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.