Jury duty! A first for me! Last week I was selected for jury duty and served along side five other jurors in Magistrate Court. It was a privilege for me to fulfill my duty as a citizen of the United States of America, the greatest country in the world. I did notice that some of my fellow citizens did not seem as “privileged” as I was. The judge asked us if there were any prospective jurors who could not be fair in their judgment. Surprisingly to me and to the judge, three people raised their hands. The judge called these three people to the bench and asked them the following question, “Is it my understanding that you cannot be fair in your judgment even though you have not heard the case or even any details of the case?” These three people answered, “We cannot.” Of course the judge released these people from their jury duty. After these people left the courtroom, the judge looked over to the clerk and said, “Well, that’s a first.” Over the last few days I have thought about these three people and others in our communities who may be like them. There are people who simply cannot, or will not, or are not fair. I am sorry to have to write that statement. But unfortunately, the statement is true. We all can find consolation in the fact that though people may or may not be fair in their judgment, God is always fair. He is always right. He is always just. He is always perfect in His thoughts, in His word, and in His decisions. We may not always understand His thoughts and judgments, but His thoughts and judgments are fair, right, just and perfect the same.
The prophet Isaiah wrote God’s word in Isaiah 55:8-9:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Our brother in Christ and apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:18-27 concerning life, our sufferings, the futility that we are subjected to, the bondage of corruption that we will some day be delivered from, the weaknesses that we endure then writes in verse 28; “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Our Sunday morning series “Faith to Victory in Christ” continues this Sunday with a lesson from John 11, the Biblical account of Jesus power over life and death. We will look at the people in this account and learn “Lessons from Lazarus.” If you would like to read ahead to prepare for this lesson read John 11. Notice Jesus. He was all-powerful then. He still is. He will be forever. Notice the disciples, especially Thomas. Note their lack of understanding. Notice Martha and Mary. They believed that Jesus could have healed their brother. But obviously they did not believe that He could raise him from the dead. Notice the mourners. They recognized Jesus’ love and his power to heal, but questioned Jesus’ punctuality. Notice Lazarus. He was sick and dying, then dead and waiting. I look forward to learning lessons from Lazarus.
Last Sunday night at SAR we looked at Jesus as our Provider. He provides everything we need according to His will and purpose. He is the door where we enter for salvation and provision. This Sunday evening we will see that Jesus provides not only blessings and benefits, but also hardship and chastening. Our Scripture text can be found in Hebrews 12:5-11.
Our Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 11th through 15th. I hope you can schedule your summer activities around Vacation Bible School and be present every night. If you can help with this year’s VBS, that would be great! Brother Bill Young is our coordinator. We need you!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Last week I made a quick trip to Arkansas to see my granddaughter graduate from preschool. That’s right. Preschool! Let’s see…800 miles and 12 hours in the car to Arkansas on Monday…Graduation on Tuesday…800 miles and 15 hours in the car back to South Carolina on Wednesday. Wednesday was one of those days. I left Conway, Arkansas at 5:00 a.m. hoping to arrive in Columbia in time for Bible study. At 6:30 I had driven 90 miles when my battery light came on followed by several other lights. A minute or two later I was sitting on the side of the interstate waiting for a tow truck to take me to someone who could replace my alternator and battery. Have you ever been stranded on an interstate? There was a guard rail three inches from the right side of my car. Those big rigs were passing by at 70+ miles per hour within four feet of the left side of my car. Whew! Three hours and $482.27 later I was back on the road again. It certainly is odd that a $300.00 job costs almost $500.00 when you’re away from home and you need help as soon as possible. Anyway…The trip was worth more to me than all the money in the world. Too many people have lost sight of what is truly important in life: Faith in God, family and friendship, peace, hope, and love.
Our Sunday morning series is entitled “Faith to Victory in Jesus.” Last Sunday morning we considered three lessons from two fishing trips (Luke 5). On the first trip the disciples fished alone. On the second trip Jesus was present. On the first fishing trip the disciples fished their plan. On the second trip they fished Jesus’ plan. On the first fishing trip the disciples hoped in fish. On the second trip they fished in hope. Let us consider life as a fishing trip and learn these valuable lessons about life. We can do so much more with Jesus present in our lives than we can ever do alone. Jesus’ plan is so much better than ours. Isn’t it time that we stopped hoping in fish, in things, in our own power and started fishing, living in hope, in Christ? Jesus said in Matthew 6:31-34; “Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
This Sunday morning we will look at the conversion of Saul of Tarsus from his father’s law to faith in Christ Jesus. Saul is also known as Paul (Acts 13:9). Luke records the Biblical account of Saul’s conversion in three places in the book of Acts: 9:1-19; 22:6-16, and 26:12-18. It would be great if you could read these accounts before Sunday. We will learn three lessons from Saul that will help us to find faith to victory in Jesus. We must not lie. We must not cry. We must not sit by. We must arise.
Last Sunday evening we looked at Jesus as our Shepherd. This Sunday evening we will consider Jesus as our Provider. He provides HEALTH.
Our physical body is a member of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:15, 19). Paul told Timothy to exercise himself toward godliness. He said, “Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (I Timothy 4:7-8). God’s word was written that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that believing we may have life in Him (John 20:31). God’s word was written that we might not sin (I John 2:1). Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Are you healthy?
Our Sunday morning series is entitled “Faith to Victory in Jesus.” Last Sunday morning we considered three lessons from two fishing trips (Luke 5). On the first trip the disciples fished alone. On the second trip Jesus was present. On the first fishing trip the disciples fished their plan. On the second trip they fished Jesus’ plan. On the first fishing trip the disciples hoped in fish. On the second trip they fished in hope. Let us consider life as a fishing trip and learn these valuable lessons about life. We can do so much more with Jesus present in our lives than we can ever do alone. Jesus’ plan is so much better than ours. Isn’t it time that we stopped hoping in fish, in things, in our own power and started fishing, living in hope, in Christ? Jesus said in Matthew 6:31-34; “Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
This Sunday morning we will look at the conversion of Saul of Tarsus from his father’s law to faith in Christ Jesus. Saul is also known as Paul (Acts 13:9). Luke records the Biblical account of Saul’s conversion in three places in the book of Acts: 9:1-19; 22:6-16, and 26:12-18. It would be great if you could read these accounts before Sunday. We will learn three lessons from Saul that will help us to find faith to victory in Jesus. We must not lie. We must not cry. We must not sit by. We must arise.
Last Sunday evening we looked at Jesus as our Shepherd. This Sunday evening we will consider Jesus as our Provider. He provides HEALTH.
Our physical body is a member of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:15, 19). Paul told Timothy to exercise himself toward godliness. He said, “Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (I Timothy 4:7-8). God’s word was written that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that believing we may have life in Him (John 20:31). God’s word was written that we might not sin (I John 2:1). Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Are you healthy?
Friday, May 14, 2010
What a wonderful week it has been in beautiful Columbia, South Carolina! I just love these cool refreshing mornings. Don’t you? Most of our spring blooms have now faded away. The trees are full of leaves (Try not to think about all the raking we’ll have to do in the fall.). Summer is almost here. We are blessed!
We had a great Mother’s Day breakfast last Saturday morning! Just about every chair was filled with mothers and grandmothers as well as family and friends gathered to enjoy a special breakfast especially prepared by the men of the congregation. Thank you to every Christian brother young and older for getting up especially early on a Saturday morning to serve our mothers. Of course the reward for our labor together was delicious and plentiful.
Congratulations to our 2010 graduating seniors. We are hosting a special graduation celebration on Saturday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. This event is for the entire congregation. Come and celebrate this momentous occasion with our graduating seniors and their families. Please call the church office if you plan to attend.
This coming Sunday morning we will begin a new series entitled “Faith to Victory in Christ.” We will learn a lesson from four disciples; Peter, Andrew, James, and John about the victory that comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. These fishermen had fished all night long and had caught nothing. Jesus came on the scene and asked to use Peter’s boat to teach the multitude of people who came to hear the word of God. After His lesson Jesus asked Peter to launch back out for a catch of fish. At first Simon Peter was hesitant, but out of respect for Jesus, he obeyed. Do you remember the result of Simon’s faith in the Lord on that day? Read Luke 5:1-11 and see for yourself. We will talk about the two fishing trips and why the second trip resulted in such wonderful blessings. Of course the presence of Jesus made all the difference then for the disciples. He still makes all the difference in our lives today. Are you a Christian? Could it be that you have been “fishing all night and caught nothing?” Is it possible that you are missing the most important “difference” in your life? Sunday’s are always special at St. Andrews Road. We have a place for you!
Every Sunday morning at 10:00 we have special Bible classes for every age and interest including three adult Bible studies and a young professionals class. Our newly renovated educational wing is really beautiful with large welcoming well-lighted classrooms. Our teachers are well-prepared and eager to help every student to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge of God’s word.
Jesus said; “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Make a change for the better this Sunday and come out at 10:00 to study God’s word with your fellow Christian brothers and sisters. You will be so very glad that you did! You can do it!
Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday morning, May 18th at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Following the meeting we will eat lunch together at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road. I hope you can make the meeting on Tuesday. We will take a break for the summer (June and July) then meet again on the third Tuesday in August.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…” (Psalm 46:1)
“Be still and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10)
“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God…” (Psalm 53:1)
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust…” (Psalm 71:1)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path…” (Psalm 119:105)
We had a great Mother’s Day breakfast last Saturday morning! Just about every chair was filled with mothers and grandmothers as well as family and friends gathered to enjoy a special breakfast especially prepared by the men of the congregation. Thank you to every Christian brother young and older for getting up especially early on a Saturday morning to serve our mothers. Of course the reward for our labor together was delicious and plentiful.
Congratulations to our 2010 graduating seniors. We are hosting a special graduation celebration on Saturday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. This event is for the entire congregation. Come and celebrate this momentous occasion with our graduating seniors and their families. Please call the church office if you plan to attend.
This coming Sunday morning we will begin a new series entitled “Faith to Victory in Christ.” We will learn a lesson from four disciples; Peter, Andrew, James, and John about the victory that comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. These fishermen had fished all night long and had caught nothing. Jesus came on the scene and asked to use Peter’s boat to teach the multitude of people who came to hear the word of God. After His lesson Jesus asked Peter to launch back out for a catch of fish. At first Simon Peter was hesitant, but out of respect for Jesus, he obeyed. Do you remember the result of Simon’s faith in the Lord on that day? Read Luke 5:1-11 and see for yourself. We will talk about the two fishing trips and why the second trip resulted in such wonderful blessings. Of course the presence of Jesus made all the difference then for the disciples. He still makes all the difference in our lives today. Are you a Christian? Could it be that you have been “fishing all night and caught nothing?” Is it possible that you are missing the most important “difference” in your life? Sunday’s are always special at St. Andrews Road. We have a place for you!
Every Sunday morning at 10:00 we have special Bible classes for every age and interest including three adult Bible studies and a young professionals class. Our newly renovated educational wing is really beautiful with large welcoming well-lighted classrooms. Our teachers are well-prepared and eager to help every student to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge of God’s word.
Jesus said; “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Make a change for the better this Sunday and come out at 10:00 to study God’s word with your fellow Christian brothers and sisters. You will be so very glad that you did! You can do it!
Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday morning, May 18th at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Following the meeting we will eat lunch together at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road. I hope you can make the meeting on Tuesday. We will take a break for the summer (June and July) then meet again on the third Tuesday in August.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…” (Psalm 46:1)
“Be still and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10)
“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God…” (Psalm 53:1)
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust…” (Psalm 71:1)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path…” (Psalm 119:105)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
May 2010! Wow! Ladies’ Day 2010 at St. Andrews Road is this Saturday, May 1st. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Ladies: You won’t want to miss this very special ladies only event. Everything has been prepared for you to come and be “spiritually beautiful.” In addition to Saturday’s big event the young ladies (grades 6th – 12th) and their mothers, grandmothers, and/or guardians are invited to a “Girl’s Night Out” with Sheila at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evening in the Fellowship Hall. Also, Sheila will teach a special ladies Bible class in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning at 10:00. Come and enjoy these wonderful opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth with your Christian sisters.
Next up at SAR!
Mother’s Day Breakfast on Saturday morning, May 8th
Graduation Celebration on Saturday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m.
Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday, May 18th
Not long ago I read the following poem printed in the Myrtle Beach congregation’s newsletter (February 21, 2010).
ACCORDING TO YOU
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are read by more than a few.
But the one most read and commented on is the Gospel according to you.
You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day,
By the things that you do and the words that you say.
Do men read His truth, and His love in your life?
Or has yours been too full of malice and strife?
Does your life speak evil, or does it ring true?
Say, what is the gospel according to you?
I would like to use this little poem to remind every Christian of the significance of our influence for Christ in the world around us. Are you showing and sharing the gospel of Christ in thought, word, and deed? Or are we showing and sharing something else? Our lesson from God’s word this Sunday morning is entitled “The Gospel According to Me.”
Think about it! When I am tempted what do I show others? When I have sinned, what do I teach others? When I am lonely, what is the gospel according to me? When I am afraid or worried or sick, what do people see in me? When I need help or advice or guidance, what do I do? When death is near, what do I teach others? I look forward to sharing this lesson with you.
Our series “Aquila and Priscilla – The Model Couple” concludes this Sunday evening with the third and final characteristic – Putting First Things First. Aquila and Priscilla teach us TOGETHERNESS. They teach us how important it is to be able to AJUST to the “curves” of life. This Sunday evening we will look at how Aquila and Priscilla put God at the center of their relationship. They were teachers. They taught Apollos the way of the Lord more perfectly. They were missionaries. They risked their own lives for the gospel. They were fellow workers with Paul physically (tents) and spiritually (teaching others). The church of Christ met in their home. Just what kind of home would you expect the church of Christ to meet in? Unfaithful? Stingy? Selfish? Sinful? Oh no! Aquila and Priscilla were true servants of God first and always. What about your home? Could the church meet where you live? If so, wonderful! Keep on keeping on. If not, make the changes that need to be made. You can do it – Philippians 4:13.
Next up at SAR!
Mother’s Day Breakfast on Saturday morning, May 8th
Graduation Celebration on Saturday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m.
Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday, May 18th
Not long ago I read the following poem printed in the Myrtle Beach congregation’s newsletter (February 21, 2010).
ACCORDING TO YOU
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are read by more than a few.
But the one most read and commented on is the Gospel according to you.
You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day,
By the things that you do and the words that you say.
Do men read His truth, and His love in your life?
Or has yours been too full of malice and strife?
Does your life speak evil, or does it ring true?
Say, what is the gospel according to you?
I would like to use this little poem to remind every Christian of the significance of our influence for Christ in the world around us. Are you showing and sharing the gospel of Christ in thought, word, and deed? Or are we showing and sharing something else? Our lesson from God’s word this Sunday morning is entitled “The Gospel According to Me.”
Think about it! When I am tempted what do I show others? When I have sinned, what do I teach others? When I am lonely, what is the gospel according to me? When I am afraid or worried or sick, what do people see in me? When I need help or advice or guidance, what do I do? When death is near, what do I teach others? I look forward to sharing this lesson with you.
Our series “Aquila and Priscilla – The Model Couple” concludes this Sunday evening with the third and final characteristic – Putting First Things First. Aquila and Priscilla teach us TOGETHERNESS. They teach us how important it is to be able to AJUST to the “curves” of life. This Sunday evening we will look at how Aquila and Priscilla put God at the center of their relationship. They were teachers. They taught Apollos the way of the Lord more perfectly. They were missionaries. They risked their own lives for the gospel. They were fellow workers with Paul physically (tents) and spiritually (teaching others). The church of Christ met in their home. Just what kind of home would you expect the church of Christ to meet in? Unfaithful? Stingy? Selfish? Sinful? Oh no! Aquila and Priscilla were true servants of God first and always. What about your home? Could the church meet where you live? If so, wonderful! Keep on keeping on. If not, make the changes that need to be made. You can do it – Philippians 4:13.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Our Ladies’ Day 2010 is now only a week away, Saturday, May 1st. What a day this will be! Ladies, come early for a light breakfast, register, hear our very special guest speaker, Sheila Butt from Nashville, Tennessee as she speaks about spiritual beauty, and stay for lunch. We’re having Olive Garden salad, soup, and those delicious breadsticks. Take another look at the front of your newsletter for additional ladies’ day activities. Of course this is a “ladies only” event.
Men: We could really use your help serving lunch to the ladies on Saturday. We also need substitute teachers for our children’s Bible classes on Sunday morning, May 2nd. Go by the bulletin board in the lobby to sign up to help.
LADIES’ DAY 2010
Saturday, May 1st
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Sheila Butt
Theme: SEEKING SPIRITUAL BEAUTY
Special Ladies Bible Class
Sunday Morning, May 2nd
10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Hall
Our Sunday Morning series “Now That I am a Christian” concludes this Sunday. Christ calls me to REJOICE, to be prayerful, to be thankful, and to be hopeful. He calls me to REMOVE from my life any sorrow or sin that would lead me in the wrong direction and to remove my life from any influence that would lead me away from the path to heaven. He calls me to REMEMBER my first love, to think, to decide, and to act. He also calls me to REFLECT the image of Christ to those around me at home, at school, at work, wherever I am. If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 5.
On Sunday evenings at St. Andrews Road we are looking at the model marriage of Aquila and Priscilla to find three characteristics that we would do well to apply to our own relationships. We read about this model couple in Acts 18:1-3, 18-19, 24-27; Romans 16:3-5; I Corinthians 16:19; and in II Timothy 4:19. Last Sunday we noticed their “togetherness.” You never read about Aquila without Priscilla. You never read about Priscilla without Aquila. They were together in every way. This Sunday evening we will look at another characteristic that we need in our relationships today: THE ABILITY TO ADJUST. I hope you will make plans to be present for this study on Sunday evening.
We had a good men’s and preachers’ meeting this past Tuesday. Bill Young did an outstanding job on the subject of “The Preacher and Mental Health.” We had good attendance, good participation, and wonderful fellowship. We meet every third Tuesday in the month at St. Andrews Road at 10:00 a.m. except for June, July, and December. Cedric Anderson will present our program in May.
NEW PICTURE DIRECTORY COMING SOON! Josh and Aaron Moore will be taking our pictures in June for a new picture directory. Please go by the bulletin board in the lobby to sign up to get your picture taken. Let’s make it our aim to have 100% participation. Since the last picture Cindi and I had taken there have been three additions to our family; two grandchildren and a daughter-in-law. Our little Lily is now well on her way. Whew! Life just keeps on happening, doesn’t it?
Men: We could really use your help serving lunch to the ladies on Saturday. We also need substitute teachers for our children’s Bible classes on Sunday morning, May 2nd. Go by the bulletin board in the lobby to sign up to help.
LADIES’ DAY 2010
Saturday, May 1st
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Sheila Butt
Theme: SEEKING SPIRITUAL BEAUTY
Special Ladies Bible Class
Sunday Morning, May 2nd
10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Hall
Our Sunday Morning series “Now That I am a Christian” concludes this Sunday. Christ calls me to REJOICE, to be prayerful, to be thankful, and to be hopeful. He calls me to REMOVE from my life any sorrow or sin that would lead me in the wrong direction and to remove my life from any influence that would lead me away from the path to heaven. He calls me to REMEMBER my first love, to think, to decide, and to act. He also calls me to REFLECT the image of Christ to those around me at home, at school, at work, wherever I am. If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 5.
On Sunday evenings at St. Andrews Road we are looking at the model marriage of Aquila and Priscilla to find three characteristics that we would do well to apply to our own relationships. We read about this model couple in Acts 18:1-3, 18-19, 24-27; Romans 16:3-5; I Corinthians 16:19; and in II Timothy 4:19. Last Sunday we noticed their “togetherness.” You never read about Aquila without Priscilla. You never read about Priscilla without Aquila. They were together in every way. This Sunday evening we will look at another characteristic that we need in our relationships today: THE ABILITY TO ADJUST. I hope you will make plans to be present for this study on Sunday evening.
We had a good men’s and preachers’ meeting this past Tuesday. Bill Young did an outstanding job on the subject of “The Preacher and Mental Health.” We had good attendance, good participation, and wonderful fellowship. We meet every third Tuesday in the month at St. Andrews Road at 10:00 a.m. except for June, July, and December. Cedric Anderson will present our program in May.
NEW PICTURE DIRECTORY COMING SOON! Josh and Aaron Moore will be taking our pictures in June for a new picture directory. Please go by the bulletin board in the lobby to sign up to get your picture taken. Let’s make it our aim to have 100% participation. Since the last picture Cindi and I had taken there have been three additions to our family; two grandchildren and a daughter-in-law. Our little Lily is now well on her way. Whew! Life just keeps on happening, doesn’t it?
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