A Friendly Church With a Vital Message Proclaiming the Unsearchable Riches of the Lord Jesus. The Messenger is published weekly by the South Florida Ave. Church of Christ meeting at 1807 South Florida Ave - Lakeland, FL 33803 Vol. 74 No. 45 12-24-19 MESSENGER The South Florida Avenue The South Florida Avenue ELDERS David Anderson Kenny French Bobby Sheumaker DEACONS John McShane Stacey Paulin Jimmy Sweeney MINISTER Hiram Kemp (386) 405-5372 ASSOCIATE MINISTER Vince Daugherty (740) 801-1106 SECRETARIES Michelle Paulin / Dee Parramore OFFICE PHONE (863) 682-4702 SUNDAY SERVICES Bible Study ...............9:30 a.m. Worship...................10:30 a.m. Evening Worship........6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY Ladies Class...........10:00 a.m. Bible Study ................7:00 p.m. HOME OF Florida School of Preaching since 1969 MISSION FIELDS Dub Hill.......................Russia Don Iverson...................India Marc Veary .....Malawi, Africa Graham McDonald..Scotland J. Paguaga....Honduras, C.A. Joey Treat......Pacific Islands Ted Wheeler ......Ghana, W.A. EMAIL [email protected]WEB PAGE www.southfloridaavenuechurchofchrist.com YOUTUBE.com SouthFloridaAvenueChurchOfChrist in of the lord’s way SEARCH Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. Check local listings More Than a “Babe in the Manger” Brian R. Kenyon While John was exiled on Patmos, he saw “in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back,” and an angel proclaimed, “Who is worthy to open the scroll?’” (Rev. 5:1-2). John was told, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll,” and John looked, “and behold, in the midst of the throne … stood a Lamb as though it had been slain” (Rev. 5:5-6). This description of Jesus is nothing like the baby Jesus so commonly seen this time of year. The main danger with the “babe in a manger” is that people confine Jesus to nothing more than a harmless baby, when instead they should make him their King! Note these three descriptions of Jesus. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah Lions are symbols of kingly power and majesty. This kind of power and majesty was prophesied about the tribe of Judah, from which Jesus came (Heb. 7:14). When Israel blessed his children, he said, “Judah is a lion’s whelp … He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. (cf. Gen. 49:8-10). While every minute detail is not given, this prophecy affirms that all should be obedient to this descendant of Judah! Jesus is more than a harmless babe. He has power and majesty that all must, and will one day, recognize (Phil. 2:9-11)! The Root of David From long ago, Isaiah prophesied, “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots,” who, among other things, would “strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked” (Isa. 11:1-5). John saw this “Root of David” having “prevailed,” which is translated from a Greek word (nikao) that can also be rendered with a form of “conquer” (Rev. 6:2) or “overcome” (Rev. 3:21; 21:7). Jesus is more than a harmless babe. He has conquered death and has authority over it (Rev. 1:17-18)! The Lamb Who Had Been Slain John’s seeing the Lamb “in the midst” is a reminder that Jesus is the center of creation and of redemption (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:15-18). John’s seeing the Lamb “as though it had been slain” focuses attention on the sacrificial aspect of the Christ. The Lamb overcame to open the scroll, not by physical might but by sacrifice (cf. Jn. 16:33). He is “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29 cf. Acts 8:33-35 [cf. Isa. 53:3-9]; 1 Pet. 1:19). Jesus is more than a (continued on page 4)
Transcript
A Friendly Church With a Vital Message Proclaiming the Unsearchable Riches of the Lord Jesus.The Messenger is published weekly by the South Florida Ave. Church of Christ meeting at 1807 South Florida Ave - Lakeland, FL 33803 Vol. 74 No. 45 12-24-19
MESSENGER The South Florida Avenue The South Florida Avenue
While John was exiled on Patmos, he saw “in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back,” and an angel proclaimed, “Who is worthy to open the scroll?’” (Rev. 5:1-2). John was told, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll,” and John looked, “and behold, in the midst of the throne … stood a Lamb as though it had been slain” (Rev. 5:5-6). This description of Jesus is nothing like the baby Jesus so commonly seen this time of year. The main danger with the “babe in a manger” is that people confine Jesus to nothing more than a harmless baby, when instead they should make him their King! Note these three descriptions of Jesus.
The Lion of the Tribe of JudahLions are symbols of kingly power and majesty. This kind of power and majesty
was prophesied about the tribe of Judah, from which Jesus came (Heb. 7:14). When Israel blessed his children, he said, “Judah is a lion’s whelp … He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. (cf. Gen. 49:8-10). While every minute detail is not given, this prophecy affirms that all should be obedient to this descendant of Judah! Jesus is more than a harmless babe. He has power and majesty that all must, and will one day, recognize (Phil. 2:9-11)!
The Root of David From long ago, Isaiah prophesied, “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem
of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots,” who, among other things, would “strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked” (Isa. 11:1-5). John saw this “Root of David” having “prevailed,” which is translated from a Greek word (nikao) that can also be rendered with a form of “conquer” (Rev. 6:2) or “overcome” (Rev. 3:21; 21:7). Jesus is more than a harmless babe. He has conquered death and has authority over it (Rev. 1:17-18)!
The Lamb Who Had Been SlainJohn’s seeing the Lamb “in the midst” is a reminder that Jesus is the center
of creation and of redemption (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:15-18). John’s seeing the Lamb “as though it had been slain” focuses attention on the sacrificial aspect of the Christ. The Lamb overcame to open the scroll, not by physical might but by sacrifice (cf. Jn. 16:33). He is “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29 cf. Acts 8:33-35 [cf. Isa. 53:3-9]; 1 Pet. 1:19). Jesus is more than a (continued on page 4)
Join Us for This Important Study!
T. Brownlow-DindyForest Antemesaris Stephen Atnip James Barnes George F. Beals Brooks Boyd Rico BrownJohn Allan
Jimmy Clark
C. J. Grimes
Will Hanstein
Chris Kidwell
Ty Rhymes
S. Brownlow-Dindy
Ben Giselbach
Hannah Gislebach
Hiram Kemp
Ben Radford, Sr.
Thomas WiseDavid Stearsman Daniel Stearsman Chad Tagtow Allen Webster Wade Webster Sam Willcut
The Promise of RedemptionFlorida School of Preaching 45th Annual Lectureship1807 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803 ♦ (863) 683-4043 ♦ fsop.net ♦ [email protected]
Monday9:00 The Concept of Redemption Will Hanstein9:40 The Curse of Sin Terrance Brownlow-Dindy10:20 BREAK10:50 Redemptive Events: The Flood Sam Willcut
Forum: Rooted in Redemption1:30 Implications of Being “Bought with Price” Thomas Wise2:00 “Redeeming the Time” Forest Stone Antemesaris2:30 Protecting Self from Believing in Vain Hiram Kemp3:30 Ladies Class: Eve and Redemption Shenia Brownlow-Dindy3:30 Questions and Answers 0n Forum Topic4:30 DINNER6:30 Congregational Singing7:00 Great Redemption Texts: Psalm 22 David Myers7:45 Christ: Manifestation of Redemption Jeff A. Jenkins
Tuesday9:00 Why Is Blood Required? Stephen Atnip9:40 OT Sacrifices and Redemption Brooks Boyd10:20 BREAK10:50 Redemptive Events: The Exodus Jeff A. Jenkins
Forum: Deity’s Role in Redemption1:30 The Father’s Role John Allan2:00 The Son’s Role Scott Pfettscher2:30 The Holy Spirit’s Role David Stearsman3:00 BREAK3:30 Questions and Answers on Forum Topic4:30 DINNER6:30 Congregational Singing7:00 Great Redemption Texts: Isaiah 53 Rico Brown7:45 The “Redemption of the Body” Jimmy Clark
Wednesday9:00 Types of Redemption in Genesis Timothy Kidwell9:40 Substitutionary Atonement Chad Tagtow10:20 BREAK10:50 Redemptive Events: Israel’s Captivity & Return J. Clark
Forum: Metaphors of Redemption1:30 Justification: Acquittal from Sin Daniel Stearsman2:00 Forgiveness: Removal of Sin’s Debt James Barnes2:30 Adoption: Acceptance as Family Chris Kidwell3:30 Ladies Class: Rahab and Redemption Hannah Giselbach3:30 Questions and Answers on Forum Topic4:30 DINNER6:30 Congregational Singing7:00 Great Redemption Texts: 2 Cor. 5:17-21 Ben L. Radford, Sr.7:45 Rejecting Redemption Ty Rhymes
Forum: TULIP’s Twist of Redemption1:30 “Total Hereditary Depravity” Ben Giselbach2:00 “Limited Atonement” C. J. Grimes2:30 “Perseverance of the Saints” George F. Beals3:30 Ladies Class: Mary, Elizabeth, and Redemption H. Giselbach3:30 Questions and Answers on Forum Topic4:30 DINNER6:30 Congregational Singing7:00 Great Redemption Texts: Hebrews 9:13-15 Hiram Kemp7:45 Victorious Redemption Melvin L. Otey
Broadcast live at fsop.net ♦ Lectureship books available $16Jeff A. Jenkins’
Timothy Kidwell Scott PfettscherDavid Myers Melvin L. OteyPlan To Be Here!
Please meet in the library. If you cannot serve, please call Stacey Paulin so he can get a replacement - (863) 838-8911
SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Bobby Sheumaker ...............Table ...................Wayne ShearerPhil Fife .............................Assist ........................ Ken Walker
DecemberDesignated Elder During Services - Kenny French
Open/Close Building - Bob Cooper
Watch . . .
Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. Check local listings
SFA FAMILY MATTERS
Sunday, December 29, 20199:30 A.M.
Song at Bible Class........................................ Jim TurnerPrayer........................................................... Gavin WilliamsSound Booth.......................................................... Casey PaulinAnnouncements......................................... Fred StricklandSong Leader..................................................Jason HendrixOpening Prayer........................................... Edward AtkinsSermon............................................................ Hiram KempClosing Prayer............................................ John McShaneGreeters............................................... Dix/EstridgeCards............................................................ Caelen/Cam’rom
6:00 P.M. Song Leader............................................. Paul RomineOpening Prayer............................................. Tucker SweeneySermon............................................................. Hiram KempClosing Prayer............................................. Jimmy Sweeney
Wednesday, January 1, 2019Song Leader............................................... Vince DaughertyOpening Prayer.......................................... David AndersonClosing Prayer............................................ Charles Paulin
Sunday, January 5, 20209:30 A.M.
Song at Bible Class / Prayer ................................... Vince DaughertySound Booth.................................................. Tucker SweeneyAnnouncements............................................... Fred StricklandSong Leader...................................................... Jason HendrixOpening Prayer..................................................... Kyle FaneufSermon................................................................. Hiram KempClosing Prayer..................................................... Rick KenyonGreeters........................................................ McShane/FaneufCards.................................................................... Klark/Willcut
6:00 P.M.Song Leader........................................................ Paul RomineOpening Prayer.................................................... Rick KenyonSermon.......................................................... Vince DaughertyClosing Prayer........................................................ Jeff Bingle
Wednesday, January 8, 2020Song Leader .................................................... Rick Kenyon Opening Prayer...................................................... David DealClosing Prayer .................................................... Allen Grimes
~ HOW ARE WE GIVING ~ . Dec. 01 .............................................. $8,154.83Dec. 08 ............................................ $7,128.50Dec. 15 ................................................ $6,704.75Dec. 22 ............................................ $6,666.95Contribution Average ........................... $6,580.79
VisitorsSherman Williams, Jerry Green, Eric Bunch, Tiffany Hash, Margaret Khoury, Ty & Heidi Rhymes, Earl & Charlene Smith, Jeff & Ingrid Stewart, Sara Romine, and Emanuel & Marcia White.
December Clean-up team: Jimmy Sweeney (E-K)January Clean-up team: Wayne Shearer (L-P)
Prayer ListOur Members: Jim Turner is home from the VA hospital. Melody Baxter,
Carol Pace, Ginny Hamby, Cierra Edwards, Margaret Coone, Ellen Shearer, Ray Naschick, Ron Ford, Chuck & Evelyn Wyatt, Debbie Bush, Ginny Johnson, Brian Smith (upcoming tests for his heart), Sophia Smith, Bernetta Green & Rosalind Coleman (death of Bernetta’s brother), Sharon Washington; Sick: Jimmy Sweeney, Virginia Walker, Sawyer Anderson, Linda McShane.
Shut In Members: Faith West, Carol Eason, Virginia Plumlee, Joyce Burbage and Cheryl Barker.
Others: Andre & Nasheka Medley (birth of Nya), Tonya Mathis (hospice care), Larry Laster, Chrissi Fuesner, Chip Bolding, Tony Seibert, Neil Entwistle Sr., Tanya Irizarry, Trevor & Sandy Hutchins, Derick Jordan, Peggy Nabors (Kim Faneuf’s mother), Keijuan Callaway (Sharon Washington’s son), Mary Grow (pneumonia) and Anna Bess (Margaret Coone’s mother).
Upcoming EventsFriday December 27th: Youth group will prepare a meal for the families
residing in the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa. See Vince for more details.
Sunday, December 29th: Men’s training class, 9:30 a.m.Tuesday December 31st: 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off at 6:00 p.m. Please
bring a side dish, drinks and dessert.Friday, January 3rd: Bonfire (5 pm) at the Kenyons. Please bring (or let
Brian know to get) your Christmas tree ... and please no old furniture! ☺Sunday, January 5th: In-service fellowship after evening worshipSunday, January 12th: Elders & deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.Saturday, January 18th: Ladies Day at Orange St. with Susan Stearsman.
There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.Sunday, January 20-23rd: Florida School of Preaching Lectureship
Welcome to the familyJamie Flores has met with our elders and has placed membership with us. George Davis has met with our elders and would also like to be identified as a member here. Let us all welcome Jamie and George to our SFA family!
Podcast We invite you to listen to our new podcast (recorded radio broadcast) that is hosted by members of our congregation and features topics that are spiritually relevant. It is posted on our website and on our YouTube channel. It is called:
The Modern Day Christian Podcast
that subject, the first of which began January 22. John Calvin (1509-1564) was a French theologian and Reformer. He was not the first to teach the major tenants of his doctrine, but he certainly popularized them. He had (and has) a tremendous, but erroneous influence upon the religious world from his day until now. The basic doctrines of “Calvinism” are given by a five point acrostic (T-U-L-I-P). The T stands for “total hereditary depravity” (also known as “original sin”). The U stands for “unconditional predestination.” The T stands for “limited atonement.” The “I” stands for “irresistible grace.” The “P” stands for “perseverance of the saints” (also known as “once saved, always saved”). “Calvinism” must be recognized, understood, and refuted. In the next five bulletins, we will examine
Please DO NOT PARK between the trees on the right
and the bushes on the left shown in the foreground of this picture. It blocks access to the grass lot.
South Florida AvenueCHURCH OF CHRIST
1807 South Florida AvenueLakeland, FL 33803-2653
Return Service Requested
The End of Your Search for a Friendly Church . . .
New Member Spotlight
Eve MorelockEve was born in the Philippines, and has also lived in Illinois and Indiana. As a child, she wanted to be a singer. Her first job was in a university-affiliated hospital as a nurse. She is currently retired. She has visitedseveral countries. Her favorite book is the Bible. In her free time, she likes to read and sew. She is good at nursing and helping the elderly. Her most satisfying accomplishment is helping start an outpatient surgery unit. The best advice she’s been given is “Stay focused.” Her husband is Curtis, and she has 2 grandchildren. Welcome, Eve!
New Member Spotlight
Janis WaldonJanis was born in Sylvania, Georgia. She has also lived in New Jersey. As a child, she wanted to be a teacher or helper. Her first job was with the CEA program at Lakeland Junior during the summer. She is currently
retired. In her free time, she likes to visit the sick, read Bible books, set up Bible studies, and help others. Her most satisfying accomplishment is obeying the Gospel. The best advice she’s been given is “Love God and respect His word, and forgive others as you want God to forgive you.” She has 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Welcome, Janis!
More Than a “Babe” (continued from page 1)harmless babe. He is God, who “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant … humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:6-8), all so we could be redeemed!
ConclusionLet’s not keep Jesus as a harmless babe tucked away in a
manger. When the true Jesus is known, the world will “make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:14). Let us serve the Lamb and get the message out that people are called by the Gospel (2 Thes. 2:14), are chosen by being “in Christ” through obedience to the Gospel (Eph. 1:3-7), and are faithful by living the Gospel (Eph. 4:1-3; Rev. 2:10). ÆBrian
Thanks to those who made this
encouragementand fellowship possible! Mayall have a safe
