October! Can you believe it? The rain we received this week was refreshing and much needed. Did you know that this was the first rain we have had in 28 days? We are thankful to God for His providence.
Wasn’t last Sunday great? We had the honor of hearing two great gospel preachers tell of their commitment to Christ and His church in the mission field: Joey Treat in the South Pacific Island of Palau and Patrick Swayne in Melbourne, Australia. Wow! What a day! It is certainly a great joy to know that we have a part in reaching out to the world with the gospel of Christ through our prayers, encouragement, and financial support of these fine Christian men.
Thank you for all the delicious food we had at the potluck luncheon last Sunday. We had enough food for a multitude. It was good to see so many members and guests sitting together laughing, talking, visiting, and sharing some time together. The Bible refers to such meals as “love feasts.”
I’ll be back in the pulpit this Sunday teaching and preaching again. We will begin a lesson series this Sunday morning entitled “Fully Committed to Christ.” Am I fully committed to Christ? Are you fully committed to Christ? Jesus was fully committed to His Father. The twelve were. Even Judas was committed, not to Christ…to money. Paul was definitely fully committed to Christ. He wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Time and time again Paul instructed Timothy to be fully committed to Christ (I Timothy 1:3, 18; 3:12-16; 5:21; 6:11-16 for example). Think about the full commitment Moses made to God when he stood in bare feet before the burning bush. Think about Noah’s commitment to build the ark and save his family. Think about the spies that went over Jordan to take a look at the Promise Land. Two were committed to God. What about the other ten? The church at Ephesus lost their first love. They were not fully committed. The church at Laodicea was lukewarm. They were not fully committed, either to God or against Him. Their lack of commitment made God sick. God expects and accepts only our full commitment to His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said it this way. “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).
On Sunday evening we will continue in our series “I Know That I am a Christian Because…” with a lesson from Acts 26. Paul is talking to King Agrippa about becoming a Christian. He sought to persuade him to obey what he believed. I know that I am a Christian because I AM PERSUADED. Are you persuaded? God created everything. Are you persuaded? Jesus Christ is His Son and the promised Messiah, our Savior and Lord. Are you persuaded? The Holy Spirit of God revealed God’s word to selected men so that the entire world may believe and obey the gospel of Christ. Are you persuaded? Jesus shed His blood to purchase and save His church. Are you persuaded? The one and only source of God’s instructions and commands to mankind is the Bible, God’s holy word. Are you persuaded? God alone has the authority to say who, what, when, where, how, and why mankind can please Him in life and living. Let us consider these things.
Mark you calendar for a very special gospel meeting at the Winsor Lake church of Christ just across town scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday evening, October 15th and 16th at 7:00 p.m. and then on Sunday afternoon, October 17th at 3:00. I will be sharing three lessons from God’s word on the theme: “The Lord Knows Those Who Are His.” Come and grow in your faith.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
It’s great to be back in beautiful Columbia, South Caroline after our trip to west Texas a few days ago. Boy, west Texas is different…big for sure, but barren except for a few farmers, the cotton fields, and oil wells. I like trees, grass, water, and people. It is true that Columbia seems to be getting crowded, but try living in a place where your next neighbor is five miles or more away. I sat out in the local preacher’s front yard for one hour and saw only one car, his. He lives right in the middle of town (population 253). Of course I do realize that sometimes, on some days this would be a wonderful pleasure. Thank you for allowing me to be away to share the gospel of Christ with our fellow Christians in Texas.
This Sunday, September 26th will be a very special day for us at St. Andrews Road. Brother Joey Treat will be with us for the morning service. He will be sharing all the wonderful news of our work together in the gospel of Christ from the South Pacific Islands, specifically Saipan, Chuuk, and Palua.
Immediately following our morning worship hour everyone is invited to a potluck luncheon in the fellowship hall. Please bring enough food for you, your family, and our guests. Let’s make sure that we all plan big!
On Sunday evening we will get to meet and hear Brother Patrick Swayne from Melbourne, Australia. He will sharing the news of his work as a missionary “down under” and then meeting with our eldership to talk about how we might be a part of the work of Christ there.
Do you remember the sermon last Sunday morning? The love of Christ is:
Our __________________ to serve
Our __________________ to obey
Our __________________ to gratitude
Our __________________ to heaven
I fear that too few Christians know, understand, appreciate, or ever acknowledge the power of the love of Christ in the world. When we come to know, understand, acknowledge, and appreciate the demonstration of God’s love for mankind in Christ Jesus we are forever changed in mind, in speech, and in lifestyle.
What about Sunday evening? Do you remember how you know that you are a Christian? I know that I am a Christian because: ___ ____ __ ____________. You can find the answer in Acts 11:26.
We had a great Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting this past Tuesday morning. Bill Young led the discussion on the subject of “The Qualifications of Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” The meeting was well attended and the discussion, as always was in depth and with enthusiasm. We are studying a series of lessons on the theme “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” We have discussed “The Need for Faithful Elders” and “The Qualifications of Faithful Elders.” The next lessons will be “The Work of Faithful Elders” in October and the “The Relationship of Faithful Elders to the Congregation They Serve” in November. If you can take an hour or two to study with a group of elders, deacons, preachers, and Christian brothers please come and be a part of the meeting. We meet every third Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. We take a break in December for the holidays and another break in July and August for summer vacations.
I have been honored with an invitation to preach the gospel of Christ in October at the Winsor Lake church of Christ on the other side of town. The congregation at Winsor Lake is hosting a gospel meeting on Friday evening (15th) and Saturday evening (16th) at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon (17th) at 3:00 p.m. I hope we can have a good crowd from St. Andrews Road at each service.
This Sunday, September 26th will be a very special day for us at St. Andrews Road. Brother Joey Treat will be with us for the morning service. He will be sharing all the wonderful news of our work together in the gospel of Christ from the South Pacific Islands, specifically Saipan, Chuuk, and Palua.
Immediately following our morning worship hour everyone is invited to a potluck luncheon in the fellowship hall. Please bring enough food for you, your family, and our guests. Let’s make sure that we all plan big!
On Sunday evening we will get to meet and hear Brother Patrick Swayne from Melbourne, Australia. He will sharing the news of his work as a missionary “down under” and then meeting with our eldership to talk about how we might be a part of the work of Christ there.
Do you remember the sermon last Sunday morning? The love of Christ is:
Our __________________ to serve
Our __________________ to obey
Our __________________ to gratitude
Our __________________ to heaven
I fear that too few Christians know, understand, appreciate, or ever acknowledge the power of the love of Christ in the world. When we come to know, understand, acknowledge, and appreciate the demonstration of God’s love for mankind in Christ Jesus we are forever changed in mind, in speech, and in lifestyle.
What about Sunday evening? Do you remember how you know that you are a Christian? I know that I am a Christian because: ___ ____ __ ____________. You can find the answer in Acts 11:26.
We had a great Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting this past Tuesday morning. Bill Young led the discussion on the subject of “The Qualifications of Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” The meeting was well attended and the discussion, as always was in depth and with enthusiasm. We are studying a series of lessons on the theme “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” We have discussed “The Need for Faithful Elders” and “The Qualifications of Faithful Elders.” The next lessons will be “The Work of Faithful Elders” in October and the “The Relationship of Faithful Elders to the Congregation They Serve” in November. If you can take an hour or two to study with a group of elders, deacons, preachers, and Christian brothers please come and be a part of the meeting. We meet every third Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. We take a break in December for the holidays and another break in July and August for summer vacations.
I have been honored with an invitation to preach the gospel of Christ in October at the Winsor Lake church of Christ on the other side of town. The congregation at Winsor Lake is hosting a gospel meeting on Friday evening (15th) and Saturday evening (16th) at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon (17th) at 3:00 p.m. I hope we can have a good crowd from St. Andrews Road at each service.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Gone again! Cindi and I will be in a small town in west Texas this week. I will be preaching in a gospel meeting with the church of Christ in Ackerly, Texas beginning Sunday morning, September 12th continuing through Wednesday, September 15th. Ackerly is south of Lubbock and west of Abilene on the map in the middle of oil country. My friend, Craig Shackleford is their preacher. I am excited about visiting with them and sharing life lessons from God’s word to encourage them to greater faith in God. We plan on being back in Columbia late Thursday night, Lord willing. Please pray for the safety of our journey and that the church there will be edified in faith, hope, and love. Brother Caleb Colley will be preaching while I am away.
Remember our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday, September 21st at 10:00 a.m. Brother Bill Young will present a program entitled “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation – The Qualifications of Faithful Elders.” God has directed every congregation to be led by faithful, qualified elders. It is true that some congregations simply do not have men who meet the qualifications given in God’s word. These congregations must pray for, work toward, and prepare men who will be qualified for the eldership. St. Andrews Road is overseen by three faithful, qualified elders who leqd us in the way of righteousness and prosperity in Christ. We also have other men in the congregation who are living according to the Biblical pattern. They are preparing themselves for the eldership in the near and distant future. We must endeavor in every way to follow the pattern of leadership found in the Bible. This meeting is held every third Tuesday in the month at St. Andrews Road and is open to every Christian brother who desires to attend. After the meeting we have lunch together at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road, Dutch-treat of course.
September 26th will be one of those very special days at St. Andrews Road!
On Sunday morning, September 26th Brother Joey Treat, missionary in Chuuk, Pacific Islands will be with us to share all the good news from the other side of the world. We are planning a “pot-luck” lunch following the morning assembly. Then on Sunday evening Brother Patrick Swayne, missionary in Melbourne, Australia will be with us to share all the good news from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ down under. You won’t want to miss out on this very special day of worship, study, and fellowship as we focus on God’s blessings to us and through us.
Can you believe that there is only 16 weeks left in the year? Whew! Don’t believe me? I counted twice. God tells us over and over in His word, the Bible concerning the brevity of life and how we must take advantage of every opportunity and possibility one day at a time. Just as we heard this past Sunday, we must WAKE UP to all the possibilities every day for ourselves, for our families, and for the church. We must GET UP to take full advantage of God’s blessings in our lives. We must OPEN UP in obedient faith to do what God asks us to do. Really the only reason anyone can’t is that they won’t. It was our Christian brother and inspired writer to the Philippians, Paul who said; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He was writing the truth. God was the One speaking the words Paul wrote. He could. We can too.
Take a look at the “Family News” section on your newsletter today. There is so much we all can do to encourage our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Pray for those who are sick and shut-in. Make a visit. Make a call. Send a card. Email. Text. You can make such a positive difference when you decide to!
Remember our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday, September 21st at 10:00 a.m. Brother Bill Young will present a program entitled “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation – The Qualifications of Faithful Elders.” God has directed every congregation to be led by faithful, qualified elders. It is true that some congregations simply do not have men who meet the qualifications given in God’s word. These congregations must pray for, work toward, and prepare men who will be qualified for the eldership. St. Andrews Road is overseen by three faithful, qualified elders who leqd us in the way of righteousness and prosperity in Christ. We also have other men in the congregation who are living according to the Biblical pattern. They are preparing themselves for the eldership in the near and distant future. We must endeavor in every way to follow the pattern of leadership found in the Bible. This meeting is held every third Tuesday in the month at St. Andrews Road and is open to every Christian brother who desires to attend. After the meeting we have lunch together at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road, Dutch-treat of course.
September 26th will be one of those very special days at St. Andrews Road!
On Sunday morning, September 26th Brother Joey Treat, missionary in Chuuk, Pacific Islands will be with us to share all the good news from the other side of the world. We are planning a “pot-luck” lunch following the morning assembly. Then on Sunday evening Brother Patrick Swayne, missionary in Melbourne, Australia will be with us to share all the good news from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ down under. You won’t want to miss out on this very special day of worship, study, and fellowship as we focus on God’s blessings to us and through us.
Can you believe that there is only 16 weeks left in the year? Whew! Don’t believe me? I counted twice. God tells us over and over in His word, the Bible concerning the brevity of life and how we must take advantage of every opportunity and possibility one day at a time. Just as we heard this past Sunday, we must WAKE UP to all the possibilities every day for ourselves, for our families, and for the church. We must GET UP to take full advantage of God’s blessings in our lives. We must OPEN UP in obedient faith to do what God asks us to do. Really the only reason anyone can’t is that they won’t. It was our Christian brother and inspired writer to the Philippians, Paul who said; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He was writing the truth. God was the One speaking the words Paul wrote. He could. We can too.
Take a look at the “Family News” section on your newsletter today. There is so much we all can do to encourage our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Pray for those who are sick and shut-in. Make a visit. Make a call. Send a card. Email. Text. You can make such a positive difference when you decide to!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Polishing the Pulpit workshop in Sevierville, Tennessee was great. The workshop is an annual event where Christians from just about everywhere meet in the Smoky Mountains at the convention center for six days of intense Bible study and training. The event is organized in a special way. Each participant can choose a “path” of instruction especially formatted for their particular role or interest. If you are an elder, you can choose a program for the entire week that focuses solely on the eldership. If you are deacon, a program of instruction has been designed especially for you. If you are preacher, a youth worker, or a Bible class teacher you can choose that particular program of instruction. There are special sessions for teenagers. I chose a variety of sessions that included:
Robert Taylor, Jr. - “If I Were Starting Out as a Preacher Again…”
Cliff Goodwin – “How to Grow in the Spiritual Disciplines”
Gary Hampton – “How Can We Get This Church to Grow”
Eric Lyons – “Salvation: The Gift of God’s Grace”
Brad Harrub – “Little House on the Prairie or Big Mansion in the City”
Dan Winkler – “I’ve Got Peace like a River”
Caleb Colley – “Influence 101”
Matt Vega – “A Lawyer Looks at the Trials & Persecutions of Early Christians”
Alan Highers – “Hot-Button Issues Facing the Church”
I appreciate the opportunity to attend this great workshop for myself, my family, and the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road. Know that you will be hearing what I have learned in the coming days.
Our Sunday morning sermon is entitled “Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?” taken from the angel’s question to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18:14. Of course we all know the answer to this question. Nothing is too difficult for God. We will look at three things we can do: wake up, get up, and open up to God’s opportunities, to God’s purpose, to God’s blessings. Check out Genesis 18 as you prepare for the lesson this Sunday.
Sunday evening at St. Andrews Road is always a very special time of worship, study, and fellowship. This Sunday evening we will focus our attention on “Developing Positive Expectation.” Do you remember the lesson Jesus taught from a widow who had been wronged? She sought justice from a judge who didn’t regard God or man. The unrighteous judge honored her request simply because she kept on keeping on. She had the power of positive expectation. We too, can develop this character trait in our own lives. We’ll discuss how on Sunday evening. I hope you will be present for this great lesson from God’s word.
Lately we have been blessed with several new Christian brothers and sisters deciding to work and worship with us at St. Andrews Road. Some have moved into our area. Others have recently obeyed the gospel. God is blessing us with laborers just like He promised. Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” We have been praying. God answers our prayers. What shall we do? Let us get to work together reaching up and reaching out with the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the eldership shepherding, the deacons serving, the preacher preaching, the Bible teachers teaching, all Christians working together toward heaven.
Statements from PTP: “I am not a body with a soul. I am a soul living in a body.” (Cliff Goodwin – Alabama)
Robert Taylor, Jr. - “If I Were Starting Out as a Preacher Again…”
Cliff Goodwin – “How to Grow in the Spiritual Disciplines”
Gary Hampton – “How Can We Get This Church to Grow”
Eric Lyons – “Salvation: The Gift of God’s Grace”
Brad Harrub – “Little House on the Prairie or Big Mansion in the City”
Dan Winkler – “I’ve Got Peace like a River”
Caleb Colley – “Influence 101”
Matt Vega – “A Lawyer Looks at the Trials & Persecutions of Early Christians”
Alan Highers – “Hot-Button Issues Facing the Church”
I appreciate the opportunity to attend this great workshop for myself, my family, and the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road. Know that you will be hearing what I have learned in the coming days.
Our Sunday morning sermon is entitled “Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?” taken from the angel’s question to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18:14. Of course we all know the answer to this question. Nothing is too difficult for God. We will look at three things we can do: wake up, get up, and open up to God’s opportunities, to God’s purpose, to God’s blessings. Check out Genesis 18 as you prepare for the lesson this Sunday.
Sunday evening at St. Andrews Road is always a very special time of worship, study, and fellowship. This Sunday evening we will focus our attention on “Developing Positive Expectation.” Do you remember the lesson Jesus taught from a widow who had been wronged? She sought justice from a judge who didn’t regard God or man. The unrighteous judge honored her request simply because she kept on keeping on. She had the power of positive expectation. We too, can develop this character trait in our own lives. We’ll discuss how on Sunday evening. I hope you will be present for this great lesson from God’s word.
Lately we have been blessed with several new Christian brothers and sisters deciding to work and worship with us at St. Andrews Road. Some have moved into our area. Others have recently obeyed the gospel. God is blessing us with laborers just like He promised. Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” We have been praying. God answers our prayers. What shall we do? Let us get to work together reaching up and reaching out with the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the eldership shepherding, the deacons serving, the preacher preaching, the Bible teachers teaching, all Christians working together toward heaven.
Statements from PTP: “I am not a body with a soul. I am a soul living in a body.” (Cliff Goodwin – Alabama)
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