WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF AMOS?
Introduction

A.	In a time of great prosperity, God sent a man to rock the boat by focusing on the hearts of men.
B.	The man is Amos - a prophet of God.
I.	Amos the man.
	A.	He is a shepherd and tender of sycamores (Amos 7:14).
	B.	He is a native of Tekoa (12 miles south of Jerusalem? (Amos 1:1).
	C.	He lives about 760-750 B.C. (Amos 1:1).
II.	His circumstances.
	A.	Prosperous Israel is apostate and materialistic (Amos 2:6ff; Amos 4:1ff).
	B.	Israel is surrounded by sinful nations.
		1.	They have incurred God's wrath (Amos 1:3ff).
		2.	Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon are in decline.
III.	He delivers the message in four ways.
	A.	He pronounces 8 judgements on surrounding nations.
	B.	He preaches 3 sermons on Israel.
	C.	He reveals 5 visions.
	D.	He forecasts 5 promises.
IV.	What are the messages of Amos?
	A.	God can produce preachers from amazing places.
		1.	Amos is a farmer and shepherd.
		2.	Apparently, he attended no university.
	B.	God wants to be merciful.
		1.	Transgressions are multiplied (Amos 1:3).
		2.	Amos' prayer withheld two plagues (Amos 7:1-6).
	C.	Sin is punishable everywhere.
		1.	Both foreigners and Israel will be punished (Amos 1-2).
		2.	The ignorant, alien sinner will be lost.
	D.	Judgement can arise suddenly.
		1.	Assyria is declining while Israel is prospering.
		2.	Yet, within 30 years Assyria will overthrow Israel.
	E.	God's Word needs to be preached boldly.
		1.	Israel needs to hear the Word (Amos 3:1-2; Amos 8:11-12).
		2.	God speaks with a roar! (Amos 1:3).
	Conclusion:
A.	Rebellious sinfulness will override the mercy God desires to give.

[by James E. Gammon, Sr., McMinnville, Tenn., 1997]

A JUDGE'S HAUNTING WORDS
I went to Sunday school when I was small and learned all about God. After I was married I decided to go again and take my children. I couldn't persuade my husband to go, but the children and I went regularly for a year. Then I skipped a Sunday. And soon I skipped two or three. Then we went only on special days. Soon I joined a bowling team that competed on Sunday. I could go to church and Sunday school, but I would have to give up my bowling. Bowling won the battle.

Not long ago in a courtroom I heard a judge say, "Twenty years!" He was pronouncing sentence on my 21 year-old son for a robbery which ended in the death of a man. The sentence might have been less, but my son took a sneering, defiant attitude all through the trial, ridiculing every officer and official in the courtroom.

But the crowning, shocking climax came when the judge sternly asked, "Young man, don't you believe in God?"

My son laughed and said, "God? Who's that?" Every person in the courtroom turned to look at me. If only I had those years to live over! I would attend Sunday school and church faithfully and make sure my children attended as well.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 15, 1995, p. 3]

A WONDERFUL RELEASE
Seven is the favorite number in the Bible. Seven days in the week. Seven fat cows for Pharaoh's vision (dream). Seven years of service that Jacob may win Rachel, seven ram's horns to blow down the walls of Jericho. Seven golden vials. Seven last plagues. Seven thunders. Seven candlesticks. Seven stars. Seven churches of Asia. Seven loaves to feed the thousands (Matt. 15:32-34). The lamb with seven horns. The woman with seven devils.

Therefore, in the Bible where seven is such a favorite, I am not surprised to read...(Deut. 15:1). This special law to the ancients seems to be a figure as to all ages the gospel forgiveness. Satan screams, "Pay, pay, pay!" People are lost in sin, frantic with moral insolvency. What can be done??? People cannot pay; their debts cannot be erased by their own labor and toil.

Here is the good news - the gospel of Christ: Your seven years are "up". You can be released from all debts of sin!!! Believing that Christ is the Son of God (faith), turning from your sins (repent), not ashamed to confess your belief that Christ is the Son of God, and then baptized for the remission of sins into the death of Christ where the blood was shed (John 19:34; Rom. 6:2-4), every debt is erased! A wonderful release!
[by A.B. Carroll of Pinellas Park, Fla. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 15, 1995, p. 3]

CHURCH GROWTH
(I Cor. 3:6-8).
Using a figure of horticulture, the apostle Paul sets forth some principles that are essential to church growth. The seed must be planted, it must be watered and cultivated, but the increase depends upon God. He that planteth and he that watereth has no significance in relationship to God who gives the increase. As a gardener, I can appreciate this principle of growth. I must prepare the soil and plant the seed, and the seed must be watered and cultivated. The gardener is dependent upon God to furnish the sunshine and climatic conditions to make growth possible.

We should learn to appreciate this growth principle in the church. We sometimes are very strong on the necessity of plant the seed, but we are weak in our care for the seed after it germinates. Many people fall away from the church because they do not get the attention they should to reach Christian maturity. Baptism, which is a means to an end, becomes an end in itself for many people. We are raised from baptism to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4). The baptized person is to set his affections on things above - not on things of this world (Col. 3:1-2). We often use the teaching on baptism in the epistles to emphasize the importance of baptism in God's plan of redemption. We should also declare from the epistles that at the point of baptism, one's relationship changes. He is to live a new life in Christ (Rom. 6:3, 7; Col. 2:12; Col. 3:1-3). Someone has said that no form of life could survive with the lack of attention new Christians receive.

Furthermore, we seem to think that all this development can be brought about by our efforts. The Bible states that...(Phili. 2:13). We glory in what we have done rather than what God has done through us. We must always realize neither the one that plants nor the one that waters is anything, but it is God that gives the increase.
[by Wallace Maxwell from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 8, 1995, p. 3]

SUSTAINING FAITH
The following, part of a letter from Christians in war-torn Croatia, passed on by Keith Myrick, missionary in Braunschweig, Germany, is a modern example of the hope Christians may know who place their confidence in God rather than themselves.

Dear Christian friends all over the world,
Sounds of heavy shelling, coming from the front line twenty miles away from our home, woke us up early this morning. We turned the radio on and heard that the Croatian troops broke into the territory occupied by rebel Serbs since the beginning of this war four years ago. It seems that the final act of the drama on the Balkan peninsula has begun.

The church in Zagreb met last night for a special service of Bible reading and prayers. We had a visitor from the city of Bihac who escaped walking through the woods and eating forest fruits. His name is Bernard.

We do not know what tomorrow will bring to us but we know that our Lord told us not to worry about tomorrow, but to concentrate our thoughts on the blessings we have today. And the greatest of them all is that we are still alive! We trust in the Good Shepherd and know that He will guide us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even if we have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil for we believe He is with us, Emmanuel!
[from Sylvan Hills bulletin, Sherwood, Ark. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 8, 1995, p. 3]

MAKING SERVICE EASIER
Once there was an irate guest who was staying at a rather expensive hotel. "I'm not going to stay in this place a minute longer," she protested to the manager, "unless that piano player next door moves. What a racket he makes."

"Madam," interrupted the manager. "I hope you can put up with it for a few more days. You see, the pianist is the great Paderewski, and he is practicing for his next concert."

"Paderewski!" Now the woman invited her friends to her room. "You don't want to miss this," she said. "A famous concert pianist is staying in the room next to mine. You can hear every note he plays!"

What was the difference? The room? The hotel? The music? No! The only thing that really changed was the woman's attitude. Before, she was irritated and annoyed; now she was thrilled.

Oftentimes our own attitude needs some serious revising. If Christian service seems tedious, just stop and think about whom you are serving. What a privilege it is to know Jesus and to be his co-worker.

A love for the Lord takes the dead weight out of service and puts wings to it. Love makes serving Christ much easier.
(Psa. 16:11).
The great Redeemer! What a privilege to be close to Him!
[by Charles Cosgrove from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 8, 1995, p. 4]

I CAN'T GIVE AS I SHOULD
* In January because of the Christmas bills.
* In February because of the high fuel bills.
* In March because of sickness and doctor bills.
* In April because of new spring clothes.
* In May because heavy rains damaged my crops.
* In June because drought damaged my crops.
* In July because of vacation expenses.
* In August because of unexpected bills.
* In September because of school needs.
* In October because of new winter clothes.
* In November because of Thanksgiving trip.
* In December because of Christmas buying.
(Deut. 6:5).
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 8, 1995, p. 4]

GOOD NEIGHBORS
In the elevator of the apartment building where I live I saw a notice saying, "lost - $10 bill in elevator. Finder please contact Miss Carter, Apt. 318."
I was perturbed, because Miss Carter is a little old lady who has no relatives and augments her small pension by mending for some of the tenants.
A couple of hours later I knocked at her door. When she opened it, I knew from her look that her money had been returned. "Yes," she answered to my inquiry, "it's been found. Mr. Davis on the second floor found it. Also Mr. Harvey and Mrs. West. Best of all, I found it myself in my coat pocket, before any of those wonderful people came to my door.
"Please, my dear, on your way back, take the notice down for me before some more wonderful people find it."
[by Henry E. Leabo from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 8, 1995, p. 4]

HERE AM I, SEND ME
Isa. 6:1-8 contains a record of a vision which appears to Isaiah. In the vision, he saw the Lord seated on a throne high and lifted up. He saw the seraphims at the throne crying one to another...(Isa. 6:3). When the prophet saw the Lord, he was able to see himself. He acknowledged...(Isa. 6:5). Upon the confession of his sins, the prophet of God was forgiven. Having seen the Lord and having been cleansed by him, the prophet was able to see his fellow man in sin. When the Lord asked...(Isa. 6:8).

The prophet was able to see the Lord in a vision. We are able to see the Lord only as he is revealed in His word. We will never be in a position to say, "Here am I, send me" until we see the Lord in his holiness, love, justice, mercy, and grace. When we see the Lord, we see ourselves as sinful, erring creatures. (I John 1:9). We are then in a position to say "Here am I, send me". If we have no will to go, our vision of God and self must be obscure.

The obscurity is removed as we are changed into the image of the Lord. (II Cor. 3:18). One cannot be changed into the image of Christ without reflecting His image to others. One who beholds and reflects the image of the Lord speaks up to God and out to men. (II Cor. 4:13). Everyone who has this spirit of faith can truly say, "Here am I, send me."
[by Wallace Maxwell from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 24, 1995, p. 3]

OLD FOLKS
There are some lessons that we who are old have learned. We have learned that life is made up of the good and the bad - it is a give-and-take way of living. Most of us have learned not to be sensitive. We know that everyone will have burnt toast every now and then for breakfast. We have learned that if we carry a chip on our shoulder it will get us into a fight. We have learned that the best way to be unpopular is to carry tales and gossip. We have learned that most people are human and it does not hurt to smile and say "good morning." We have learned that hard work and not cleverness is the secret of success. We have learned that it does not matter who gets the credit, just so the job is done. We have learned to sympathize with the young as we have made the same mistakes. We have learned that people are not harder to get along with in one place than in another. We have learned that when ambitions, aspirations and ideals halt, old age begins.

We have learned that prayers and work go together. A man driving through the country saw this sign on a farm. "Pray for a good harvest, but keep hoeing." We have learned it would be foolish to ask the Lord for a good crop and refuse to plant the seed and cultivate the field. There are many blessings to us who are old, so let us be thankful for the many lessons learned over the years.
[by G.K. Wallace from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 24, 1995, p. 4]

WHAT I'M STILL TRYING TO LEARN
I've learned - that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I've learned - that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned - that you can keep going long after you can't.
I've learned - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned - that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned - that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
I've learned - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned - that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned - that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned - that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned - that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned - that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned - that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned - that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I've learned - that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I've learned - that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I've learned - that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I've learned - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you you will find the strength to help.
I've learned - that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned - that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I've learned - that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned - that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned - that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned - that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned - that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned - that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned - that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned - that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned - that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned - that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned - that I still have a lot to learn.

TOO MANY WANT TO STAY BY THE STUFF
(I Sam. 30:24-25).
I Sam. 30 contains the story of David's campaign against the Amalekites. The Amelikes had burned the city of Ziklag and had taken David's wives and other people captive. David inquired of the Lord concerning the matter and pursued the Amelekites with six hundred men. He left two hundred men at the brook Besor (I Sam. 30:21). David's campaign against the Amelekites was successful. He recovered all who had been captured and took the spoils. Upon returning to the two hundred men, David's men did not want to share with them the spoils because they had stayed by the stuff and had not gone out to fight. This brought forth David's decree recorded in I Sam. 30:24-25.

Some time ago I read an article in which the writer endeavored to compare those who do personal evangelism and those who do not with those who went out to battle and those who stayed by the stuff. The writer affirmed that there was no difference to be made between those who go out to do personal evangelism and those who stay by the stuff. The problem I have with this analogy is that too few want to go out, and too many want to stay by the stuff. Before there can be a sharing in the victory, someone must go out to fight the battles. Furthermore, it should be observed that in the case of David's men, they did not stay by the stuff by choice, but of necessity. They were too faint to follow. However, in the realm of personal evangelism those who stay by the stuff usually do so by their own choice and not of necessity.

The writer of the article seemed to make personal evangelism a matter of choice for the Christian. He would have us think of personal evangelism as something one does rather then what one is. Personal evangelism cannot be separated from Christianity. (Luke 19:10). We are the light of the world, the salt of the earth. The preserving influence of salt and the luminating influence of light is, for the Christian, a form of personal evangelism. In the battle for lost and despairing souls, there are no non-combatants.
[by Wallace Maxwell from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 10, 1995, p. 3]

WHAT IS PERSONAL WORK?
It is discussing Christianity with a friend.
It is giving a person a tract on a particular subject.
It is telling and showing others the happiness of being a Christian.
It is inviting people to worship with you.
It is visiting a newcomer to the community to welcome him and invite him to the services of the church.
It is giving encouragement to a new member.
It is bringing a friend to Bible class with you.
It is showing and telling the good news to someone in their home.
It is encouraging someone to get involved in the activities of the church.
It is preparing food when there is an illness or a death in the family.
Personal work is a lot of different things. Now, you were telling me why you couldn't do personal work...?
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 10, 1995, p. 4]

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD'S WORD?
It takes 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible at pulpit rate. It takes 52 hours and 20 minutes to read the Old Testament. It takes 18 hours and 20 minutes to read the New Testament.
It takes 4 hours and 28 minutes to read the longest section in the Old Testament, Psalms. It takes 2 hours and 43 minutes to read the longest book in the New Testament, Luke.
It takes 2 months and 10 days to read the entire Bible at the rate of 1 hour a day. It takes 1 year to read the Bible 5 times and be one-third of the way through the 6th time.
Do you really have some better way to spend your time than with the written word of God?
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 20, 1994, p. 4 and Jan. 22, 1995, p. 3]

DANGEROUS THINKING
Paul thought he was doing God's will when he was rejecting Christ, persecuting Christians, and making havoc of the church (Acts 26:9; I Tim. 1:13). There are many today who shut out the light of God and think "within themselves," and reach the same conclusions Paul did.

There are many others who put themselves in this class of thinkers when they think that all that is necessary to be a Christian is to live a moral life, go by their own conscience, and "join the church of their choice." The way a man thinks is often his greatest hindrance. The Lord has said, "My thoughts are not your thoughts..."

Neither is sincerity a substitute for doing God's will. The way a person feels is no evidence of acceptance with God. Paul felt fine when he was helping to murder Christian men and women. Thinking he was right never made anybody right. We must be guided only by God's Word. We must obey only God's will. We must think only the thoughts of God. Only then will we be safe from dangerous thinking.
[by Perry N. Hall, Austin, Tex. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 20, 1994, p. 3]

NO SHIRT, NO SHOES, NO JUDGE
A spirit of awe and reverence should dictate propriety in dress and demeanor when worshipping.

"No shirt, no shoes, no judge" headlined an article in Oklahoma's largest newspaper The Daily Oklahoman, June 10, 1994. I could not believe what I was seeing! Garfield County court officials had agreed something bad to be done; some people (even some jurors) were appearing in court "all but undressed." So they posted a sign that said, "Proper dress required for court appearances. No shorts, tank tops, hats, etc., allowed. Shoes required.

What has happened to the human race? Have we no self-respect at all anymore? People appear in public everywhere unbathed, unwashed, uncombed, unshaven, untrimmed, unshod, even undressed, and generally unkempt with no apparent shame at all! All there no such words as self respect and propriety in our vocabulary? Is there nothing venerable or sacred in our society? Is nothing inappropriate? Or immodest?

That same week I had three requests from our TV audiences to have a program about how to dress for worship. More recently a judge in Florida told a plainiff he could not appear in his court wearing shorts. The man left and returned wearing nothing! The judge sentenced him to maximum jail term for contempt.

Exhortations to propriety in dress for worship have appeared in many church bulletins this summer. It is not uncommon to see a sign in a restaurant that says, "No shirt, no shoes, no service." Hospitals have been forced to post similar signs. How long will it be until the church will be forced to do likewise?

Oh! but we're reminded...(I Sam. 16:7). No passage in the Bible is more badly misused and abused than that verse. It is taken out of context and used as a proof-text of something God never said and to endorse a state of decadence God must abhor.

Shorts and tank tops and T-shirts advertising beer and beer taverns are as inappropriate in the worship of the most high God as a tuxedo would be at the beach or on the tennis court - or at worship. We are not talking about the dress of the poor or the unconverted. Some of the worst violators are professional and business people who know how to dress for success, and gladly do it, but not to show respect and reverence for God!

No! God does not have a dress code for worship! Of course, He does not. He assumes the humble, worshiping heart will dictate proper attire and behavior. A true spirit of awe, reverence and worship dictates dignity and propriety in dress and demeanor. God does not command us to kneel or stand or bow our heads in prayer, either, but doing so manifests a humbleness of heart that honors and respects the sovereign God whom we praise and petition. So does proper dress.

"Holy and reverend is his name" (Psa. 111:9), and we must treat His so. It is attitude! It is a despicable irreverent, glib and flippant attitude we have developed toward God and sacred things that borders on contempt. Oh! We must have more teaching and preaching on some things! No, not about a "dress code" but about the spirit of true worship that will change the slovenly way we approach the only true God in worship. What a loss! What a terrible and tragic loss of human dignity and reverence for deity we have experienced.

But then, when we reduced our worship to the level of mere entertainment, what else could we expect? May God forgive us and help us! (Heb. 12:28-19).
[by Mack Lyon, Edmond, Okla. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 22, 1995, p. 3]

SIGN OF THE TIMES
The New Testament gets updated Sept. 11 with an English translation that removes accusations that Jews killed Christ. Other changes in the New Testament and Psalms: An inclusive Version (Oxford University Press): Children shouldn't "obey" parents but heed them; wives are no longer "subject" to their husbands but committed to them; "darkness" is no longer equated with evil because of racist overtones and the "Lord's prayer" now begins "Our Father-Mother in heaven."

Nobody in the history of man has ever succeeded in changing God's Word and met with His approval. Rev. 22:18-19 forbids us to add or subtract from God's Word. We are commanded to abide in the doctrine of Christ or we do not have God (II John 9).

How many people do suppose will be fooled by yet another (per)version of the Bible and find themselves lost in the day of judgement?

God has not given anyone the authority to change His word! It will read the same on judgement day as it did in the beginning (John 12:48).
[by O.B. Porterfield, Montgomery, Ala. from USA Today Aug. 31, 1995 via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 22, 1995, p. 3]

TRANSLATIONS
We are being flooded with many different translations of the Bible. Some translators have put their creed into their translations and changed the original meaning of the text in some places. No one should complain about the updating of the language of the Bible as long as the translators give us a correct rendition of the text. The New Testament was originally written in "koine" Greek. The word "koine" means "common"; it was the language of the common people of the Greek speaking world from "about 300 B.C. to the close of ancient history at about A.D. 500." (New Testament Greek for Beginners by Machen, p. 3) All translations of the New Testament are translated from the "koine" Greek.

Most of us would have trouble reading the translations by Wycliffe (1382 A.D.) and the one by Tyndle (1526 A.D.). Consider Tyndle's translation of John 3:29: "But the frende of the brydegrome which stondeth by and heareth him, rejoyseth greately of the brydegrome's voyce." Notice also Wycliffe's translation of the first section of Luke 10:27: "Thou schuldist love thi God of al thin herte, of al thi soule, and of al thi mynde." (These quotes are taken from Hastings Bible Dictionary, vol. 3, p. 585.) The reader will quickly note the great contrast in spelling and enunciation in the translations of Wycliffe and Tyndle and that of the King James Version which was translated in 1611. However, the KJV contains some words that are now archaic or obsolete, such as: "wist" (knew - John 5:13), "wit" (know - II Cor. 8:1), "wot" (know - Phili. 1:22), "wotteth" (knoweth or knows - Gen. 39:8). Perhaps the passage in II Thes. 2:7 where we find the expression "he who...letteth will let" is more difficult to understand. Paul is really saying, "He that restraineth will restrain."

You can see from these examples that an updating of the language can be very helpful to one's understanding of the Bible if the translator gives a correct translation of the original language. The American Standard Version is considered one of the most literal translations of the "koine" Greek text one can purchase.
[by Wallace Maxwell from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 29, 1995, p. 3]

FORGIVENESS
(Eph. 4:32).
God has forgiven us for Christ's sake. We are to forgive as "God has forgiven". God does not forgive arbitrarily. In the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God made salvation possible (Heb. 2:9). The word of God's grace, the Bible, offers the terms of salvation to all who will accept. When we accept salvation as offered through the Word of God, the salvation God has made possible becomes actual in our lives.

Forgiveness requires a willing giver and a willing receiver. God cannot give what man will not receive. When God forgives, he treats the forgiven as though the offense had not occurred. God does not forgive until the offense ceases and the person accepts the terms of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. To accept God's forgiveness, one must make a complete and unconditional surrender to the will and testament of Jesus Christ. Submitting to God's terms of forgiveness is an act of faith and not a work of merit.

To forgive as God forgives, there must always be the willingness to forgive. Some say we should love and forgive regardless of the attitude of the offender. Is that how God forgives? The willingness to forgive cannot be equated with forgiveness. The person must cease offending before he can be treated as though the offense had not occurred. One cannot treat the offender as though the offenses had not occurred if the offenses are continued.

We cannot love people out of error and sin. Is our love greater than the love of Christ? Man is not in sin because he is not loved but because he does not love God. (John 14:23). To forgive, to treat the offender who persists in error and sin as though the error and sin did not exist, takes away a motive for repentance and disregards the instructions of the scriptures (II John 9; Luke 17:3; Gal. 6:1).
[by Wallace Maxwell from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Nov. 12, 1995, p. 3]

TIMELY QUOTES ON WORSHIP
"Worship is more than being at the right place at the right time. It is more than just the right form and motion. It is entering wholeheartedly into an experience that God wants us to have."
"Worship is not performance-oriented with the worshippers being thrilled or entertained. It is giving, not getting. The person who says, 'I just don't get anything from it' needs to examine his motives."
"Worship ascribes worth to God and involves both attitudes (awe, reverence and respect) and actions (bowing, praising and serving)."
"Worship is to the Christian what a mainspring is to a watch - the core of his response to God."
"True worship and true worshippers imply false worship and false worshippers. We must examine the scriptures for not only what we do, but how we do it."
"You can't live apart from God all week and then go to church on Sunday and expect to turn on worship as though nothing ever happened."
"The church is too occupied with man - our felt needs, our problems, our programs, our methods, our efforts. If we could get the emphasis where it ought to be - on God, then perhaps we could see ourselves and our fellowman in a different light."
"True worship is balanced between spirit and truth. Spirit keeps us from cold formalism, and truth keeps us from frenzied emotionalism."
"While worship does not center upon the worshipper, when it is entered into properly, the worshipper is enriched and blessed."
[compiled by Clarence Deloach, Jr., Dickson, Tenn. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 6, 1994, p. 2]

DELINQUENT MEMBERS
We will go on without you but....
Yes, we'll go on without you, but what greater work we could do with you! We will continue to have Sunday and Wednesday services and very special meetings without you. But what about you? Just think! The church of our Lord of which you are a member is having to do without your presence, work, assistance in all services and activities. The cause of Christ, if it is spread, will be spread in spite of you! If you willfully absent yourself from the assembly your influence is for the devil, your work for his cause, and your thoughts in his kingdom!

The saddest thing about this is the good that could have been done with you. How many souls could be led to Christ if you were faithful as you should be? How many people would be influenced by the church if you were as loyal as you ought to be? What could we do if you attended all the services? The power of things wrought in the service of Christ would exceed all your imaginations...and the soul saved in eternity would be your own!!!
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 6, 1994, p. 3]

ARE WE RUSHING THROUGH WORSHIP?
Jesus in the mount of temptation declared...(Matt. 4:10). Through the years this penman has observed a chronic attitude in the church with respect to worship that needs to be addressed. Attending business meetings with a variety of congregations over the last twenty years, I have listened to varied suggestions on how the worship should be shortened - "use more communion trays", "omit a song", "cut the sermon down". In all of this thinking, there seems to be an underlying premise that a shorter service is a better service and that efficiency means brevity.

It is claimed that the attention span of the worshipper is so short that a twenty minute sermonette should be the maximum. However, when we read the newspaper or our favorite magazine, watch our favorite television show, view our "team" on the gridiron for three hours at a clip "the element of time" is unimportant. Yet, when it comes to worship, the shorter the better. Brethren, what's the difference? When it comes to reading, watching television and etc., it's something that we enjoy. Beloved, what about worship? Do we enjoy it as did David (Psa. 122:1)?

Are we rushing through our worship so that we may hasten to feed the poor, to preach to our neighbors, to lift up the faint-hearted? No, we rush so that we can watch T.V., take a nap, play golf, go to the lake or get to the restaurant before the crowd arrives. If none of these things attract us, we may rush because we are nervous and have the habit of doing everything in a hurry.

We sing "Take Time To Be Holy", but we don't have time to meditate, to praise, to listen to the Word in a relaxed atmosphere. There is pressure by more worldly members to "pay our respects" to God in the smallest capsules of time possible. Movies and television programs are getting longer, but periods of worship are being compressed more and more. Why? Is it because we are so spiritual that we don't need time to be holy. Or is it lack of appetite for spiritual food (Matt. 5:6)? Do we hunger and thirst after righteousness or do we fret when the Lord's Supper takes more time than the newscast?

Time is precious, thus our periods of worship should be so planned that our services will be the most meaningful and effective. Let us take time to be holy - time for more spiritual songs, for sermons that are long enough to convince the sinner and edify the Christian, and yes, time for meditation on the meaning of the Lord's Supper. Brethren, why all the rush? As the sweet singer of Israel said, "Be still and know that God is with us."
[by Bob Spurlin from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 6, 1994, p. 4]

HOW WILL THEY KNOW?
I felt discouraged and lonely today;
Unimportant, forgotten and blue;
When in the mail came a short little note
That said, "I'm thinking of you.
I haven't seen you in quite a long time,
And I miss your dear, cheery smile...
But how will you know I'm thinking of you
If I don't tell you once in a while?"

It set me to thinking when I got that note
How much those words meant to me.
If they brightened my day (and they certainly did),
How much happier others would be
If we showed them our love and told them we cared
With kind words and a warm, friendly smile...
For how else will they know we are thinking of them
If we don't tell them once in a while?
[North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 30, 1994, p. 3]

THE CHURCH
The church is not made up of people who believe they are better than others, but rather it is made up of those who realize that they should be better than they are and must continually strive to do better always.

The church is not made up of people who never make mistakes, but those who often acknowledge their mistakes and then forsake them. Never must we seek to justify them or continually make the same mistakes over and over again.

The church is not trying to withdraw from everyone, but rather to draw everyone into its fellowship and love who are willing to walk in the light where God the Father and Christ the Son are found. The church is not trying to set up arbitrary rules to hinder anyone, but rather to show the rule of Christ which helps everyone.

The church is not trying to make you feel ugly, but rather it is trying to instill the beauty of holiness in your life.
The church is not trying to separate you from your money, but rather is trying to keep your money from separating you from God.
The church is not trying to become the master of your life, but rather is trying to get you to master yourself.
The church is not trying to rob your life of priorities, but rather trying to get you to put the priorities into your life.
[by Andrew Connally from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 30, 1994, p. 3]

A TRIBUTE TO OUR BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHERS
I dreamed the pearly gates were opened wide,
And I had entered in, for I had died;
And now must give account for all my acts,
I saw a book there opened with these facts.

I thought, "My role upon this earth was small,
Just teaching in a Bible school, my call."
For I saw all the saints of God up there,
And mine was, at most, a meager share.

I heard the Master call for my report;
I stood afraid, for mine was short.
I trembled and felt I would not pass,
Then whispered, "I just taught a Bible class."

And from the throne I heard His voice: "Well done,
Come in and share eternal life, thou faithful one,
Although your place was humble and obscure,
You led the thirsty ones to waters pure."

And then it seemed that from eternal plains
There came the sound of voices in refrain,
That rolled across the mighty sea of glass,
"They are the great...the teachers of a Bible class."

When I awoke I thought of those I'd taught,
And in their lives, what glory God has wrought;
I prayed to God, and all that I could say, was
"Make me a better teacher, Lord, day by day."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 30, 1994, p. 3]

[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 30, 1994, p. 4]

THE SONGS WE SING
One Sunday a minister stood up before the congregation, silently glared at each individual present, and then in a voice that sounded like the crack of doom exclaimed, "If I had my way, I would eliminate singing altogether because it is making fibbers out of all of you! Take the last song for example - you lustily sang, "I want to be a worker for the Lord", and do you know what? Not one of you husky men visited a single person in the hospital last week, and only five of you ladies showed up for ladies Bible class on Thursday. Then you sang, "I surrender all", but when the contribution was taken, some of you didn't surrender even a portion of the Lord's money for the Lord's work. And how many times have you sung, "I'll go where you want me to go," but not one of you went as far as sister Brown's to give her a little comfort in an hour of need. But there is one song you sang and evidently meant, "I shall not be moved." My favorite song is, "I stand amazed" for I am amazed that God puts up with our singing. And we sing "Take time to be holy." Do we want to? [from Barrackville, W.V. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 24, 1994, p. 3]

WE ARE TRULY LIVING IN A MIXED-UP WORLD
For example:
1. Some protest the wearing of animal skins which God created and used to cover man's body. (Gen. 3:21).
2. Some cry out for "pro-choice" which means kill the unborn, unwanted life within that has no choice. God calls it murder. (Exo. 21:23).
3. Some want human rights for murderers who selfishly and often unmercifully took away someone's human rights. God recommends punishment. (Rom. 13:1-7).
4. Some want to handcuff the police and release the criminal. God calls this hypocrisy. (Isa. 5:19-20).
5. Some want to take discipline away from the teachers and put it in the hands of the students. That is chaos. (Prov. 22:6).
6. Some want a paycheck, but not work. God calls that laziness. (Prov. 6:9).
Without God, we become all mixed up!
[from Pinellas Park, Fla. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 24, 1994, p. 3]

EARLY GLORY
The sky is God's canvas,
He paints with cloud and sun.
Early, He shows the glory of heaven,
Just as day has begun.

This is the time I go to Him
In thought and prayer and song,
With petition for His guidance
All the day long.

With humble feelings of awe and praise,
To Him in song my voice I raise,
Expressing my joy in having His love,
Daily I prepare for my home above.
[by Dorothy E. Bowman from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 24, 1994, p. 3]

A LIBERATED WIFE
I am a woman. I hold down a full time job. I work as a department manager and as such, I make many important decisions each day, and I also work a lot of overtime. It is my responsibility to keep my department running smoothly. The superintendent for whom I work is a great person. We've gotten to know each other better over the years and have learned to work together well. And our president is the most wonderful being I have ever known. Although he has many people working for him, he always has time to help each one. He treats all of his employees fairly and is certainly an equal opportunity employer. As you have probably guessed, I am a liberated woman; and I wouldn't want to change places in life with anyone. You see, I'm not "just a housewife"...I am a homemaker. My superintendent is my husband; our president is our God (I Cor. 11:13).

I have a great responsibility. Within my control I hold, not just store merchandise which will someday be of no use and destroyed, but I hold the destiny of souls that will never die - the souls of my children. My most important task is to teach my children. The Bible tells me I must...(Deut. 11:19). I must teach them...(Isa. 28:9). My job also has a guarantee. I am told that if I train...(Prov. 22:6). However, I must train them. This word implies that I must work diligently at my task and this is why my job requires so many hours.

Yes, I am a liberated woman. I was liberated from sin through Christ's death on the cross. Through study of His word, know who I am, why I am here, and where I am going. I also learn from His word the work which is expected of me. (Titus 2:3-5). My job is very important for you see - the strength of tomorrow's church lies in the hands of mothers today.
[from Barrackville, W.V. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 24, 1994, p. 4]

WHY TEACHERS ARE SPECIAL?
B - Bible
I - Inspiration
B - Belief
L - Life
E - Excitement

T - Teach me about Jesus
E - Enthusiastic
A - Add knowledge
C - Challenge me
H - Helps me
E - Exclaim the good news
R - Remember God
S - Send me forth
[by Paul Jaquess from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 20, 1994, p. 3]

Thank the teachers for
Everything they do.
Answering questions,
Calling upon me and you.
Help, listen, and teach
Education they help you to reach.
[by Rebecca Jaquess from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 20, 1994, p. 3]

I know why I'm glad
Whatever I do,
God loved me enough that he
Gave me a teacher like you!
In all that I do,
In all that I see,
I thank God above

For giving a teacher like you to me!
[by Misty Hawkins from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 20, 1994, p. 3]

PLEASE DADDY, LET'S GO
A little girl with shining eyes,
Her little face aglow,
Said, "Daddy, it is almost time
For Sunday School; let's go."
"Oh, no," said Daddy, "Not today.
I've worked hard all the weak,
And I must have one day of rest.
I'm going to the creek
For there I can relax and rest,
And fishing's fine, they say.
So run along, don't bother me.
We'll go to church some day."

Months and years have passed away
But Daddy hears that plea no more -
"Let's go to Sunday School"
Those childish days are o'er.
Now that Daddy's growing old,
When life is almost through,
He finds time to go to church -
But what does his daughter do?

She says, "Oh, Daddy, not today -
I stayed up almost all night
And I've got to get some sleep."
Besides I look a fright."
Then Daddy lifts a trembling hand
To brush away the tears.
He seems to hear the pleading voice
Distinctly through the years.
He sees his small girl's little face
Upturned, with eyes aglow,
Saying, "It's time for Sunday School.
Please, Daddy, won't you go?"
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 20, 1994, p. 3]

MY DAD KNOWS GOD
When my son was a small boy playing with his buddies in the back yard, I overheard them talking one day. One of them remarked, "My Dad knows the mayor of the town!" I overheard another say, "That is nothing. My Dad knows the governor of our state!" When I wondered what was coming next in the "program of bragging" I heard my own little son of four years of age say, "That is nothing. My Dad knows God!" I hurriedly left my place of eavesdropping with tears running down my cheeks, I looked up to God and prayed, "Oh God, I pray that my boy will always be able to say, 'My Dad knows God'."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 20, 1994, p. 3]

WHY TEACHERS ARE SPECIAL?
Not all teachers are special. What makes a person who teaches special is their dedication and their desire to help people learn. Teachers who are willing to give time to help people and show and explain, are what makes them special. I have seen a lot of teachers but only a FEW who are special.
[by Stella Bess Higgs from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 20, 1994, p. 4]

WHY GOD CREATED TEACHERS
When God created teachers,
He gave us special friends
To help us understand His world
And truly comprehend.
The beauty and the wonder
Of everything we see,
And becoming a better person
With each discovery.

When God created teachers,
He gave us special guides
To show us ways
In which to grow
So we could all decide
How to live and how to do
What's right instead of wrong,
To lead us so that we can lead
And learn how to be strong.

Why God created teachers
In His wisdom and His grace
Was to help us learn,
To make our world
A better, wiser place.
[by Derek Eison from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 20, 1994, p. 4]

READ IT AND WEEP
On February 26, 1994, a story appeared in the Abilene Reporter News by the Religion Editor, Roy A. Jones II, entitled, "The Gulf Between." The article reported on a national survey involving 2,000 junior high, senior high, and college students from church of Christ. Elders, preachers, and youth ministers were also surveyed. Drs. Carley Dodd and David Lewis, Professors at Abilene Christian University, conducted the survey over a period of several years. The results of their survey are very disturbing.

In response to the statement, "One must be an active member of a church in order to go to heaven":
A. 37% of the elders disagreed
B. 23% of the preachers disagreed
C. 65% of the youth ministers disagreed
D. 76% of the college students disagreed
E. 82% of the high school students disagreed
F. 69% of the junior high students disagreed.

Responding to the statement: "It really doesn't matter what particular church someone belongs to as long as he/she loves Jesus":
A. 13% of the elders agreed
B. 0% (none) of the preachers agreed
C. 65% of the youth ministers agreed
D. 48% of the college students agreed
E. 56% of the high school students agreed
F. 63% of the junior high students agreed.

The survey probed, "Some people believe that the Church of Christ needs to be different from other religious groups (Baptists, Methodists, etc.) while others are content to have few if any major difference. What do you believe?" In response:
A. 7% of the elders thought there should be few if any differences
B. 25% of the preachers thought there should be few if any differences
C. 53% of the youth ministers thought there should be few if any differences
D. 42% of the college students thought there should be few if any differences
E. 51% of the high school students thought there should be few if any differences.

(The paper didn't report the responses junior high students gave to this question).

I think the problem is what Hosea said...(Hosea 4:6). While we are giving statistics on surveys, let me give you a few more in relation to this problem to ponder over; 10% of church members cannot be found; 20% never attend; 25% admit that they never pray; 25% admit they never read the Bible; 40% admit that they never contribute to the church; 60% never give to missions; 70% never assume responsibility; 85% never invite anyone to church; 95% never win anyone to Christ. Yet, 100% expect to go to heaven!?
[by Sam Willcut of Haines City, Fla. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 2, 1994, p. 3]

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
1. It was built by Jesus Christ (Matt. 16:18).
2. It is scriptural in name (Rom. 16:16).
3. Christ is its only head (Eph. 1:22-23).
4. It is scripturally organized (Phili. 1:1).
5. It is scriptural in worship. Lord's supper (Acts 20:7); singing (Eph. 5:19); praying (I Thes. 5:17); preaching (Acts 10:7); and giving (I Cor. 16:1-2).
6. It's plan of salvation is the same preached by Christ and the first century church. Hear (Rom. 10:17); believe (Mark 16:16); repent (Acts 17:30); confession of Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37); and baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
7. It is not one of many denominations, because we do not read of denominations in the New Testament. (Eph. 4:4). (See Eph. 1:22-23 for proof the body and church are the same)

The above statements are very important aspects of the Lord's church. Each one of us must practice what the Bible teaches about the church if we expect to go to heaven. Please examine the church of Christ. I think you will like our plea to be the church Jesus built.
[by Ken Tyler from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 2, 1994, p. 3]

WHO IS JESUS?
Was Jesus Christ only "a good man"? Was He only a prophet? Was He one of the many so-called "incarnations" of God?
The voice of God from heaven proclaimed Him...(Matt. 3:17).
Jesus asked...(John 9:35-37). He also said...(John 14:6).
Was Jesus a liar? If so, He was not a good man. But if He spoke the truth, he was not merely a prophet, nor did He share His Lordship with others, for He declared in plain terms that our only avenue to the Father in heaven is through Himself.
Jesus' empty tomb speaks of Him alone...(Matt. 28:5-6). No other human has conquered death.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 2, 1994, p. 3]

I MARRIED A CHRISTIAN
I married a Christian because a godly mate is a blessing. The genuine spirituality of a companion is worth far more than all the treasures on earth. Truth, mercy and loving-kindness are my mate's garments for every day.
I married a Christian because of the hours of trial in this life. A Christian companion is long-suffering towards human weaknesses, knowing victory comes from a bond of genuine Christian love. A Christian mate with a wise and understanding heart is a strength in moments of discouragement and despair. When the hour is dark and all seems hopeless, my mate shows me the silver lining in the cloud of trouble.
I married a Christian because I know my love will be returned a hundred fold. I know I have that which I give and my mate's love, too. Our aims, our hopes and our aspirations are one. This brings true happiness to our companionship.
I married a Christian because I wanted a companion with a Christ-like mind and attitude to counsel the family. Our children are blessed by that mate of mine who will listen to their problems of life with a loving heart and lead them in Christ's way.
I married a Christian because I wanted a mate whose love even looks beyond our own family to the sickness and needs of others. A Christian mate seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and sets the proper example before our children and others.
I married a Christian because I can love, trust, honor and cherish such a one until death parts us.
I married a Christian because I want more than anything to go to heaven when this life is over, and I am confident my mate does also. We can help each other as we journey the road of life so that we may both live in heaven after awhile.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 17, 1994, p. 3]

Two very elderly and wrinkled ladies sat side-by-side in wheel chairs in the nursing home, talking. Bemoaned one to the other, "I've been around so long, all my friends in heaven are going to think I didn't make it!"
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 17, 1994, p. 3]

CHILDREN AND THEIR CHANGING ATTITUDE TOWARD THEIR PARENTS
Every parent realizes that children go through different stages in their attitude toward Mom and Dad, as represented by the statements below:
Age 4: "My parents can do anything."
Age 8: "There might be one or two things they don't know."
Age 12: "Naturally, my parents don't understand."
Age 14: "I never realized how hopelessly old fashioned they are!"
Age 21: "You would expect them to feel that way. They're out-of-date."
Age 25: "They come up with a good idea now and then."
Age 30: "I wonder what Mom and Dad think I should do?"
Age 40: "Let's be patient until we discuss it with our parents."
Age 50: "What would Mom and Dad have thought about it?"
Age 60: "I wish I could talk it over with them one more time."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 17, 1994, p. 4]

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO DECENCY?
If I were an umpire and a ball player questioned by ancestry, the second time he questioned it would be from the locker room. No man has the right to curse another person! There is no occasion important enough for men to stoop to such a level. Decency demands that we all conduct ourselves with some restraint. It matters not whether it is a World Summit Meeting, a play-off baseball game, or a pick-up game, common decency and respect for other human beings should prevail. We are not creatures of the jungle, even if we sometimes insist on acting that way.

Pampered, spoiled, overpaid athletes who are unconcerned about the example they set for our youth make me nauseous. As far as I am concerned, uttering profane vulgarities on national TV in such a manner that the entire country can read the offender's lips is a criminal offense.

If these athletes have no respect for themselves, they at least should show some concern for the millions of young people who, unfortunately, admire them. Being able to hit a ball farther, run with it faster, throw it harder, or put it in a basket better does not give a person the right to flaunt the rules of human decency. Because God has given a person the ability to excel in sports, in and of itself does not even make that person an honorable human being much less a hero.

Naturally, in our accept-no-personal-responsibility, blame-it-on-someone-else society, many are going to blame the umpire. Boys will be boys. There is a lot of pressure in an important ball game. Balderdash!

Pressure is making thirty thousand dollars a year with $750.00 a month house payments and getting laid off. Pressure is being paralyzed because some crazed young man on drugs shot you. Pressure is being told that the only way your brother can live is if you give him one of your kidneys. Pressure is struggling to raise enough money to send your children to college. Pressure is punching the clock every morning trying to provide a decent living for your family. Please don't tell me that ball players who are going to make millions whether they win or lose are under that kind of pressure that allows them to show contempt for another human being who is simply doing his job as best as he can.

If sports are a microcosm of life and athletes are allowed to break the rules and go off the deep end over ball and strike calls what should society allow from those who are confronted with real pressures? We must understand that the calls in life are not always going to go our way. The person who does not learn how to handle adversity is going to have an awful difficult time in this life!
[by Gordon Smith from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 27, 1994, p. 3]

SALVATION MUST BE ACCEPTED
Two friends went for a boat ride, and the boat upset. The river was swift and deep. The owner of the boat had taken two life jackets along. He said, "I put one on, but my friend laid his down beside him. When we were thrown into the river, my life jacket soon brought me to the top, but my friend never came up again." Christ's death, like the life jacket, will not save you unless, by faith in Him, you put it on, that is, apply to it its intended purpose, which is to rescue you from eternal loss.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 27, 1994, p. 4]

"THEY" MISLED US (Dec. 3, 1974)
"They" told us that if we'd relax about sex, take our clothes off and not get all uptight about it, there would be no more sex crimes. So we let it all hang out, and the incidence of rape has increased 10% in one year. Maybe we'd better question some of the other advice "they" gave us.

"They" told us we'd been too tough on criminals, that we should go easy on them. So we went easy on them, and the rate of violent crime has increased 47% since 1968.

"They" said that churches were "old-fashioned", that they must modernize, liberalize, rationalize, compromise. And those that compromised most are shrinking fastest. It is appearing up to here that "they" gave us some awfully bad advice, "they" did.

"They" insisted that our schools must boot God out and rely on enhancing Junior's intelligence. So we graduated a generation of Juniors with refined intellects and undisciplined emotions, so school-age suicides have soared 92% in two years.

"They" told us alcoholism and drug addiction were sicknesses, not crimes. Now we're gagging, choking, strangling on forbidden fruit.

"They" said informal marriage was enough, so now the odds are five to four your rapture will be ruptured, and two in seven that the next baby will be born illegitimate.

Who are the "they" who've been thus misleading us? "They" are the materialists who defy the finite sciences. "They" meant well, but their intentions are paving the road to hell.

Now I've quit commenting and gone to preaching. I don't mean to, but I can't separate goodness and badness from today's news and explain it. Every ugly headline in today's newspaper, and yesterday's and tomorrow's, is somebody's emotions gone out of whack. He might be smart as all get-out; but if he's emotionally color blind, he is an unguided missile destined inevitably to self-destruct.

Spaceship earth came with a book of instructions; let's see what it says: It says we should not be slothful in business. In fact, he who will not work - let him not eat.... It says women should wear modest apparel.... It says don't steal anything - nothing! It says don't get drunk - period! It says you sleep only with your wife.... It says you don't do what you "want", you do what you "ought"...and for those whose conscience are anesthetized; it specifies which is which.

In other words, if that rule book were not divinely inspired, it would be the best blueprint for an orderly existence. If it did not promise life hereafter, it would still contain the best formula for a good life here.
[by Paul Harvey from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 1, 1994, p. 3]

THE CHURCH IS "US"
From a study of I Cor. 12 and Rom. 12, we learn that Christ's body, the church, is not one member but many. The church is all of us using our God given talents and filling the roles He has blessed us with. Everything God created is perfect, and this includes the church. God ordained that every person whom He saves and adds to the body of Christ is important, and adds to the function of the entire church. The church is not the preacher. It is not the elders or the deacons or the teachers. The church is not the richer or the powerful or the talented. It is every member working together with God to fulfill His purpose in the earth. When the church fails to live up to her potential, it is because we have failed and not God. May each of us resolve to be a hand, a foot, an eye, or an ear, or whatever member of the body whereby we can glorify God.
[by Henry Halliburton, Greenville, Miss. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 1, 1994, p. 3]

THE DESERT
Bear Bryant is a legend, deservedly so. He is famous for taking 100 A & M football players to a training camp in Junction (the jumping off place) with only 25-30 returning. They won the National Championship as a result. Discipline, training, as Churchill said, "Blood, sweat, and tears." The "Prosperity Gospel" is wrong because it denies this. Culture now removes Christ from the cross. It is too bloody, too gory.

The desert. Jesus, of all things following baptism, was led up of the Spirit to the desert. There He was tempted by Satan for 40 days. Jesus had to pass the "Desert Test" before being sent out in His personal ministry.

John the Baptist lived like a wild man throughout his life in the wilderness. He never knew luxury. Dedication, sacrifice. The ability to do without.

Moses spent 40 years in the Midian desert to be prepared for his 40 year ministry in the exodus. Elijah, the example for John the Baptist, lived in the desert. He never knew the basic comforts of life. David was promised a throne only to spend years being hunted as a dog. These experiences taint most of his beloved Psalms.

Paul, following conversion paid his dues in Arabia. It was years before he had his ministry.

The desert! Learn your trade...pay your dues. Nothing can take the place of persistence, perseverance. The church, tragically, is too spoiled to do much. There are too many "fair weather Christians." We evade what we all need - the desert! If a man cannot go to the desert, he probably cannot go to heaven. We are spiritually soft and flabby - out of shape. Go to the desert - this is where you find God. Depend upon Him. He can/will take care of you. Most of us wish to start on the mountain - God still calls us to the desert.
[by Charles Hodge from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 1, 1994, p. 3]

I THINK I UNDERSTAND...BUT, IT'S STILL NOT RIGHT!
I was surprised, shocked, puzzled and even saddened when I read a recent newspaper article stating that ex-senator Barry Goldwater called for an end to the military's ban on homosexuals.

I can remember when Mr. Goldwater visited Montgomery as the 1964 GOP presidential nominee. To many of us, he was Mr. Conservative himself.

I wondered what could have made this man take such a stand. Rom. 1; Jude 7 and other places clearly teach that homosexuality is a sin. One member of his family is quoted as saying he thought he was offended that the right-wing Christian element is taking such a strong hold of people's feelings on this issue.

The Friday, March 25, edition of the Montgomery Advertiser identified Mr. Goldwater's grandson as a homosexual infected with the AIDS virus.

Now, Mr. Goldwater and his grandson have my sincerest sympathy. If this is the reason, though, that Mr. Goldwater has changed his position, it doesn't change the truth of God's Word.

I have observed for some time now how some of our very own preachers who are so knowledgeable and capable when it comes to preaching God's Word seem to be so quiet on issues that are tearing the Lord's church apart. I have wondered why these men with so much influence have remained silent. I don't know all the answer, but I do know this...some of them have sons who are ministers in some of our far-out, liberal congregations. Could it be that this is keeping some from speaking out?

It is a crying shame when the actions of a family member cause us to forsake the truth of Almighty God. Not only do we put our own soul in jeopardy, but we have little if any chance of bringing our wayward relative back to the truth.

Remember the preacher who had been married twice and said he was going to reevaluate his position on marriage and divorce. Sure enough, he married number three. Truth is still truth regardless of who obeys or disobeys it.
[by O.B. Porterfield from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 1, 1994, p. 4]

FOOTSTEPS TO VICTORY: THE RADIANT WORD: SHARING THE SPARKLE
In 1967 I was in the U.S. Navy off the coast of Red China aboard the U.S.S. Princeton (an aircraft carrier). We were there because of an international crisis. The crisis was between two islands known as Big Malta and Little Malta. One island was occupied by the Nationalist Chinese and other by the Republic of China. The presence of the U.S. Navy was necessary to deter hostilities between the two forces. My younger brother had just turned 21. He was visiting our sister in Washington D.C. While on an outing he was swimming in the Chespeake Bay, dived off a pier and broke his neck. He was in the Bethesda Naval Hospital for several days before departing this life. I wanted desperately to be home with our family during that period of great bereavement. That was not to be. My skills were necessary to the fulfillment of the Navy's mission during an international crisis and could not be granted leave (the Navy's terminology for a furlough). I never knew mental anguish until then. I am sure I had had skirmishes with it, but never to the degree that I then experienced it. During that time I was not a Christian. However, it never crossed my mind to blame God. I always had the idea that bad things happened because of circumstances and choices. I could get angry at my choices and the circumstances of my environment, but it never crossed my mind to be angry at God. I suffered! Now I know that that suffering moved me a step closer to God, rather than further away from Him.

In our Christian lives we may suffer. Suffering may come as a result of our lifestyle, or as a result of teaching the truth to folks who would rather not hear it (either in the Church or outside the Church). (Rom. 8:18). I remember thinking at the time of my brother's death that a real tragedy has struck our family. That wasn't the real tragedy. The real tragedy was that we all failed to see how God was calling us to repentance and obedience. I understand that now, and out of the tragedy of my brother's death a new relationship with Christ became my destiny. Accepting Paul's words I know that my suffering then was a training ground for Christian suffering now. The Church understands that kind of suffering, because, with Paul, we can visualize the glory that will soon be ours. It is facing danger and surviving. Praise His Holy name! Amen!
[by Boyd Williams from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 15, 1994, p. 4]

CORRALLING CHARLIE IN CHURCH
Sometimes the only worship experience I have on Sunday morning is the short prayer I utter as we enter the church building, "Please, Lord, let Charlie be decent today and brother Jackson's sermon be short."

Charlie is my two-year-old wiggle-worm who has known from birth that the excellent acoustics in the church building were created just for him. He automatically becomes all arms and legs as we enter the swinging doors and he delights in wrapping them around me at the worst possible times. Songbooks become a challenge to tame, pencils become weapons to duck, and the collection plate would make a great hat if he could just get his hands on it. We don't dare sit at the end of the aisle because the man serving the Lord's Supper might have his coat button snatched unceremoniously off his coat. But we can't sit in the middle because we always make a pilgrimage back to the nursery (after we collect his shoe, my purse, and his books).

Do I ask myself if it's worth it? Sometimes. But I know that "training up a child in the way he should go" is a seven-day-a-week job, not just on Monday-through-Saturday responsibility. Sleeping on Sunday morning might be a bigger temptation if we didn't consider Charlie a very special gift from God...a gift that is a bundle of responsibilities. I am certain that what we do on Sunday now will affect what he does on Sunday twenty years from now.

So we keep going, knowing on some future Sunday Charlie is going to sit quietly through the whole service, and it won't be due to the ropes and gags I threaten to use each week. With patience and discipline, we prayerfully hope to see him grow to be a Christian man, strong and faithful to his Lord.
[by P. Glenn from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 15, 1994, p. 3 and Nov. 2, 1994, p. 3]

SENIOR SAINTS
During the Middle Ages people were married at 13, were warriors and leaders in their teens, and senile at 35 or 40. The Black Prince was 16 when he won fame at the Battle of Crecy. Joan of Arc was 17 when she took Orleans from the English. Montaigne tells us that he hardly ever met a man as old as 50. When the dramatists in Spain's great age (from 1550 to 1650) designated a man as old, they meant him to be about 40, yellowed, wrinkled face and toothless.

Times have changed. Recently a study was made of four hundred outstanding achievers. Their names were chosen from a wide variety of vocations and activities. Experts were asked to review, evaluate, and amend the selections. It was found that persons between the ages of sixty and seventy produced thirty-five percent of the world's greatest achievements. Twenty-three percent were produced by persons between seventy and eighty years of age. The finding of this study was that sixty-four percent of the great achievements were made by persons who had passed their sixtieth birthday.

Today, brethren over 65 comprise one of the greatest potential work forces for Christ. It is to these senior saints that I address the rest of this article.

You have been released from an oppressive work schedule. There is no longer a ringing alarm, no hectic rush to punch the time clock, and no imposed regimen of activity. You are free to do what you want to do, when you want to do it. You can achieve more of Christ in the future than you ever have in the past. There are still many things for you to do.

Get involved in the work of the church in every way possible. Establish goals for yourself. You will not achieve any more for Christ in your future than the goals you establish.

No matter how many birthdays lie behind you, it is the time that is ahead that counts. Make that time count for Christ.
[by Tommy Kelton, Pharr, Tex. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 15, 1994, p. 3 and Nov. 27, 1994, p. 3 and April 14, 1996, p. 3]

PART-TIME WORK...PAY
Would you expect full-time pay for part-time work on your job? Neither may we expect the Lord to bless us when we attend only part of the time, and render only a half-hearted service. We cannot expect the full blessings of the Lord on a part-time basis.
(II Cor. 5:10-11).
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 15, 1994, p. 3]

FACTS ABOUT CHRIST
With God in the creation (Gen. 1:26-27).
Promised to the world (Gen. 3:15).
Born of a virgin (Matt. 1:21-25).
Performed miracles (John 20:30-31).
Died on the cross (Rom. 5:8).
Ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9).
Brought the gospel (Rom. 1:16).
Built the church (Matt. 16:18).
Became the saviour (Eph. 5:23).
Head of the church (Col. 1:18).
Is the way to heaven (John 14:6).
Will serve as judge (Acts 17:31).
[from Middlesboro, Ky. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 22, 1994, p. 3]

MAKE A DECISION
During 1977 millions of people lined up at museums in different cities across the U.S. to see the treasures from the tomb of King Tutankhamne ("Tut" for short) of Egypt. An interesting thing happened concerning the jewels - it was discovered that some of them were glass and not genuine! When the curator of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo was asked how this fact could go undetected for so long he said, "We were blinded by the gold. One just assumes that real gold and real gems go hand in hand. This is a case where they didn't." In other words, because the imitation gems were set in precious metal, it was concluded that they had to be genuine! The experts were fooled.

Many sincere people make the same mistake in spiritual matters. That's why counterfeit religions and even some people we know can be so dangerous. They mix truth with personal opinions and error only to catch an unsuspecting person off guard. Because of this, man-made ideas are often blindly accepted as true. John was aware of this danger when he said...(I John 4:1). Make a decision to be wise and discerning. Know the scriptures! Remember - personal opinions and error may be dressed in the garb of truth!
[by Scott Carmell from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 10, 1994, p. 4]

A LITTLE FAITH IN A GREAT GOD
A woman was known for her simple faith and her peace and composure in the face of great difficulties. A stranger sought her out and asked: "Are you the woman with the great faith?"
"No," she replied, "I am the person with a little faith in a great God."
We may have faith in ourselves and fail, or faith in another and be disappointed. But when our faith is centered in God, we can rest assured that everything will be all right. The Almighty Father will not disappoint us or let us down.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 3, 1993, p. 3]

CHILDREN!
My eight-year-old son, Noah, was discussing parent problems with his little friend. Of course, they had a lot of complaints. Dustin was overheard grumbling, "First they teach you to talk, then they teach you to walk, and as soon as you do it, it's 'Sit down and shut up!'"
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 3, 1993, p. 3]

COMPUTERITIS
I have a spelling checker,
It came with my PC.
It plainly marks four my revue,
Mistakes I cannot sea.
I've run this poem threw it,
I'm shore your pleas to no.
It's letter perfect in its weigh,
My checker tolled me sew!
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Oct. 3, 1993, p. 4]

MAKE ME A SERVANT
Make me a servant, Lord, make me like you.
For you are a servant, make me one too.
Make me a servant; do what you must do.
To make me a servant, make me like you.

HEART OF A SERVANT
Give me the heart of a servant,
Tender and faithful and true.
Fill me with love,
Then use me O Lord,
So that the world can see you.

THREE KINDS OF PARENTS
Some children have parents that have no interest in their souls. Their children can roam the streets if someone else is not interested enough to influence them to attend Sunday School and worship. Others have parents that think religion is fine for children but not for adults. They dress them and send them to Bible class. Some have parents who take them to Bible school and worship. Which are you?
[from The Informer, Vero Beach, Fla., vol. 4, no. 20, May 17, 1972, p. 2]

ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP
(John 4:24)...or according to his Word. (John 17:15a).
God is a holy Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in the spirit of humility and contrition. (Isa. 1:15-16).
God is a benevolent Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in the spirit of gladness and gratitude. (James 1:17; Psa. 100:1-2; Psa. 122:1).
God is a kingly Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in the spirit of fear and reverential awe. (Isa. 6:1-5; Rev. 1:12-18).
God is an intelligent Spirit: and they that worship him must worship with all the faculties of mind - an undivided attention (Matt. 15:7-8; Matt. 22:37).
God is an invisible Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in the spirit of faith - of implicit trust in his Word. Sight worship is excluded. (Exo. 20:4-5; II Cor. 5:7; Gal. 5:19, 30).
God is a loving Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in the spirit of love - love for God, love for man. (Matt. 5:23-24; I John 4:8, 11, 20-21).
God is a forgiving Spirit: and they that worship him must worship with a forgiving heart. (Matt. 6:14-15).
God is a fatherly Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in a filial spirit - the spirit of a child. A child is trustful, dependent, hopeful. (Matt. 6:9).
[by F.L.C. from The Informer, Vero Beach, Fla., vol. 4, no. 20, May 17, 1972, p. 2]

REFLECTIONS IN A SUPERMARKET
As I waited in the check out lane, I heard coming behind me the unhappy cries of an infant. I turned to see a haggard looking mother who made no effort to comfort the wailing child, nor answer the two begging pre-schoolers who tugged at her faded skirt. Her face, which was old beyond its years, wore a look of defeat and resignation. I noticed the annoyed looks of other customers. I felt slightly embarrassed and wished the cashier would hurry so that I could leave this uncomfortable situation.

Why did I find this incident distressing? After analysis I concluded that my thoughts about this woman evoked attitudes which did not square with my image of myself as a Christian in at least three different areas.

First, there was my tendency to make a quick judgment of the woman and to feel that she could have done better. As evidenced by the book of Job, this kind of thinking has been around a long time. However, we need to remember that if we knew all the facts about the person whom we are judging, none of us would be so critical. If we knew all the circumstances, we might praise the person enduring under hardship, not condemn. When the urge to be overly critical comes, it is humbling to remember the words of Rom. 14:10.

A second disturbing attitude I discovered in my thinking was a type of outrage toward God that he should allow children to live in homes where there is inadequate care, or that He should allow life to deal any of us blows which seem unfair by our human standards. Do these hard things come to us because we aren't good enough to please God? Is life a game in which we try to manipulate God? We are good; He sends blessings. After all, how many really poor people have you seen in church lately?

We know that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Is it then logical to cite Him as the source of things that go wrong for us? God is faithful to do what He has promised. But we need to remember that there are some things He has not promised, namely an easy life lived that the American dream ideal depicts. Trying to understand why a wicked person prospers while a good person suffers can only lead to frustration unless we can truly believe that God sends that is ultimately best for our lives. We must have faith in Him and not faith in our faith when something disrupts the pattern we are making with our lives. Although it may be human to ask why, recall Rom. 9:20.

The third thing that I disliked about my attitude toward the woman in the store was my desire to get away when I should have had a desire to help that was translated into action. So often we know that there are lonely people who need our visits, dying people who need someone to listen, bereaved people whose lives are devastated by the death of a spouse, and desperate people whose marriages are falling apart; but we do nothing to ease their burdens. Some of us shy away and say that we would not be any help because we don't know what to say or how to act when in reality we don't want to get involved because some human situations are not pleasant, and we would rather avoid them. Wanting to do something is great, but sometimes we must do for others because they need us whether we feel like helping or not. The greatest example of this kind of selflessness is from Christ who prayed fervently not to have to go to the cross (Matt. 26), but did so anyway after submitting His will to the Father.

Our answer for being too critical of others, for resenting the difficult things that come into our lives, and for being apathetic toward the needs of others must also come from learning to submit our will to the Father.
[by Brenda Stubblefield from Westwood Messenger, McMinnville, Tenn., Apr. 16, 1978, p. 2-3]

PRIORITIES IN THE HOME
There is nothing we need more greatly in the church of the Lord than a proper arranging of priorities. God has always demanded first place in the lives of his people. (Exo. 20:3-6; Matt. 22:37; Matt. 6:33). In fact, with God it is first place or no place! And, the home is the best place for proper priorities to be indelibly written on the hearts of children. What priorities will be established in the hearts of our children when the following things are adhered to:
1. When we are early to the ball game, but late to the worship services?
2. When we see that our children do their school homework, but never check to see if they have completed their Bible School lessons?
3. When they cannot stay up late on school nights, lest it infringe upon their school work, but they can stay up and watch the "late show" on Saturday night, though they will be attending Bible school the next morning?
4. We will not let them miss school, even though they do not want to attend; but, we cater to their whims and let them miss Bible school because they happen not to want to attend that given day?
5. We know the names of their public school teachers, but we cannot call the names of all of their Bible class teachers at church?
6. We will serve as room mother or president of the PTA at the public school, but we will never take part in arranging for various functions for their Bible class?
7. We attend their public school open houses, but do not attend the open houses on the closing day of Vacation Bible School?
8. We will not take our vacations so as to cause them to miss any school, but we have no qualms of conscience about taking our vacation during the time of the Vacation Bible School or the summer gospel meeting?
9. They see us go to work even though we do not feel too well, but stay at home from church services under the same circumstances?
10. They see us avidly look and study their school work, but never pay any attention at all to the handwork brought home from the Bible classes?
Yes, with such situations prevailing what priorities are being established in the hearts of our children?
[by Wendell Winkler from The Light, Arlington, McMinnville, Tenn., p. 2]

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
The other day I saw a young boy pulling the knobs of a candy vending machine. He had not put any money into the vending machine, but he was hoping that somehow he was still going to get some candy out of it. In other words, he was trying to get something for nothing. You have probably seen something like this yourself and laughed to yourself as I did when the young boy left frustrated after having found nothing. But how many of us are guilty of doing the same thing with regards to our Christianity? How many of us expect to be happy as Christians and receive the blessings promised to faithful Christians and yet contribute very little, if any at all, of our time and efforts to the work of the Lord.

True Christianity is not a religion of bringing our Bibles with us to the church services three times a week and placing something in the contribution tray as it is passed to us on Sunday mornings. Rather, true Christianity is a way of life that matures every day of our life. It demands that we present our bodies as a living sacrifice unto God (Rom. 12:1-2), that we worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24), that we grow in grace and knowledge (II Pet. 3:18), and that we overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21). True Christianity is one that encompasses all aspects of our lives, not just three hours a week and a couple of dollars.

We all need to consider that we are going to be rewarded according to what we do with our lives as we do good works, we are laying up treasures for ourselves in heaven. Yes, being a Christian is rewarding, but it requires that we all contribute to the best of our ability as opportunities present themselves. Let's all examine what we are actually doing for the Lord. We may find out why we aren't as happy as Christians as we thought we should be. Perhaps we forgot to put something in to it.
[from The Light, Arlington, McMinnville, Tenn., vol. 3, no. 3, Jan. 15, 1978, p. 2]

TODAY I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
I will spend time with those I love. A person can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes; five undiluted minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Today I will make a difference.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 29, 1995, p. 3]

WHO WON?
The Congressional Record of January 10, 1963 contained this list of current communist goals. Communists believed that if they could accomplish these objectives they could bring America down.
1. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them censorship and a violation of free speech and free press.
2. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and television.
3. Present homosexuality, degeneracy, and promiscuity as normal, natural and healthy.
4. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with social religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a religious crutch.
5. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
6. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools.
The cold war is over. Who won?
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 22, 1995, p. 3]

I'LL JUST GO ON ABOUT MY BUSINESS
Don and Vee Newton told me a wonderful story about Vee's father. Last year, at age ninety three, Mr. Dill felt restless and guilty about just sitting around the house all day doing nothing. He began scouring the classified ads in the Abilene paper. Noticing that Dyess Air Force Base was advertising for a night watchman, he told his family he wanted to apply. "But, Daddy," they objected, "you know you have those black out spells. What would you do if that happened to you in the middle of the night?" "When I wake up," Mr. Dill answered, a bit offended at the question, "I'll just go on about my business."

Recent research on aging and Alzheimer's disease indicates that, while the illness cannot be prevented, its onset can be delayed and its severity reduced if one keeps active in mind and body. This is especially true about accepting new challenges, exploring new horizons, and remaining open to new ideas. Researchers tell us that what we inherit in our individual genetic codes plays an enormous role in how well we age and how long we can remain active. But our attitude is also important. If one decides she is too old to be active, takes to the rocking chair, her body accepts those signals and her powers atrophy. What an inspiration Mr. Dill is! His attitude is something to imitate: "When I wake up, I'll just go on about my business."
[by Dr. Bill Love from Bering Today, Bering Dr. Church of Christ, Houston, Tex. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 22, 1995, p. 3]

BIBLE CLASSES CAN BE DESTRUCTIVE
As shocking as this statement is, we must admit its truthfulness. Consider the following:
1. Bible classes can destroy ignorance. If this doesn't occur, we ourselves are in danger of being destroyed as were the people of old (Hosea 4:6). Study together can eliminate this malady.
2. Bible classes can destroy loneliness. Some of the strongest and most longlasting friendships are developed when Christian people meet together to study God's will.
3. Bible classes can destroy lethargy. When members are motivated by the Word of God and encouraged by active Christians teachers, the lukewarm spirit is driven away.
If you want your ignorance, loneliness and lethargy destroyed, then attend Bible class every Wednesday night and Sunday morning.
[from Bulletin Digest via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 22, 1995, p. 4]

PIGS NEVER DO!
A Christian farmer was in the big city. He went to a nice restaurant for lunch and sat down at a table beside some young men. When his food came he bowed his head in silent prayer, thanking God for the food. One of the young men yelled over, "Hey, farmer, does everyone do that where you come from?" The farmer finished his prayer and calmly replied, "Nope, son, the pigs never do!"
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Jan. 22, 1995, p. 4]

Courage is inner commitment. To actively pursue and endure pressure. The ultimate example is Christ. (Josh. 1:6-7).
Persistence is continuing to pursue until the goal is achieved. (I Sam. 1:1) Hannah went to the temple year after year after year and prayed.
Gratefulness is sincere appreciation. (Psa. 100). Develop a grateful heart by being aware of your blessings and learn to minimize your expectations. List your blessings and who is responsible for giving them to you.
Calmness is responding quietly to a stressful situation. (I Pet. 3:4). Develop calmness by controlling your tendency to overreact, through Bible study, and prayer.
Gentleness is showing consideration for another. (Gal. 5:22). The key is to maintain awareness of other people's feelings.
Unselfish love/agape love is action to fulfill another's needs, being a servant. (Rom. 5:5).
How can you take these qualities and enrich the lives of others to Christ?

AN UNPOPULAR COMMANDMENT
In the parent-child relationship there has to be constant discipline. In the business world there has to be constant discipline. The same is true with the state. But it's not true in the church, is it? Or is it?

The way many of our affairs within the church are handled would prove that last statement true. How many congregations within the brotherhood today tolerate sin to the same degree that those at Corinth did according to I Cor. 5? Or has it reached the degree that it had in the church at the city of Thyratira (Rev. 2:20-22)? Whatever the case, church discipline and the command to "withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly" is virtually ignored in many congregations of our Lord. I have never been a part of a congregation that disfellowshipped anyone until recently, when the procedure had to be carried out. In twenty-eight years I can't believe that there wasn't one person in five different congregations in three states that didn't need some discipline. Either we have brethren that adhere very closely to the word or some leadership that doesn't pay attention to that word.

Disfellowshipping is always done in the "name of the Lord" (II Thes. 3:6) for the purpose of restoration (I Cor. 5:4-5). And yet I'm sure you've heard, as I have, that such a practice is virtually unnecessary and totally alienated from the Christian's concept of loving your brother and sister in Christ.

Wasn't the God whose very essence is love that disciplined Cain (Gen. 4:1)? Wasn't it the same God that disciplined the people in the day of Noah (Gen. 6:5-8); the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24-25); The rebellious Israelites (I Cor. 10:5); and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5)? By the way, did you notice the result of such discipline in Acts 5:11-14?

But some do not think this will produce good or will work. Have we now taken the place of God in telling Him how to run the business of the salvation of souls? We need to realize that we are not responsible for the results, but only for doing what God commands us to do. We need to be concerned about doing His will, not hurting the feelings of brother and sister so and so.

If we love the guilty party, we will disfellowship him. But do remember that this procedure is the last step in a train of activities that precede it.

First, guilt has to be established (Deut. 13:2-18; Matt. 18:15-17). The false teacher has to be exposed (I Tim. 5:20). Paul had already done this with Hymenaeus and Alexander (I Tim. 1:20); Demas (II Tim. 4:10); and even with the apostle Peter (Gal. 2:10).

Secondly, with the guilt established, the disorderly has to be impressed with the wrong he is guilty of doing. This is done in the hope he will be brought to repentance (Titus 3:10-11) without our having to disfellowship him. In doing this, we need to remember "ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Be gentle with the erring soul and go with the attitude of, "We love you and since you have fallen into sin we are here to help you return back to your first love."

If all of this fails, then an announcement to the entire congregation needs to be made announcing the intention to withdraw from that person, thus allowing the congregation to put forth all efforts to bring the wayward back to repentance (I Cor. 5:4-5). If all else fails, then note the man and have no company with him for the purpose of making him ashamed. We must so completely withdraw from and ostracize the guilty party that he feels and knows that he is truly unworthy of the company of Christians in any way. Such a person is truly a social outcast from the company of the saints, as well as excluded from all spiritual efforts. The separation is so complete that we are not even to eat with such a one (I Cor. 5:9-10).

When it is carried out in the right and proper way, the procedure will have to be done to less than one might think!
[by Barry Fike, South Florida Ave., Lakeland, Fla. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla, Feb. 12, 1995, p. 3]

A LITTLE FAITH IN A GREAT GOD
A woman was known for her simple faith and her peace and composure in the face of great difficulties. A stranger sought her out and asked: "Are you the woman with the great faith?"
"No," she replied, "I am the person with a little faith in a great God."
We may have faith in another and be disappointed. But when our faith is centered in God we can rest assured that everything will be all right. The Almighty Father will not disappoint us or let us down.
[from the Springhead Messenger via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Feb. 12, 1995, p. 4]

WOULD A WOMAN HAVE THE RIGHT TO TEACH OR LEAD IN THE ASSEMBLY IF THE ELDERS GAVE HER PERMISSION TO DO SO?
First, observe this rudimentary principle from scripture: (I Cor. 11:3). Paul does not limit these words to the home - to husbands and wives only - but rather broadens his base of application to men and women in a general sense. With respect to leadership, "the head of the woman is the man," just as certainly as "the head of Christ is God."

Next, Paul applies this divine principle to Christian gatherings by writing...(I Tim. 2:8-12). From heaven's perspective, and thus from the vantage point of truth, the matter is forever settled: in assemblies of saints, men are to lead. And to establish that Paul was not merely answering a cultural situation of his day with a temporary solution, as some commentators have suggested, notice that he bases his doctrine on truths which have been firmly in place since the beginning of time. (I Tim. 2:13-14).

Finally, in view of the foregoing, elders have neither license nor liberty to loose that which God has bound. In Christian assemblies the men are to take the lead - period. This may not be popular with everyone, everywhere, but it is scriptural and right.
[by Dalton Key, Amarillo, Tex. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Vol. 63, no. 11, Mar. 13, 1994, p. 4]

EXCUSES DON'T COUNT!
Of all the lessons taught in the scriptures, one of the most difficult to learn is that God has not, does not, and will not accept excuses in the place of obedience. Some of the most prominent men and women of the Bible tried to appease God with their explanations but all failed!
(Gen. 3:13). Here we have the first instance of "passing the buck" in order to justify self. It didn't work for Adam; it won't work for us!
(Exo. 32:24). Thus Aaron, "explained" how the golden calf came to be in the camp of Israel.
(I Sam. 15:15). Did King Saul really believe that one can disobey God and worship Him at the same time? (Matt. 25:25). How many excuse ourselves from duty on the ground of fear?
(Luke 15:29). The fallacy in the elder brother's argument was that everything at home already belonged to him (Luke 15:12).
These are but a few of the many attempts people have made to justify their ungodly attitude and behavior!
Today Christians try to justify their disobedience in a similar fashion, but with the same results!
"I wasn't at worship because I had company?" Often this excuse is made after weeks or months of constant absenteeism.
"I can't get involved because I have children?" However, she can shop, travel, visit friends, and so a variety of things that interest her.
"Sunday is my only day off." What better way to spend that one day than with God and family?
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Vol. 63, no. 11, Mar. 13, 1994, p. 3]

WILL YOU HELP YOURSELF?
Someone remarked, "I just can't get interested in Bible Study. Another answered, "No, some can't. It is like getting interested at the bank. You have to put something in first. The more you put in (time, prayer, work), the more the interest can be expected to grow. If your interest is down in Bible Study, etc., begin now to put more into them and watch the interest grow!
[from Seibles Rd., Montgomery, Ala. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Vol. 63, no. 11, Mar. 13, 1994, p. 3]

THE NEW TRANSLATION OF ACTS 2
Is the following a translation or a mutilation?

Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, all who want to be saved raise your hands then take the second step and come to the mourner's bench and tell you experience and we will pray you through."

Acts 2:41, "Then they that gladly received his word confessed that God for Christ's sake had pardoned their sins. And they were voted on by the apostles. They were then candidates for baptism and were baptized one month later at the monthly baptism."

Acts 2:42, "And they continued steadfastly in the doctrines, manuals and creeds of men, and dances, and quarterly communion and prayers and direct operation of the Holy Spirit."

Acts 2:47, "They then went out and had favour with all the people and joined the church of their choice day by day as they were saved by faith only."

Surely, every one sees the mutilation of these passages from the Bible. Why then do they continue to teach these same doctrines?
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Vol. 63, no. 11, Mar. 13, 1994, p. 3]

CAN A CHILD OF GOD BE LOST?
When Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians he was "perplexed" about their spiritual condition (Gal. 4:20). On the one hand, they had heard the Gospel message and received the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:3). On the other hand, they were now placing their souls in jeopardy. Note the following:

1. Some brothers in Christ were "false brethren" (Gal. 2:4).
2. Some believers were relying on works of the law to save them, and those who rely on the works of the law are "under a curse" (Gal. 3:10).
3. Paul expressed his fear that he had labored over them "in vain" (Gal. 4:11).
4. The heart of their problem was that Christ was not in them (Gal. 4:19).
5. They had "fallen away from grace" (Gal. 5:4).
6. Only believers who did not "grow weary" or "lose heart" were assured of reaping eternal life (Gal. 6:8-9).

If the apostle was so concerned for these Christians, should you not be concerned about your own soul? Faithfulness is very important, for eternal security is based upon the condition that one remains true to the end (Rev. 2:10). "Once saved - always saved" is not a Bible teaching.
[by David Tarbet from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Vol. 63, no. 11, Mar. 13, 1994, p. 3]

GIVE CREDIT TO OTHERS
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges facing the active energetic Christian is to be busily involved in multiple church ministries, and when the results begin to pour in, quickly turn and give someone else the credit.

It seems that when a church prospers, sometimes the preacher receives the credit, whether he deserves it or not. If the Church does not prosper, or if it declines, the preacher receives the blame, whether he deserves it or not.

Here is a tactic that will allow the Church to grow and we can all use it without fear of missing any credit. If someone with whom you studied is converted, give credit to whoever put you together with them. Do not mention that you studied with them. If it is mentioned through the announcements that someone is in the hospital, try to recall and mention everyone else that you know who has visited them, but do not mention that you were there. If someone visits the services, commend everyone you know who had anything to do with it.

Ignore the human proverb that says, "Whosoever tooteth not his own horn, verily, the same shall not be tooted." Heed the divine proverb that says...(Prov. 27:5).

The words of Jesus also applies too; (Matt. 23:12). May He bless us all to serve eagerly and anxiously but let us not forget to always give God and others the praise.
[by Robert L. Celmons, Sr. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Dec. 25, 1994, p. 3]

Our mission:
To know Christ and make Him known. (Phili. 3:10; I Cor. 2:2).
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Dec. 25, 1994, p. 3]

ETERNAL GARDEN
The heart of a child is a garden
Where any seed will grow.
The soil of the soul is untainted,
Be careful what you sow.
You're given this garden to care for,
A pure and unspoiled mind,
So let not the young shoots of virtue
With weeds be intertwined
But scatter good seed in the garden,
And time will do the rest.
The green buds of goodness will blossom,
Thus will your work be blessed.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Dec. 25, 1994, p. 4]

WONDERFUL THOUGHTS
One of the most wonderful scenes in the Bible depicts Jesus all alone in the Garden of Gethsemane. There, in the sublime presence of eternity He was strong enough to humbly say: "Thy will be done." He arose from the rocky soil with strength enough to do the will of the Father. We too can find a blessing from being in the sanctuary of God.

One day we shall be in the actual presence of the Creator. One day we shall know the resplendent glory of His power. May we so live upon the earth in the shadow of divine love that on the other shore we can pay eternal homage to His name!
[by Johnny Ramsey from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Dec. 25, 1994, p. 4]

PHONE COMPANY STANDS FOR BIBLICAL VALUES
The October 3, 1994 issue of Christianity Today has a very interesting article about long distance telephone service, as follows:

When AT&T, the nation's number one long-distance telephone service, donates money to homosexual-rights groups and buys ads on morally questionable television programs, what are concerned Christians who want to "reach out and touch someone" to do? Switch to MCI or Sprint, which support abortion-rights organizations and provide 900 numbers for the "phone sex" industry?

Some American households are switching to LifeLine, a conservative Christian long-distance service that donates a portion of its customers' long-distance payments to nonprofit Christian organizations.

According to Tracy Freeny, president of AmeriVision Communications, which formed LifeLine in 1990, his long-distance service hopes to challenge the liberal practices of AT&T and the other leading services by offering "an alternative that stands for biblical values."

"AT&T has long been a leader in promoting the homosexual lifestyle," says Donald Wildmon, President of the American Family Association (AFA). Wildmon's conservative watchdog group is one of the organizations funded by LifeLine.

Based in Oklahoma City, Lifeline has gone from a $2 million annual gross income to $12 million in one year. The company donates 10 percent of its long-distance billings to organizations such as the AFA, the Christian Coalition and other pro-life agencies. "Our goal is to put $84 million per year back into the kingdom by 1998," Freeny says. LifeLine has around 100,000 customers, but Freeny says the clientele is growing rapidly. "We're the only one that's committed to fighting moral decay."

All you need to do is call 1-800-800-7550, and your donation will start accumulating as soon as you are connected.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Dec. 18, 1994, p. 3]

TAKE TIME TO LAUGH
In the middle of a sermon, a man jumped up. "Brethren!" he shouted. "I have been a miserable, contemptible sinner for years, and never knew it before tonight!" A deacon in the nearby pew announced, "Sit down brother. The rest of us knew it all the time."
[from Cypert church of Christ, Marvel, Ark. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Dec. 18, 1994, p. 3]

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