Bible Bowl 2010 is now history. Our St. Andrews Road teams represented us in a marvelous way in the demonstration of their study of God’s word and also in the spirit of Christ. Thank you to every team member and mentor for all the hours of study and preparation you put in to the Bible Bowl this year and every year. Thank you to Cindi Burleson and Bill Young for the hours of study you both put into preparing the questions for this event. Thank you to Brother Wade Holton and the entire team of workers who set everything up on Friday and then made sure everything was back in place for our assembly on Sunday. Thank you to every Christian from all around the state of South Carolina who participated in this year’s Bible Bowl. It is my prayer that we have been encouraged and challenged in our Christian walk through the study of God’s word and through our fellowship together.

Mark you calendar for this very special series of meetings!

Gospel Meeting at St. Andrews Road
March 28 – 31
Sunday at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Monday through Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Special Guest Preacher:
David Pharr
Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill
Our Theme: The Ancient Faith for the Modern World

I am really looking forward to our gospel meeting this month. Brother David Pharr, elder and former pulpit minister at Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill will be with us preaching on the theme: The Ancient Faith for the Modern World. This will be a great time of worship, study, and fellowship. Please make plans to be here for every meeting. You will be so very glad that you were here.

Our Sunday morning theme in March is: “Looking to Jesus.” It is vital that we look. When we look, we see. Some do not see because they will not look. We must look to Jesus when we are tempted. He provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). We must look to Jesus when we are sick. He provides healing, help, hope, and strength to endure (Matthew 7:7-12). We must look to Jesus when we are in sorrow. He provides peace and rest (Matthew 11:28f). We must look to Jesus when we doubt. He provides for our faith (Romans 10:17). We must look to Jesus in all things. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). So let us obey God, looking to Jesus, laying aside every weight and sin, running with endurance the race before us (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Our lesson this Sunday is entitled “Looking to Jesus Means…” Just what does it mean to look to Jesus? Looking to Jesus means committing to what is right. Looking to Jesus means being in Christ. Looking to Jesus means being close to God. Looking to Jesus means walking with God. Are you looking to Jesus?

On Sunday evening we will continue in our series of lessons: Poor Decisions Christians Can’t Afford to Make. We must not allow our fleshly desires to overrule God’s word. We must not listen to the advice of someone who does not know the word of God. This Sunday evening we will find that we must not blame others for the things that we bring on ourselves. If you would like to read ahead, read about Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 12 through 16 again.

Our newly renovated facilities are simply gorgeous! God is good, all the time!

Bible Bowl 2010 is now here! We will have a packed house on Saturday, February 27th. I hope you can be here for this annual state-wide event. Those participating in this year’s Bible Bowl have been studying the Old Testament books of Lamentations and Ecclesiastes and will share their knowledge of these two books throughout the day.

Can you believe that Monday is March 1st? Flowers are awakening in our yards and finding that winter is not quite ready to yield to spring. No problem. God has everything in hand.

This Sunday morning our sermon topic is “Looking to Jesus.” God always gives us the strength to do what we need to do, to do what we have to do. In temptation He provides a way of escape. In sickness he provides help, comfort, wisdom, and healing. In sorrow He gives us rest. In all things God provides for us. Jesus instructed us to “Ask…Seek…and Knock” (Matthew 7:7f). If you would like to read ahead, read Hebrews 12:1-2 in addition to Matthew 7. Do you remember Paul’s statement of truth in Philippians 4:13? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

On Sunday evening we will continue in our series of lessons entitled: FOUR POOR DECISIONS CHRISTANS CAN’T AFFORD TO MAKE. Last Sunday evening we looked a lesson one.

In Genesis 12-16 we find that Abraham and Sarah allowed their fleshly desires to overrule the word of God. They were desperate to have a son. After all, God had promised Abraham that he would be blessed and that all nations of the earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:1-3). God did not however, give Abraham the time frame for these blessings. God doesn’t give us a time frame either. Does He? Read Galatians 6:9 to find that God promises to reward the good that we do in ____ __________.” You can probably fill in these blanks without looking. Now back to our thoughts about Abraham and Sarah!

Sarah was about 76 years of age when she made a poor decision and gave Hagar, her handmaid as a wife to Abraham (You can figure the ages of Sarah, Abraham, and Ishmael from Genesis 16:16; 17:17; 17:24; 17:25; 21:5. Try it. You will find this interesting.). Age was not the problem. The problem was Sarah’s desperation that led to impatience that led to a poor decision. Of course we must remember God’s promise in Romans 8:28: “Now we know that all things word together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God is so good.

This Sunday evening we will consider the second poor decision Christians can’t afford to make: We cannot afford to listen to those who do not know God’s word. Think. God spoke His promises to whom? To Sarah? No. To Hagar? No! To Abraham! Ah, yes! We simply cannot afford to listen to the advice of someone who is not familiar with the word of God. I look forward to sharing this lesson with you.

Sunday evenings at St. Andrews Road are very special. I hope you will make a special effort to assemble with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ on Sunday evening for worship, study, and fellowship.

Remember our Gospel Meeting in March scheduled for Sunday through Wednesday, March 28th – 31st with Brother David Pharr.

The renovation to our facilities is complete except for a few minor additions. Now it is up to each of us to take care of our facilities so that we can enjoy the fruits of our sacrifice for years to come.

Can you believe that the Statewide Bible Bowl is now only a week away scheduled for Saturday, February 27th right here at St. Andrews Road? Wow! It is amazing that February is almost over. I am looking forward to spring!
Speaking of the Bible Bowl: If you can help with setting everything up on Friday or if you can help out on Saturday, please sign upon the bulletin board in the lobby. We really need your help! Check in with Wade Holton or Mike Moore for details.
This Sunday morning we will consider the most dangerous word in any language: TOMORROW. This one word has robbed millions of people of success. It has caused many plans to be forever changed. It has closed the gate of heaven to countless multitudes of people. Proverbs 27:1 simply says; “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” What a statement of truth! Please, please, please do not wait until tomorrow to do what you need to do today.
Every Monday I receive a copy of our attendance report from our church secretary, Kay. We have such a wonderful, caring, faithful congregation. It is such a privilege to be your minister and friend. Sadly, my brothers and sisters, we have some who are not holding to their commitment of faithfulness to God in attendance, in Bible study, in fellowship with the church, in communion with Christ in the Lord’s Supper, in giving to the furtherance of the work of the church, and in prayer together with fellow Christians. Every Sunday morning the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road meets for Bible study, fellowship, and worship. Bible study begins at 10:00 a.m. We take a short break at 10:45 and then meet together for worship at 11:00. We are usually out by 12:00. We return on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. and on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Just think: two hours and forty-five minutes on Sunday and one hour on Wednesday evening. It is true that some have difficulty driving at night. Did you know that our deacons arrange to pick up anyone who needs a ride to our assemblies? If you need a ride, just call the church office and someone will gladly assist you. It is also true that work, sickness, and circumstances that are beyond our control sometimes hinder us. Do an evaluation of yourself and your family. Are you fulfilling your commitment to Christ and His church? I need you. You need me. We need each other. Decide today to do what you know you need to do for God, for your family at home, for your Christian family, for yourself.
On Sunday evening at SAR we will begin a new series of lessons entitled: FOUR POOR DECISIONS CHRISTANS CAN’T AFFORD TO MAKE. I hope this series will help us all to be more aware of the God’s provision and our enemy’s deception. We will use Abram and Sarai along with others from the Bible as examples of those who made poor decisions that were so very costly to their relationships with others and with God. If you would to read ahead, read Genesis 16.
Lesson 1 – We cannot afford to let fleshly desire overrule the word of God
Lesson 2 – We cannot afford to listen to those who do not know God’s word
Lesson 3 – We cannot afford to blame others for what we bring on ourselves
Lesson 4 – We cannot afford to shirk responsibility for the sake of keeping peace
Our Gospel Meeting with David Pharr is on the horizon scheduled for Sunday through Wednesday, March 28th – 31st. Mark your calendar and plan to be here on Sunday and every night of the meeting.
I always look forward to our time together in study, worship, and fellowship.

Last Sunday was truly a day to remember at St. Andrews Road. It is an honor to be a member of the Lord’s church and worship and work along side my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Every aspect of our assembly together was edifying. We sang. We prayed. We remembered our Savior in Communion. We gave. We studied God’s word. These things we do every Lord’s Day.
Thank you for your generosity toward the people of Haiti. Our elders asked us to give generously and sacrificially to help those in need. It was a privilege to do so. A check was sent this week to help those in such dire need. May God continue to bless us with health, happiness, and provision to help those in need! May we take advantage of every opportunity to serve! We have the Lord’s command in Luke 6:38:
“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom, for with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
This command is simple, plainly stated, and to the point. After stating the truth we can honestly say, “And that’s the way it is!” Our own prosperity depends upon our generosity.
Bible Bowl 2010 is now only four weeks away scheduled for Saturday, February 27th all day. Bible Bowl teams from around the state will assemble here at St. Andrews Road to prove their knowledge of Lamentations and Ecclesiastes. Our teams have been studying every day in preparation for this state-wide event. If you would like to help with this year’s Bible Bowl, please sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby.
On the calendar in March: MEN’S FELLOWSHIP – MARCH 13th at Gold Hill Road Church of Christ in Rock Hill. Last year close to 700 men gathered together to sing and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ preached. You do not want to miss this annual event. No girls allowed!
Mark you calendar for our spring Gospel Meeting:
GOSPEL MEETING
ST. ANDREWS ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST
SUNDAY – WEDNESDAY
MARCH 28 – 31
OUR SPECIAL GUEST PREACHER: DAVID PHARR
This Sunday morning we will once again focus on our theme: “The Bible: The Book of Books.” The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of men, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. It is riches for the poor, medicine for the sick, a map for the lost, and the hope for the dying. What should we do, what must we do with God’s word, the Bible, the Book of books? We will answer this question on Sunday morning.
On Sunday evening we will consider “Paul’s Instructions to Timothy.” He instructed Timothy to FLEE. Run from false teachers, from the desire to be rich, from sin. Next Paul told him to FOLLOW. Run after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. This Sunday evening we will look at Paul’s next instruction: FIGHT. Fight the good fight of faith. We are reading Paul’s first letter to Timothy, chapter 6, verses 11 and 12.
The renovation to our facilities is just about completed. Our goal was to be finished with everything by February 27th and I believe that we are going to make it. God has richly blessed us. May we love one another as Jesus loved us!

This past Monday, January 18, 2010, was “one of those days.” The day began with a call from our dear sister Linda Butler. Her dear mother and our sister in Christ, Christine Sheets, passed from this life to Paradise early Monday morning. We extend to this family our deepest sympathies. The earthly tabernacle of Sister Sheets will be gently carried to Kentucky and laid to rest beside her loving husband. She was 93 years of age. Please remember this family in your prayers. Sister Linda will need our prayers and support during the coming days as she adjusts to the changes of life.

After a couple of phone calls from Christians who almost had me questioning my decision to become a gospel preacher, I thought: “What going on?” Then it hit me. Monday was the third Monday in January and what some call “Blue Monday”, supposedly the one day of the year when people are most negative about their lives. Overspending during the holidays is now showing up in the mail. The turkey and dressing, apple pie and ice cream, along with all those family get-togethers sitting on the sofa watching the tube is now showing up on the bathroom scales. Thoughts of springtime flowers and summer vacations are overshadowed by cold temperatures, dreary skies, and rain. Gray seems to be overtaking us.

In addition to these things, we have seen images of the utter chaos in Haiti; and we mourn for the citizens of that country as they face such overwhelming tribulations stemming from a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Tears swell in my eyes and my heart aches as I try to imagine how the country will survive such unimaginable circumstances. We all are survivors.

Please know that “Blue Monday” is just a myth. It isn’t real. In life we make choices and experience the consequences of those choices. Others make choices that affect our lives with or without our consent or knowledge, and we must make adjustments. Life happens. Jesus told His disciples about life in John 16:33; “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

God is always right. His word is infallible. He has told us in Galatians 6, verses 9-10: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Any day can be a “blue” day or one of the best days of life depending on our understanding of the facts of life. We must not allow the philosophies of this world to deceive us and lead us to doubt, disappointment, discouragement, and depression. These are tools of the enemy: Satan. He uses these tools to tempt us to turn on each other with unjust criticism, judgment, and cynicism.

God does not deceive. He is truth. He never disappoints. He is our Father. His plans always end in victory. He is our Savior. His ways lead to happiness and prosperity. He has told us about the “up’s and down’s” of life in His inspired word, the Bible. When we are experiencing the “ups” of life, let us glorify God for His grace and mercy and remain humble before Him. When we are experiencing the “downs” of life, let us trust God even more and be reminded that we are not alone, that though today may be filled with sorrow, pain, loneliness, and loss; God remains ready, willing, and able to help us in our time of need.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea…” (Psalm 46:1-2).