We had another wonderful day at the Enola Church of Christ this past Sunday, “Father’s Day” June 17, 2012.  We had 150 for worship and a good crowd for Bible study and for our Sunday evening service.  The church continues to grow in love for God and in our love for one another. In the sermon we focused on dads.  The title of the sermon was “Do’s and Don’ts for Dads.”  We looked at one verse; Ephesians 6:4.  “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” 

     Do not provoke your children to wrath. 
     Do provoke your children to love and good works.

     Do not be absent and inconsistent. 
     Do train your children in the ways of God.

     Do not be a wimp or out of control. 
     Do admonish your children in the ways of God.

     Do not wait any longer to be the dad you need to be. 
     Do begin today.

     The key words that we defined and discussed were:  provoke, wrath, train, and admonish.  Think about it.  How can we know if we are doing something or if we are not doing something if we don’t know the meanings of what it is that we may or may not be doing?  I hope that every father will commit and recommit themselves to being the very best daddy possible.

     We began a new series this past Sunday evening entitled “I know that I am a Christian because…”  Are you a Christian?  Am I?  I can know if I am a Christian.   I know that I am a Christian because I AM A DISCIPLE.  I know because I am persuaded.  I know because sometimes I am called to suffer as a Christian.  A Christian is a disciple of Christ.  A disciple of Christ is a follower of Christ, one who believes in and disseminates the teachings of his Master, Christ.  A disciple of Christ, a Christian follows in the thoughts, words, and the ways of Christ.

     This Sunday morning we will continue in our series “Useful and Fruitful” and look at another obstacle that often hinders our usefulness and therefore our fruitfulness in life and living; REGRET.  If you would like to read ahead, read about the rich young ruler who ran to Jesus, knelt before Him and asked Him a very important question about what he needed to do to have eternal life.  Jesus answered this man’s question lovingly and truthfully.  Read in Matthew 19:16-22.  You can read parallel accounts in Mark and Luke.  Could it be that this young man allowed regret to keep him from being useful and fruitful in his life; thereby having what he desired?  What about you and me?  Excuses, fear, and regret are three obstacles that stand in the way of our usefulness and fruitfulness in life.

     Our Vacation Bible School has been scheduled for Sunday through Wednesday, July 29 through August 1.  Brother Brandon Breeding will be coordinating our VBS and will need our help.  Be ready when the opportunity arises to be useful and fruitful in this summer adventure.

     Pray and keep praying for a break in this terrible drought that we are experiencing here in Central Arkansas.  We need some rain.  May God bless us according to His will and purpose.