2009 is quickly coming to a close. 2010 lies ahead of us, waiting patiently for the dawn of January 1st. We have experienced many changes in 2009 at St. Andrews Road. We have grown and will continue to grow in number, in grace, in love, in fellowship, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we are nourished by the word of God (Matthew 4:4), as we put into practice what we are taught (James 1:22), and as we wait patiently on God to fulfill His promises (Galatians 6:9-10).
Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 3:6 concerning growth. “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” Indeed God has answered our prayers with a harvest of new brothers and sisters in Christ. Just this past Sunday evening God blessed the church with three new members. Tammy Badgett made the good confession that was baptized into Christ. Her finance’ Steve Hawn also decided to commit his life to Christ and be baptized. Their wedding is planned for this month. Please make sure you meet them and let them know how happy we are to have them with us at St. Andrews Road. We also welcome Angela Davis, Hannibal Davis’ mom to the church at St. Andrews Road. Sister Davis has been worshiping with us for several weeks and just this week decided to work under the oversight of our elders.
This has been a challenging year financially for some of our families. A few of our brothers and sisters lost their jobs this year. Some of them are working again. Others are still prayerfully and patiently waiting for work. Even in these troublesome times we have met all our financial obligations and have exceeded our budget for the year. God is good to us. To Him we give all glory, honor, and praise for the rich blessings that we enjoy.
Take a look around our facilities. Walk into the auditorium and you will see new updates. Walk through the lobby and see the new paint. Walk into our restrooms and note the positive changes. God has blessed us.
The renovations to our classrooms, offices, and fellowship hall, as well as our halls, restrooms and conference rooms continue and will be completed in just a few short weeks. God continues to bless us as we labor together in harmony and unity in His name. May we always put His kingdom and His righteousness first in our lives! Jesus said that when we put first things first “all these things will be added to us” (Matthew 6:33).
Our Sunday morning sermon series “About Our Father’s Business” continues this Sunday. Jesus was always about His Father’s business. His mission was to preach, serve, live, die, and rise again so that the whole world could be saved by grace through faith. He lived to honor His Father. He brought glory to His Father by fulfilling His Father’s will. He finished the work that His Father gave Him to do (John 17:1-5). Think about it. Jesus “business” was and is people. His Father’s business is “people.” We too must be about people: our family and friends, the saved and the lost, the thirsty, the hungry, the naked, the stranger, the sick, and those in prison, even our enemies. If you would like to read ahead, read Luke 4:14-21.
This Sunday evening we will look at “Understanding Growth.” Balance is vital to our growth. A positive mental attitude is also a key to understanding growth. Every action is influenced by the way the think. We must not allow circumstances, people, things, or feelings to direct our thinking. Our thinking and then our decisions are influenced and directed by God’s word.
I look forward to sharing these lessons from the word of God with you.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
December! Can you believe it? Christmas in 20 days! Happy New Year 2010 in just 26 days! This is a time for evaluation, consideration, administration, and then demonstration. Take a look at yourself. How have you lived your life? The past is filled with ups and downs, positives and negatives, wins and losses, good decisions and decisions that we regret, righteousness and sin. What lessons have you learned from the past? The lessons you have learned will serve you well in living today, tomorrow, and into the future. How are you living your life today? How will you live your life tomorrow and into the coming year? Decide to live with a view of eternity.
“The Preacher” (Solomon) wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10;
”Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity.”
He wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 concerning life and living;
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:1;
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
He wrote in the same chapter, verses 15 and 16;
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
This Sunday morning we will continue in our sermon series entitled “About Our Father’s Business.” We will once again look to Jesus to show us just how we must live our lives every day about our Father’s business. If you would like to read ahead, read John 17:1-5. Jesus glorified His Father. What does it mean to glorify our Father? Who should? Why should we? How can we? Where do we? We will look to the Scriptures to answer these questions.
On Sunday evening the theme for our study is “Understanding Growth.” We have found that growth is natural and is the result of proper nutrition (Matthew 4:4), reasonable exercise (James 1:22), and time (Galatians 6:9). We have also found that growth is good (Matthew 4:4). It is of God (1 Corinthians 3:6). It is necessary (John 15:1-3). It is expected (Matthew 25:14-30).
This Sunday evening we will take a look at the importance of BALANCE when it comes to growth. Jesus experienced balanced growth. The New Testament church was balanced in their growth. Our purpose and desire for ourselves, for our children, and for everyone is that we all grow in wisdom (mentally) and stature (physically) and in favor with God (spiritually) and men (socially). It could be that you know someone who is not balanced in their growth. Consider someone growing physically but not mentally? I had a cousin who had a terrible virus when he was very young. This affected his mind for the rest of his life. He grew physically. He loved everyone. He loved going to church. But… Just think of a fifty year old man with the mind of a two year old. My great aunt had a tough time. Now think of a church that is huge when it comes to the number in attendance but yet cannot tell you why they do what they do or believe what they believe. I look forward to our study together.
“The Preacher” (Solomon) wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10;
”Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity.”
He wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 concerning life and living;
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:1;
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
He wrote in the same chapter, verses 15 and 16;
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
This Sunday morning we will continue in our sermon series entitled “About Our Father’s Business.” We will once again look to Jesus to show us just how we must live our lives every day about our Father’s business. If you would like to read ahead, read John 17:1-5. Jesus glorified His Father. What does it mean to glorify our Father? Who should? Why should we? How can we? Where do we? We will look to the Scriptures to answer these questions.
On Sunday evening the theme for our study is “Understanding Growth.” We have found that growth is natural and is the result of proper nutrition (Matthew 4:4), reasonable exercise (James 1:22), and time (Galatians 6:9). We have also found that growth is good (Matthew 4:4). It is of God (1 Corinthians 3:6). It is necessary (John 15:1-3). It is expected (Matthew 25:14-30).
This Sunday evening we will take a look at the importance of BALANCE when it comes to growth. Jesus experienced balanced growth. The New Testament church was balanced in their growth. Our purpose and desire for ourselves, for our children, and for everyone is that we all grow in wisdom (mentally) and stature (physically) and in favor with God (spiritually) and men (socially). It could be that you know someone who is not balanced in their growth. Consider someone growing physically but not mentally? I had a cousin who had a terrible virus when he was very young. This affected his mind for the rest of his life. He grew physically. He loved everyone. He loved going to church. But… Just think of a fifty year old man with the mind of a two year old. My great aunt had a tough time. Now think of a church that is huge when it comes to the number in attendance but yet cannot tell you why they do what they do or believe what they believe. I look forward to our study together.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
God continues to bless us with grace and growth as the old year is quickly coming to a close. Wow! Can you believe that we have less than six weeks left in 2009?
We have finally graduated from demolition to construction in the renovation of our educational/administration wing. As you know Kay and I have not been able to be at the office for the past couple of weeks due to the removal of debris and some hazardous material from the old section of our building. Our elders felt that it much better to be “safe than sorry” when it comes to these matters. I appreciate their wisdom and their thoughtfulness on our behalf. I am sorry that we have not been able to produce our weekly SAR newsletter. If you are like me, I always look forward to receiving the bulletin and reading it from front to back. As you can see, we are now back on track.
Just think. In just a few short weeks the sacrifices that we are making will result in larger updated offices, classrooms that meet the needs of every age group, larger up-to-date restrooms, nice new kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, storage rooms, and halls. Just this week one of the men from the company overseeing our renovations apologized for displacing the office staff. My response to him was this; “I keep my eye on the prize.” I focus not on the disarray of the renovation but on a vision of how beautiful our building will be when the construction is completed. May we all read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 in the light of our current situation!
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working in us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Wonderful news! As was announced last Sunday, Jeremy (J.P.) Pyle was baptized into Christ on Friday evening, November 13th. What a joy it is to have another new brother in Christ! God is so good to us. May we all be more thankful for our wonderful Christian family at St. Andrews Road!
Our Sunday morning sermon theme for the remainder of the year will be “About Our Father’s Business.” In Luke 2:41-52 we find that Jesus and His family had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. Jesus’ parents started home and had traveled a day’s journey when they discovered that Jesus was not with them. They returned to Jerusalem and found Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. Jesus’ mother asked Him about why He chose to stay behind and His answered, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
The Bible tells us that Jesus went back home with them and grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Just as Jesus knew that He must be about His Father’s business, so must we be about our Father’s business. We will focus on God’s purpose, His business for us as we close out this old year and look into the new year. What is our Father’s business? We will look at the following:
1. Living our lives every day in thought, word, and action to honor God
2. Studying, preaching, teaching, practicing, and abiding in the truth
3. Focusing on doing good in our everyday lives
4. Believing in…trusting God
5. Actively waiting for Jesus’ return
We have finally graduated from demolition to construction in the renovation of our educational/administration wing. As you know Kay and I have not been able to be at the office for the past couple of weeks due to the removal of debris and some hazardous material from the old section of our building. Our elders felt that it much better to be “safe than sorry” when it comes to these matters. I appreciate their wisdom and their thoughtfulness on our behalf. I am sorry that we have not been able to produce our weekly SAR newsletter. If you are like me, I always look forward to receiving the bulletin and reading it from front to back. As you can see, we are now back on track.
Just think. In just a few short weeks the sacrifices that we are making will result in larger updated offices, classrooms that meet the needs of every age group, larger up-to-date restrooms, nice new kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, storage rooms, and halls. Just this week one of the men from the company overseeing our renovations apologized for displacing the office staff. My response to him was this; “I keep my eye on the prize.” I focus not on the disarray of the renovation but on a vision of how beautiful our building will be when the construction is completed. May we all read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 in the light of our current situation!
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working in us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Wonderful news! As was announced last Sunday, Jeremy (J.P.) Pyle was baptized into Christ on Friday evening, November 13th. What a joy it is to have another new brother in Christ! God is so good to us. May we all be more thankful for our wonderful Christian family at St. Andrews Road!
Our Sunday morning sermon theme for the remainder of the year will be “About Our Father’s Business.” In Luke 2:41-52 we find that Jesus and His family had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. Jesus’ parents started home and had traveled a day’s journey when they discovered that Jesus was not with them. They returned to Jerusalem and found Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. Jesus’ mother asked Him about why He chose to stay behind and His answered, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
The Bible tells us that Jesus went back home with them and grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Just as Jesus knew that He must be about His Father’s business, so must we be about our Father’s business. We will focus on God’s purpose, His business for us as we close out this old year and look into the new year. What is our Father’s business? We will look at the following:
1. Living our lives every day in thought, word, and action to honor God
2. Studying, preaching, teaching, practicing, and abiding in the truth
3. Focusing on doing good in our everyday lives
4. Believing in…trusting God
5. Actively waiting for Jesus’ return
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Can you believe it? Sunday is November 1st. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time on Saturday, October 31st. I do enjoy this time of the year and look forward to the holidays.
This coming Sunday morning, we will continue in our series “The Way of the Cross.” As we begin our journey on the way of the cross, we must have courage, reason, obedience, sacrifice, and sincerity. As we journey, what can we expect to experience? Can you remember? C_____________, R_____________, O______________, S______________, S_______________. Our lesson this week will focus on the end of our journey on the way of the cross that leads home. What will we find? If you would like to read ahead, read John 14:1-6 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Heaven will surely be worth it all!
On Sunday evening we will once again consider the greatest invitation ever extended. Jesus simply said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me.” We have looked at Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for help. We have looked at His invitation to come to Him for hope. This Sunday evening, we will look at His invitation to come to Him for healing. I hope we all will be challenged and encouraged to accept this great invitation. Read Matthew 11:28-30 and Mark 2:13-17.
Let me remind you of a couple of exciting meetings that are scheduled for November.
I will be preaching about the blessed assurance we have in Christ at the church of Christ at Windsor Lake on Sunday, November 1st, at 3:00 p.m. We will be taking the van and plan to leave the church parking lot at 2:15 p.m. Please sign up on the sheet in the lobby if you plan on riding with us.
Stacy Ferguson will be with us on Sunday, November 8th, to share the good news from the Pacific Islands. Brother Ferguson works full time with Robert Martin in the Pacific Islands Bible College. He and his wife, Kathy, are missionaries to the Pacific Islands. It will be a great to hear about how our fellow Christian brothers and sisters are doing on the other side of the world.
Please remember Cindi and me in your prayers. We will be traveling to Lady Lake, Florida, on Saturday, November 7th, where I will be preaching the gospel in the church of Christ at the Villages on Sunday, the 8th through Wednesday, the 11th. We plan to return to Columbia on Thursday, the 12th, Lord willing. May God bless us all as we take advantage of every opportunity we have to show and share the gospel of Christ.
The renovation to our facilities is moving along according to schedule. A special thanks to brothers Jerry Satterfield and Don Richbourg. They will be at the building on a daily basis to make sure everything goes according to the plans. For the next few days until further notice, we have been asked to enter and exit through the main entrance. If you are coming by the office, please give us a call. Thank you for your patience, your generosity, and your support during the renovation process. It is amazing how much work has already been accomplished in just a few days of work.
Congratulations to our new brother in Christ, David Goza. David has been meeting with us for the past few weeks. He made the most important decision of his life this past Sunday morning when he made that good confession and then put on Christ in baptism. He is now a Christian.
Have you been thinking about becoming a Christian? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? Are you tired of sin and its power over you? Then accept Jesus’ invitation. Believe, Repent, Confess, Be baptized. Rejoice!
This coming Sunday morning, we will continue in our series “The Way of the Cross.” As we begin our journey on the way of the cross, we must have courage, reason, obedience, sacrifice, and sincerity. As we journey, what can we expect to experience? Can you remember? C_____________, R_____________, O______________, S______________, S_______________. Our lesson this week will focus on the end of our journey on the way of the cross that leads home. What will we find? If you would like to read ahead, read John 14:1-6 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Heaven will surely be worth it all!
On Sunday evening we will once again consider the greatest invitation ever extended. Jesus simply said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me.” We have looked at Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for help. We have looked at His invitation to come to Him for hope. This Sunday evening, we will look at His invitation to come to Him for healing. I hope we all will be challenged and encouraged to accept this great invitation. Read Matthew 11:28-30 and Mark 2:13-17.
Let me remind you of a couple of exciting meetings that are scheduled for November.
I will be preaching about the blessed assurance we have in Christ at the church of Christ at Windsor Lake on Sunday, November 1st, at 3:00 p.m. We will be taking the van and plan to leave the church parking lot at 2:15 p.m. Please sign up on the sheet in the lobby if you plan on riding with us.
Stacy Ferguson will be with us on Sunday, November 8th, to share the good news from the Pacific Islands. Brother Ferguson works full time with Robert Martin in the Pacific Islands Bible College. He and his wife, Kathy, are missionaries to the Pacific Islands. It will be a great to hear about how our fellow Christian brothers and sisters are doing on the other side of the world.
Please remember Cindi and me in your prayers. We will be traveling to Lady Lake, Florida, on Saturday, November 7th, where I will be preaching the gospel in the church of Christ at the Villages on Sunday, the 8th through Wednesday, the 11th. We plan to return to Columbia on Thursday, the 12th, Lord willing. May God bless us all as we take advantage of every opportunity we have to show and share the gospel of Christ.
The renovation to our facilities is moving along according to schedule. A special thanks to brothers Jerry Satterfield and Don Richbourg. They will be at the building on a daily basis to make sure everything goes according to the plans. For the next few days until further notice, we have been asked to enter and exit through the main entrance. If you are coming by the office, please give us a call. Thank you for your patience, your generosity, and your support during the renovation process. It is amazing how much work has already been accomplished in just a few days of work.
Congratulations to our new brother in Christ, David Goza. David has been meeting with us for the past few weeks. He made the most important decision of his life this past Sunday morning when he made that good confession and then put on Christ in baptism. He is now a Christian.
Have you been thinking about becoming a Christian? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? Are you tired of sin and its power over you? Then accept Jesus’ invitation. Believe, Repent, Confess, Be baptized. Rejoice!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It is good to write to you again after being out of town for a few days then coming home to move the church offices to our current temporary location in one of our classrooms. The renovation of our facilities has now begun. The work of the Lord’s church continues in the midst of construction workers, construction equipment, and thoughts of how much God is blessing us. The renovation of our facilities does not hinder our work for Christ. We continue in worship, in prayer and study, in fellowship, in reaching out with the love of Christ to those who are lost, and in providing encouragement and edification to the church. We continue in benevolence, edification, and evangelism. We will not be distracted from our mission. Our elders continue in prayer and the ministry of the word of God. Our deacons continue to fulfill their individual duties for Christ and the church. Your minister continues in prayer, in the study of God’s word, in helpful counsel with those who are in need, and in his daily evangelistic responsibilities. Every member of the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road continues to live the Christian life day by day to honor God assembling together on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for worship, study, and fellowship. Our plans are to be in our newly renovated facilities in just three months, Lord willing.
Our sermon series on Sunday morning is entitled “The Way of the Cross.” This past Sunday, we looked at “The Way of the Cross – What is required?” This coming Sunday morning we will consider what we will experience on the way of the cross. If you would like to read ahead, read Galatians 6:11-15.
Remember that the five points of each lesson in this series begins with the letters C-R-O-S-S. Do you remember the points to last Sunday’s lesson?
C _______________
R _______________
O _______________
S _______________
S _______________
Our Sunday evening series is entitled “Come to Jesus for. . .” We all need help. Jesus knows this fact. He promises us that He will help us. He, also, gives us the terms and conditions of His promise of help.
Read Psalm 1 again. Can you see His promises: Blessing, delight, waters of life, fruit, leaves that are not withered, prosperity in all things? Now can you see His terms and conditions? Our counsel must only come from God’s law on which we meditate day and night. We must plant ourselves in Christ. We must bear fruit. We must not wither in our relationship with God.
Read Psalm 23 again. Look for His promises: I shall not want…green pastures, still waters, a soul restored, leadership, companionship, comfort, discipline, protection, provision, acceptance, blessings galore, goodness and mercy every day, heaven forever. Wow! Now look for His conditions. Can you see them? The Lord must be the Shepherd of our lives. We must follow His leadership even into the “valley of the shadow of death.” We must submit to His discipline and to His protection. We must sit at His table.
Even in John 3:15-17, we can see God’s promise and also His conditions. God promises salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. He then conditions that salvation on “whoever believes in Him.” Of course, we know and understand that faith in Jesus Christ is defined in Hebrews 11:6 as believing that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
This Sunday evening we will look at “Come to Jesus for…HOPE.”
Our sermon series on Sunday morning is entitled “The Way of the Cross.” This past Sunday, we looked at “The Way of the Cross – What is required?” This coming Sunday morning we will consider what we will experience on the way of the cross. If you would like to read ahead, read Galatians 6:11-15.
Remember that the five points of each lesson in this series begins with the letters C-R-O-S-S. Do you remember the points to last Sunday’s lesson?
C _______________
R _______________
O _______________
S _______________
S _______________
Our Sunday evening series is entitled “Come to Jesus for. . .” We all need help. Jesus knows this fact. He promises us that He will help us. He, also, gives us the terms and conditions of His promise of help.
Read Psalm 1 again. Can you see His promises: Blessing, delight, waters of life, fruit, leaves that are not withered, prosperity in all things? Now can you see His terms and conditions? Our counsel must only come from God’s law on which we meditate day and night. We must plant ourselves in Christ. We must bear fruit. We must not wither in our relationship with God.
Read Psalm 23 again. Look for His promises: I shall not want…green pastures, still waters, a soul restored, leadership, companionship, comfort, discipline, protection, provision, acceptance, blessings galore, goodness and mercy every day, heaven forever. Wow! Now look for His conditions. Can you see them? The Lord must be the Shepherd of our lives. We must follow His leadership even into the “valley of the shadow of death.” We must submit to His discipline and to His protection. We must sit at His table.
Even in John 3:15-17, we can see God’s promise and also His conditions. God promises salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. He then conditions that salvation on “whoever believes in Him.” Of course, we know and understand that faith in Jesus Christ is defined in Hebrews 11:6 as believing that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
This Sunday evening we will look at “Come to Jesus for…HOPE.”
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Last Sunday was certainly a day to remember at St. Andrews Road. We had a wonderful time of Bible study, worship, and fellowship. I hope you were encouraged and challenged to move from “have to” to “get to” to “want to” in your daily walk with Jesus Christ.
Our men’s meeting this past Sunday was very well organized and well attended. We had 50 men present for the meeting. There were ten men who could not attend the meeting but provided their support by proxy. When called upon for their support of the elder’s decision to renovate our facilities 59 men said “Yes.” Only one man said “No.” Our renovation will begin on Monday, October 12th. We will have new classrooms with more space to teach and study. We will have new up-to-date restrooms that will meet the needs of every member and guest. We will have a new kitchen that will meet our need for communion preparation, benevolence, congregational luncheons, ladies’ day, youth functions, men’s meetings, meals for those bereaved, wedding receptions, baby showers, and the many and varied events that require such a room. We will have a new pantry room that will aide us in stocking food items for those of our community who are hungry. We will have a room for the storage of our tables and chairs, Bible Bowl equipment, and other equipment. We will have new offices for our secretary and minister. We will have a new meeting room for our elders. We will also have new carpet and paint throughout the educational wing with new lighting and new redesigned heating and cooling systems. The renovation will take approximately 3 months to complete. It is our hope and desire that we can complete this project before February 27th, Bible Bowl 2010. These are certainly exciting times for us as members of the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road.
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is now only one week away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Our theme for this year’s ladies day is “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Our special guest speaker will be Casandra Martin from Spring, Texas. Everything will be ready. Our ladies have been working overtime to see that our ladies’ day will be a wonderful event for every one present. If you can help in any way please see one of our committee members: Cindi Burleson, Sherry Pyle, Monica Holton, or Belinda Hutchinson. Men: We have been asked to help with lunch. If you can help, sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby.
Cindi and I will be out of town this weekend visiting our daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Conway, Arkansas. Please pray for us while we are away.
Brother Caleb Colley will be preaching on Sunday morning and Sunday evening while I am away. Brother Colley is a doctoral student at USC and a faithful gospel preacher. He speaks regularly at lectureships all around the country. He is also writes for Apologetics Press, a publication that reaches out all around the world to defend our faith in God. Please be here this Sunday to hear Brother Colley. You’ll be so very thankful that he is working and worshiping with us at St. Andrews Road.
Let us remember the words of our brother Paul in Ephesians 4:1-6.
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in your all.”
Our men’s meeting this past Sunday was very well organized and well attended. We had 50 men present for the meeting. There were ten men who could not attend the meeting but provided their support by proxy. When called upon for their support of the elder’s decision to renovate our facilities 59 men said “Yes.” Only one man said “No.” Our renovation will begin on Monday, October 12th. We will have new classrooms with more space to teach and study. We will have new up-to-date restrooms that will meet the needs of every member and guest. We will have a new kitchen that will meet our need for communion preparation, benevolence, congregational luncheons, ladies’ day, youth functions, men’s meetings, meals for those bereaved, wedding receptions, baby showers, and the many and varied events that require such a room. We will have a new pantry room that will aide us in stocking food items for those of our community who are hungry. We will have a room for the storage of our tables and chairs, Bible Bowl equipment, and other equipment. We will have new offices for our secretary and minister. We will have a new meeting room for our elders. We will also have new carpet and paint throughout the educational wing with new lighting and new redesigned heating and cooling systems. The renovation will take approximately 3 months to complete. It is our hope and desire that we can complete this project before February 27th, Bible Bowl 2010. These are certainly exciting times for us as members of the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road.
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is now only one week away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Our theme for this year’s ladies day is “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Our special guest speaker will be Casandra Martin from Spring, Texas. Everything will be ready. Our ladies have been working overtime to see that our ladies’ day will be a wonderful event for every one present. If you can help in any way please see one of our committee members: Cindi Burleson, Sherry Pyle, Monica Holton, or Belinda Hutchinson. Men: We have been asked to help with lunch. If you can help, sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby.
Cindi and I will be out of town this weekend visiting our daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Conway, Arkansas. Please pray for us while we are away.
Brother Caleb Colley will be preaching on Sunday morning and Sunday evening while I am away. Brother Colley is a doctoral student at USC and a faithful gospel preacher. He speaks regularly at lectureships all around the country. He is also writes for Apologetics Press, a publication that reaches out all around the world to defend our faith in God. Please be here this Sunday to hear Brother Colley. You’ll be so very thankful that he is working and worshiping with us at St. Andrews Road.
Let us remember the words of our brother Paul in Ephesians 4:1-6.
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in your all.”
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October! Can you believe it? Only three months remaining in 2009! Can you remember all the promises you made to yourself back in January? Take better care of myself…Eat better…Exercise…Lose weight…Spend more time with my family…Read the Bible and pray every day…Save…Enjoy life and living…How are you doing? It’s not too late to get on track. Today is the best day of your life. Yesterday is past. Tomorrow may never come. Today is the only day that really matters. Eat better today. Take that walk today. Better health is a result of eating better and reasonable exercise. Turn the TV off. Get up from the computer. Put down the paper. Put down the cell phone. Spend some time face to face with your spouse, your children, and your parents. Look. Listen. Laugh. Spend some time with God reading His word and talking with Him in prayer. Don’t just survive. Live!
This Sunday morning we will look into God’s word to see that our entire lives can be different, better, more significant when we learn to “Let Our Duties Become Our Desires.” We each have our own individual duties in life, responsibilities that are personally only ours. Sometimes, we look at these duties as things we “have to” do. I have to get up early to go to work. I have to pay the bills. I have to mow the lawn. I have to cook dinner. I have to clean the house. I have to do my homework. I have to study for the test. I have to go to Bible study. I have to go to worship. I have to study, pray, give, wait. On and on we could go. Of course, I have never heard anyone say “I have to go fishing” or “I have to make a trip up to Darlington” or “I have to go on vacation.” Just a simple change in vocabulary can affect our entire lives. Change the words “have to” to “get to” or “want to” and see what a difference this small change can have in your attitude toward life. We no longer “have to” go to work. We “get to” or “want to” go to work. We no longer “have to” study, pray, give, or wait. We now “get to” and “want to” do these things. If you would like to read ahead, read Philippians 2:1-18.
On Sunday evening we will conclude our series “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The church of Christ in the first century was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. They were steadfast in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer. They lived their lives adding and abounding in the Christian Graces. They loved God and they loved one another. They were not easily discouraged. They were focused. Finally, the church of Christ in the first century lived transformed lives. Our brothers and sisters in Christ of the first century are wonderful examples of faith, hope, and love for us today.
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is now just a few days away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. This is a ladies only event. Our ladies have been praying, meeting, planning, organizing, and looking forward to this day for many weeks. Ladies at St. Andrew Road: Please invite and remind your family, friends, and neighbors about this special Ladies’ Day. Men: We have been asked to be here to help with lunch. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the lobby. Please sign up if you can help serve.
The renovation plans for our facilities are proceeding according to schedule. There will be a very important meeting of the men of the congregation this Sunday morning, October 4th immediately following the morning worship hour in the Fellowship Hall. Please make every effort to be at this meeting. Thank you for your patience, your support, and your cooperation as we grow into the 21st century. To God be the glory! Great things He has done.
This Sunday morning we will look into God’s word to see that our entire lives can be different, better, more significant when we learn to “Let Our Duties Become Our Desires.” We each have our own individual duties in life, responsibilities that are personally only ours. Sometimes, we look at these duties as things we “have to” do. I have to get up early to go to work. I have to pay the bills. I have to mow the lawn. I have to cook dinner. I have to clean the house. I have to do my homework. I have to study for the test. I have to go to Bible study. I have to go to worship. I have to study, pray, give, wait. On and on we could go. Of course, I have never heard anyone say “I have to go fishing” or “I have to make a trip up to Darlington” or “I have to go on vacation.” Just a simple change in vocabulary can affect our entire lives. Change the words “have to” to “get to” or “want to” and see what a difference this small change can have in your attitude toward life. We no longer “have to” go to work. We “get to” or “want to” go to work. We no longer “have to” study, pray, give, or wait. We now “get to” and “want to” do these things. If you would like to read ahead, read Philippians 2:1-18.
On Sunday evening we will conclude our series “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The church of Christ in the first century was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. They were steadfast in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer. They lived their lives adding and abounding in the Christian Graces. They loved God and they loved one another. They were not easily discouraged. They were focused. Finally, the church of Christ in the first century lived transformed lives. Our brothers and sisters in Christ of the first century are wonderful examples of faith, hope, and love for us today.
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is now just a few days away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. This is a ladies only event. Our ladies have been praying, meeting, planning, organizing, and looking forward to this day for many weeks. Ladies at St. Andrew Road: Please invite and remind your family, friends, and neighbors about this special Ladies’ Day. Men: We have been asked to be here to help with lunch. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the lobby. Please sign up if you can help serve.
The renovation plans for our facilities are proceeding according to schedule. There will be a very important meeting of the men of the congregation this Sunday morning, October 4th immediately following the morning worship hour in the Fellowship Hall. Please make every effort to be at this meeting. Thank you for your patience, your support, and your cooperation as we grow into the 21st century. To God be the glory! Great things He has done.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Can you believe that summer is past and autumn is now upon us? Tuesday, September 22nd, was the first day of autumn. Before you know it, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving (Only 9 weeks away!). I do love the fall…falling leaves, cooler weather, geese in the sky, animals preparing for their winter nap. The changing of the seasons reminds us of the wonderful promises and provisions of God.
Our Sunday morning lesson series, “100%,” is drawing to a close. We will have our final lesson this Sunday. We have been challenged to give our all, 100% to faithful attendance, to give our all, 100% to daily Bible study, and to give our all, 100% to unity and cooperation. Our final lesson challenges us to give our all, 100% to believing, truly believing in God day in and day out, in good times and in bad times, through youth into maturity, when we are healthy and when we are sick, in the “curves” of life and when life is as smooth as silk, believing, trusting and obeying God even in the face of death. The Bible was written so that we would believe (John 20:30-31). Paul said that the “invisible attributes” of God can be “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…”(Romans 1:20). We must not be deceived. God is and He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Believe it. Trust Him. Obey Him.
Our Sunday evening series, “1st Century Success in the 21st Century,” continues this week. We are looking at the church of Christ in the first century to see how they thought, spoke, and lived to have such dynamic growth. They were not ashamed of Christ. They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. They adding and abounded in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. They were tough, not easily discouraged.
This Sunday evening, we will find that they were focused. They knew their purpose. They understood their purpose. They focused on their purpose. Do we know our purpose? Do we understand it? Are we focused? If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 28:18-20.
A SPECIAL NOTE TO EVERY MEMBER AT ST. ANDREWS ROAD: We will have a very special “business meeting” this Sunday morning immediately following our assembly together so that our elders can share with us the plans for the renovation to our facilities. Following the dismissal prayer, we will break for a few minutes to greet our guests then return to the auditorium for the meeting. Please make a special effort to be present at this meeting. Our elders will give us valuable information as to the company that will be doing the work, the approximate cost of the project, the approximate time of construction, as well as the reorganization of our Bible classes. Thank you so much for your prayers, for your support, and for your patience as we grow into the 21st century. God is so good to us.
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is only three weeks away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. The theme for the day is “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Our special guest speaker is Casandra Martin from Texas. Ladies: Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors to come and be a part of the very special time of study and fellowship.
This Sunday Cindi and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage. Really! We are truly blessed. Through all the changes and challenges of life our steadfast hope will forever rest in Jesus Christ, in His kingdom and in His righteousness.
Our Sunday morning lesson series, “100%,” is drawing to a close. We will have our final lesson this Sunday. We have been challenged to give our all, 100% to faithful attendance, to give our all, 100% to daily Bible study, and to give our all, 100% to unity and cooperation. Our final lesson challenges us to give our all, 100% to believing, truly believing in God day in and day out, in good times and in bad times, through youth into maturity, when we are healthy and when we are sick, in the “curves” of life and when life is as smooth as silk, believing, trusting and obeying God even in the face of death. The Bible was written so that we would believe (John 20:30-31). Paul said that the “invisible attributes” of God can be “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…”(Romans 1:20). We must not be deceived. God is and He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Believe it. Trust Him. Obey Him.
Our Sunday evening series, “1st Century Success in the 21st Century,” continues this week. We are looking at the church of Christ in the first century to see how they thought, spoke, and lived to have such dynamic growth. They were not ashamed of Christ. They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. They adding and abounded in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. They were tough, not easily discouraged.
This Sunday evening, we will find that they were focused. They knew their purpose. They understood their purpose. They focused on their purpose. Do we know our purpose? Do we understand it? Are we focused? If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 28:18-20.
A SPECIAL NOTE TO EVERY MEMBER AT ST. ANDREWS ROAD: We will have a very special “business meeting” this Sunday morning immediately following our assembly together so that our elders can share with us the plans for the renovation to our facilities. Following the dismissal prayer, we will break for a few minutes to greet our guests then return to the auditorium for the meeting. Please make a special effort to be present at this meeting. Our elders will give us valuable information as to the company that will be doing the work, the approximate cost of the project, the approximate time of construction, as well as the reorganization of our Bible classes. Thank you so much for your prayers, for your support, and for your patience as we grow into the 21st century. God is so good to us.
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is only three weeks away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. The theme for the day is “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Our special guest speaker is Casandra Martin from Texas. Ladies: Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors to come and be a part of the very special time of study and fellowship.
This Sunday Cindi and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage. Really! We are truly blessed. Through all the changes and challenges of life our steadfast hope will forever rest in Jesus Christ, in His kingdom and in His righteousness.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
We have so many marvelous events coming up at St. Andrews Road.
Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, September 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Brother Terry Gunnels from Barnwell will be leading our discussion. This meeting is usually held every 3rd Tuesday in the month. October’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, the 20th.
Our Ladies’ Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. Casandra Martin from Spring, Texas, will be our special guest speaker to the ladies. Our theme this year is “Lord, Teach Us To Pray.” Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be served by the men of the congregation. Of course, this is a “Ladies Only” event. Can you believe that our Ladies’ Day is only four weeks away?
The renovation to our facilities will begin very soon. The architectural plans have been completed. We already have one bid. Two additional bids will be in any day. Construction can begin as soon as the right company has been awarded the project. Please pray for our elders and those who will be involved in our renovation project. Let us be thankful to God for His providence! Our brothers and sisters of the past sacrificed much to give us the beautiful facilities we have today. We now have the distinct privilege to show our appreciation for their sacrifices by following their example of faith, hope, and love.
Our Sunday morning series “100%” will continue this Sunday with a lesson on cooperation and unity. What if every member of the church at St. Andrews Road decided to do their very best, to give 100% to cooperation and to the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace? God desires that we be together in every aspect of life…worship, work, prayer, suffering, rejoicing, life, and the resurrection. Our subject is entitled “100% Cooperation and Unity.” The Lord tells us that the church is the body of Christ (Romans 12; I Corinthians 12). We are individual parts united by love working together as one.
On Sunday evening at SAR, we are looking at “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The first century church grew and prospered even in the midst of terrible hardship and persecution. How did they do it? The first century church of Christ was not ashamed of Christ (Romans 1:16). Are we? The church continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine (teaching), in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer (Acts 2:42). Do we? The first century church added and abounded in the Christian Graces (II Peter 1:5-10). Are we? The church loved one another (John 13:34-35). Do we?
This Sunday evening we will look again at the first century church of Christ, their thoughts, words, and actions. In such a dismal time, a time of ignorance, poverty, suffering, and persecution, we find that the church of Christ was not easily discouraged. They focused their lives on God. If you would like to read ahead, read II Corinthians 4.
Just a note about our Parent Rally last Saturday: Thank you to our brother Allen Hutchinson and our eldership for seeing the need for such a dynamic program for our parents and our youth. The program on internet safety was outstanding. The speakers were dynamic and knowledgeable. The internet is a valuable tool. It can also become a snare. We must be vigilant in our Christian life to stay on the path that leads to heaven.
I look forward to our worship and fellowship together on Sunday, Sunday evening, and on Wednesday evening. Let us commit ourselves to Christ, 100%!
Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, September 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Brother Terry Gunnels from Barnwell will be leading our discussion. This meeting is usually held every 3rd Tuesday in the month. October’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, the 20th.
Our Ladies’ Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. Casandra Martin from Spring, Texas, will be our special guest speaker to the ladies. Our theme this year is “Lord, Teach Us To Pray.” Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be served by the men of the congregation. Of course, this is a “Ladies Only” event. Can you believe that our Ladies’ Day is only four weeks away?
The renovation to our facilities will begin very soon. The architectural plans have been completed. We already have one bid. Two additional bids will be in any day. Construction can begin as soon as the right company has been awarded the project. Please pray for our elders and those who will be involved in our renovation project. Let us be thankful to God for His providence! Our brothers and sisters of the past sacrificed much to give us the beautiful facilities we have today. We now have the distinct privilege to show our appreciation for their sacrifices by following their example of faith, hope, and love.
Our Sunday morning series “100%” will continue this Sunday with a lesson on cooperation and unity. What if every member of the church at St. Andrews Road decided to do their very best, to give 100% to cooperation and to the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace? God desires that we be together in every aspect of life…worship, work, prayer, suffering, rejoicing, life, and the resurrection. Our subject is entitled “100% Cooperation and Unity.” The Lord tells us that the church is the body of Christ (Romans 12; I Corinthians 12). We are individual parts united by love working together as one.
On Sunday evening at SAR, we are looking at “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The first century church grew and prospered even in the midst of terrible hardship and persecution. How did they do it? The first century church of Christ was not ashamed of Christ (Romans 1:16). Are we? The church continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine (teaching), in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer (Acts 2:42). Do we? The first century church added and abounded in the Christian Graces (II Peter 1:5-10). Are we? The church loved one another (John 13:34-35). Do we?
This Sunday evening we will look again at the first century church of Christ, their thoughts, words, and actions. In such a dismal time, a time of ignorance, poverty, suffering, and persecution, we find that the church of Christ was not easily discouraged. They focused their lives on God. If you would like to read ahead, read II Corinthians 4.
Just a note about our Parent Rally last Saturday: Thank you to our brother Allen Hutchinson and our eldership for seeing the need for such a dynamic program for our parents and our youth. The program on internet safety was outstanding. The speakers were dynamic and knowledgeable. The internet is a valuable tool. It can also become a snare. We must be vigilant in our Christian life to stay on the path that leads to heaven.
I look forward to our worship and fellowship together on Sunday, Sunday evening, and on Wednesday evening. Let us commit ourselves to Christ, 100%!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
This Saturday, September 12th, we are hosting a very important Parent Rally designed especially for parents and grandparents on the subject of internet safety. Take a look at the questions below and ask yourself, “Am I as informed as I need to be?”
Is your child a Christian online?
Is your child in a “technical” relationship?
If so, does that person know where your child or grandchild lives?
What pictures does your child or grandchild download?
Is your child or grandchild being cyber-bullied?
Could your child or grandchild be a “friend” to a sexual predator?
Do you know ASL, POS, BOLO, CD9, or KPC?
The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 11:30 a.m. or so. Special speakers from SLED and RCSD (Richland County Sheriff Department) will be with us for this very special presentation and meeting. There is no cost for the program. Register for the program at 772-0102 if you can.
The plans for the renovation of our classrooms, offices, and kitchen and the updates to our auditorium and restrooms are proceeding according to schedule. Proper preparation is vital to the success and cost effectiveness of our renovations. Patience is a virtue. Please be in prayer for our elders and those who are involved in the many aspects of our renovation project.
Our Sunday morning series is entitled “100%.” Last week, we focused on 100% Attendance. When a Christian chooses to be away from the assemblies of the church, that Christian simply does not understand the purpose, the necessity, and the value of our meeting together. Let us lift up our eyes to look at the purpose of our coming together for worship and fellowship. Let us climb up higher to see the necessity of our meetings together. Let us launch out further to understand that our meetings together produce a greater faith in God and a greater love for one another.
This Sunday we will look at “100% Bible Study.” Do you have a weak faith? Are you bored with your Christianity? Has temptation overtaken you? Are you discouraged? Did you know that the prescription for your problem is found in God’s word, the Bible?
What was it that empowered Jesus to overcome temptation? Read ahead in Matthew 4:1-11 to see. What does a human being need to grow? What does a Christian need to grow? Read I Peter 2:1-1-3 and Hebrews 5:12-14. The study of God’s word enables every Christian to know the difference between truth and error. Read II Timothy 3 to learn about the “perilous times” in these “last days” and how our God’s word makes us “complete, thoroughly equipped from every good work.”
On Sunday evening we will take another look at the first century church of Christ, how they thought, spoke, and lived. They were not ashamed of Christ. They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer. They adding and abounded in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. This Sunday evening we will look at just how much they loved God first and one another as Christ loved. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples…” (John 13:34-35). Paul said that “the greatest of these is…” (I Corinthians 13:13). We can have 1st Century Success in the 21st Century when we apply these principles to our lives individually and collectively.
We began a new adult Bible study on Wednesday evening at 7:00 in the auditorium. We are studying through Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Please come and be a part of this special Bible study. I look forward to seeing you for worship, study, and fellowship on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening. Come grow with us.
Is your child a Christian online?
Is your child in a “technical” relationship?
If so, does that person know where your child or grandchild lives?
What pictures does your child or grandchild download?
Is your child or grandchild being cyber-bullied?
Could your child or grandchild be a “friend” to a sexual predator?
Do you know ASL, POS, BOLO, CD9, or KPC?
The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 11:30 a.m. or so. Special speakers from SLED and RCSD (Richland County Sheriff Department) will be with us for this very special presentation and meeting. There is no cost for the program. Register for the program at 772-0102 if you can.
The plans for the renovation of our classrooms, offices, and kitchen and the updates to our auditorium and restrooms are proceeding according to schedule. Proper preparation is vital to the success and cost effectiveness of our renovations. Patience is a virtue. Please be in prayer for our elders and those who are involved in the many aspects of our renovation project.
Our Sunday morning series is entitled “100%.” Last week, we focused on 100% Attendance. When a Christian chooses to be away from the assemblies of the church, that Christian simply does not understand the purpose, the necessity, and the value of our meeting together. Let us lift up our eyes to look at the purpose of our coming together for worship and fellowship. Let us climb up higher to see the necessity of our meetings together. Let us launch out further to understand that our meetings together produce a greater faith in God and a greater love for one another.
This Sunday we will look at “100% Bible Study.” Do you have a weak faith? Are you bored with your Christianity? Has temptation overtaken you? Are you discouraged? Did you know that the prescription for your problem is found in God’s word, the Bible?
What was it that empowered Jesus to overcome temptation? Read ahead in Matthew 4:1-11 to see. What does a human being need to grow? What does a Christian need to grow? Read I Peter 2:1-1-3 and Hebrews 5:12-14. The study of God’s word enables every Christian to know the difference between truth and error. Read II Timothy 3 to learn about the “perilous times” in these “last days” and how our God’s word makes us “complete, thoroughly equipped from every good work.”
On Sunday evening we will take another look at the first century church of Christ, how they thought, spoke, and lived. They were not ashamed of Christ. They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer. They adding and abounded in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. This Sunday evening we will look at just how much they loved God first and one another as Christ loved. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples…” (John 13:34-35). Paul said that “the greatest of these is…” (I Corinthians 13:13). We can have 1st Century Success in the 21st Century when we apply these principles to our lives individually and collectively.
We began a new adult Bible study on Wednesday evening at 7:00 in the auditorium. We are studying through Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Please come and be a part of this special Bible study. I look forward to seeing you for worship, study, and fellowship on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening. Come grow with us.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Last Sunday night was indeed a night to remember. Our young men were prepared, confident, and courageous as they led the congregation in worship. Wyatt Holton and Christian Jenkins read from the Bible. Justin Johnson and Joey Reeves prayed and served around the table. Christian Cromartie closed out the service in prayer. Ben Burleson, Josh Moore, and Allen Hutchinson assisted these young men as advisers and mentors.
Bobby Graves delivered a sermon on “Satan’s Game Plan.” He read from John 10:9-10 about Satan’s plan to steal, kill, and to destroy. He taught us to look at the three aspects of sin: desire, opportunity, and action. He reminded us that Satan’s game plan was a plan for losers.
Kyle Holton followed up with a sermon on “God’s Game Plan.” He read from Matthew 16:18 about Christ establishing His church. He reminded us that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against the Lord’s church. He quoted James 4:7 and said that we must submit to God and put our faith in him just like a football player submits to his coach and has faith in him. We must also resist the devil just like we resist the efforts of an opposing team; when we do, the devil will flee from us. He said that God loves every sinner, but hates sin. He concluded in saying that God’s game plan is a plan for winners.
What a joy it is to see our young men and women growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God continues to bless us with every spiritual and physical blessing as we put His kingdom and His righteousness first in our daily lives.
This Sunday morning, we will begin a new series of lessons entitled “100%.” Wouldn’t it be great if we had 100% of the membership of the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road present for every assembly? Lesson One – 100% Attendance!
Our aim is to have 100% of the congregation involved in studying the Bible every week. Do you remember the people at Berea in Acts 17:10-11? “They received the word of God with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Lesson Two – 100% Bible Study!
It is our aim to have 100% of our brothers and sisters in Christ working together for the cause of Christ in unity and harmony. Ephesians 4 and II Thessalonians 3 teach us about the importance of unity and cooperation in our work for Christ. Lesson Three – 100% Unity and Cooperation!
We will conclude this series with a lesson on heaven. God’s desire is for every person to be saved. In II Peter 3:9 we find that the Lord is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Jesus died so that we could live in heaven with Him. Lesson Four – 100% Saved in Heaven!
Our Sunday night series, “1st Century Success in the 21st Century,” continues. We are looking at the great success of the church of Christ in the first century, how they thought, spoke, and lived, then making application to the church of Christ today.
They were not ashamed of Christ. They were not ashamed of the gospel. They went everywhere preaching the wonderful news of salvation in the name of Jesus. Are we ashamed of Christ, of the gospel? Are we showing and sharing the best news in all the world with those around us?
They continued steadfastly…in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Are we continuing steadfast?
This Sunday evening, we will look at II Peter 1:2-11 and ask ourselves, “Are these things in us and abound?” Are we adding to our faith…these “graces”?
Bobby Graves delivered a sermon on “Satan’s Game Plan.” He read from John 10:9-10 about Satan’s plan to steal, kill, and to destroy. He taught us to look at the three aspects of sin: desire, opportunity, and action. He reminded us that Satan’s game plan was a plan for losers.
Kyle Holton followed up with a sermon on “God’s Game Plan.” He read from Matthew 16:18 about Christ establishing His church. He reminded us that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against the Lord’s church. He quoted James 4:7 and said that we must submit to God and put our faith in him just like a football player submits to his coach and has faith in him. We must also resist the devil just like we resist the efforts of an opposing team; when we do, the devil will flee from us. He said that God loves every sinner, but hates sin. He concluded in saying that God’s game plan is a plan for winners.
What a joy it is to see our young men and women growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God continues to bless us with every spiritual and physical blessing as we put His kingdom and His righteousness first in our daily lives.
This Sunday morning, we will begin a new series of lessons entitled “100%.” Wouldn’t it be great if we had 100% of the membership of the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road present for every assembly? Lesson One – 100% Attendance!
Our aim is to have 100% of the congregation involved in studying the Bible every week. Do you remember the people at Berea in Acts 17:10-11? “They received the word of God with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Lesson Two – 100% Bible Study!
It is our aim to have 100% of our brothers and sisters in Christ working together for the cause of Christ in unity and harmony. Ephesians 4 and II Thessalonians 3 teach us about the importance of unity and cooperation in our work for Christ. Lesson Three – 100% Unity and Cooperation!
We will conclude this series with a lesson on heaven. God’s desire is for every person to be saved. In II Peter 3:9 we find that the Lord is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Jesus died so that we could live in heaven with Him. Lesson Four – 100% Saved in Heaven!
Our Sunday night series, “1st Century Success in the 21st Century,” continues. We are looking at the great success of the church of Christ in the first century, how they thought, spoke, and lived, then making application to the church of Christ today.
They were not ashamed of Christ. They were not ashamed of the gospel. They went everywhere preaching the wonderful news of salvation in the name of Jesus. Are we ashamed of Christ, of the gospel? Are we showing and sharing the best news in all the world with those around us?
They continued steadfastly…in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Are we continuing steadfast?
This Sunday evening, we will look at II Peter 1:2-11 and ask ourselves, “Are these things in us and abound?” Are we adding to our faith…these “graces”?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What can we do with the past? What must we do? Lay it down and leave it. God teaches us to “forget what is behind” so that we can “reach forward to what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13). The writer to the Hebrews said, “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is before us looking to Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). A man came to Jesus and said, “Lord, I will follow you…”; then, he wanted to look back. Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:61-62).
Every sin can be forgiven. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners like us. Sometimes we make mistakes. Think about it. Would you say that you learned more from your successes or from your mistakes? It is true that some people never seem to learn from their mistakes. They just keep making the same old errors in judgment, the same old mistakes. We can be different. We must be different. We can learn from our mistakes and become smarter, stronger, and wiser.
Would you say that the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4 had a past? Read about the conversation Jesus had with this woman. Whew! She had had five husbands and was living with a man that was not her husband. Yet Jesus offered her relief from her past. He said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Of course, Jesus is talking about salvation.
Read about the woman who was caught in adultery, the very act in John chapter 8. The men who brought her to Jesus only did so to find a way to accuse Jesus. I have often wondered why the other individual in this sinful act was not brought in. Maybe he was one of those who brought her to Jesus. We do not know. We do know that Jesus offered no excuse for this woman’s sin. He did say to those who accused her, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” No stones were thrown. As a matter of fact, after a few moments of silence Jesus looked up and saw that every man had went out one by one. He looked at the woman and said to her: “Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior. He is the Way. He is the Truth. He is the Life. No one comes to the Father except by and through Him (John 14:6). He alone is the solution to our past.
What can we do about the future? What must we do? We must not worry about it. Jesus taught us about worry and anxiety in Matthew 6:25-34. He said, “Do not worry about you life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Did you know that most of the things we worry about never actually happen? Many of our worries can be summed up in two words, “What if?” It is always wise to plan for tomorrow. I know that my utility bill will arrive in the mail sometime this week. My house payment is due every month. I am hungry just about every morning, noon, and night. We must learn to live our lives with trust rather than worry. God takes care of his creation. Jesus asked, “Are you not of more value than they?” He then reminds us that our Father knows about our needs and will sufficiently provide for our needs. We must trust and not worry about tomorrow.
What about today? Now, that’s a good question! May we all live today to its fullest potential! Jesus Christ delivers us from worry and fear.
Every sin can be forgiven. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners like us. Sometimes we make mistakes. Think about it. Would you say that you learned more from your successes or from your mistakes? It is true that some people never seem to learn from their mistakes. They just keep making the same old errors in judgment, the same old mistakes. We can be different. We must be different. We can learn from our mistakes and become smarter, stronger, and wiser.
Would you say that the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4 had a past? Read about the conversation Jesus had with this woman. Whew! She had had five husbands and was living with a man that was not her husband. Yet Jesus offered her relief from her past. He said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Of course, Jesus is talking about salvation.
Read about the woman who was caught in adultery, the very act in John chapter 8. The men who brought her to Jesus only did so to find a way to accuse Jesus. I have often wondered why the other individual in this sinful act was not brought in. Maybe he was one of those who brought her to Jesus. We do not know. We do know that Jesus offered no excuse for this woman’s sin. He did say to those who accused her, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” No stones were thrown. As a matter of fact, after a few moments of silence Jesus looked up and saw that every man had went out one by one. He looked at the woman and said to her: “Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior. He is the Way. He is the Truth. He is the Life. No one comes to the Father except by and through Him (John 14:6). He alone is the solution to our past.
What can we do about the future? What must we do? We must not worry about it. Jesus taught us about worry and anxiety in Matthew 6:25-34. He said, “Do not worry about you life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Did you know that most of the things we worry about never actually happen? Many of our worries can be summed up in two words, “What if?” It is always wise to plan for tomorrow. I know that my utility bill will arrive in the mail sometime this week. My house payment is due every month. I am hungry just about every morning, noon, and night. We must learn to live our lives with trust rather than worry. God takes care of his creation. Jesus asked, “Are you not of more value than they?” He then reminds us that our Father knows about our needs and will sufficiently provide for our needs. We must trust and not worry about tomorrow.
What about today? Now, that’s a good question! May we all live today to its fullest potential! Jesus Christ delivers us from worry and fear.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
We are well on our way toward the much needed renovations to our facilities here at St. Andrews Road. The architectural plans are being completed. The financing has been approved. The elders are receiving financial gifts, promises, and pledges from our members. God is blessing us in and through these difficult economic times. Our Christian brothers and sisters in the past sacrificed their blood, sweat, and tears to give us what we have today; a place to worship God in spirit and in truth that is beautiful, comfortable, and more than adequate for our needs. The best way to show our gratitude to these who have sacrificed so much is to offer our own sacrifices to those who will follow us. May we all follow our elders and deacons in their sacrifices for the future of the church that meets at 425 St. Andrews Road! May we all be able to say: “I am. I have. I will.”
Our Sunday morning lesson series, “The Greatest Thing in the World – The Christian Life,” has been challenging to us all. We have looked at Sin – How Terrible, Grace – How Marvelous, Salvation – How Wonderful, Life – How Short, and Eternity – How Long. This Sunday morning, we will conclude this series with a lesson entitled “God – How Good!” I hope you will be here for this very special concluding lesson. If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 6:25-34. This passage teaches us how to think, how to live, and why.
We introduced our new Sunday evening series last week with a lesson that asks every Christian to lift up our eyes (John 4). Jesus taught his disciples not to wait but to look up to see the fields that were white with the harvest. He reminded them that they were not alone in their work that they were only building on the work that others had begun.
We, too, must lift our eyes to look at the harvest of family, friends, and neighbors who are searching for help, hope, and the answers to the questions of life.
God asks every Christian to climb up higher (Luke 19). Zacchaeus was a man who wanted to…needed to see Jesus. He had to overcome the crowd that obstructed his view as well as his own limitations (a small stature) to see Jesus.
We, too, must climb up higher in order to overcome whatever it is that is obstructing our view of our salvation which is in Jesus Christ. In the letter to the Hebrews (12:1-2), we are instructed to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us” so that we may run the race before us.
God asks every Christian to launch out further (Luke 5) in our obedient faith in God through Jesus Christ. After Jesus taught the multitude, he asked Simon to launch out into deep waters for a catch. Simon did what Jesus asked even though he had toiled all night and caught nothing. He caught so many fish that both his boat and his partners’ boat began to sink.
We, too, must launch out deeper in our Christian walk with God. Remember what God wrote to us in Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
This Sunday evening, we will look at the first lesson from our series entitled: “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The First Century church was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Their courage and deliberate daily preaching and teaching of the gospel of Christ proved to be the power behind the tremendous growth of the church. What about us in our day? Are we ashamed of the gospel of Christ? I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Our Sunday morning lesson series, “The Greatest Thing in the World – The Christian Life,” has been challenging to us all. We have looked at Sin – How Terrible, Grace – How Marvelous, Salvation – How Wonderful, Life – How Short, and Eternity – How Long. This Sunday morning, we will conclude this series with a lesson entitled “God – How Good!” I hope you will be here for this very special concluding lesson. If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 6:25-34. This passage teaches us how to think, how to live, and why.
We introduced our new Sunday evening series last week with a lesson that asks every Christian to lift up our eyes (John 4). Jesus taught his disciples not to wait but to look up to see the fields that were white with the harvest. He reminded them that they were not alone in their work that they were only building on the work that others had begun.
We, too, must lift our eyes to look at the harvest of family, friends, and neighbors who are searching for help, hope, and the answers to the questions of life.
God asks every Christian to climb up higher (Luke 19). Zacchaeus was a man who wanted to…needed to see Jesus. He had to overcome the crowd that obstructed his view as well as his own limitations (a small stature) to see Jesus.
We, too, must climb up higher in order to overcome whatever it is that is obstructing our view of our salvation which is in Jesus Christ. In the letter to the Hebrews (12:1-2), we are instructed to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us” so that we may run the race before us.
God asks every Christian to launch out further (Luke 5) in our obedient faith in God through Jesus Christ. After Jesus taught the multitude, he asked Simon to launch out into deep waters for a catch. Simon did what Jesus asked even though he had toiled all night and caught nothing. He caught so many fish that both his boat and his partners’ boat began to sink.
We, too, must launch out deeper in our Christian walk with God. Remember what God wrote to us in Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
This Sunday evening, we will look at the first lesson from our series entitled: “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The First Century church was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Their courage and deliberate daily preaching and teaching of the gospel of Christ proved to be the power behind the tremendous growth of the church. What about us in our day? Are we ashamed of the gospel of Christ? I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Monday, August 17, 2009
2009, SAR Newsletter Article - August 16
Back to school! Our teachers have been busy for several days now getting their classrooms in order. Some students have already begun the new school year. The rest will soon follow. You can certainly tell by the increased traffic that our college students have arrived for the fall semester. We must be extra cautious on the highways. School buses stopping and going…Children crossing the streets to and from school…Parents dropping off and picking their children…Young drivers not always focused on their driving…I could go on and on. Please be a little bit more patient with yourself and with others as we all adjust to a new routine.
We will host the Area-wide Men’s and Preacher’s Meeting this Tuesday, August 18th. Brother Bill Young will be presenting a program on “Burn-out.” Come a little bit early for a Krispy Kreme doughnut and coffee. Our program will begin at 10:00 and conclude a few minutes before noon. We will have a Dutch-treat lunch together after the meeting.
This Sunday morning we will continue in our series “The Greatest Thing in the World – The Christian Life” with a lesson entitled “Eternity – How Long.” We have looked at Sin – How terrible, Grace – How Marvelous, Salvation – How Wonderful, and Life – How Short. We only have two more lessons and this series will be completed. I hope you are being encouraged and challenged to become a Christian, then to be a Christian, and to live the Christian life.
On Sunday evening we will begin a new series of lessons on the early church of Christ. The success of the church of Christ in the first century was dynamic. In this series we will look at the reasons for the advancement of the Lord’s cause in the first century and be confident that we too, can enjoy great success in our day. We will focus our attention on the following lessons:
They were not – Romans 1:15-16…We must not be too.
They were – Acts 2:42… We can be too.
They were – II Peter 1:4-11… We can be too.
They truly – John 13:34-35… We can too.
They were not – II Corinthians 4:1, 8-10… We must follow their example.
They had – Matthew 28:19-20… We must too.
They were – Romans 12:1-2… We must be too.
I look forward to sharing these lessons from the Bible with you. May God help us to apply His instructions directly to our every day Christian lives!
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 at St. Andrews Road is just around the corner scheduled for Saturday, October 17th (Only eight weeks away!). Our ladies are busy getting everything in order for this very special day. A Ladies’ Day committee meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, August 17the in classroom 204 immediately following our worship together. All ladies and teenage girls are encouraged to attend this meeting. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby if you can help in any way with our upcoming Ladies’ Day.
The Sunday morning adult Life Enrichment Bible Class just completed a study on the “Me-Attitudes.”. For the remaining Sunday mornings in August we will study the book of Jude. Think about it. Have you ever studied Jude? If you are not currently involved in one of our Bible study programs please consider this your special invitation to join the Life Enrichment Class. Come and grow with us in the knowledge of God’s word. This class meets at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday morning down the hall in Room 204.
We will host the Area-wide Men’s and Preacher’s Meeting this Tuesday, August 18th. Brother Bill Young will be presenting a program on “Burn-out.” Come a little bit early for a Krispy Kreme doughnut and coffee. Our program will begin at 10:00 and conclude a few minutes before noon. We will have a Dutch-treat lunch together after the meeting.
This Sunday morning we will continue in our series “The Greatest Thing in the World – The Christian Life” with a lesson entitled “Eternity – How Long.” We have looked at Sin – How terrible, Grace – How Marvelous, Salvation – How Wonderful, and Life – How Short. We only have two more lessons and this series will be completed. I hope you are being encouraged and challenged to become a Christian, then to be a Christian, and to live the Christian life.
On Sunday evening we will begin a new series of lessons on the early church of Christ. The success of the church of Christ in the first century was dynamic. In this series we will look at the reasons for the advancement of the Lord’s cause in the first century and be confident that we too, can enjoy great success in our day. We will focus our attention on the following lessons:
They were not – Romans 1:15-16…We must not be too.
They were – Acts 2:42… We can be too.
They were – II Peter 1:4-11… We can be too.
They truly – John 13:34-35… We can too.
They were not – II Corinthians 4:1, 8-10… We must follow their example.
They had – Matthew 28:19-20… We must too.
They were – Romans 12:1-2… We must be too.
I look forward to sharing these lessons from the Bible with you. May God help us to apply His instructions directly to our every day Christian lives!
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 at St. Andrews Road is just around the corner scheduled for Saturday, October 17th (Only eight weeks away!). Our ladies are busy getting everything in order for this very special day. A Ladies’ Day committee meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, August 17the in classroom 204 immediately following our worship together. All ladies and teenage girls are encouraged to attend this meeting. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby if you can help in any way with our upcoming Ladies’ Day.
The Sunday morning adult Life Enrichment Bible Class just completed a study on the “Me-Attitudes.”. For the remaining Sunday mornings in August we will study the book of Jude. Think about it. Have you ever studied Jude? If you are not currently involved in one of our Bible study programs please consider this your special invitation to join the Life Enrichment Class. Come and grow with us in the knowledge of God’s word. This class meets at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday morning down the hall in Room 204.
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