and Madeline in yourprayers and offer them encouragement.


Reading: Elward BrantleyInvitation: Tony Liddell

October 18, 2000Reading: Allen BrazellInvitation: Fred Stancliff

MARK THESE DATESOctober 8, 2000–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.October 8, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.October 15, 2000–Visitation Group 2 assign-

ment cards handed out.October 15, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting

at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.October 22, 2000–Visitation Group 3 assign-



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10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





EXERCISES FOR ASTRONG FAITH

Eddie WhittenThe Lord had related the account of the rich

man and Lazarus, in Luke 16:19-31. As chapter17 opens, Jesus speaks to His disciples aboutfaith. He said that it was impossible to preventoffenses from coming, but “woe unto him,through whom they come” (Luke 17:1). He givesthe great injunction to forgive those throughwhom offenses come if they ask forgiveness.This is very hard for men to do. The apostlesevidently recognized this weakness of the fleshand “said unto the Lord, Increase our faith”(Luke 17:5).

It is evident that men cannot overcome thepower of Satan by himself. Mere mortal men

must have something stronger than humanstrength to resist his carnal reactions to life.

Spiritual exercise is necessary for spiritualgrowth. “But strong meat belongeth to them thatare of full age, even those who by reason of usehave their senses exercised to discern both goodand evil” (Heb. 5:14). Every part of the humananatomy must have exercise to function properlyand so must the spiritual body.

How, then can one forgive another who hassinned against him and who has asked forgive-ness? He may need to do as the apostles: Say,“Lord, increase our faith.” How can this be done?Exercises for a strong faith involve—

1. Humility. Pride will be the downfall ofmany people. John named pride as one of thethree sources of sin (1 John 2:15). He said thosewho are controlled by pride are “not of theFather, but of the world.” Jesus rebuked the

proud Pharisees: “And whosoever shall exalthimself shall be abased; and he that shall humblehimself shall be exalted” (Mat. 23:12). It takes abig person (humble person) to put aside hurtfeelings and resentment to accept into full fel-lowship one who has sinned against him, whonow asks forgiveness. Faith is strengthened whena person can swallow his pride and embrace thepenitent brother and sister with a heart of loveand sincerity. The more one employs this exer-cise for a strong faith, the greater it grows.

2. Patience. James writes, “My brethren,count it all joy when ye fall into divers tempta-tions; Knowing this, that the trying of your faithworketh patience. But let patience have herperfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,wanting nothing” (Jam. 1:2-4). Peter listed pa-tience as one of the virtues of a Christian (2 Pet.1:6). Paul advised Timothy to flee these (evil)things and follow after righteousness, godliness,faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Tim. 6:11).The writer of Hebrews admonished Christians to“run with patience the race that is set before us”(Heb. 12:1). Patience is a virtue of Christianethics. One who exercises patience in his every-day activities is able to discern that which is im-portant and of spiritual value. He quickly learnsthe true values of life do not include rash andcompulsive judgments likely to result in regret.

3. Service. Faith is strengthened when putinto practice. It is a strange phenomenon thathelping someone else makes one feel better aboutone’s self. An effective antidote for self-pity is tovisit someone who needs attention. A person inneed is encouraged by the attention given, but thegiver’s faith is greatly strengthened when hegives God the glory for the encouragement.Service is one of the visible manifestations of theChristian life. People see the good done; thegiver of the good deed and the motivation for theaction, which is God. Christianity involvesgiving one’s time, talent, energy, as well as

money. Giving is service in the Master’s king-dom. One who feels he can belong to the churchof our Lord and fail to serve is laboring under afalse premise. The more we serve, the strongerour faith becomes.

4. Loyalty. Standing true to our convictionsin times of trouble, trial, stress, or persecutionstrengthens our faith. It is impossible for one tohave a clear conscience knowing he has betrayedhis Master. Judas Iscariot hanged himself know-ing he had betrayed Jesus. We call it living withone’s self. It is a hard thing to bear the guilt ofbetrayal. Paul wrote, “Watch ye, stand fast in thefaith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Cor.16:13). Men are rewarded for loyalty; never forbetrayal.

Conclusion. Those who have expressed theirdesire to become a Christian have made a state-ment to all men that they have committed theirlives as a believer and follower of Jesus. To ac-complish their commitment demands great faith.Those not having such faith soon falter and fallback into the world. Having a great faith requireshumility, patience, service, and loyalty. Withthese he can withstand the “fiery darts of thewicked” (Read Eph. 6:10-18).

3616 Brown Trail; Bedford, TX 76021

WHO OR WHATIS RIGHT?Jeff Blanton

When children are seen playing, many timesbefore too long one or the other of the childrenwants to do something differently or changegames or take charge. Then comes the problem.Who is right? Is it right for one to change rules orgames just because it is what that individualwants or because he is not getting his way? Theway they decide to find out who or what is rightis to call on mother or daddy. Mom and dad have




Covered-dish meal will be provided Monday - Thursday at 6:00 P.M.in the general purpose building.

Come and enjoy Christian fellowship and gospel preaching.

the final say and that decides who or what isright.

As we get older the same thing, who or whatis right, comes into play. In the world, many thathave problems decide that they are not beingtreated right or that someone owes them some-thing for what has happened to them. Often, theway one finds out who or what is right is byturning to a court of law. In the spiritual andmoral aspect of life many, like children, decidewho or what is right by what “I” want or like.When people do this, the problem is that theyturn to the wrong place to find out the correctanswer. The correct place to turn for guidance isthe Bible for it has all the right answers. “Ac-cording as his divine power hath given unto usall things that pertain unto life and godliness,through the knowledge of him that hath called usto glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3). However, often

in the world today people depend on self and notthe Scriptures. “O LORD, I know that the way ofman is not in himself: it is not in man that walk-eth to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).

If people today truly want to find out theanswer to who or what is right, all should turn tothe Bible. Christ said, “Come unto me, all ye thatlabour and are heavy laden, and I will give yourest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shallfind rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy,and my burden is light” (Mat. 11:28-30). For usto truly find out who or what is correct we mustnot depend on our parents, the court of law, oreven ourselves, but instead turn back to theBible. Are you genuinely willing to follow God’sWord? It is the only true way to find out who orwhat is right. “Sanctify them through thy truth:thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Copied


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold Staples(in Baptist Hospital, room 307), JeanFlesher, Tim Lamb, Ray and MargeWilliams, Hairston Brantley (in SacredHeart Hospital, room 430), Willodean Gann(Ray Dodd’s sister), Maria Bonaparte (Billand Peggy Crowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean(Ray Foshee’s friend), Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), SamStough (Jean Flesher’s father), and ThelmaLoy (Jim Loy’s mother).


Reading: Allen BrazellInvitation: Fred Stancliff

October 25, 2000Reading: Bill BuschInvitation: Dusty Wilkes

MARK THESE DATESOctober 15, 2000–Visitation Group 2 as-

signment cards handed out.October 15, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meeting

at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.October 22, 2000–Visitation Group 3 as-



PSALM 117:1-2“O praise the LORD, all ye nations:

praise him, all ye people. For his mercifulkindness is great toward us: and the truth ofthe LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye theLORD.”

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HOW TO BEPERFECTLYMISERABLE

Carl GarnerThere are some decisions in life that are made

below our conscious level. We do not sit down,ponder the options and then chart a particularcourse, but gradually and slowly these choicesare made. We have all known people with mani-fold problems, and good reasons to be irritableand depressed, yet they were pleasant, positive,and determined to make the best of whatevercomes. They had made one of those choices—perhaps not consciously, but just as cer-tainly—they were going to be happy! On theother hand, we may know others with fewerproblems, less reason to complain, yet for them

nothing is ever quite good enough. They love totalk about their troubles, and they constantly fretor grumble about something or someone. They,too, have made a decision—they are going to bemiserable! And nothing anyone can do is goingto deprive them of their enjoyment of that mis-ery. As a service to those who have made thelatter decision, the decision to be miserable, weoffer the following ten guidelines for beingmiserable and enjoying it:

1. Think and talk about yourself as muchas possible. In every conversation, use “I,” “me,”and “my” as often as possible. Center all yourthoughts on your own interest, and whatever youdo, do not become interested in or concernedabout others. Talk about your troubles to every-one you see. It will not be long before no onewill talk (or listen) to you, and then you canreally be miserable (Rom. 15:1-2).

2. Measure your happiness by the amount

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIMEENDS on October 29

Set your clocks backone hour on Saturdayevening.

of money or possessions you own. If the firstsuggestion does not sound good to you, then thisone will work. Compare what you have (or donot have) with everyone you know. Determine tohave more or better than your neighbors, andresolve not to be satisfied until you are success-ful. Of course, by then your neighbors will havesomething new, and you can start over (Heb.13:5; Luke 12:15).

3. Be suspicious and jealous of everyone.Do not trust anyone, especially anyone whomight be in competition with you. When anotherperson receives an honor, explain to everyonethat you could have done better if you had justtried. To be really miserable, you must envyeveryone else their success and their happiness.That makes sense, does it not (Rom. 12:10-16)?

4. Be sensitive, easily offended, and impos-sible to be comforted. Make everyone walk oneggshells around you for fear of offending you.Make it clear to all you know that you will nottake anything off anybody. Look for insults inthe comments of others, even when none areintended. And then return the insults, humiliatingeveryone who speaks to you (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

5. Never forget a criticism or another per-son’s mistakes. If you want to be miserable, youmust have a good memory. When someone hascriticized you—or even if you think they have—do not ever forget it or let them forget it. Andany time anyone makes a mistake, mark it downand periodically remind them of their blunder. Asthey say, misery loves company (Phi. 2:2-4; Col.3:12-14).

6. Think the worst about everyone. If arumor begins about someone else, tell those yousee that you suspected it all along. Expect theworst from others and you will usually get it. Ifpossible reach the worst possible conclusionfrom seeing the deeds of others. If an actioncould have been motivated by greed or envy,assume that it is—then tell everybody (Mark2:14-28).

7. Demand agreement with your opinions.Make sure everyone knows of your opinions, andthen show hurt and disappointment when othersdisagree. Of course, you must make sure every-one knows that your superior wisdom and insightdemands acceptance of your conclusions (3 John9-11).

8. Never forget a good deed you have done.Be proud of your occasional charitable acts, andif people do not know about them—tell them.Sulk and pout if others do not go on and on aboutyour goodness and righteousness, while showingthe appropriate gratitude (Mat. 6:1-4).

9. Shirk your duties whenever you can. Letothers know that you are too occupied in impor-tant things to be responsible for mundane matterssuch as helping the needy, visiting the sick, orcleaning the church building. If you can notavoid the duties, then put them off till next weekor next month.

10. Refuse to forgive or show mercy toanyone. Accept no reasons for failure in others.Make everyone aware of someone else’s mis-takes, and refuse to accept anything but perfec-tion from your friends (if you have any left) andassociates (Eph. 4:32).

You might be able to be perfectly miserablewithout following these guidelines, but if you fallshort, that is just one more way of achievingdepression, despair, and distress. You have got tomake your choice and then work at it. Have amiserable day!

PO Box 1; Dripping Springs, TX 78620




Come and enjoy Christian fellowship and gospel preaching.Covered-dish meal will be provided Monday - Thursday at 6:00 P.M.

in the general purpose building.

CONSIDER THIS...Clint Brown

God’s people of old were trying to “shortchange” the Lord by making their public appear-ance at the temple, periodically making theirofferings, and deceiving themselves into believ-ing it was true devotion (Jer. 7:1-7). They trustedin this outward show of religiosity never consid-ering that God looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).

Jeremiah was told to go to the temple to re-buke his brethren for this hypocrisy. God make itclear that He was not at all impressed with theirworship when their lives were so out of harmonywith His will. They were trusting in their ownlying words (Jer. 7:8-11) and their worship wasin vain.

But consider this: Is there any difference inGod’s people then and many of God’s peoplenow? Do we believe that god is pleased with uswhen we make our weekly appearance and forgetthe Lord’s will for the rest of the week? This maybe trust in “American religiosity” but it is hardlytrust in God who demands whole-hearted devo-tion (Luke 9:23).

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked (Gal.6:7)! God gave us the best He had and He ex-pects us to give Him our best. Jeremiah’s mes-sage is still needed today: “amend your ways andyour doings” (Jer. 7:5), and God will restore yoursoul and cause you to stand in the Judgment. Butif you do not...??

PO Box 413Calera, OK 74730


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold Staples(in Baptist Hospital, room 307), JeanFlesher, Tim Lamb, Ray Williams, HairstonBrantley (in Sacred Heart Hospital, room430), Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister),Maria Bonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), Martha Parker (Richard Parker’ssister-in-law), Sam Stough (Jean Flesher’sfather), and Natalie Carter (Peggy Crowe’sstep-mother).

SYMPATHYOur deepest sympathy is extended to Jim

Loy and his family in the death of hismother, Thelma Loy, on October 15, 2000.Please keep Jim and his family in yourprayers.


Reading: Bill BuschInvitation: Dusty Wilkes

November 1, 2000Gospel Meeting with Danny Box

MARK THESE DATESOctober 22, 2000–Visitation Group 3 as-

signment cards handed out.October 29, 2000–Daylight savings time

ends.November 5, 2000–Visitation Group 1



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OUR WORLDWITH BILL CLINE

(Many years ago my father periodically ran acolumn in the Beacon with the above title. In thiscolumn he discussed [and sometimes embel-lished] things that happened in the congregationand often gave us a chance to laugh at ourselves.Recent events warrant the return of “Our World”so we can chuckle at our leg and foot injuries.)

Autumn Johnson started the whole ordealwith a leg and foot injury when she fell off herhorse and broke her ankle. She hobbled aroundon crutches for a few weeks and soon recoveredfrom the accident. Unfortunately, some have notlearned that it takes less time for a sixteen-year-old to recover from her injuries than it does forforty- fifty- and sixty-something-year-olds torecover from theirs.

Louis Herrington did a backward hand flip offa six-foot stepladder. His wife, Jane, gave him a10 on the flip, but took a major deduction for theawkward landing. Final score: crutches forseveral months, and still hobbles like a peg-legged sailor to this day.

Others have opted to allow doctors to inflictserious pain: Jim Loy opted to have a doctor cutoff a piece of bone in the heal of his foot. FranWaters joined Jim Loy in helping their Podiatristpay for his new Jaguar by allowing him to inflictthe same injuries on her foot. And Marilyn Halllet a doctor talk her into letting him drill a hole inher hip; and gonna let him do the other.

If dropping things on your foot and breakingbones were an Olympic sport, Bellview wouldhave won the gold. Just this morning I noted JeanCline’s big toe on her right foot is almost back tonormal. It has taken nearly a full year for the




Come and enjoy Christian fellowship and gospel preaching.Covered-dish meal will be provided Monday - Thursday at 6:00 P.M.

in the general purpose building.

blackened toenail to grow out and be replaced bya shiny pink new nail. Floy Dell Lindesmithnoted that her big toe, aside from a slightlyflattened shape, looks every bit as good as itsassociates: the piggy who stayed home, the piggywho had roast beef, the piggy who had none, andthe piggy who went “wee weee weeee” all theway home. Actually, that last little piggy did notsay anything. It was Floy Dell who went “Weeweee weeee!” all the way home when she brokeit a few months ago.

And now, not to be outdone by any of hisfellow brothers and sisters at Bellview, ElwardBrantley fell off the side of a mountain and brokehis ankle.

Rumor has it that Elward’s younger brother,Paul, told him that to hike down a steep grade allyou had to do was buy tennis shoes with the littlesuction cups on the soles. Furthermore, it is

alleged that Paul told him to cut little slits in thecanvas of new shoes so that in an emergency hecould thrust some of his toes through the slits andget better traction.

The details are sketchy at this time; however,we speculate this is what happened. On their wayto the Grand Canyon, Elward and Dot stopped ata ski resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Theytook the ski lift to the top of the mountain anddecided to walk back down. As Elward and Dotwere making their way down the unexploredbackside of the mountain, they came across ahuge slab of rock approximately fifty feet squareand slanting down to a drop-off. The surface ofthe rock was smooth and covered with themorning dew. Elward started walking straightacross the rock. Dot stopped.

“What did you stop for?” Elward asked,turning around about halfway across the slab.

PSALM 91:1-2“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the

most High shall abide under the shadow of theAlmighty. I will say of the LORD, He is myrefuge and my fortress: my God; in him willI trust.”

These shoes don’t slide on rock. The little suc-tion cups on the soles, they grab right onto the...”

Elward was sliding.“Well, this dew makes it a little slick, he said.

“I better...”By now Elward was really sliding. He gave

up all efforts at further conversation and devotedhis full attention to scrambling back up the rock.The problem was that no matter how fast andfurious Elward’s scramble was, his downwardrate of slide seemed to be greater by about aninch per second. Dot had no idea how much of adrop awaited him at the brink of the slab—ahundred feet, half a mile? Dot remembered allthe mountain-climbing movies she had ever seenwhere a climber loses his grip and plummetsdownward until he is just a tiny, noisy speckhurtling toward the patchwork farmlands below.From the look on his face, she knew Elward wasremembering the same movies. Then she noticedthat Elward had forgotten to stick his toes outthrough the slits in his shoes.

“Stick out your toes, Elward,” she screamedat him. “Stick out your toes!”

Elward’s toes suddenly emerged from the slitslike little pink landing gear, and Dot has to admitthat he did some marvelous things with histoes—in fact, just about everything it is possibleto do with tennis shoes, toes, and rock. Butnothing worked.

Elward could have gotten seriously injured ifa nice boulder did not soften his landing andkeep him from falling further down themountain.

We regret Dot did not have the family videorunning while the whole ordeal unfolded. IfElward could have been on tape, they could havewon the $100,000 grand prize on America’sFunniest Home Videos.

Whatever the fascination is this year with legand foot injuries, we hope that it is soon over andeveryone can get off their crutches at Bellview.

4820 Midas Rd; Pensacola, FL 32526

“EVIL GOOD, ANDGOOD EVIL”

Ed Smith“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good

evil; that put darkness for light, and light fordarkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet forbitter!” (Isa. 5:20). Sin by any other name is still“Sin.” That is exactly what we have done as anation. We have ridiculed absolute truth andcalled it moral pluralism. We have worshipedother gods and called it multiculturalism. Wehave endorsed perversion and called it alternativelifestyle. We have exploited the poor and calledit the lottery. We have neglected the needy andcalled it self-preservation. We have rewardedlaziness and called it welfare. We have killed ourunborn and called it choice. We have bombed theabortion clinics and called it justifiable. We haveneglected to discipline our children and called itbuilding self-esteem. We have polluted the airwith profanity and pornography and called itfreedom of expression. We have ridiculed thetime-honored values or our forefathers and calledit enlightenment. If we are a government “of thepeople and by the people” then we as a peoplehave lost sight of the principles of righteousnessthat will exalt a nation. If we in the homes ofAmerica will clean up the immoral influence andlet the world about us know what is right then wemay again enjoy the fruits of “One Nation UnderGod.”

Copied


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Harold Staples(in Baptist Hospital, room 450), JeanFlesher, Ray Williams, Hairston Brantley(in Tandem Rehab, room 508), EddieMcLeod, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law), Sam Stough (JeanFlesher’s father), Natalie Carter (PeggyCrowe’s step-mother).

READING/INVITATIONNovember 1, 2000

Gospel Meeting with Danny BoxNovember 8, 2000

Reading: Jerry CaineInvitation: Henry Born

MARK THESE DATESNovember 5, 2000–Visitation Group 1

assignment cards handed out.November 12, 2000––Visitation Group 2

assignment cards handed out.November 19, 2000–Visitation Group 3



DAYLIGHT SAVINGSTIME ENDS

Daylight savings timeends Sunday, October 29. Setyour clocks back one hour onSaturday evening.

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ANOTHERGENERATION

Barry M. GriderIn August 1955, the following was written by

Senator Albert Gore, Sr., of Tennessee, in cele-bration of the 100th anniversary of the GospelAdvocate:

May I congratulate you and your staff uponthis splendid publication which contains thechronology of editors and ministers who haveexerted such a lasting influence for good andfor the furtherance of Christian living not onlyin our State but throughout the South and theNation.Mr. Gore’s remarks concerning morality

stand in stark contrast to his son, Albert Gore, Jr.,Vice President of the United States, who ispresently seeking our nation’s highest office.

In last weeks presidential debate with

Governor George W. Bush of Texas, Mr. Gore,while not endorsing gay marriage, did appear tosupport some form of civic union between homo-sexual couples. This should not be surprisingconsidering some of the comments of the VicePresident in recent years.

Many Christians and promoters of moralitywere appalled when the television series “Ellen”promoted an openly lesbian character in the leadrole. At the time, Mr. Gore said that the TV char-acter forced Americans to “look at sexual orien-tation in a more open light.” Earlier this yearwhile campaigning for the presidency, the VicePresident relayed his vigorous support for gaysand lesbians in the following quote:

But we have taken the inner meaning andpower of our founding documents and thespirit of America and breathed new life intothem in each new generation. And the time hascome for gays and lesbians to be recognizedwithin the circle of human dignity.

IN MEMORY OF HAROLD JOSEPH STAPLES, SR.“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).Our deepest sympathy is extended to Lucille Staples and her family in the death of her husband,

Harold, on October 29, 2000. Harold Staples, 77, went to be with his Lord following a courageousbattle with cancer. He was an active member of the Bellview Church of Christ, having put on Christin baptism in 1993. He was a loving and devoted husband and father.

Harold was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Marine Corps. Following the war, hecontinued to serve his country in the Army Reserves. Harold retired in 1984, after 42 years, fromthe Naval Air Rework Facility at NAS Pensacola. While retired, he enjoyed fishing and was an avidbird watcher.

Please keep Lucille and her family in your prayers and assist them in any way possible.

Now, this is—this is an issue that is a—is amoral issue. I feel very strongly about it andwill fight for advances in this area.In Exodus 1:8, the Bible reads, “Now there

arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew notJoseph.” This does not mean the new Pharaohdid not recognize the name of Joseph, or whatmarvelous things he had done for Egypt, butrather Pharaoh had no respect nor appreciationfor Joseph. It seems Mr. Gore is reflective of ourcurrent society, which does not respect norappreciate even the moral principles of a gener-ation ago. Whether or not Gore really believesthe above statements, or is just pandering for thevotes of Sodomites, no one really knows. How-ever, Isaiah’s words still resound: “Woe untothem that call evil good, and good evil; that putdarkness for light, and light for darkness; that putbitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20).

Homosexuality is an abomination before God.The penalty for such behavior under the Mosaiceconomy was death. “If a man also lie with man-kind, as he lieth with a woman, both of themhave committed an abomination: they shallsurely be put to death; their blood shall be uponthem” (Lev. 20:13).

Paul wrote of such deviants when he said,“For this cause God gave them up unto vileaffections: for even their women did change the

natural use into that which is against nature: Andlikewise also the men, leaving the natural use ofthe woman, burned in their lust one towardanother; men with men working that which isunseemly, and receiving in themselves that re-compence of their error which was meet” (Rom.1:26-27).

Not only is homosexuality a grievous andsickening sin, such mocks God’s design. Godcreated them male and female (Gen. 1:27; Mat.19:6). He brought the woman unto the man thatshe might be his marriage partner. She is man’shelp meet, suitable for him. “Therefore shall aman leave his father and his mother, and shallcleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh”(Gen. 2:24). Hence, two men or two womenseeking to live in a similar relationship together,defies the sacred plan of God.

It is evident today, there are Sodomites in theland (1 Kin. 14:24). They will use every meansnecessary to encourage sympathy for their cause.Obviously those in government, journalism, andthe entertainment industry are ready to march onbehalf of their crusade. Christians must not besilent, but heed God’s admonition: “Cry aloud,spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, andshew my people their transgression, and thehouse of Jacob their sins” (Isa. 58:1). Certainly

we do not advocate physical violence toward anyhomosexual. Yet, as Christians, we can neverdignify such perverted behavior. Rather, withlove, we reach out to them, as with all sinners,with the saving gospel of Christ (Rom. 3:23;6:23). There is a better way. It is to be found inthe Savior. “Know ye not that the unrighteousshall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be notdeceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, noradulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of them-selves with mankind [homosexuals], nor thieves,nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, norextortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.And such were some of you: but ye are washed,but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in thename of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of ourGod” (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Repentance is the answer,Mr. Gore, not acceptance.

3950 Forest Hill Irene RoadMemphis, TN 38125

WHAT WOULDJESUS DO?

Danny BoxAll across our country many people have

started wearing bracelets or other items with thefollowing letters on them, WWJD. These lettersstand for What Would Jesus Do, and are thereto remind the person that when faced withtemptation to do evil, they should first stop andask themselves what Jesus would do, and thenfollow His lead to overcome that temptation. AsI took notice of these letters, WWJD, thefollowing thoughts came to mind.

What would Jesus do if someone askedHim what they had to do to be saved? Jesuswould not hesitate to tell someone what theyneeded to do. He would tell them they had toHear the Word (Rom. 10:17). He then would tellthem that they had to Believe that Word (John

8:24). Then He would tell them that they had toRepent of their sins (Luke 13:3). The Lordwould then let the person know that they had toConfess Him as Lord before men (Rom. 10:10).And finally the Lord would tell someone that tobe saved they had to be Baptized in His name forthe remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21). Hewould not tell them that all they had to do wasaccept Him as their personal Savior and theywould be saved, nor would He tell them thatbaptism was only an outward sign of an inwardgrace and not essential for salvation. Jesus wouldtell them the plain unadulterated truth accordingto God’s inspired Word, and that is what weshould do!

What would Jesus do if confronted bytemptations? While living on earth, our Lordwas confronted by all temptations that arecommon to man (Heb. 4:15), yet He was withoutsin. How did Jesus overcome His temptations?First, He knew that He did not have to handlethem by Himself (1 Pet. 5:7; Phi. 4:13). Second,He used the Holy Scriptures to help Himovercome His temptations (Mat. 4:1-11; 2 Tim.3:16-17). Then third, He was able to overcomebecause He resisted the devil instead of giving in(Jam. 4:7). We, too, can overcome ourtemptations if we keep in mind that with alltemptations given, there is also a way of escape(1 Cor. 10:13).

What would Jesus do when opposed byfalse teachers? Our Lord warned us about falseteachers (Mat. 7:15; 24:11; Acts 20:29-30). OurLord and the apostles confronted the falseteacher, they continued to “preach the word,”they had no fellowship with the false teacher, andthey marked those who taught false doctrine(Mat. 23; 2 John 9-11; Rom. 17:2; 2 The. 3:14-15). Why do we not do as the Lord did when weare confronted with those who would pervert thegospel of our Lord?



Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Eddie McLeod, ElwardBrantley, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law), Sam Stough (JeanFlesher’s father), Natalie Carter (PeggyCrowe’s step-mother), and Jerry Johnson(Joyce Johnson’s brother-in-law).


Reading: Jerry CaineInvitation: Henry Born

November 15, 2000Reading: Jeremy CaineInvitation: Paul Brantley



assignment cards handed out.November 12, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.November 19, 2000–Visitation Group 3

assignment cards handed out.November 19, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meet-

ing at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.November 26, 2000–Visitation Group 1



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BEACONVOL. XXIX NOVEMBER 6, 2000 NO. 45




MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





SCIENTIFICFOREKNOWLEDGE

AND BIBLICALACCURACYBert Thompson

One of the most arresting evidences of theBible’s inspiration is the unique scientific fore-knowledge it contains. From anthropology tozoology, the Bible presents accurate scientificinformation, and provides rules, regulations, orprohibitions based on that information. Examplesabound, only two of which shall be examinedhere.

While the Old Testament placed no restric-tions on the eating of fruits and vegetables, severelimitations were given for the eating of certain

meats. Among land animals, only those that hada split hoof and chewed the cud were approved asedible (Lev. 11:3). Of those water-living animals,only those with fins and scales were acceptable(Lev. 11:9); of interest is the fact that poisonousfish have no scales). Birds of prey were prohib-ited, as were almost all insects. But perhaps thebest known among these biblical prohibitions waseating the meat of the pig; to the Jew, pork wasconsidered unclean, and thus inedible.

There is good reason for such a prohibition.The pig is a scavenger, and as such eats almostanything. In so doing, on occasion it ingests theparasite Trichinella spiralis, which is the cause oftrichinosis in humans. Pigs also are knowncarriers (as intermediate hosts) of the tapeworm,Taenia solium, and of the parsite Echinococcusgranulosis, which causes tumors in the liver,lungs, and other parts of the body. Raw or under-cooked pork can be very dangerous when con-

BAPTIZEDJohnathan McLeod and Ashton Fillingim

were baptized into Christ on November 5,2000. Please keep them in your prayers andoffer encouragement to help them grow asyoung Christians.

sumed by humans. Pigs can provide safe meat, ifthey are cleanly fed and if the muscle tissue iswell cooked. But such conditions often did notprevail in ancient times. (Even today, in somecountries, raw pork is considered a delicacy.)

Were the Israelites “ahead of the times” inregard to their public health and personal hygienelaws? Archaeologists admit that they have yet tofind civilizations as ancient as the Israelites withrules and regulations that could rival those of theJewish people in regard to complexity and sci-entific accuracy. In fact, none of the peoplearound the Israelites possessed this kind of ad-vanced public health knowledge. Yet the Jewspossessed this, and much more. How can this beexplained—apart from the special revelation fromGod for which they have become so renowned?

Consider an additional case of scientific fore-knowledge. For many centuries, man consideredthe seashore as little more than a shallow, sandyextension that went from one continent to an-other. Then, in 1873 a group of British scientists,carrying out research in the Pacific Ocean,discovered a “recess” (trench) 35,800 feet deep.A trench is a long, narrow depression in the oceanfloor that looks like an enormous gash withextremely steep sides. The topography and depthof these trenches are used to distinguish themfrom other valleys and depressions in the oceans.Three major oceans have trenches in them, butthe Pacific is most renowned for such. Extensivestudies have been done on the Marianas Trenchoff the coast of Guam. In fact, several years agoa research team, using the bathyscaph Trieste,traveled almost seven miles down into one trench.

The Bible, however, once again containedsuch knowledge long before mankind discoveredit. Biblical scholars acknowledge that the use ofthe Hebrew word tehom (“abyssal depth”—seeGen. 7:11) may well be a reference to suchtrenches. Job was asked by God, “Hast thou en-tered into the springs of the sea? Or hast thou

walked in the recesses of the deep?” (Job 38:16).Psalm 135:6 speaks of God as being even in “thedeep.” We now know—thanks to years of intense,successful scientific investigations—that such“recesses” actually do occur in the oceans of ourplanet. Admittedly, our knowledge of thesematters resulted from impressive technologicalachievements covering many generations. Butwhere did the writer of the book of Job obtain hisinformation? And how did the palmist know touse a word that depicted oceanic depths?

Can these instances of scientific foreknow-ledge, and numerous others that the Bible con-tains, be counted as mere “lucky guesses”? Hard-ly! The simple fact of the matter is that theBible’s awareness of, and accuracy in, scientificmatters is indeed one of the most impressiveevidences available to document the truthfulnessof its claim of divine inspiration.

230 Landmark Drive; Montgomery, AL 36117

JUST ONEGENERATION AWAY

David BrownThe days of Joshua are noted for Israel’s

faithfulness to the Lord. So great was his influ-ence for good that “the people served the LORDall the days of Joshua” (Jud. 2:7). FollowingJoshua’s death Israel continued to serve Godunder the elders that outlived Joshua. However,

following the death of those elders “there aroseanother generation after them, which knew notthe LORD” (Jud. 2:10). One generation served theLord—the next did not. How did it happen?

Let us note the progression of error withinfleshly Israel of old and thereby we will see thatsuch works the same way in spiritual Israel, thechurch.

(1) Israel “knew not the LORD” (Jud. 2:10).When men are ignorant of the will of God theyare open to any and all forms of error (Hos. 4:6;2 The. 2:10-12; 2 Tim. 2:15). This first step pre-pares the people for the second.

(2) Israel forsook God. “And they forsook theLORD God of their fathers, which brought themout of the land of Egypt” (Jud. 2:12). Ignorant ofGod’s standard of conduct they ceased servingHim. Step two prepared them for the third one.

(3) Israel served “the gods of the people thatwere round about them” (Jud. 2:12). Pagan ideastook the place of God’s will, bringing about pa-gan practices in Israel. Hence, immoralityabounded and “every man did that which wasright in his own eyes” (Jud. 17:6)

(4) God punished Israel. “And the anger of theLORD was hot against Israel, and he deliveredthem into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them,and he sold them into the hands of their enemiesround about” (Jud. 2:14). The law of sowing andreaping produced its fruit.

To the church in Ephesis Paul wrote, “Be notdeceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever aman soweth, that shall he also reap. For he thatsoweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reapcorruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shallof the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. 6:7-8).Hence, when apostasy takes place in spiritualIsrael it takes the same steps as it did in ancientIsrael. No hope for a faithful church is possiblewhere there is spiritual illiteracy.

Today, the Lord’s church is not one generationaway from apostasy. We are in the midst of the

generation that has forsaken the Lord God of ourfathers. While God’s people of yesterday returnedto the Bible as their only rule of faith andpractice, today many members of the church ofChrist are rushing head long back into deno-minationalism. Our faithful ancestors restored theancient order of things. Our generation seeks toserve “the gods of the people...round about them”(Jud. 2:12) and thereby become just another de-nomination. Liberalism (loosing men from whatGod in His Word had bound on them) is anotherway of saying denominationalism. To be one isto bring about the other.

PO Box 39; Spring, TX 77383

THANKS TO OURTEACHERS

I do not think that I will ever forget my earlyBible School teacher. I remember the memoryverse cards that she would give to us and use asa teaching guide. Maybe some of you canremember these as well (If you do not mindadmitting your age!). She always seemedinterested in me and the rest of the class. I alwayslooked forward to seeing her. And she was thereat every service.

Sometimes teachers are overlooked. I do notthink that this is an intentional thing, it is just thatstudents often take them for granted. But onething is for sure, they are mighty special people.Why do not we as parents take just a moment andtell the Bible class teachers how much we appre-ciate them for the good job that they are doing.

When the Bible class teacher and the hometeacher (parents) are working hand-in-hand muchgood will be accomplished. The church of thefuture is being developed in those twoclassrooms.

I just wanted to say thank you very much!Author Unknown


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Elward Brantley,Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister), MariaBonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), Martha Parker (Richard Parker’ssister-in-law), Sam Stough (Jean Flesher’sfather), and Natalie Carter (Peggy Crowe’sstep-mother).


Joyce Johnson and her family in the deathof her brother-in-law, Jerry Johnson, onOctober 24, 2000. Please keep them in yourprayers.


Reading: Jeremy CaineInvitation: Paul Brantley

November 22, 2000Reading: Bill GallaherInvitation: Scot Brazell






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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





WHEN ANGERBECOMES SINFUL

Barry Grider“He that is slow to anger is better than the

mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he thattaketh a city” (Pro. 16:32).

Anger is something all must seek to control.If not, such can mar friendships, destroy homes,divide churches, and can even lead to death.Christ wants to dwell in our hearts by faith (Eph.3:17), and He wants to help us with ourstruggles, including anger. He, too, has beentempted in every way, similar to you and me(Heb. 9:15). So Jesus was tempted with anger.Consider Jesus when He went unto His ownpeople and brought them the good news ofhuman redemption, they rejected Him (John1:11); yet He did not get angry. All the way to

the cross, He never lost control of His temper.Someone says, “But Jesus did get angry.”

Yes, on one occasion, His anger was stirred somuch that He drove out the moneychangers fromthe temple (Mat. 21:13). But Jesus’ wrath waskindled because His Father’s house was made aden of thieves. Jesus got angry over traditionsand customs of men, or when His Father’s truthwas attacked, or when the weak and lessfortunate were abused. This ought to cause eachChristian to be angry as well.

The Bible student should pay close attentionto this statement by the apostle Paul, “Be ye an-gry, and sin not: let not the sun go down uponyour wrath: Neither give place to the devil” (Eph.4:26-27). As seen from the passage, anger itselfis not always sinful; however, losing control ofone’s temperament is always wrong. Jesus wasalways in control of every situation. He never gotangry when He personally was attacked. Often

THINK ABOUT IT...It is infinitely better to rock the boat con-

tending for the truth, than to wreck the boatthrough compromise with error.

Author Unknown

we are just the opposite. If someone attacks us,we get angry and mad. But if someone attacksChrist, the church, the truth, or the weak, wecouldn’t care less.

The Proverbs writer says learn to control youranger and when you do, you are better thanmighty men. This indicates there is workinvolved in controlling anger. Consider that thefirst step in controlling your anger involvesknowing yourself. Realize that you could bewrong about something and the person who iscritical of you may be right. “The way of a foolis right in his own eyes: but he that hearkenethunto counsel is wise.” (Pro. 12:15). Find outwhat makes you angry. This could be done bythinking about what brings you happiness andjoy and then what destroys this. In dealing withanger, recognize that you are human and youhave weaknesses like other people. Anger couldbe one of your weak areas. Don’t deny it, ratheradmit it (1 John 1:8). Once you recognize angeras a flaw in your character, you can beginworking to control it.

Not only should you stop and consideryourself, but examine the one who has made youangry, in a fair manner. Try to get into his mindand see what has caused him to act or react insuch a way toward you. Instead of wanting topunish the individual, think about helping him.The person may be suffering in a way you do notrealize and he is taking his frustrations out onyou. An old Indian expression goes, “Neverjudge a man till you have walked a mile in hismoccasins.” Instead of looking at issues fromyour own perspective, look at the issues fromyour attacker’s angle.

Even if you are subject to a cruel and unfairattack, always respond properly. The wise manstated, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: butgrievous words stir up anger” (Pro. 15:1). Trylowering your voice inflection as your attackerelevates his. And always remember to be ready to

forgive.How serious is it to lose your cool? If you live

a life of anger, it will negatively affect yourhealth. Satan will use anger to destroy yourhome. Because of anger, husbands and wivesdivorce. Through anger, parents are oftenalienated from their children. Anger can cost youyour job and your dearest friends. Mostimportantly, anger interrupts your fellowshipwith God. He wants you to have peace in yoursoul. He wants you to trust Him, even when youare wronged.

So when you are tempted to lose control ofyour temper, remember to draw near to God.Talk to Him in prayer about what makes youangry. You will instantly obtain relief from yourill feelings. After you have talked with God,avoid those thoughts that rekindle unpleasantmemories. Try and think of the good in others,including your enemies. Be open to God’s Wordand let it guide you and your emotions. Whenyou do, your heart will be filled with love andyou will soon conquer anger and hostility.3950 Forest Hill Irene Rd; Memphis, TN 38125

THE CROWDWAS WRONG!

Michael LightIn Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus referred to the ul-

timate destruction that awaits most of the world.Historically the same has been true. We shouldnever let the feelings of the majority determinewhat we will and will not do. Truth will not be

Read your Bibles daily!

stifled by error forever.Adam Thompson of Cincinnati, Ohio filled

the first bathtub in the United States in 1842.Doctors predicted rheumatism and inflammationof the lungs from the new device. Cities set extraheavy water rates to discourage its use, and a banon bathtubs was published in Philadelphia thatyear. The crowd was wrong!

In 1896 England had a law forbidding anypower driven vehicle from traveling over fourmiles per hour on public highways. Furthermore,it was required that any such vehicle, bepreceded by a man bearing a red flag. The crowdwas wrong!

Edward Jenner, who discovered vaccination,was jeered. Some men went so far as to predictthe transferal of all animal diseases to the humanrace. Yet, Jenner’s vaccination eliminated thesmall pox scourge. The crowd was wrong!

Robert Fulton received only words ofdiscouragement from his contemporaries as heworked on his steamboat. Westinghouse wascalled a fool for thinking a train could be stoppedwith air brakes. Goodyear was booed byeveryone but his wife, as he worked for over tenyears in vulcanizing rubber. The crowd waswrong!

And remember Noah? We could go on and onabout people who had to find the strength topursue truth, while being made fun of ordiscouraged in some way. The majority of theworlds population died in that flood. The crowdwas wrong!

The majority never has and never will followGod’s will. They either ignore Him completelyor claim to follow Him, and do so half-heartedly.Their lives are fed with temporary pleasureswhile the true and living God invites men topartake of a real banquet which will feed the soulfor eternity. Do not follow the crowd, the crowdis wrong!

PO Box 158; Bangs, TX 76823

WHERE GOD AIN’THe was just a little lad.

And on the week’s first day,Was wandering home from Sunday School

And dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass;He found a caterpillar;

He found a fluffy milkweed pod,And flew out all the filler.

A bird’s nest in a tree o’er headSo wisely placed and high,Was just another wonder

That caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zig-zag course,And hailed him from the lawn;

Asked him where he’d been that day,And what was going on.

“Oh, I’ve been to Sunday School.(He carefully turned a sod

And found a snail beneath it);I’ve learned a lot about God.”

“M’m’m, a very fine way,” the neighbor said,“For a boy to spend his time;

If you’ll tell me where God is,I’ll give you a brand new dime.”

Quick as a flash his answer came!Nor were his accents faint—

“I’ll give you a dollar, Mister,If you tell me where God ain’t.”

Author Unknown


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Elward Brantley, JerryLindesmith, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law), Sam Stough (JeanFlesher’s father), Natalie Carter (PeggyCrowe’s step-mother), Peter Varsalona(Alice Williams’ father), Buddy Bearden(Allen Brazell’s cousin), and Danny Elmore(Allen Brazell’s brother-in-law).

RESTOREDBill Cline was restored into Christ on

November 13, 2000. Please keep him inyour prayers.


Reading: Bill GallaherInvitation: Scot Brazell

November 29, 2000Reading: Andrew HatcherInvitation: Bill Cline


assignment cards handed out.November 19, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meet-

ing at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.November 26, 2000–Visitation Group 1



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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





IN EVERYTHINGGIVE THANKS

Barry M. GriderOn November 23, 2000, Americans will once

again celebrate a national day of thanksgiving. Itis a day set aside to give thanks unto God for ourgreat heritage and the many blessings He be-stows upon us. For many, Thanksgiving is sim-ply a day off from work. It is a time to overeat,enjoy parades and ball games, and visit friendsand relatives. However, for the child of God,every day is truly Thanksgiving Day. Paul ad-monished, “In every thing give thanks” (1 The.5:18). For what does the child of God givethanks?

Give thanks for God’s goodness and mercy(1 Chr. 16:34).

Give thanks for God’s holiness (Psa. 30:4).Give thanks for God’s creation (Psa. 75:1).Give thanks for God’s deeds (Psa. 105:1).Give thanks for God’s righteous judgment

(Psa. 119:62).Give thanks for our food (Mat. 15:36).Give thanks for the body and blood of Jesus

(Mat. 26:26-28).Give thanks for the victory found in Jesus

Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).Give thanks for the care and compassion of

others (2 Cor. 8:16).Give thanks for God’s unspeakable gift—

Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 9:15).Give thanks for our brethren (Eph. 1:16).Give thanks for all things (Eph. 5:20).Give thanks for the church (Col. 1:12-13).Give thanks for all men (1 Tim. 2:1).Give thanks for civil authorities (1 Tim. 2:2).

NEW BIBLE CLASSES BEGINNINGBible classes for the winter quarter will begin Sunday, December 3. Make plans now to attend

these classes.Sunday Schedule

Adults I 2 Corinthians Paul BrantleyAdults II 1 Corinthians Michael HatcherAdults III Romans II Jim LoyNew Converts Studies In Christian Doctrine And Practical Christian Living Bill Gallaher

Wednesday Schedule

Adults I 2 Samuel Ray FosheeAdults II 1 Kings Michael HatcherAdults III 2 Kings Bill CroweNew Converts Studies In Christian Doctrine And Practical Christian Living Bill Gallaher

Give thanks for the hope of heaven (Rev.11:16-17).

Surely we can think of countless other bless-ings for which we should give thanks. These arejust a few of those mentioned in the Holy Scrip-tures. As His children, let us begin today thank-ing God for His many favors.

3950 Forest Hill Irene RoadMemphis, TN 38125

JESUS SAID,LEARN FROM ME

Noah A. HackworthIn Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come unto

me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and Iwill give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, andlearn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For myyoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The phrase“learn of me” is better rendered “learn from me”(mathete apo emou). In this passage alone we

have the sum and substance of true discipleship.What does it really take to be a disciple of Jesus?

First, it requires learning. Jesus said, “learnfrom me.” If we would be disciples of Jesus wemust sit at His feet and learn from Him. Adisciple (mathetes) is literally a learner (frommanthano, to learn, from a root math, indicatingthought accomplished by endeavour). “Disciple”occurs only in the Gospels and Acts and alwaysimplies a pupil of someone in contrast to teacher,and the pupil not only accepts views but putsthem into practice. Unfortunately, there are thosewho are “ever learning, and never able to cometo the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:6-7).When we “learn from Christ” we not only learnabout Christ Himself but we apply thisknowledge to the extent that we live differentlyfrom other people. Learning is a continualprocess. We learn, we come to a knowledge ofthe truth, but we continue to “push back thefrontiers of knowledge.” As we learn, our desirefor more knowledge increases.

Second, discipleship requires us to “imbibe”

NEW ARRIVALJerry and Sharon Caine are

proud to announce thebirth of their grand-daughter, Ashley Noel,born on November 15,

2000, to Kelly and JimmyKimmons. Ashley weighed 7 pounds 3ounces and was 21 inches long. Our congratu-lations is extended to everyone.

the spirit of Christ. Imbibe means “to take in as ifby drinking” (cf., 1 Cor. 12:13). The spirit ofChrist is the spirit of service. Jesus “who,existing in the form of God, counted not thebeing on an equality with God a thing to begrasped, but emptied himself, taking the form ofa servant, being made in the likeness of men”(Phi. 2:6-7). The disciple of Jesus must imbibeJesus’ spirit.

Third, the disciple of Christ is eager to imitateHis example, (i.e., those things that are binding).If something is an example, I suppose it isbinding. Good brethren have taught us todistinguish between “an account of an action”and “an example.” An “account of an action” isnot necessarily binding, but an “example”appears to be. So, as Christ’s disciples we wantto imitate Him. Paul said, “Be ye imitators of me,even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Theworld in which we live must be made to takeknowledge of the fact that we have been withJesus (Acts 4:13).

Fourth, continuance in the Word of the Lordexhibits discipleship. John 8:31 says, “If ye abidein my word, then are ye truly my disciples.”Discipleship ceases if we start and quit. We muststart and continue. “No man, having put his handto the plow, and looking back, is fit for the

kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). “If so be that yecontinue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, andnot moved away from the hope of the gospelwhich ye heard” (Col. 1:23).

When Jesus said, “learn from me,” He issuedone of the greatest challenges of all time;learning is a voluntary process that pays off withtremendous dividends, but time and patience arerequired, and only those who have sat at the feetof Jesus, learned from Him, imbibed His spirit,and are imitating His example, can navigatesafely upon the sea of life.


INSLIDINGDuring a Gospel Meeting one of the deacons

of the church came forward to ask for the prayersof the church. The congregation was electrified,disturbed, and puzzled because they knew theman was such a fine Christian. His life was com-pletely above reproach. His confession was notone of backsliding, but insliding. He stated insubstance, “A number of years ago, I wascompletely out of duty, refusing to attend churchand conducting myself in such a way that wasnot complimentary to the cause of Christ. I cameback, not to make confession, but to slip in. I saton the back row for awhile, gradually moving upa few seats, singing as loudly as anybody else.This continued until I won the confidence of thebrethren and they forgot about my sins and ap-pointed me a deacon in the church. Even thoughthe brethren have forgotten, I do not believe Godhas. God knows that I slipped back in. This time,I am coming forward like the prodigal son say-ing, “I have sinned against heaven and in thysight, and I want to make correction” (Acts 8:22;Jam. 5:16).

Author Unknown


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Jerry Lindesmith, SheilaMyrick, Ray Dodd, Willodean Gann (RayDodd’s sister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill andPeggy Crowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean(Ray Foshee’s friend), Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), SamStough (Jean Flesher’s father), NatalieCarter (Peggy Crowe’s step-mother), PeterVarsalona (Alice Williams’ father), BuddyBearden (Allen Brazell’s cousin), andDanny Elmore (Allen Brazell’s brother-in-law).


Reading: Andrew HatcherInvitation: Bill Cline

December 6, 2000Reading: Daniel HatcherInvitation: Bill Crowe


assignment cards handed out.December 3, 2000–Visitation Group 2







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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





SHOULD WE“CONTEND FOR

THE FAITH”?Steve Ellis

Jude 3 exhorts faithful Christians to “earnest-ly contend for the faith which was once deliveredunto the saints.” Courageous soldiers of the crosshave ever recognized and fulfilled this sacredduty without fear or favor. When Paulencountered misconduct, even on the part of afellow apostle and one of his most beloved co-laborers, he rebuked them because “they walkednot uprightly according to the truth of thegospel” (Gal. 2:14). The fact that Peter was anapostle did not deter Paul from condemning hisprejudicial behavior “to the face, because he wasto be blamed” (Gal. 2:11). And the fact that

Barnabas had vouched for Paul’s sincerity inobeying the gospel (Acts 9:27), recruited Paul tohelp with the work at Antioch (Acts 11:25-26),and accompanied him on his first missionaryjourney (Acts 13:1-2) did not influence Paul tooverlook his sin (Gal. 2:13). As trustees of sacredtruth, Jude taught that we should evidence thissame devotion to duty.

In spite of such plain teaching on thisimportant subject, some brethren are reluctant orunwilling to contend for the faith. Perhaps themost prevalent reason for this is that many sufferfrom a perverted view of the Bible doctrine oflove. Like misinformed parents who practice apermissive approach to child-rearing, somebrethren feel that no discipline and love are morecompatible than discipline exhibited in aframework of love. Those who would prefer tosweep all sin under a rose-colored rug of loveusually feel that real love and plain Bible-basedpreaching are mutually exclusive. These non-

contenders consider spineless, impotent, watered-down speech-making to be a sweet exhibition oflove in the pulpit. The greatest fan of this kind ofpseudo-preaching is Satan. He knows that suchwill not deliver the saving gospel to those whohear it, nor true New Testament Christianity tosucceeding generations. Altering God’s messagefor any reason is a perversion of love for God,truth, and the soul of the hearers (Gal. 1:6-10).

There are several other reasons why some donot wish to contend for the faith. Some simply donot want to be involved in controversy of anykind. They would rather see the truth subvertedthan to overcome their natural temperament andtake a stand. Those of this persuasion have a pro-nounced aversion to rocking boats and preferpeaceful co-existence with error to contendingfor the faith. Others are hesitant to staunchlydefend a divine standard of behavior because welive in an age of relativism and existentialismwhen most people believe one should bepermitted to “do his own thing.” Still others arereally working to transform the church of Christinto a liberal, “anything goes” denominationalbody. They expend a great deal of energy inattempting to discredit those who are contendingfor the faith by trying to convince people that itis “unloving” to be so serious about obeying theLord.

Because some have indeed contended in animproper fashion and spirit, we must not ceaseforcefully to declare and defend “all the counselof God” (Acts 20:27). The church at Corinth de-monstrated real love and concern for their incest-uous brother, not while they were puffed up andcondoned his sin, but when they disciplined him(1 Cor. 5). Paul would have shown no love forthe cause of Christ had he simply ignored theblasphemous behavior of Hymenaeus andAlexander (1 Tim. 19-20).

Being human, it is impossible for us to con-tend for the faith in a manner that will pleaseeveryone. There is little chance that proponents

of error and persistent practitioners of sin willever be overjoyed by a plain denunciation oftheir behavior. Moreover, it is not easy to main-tain a perfectly balanced blend of antagonismtoward error and love for the one in error.Nevertheless, we must not permit this realizationto render us compromisers of the faith rather thancontenders for the faith. Jesus said, “If ye loveme, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Hiscommandments undeniably include contentingfor the faith (Jude 3), and against such things asimmorality (Col. 3:5-11), denominationalism(John 17:20-21), false teachers (1 John 4:1), andevery false doctrine (Psa. 119:104).

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THE CHURCH PRIORTO ALEXANDER

CAMPBELLThere is a mind-set in some of the religious

world today that affirms that A. Campbellfounded the church of Christ. This of course is afalse assumption. The church of Christ had itsgrand beginning in the first century (Acts 2:47;20:28; Rom. 16:16). Some even use Campbelliteto identify the body of Christ. They either use itwithout understanding or in a derogatory manner.The following is taken from a research paper bya Dr. Robinson, principle of Overdale College,Birmingham, England.

“In the Furness District of Lancashire, inNorthwest England, there existed in 1669,during the reign of Charles II, a group ofeight churches of Christ...An old minute-book has been found of year 1669, and itshows that they called themselves by thename Church of Christ, practiced baptismby immersion, and had elders anddeacons. There was also a church of Christin Dungennon, Ireland in 1804 and inAllington, Dengigshire. In 1735 John

2001 DIRECTORYThe 2001 Directory will be printed soon.

If you have any changes please contact theoffice as soon as possible.

Davis, a young preacher of Fife District ofScotland, was preaching New TestamentChristianity twenty-five years beforeThomas Campbell (Alexander Campbell’sfather) was born.”Since there is documentation which shows

that the church of Christ was in these placesbefore Alexander Campbell, we can know that hedid not start the church. However, the Bibleclearly shows that it began on the first Pentecostafter Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2). There is onechurch (Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23) and Christ founded it.All else is false.

Author Unknown

KATHRYN KUHLMANAND MIRACLES

Brad PriceLast Sunday I taught the adult Bible class in

Michigan City, IN. After the class concluded, Ifound a place to sit and wait for the worshipservice to begin. Right after I sat down, a womantook out a pen and paper and wrote a quick note.She then motioned for me to take it from her.This note is quoted in the next paragraph.

“I had Kathryn Kuhlman pray for myshoulders in Shrine Hall in California. Shepushes you down—I braced myself and didn’tfall. My shoulder is much worse today.”

Why did I receive this note? The class Itaught dealt with Bible miracles and modernclaims. This woman made no comments duringthe class, but afterwards, she wanted me to knowabout her medical problem. She also wanted meto know that Kathryn Kuhlman did not heal her.

It was time for the worship service to begin; so Icould not speak to this sister at length. However,I sensed that she had some other things to tellme; so I decided to see her after the serviceconcluded.

When the two of us again spoke, I learnedthat this Christian had been a nurse in a hospital.Miracle crusades had come to the city where shehad worked as a nurse. This woman related whatmany of us have seen on television—peoplethrow away their crutches, dispose of neededmedications, etc.

This nurse also saw something that I andmany of you have never seen. The people whothrew away their crutches and needed medi-cations returned to the hospital a few days afterbeing “healed.” Crutches needed to be replaced.Prescriptions needed to be rewritten. The nursenot only saw medical devices and prescriptionsreplaced; she saw irreparable damage done to thepeople who had abandoned needed medical treat-ment.

In one case there was a young boy who worea leg brace. With continued treatments he couldhave probably walked. A miracle preacher saidthat this boy was cured—the leg brace could bethrow away. It was. Unfortunately, there was nomiracle. This boy had to return to the hospital,his condition was much worse, and his chance ofwalking was virtually zero.

My note sender also related that doctors hadrun ads in local newspapers warning people toavoid the alleged healings of the Pentecostalmovement.

Not only does the Bible prove that miraclesare no longer available, our hospitals offer thesame proof. If Pentecostalism trickery werefound outside the area of religion, people wouldbe charged with medical malpractice, fraud,deception, and in some cases, murder. My thanksto the sister who wrote a quick but informativenote.

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Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Jerry Lindesmith, SheilaMyrick, Ray Dodd, Willodean Gann (RayDodd’s sister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill andPeggy Crowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean(Ray Foshee’s friend), Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), SamStough (Jean Flesher’s father), PeterVarsalona (Alice Williams’ father), BuddyBearden (Allen Brazell’s cousin), andDanny Elmore (Allen Brazell’s brother-in-law).

READING/INVITATIONDecember 6, 2000

Reading: Daniel HatcherInvitation: Bill Crowe

December 13, 2000Reading: Brantley JohnsonInvitation: Dale Cunningham

MARK THESE DATESDecember 3, 2000–Visitation Group 2


assignment cards handed out.December 10, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.December 17, 2000–Visitation Group 1



ADDRESS CHANGERay and Dot Dodd’s new address is:

8910 Westside Drive; Pensacola, FL 32514.Their telephone number remains the same.

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BEACONVOL. XXIX DECEMBER 4, 2000 NO. 49




MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





FACTORSTHAT INFLUENCE

OUR GIVINGNoah A. Hackworth

IntroductionIn Luke 6:38, the Lord said, “give, and it shall

be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,shaken together, running over, shall they giveinto your bosom. For with what measure ye meteit shall be measured to you again.” There areseveral very strong expressions in this versewhich deserve a second look. “Pressed down”(having been pressed down), “shaken together”(having been shaken), “running over” are all ex-pressions indicative of the super-abundance ofblessings being returned to those who “give.”William Arndt says, “The picture is of grain

poured into a container, pressed down and thenshaken so that every little corner is filled and thegrain is poured in until it runs over.” Giving tothe Lord’s Cause on the first day of the week wasnot necessarily in the Savior’s mind when Hespoke the words of Luke 6:38. As a matter offact, Christian generosity on the Lord’s Day doesnot in any sense exhaust the subject of giving.However, since Jesus used the word “give,” aword that appears hundreds of times, in one formor another, in the New Testament, we shall lookbriefly at the factors that influence our giving.

Sacrificial GivingSacrifice and sacrificial are words not con-

fined to the New Testament. They are wordsdeeply rooted in Hebrew history. The patriarchAbraham was, by faith, willing to give his son asa burnt offering to the Lord upon one of themountains of Moriah (Gen. 22:1-2). When Godfirst announced to Abraham that he would have

a son, Abraham could not believe it (Gen. 17:15-19), and when he subsequently was called uponto give that son in sacrifice, he obeyed withoutquestion (Gen. 22:1-2). Abraham’s giving in-volved sacrifice. The widow who cast into thetreasury her two mites actually cast in muchmore than anyone else because “she of her wantdid cast in all that she had, even all her living”(Mark 12:44). This widow exemplifies the truespirit of New Testament Christianity which can-not be lived without sacrifice. If whatever isgiven to the Lord’s work, whether time, talents,or money, never involves sacrifice of any kind,of what real value is the gift? Some of the Lord’speople in some places have been known to fre-quent a certain dining place so the restaurant willrefund to the church a certain percentage of thefood bill. May I emphatically state that no onewill ever learn anything about sacrificial givingfrom that kind of practice.

Giving Must Involve SelfAs far as the support of the Lord’s work is

concerned the giver must be “wrapped up” in thegift. Anyone who puts a gift into the local trea-sury will derive a much greater blessing if thatperson has first given self. The churches ofMacedonia (Philippi, Berea, and Thessalonica)stand as constant reminders of the fact that givingmust involve self (2 Cor. 8:5). The comments ofMcGarvey are her worthy of note:

The district of Macedonia had suffered inthe three civil wars, and had been reducedto such poverty that Tiberius Caesar,harkening to their petitions, had lightenedtheir taxes. But in addition to this generalpoverty, the churches had been made poorby persecution (2 Thes. 1:4) This povertyput their Christian character to the proof,and Paul wished the Corinthians to know,that they may be benefited [sic] by theexample, how nobly the Macedoniansendured the proof.

ConclusionAcceptable giving stems from sacrifice, pur-

pose, planning, and the giving of self. These arethe things we are challenged to remember. TheBible says, “Let each man do according as hehath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or ofnecessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver”(2 Cor. 9:7). Too, high on the list of factors thatinfluence our giving, in whatever form it takes, isthe fact that we must love the Cause to which weare giving more than we love what we are giving.Christ must have loved the Cause for which Hedied (salvation) more than He loved His own life.“Greater love hath no man than this, that a manlay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).


DAILYMAINTENANCE

David SprouleThink about how much of our time is taken

up by maintenance. It seems that on a weeklybasis there is some kind of maintenance neededon our cars and houses. Our cars require gas, oilchanges, tune-ups, and unexpected repairs. Ourhouses require vacuuming, dusting, painting, andagain unexpected repairs. So trying to appeal toa society seeking maintenance free possessions,some car manufacturers are advertising cars thatdo not need a tune up until 100,000 miles.

Having so much of our time devoted to main-tenance of our earthly lives, sometimes we haveno time or desire to work and maintain our spiri-tual lives. Some are seeking maintenance freeChristianity in order to make their lives simpler.But look at the Word of God and understand thatbeing a faithful child of God requires mainte-nance.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in thefaith; prove your own selves” (2 Cor. 13:5). Ona regular basis we need to do a self-evaluation (a

check-up). And just as a new car comes with amanual, so also we have a manual to look withinin order to know whether we “are in the faith.”James uses the illustration of a mirror to comparewith one looking into the Word of God (1:23-25). In reality, the Word of God is our mirror.Just as we look into a physical mirror to makesure that our physical appearance is acceptable,so also we should look into the “perfect law ofliberty,” the spiritual mirror that the Lord hasgiven to us, and make sure that our spiritual livesare acceptable to God.

Although we may try to avoid any mainte-nance requirements for our earthly possessions,may we never neglect the need to examine ourspiritual lives. The Bereans in Acts 17 searchedthe Scriptures in order to make sure the thingsbeing taught were truly the Word of God. Butnotice they searched not only on the days theywere taught, but they “searched the scripturesdaily” (Acts 17:11). May God help us to main-tain a faithful walk with Him by examiningourselves in His mirror daily.

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THE GRAY AREAFerman Carpenter

Often we hear folks today try to justify theirdisregard for certain laws, policies, and regula-tions by saying they are operating in the “grayarea.” They contend that they have found a zonebordering the guidelines they are under that notonly offers more freedom and less restriction, butalso frees them from any penalty.

While gray areas are common in dealingswith worldly affairs, this has also become quitepopular to many in dealing with God’s instruc-tions to His people. Many believe that everythingwhich does not appear to be black or white inChristian conduct may be called the gray area.However, in the eyes of God, the distinction is

quite clear between darkness and light for “inhim is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). If wewish to walk with God, we must avoid the shad-ows. The Christian life is not a stagnant life. AsChristians live they are to become more matureand their spiritual senses are to be exercised todiscern between good and evil (Heb. 5:14).

No one is neutral with respect to Christianity.Christ said, “He that is not with me is against me;and he that gathereth not with me scatterethabroad” (Mat. 12:30). It makes no difference justhow hard we try to straddle the fence; every per-son who is not helping Christ and His church ishindering it. We are servants, either of sin or ofrighteousness (Rom. 6:16-18). If you are not Hisfriend, then you are His enemy (John 15:14;Rom. 5:10); there is no middle ground or grayarea. There are only two directions a person maytake when he leaves behind the innocence ofchildhood. There are only two roads, two oppo-site ways of life, which one may take. Whichdirection are you traveling? The broad way is farmore popular, but it leads to have to “search dili-gently” for it. If you are obedient to the gospel,you are wise, but otherwise, you are indeedfoolish and will lose the most precious thing youhave (Mat. 7:24-27). While the good and the badmay live side by side in this life (Mat. 13:30),there will be a great gulf between them afterdeath (Luke 16:26). And when Christ returns,there will be a final separation “as a shepherddivideth his sheep from the goats...And theseshall go away into everlasting punishment: butthe righteous into life eternal” (Mat. 25:31-46).

Remember, Christ is “the author of eternalsalvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb.5:9), and when He returns, He will take “ven-geance on them that know not God, and thatobey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”(2 The. 1:8). Surely, in light of these verses, onewould think twice before looking for the “grayareas.”

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Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Sheila Myrick, RayDodd, Tina Foshee, Allen Brazell, TimLamb, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’s sister),Edward Podgurski (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sson-in-law), Maria Bonaparte (Bill andPeggy Crowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean(Ray Foshee’s friend), Martha Parker(Richard Parker’s sister-in-law), SamStough (Jean Flesher’s father), BuddyBearden (Allen Brazell’s cousin), andDanny Elmore (Allen Brazell’s brother-in-law).


Reading: Brantley JohnsonInvitation: Dale Cunningham

December 20, 2000Reading: Bryan LoyInvitation: Ray Dodd


assignment cards handed out.December 10, 2000–Deacons’ meeting at

5:00 P.M., in room 7.December 17, 2000–Visitation Group 1

assignment cards handed out.December 17, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meet-

ing at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.December 24, 2000–Visitation Group 2




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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





COUNTINGTHE VOTESDustin Forthun

The 2000 presidential election is sure to beremembered for the razor-thin margin of victoryof the newly-elected president. This unique elec-tion powerfully reinforces the fact that every votecounts. Aside from the obvious politicalramifications, there is also a spiritual applicationthat we can make. The 2000 presidential racereminds us of another race. This is not a race forthe White House; it is a race for heaven. In ourrace for heaven it is sometimes said that Godcasts one vote for us, Satan casts one vote againstus, and we cast the deciding vote. This sayingtruthfully affirms that our race for heaven is farfrom over. Every vote will count, but the onlyvote that will make the difference is the deciding

vote that each of us must cast for ourselves.Evidence of God’s vote for us is clear. God

has always had the salvation of souls in His eter-nal plan (Eph. 3:10-11). God sent His Son in thefullness of time for the saving of lost souls (Gal.4:4; Luke 19:10). God, through His Son, hasgiven us an immovable kingdom (Heb. 12:28)against which the gates of hades shall not prevail(Mat. 16:18). God’s vote for us is unambiguousand easily discernible. God has powerfully, asopposed to mistakenly, cast His vote in favor ofmankind.

Evidence of Satan’s vote against us is alsoclear. Since the garden, Satan has plotted thedownfall of man! In the wilderness, he unsuc-cessfully attempted to derail the mission ofChrist (Mat. 4:1-11). As a roaring lion, Satan,through his wicked workers, aggressively seeksthe demise and downfall of man (1 Pet. 5:8). In

casting his vote against us, Satan has made hisintentions known; he seeks to thwart God’s planand cancel the Father’s vote for us.

God has voted for us, Satan has voted againstus, and we cast the deciding vote. We cast thedeciding vote by choosing to live for God orchoosing to live for Satan. We must weigh whatwe know about God and His plan against whatwe know about Satan and his plan, and then castour vote. The votes will be counted on the Judg-ment Day, and then we will know whether or notwe will have won heaven as our eternal home.Our deciding vote for God’s plan (shown by oursubmission to His Will) has the power make thedifference eternally.

509 Mt. Pelia Rd; Martin, TN 38237

THE LORDIS AT HAND

Vance HuttonTo the Philippians, Paul made reference to the

Lord being at hand (Phi. 4:5). There is certainlya peace and great comfort in knowing that suchis a reality. Think of the assurance of having helpnearby. This is a promise from Him Who isfaithful (Heb. 10:23). No wonder Peter describedthe promises of God as precious (2 Pet. 1:4).Notice with me some of these monumentaloccasions when the Lord is at hand and we are sovery thankful for it.

1. When we turn away from sin: The Biblespeaks of the prodigal son coming to himself,repenting of sin, and coming home to his father.The Lord is the Father; He is ever at hand (Luke15:17). There is rejoicing in heaven when asinner repents (Luke 15:7, 10). The Lord delightsin mercy and is ever ready to pardon (Mic. 7:18;Isa. 55:6-7). If we confess our faults, He isfaithful and just to forgive (1 John 1:9). Our Lord

is at hand when we turn from sin.2. When we face the hour of temptation:

We will be tempted to sin even as was our Lord(Heb. 4:15). Think of the temptations our Lordfaced in Matthew 4. The devil seeks to devour usthrough his wiles and fiery darts involving temp-tation (Eph. 6:10-11; 1 Pet. 5:8). When we aretempted, the Lord will be at hand. He promises tomake a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). ThankGod, the Lord is not far from us (Acts 17:27).

3. When we go to him in prayer: His earsare ever open to hear our prayers (1 Pet. 3:12).God heard the prayers of Hezekiah (Isa. 38:5)and Daniel (Dan. 6), and He will hear your pray-ers. He is a father who cares (Mat. 7:7-11). Atany hour of any day, a faithful child of God canknow that God of heaven is listening to hisprayer and will answer the same (1 John 5:14-16;1 John 3:22). The Lord is at hand.

4. When we are sick, lonely, or in tears:The Lord was at hand during the sickness ofEpaphroditus (Phi. 2) and the loneliness of Paulin 2 Timothy 4:16-17. God saw the tears ofHezekiah (Isa. 38) and the sorrows of Hagar(Gen. 16). The Lord is at hand when you havedays of sickness, loneliness, and sorrow. He haspromised to never leave nor forsake (Heb. 13:5-6).

5. When we face death: David referred to theLord being with him when he walked through thevalley of the shadow of death (Psa. 23:4). Thissurely gave early Christians the courage neededto face death because the Lord was at hand. Theywere not to fear what man could do (Mat. 10:28).The Lord stood upon the occasion of Stephen’sdeath. God cares; He is ever at hand.

6. When we obey or disobey: The eyes ofthe Lord are in every place (Pro. 15:3). All thingsare naked and open before Him (Heb. 4:13). Hetruly knows our works (Rev. 2; 3); He knows ourthoughts (1 Cor. 4:5). The Lord takes account of

our deeds (Rom. 2:6; 2 Cor. 5:10). The Lord isever at hand to give credit and reward for thefood but His justice will not ignore the evil.

Yes, the good Lord is at hand. Draw nigh toHim and He will draw nigh to you. One day wecan ever be with Him eternally (John 17:24;14:1-3).

Double Springs, AL

WHERE AREWE HEADED?

Mike HixsonThe church is a marvelous institution that

exists in accordance with God’s eternal will(Eph. 3:9-11). It was purchased with Divineblood and has as its head Jesus Christ (Acts20:29; Eph. 5:22-24). There was a time in historywhen sincere men and women desired to go backand call Bible things by Bible names and doBible things in Bible ways. The slogan of theRestoration era was “Speak where the Biblespeaks, and be silent where the Bible is silent.”What a noble plea. Peter said it like this, “If anyman speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;if any man minister, let him do it as of the abilitywhich God giveth: that God in all things may beglorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praiseand dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet.4:11).

Unfortunately, there are those among us todaywho are not content to walk in “the old paths”(Jer. 6:16). They have a desire to restructure thechurch and make it like a denomination, which itis not. In Memphis, there is a great deal ofdisparity in what is being taught and practiced invarious congregations. Some are having their“traditional” and “contemporary” services. Somehave employed “praise teams.” Some have handclapping and hand raising. Others have gone in

for human testimonials. We have also seen theemergence of the community church. Where arewe headed? What can be done to stem the tide?Consider these three things.

First, we need to have the conviction tostand up and speak out. Why is it that somecongregations have been woefully silent aboutthe community church effort? Why is it thatsome members silently sit by and watch changeagents take over the congregation they attend? Isit possible they lack the conviction of heart andsoul to stand up and speak out? Contrast theattitude of silence demonstrated by brethren to-day to that of Peter and John. When threatened,they boldly declared, “For we cannot but speakthe things which we have seen and heard” (Acts4:20).

Second, we must mark those causing di-vision in the body of Christ. In Romans 16:17-18, Paul wrote, “Now I beseech you, brethren,mark them which cause divisions and offencescontrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;and avoid them. For they that are such serve notour Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; andby good words and fair speeches deceive thehearts of the simple.” Is it pleasant to mark way-ward brethren? No. However, if we are going tobe true to God’s Word, it must be done. In hisLetter to the saints of Galatia, Paul indicated thatthere were some troubling them with a pervertedgospel (Gal. 1:6-9). Is this not what is takingplace in the brotherhood today?

Third, we must encourage brethren tosever fellowship with congregations that re-fuse to adhere to the New Testament (2 John9:11; Eph. 5:11). If a congregation refuses togive up the various innovations that have beenintroduced, brethren who want to go to heavenshould leave (Rev. 2:10). Otherwise, they be-come a partaker of “evil deeds” (2 John 11).

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Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Sheila Myrick, RayDodd, Tina Foshee, Allen Brazell, FredStancliff, Willodean Gann (Ray Dodd’ssister), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law), Sam Stough (JeanFlesher’s father), Buddy Bearden (AllenBrazell’s cousin), and Danny Elmore (AllenBrazell’s brother-in-law).


Reading: Bryan LoyInvitation: Ray Dodd

December 27, 2000Reading: Bryan LoyInvitation: Ray Dodd


assignment cards handed out.December 17, 2000–Elders/Deacons’ meet-

ing at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.December 24, 2000–Visitation Group 2




ADDRESS CHANGEMadeline Graves’ new address is:

7236A Lanier Drive; Pensacola, FL 32504.Her telephone number is 505-9483.

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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP









“...ANDFELLOWSHIPWITH ALL?”Chuck Pearson

Christian fellowship is a wonderful thing.Much good can come as a result of brothers andsisters in Christ meeting together for worship,Bible studies, potluck meals, etc. It is edifyingand enjoyable. God’s Word specifically instructsus to assemble together often (Heb. 10:25), andwe even see that such fellowship was an essentialcharacteristic of the early church (Acts 2:42).

But the word fellowship in the Bible means alot more than just getting together with folks!“Fellowship” comes from the Greek wordkoinonia, which roughly translated means “thatwhich is held in common.” Another way of say-ing it is communion. Biblically speaking, if I am

in fellowship with someone, then I have commu-nion with them or something in common. In thecase of Christian fellowship, it is Christ which isheld in common by those who are in Him. So, inorder to be in Christian fellowship with someone,that person and I must have Christ in common(i.e., we must have both obeyed the gospel andbe following Him faithfully)! “That which wehave seen and heard declare we unto you, that yealso may have fellowship with us: and truly ourfellowship is with the Father, and with his SonJesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Our fellowship onewith another (as members of the body of Christ)hinges on the fact that we have fellowship withGod. And our fellowship with God hinges on ourobedience to His Word! “If we say that we havefellowship with him, and walk in darkness, welie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in thelight, as he is in the light, we have fellowship onewith another, and the blood of Jesus Christ hisSon cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7).

2001 DIRECTORYThe 2001 Directory is ready. Pick up one

copy per family unless you have a need foranother copy.

Remaining faithful to God means that we remainin fellowship with Him and with all those whoare likewise faithful.

Unfortunately, this also means that there aresome with whom we cannot have fellowship.This is because they are not in fellowship withGod and His church (either having failed to obeythe gospel, or having obeyed and then fallenaway). The Bible describes who some of thesepeople are:

False Teachers—those who teach false doc-trine are not to be fellowshipped by faithfulmembers of the Lord’s church! False teachers areto be marked and avoided, so that hopefully theirfalse doctrines will not spread (Rom. 16:17). TheBible also teaches us that we are not to welcomethose who do not bring the pure doctrine ofChrist. In fact, we are told regarding such aperson “receive him not into your house, neitherbid him God speed: For he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11).

The Immoral—the church cannot stand tohave immorality in her midst. Failure to repentmeans that the immoral person must be with-drawn from. Paul told the church in Corinth thatthey needed to “Purge out therefore the oldleaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are un-leavened” (1 Cor. 5:7). Likewise, the Corinthianswere instructed to not keep company with thosewho committed fornication (1 Cor. 5:9), and “putaway from among yourselves that wicked per-son” (1 Cor. 5:13).

Unbelievers—those who are not a part of thebody of Christ are not in fellowship with Christ,so they cannot be in fellowship with His church!“Be ye not unequally yoked together with un-believers: for what fellowship hath righteousnesswith unrighteousness? and what communion hathlight with darkness?...Wherefore come out fromamong them, and be ye separate” (2 Cor. 6:14,17). In the same fashion, we are to “have no fel-

lowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). This cate-gory also extends to those people who are mem-bers of denominations, since they are part ofman-made churches, and not members of thechurch of Christ.

Brethren, let us be thankful that we are infellowship with the Lord, and with one anotherthrough Him. Let us also remember to draw theline where God draws it, and let His Word definethe boundaries of Christian fellowship!

4027 Juno Drive; Chalmette, LA 70043

FOOTBALLCHRISTIANITY

Quarterback Sneak—Those who quietlyexit following the Lord’s supper, a quarter of theway through the worship service, or near the lastquarter of worship.

Draft Choice—Selection of seat near theback door.

Draw Play—What too many children (and afew adults) do with attendance cards.

Bench Warmer—Those whose only partici-pation is attendance on Sunday morning.

Backfield in Motion—Making three or fourtrips out of the auditorium during the worshipservice.

Stay in the Pocket—What happens to a lot ofmoney that should go toward the work of thechurch.

Two-Minute Warning—When the preacherbegins extending the invitation, giving everyonetime to shuffle song books and gather up belong-

ings.Sudden Death—When the preacher goes into

overtime.Blitz—The stampede for the doors after the

dismissal prayer.Halfback Option—When 50% of the congre-

gation does not return on Sunday night.Author Unknown

HATS OFF TORATTLESNAKES

Leroy BrownlowOnce upon a time there was a family of way-

ward members of the church who had lost inter-est and fallen away. There was a father, and threesons, Jim, John, and Sam. The elders had talkedwith them about their lost condition. Thepreacher had done everything within reason thathe could think of to lead them to repentance.Many of the brethren had tried to encourage thembut nothing seemed to help in the least. One daywhen the boys were out in the pasture, a largerattlesnake bit John, and he became very ill. Thephysician was called and after an examination, hepronounced that John was in very criticalcondition. Said he, “About the only thing leftnow is prayer. You had better call the elders andyour preacher at once.” Acting upon this advice,the old man called the preacher, and in tears toldhim of John’s condition and urged him to gatherthe elders and come to John’s bedside as soon aspossible. The preacher arrived in due time, andwas asked to lead the prayer for John’s recovery.This is what he prayed:

“Oh wise and righteous Father, we thankThee that Thou in Thy wisdom sent thisrattlesnake to bite John in order to bring him tohis senses. He has not been inside the churchhouse for years, and it is very doubtful that he

has in all this time felt any need of prayer untilnow. Now we trust that this will lead him togenuine repentance. And now, our Father, wiltThou send another to bite Sam, and another tobite Jim, and another BIG ONE to bite the oldman? We have all been doing everything weknew for years to restore them but to no avail. Itseems, therefore, that what all combined effortswould not do, this rattlesnake has done. We thusconclude that the only thing left that will do thisfamily any good is rattlesnakes. So Lord, send usbigger and better rattlesnakes. In the name ofJesus, Amen.”

* * * * *The above article may sound odd or even a

little humorous, but I think that it illustrates howthat many never turn to God until there is a crisis.Many people go through life putting God in sec-ond place until they need Him. As I read thearticle I could not help but wonder how Godmust feel. Oh, I know that He is not pleased withthis position of “second best.” But I just thoughthow it must grieve Him to know that some do notacknowledge Him until they need something.

It is much like a parent whose children do notshow any respect or demonstrate any love untilthey want something. Why is it that kind wordsand loving gestures come only to some when indistress and despair? Do you not imagine thatGod feels out of place when we put Him second?Do you not think that after all that He has donefor us, when we make Him “second best” Hefeels betrayed? He surely has demonstrated Hislove for us, how do we treat Him?

“For God so loved the world, that he gave hisonly begotten Son” (John 3:16). “But seek yefirst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;and all these things shall be added unto you”(Mat. 6:33).

Toney L. Smith517 Gaylord Road; Dresden, TN 38225


Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Allen Brazell, MariaBonaparte (Bill and Peggy Crowe’sneighbor), Earl Gerean (Ray Foshee’sfriend), Martha Parker (Richard Parker’ssister-in-law), Sam Stough (Jean Flesher’sfather), Buddy Bearden (Allen Brazell’scousin), and Danny Elmore (Allen Brazell’sbrother-in-law).

RESTOREDTim Lamb was restored on December

17. Please keep Tim in your prayers andoffer him encouragement.


Reading: Horace MyrickInvitation: Ray Foshee

January 3, 2001Reading: Shelby NallInvitation: Louis Herrington



assignment cards handed out.January 7, 2001–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.January 14, 2001–Visitation Group 2 as-

signment cards handed out.January 14, 2001–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.January 21, 2001–Visitation Group 3 as-



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MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





JOB, A LESSON FORALL GENERATIONS

Lynn ParkerJob’s experience is one for all ages and peo-

ple, for indeed, all of every generation find in Jobone with whom we can readily associate. We,like Job, are tempted by Satan. We suffer lossand sorrow in this world, just like Job did. Wecan, and must faithfully endure trials and tribula-tions, after the like example of Job. Considersome pertinent and timely lessons we glean fromthe account of Job.

We are led by this revealing book to see aglimpse of Satan’s true nature. Far from being amythical creature with a red suit and pitchfork,Satan is a real person, with intentions of causingyou eternal ruin and damnation. The Lord asked

Satan concerning his travelings and the temptersaid that he had been “going to and fro in theearth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job1:7). How persistent and diligent Satan is! For-ever on the prowl for one who will succumb totemptation, Satan is repeatedly successful. Usinglies (Gen. 3:3; John 8:44), deceitful workers(2 Pet. 2:1ff; 2 Cor. 11:13-15), materialism(2 Tim. 6:9-10), and a host of other devices(2 Cor. 2:11), Satan ruins lives, and capturessouls (2 Tim. 2:26). The afflictions and lossesthat Job underwent were great in severity: he lostwealth (Job 1:16-17), family (Job 1:13-15), andhis health (Job 2:7). Job was, no doubt temptedto forsake God and renounce his allegiance to thealmighty. But here we have a splendid exampleof endurance, which inspires us to greater conse-cration and dedication, even in the face of life’sstorms. James said, “Count it all joy, my breth-

ren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;Knowing that the proving of your faith workethpatience [or stedfastness]” (Jam. 1:2-3).

Instead of crumbling, Job endured, and so weread, “Behold, we call them blessed that endured:ye have heard of the patience [or endurance] ofJob, and have seen the end of the Lord, how thatthe Lord is full of pity, and merciful” (Job 5:11).

The apostle Peter referred to manifold trials asthe fire that relines, purifies, and strengthens ourfaith (1 Pet. 1:6-7). Satan uses life’s adversitiesto cause many to fall away from God. The Lord,explaining the parable of the sower, spoke ofthose who “in time of temptation fall away”(Luke 8:13). Numerous warnings are foundthroughout the sacred book that prepare us tomeet Satan’s bombardment: “Wherefore let himthat thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1Cor. 10:12). “Ye therefore, beloved, knowingthese things beforehand, beware lest, beingcarried away with the error of the wicked, ye fallfrom your own steadfastness” (2 Pet. 3:17).

Knowing that we, like Job, will be the sub-jects of affliction, sorrow, pain, and heartachehere below, we have all the more reason to placeour trust and faith in Him who holds the worldwithin His hand. Peter wrote, “Wherefore letthem also that suffer according to the will of Godcommit their souls in well-doing unto a faithfulCreator” (1 Pet. 4:19). With matchless love andmercy, we hear the father say to us, “I will in nowise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsakethee” (Heb. 13:5). Therefore, we march on tomeet life’s adversity just like Job, holding tightlyto the hand of our Lord and Savior realizing thatwe are truly “more than conquerors through himthat loved us” (Rom. 8:37). As Job was blessedfor his faithfulness (Job 42:12ff), we will be mostrichly blessed if we endure faithfully unto death(Rev. 2:10).

Remember when you are faced with tempta-

tions sore and life’s problems seem too great tobear, you have a sympathetic, “great high priest”(Heb. 4:14) who carries your requests and carebefore the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16) where abenevolent heavenly father hears and responds tothe cries and burdens of his children. Pray fer-vently, casting all your care upon him, “becausehe careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). And too, realizethat this vale of tears is temporary and thereawaits a better place for the father’s faithfulchildren after this pilgrimage is over. With thisthought in mind, we confidently say with ourbrother Paul that “the sufferings of this presenttime are not worthy to be compared with theglory which shall be revealed to us-ward” (Rom.8:18). May we all take heart from the account offaithful, righteous Job!

1331 Spring Cypress Road; Spring, TX 77373

G - R - O - WDarrell Beard

Surely, God’s people are concerned aboutgrowing as individuals and as congregations. Letus not only profess concern, but let us do some-thing about it. One brother put it well: “Whenchurches stop growing, they start dying.”

There are several areas in which growth canbe seen. We are interested in growing in knowl-edge, enthusiasm, spiritual strength, effectiveservice, etc. We should seek to grow in numbersby bringing in the lost and by bringing back thefallen.

Each letter of the word “GROW” suggests animportant ingredient of growth.

The letter “G” can remind us that to grow wemust go with the gospel. We should not expectto grow if we sit, wait, and hope that people willcome to us. Our mission is to “Go...into all theworld, and preach the gospel to every creature”(Mark 16:15). Seeing a brother at fault should

prompt us to “go and tell him his fault” (Mat.18:15). Our purpose in doing so is to restore theman overtaken in a fault (Gal. 6:1).

The letter “R” may stand for righteous con-duct. Certainly, hypocrisy and wicked living willmake growth difficult if not impossible. On theother hand, when people can see our good works,they will glorify God (Mat. 5:14-16).

The letter “O” tells us that growth in the causeof Christ requires an optimistic outlook. Agrowing saint or congregation is not weigheddown with gloom, depression, and pessimism.They go about with cheerfulness, confidence, andhope, knowing that “all things work together forgood to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28).

The letter “W” says that growing congrega-tions are composed of members who are work-ing together in harmony. There is no substitutefor work. We must be “always abounding in thework of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). We must notonly work, but we must work together. We mustseek mutually to build a strong, growing congre-gation.

We must first be faithful in preaching andliving by the Word of God. Whatever fruit isborne as a result of faithful service to God willbless us and honor God.

Tupelo, MS

THE VALUEOF THE SOUL

Danny Box“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain

the whole world, and lose his own soul? or whatshall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mat.16:26).

Webster’s dictionary defines the soul as: “Theimmortal or spiritual part of the person, andthough having no physical or material reality, is

credited with the functions of thinking andwilling and hence determining all behavior.”God’s Word defines the soul as the life of man;“And the LORD God formed man of the dust ofthe ground, and breathed into his nostrils thebreath of life; and man became a living soul”(Gen. 2:7). The Lord, knowing the value of oursoul stated that it, the soul, was far more valuablethan all of the riches in all of the earth. Look withme at some of the reasons that the soul is sovaluable.

The soul is valuable because of where itcame from. Again referring to Genesis 2:7 weread, “And the LORD God formed man of the dustof the ground, and breathed into his nostrils thebreath of life; and man became a living soul.”Then we read from God’s Word, “Then shall thedust return to the earth as it was: and the spiritshall return unto God who gave it” (Ecc. 12:7).Where did the soul of man come from? It camefrom God.

The soul is valuable because of what it cost.Jesus Christ left His home in glory, came to thisearth, lived a life as a common man, endured thetemptations that are common to us, and sufferedthe cruel death on the cross to redeem our soul. Itwas “while we were yet sinners” that Christ diedfor us (Rom. 5:8). Through His infinite love ofman, God, provided a way of escape, and thatwas through His son, but it cost the blood ofChrist to redeem the souls of man. “So Christwas once offered to bear the sins of many” (Heb.9:28).

The soul is valuable because of its destiny.The soul is the only part of man that will last foreternity. When the earth and all things therein areburned up, the souls of all men will continue on.And as they continue on they will do so in one oftwo places: Heaven or Hell (John 5:28-29).Where will your soul be after judgment?



Marilyn Hall, Elaine Maxey, Jean Flesher,Hairston Brantley, Dot Lambert, EdPodgurski (Bill & Peggy Crowe’s son-in-law), Maria Bonaparte (Bill and PeggyCrowe’s neighbor), Earl Gerean (RayFoshee’s friend), Martha Parker (RichardParker’s sister-in-law), Sam Stough (JeanFlesher’s father), Buddy Bearden (AllenBrazell’s cousin), and Danny Elmore (AllenBrazell’s brother-in-law).


Reading: Shelby NallInvitation: Louis Herrington

January 10, 2001Reading: Richard ParkerInvitation: Tim Lamb


assignment cards handed out.January 7, 2001–Visitation Group 1 assign-

ment cards handed out.January 14, 2001–Visitation Group 2 as-

signment cards handed out.January 14, 2001–Deacons’ meeting at 5:00

P.M., in room 7.January 21, 2001–Visitation Group 3 as-

signment cards handed out.January 21, 2001–Elders/Deacons’ meeting

at 5:00 P.M., in room 7.January 28, 2001–Visitation Group 1 as-



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DBEACON

VOL. XXIX DECEMBER 25, 2000 NO. 52




MEETING TIMES


10:00 A.M., 6:00 P.M. WORSHIP





JOB, A LESSON FORALL GENERATIONS

Lynn ParkerJob’s experience is one for all ages and peo-

ple, for indeed, all of every generation find in Jobone with whom we can readily associate. We,like Job, are tempted by Satan. We suffer lossand sorrow in this world, just like Job did. Wecan, and must faithfully endure trials and tribula-tions, after the like example of Job. Considersome pertinent and timely lessons we glean fromthe account of Job.

We are led by this revealing book to see aglimpse of Satan’s true nature. Far from being amythical creature with a red suit and pitchfork,Satan is a real person, with intentions of causingyou eternal ruin and damnation. The Lord asked

Satan concerning his travelings and the temptersaid that he had been “going to and fro in theearth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job1:7). How persistent and diligent Satan is! For-ever on the prowl for one who will succumb totemptation, Satan is repeatedly successful. Usinglies (Gen. 3:3; John 8:44), deceitful workers(2 Pet. 2:1ff; 2 Cor. 11:13-15), materialism(2 Tim. 6:9-10), and a host of other devices(2 Cor. 2:11), Satan ruins lives, and capturessouls (2 Tim. 2:26). The afflictions and lossesthat Job underwent were great in severity: he lostwealth (Job 1:16-17), family (Job 1:13-15), andhis health (Job 2:7). Job was, no doubt temptedto forsake God and renounce his allegiance to thealmighty. But here we have a splendid exampleof endurance, which inspires us to greater conse-cration and dedication, even in the face of life’sstorms. James said, “Count it all joy, my breth-

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