ARE YOU TO BAPTIZE IN THE NAME OF JESUS ONLY?
(Acts 2:38).
"Name" denotes "Authority".

The word "name" has reference to "authority and power," including all God's commands. Repentance and baptism are commanded by the authority of Jesus, and promote the cause of Christianity on earth. In baptism, we recognize and acknowledge the Lord's authority and commands!

Christ has all Authority
Luke, the author of Acts, penned these words of the Lord...(Luke 24:46-47). (1) Jesus was instructing the apostles what to preach and for what purpose, "repentance and remission of sins (baptism)"; (2) by whose authority it was to be preached, "in his name"; (3) to whom it was to be preached, "among all nations"; and (4) where it was to begin to be preached, "at Jerusalem". When you turn to Acts 2, you see the instructions of Jesus being carried out. It was in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Peter exalted Christ as having been approved of God (Acts 2:22); as having been crucified (Acts 2:23); as having been raised from the dead (Acts 2:24); as having ascended to heaven to occupy the promised throne (Acts 2:30); and had become both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Peter convinced the Jews that Christ was Lord, and being Lord, He had "all authority"! The Jews being converted, "pricked in their hearts" (Acts 2:37), wanted to know what they must do to be saved from their sins. What do we see Peter preaching? "Repentance and baptism"! To whom did Peter direct his words? "Every one of you"! (This has reference to the Jews who had been converted.) By whose authority were they to repent and be baptized? "In the name of Jesus Christ"! For what purpose were they to repent and be baptized? "For the remission of sins"! Peter was doing what he was told to do in Jerusalem: preach repentance and baptism by the authority of Jesus (in His name) for the remission of sins!

Name embraces commands
Keep in mind that the "name of Jesus" means "by His authority and power." It being by His authority and power embraces His commands. Matthew records the Lord's command in the great commission. (Matt. 28:19-20). Notice that Jesus does not say "names" (plural) but "name" (singular), implying "by the authority" of the "one and whole (complete) Godhead"! When one is baptized "in the name of the Lord," he is baptized by the authority of the one and whole (complete) Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, accepting Jesus as His Savior, Lord, and King, entering the Christian profession to render a devoted and faithful service!

To bind the term "Jesus only" to the exclusion of the Father and the Holy Spirit, is not in keeping with the gospel!
[by William B. Kughn from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 6, no. 13, Mar. 19, 1987, p. 2]

DINOSAURS AND THE BIBLE
Dinosaurs did exist in the past. They are not a figment of the scientist's imagination. When someone walks into the Utah Dinosaur National Monument and sees the bones of a 25-foot-long baby Camarasaurus buried in the rock face, or visits a large museum of natural history and comes face-to-face with a 76-foot-long, 40-foot-high, 81-ton Brachiosaurus, it is very hard to deny that such animals ever lived on this earth.

The first discovery of a dinosaur (from the Greek word deinos and saurus, translated "terrible lizards") was made by Dr. Gideon Mantell in 1822, who identified a large tooth as belonging to a hugh reptillian creature he later named Iguanodon. Since that time, fossil hunters have discovered many fascinating creatures of all different sizes and shapes, and given them many strange names, such as Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and Hypsilophodon. But scientists don't stop at digging up bones and dreaming up fancy names - they don't want to be in the job of "stamp collecting." They go one step further and assign ages of millions of years to these fossils, and attempt to work out an evolutionary line-of-descent for dinosaurs. One thing is very clear: evolutionary theory has the first dinosaur appearing about 200 million years ago, and the last dinosaur dying about 65 million years ago. According to evolutionists, man didn't even begin to appear until 3.6 million years ago. As will be shown below, such assertions are contradictory to both science and the Bible.

According to Exo. 20:11, God not only made the land and sea; he also created all the life which exists therein. The verse further states that this creation lasted only six days. To maintain that the earth is 4.6 billion years old and was not created in a period of six literal 24-hour days is plainly false doctrine (see Reason and Revelation, Vol. 2, Nos. 7 and 11, Apologetics Press). In addition, examine the words of Christ in Matt. 19:4.... First, God created everything, and so He must have created the dinosaurs on one of those six days. Second, man has been here since the beginning, and all life was created "in the beginning" (Gen. 1:1), so man and dinosaurs would have to have lived together at some stage in earth's history.

Are dinosaurs mentioned by name in the Bible? No, but they are mentioned in other ways. For instance, Job 40:15-24 speaks of a behemoth who eats grass like an ox, and who possesses strong muscles, a tail like a cedar, bones like tubes of brass, limbs like iron, and who is "chief in the ways of God." Some Bibles place a marginal note here to the effect that these verses refer to a hippopotamus or elephant. Have you ever seen the hippo's or the elephant's tail? Their tails are twigs by comparison with a cedar tree. The reference to the behemoth eating grass and dwelling in watery environments is an accurate description of dinosaurs, many of whom were herbivores, and many of whom dwelt in swamps and shallow seas. Job presents an evocative passage of scripture which directly teaches that dinosaur-like creatures lived on earth, and in conjunction with Rom. 1:20, shows that man saw the dinosaurs which God had made. The evolutionist responds to this suggestion with contempt. "Why," he says, "That would make a mockery of our geological timetable." The creationist says, "Exactly, and I can prove it, too."

Consider the following evidence for the creationist position:
(A) In the late 1800's, archaeologist Dr. Samuel Hubbard found ancient Indian drawings on a canyon wall in Arizona. Amongst pictures of ibex and elephant is an accurate representation of a dinosaur (cf. A.H. Verill, Strange Prehistorical Animals and their History, L.C. Page & Co., Boston, 1954, pp. 155ff). The question is this: if the evolutionists are correct (and they most certainly are not), how could men draw pictures of a creature which became extinct millions of years before man ever emerged on this earth?

(B) Evolutionist Albert C. Ingalls investigated something he called "The Carboniferous Mystery" (Scientific American, Jan. 1940). In rocks that are claimed to be 260 to 370 million years old, and in some states from the Atlantic coast to the Rockies, there are numerous fossil human-like footprints. Ingalls has no adequate explanation for these occurrences, so he makes fun of them saying, "If man, or even his ape ancestor, or even the ape ancestor's early mammal ancestor, existed as far back as the carboniferous period in any shape, then the whole science of geology is so completely wrong that all geologists will resign their jobs and take up truck driving.
The creationist's response is, "Gentleman, start your engines"!

(C) In 1986, William J. Meister discovered a half-billion-year-old (according to evolutionary assumptions) trilobite fossil between two slabs or rock 200 feet up a cliff in Utah. Such a find, in itself, would not be considered an unusual discovery except that the fossil was embedded in a perfect mold of a human sandal. Somewhere the evolutionist has lost 500 million years of his precious time scale.

This list is only a fraction of the anomalies which are to be found in the fossil record. Many more are listed in the books like The Creation-Evolution controversy by R.L. Wysong (Inquiry Press, Midland, Mi., 1976). Although each example may seem trivial to skeptics of creation, the number of contradictions to evolutionary assumptions of an old earth mounts up. More importantly for the present discussion, it is apparent from the above that scientific evidence supports the co-existence of man and dinosaurs sometime in the past. Where the dinosaurs went is a whole story in itself, but one suggestion is that the dinosaurs were unable to survive change in climate following the Noahic flood (Gen. 6-8).

In any case, the point is well made that dinosaurs do not present a problem to creationists; their existence is in no way contradictory to the Bible. Evolutionists are wrong when they say man and the dinosaurs never existed as contemporaries; the scientific evidence proves their error and shouts loudly for creation. Think first of the inerrancy of God's word and then of the vain utterings and false knowledge of those men who profess themselves to be wise (Rom. 1:21-22; I Tim. 6:20).
[by Bert Thompson and Trevor Major from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 6, no. 13, Mar. 19, 1987, p. 2-3]

THANKS, KEITH!
On Sunday morning, June 15, my sermon was drowned out by the sermon of a tenth-grade boy. I had just started preaching when the door opened and in walked a boy dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. I didn't recognize him and there were no adults with him, so I assumed that he had been invited by one of the other members. The other members didn't recognize him and assumed that I had invited him.

Only after the service did we all meet Keith Holland from Doniphan, Missouri. We learned Keith was on a school trip. The Future Farmers of America were having a meeting in Washington, D.C., and there was a group from his school traveling there. When they stopped in Roanoke Rapids, Keith looked up the church in the phone book and asked to be dropped off for worship services. While the others in his group passed the time, Keith worshipped with us. The van was waiting for him after service and they continued on their trip.

What an impression that made on all of us! The sermon Keith preached to us on commitment will last far longer than the words I spoke that morning.

We've all been in circumstances like that, and the excuses come all too easy. "I need the extra rest." "I don't want to be an inconvenience to the others." "They will probably consider me a religious fanatic." "Mom and Dad will never know." "Missing one time won't make all that much difference." "Surely God understands that I can't make it today."

Yet, in spite of the excuses he could have made, Keith put forth the effort to attend worship services in a strange town 700 miles from home, a demonstration of his faith in Christ and his commitment to God. It was a sermon preached not only to us but to a vanload full of his friends.

The last time you traveled away from home, what kind of sermon did you preach? Did you demonstrate your commitment to Christ, or was it just too much trouble to make the effort? Thanks, Keith, for the best sermon we've all heard in a long time!
[by Alan Smith from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 6, no. 13, Mar. 19, 1987, p. 4]

THE PLAN OF SALVATION
God has one plan of salvation for all men. The one plan is composed of hearing (Matt. 17:5), believing (Rom. 10:10, 17), repenting (Luke 13:3), confessing (Matt. 10:32-33; Matt. 16:18; Acts 8:37), and baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-5). Hearing is not one plan to itself, believing is not part of another plan, nor repentance, confession, and baptism still of another. All of these are one; therefore, our turning to Christ involves all five acts in the one plan. There are five acts but one plan, not five different plans. In building a house, you have one plan but different acts. You measure, mark, saw, and nail the lumber according to the plan, and by these acts fulfill the plan. So it is with the plan of salvation. Each act must be fulfilled by the one seeking salvation according to God's plan. Confession and faith, baptism and faith are as much a view of the heart attitude a sinner has when he turns to Christ as are repentance and faith. The view is not complete with just repentance and faith, and if the view is not complete, neither is his turning.

Baptism commanded: If repentance is essential to salvation because it is commanded, why is not baptism? Baptism is commanded by God, as is repentance (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Peter emphatically states that "baptism saves" (I Pet. 3:21); that is, we pass from the lost state (darkness) to the saved state, "kingdom of God's dear son" (Col. 1:13; Acts 2:47). Because baptism is commanded, and Peter tells us baptism saves, baptism is as essential as repentance!

Baptism and faith inseparable: If repentance and faith are inseparable because repentance is an act of faith, why are not baptism and faith inseparable? Baptism is as much an act of faith as is repentance. Not everyone who believes repents; that is, turns from sin or changes his sinful way. But, he must truly repent, if it be an act of faith; otherwise, it is not of faith. Baptism is an act of faith; therefore, faith and baptism are inseparable. We are not guilty of separating faith and repentance, faith and confession, nor faith and baptism. If one stands condemned for saying, "faith nullifies repentance" because Jesus said...(Luke 13:3-5), why would one not stand condemned for saying, "faith nullifies baptism," because Jesus said...(Mark 16:16)? God has joined faith and repentance, faith and confession, faith and baptism to constitute the one plan of salvation; therefore, "What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

Baptism is a turning: Baptism is as much a part of turning to God as is repentance. The one faith (assurance of God and conviction of truth) that comes from the word (gospel) turns us to repent, to confess, and to be baptized. Repentance and confession are a part of this turning unto (Rom. 10:10) Christ, not all of it.

We make the complete turn-about-face to God at baptism (Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:27; I Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:12); that is why baptism follows repentance and confession. It is a plain contradiction of the scriptures and a twisting of the word of God to say that "faith nullifies baptism."
[by William B. Kughn from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 7, no. 12, Mar. 31, 1988, p. 2]

DARE WE BE COWARDS?
(Acts 20:28-25).
The office of a bishop is no place for a coward. As difficult as it might be to admit it, there are some who are cowards in the Lord's church. They become visibly upset and anxious over even trivial matters. There are also those who would deem themselves courageous simply because they engage their mouth without engaging their brain; because they "tell someone off," they feel they have accomplished a very courageous act.

In our study of cowardice, as we consider those who serve as elders in the Lord's church, I want to notice first of all, what I, and other brethren who serve in this office, consider highly, as we lead the flock in the particular congregation where we serve. Take your Bible and read Matt. 10:16-31; Luke 12:1-7. There are without a doubt many preachers and elders who could, and do, teach many great lessons from Luke 12:5. It is a statement that every soul who has ever lived, or who will ever live, upon this earth, is subject to. Yet, there are some individuals who seem to believe that, as long as what they do is without two or more witnesses on this earth, they can do anything they want in this life, and have no fear whatsoever of God. They fail to believe Luke 12:2. There are some even in the church who do not believe this statement, made by the Lord Himself. Our every action that we seek to hide in this life, even keeping it from every soul on the face of the earth, will be revealed before all in the end; for anyone who has anything hidden in this life, it will be too late when it is revealed at the judgment.

After this, what greatly concerns me and, I am convinced, many of my fellow-elders in the brotherhood? It is not the hiring of a preacher (although that affects the congregation as a whole, probably more than anything else). It is not the building of a meetinghouse, for the meetinghouse is mere sticks and stones and, if destroyed, can be built back.

(Matt. 26:62, 65; Matt. 27:13). Then, from Acts 6:8-7:60, we have the account of Stephen being charged by false witnesses (Acts 6:13), and, finally, his death as a result of these false charges. So, what is of such concern to many elderships? It is the false witnesses who are walking to and fro among the flock at this very hour. You ask, "Why don't you do something about them, if you know there are false witnesses within the church today?" Brethren, I intend to see that those who are false witnesses in the church do not invade Chapel Hill, or, if they manage to infiltrate the congregation, do not remain there!

Why do false witnesses cause such concern? (1) It is often the case that they are "believable"; (2) Some will believe them, and follow them, because of their like for the false witnesses and their dislike for those being falsely accused. False witnesses need to remember, however, as the saying goes, "You can fool some of the people all the time, all of the people some of the time; but you can't fool all of the people all of the time." It is the fooling of "all the people some of the time" that disrupts congregations and calls for courage on the part of elders.

Elders, it is important to have all the facts possible before making a decision. Also, when two tales are told, and one affirms vehemently that he won't lie, he probably is! Sometimes, decisions are too hasty. Husbands, wives, parents, children, elders, as well as other children of God may make hasty decisions. But, sometimes, elders never make a needed decision. Elders, get the facts, pray, and make a decision! Be courageous; some few will not like your decision, but most will!
[by Howell Lasseter from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 7, no. 12, Mar. 31, 1988, p. 2-3]

IS THE HOLY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH HOLY?
(Matt. 7:16-18).
The Catholic Church claims to be a holy institution. Yet, Catholic scholars admit that there are many times the Catholic Church (The Holy Roman Apostolic Catholic Church) and its popes have been anything but holy. In the debate held in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1837, between Alexander Campbell and Bishop Purcell, Campbell denied that the Catholic Church is either holy, Roman, Catholic, or apostolic. Bishop Purcell admitted, "I have no special apology to offer for a pope who is a bad man. He should be the pattern of the flock from the heart. He should be the salt of the earth - the light of the world. He should remember that the 'mighty shall be mightily tormented'; and that 'a most sever judgment shall be for them that bear rule, if they walk not according to the law.' I should not be surprised if these bad popes were at this moment expiating their crimes in the penal fires of hell." (Campbell-Purcell Debate, p. 180).

The reason for the immorality found in the Catholic Church, from the pope down, is due to some of the doctrines held by the church.

1. Common-law wives, concubines, or mistresses are permitted. "But if a man had no wife, but a concubine instead of a wife, let him not be refused communion, only let him be content to be united with one woman, whether wife or concubine" (Catholic Encyclopedia, IV:207).

2. Fornication is approved by the Catholic Church, if it is the lesser of two sins. "And so, if a man was determined to commit adultery, I do nothing morally wrong, but rather to the contrary, by persuading him to commit fornication instead" (State, Manual of Moral Theology, I:201-202).

3. Cursing and swearing are approved by the Catholic Church. "There may be unconscious, involuntary lapses under the constant pressure of a strong inclination, as in the vice of cursing, and it remains innocent as long as it is not willfully yielded to and indulged" (Explanation of Catholic Morals, p. 27).

4. Gambling. "The public lottery, which had been suppressed by the severe morality of Benedict XIII, was revived by Clement, and poured into his treasury an annual sum amounting to nearly a half million scudi (a coin valued at about one dollar), enabling him to undertake the extensive buildings which distinguished his reign" (Catholic Encyclopedia, IV:31).

5. Lying is sanctioned, under certain circumstances. "You must keep a confided secret, even if you are questioned about it by a superior, a judge, etc. You must answer them: 'I do not know anything about it'; because that knowledge is for you absolutely as if it did not exist..." (Gury, Doctrines of the Jesuits, p. 149). Thus, Catholicism condones perjury to avoid divulging confidential information.

From the corrupt, immoral doctrines of "The Holy Roman Apostolic Catholic Church" no virtuous fruit will be produced. Jesus said...(Matt. 7:16-18). As long as such wicked tenets are espoused by Rome, her fruit will be evil.
[from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 7, no. 12, Mar. 31, 1988, p. 3-4]

THE ELDERS
There is a growing disregard for elders. This is symptomatic of our day where human wisdom is substituted for divine revelation. I want to say something on the other side.

I appreciate elders because this is God's plan (I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The one that does not respect elders fails to respect God's Word and God's way. I cannot be faithful to the Bible and disregard elders.

I appreciate elders because of the responsibility they accept. No men on earth have a graver responsibility than elders. The President of the United States with all of our problems does not bear the responsibility of elders. Elders are responsible for carrying the gospel to every creature (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). But that is not the end of the elders' responsibilities. They must watch after souls. They will have to give an account of the souls that are under their oversight. I appreciate the man that is willing to accept the responsibility of an elder.

I appreciate elders because of the time they give to the Lord's work. While others are free to use their time in various ways, elders must use much of their time in fulfilling their duties. There are meetings where time must be given to planning the work, dealing with problems, and many other things. This requires a great deal of time. I appreciate the man who is willing to take the time necessary to do the work of an elder.

I appreciate elders because they work with the least encouragement of any people I know. I've often wondered how long I would continue to preach if I received criticism as elders do with so little encouragement. Few people in any congregation think about a word to encourage the elders. I appreciate men that will give years to helping the church grow, struggle with its problems, accept criticism, receive little or no encouragement, and continue to do its work.

I appreciate elders because of their families. First they have done a good job in training their children and in building a stable marriage. My hat is off to the man that has a family that makes it possible for him to serve as an elder. I appreciate elders because of the sacrifices they make so that they can serve. Time that might be spent with his family is often used in doing the work of the Lord. I appreciate families that are willing to allow the husband and father to spend the time that is needed in dealing with the problems, planning the work of the church, and being concerned about the welfare of people that are under their oversight.
[by Franklin Camp from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Vol. 56, no. 24, June 8, 1988, p. 2-3]

SOME PEOPLE ARE PECULIAR
I knew a man who did a peculiar thing when he sat down to eat. He would turn his chair sideways and sit, not with his feet under the table, but, beside it. You probably know some peculiar people, too. They do something in a different or strange way. Sometimes they do things differently for no other reason than to be different. Sometimes they do peculiar things simply because they want to.

God's people have always been peculiar, but not like the man illustrated above. Moses said...(Deut. 14:2).

They were holy people because they kept the commandments of God, which separated them from the other people.

Peculiar, yes, but not just because they had a different way of doing things, but because God had a different way of doing something. They were peculiar because they did what God said to do.

Today, God's people are peculiar. Peter said...(I Pet. 2:9-10).

How are Christians peculiar?

The gospel separates God's people from the world today, just like the law of Moses separated God's people from the world in that day. Therefore, God's people are peculiar. They are different from the people of the world. That's why Peter said...(I Pet. 4:4).

Does the world say that about you, or do you just throw in with them? Does the way you talk seem peculiar to the world because it is not laced with profanities and filthy gestures. Can people identify you as a Christian because "they speech betrayeth thee" as Peter's did. Does the way you dress separate you from the world? The world's standard of dress is usually designed to place emphasis on being "sexy" or "daring". Jesus taught that one can sin by harboring lustful thoughts (Matt. 5:27-28) and surely, apparel that provokes lust is inconsistent with the intent of the Christian: to glorify God through our lives (I Pet. 2:12) and shine as lights to a sin-sick world (Phili. 2:15-16).

We are people of God, does our interest in worship express this? Are we "peculiar" because of our faithfulness to assemble at the designated times? Do we have the distinct honor of being known in our community for "being in church services every time the door is open?" Are we separate from the world because we keep the commandments of God?

Christians are to have the mind of Christ, (Phili. 2:5). In doing so we will be peculiar, but not just for the sake of being different and not simply because we want to. We will be peculiar because God said...(II Cor. 6:17).

The disciples were called Christians at Antioch, according to Acts 11:26, and the reason is that they had the mind of Christ in what they said and did.
[by Tommy Blewett from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Vol. 56, no. 24, June 15, 1988, p. 2-4]

The book of Ecclesiastes teaches the vanity of seeking happiness in worldly wisdom and wealth. It also teaches that man can not find his purpose in life in the welding of authority over others or in the sensual pleasures of life. The writer goes on to say that the purpose of man's life is to...(Eccl. 12:13). Everything else is done in vain.

We can read about Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and others who "died in faith", in Heb. 11, and these all recognized the basic lesson of Ecclesiastes. "They were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Heb. 11:13). How vain it would have been for them to forsake the commandments of God and to give up hope of eternal life.

We, likewise, must see ourselves as pilgrims having no real possessions, only passing through. The world and its goods will be destroyed in the judgment. (II Pet. 3:10). If we seek after these things and rebel against God we will also be burned.

Notice the contrast of the promise given to the faithful...(Heb. 11:16). When we focus on the city of God we can say with Paul...(II Cor. 5:8). As pilgrims we can confidently stand on the words of our Lord. (John 14:2).

No matter how successful we may become in wealth, wisdom, power, or fleshly pursuits, we will always have to endure pain from a constantly deteriorating body. We will always suffer sorrow from the thoughtless words and deeds of others. We will always suffer grief from the loss of loved ones. But, God has promised that there will be no tears in heaven. Brethren, let us "fear God and keep His commandments".
[by Tommy Blewett from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Vol. 56, no. 25, June 22, 1988, p. 3]

GOD'S WAY IS RIGHT
There is no way for me to know
The path in which my feet should go,
To lead me out of darkest night,
Except God's Word - His Way is right.

From where I stand, I cannot see
Just how He knows what's best for me;
And yet, by faith, and not by sight,
I walk with Him - God's Way is right.

While those around me turn away
To paths that only lead astray;
Help me abide in heaven's light,
And live for Thee - whose Way is right.

When life is past, and times no more,
When saved ones meet on yonder shore,
And know the fullness of delight;
We'll sing for aye - Thy Way is right.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 14, 1996, p. 3]

KEEP PLODDING ON
When things seem difficult, and life uphill,
Don't look too far ahead, keep plodding on.
And inch by inch, the road will shorten, till
The roughest patches will be past and gone.
And you'll look back surprised and cheered to find
That you have left so many miles behind.
And very soon the tedious climb will stop.
And you will stand triumphant at the top.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 14, 1996, p. 3]

Baptism into Christ (Gal. 3:27) to reach blessings (Eph. 1:3) which brings (II Tim. 2:10) salvation.
Baptism into name (Matt. 28:19-20) to reach remission (Acts 10:43) which brings (Acts 4:12) salvation.
Baptism into body (I Cor. 12:13) to reach church (Eph. 1:22-23) which brings (Eph. 5:23) salvation.
Baptism into death (Rom. 6:3-4) to reach blood (Rom. 5:5-11) which brings (Eph. 1:7) salvation.
[by Dillard Thurman from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 14, 1996, p. 3]

A PLACE TO START!
It is hard for us ever to get going with evangelism. We have difficulty finding a place to take hold. If only we knew who to share with, someone to teach, anyone to invite to an evangelistic service we'd do it! But where to start?

Andrew had no such problem. His first thought was of someone who desperately needed to meet Jesus. Andrew knew that the first person he wanted to introduce to this Messiah he had found was his brother, Simon. Didn't Andrew know that you can't teach members of your own family? Certainly Andrew should have realized he had another severe limitation, he barely knew Jesus! The fact was that he knew so little should have tongue-tied Andrew with fear.

Then, there was the possibility of rejection. Simon was a rough and ready fisherman. What in the world would Andrew do if his effort to share Jesus with his brother met only with icy annoyance or stern rebuff?

Apparently Andrew was a positive thinker! At any rate he didn't let negative speculation slow him down. He was so excited about Jesus that he just had to tell somebody right then! The fellow he knew best, and loved most, was a natural starting place for evangelism.
[by Dan Anders from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Apr. 14, 1996, p. 3]

REJOICE!
Would you rejoice with me today in what God has given all Christians? Paul said...(Phili. 4:4). I rejoice in the following truths:
1. God made me and God doesn't make junk! (Psa. 139:14).
2. I have Christ and "when you have Christ, you have everything." Isn't it nice to have everything? (Col. 2:10).
3. I can know where I'm going because God has given me the Word of God that was inspired by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).
4. I have a loving heavenly Father who loves me so much He will not let me stray from His way without correcting me as I need it (Heb. 12:5-15).
5. I have a beautiful spiritual family with whom I find fellowship (personal, intimate, two-sided sharing) and experience the joy of the Lord as I walk in His light (I John 1:3-7).
6. I know that no matter what happens to me, God will use it to honor himself and make me more like Jesus (Rom. 8:28).
7. I need fear nothing (nothing means nothing) for God has given me...(II Tim. 1:7).
8. Just as I trusted Christ to save me, I can trust Him also with the problems that come my way day by day (Col. 2:6).
9. Out of every problem and heartache I've known, God has given me a ministry whereby I may comfort those in trouble by the same comfort with which He comforts me (II Cor. 1:3-4).
10. I am bound by nothing that might hamper or hinder me in being what I desire and I can enjoy the...(John 8:32-36).
[by Douglas F. Parsons]

THE BIBLE IS INSPIRED OF GOD!
(I Tim. 3:16-17). You cannot believe God, Christ or Paul if you cannot believe the inspired scripture, the Bible.
The Bible is reliable, trustworthy, historical document.
The Bible is a unity.
The Bible contains prophecy made and fulfilled.
The Bible presents a view of God beyond mere human invention.
The Bible presents a view of the world beyond mere human invention.
The Bible contains true accounts of miracles performed.
The Bible presents an ethical standard beyond mere human invention.
The Bible presents a mission, authority, message, and commission for Jesus which are beyond mere human invention.
Therefore, the Bible is the inspired and authoritative revelation of God to man.

Many modernists and skeptics have attacked the inspiration of the Bible. Many religious leaders have rejected the inspiration of the Bible. This is nothing new. God was rejected time after time in the Old Testament, but he is still God. Many rejected and crucified Jesus, but he is still the Christ, the Son of the living God.

(John 14:6-7). You can only come to God by Jesus' way, Jesus' truth, Jesus' life, and that is the Bible. There is not a number of different ways as the "religious world" teaches, and would have us believe. There is only one way! Jesus' way, and the only place to find it is in His Word, the Bible. (John 12:48-50; Heb. 1:1-2). To reject the Bible as the inspired word of God is to all God a liar. With this in mind, let us read it daily, prayerfully, slowly and carefully. (Rev. 1:3).
[by John T. Griffis, Sr. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 16, 1989, p. 3]

DO YOU FEEL SQUEEZED?
Do you ever feel like you are in a vise and being squeezed? Prices rise, your income doesn't. Prices rise, quality doesn't. Seems like everything is closing in on you. There is a source of aid and comfort for those who can declare...(Heb. 13:6). Can we say, as did the Psalmist...(Psa. 118:6; Psa. 23)? We can stand the pressure with an abiding faith and trust in God and Christ, his Son. Let us help you.
[by John T. Griffis, Sr. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 16, 1989, p. 3]

PERSONAL ACCOUNTING
II Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:2; Rev. 20:12-13; John 15:2; Luke 12:47-48.

WHO IS TO BLAME IF YOU ARE LOST?
One of the most common traits of man is to blame someone else for his misfortune, mistakes, or failures. Such was the case with Adam and Eve. When God asked Adam, "Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereon I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?" he replied, "The woman whom thou gavest me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." Eve's answer to the question, "What is this that thou hast done?" was, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." So you see, this trait is as old as the human race, but even so, it does not justify us. The question at hand is, "Are you saved or lost?" If your answer be "lost", the question which follows is, "Why?" Do not answer by laying the blame on someone else; therefore, let us deal with the pertinent question, "Who is to blame if I be lost?"

1. You cannot blame God: God has always had great concern for His creatures and always will. He has left nothing undone on His behalf in seeking to save you. His great love for the human race was manifested in the giving of His Son (John 3:16). Peter declares that God is not willing to see any man perish, but would have all come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9); therefore God has...(II Pet. 1:3). All things that pertain to life and godliness flow through the channel of God's knowledge. Your salvation depends upon your coming to the knowledge of the truth. The truth is important because, by it, you are set free from sin (John 8:32); are sanctified (John 17:17); are saved (Rom. 1:16); and are called (II Thes. 2:14).

2. You certainly cannot blame Christ: He left His rich (heavenly) abode, and was made in our likeness, taking upon Him the form of a servant, subjecting Himself to the death of the cross (Phili. 2:7-8), and tasting death for every man (Heb. 2:9). Laying down His life in death while all were in the sinful state, He manifested His great love for mankind (Rom. 5:8; John 15:13). Before Christ completed His mission on earth, He extended the great invitation (Matt. 11:28-30). After all He has done, we would dare not lay blame to Christ.

3. You are unable to blame the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit has given unto us the Word of God. He led the writers of the New Testament into all truth (John 16:13). It is through and by the word of the Holy Spirit our needs are met (II Tim. 3:16-17). The Holy Spirit, like Christ, does not fail to extend the invitation (Rev. 22:17).

4. You can only blame yourself: You must save yourself (Acts 2:40). How? By working out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phili. 2:12). You can only do this by studying and obeying the scriptures (II Tim. 2:15). You are to test or try every teacher, because many false teachers are in the world today (I John 4:1). They are seeking to deceive and mislead you. If you submit to them, you, too, will fall into the ditch, for...(Matt. 15:14). You are still to blame, if you be overcome and follow the blind guides, regardless of how sincere and honest you be.
[by William B. Kughn from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 6, no. 16, Apr. 9, 1987, p. 2]

REMOVE FOOT - INSERT BOOK
The slang expressing about "always putting his foot in his mouth" is familiar. We mean that a person has spoken something wrong, or embarrassing. One called it "hoof-and-mouth-disease - hoofing over to the neighbors and mouthing."

In the Bible, a strange expression occurs: (Josh. 1:8). It is easy to read over that passage and miss what it is saying. We might have expected the command to Joshua from the Lord to say, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy heart," and that would also have been true. But, that is not the emphasis - that part comes later in the verse which reads...(Josh. 1:8). It is necessary to meditate upon God's book - to have it in the mind and reflect upon its worth - before it will ever be in the mouth; that is, before it will ever become the main theme of our speech.

So, what was Joshua told? To put it simply, he was commanded to be always talking about the Word of God! Few commandments are more needed for us! We talk about weather and world problems, X-rays and X-rated movies, athletic teams and teeming population - but how much do we talk about the Word? Do we "esteem it more than our necessary food"? Do we "speak of it when (we) rise and when (we) walk by the way, when (we) go and when (we) come"? (Deut. 4:7). We certainly should be doing so.

Let us learn from this command to Joshua. Some great things resulted from his obedience...(Josh. 1:8). He did meditate on the law; he did talk about it; and he did conquer the land. If we follow his example, God may give us lands yet unconquered with the Word. Altogether now; let us remove our feet from our mouths, and replace them with the Book!
[by Norman Gipson from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 6, no. 16, Apr. 9, 1987, p. 2-3]

TEST OF LOVE: "REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY, BUT REJOICETH IN TRUTH
Love is a necessary principle for one to be spiritually strong. Find a weak Christian and one will find the missing ingredient of a strong love. The greatness of God is His love, and His love pours forth in goodness. These cannot be separated.
"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean. How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall every be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior's love for me!" But, God's love is not the only marvel. When Christians love as Paul describes it, it is also marvelous.
I Cor. 13:6. These qualities complement the previous ones. Love is not irritated by little hurts and slights, and does not write them down in its memory.
"Love rejoiceth not in iniquity..." The ASV translates it "unrighteousness". Love does not find pleasure in hearing of the failures, shortcomings, and sins of others. "Love is never glad when others go wrong" (Moffatt). Do I rejoice when others fail? Am I glad when another falters along life's pathway? Surely, there is a flaw in my love, if I find delight in moral failures of another. Sin is tragic in any life. How could I find any pleasure in one's tragedy? The President has made a sad mistake. That is just about all that is on the news. Will the ones that have opposed his policies rejoice over his blunder? The nation is hurt by his mistake. Major problems that need attention will be sidetracked while the truth about his is sought. It is enough to make thoughtful people sad.

(John 8:3-6). The scribes and Pharisees rejoiced over the sin and shame of this woman. They found satisfaction in dragging her shame before Him to try to induce Him to do evil. Christ found no pleasure in her unrighteousness. It filled Him with sorrow. He felt shame for the woman and her accusers. Here is a good test of love: How do I react toward the failure of another. Do I find some sense of gratification? Do I like to pass it on to others?

One way to measure our love is to examine how we deal with rumors. Passing rumors in blazing headlines is an index to a heart that is void of love. Rumor-mongering and love do not go together. How many lives have been hurt by the passing of a rumor! Later, it is discovered that it was just that - a rumor. The damage has been done and nothing will ever completely undo it. Love that "does not rejoice in unrighteousness" would have never spread the rumor. On numerous occasions, word has come to me of something that I was supposed to have said or taught that had no basis whatsoever. If so, it should have been a source of sorrow rather than a morsel of gossip.

(I Pet. 3:8; Prov. 10:12; James 5:19-20). Put these three passages together and one has the picture of how love looks at the failures and sins of another. Sin is no laughing matter. It is serious. It is a matter of life and death. Love knows this, and it breaks the heart to see one sin. (Luke 19:41). Here is a love that "does not rejoice in unrighteousness." Christians need to learn to practice it. If you find some sense of satisfaction in gloating over the sins of another, you have a real heart problem. You need to visit the Great Physician, who is a heart specialist. Let His love for you melt your heart, so you will never rejoice in another's failure.
[by Franklin Camp from The Bible Student, East Gadsden, Ala. via The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 6, no. 16, Apr. 9, 1987, p. 3-4]

THE HANDY WORK OF GOD
This is a beautiful time of the year. The trees are turning green. The azaleas are almost through blooming. The dogwoods are in full bloom. God's creations show a springing forth of spring. Everything was so brown and leafless for the winter but now spring is here and it is like a new birth of living things.

Christ said we must be born again. (John 3:3). After being in Christ we must live faithful unto him. When we enter into the winter of our life, after a full and faithful life for the Lord, we look forward to that promise of a crown. (Rev. 2:10). We need to get out of our thinking that only the older die and need to be ready. We always need to be faithful that we might receive the crown when this life ends. We have no promise of tomorrow (James 4:4) but we have eternal life for the faithful. (Gal. 3:27). Are you in Christ today?
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 10, 1996, p. 3]

HEARING BUT NOT UNDERSTANDING
How often do people hear and see but do not understand? The story is told of a father and his son that ran together daily. They would run to the park where a statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman on his horse stood, and they would rest. The last morning before moving far away, they ran down to the statue and rested. While resting the father spoke to his son about how they would not be able to run to the feet of old Sherman anymore. The son looked at his dad and asked "by the way dad, who is the man sitting on old Sherman anyway?"

Many people read Eph. 4 where there is one body, spirit, hope, Lord, faith. baptism, and God and they never hear and understand that there is one, not many. One church that Jesus established. One faith taught by Christ and his Apostles. And there is one today.
[by John T. Griffis, Sr. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 10, 1996, p. 3]

YOU AIN'T GONNA MAKE IT!
Heaven is going to be so great and wonderful! Every one who will seriously think about that place, which Jesus went to prepare, will want to go there. God desires that every one be saved in heaven. (II Pet. 3:9).

So what is the problem? The problem is unfaithfulness to God! (Rev. 2:10). This is the message our Lord told John to write. (Matt. 6:33). One thing our Lord requires is faithfulness in attendance. Not just when one has nothing better to do, but continuous faithfulness. Put God first when it is convenient, and when it is not convenient.

The greatest life anyone can live is for Christ. The greatest reward that God could design will be given, if faithful, if not: "You ain't gonna make it"!
[from Findlay church of Christ, Sparta, Tenn. via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 10, 1996, p. 3]

ALLOW GOD HIS PRIVILEGE
As Christians we are constantly referring to the Word of God. This means the word is His, it belongs to Him. Isaiah recorded the words of God saying...(Isa. 55:10-11).

Sowing the seed in the hearts of men and women is a great and wonderful privilege. But in recent years our brethren have grown discontented. They are tired of planting and watering, and dare ignoring God's privilege of giving the increase (I Cor. 3:6). Either high pressure tactics, gimmicks, or a watered down and compromising gospel are being used to increase numbers and supposed faithfulness. Are we so starved for results? Does it lift our egos to see big crowds and people filing down the aisles? Or are we sounding our trumpet to be seen of men? Jesus condemned such attitudes! (Matt. 6:1-4; Matt. 23:4-5).

Any good farmer knows he cannot force a plant to grow. He must water and cultivate and be patient. Also, not every seed will come forth, but the good seed will germinate, break through the soil and grow into a mature fruit-bearing tree (Luke 8:4-15). It is not within his power to make the seed grow to maturity. Remember the gospel is God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16).

Jesus told His disciples the harvest was great. They were reaping that which they had not sown (John 4:35-38). One man plants and another man reaps. Souls respond, are converted and remain faithful because of the labors of many. How dare us put such numbers on "our" record. If we have reason to glory, let us glory in the Lord (I Cor. 1:31).

We need to go back to planting and watering, and allow God His privilege of giving the increase! Don't worry about results. Let us be content with preaching the Word in truth and simplicity. Paul said...(I Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9).
[by Chris Steele from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 10, 1996, p. 4]

I CAN'T SEE ANY HARM IN IT
Every Christian must make many moral decisions. Some of us, like children, expect all control and discipline to be exerted from the outside, and would like for someone to do all our thinking for us. The Christian is most stable when he has the maturity to apply principles taught in scripture to his own problems. Consider these guide lines for determining when a practice is right or wrong.
1. The Personal test: Will doing this make me a better or worse Christian?
2. The Social test: Will doing it influence others to be better or worse Christians?
3. The Practical test: Will the result of my doing it be desirable?
4. The Universal test: If everyone should do this, would it improve or degrade society?
5. The Scriptural test: Does the Bible endorse it, or is it expressly forbidden by the Word of God?
6. The Stewardship test: Will my doing this constitute a waste of the talents God has given me?
7. The Missionary test: Would I have the proper influence over others whom I should bring to Christ?
8. The Character test: What will be the influence on my moral and spiritual stamina?
9. The Family test: Will it bring discredit and dishonor to my family, will it embarrass them?
10. The Publicity test: Would I be willing for friends, fellow-Christians, the elders and the preacher to know about it?
11. The Common sense test: Does it agree with just plain, everyday, ordinary, common sense?
12. The Financial test: Will it rob me of my financial ability to do good in advancing the church?
13. The Fairness test: Is it honest, and is it practicing the golden rule?
(I Thes. 5:21-22).
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 3, 1996, p. 3]

MORAL DECISIONS VS CHRISTIAN FREEDOM
1. Will it build me up spiritually?
2. Will it bring me under its power (addictive behaviours)?
3. Will it give me an uneasy conscience?
4. Will it cause someone else to stumble?

QUICK THINKING
A young preacher was delivering one of his first sermons and was obviously very nervous.

He took his text from the story of Ananias who told a lie and was struck dead. "God doesn't strike people dead for lying the way He used to," he said, getting more nervous with each word until his thoughts became jumbled, so he concluded, "If He did, where would I be?"

When he heard the congregation snicker, he realized what he had said, but quick-witted, he came up with this answer: "I'll tell you where I'd be - right here preaching to an empty house."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 3, 1996, p. 3]

SEEDS OF GREED
Greed is the most destructive force,
Growing in this world to day,
And if it does not change it's course
We'll see our world decay.

So please don't let the seed of greed start to grow within
Pluck it out before it sprouts and turns your heart to sin.
[by Marie Rister from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 3, 1996, p. 3]

GIFTS YOU CAN GIVE YEAR ROUND
Gift of praise - Appropriate mention, right in front of the other fellow, of superior qualities, job or deeds well done.
Gift of consideration - Putting yourself in the other's shoes and thus providing your genuine understanding of his side of the case.
Gift of concession - Humbly saying at just the right point, "I am sorry, you are right, and I am wrong."
Gift of gratitude - Never forgetting to say "thank you" and never failing to mean it.
Gift of attention - When the other fellow speaks, listen attentively. If his words are directed to you personally, meet his eye squarely.
Gift of inspiration - Plant seeds of courage and action in the other person's heart.
Gift of your personal presence - In sickness, in trouble, or in great joy, there is nothing quite equal to your personal expression of sympathy or congratulations.
Resolve to give these gifts each day of the new year and you will be pleasantly surprised at what you receive in return.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 3, 1996, p. 4]

GRUDGITIS...KILLER DISEASE
(Psa. 37:1, 8).
A grizzly bear sauntered into a garbage dump. There was only one animal the grizzly would let eat with him...a skunk! I'm sure he resented the skunk's imprudence. He could have easily won a fight with the two-tone intruder. But he would have paid a high price for the victory.

Smart grizzly! Much smarter than thousands of humans who spend weary days and sleepless nights brooding over resentments and inventing ways to "get even". We never seem to learn the high cost of revenge!

Dr. S.I. McMillen says a disordered emotional life is a frequent cause of ulcerative colitis, toxic goiters, high blood pressure and scores of other diseases. Thousands of death certificates could truthfully say, "Died of grudgitis."

Scoffers have ridiculed Jesus' advice to "Love your enemies." Impractical! Idealistic! Absurd! Now psychiatrists are recommending it as a panacea for many of our ills. When the Great Physician said, "Forgive," he prescribed good medicine not only for our souls, but for our bodies, too.

The moment I start hating a man I become his slave. He controls my thoughts. He may be many miles away, but he hounds me wherever I go. So the Good Book advises...(Col. 3:8, 12-14).
[by Joe R. Barnett from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 24, 1996, p. 3 and Aug. 25, 1991, p. 4]

THE WORK OF MINISTRY
A preacher always has one more lesson to study for, one more visit to make, one more person to teach, one more member to encourage, one more phone call to make.
Whether he is fishing, playing golf, at a party, or drinking coffee with friends, he is still the preacher. He represents the church, and he always has to be conscious of that.
He has no time clock. He never has to punch in, because he never gets to punch out.
He is never "out of uniform", never off duty.
The Bible says to him, "Give diligence," "be ready in season and out of season," "do not be entangled in the affairs of this world," "fulfill your ministry."
With delight and joy, he does.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 24, 1996, p. 3]

SINGING AND/OR DOING
Among our songs are "Standing on the Promises," "Stand up, Stand up, for Jesus" and "Soldiers of Christ, Arise." Leaders often ask the congregation to stand, saying something like, "This song can't be sung sitting down."
Certainly, to stand up while singing "Stand up Stand up for Jesus" is appropriate. In a way, it carries out the figure of the song.
We must not think, however, that when we stand to sing "Stand up for Jesus" that we have done what the song is exhorting us to do.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 24, 1996, p. 3]

THE CHURCH AND SALVATION
T. Pierce Brown is an astute thinker. His articles always thought-provoking. Recently he wrote, "there is a great deal of difference in the concept that the church is an institution into which one must enter in order to be saved (suggesting that the saving power is inherent in the church) and the concept that the church is a body of saved people to which the Lord adds one who is saved. If you do not know the difference then you are a part of the problem which has led to apostasy."
[from Seeds of Apostasy, The Restorer, vol. 22, Dec. 1995, p. 2-3 via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 24, 1996, p. 3]

THE LORD'S CHURCH IN THE 90s

I.	Then and now!
	A.	Church of Christ was fastest growing religious group in the 50s.
	B.	Today we are just holding even!
	C.	The 80s showed the Church of Latter Day Saints as fastest growing!
	D.	Pentecostal groups are now on the move!
Why the changes?
II.	Some factors that affect religion
	A.	War and peace
	B.	Communications (TV)
	C.	Education (Better understanding - more knowledge)
	D.	Changes in society (morals - no roots)
	E.	Economy (materialism)
III.	A Look at today's society!
	A.	"Free speech" has allowed all types of filth to be printed.
	B.	Homosexuality is becoming an accepted way of life.
	C.	Six percent of American teens kill themselves.
	D.	Drug abuse is rampant with alcohol leading the way.
	E.	Care for elderly parents has been given to institutions.
	F.	Half as many Americans get divorced as get married each year.
	G.	Every 67 seconds an American teenager has a baby.
	H.	Few states have adequate care for the mentally handicapped and emotionally disturbed.
	I.	Every 26 seconds an American teenager runs away from home.
	J.	Most Americans believe in God, but how many practice any type of religious belief?
IV.	What is the mission of the church?
	A.	Matt. 28:19-20 (usually considered first!) Mark 16:16
	B.	What about - II Tim. 3:16-17?
	C.	Then we must consider
		1.	James 1:27.
		2.	II Tim. 2:22.
		3.	Heb. 13:4.
		4.	Gal. 6:2, 7, 10.
	D.	Are we really servants?
	E.	Are we proper examples of Jesus' teaching?
	F.	Have we taught and converted our families?
	G.	How important is the church to us?
V.	Jesus can survive without us, but can we survive without Jesus?

GET INVOLVED
No one knows the power of his influence in the "little things" we may do. The following is dedicated to those who may baby sit while Bible studies are conducted (publically or privately).
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 14, 1991, p. 4]

MY TURN IN THE NURSERY
Last Sunday was my turn in the nursery to work.
My heart wasn't in it; my feelings were hurt.
A child from its mother did not want to part
And it cried a lot with its broken heart.
I prayed that soon the hour would end,
That I could relax - no more children to tend.
Soon the hour was over; it felt good to be free.
I said, "Once a month was too much for me!"
The very next Sunday as I sat in the pew
A very good sermon, but visitors were few.
But down came a woman and her soul was saved.
She was the mother of that crying babe!
Then it dawned on me that I had been a part
Of one being saved - giving God her heart.
From that day on I would never dread
Working in the nursery while souls are fed.
[from Midland's Fairmont Park Bulletin via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 14, 1991, p. 4]

KINDNESS
Kind hearts are the gardens,
Kind thoughts are the roots,
Kind words are the flowers,
Kind deeds are the fruits.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 14, 1991, p. 3]

THE INSPIRING JESUS
Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3 1/2 years. Yet the influence of Christ's ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these great philosophers.
Jesus painted no pictures; yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him.
Jesus wrote no poetry; but Dante, Milton, and scores of the world's greatest poets were inspired by Him.
Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the music they composed in His praise.
Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth.
[by Henry G. Bosch from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 14, 1991, p. 3]

JUST MAKE IT RIGHT
I backed the car over David's tricycle the other day. Smashed it flat. Beyond any hope of repair. Obviously I was primed to lecture on the responsibility one has to keep his things out from behind cars - but, a three-year-old won't hear any kind of lecture from the man that just totally destroyed his trike. I forgot about the lecture, and instead, confided in my wife as to what I had done. She spoke two words that sent a chill through my bones. She said, "He'll cry."

I didn't tell David I smashed his tricycle.
Fred's Department Store had them on sale starting Sunday night. I told myself, "You backed over it, just make it right."

God says, if two Christians have problems, you don't go to court, you don't spread gossip about him/her all over town, and you don't beat them up. You just make it right. It goes beyond the two of you, only as a last resort. It then goes to resolution with a few trusted friends (ministers, elders, etc.). As a last resort the church does need to know that you two are having a problem (Matt. 18:15-17).

Folks, it's unscriptural - it's a sin to hold a grudge against anybody in your spiritual family. If and when somebody really offends you, forget it, or if you can't - just make it right!
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 7, 1991, p. 3]

HONESTY
The application blank for a new driver's license held the question, "Have you ever been arrested?"
The applicant put down, "No."
The new question was: "Why?"
The applicant put down, "Never been caught."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., July 7, 1991, p. 3]

COURAGE OR FOOLISHNESS
It takes a lot of courage
To put things in God's hands,
To give ourselves completely -
Our lives, our hopes, our plans -
To follow where he leads us
And make his will our own -
But all it takes is foolishness
To go the way alone!
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 29, July 21, 1991, p. 2]

FALSE ALARM
A teacher saw a group of children kneeling in the corner of the playground. She immediately reported their activity to the principal. The principal called the children into his office and requested an explanation. "Playing stud poker," they replied.
"Oh, thank goodness," sighed the teacher. "We thought you were praying."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 29, July 21, 1991, p. 2]

IS ONE AS GOOD AS ANOTHER?
If you are calling a doctor, is one as good as the other? If you are seeking a wife, is one as good as the other? If you are buying a prescription, is one as good as the other? If you are catching a bus, is one as good as the other? If you are buying a house, is one as good as the other? If you need a mechanic, is one as good as the other? Then kind reader, why be so particular in material things and so careless and "broadminded" in matters pertaining to your eternal destiny? How often do we hear, "One faith, way, worship, religion, baptism, church, name, or doctrine is as good as another?"

Faith: Is one faith as good as another faith? If so, then why did the apostles teach...(Eph. 4:5). Also, a dead faith would be as good as an active one. The Bible speaks of both kinds (James 2:26).
Way: Is one way as good as another way? If so, why did Jesus say...(John 14:6)? (Prov. 14:12). Is this way as good as the strait and narrow way that leadeth to life everlasting? (Matt. 7:13-14).
Worship: Is one worship as good as another worship? If so, then why did God reject Cain's worship and accept Abel's? (Gen. 4). Again, why did he kill Nadab and Abihu in the act of worshipping, if one worship is as good as another? (Lev. 10). And, if one worship is as good as another one, then an ignorant worship (Acts 17:23), a vain worship (Matt. 15:9), and a will worship (Col. 2:23) would be as good as true worship (John 4:24).
Religion: Is one religion as good as another? If so, why does the book of Acts record thousands of cases of conversions from one religion to another? In fact, almost every conversion in the book is a conversion of a religious individual! Why make the change if one religion is as good as another? The Bible discusses pure religion, the only kind to have (James 1:27).
Baptism: If one baptism is as good as another, then why were those who had been baptized with John's baptism rebaptized in Acts 19? For our baptism to be valid, it must be based on a genuine faith (Mark 16:16), preceded by repentance from sin (Acts 2:38), and administered upon a proper confession (Acts 8:36-38).
Church: Is one church as good as another? If so, then those built and established by man (Matt. 15:13; Psa. 127:1), would be as good as the one established by the Lord (Matt. 16:18). (Matt. 15:13).
Name: Is one name as good as another? If so, why did the Lord change some names, as in the case of Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, etc.? Also, why did the Lord teach (Acts 4:12) that there was salvation in no other name?
Doctrine: If one doctrine is as good as another, why would Jesus have written...(II John 9).
Surely we can clearly see that one is not as good as another.
[by Wendell Winkler from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 29, July 21, 1991, p. 3]

WHO ARE WE?
(Rom. 16:16).
We are members of Christ church. We are called Christians (Acts 11:26; I Pet. 4:16).
We are Christians in the church Christ built (Matt. 16:18).
He built only one (Matt. 16:18).
Christ is the head and the Savior (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18).
There is one body, His body, the church (Eph. 4:4; Eph. 5:23).
Christ's church is undenominational (I Cor. 1:12-13).
The Bible is our only guide (II Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-2; II John 9; I Cor. 4:6).
Christians are in Christ (Rom. 6:3-4).
Christians are reconciled to God (Rom. 5:10).
Christians will inherit eternal life (I Pet. 1:3-5).
You can become a Christian too.
You must believe (Acts 2:36).
You must repent (Acts 2:38).
You must confess Christ (Rom. 10:10).
You must be baptized (Acts 2:36-38; Rom. 6:3-4).
Do you want to be a Christian?
[by John Griffis, Sr. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 29, July 21, 1991, p. 4]

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
If you are going on a trip, you will plan how far, how long to be gone and where to stop. Very few people just drive endlessly with no plans.
Why is it so many forget that we are all headed for eternity and make no preparation?
God sent His only son to teach us the way to heaven. The Jews put Him to death. He overcame death and has ascended to be on the right hand of God and He is coming again. (John 14:1-4) Not for 1000 years. Not to rule upon this earth. This is not found in the Bible.
Jesus' second coming will be for the final judgement (Matt. 25:31-46).
He will return in like manner as He was taken up (Acts 1:9-11; I Thes. 4:16-18).

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
Are you in Christ? (Gal. 3:26-27).
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? (Heb. 11:6; James 2:17-26).
Do you need to repent? (Acts 17:30).
Have you confessed Christ? (Rom. 10:10).
What doeth hinder you to be baptized? (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3-4; I Pet. 3:21).
If you are not obedient to God through Jesus Christ, only one place awaits you (Rev. 20:11-15).
If you want to go to heaven don't wait any longer. Make preparation now. Obey Jesus Christ.
[by John T. Griffis, Sr. from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 29, July 21, 1991, p. 4]

YES! THERE REALLY IS A GOD. AND HE REALLY LOVES YOU
Who is God?
How do we know God really exists? Because He showed us!
God revealed Himself to us in two wonderful ways - through His Son, Jesus, and through the Word, the Bible.
About 2,000 years ago, God sent His only Son to the earth (John 3:16). Since then, the world has never been the same.
Jesus was real. Born of a virgin. He was fully human - but He was also fully God (Matt. 1:23; Phili. 2:5-7).
Many people saw Him, walked with Him, talked with Him and ate with Him.
They learned from His teaching, marveled at His miracles and saw His profound love for other people.
With His power from God, Jesus healed people of their diseases and even raised some of them from the dead (John 11:44; Luke 7:11-17; Luke 8:41).
But even more miraculous, He also forgave people of their sins, healing them of their spiritual illness as well as their physical illnesses (Matt. 9:6).
Through Jesus, men experienced the grace, power and forgiveness of the Almighty God Himself!

The Cross - History's turning point
The most common symbol of the Christian faith has always been the cross.
Why? Because it was on a wooden cross that Jesus was crucified and died.
Christ was crucified by men who hated Him for His sinless perfection.
Even though He was killed by men, the Bible says Christ died willingly as a sacrifice for the sins of the world - and not just for sins like murder and immorality, but for "everyday" sins like anger, greed and selfishness.
Christ's death on the cross puts those who accept it on good terms with God and gives us a new start - which is our only opportunity for a life free from destructive sin.
But there's more. In the most glorious moment of all history, Christ proved for once and for all that He was truly God and that God truly loves man.
Three days after His body was placed in a sealed tomb, Jesus rose from the dead - alive. He appeared to many, having conquered death and the grave.
And now - through Him - we, too, can be free from the fear of death. Those who believe in Jesus and His resurrection and obey Him, are assured of spending their eternal life with Him in heaven (I John 5:13).

How Can You Know God and Become One of His Family
Many words can be used to describe God - immortal...invisible...changeless...all-powerful...all-knowing.
Most importantly, though, our God is a God of great love and compassion.
God loves you because He made you. He wants you to know Him as intimately as He knows you. And He also wants to give you the joy of spending eternity with Him.
But the Bible tells us there's only one way to have a relationship with God - and that's through His Son, Jesus (Acts 4:12).
First, you must hear the good news about His death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 10:17).
But hearing is not enough. You must also believe in your heart that it is true - and that Jesus is indeed the Saviour, God's Son (John 1:12; John 20:31).
Next, you must confess with you mouth that Jesus is the Son of God and willfully repent of your past sins (Rom. 10:9; Mark 1:15).
And finally, you must be baptized, immersed in water, in Jesus' name in order to receive forgiveness from your sins, God's Spirit and the gift of eternal life (Acts 2:38).

A New Start...A Life in Jesus Christ
By following this simple plan, you can become a new person in Christ...a Christian...a member of God's own family - which is the church, the church of Christ.
After you've committed your life to Christ, you'll also become part of a fellowship of believers throughout the entire world.
To learn more about God, we encourage you to read more about the things He did and said in the book He gave us - His Word - the Bible (James 4:4).
[from the Russian edition of Reader's Digest via Bulletin Orange Ave. church of Christ, Eustis, Fla.]

ALMOST
The other day my favorite baseball team almost won their game. They had the man they needed to score on third base. He was almost home! One of their best hitters was batting. He hit a ball that almost made it to the wall! But do you know what happened? The outfielder caught the ball and it was the final out - the game was over. The runner who was almost home didn't score, the hit which was almost a homerun didn't quite make it, and the team which almost won the game lost!

Being "almost" in the kingdom is one of our greatest spiritual dangers. There is no hope in "almost". We ought not to be lulled into thinking that because we are almost ready to do something we are safe. "Almost" is not good enough!

Some may be almost persuaded to obey the gospel of Christ. Agrippa said...(Acts 26:28) - but there is no record that he ever did it. Baptism can put us into Christ (Gal. 3:27), but there is no promise in only being almost ready. If you have almost stepped forward to obey the gospel, go ahead and do it before it is too late! (Acts 22:16).

Some erring Christians may almost have been moved to confess their fault and ask God's forgiveness. But forgiveness doesn't come from almost repenting. The prodigal son could not have been received back by his father if he had only almost gone home. If you are almost ready to come back to God, do it now! (II Cor. 6:2).

Some Christians may be almost ready to more completely commit themselves to the Lord and to get involved in His work. If you do not do it now, you may never do it. Soul, you want to stand before the Lord in judgment and say, "I almost served you?" If you don't turn your good intentions into actions they will never profit you a thing.

Don't be one of those who stood in the borderland of the kingdom and almost made it to heaven! As P.P. Bliss said in the old song:
"Almost cannot avail;
Almost is but to fail;
Sad, sad that bitter wail -
Almost - but lost".
[by Bill McFarland from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 6, 1994, p. 3]

CAN'T AND THE CHRISTIAN VOCABULARY
Inevitably, as Christians, we will be asked at times by family members and friends to do certain things which violate our conscience and are in opposition to Bible teaching. At those times when we are confronted with a choice of appeasing our peers or pleasing the Lord, what are we to do? Are you big enough, spiritually to say "No," to them with kindness, but yet firmness?

The providence of God working through Joseph's misfortunes had brought him to Egypt and to be over all of Potiphar's estate. In time, when Joseph's master was away from home, response to her advances was simply, "I can't do this." Why not, Joseph? It was because Joseph had a relationship with God which was foremost in his heart. Joseph's reply in part was...(Gen. 39:9).

Friends and brethren, we need to develop and maintain such loyalty to God that we put him before a few moments of fleeting pleasure or some matter of self-interest. Solomon wrote...(Prov. 1:10). May we take a little more time to ponder the breadth of the message we communicate when the only word we speak is "Yes". Sometimes we've just got to take a stand and say, "I can't!" Remember the words of the apostle Paul when he said...(Gal. 1:10). Who are you here to please?
[by Tom Childs from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Mar. 6, 1994, p. 4]

THE VALUE OF A TRACT
An underemployed young Mexican man found a gospel tract and picked it up. He read it and found it very interesting, then took it to a friend. The friend said that he had been looking for a church like the one described in the tract. He wrote to the address found in the tract.
The publisher of the tract wrote to a church near where the inquirer had found the tract. An elder of the church and a preacher went in person to answer the inquiring letter.
To make a long story short, in the end, the inquirer became a Christian and a preacher of the gospel.
Now the point of this story: Sometimes a fifteen cent tract can do what a highly paid gospel preacher cannot do, especially if the tract falls into the hands of an interested person.
The basic facts of this story happened many years ago. The value of a tract may be infinite to a lost soul.
[by Bill Taylor from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 30, July 28, 1991, p. 2]

THE BATH
As such times must, the time came for the baby boy to take a bath. This was not his favorite event of the day, but once it began it was often a happy enough time. On this night, the bath was not a happy time.

It happened that as I washed the boy's hands, he rubbed his eyes, for he was tired. But the soap on his hands did little to comfort his eyes. His eyes began to sting. So he rubbed them again with soapy hands. And behold, the more his eyes hurt the more he rubbed them, and the more he rubbed them the more they hurt. He was surely getting nowhere fast.

It is often this way for us older boys and girls in the world. When irritated, we impulsively do what we want to do when we want to do it, and if that does not make us feel right we simply do the same things vigorously. When depressed, we often do things that later make us more depressed. When under stress, we often escape from it in ways that only bring us more stress. When we feel guilty, we often hide in ways that brings us more guilt. And behold, as we seek to comfort ourselves, we bring ourselves more sorrow. The more we work at our solutions, the more we bring ourselves pain. For our problems often come from our solutions.

How much better, freer, happier our lives would be if we would stop and let our heavenly Father gently wash off our hands.
He can, you know.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 30, July 28, 1991, p. 3]

HOW HUMANISM AFFECTS OUR CHILDREN
Humanism has drastically affected the basic morality of the United States. It is a subtle philosophy and is often undetected. Humanism is not new. It is a struggle of man's will against God's will. A humanist believes in himself rather than God and is more concerned about self-preservation than about the needs of others.

Children are affected by humanism in the following ways:
1. Disrespect for authority. Children are taught that whatever you choose will be right for you because you choose it. This, of course, leads to situation ethics which is contrary to God's Word.
2. Decline in discipline. Since children are taught that they are their own authority, they want to do their own thing. They ignore the leadership of parents, teachers, and others in authority over them.
3. Decline in academics. When discipline deteriorates, learning also deteriorates. Teachers are not able to teach if they do not have the attention of the children.
4. Self-centeredness. The basis of humanism is the idea of man's being supreme over God. Children are taught to put themselves first, which is in direct opposition to Phili. 2:4.
5. Total academic freedom. Humanists believe that children should have the right to read anything they want - except the Bible. They believe it is immoral to indoctrinate children with beliefs of the Bible.
6. Total sexual freedom. Humanists want to "liberate" our children from "sexual inhibitions". Their sex education programs are nothing more than academic pornography.
To combat this humanistic philosophy, children need to be trained from the Bible in church, in school, and in the home.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 30, July 28, 1991, p. 4]

THERE IS NO GOD?
There is no God. All of the wonders around us are accidental. No almighty hand made a thousand-billion stars. They made themselves. No power keeps them on their steady course. The earth spins itself to keep the oceans from falling off toward the sun. Infants teach themselves to cry when they are hungry or hurt. A small flower invented itself so that we could extract digitalis for sick hearts.
The earth gave itself day and night, tilted itself so that we get seasons. Without the magnetic poles man would be unable to navigate the trackless oceans of water and air, but they just grew there.
How about the sugar thermostat in the pancreas? It maintains a level of sugar in the blood sufficient for energy. Without it, all of us would fall into a coma and die.
Why does snow sit on mountaintops waiting for the warm spring sun to melt it at just the right time for the young crops in farms below to drink? A very lovely accident.
The human heart will beat for 70 or 80 years without faltering. How does it get sufficient rest between beats? A kidney will filter poison from the blood, and leave good things alone. How does it know one from the other?
Who gave the human tongue flexibility to form words, and a brain to understand them, but denied it to all other animals?
Who showed a womb how to take the love of two persons and keep splitting a tiny ovum until, in time, a baby would have the proper number of fingers, eyes and ears and hair in the right places, and come into the world when it is strong enough to sustain life?
There is no God?
[by Jim Bishop, condensed from Miami Herald (July 27, 1987) reprinted in Readers' Digest, 1991]

WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS
A young man once found a $5 bill in the road. From that time on, he never raised his eyes from the ground when he walked. In the next thirty years he accumulated $1.60 in silver, 22 pennies, 11,318 buttons, 27,801 pins, a hunch back, a miserable disposition and a rotten character. He lost the glory of the sunshine, the smile of friends, the beauty of flowers, trees, blue skies, and all that there is that makes life worth living. Let each of us set our affections on things above!
[from Orange Ave. church of Christ, Eustis, Fla., July, p. 2]

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT
One hundred west-coast preachers had chartered a plane for a lectureship in Nashville. As the plane flew over the rockies the "Fasten-your-seat-belt" sign flashed on.
As the stewardess passed by, one preacher said, "Tell the pilot all will be well, for there are one hundred preachers aboard."
"He knows that," replied the stewardess. "He said he would rather have four good engines."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 4, 1991, p. 3]

IF YOU CAN'T SAY SOMETHING NICE...
The farmer was a chronic complainer and never missed an opportunity to indulge in laments, but this year perfect weather had combined with his natural industry to produce a bumper crop. "Well you couldn't ask for more this year," observed a friend. "There's certainly nothing to kick about." "Oh, I dunno," grunted the farmer gloomily, "crops like these are awfully hard on the ground."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 4, 1991, p. 3]

FROZEN ASSETS
Years ago a Denver fire destroyed a building which contained thousands of tons of ice. In writing his account of the fire, a reporter pointed out that the fire-destroyed building actually contained thousands of gallons of potential extinguisher, but it was not in available form. It was frozen.

Frozen assets: The church suffers today from this same tragic malady. There is plenty of talent to get the job done, but it is not at HIS disposal. Assets HE needs have been frozen by worldliness, carelessness, neglect, lack of surrender, the secular mood. Here is God's will and here are your God-given talents; are they available for the work of world redemption? You are drawn closer to God as you enter into a more perfect partnership with Christ.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 4, 1991, p. 3]

TO THE FAITHFUL
It is amazing how much of our writing, preaching, and teaching is directed to the weak and unfaithful. I want to reverse that in this article. This is to the faithful.

Vocabulary is not large enough to tell you faithful people how much you are appreciated. It matters not how many times the elders ask you to meet to worship or work, you will be there. It matters not, in fact, what distractions Satan throws at you, you will not forsake the Lord. I know that you have no more time than anyone else, but I thank God that you understand what must be given to him. You always manage to find the time to serve Him with the best of what you have.

When our leaders present you with a new program or a new challenge, I don't wonder about what your response will be. You always support every program with your time, talent, and money.

But you know, I love you even more because you demand NO personal attention. I don't have to worry about you not being regular and faithful in attendance. You are an example and an inspiration to everyone here. You make the work of the leaders much lighter. Thank you for being so great!
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 4, 1991, p. 4]

DON'T SWAT THAT BEE!
I read this quotation in Readers' Digest: "It isn't so much how busy you are; but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted." That sounds good, but I've known a few bees that got swatted as well.

In the church, we have our share of bees and mosquitoes. Some people work at building the church, while others expect the church to exist for their physical needs. One gives honey; the other sucks the lifeblood from the body. One group wants to serve, and the other wants to be served.

Unfortunately, the bee often gets swatted. Those doing much of the work of the church are criticized because they didn't do it the way someone else thought it should be done. Others are criticized because the lesson they worked hard to prepare wasn't interesting enough to suit another, and perhaps others are "swatted" in that they visited the wrong people (meaning not the one doing the swatting).

Let's protect the bee. We certainly don't want him to become an endangered species. In fact, while we are at it, let's change a few mosquitoes into bees. That's something we can do that science can't.
[by Robert T. Oliver from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 4, 1991, p. 4]

WHAT GOD DESIRES
God desires us to love Him; He is not interested in empty, mechanical rituals - He is interested in having our tender affection. This list came across my desk, of twelve ways that we express our love for God, and now I offer it to you.

While I am in the offering mood, let me offer a suggestion. Print this out, read the scripture references, and put it on your refrigerator or other prominent place where it will frequently be "calling you to remembrance" of what God desires from you.

1. Meditating on God's glory (Psa. 18:1-3).
2. Trusting in God's great power (Psa. 31:23).
3. Seeking fellowship with God (Psa. 63:1-8).
4. Loving God's law (Psa. 119:165).
5. Being sensitive to how God feels (Psa. 69:9).
6. Loving what God loves (Psa. 119:72, 97, 103).
7. Loving whom God loves (I John 5:1).
8. Hating what God hates (Psa. 97:10).
9. Grieving over sin (Matt. 26:75).
10. Rejecting the world (I John 2:15).
11. Longing to be with Christ (II Tim. 4:8).
12. Obeying God wholeheartedly (John 14:21).
[by Dan Chambers from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 18, 1991, p. 3]

YOU DON'T LOVE ME
Often times, parents have to say or do certain things that make their kids think they're "unloved". If you're a parent you'll be able to relate to the following list. See if you can add to it.
* We loved you enough to make you return a candy bar with a bite out of it to the store and confess that you didn't pay for it.
* We loved you enough to ask you where you were going, with whom you were going, and what time you'd be home.
* We loved you enough to insist you buy a bicycle with your own money, even though we could afford it.
* We loved you enough to discipline you when you brought home bad grades from school.
* We loved you enough to admit when we were wrong and to ask you to forgive us.
* We loved you enough to ignore what "everyone else's" Mom and Dad did or said.
* We loved you enough to let you assume your own responsibilities at ages 6, 10 and 16.
* We loved you enough to not let you make your own rules.
* We loved you enough to accept you for the person you are, not for the person we wanted you to be.
* But most of all, we loved you enough to say "no" when you hated us for it. That was the hardest part of all.
[by Ben Holden from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 18, 1991, p. 3]

A widow was complaining to a neighbor about her late husband. "He didn't leave me one dime of insurance," she said. "All he left me was a small burial policy."
"Why," her friend said, "I heard that he left you the money to buy that beautiful ring you're wearing."
"Oh," the widow replied, "that was part of his burial policy. He left me $2,000 for his funeral and $3,000 for the stone. This is the stone."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 18, 1991, p. 3]

WATCH THOSE USHERS!
In Oakland, California, at the Sunday evening service, the sermon was underway and at the back door Glen Jackson had been trying to keep a small dog from getting in. Halfway through the service the door opened and a man and woman walked in. Jackson saw the dog and gave a kick at him and missed, catching the woman in the shin! She was doubled up in pain and began rubbing her leg. Then before he could apologize, she looked up and said, "I'm sorry we're late, but we're from out of town!"
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 18, 1991, p. 4]

IMPROVING
"Is your wife getting better?" inquired the preacher. "Well, yes and no," was the uncertain response. "What do you mean?" asked the preacher. "She's well enough to go shopping," maintained the husband, "but still much too sick for her housework."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 18, 1991, p. 4]

After fishing for walleye all day and not getting so much as a bite, the fisherman went back to shore, loaded up his boat and began the drive home. Before reaching home, he stopped at a fish market.
"Throw me six of the biggest fish you have," he said to the proprietor.
"Throw them? Why?"
"Because I'm going to catch them. I may be a lousy fisherman, but I'm not a liar."
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 18, 1991, p. 4]

A small girl who lived in a remote section of the country was receiving her first Bible instruction at the hands of her elderly grandmother, and the old lady was reading the child the story of the creation. After the story had been finished the little girl seemed lost in thought.
"Well, dear," said the grandmother, "what do you think of it?"
"Oh, I love it. It's so exciting," exclaimed the youngster. "You never know what God is going to do next!"
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Aug. 18, 1991, p. 4]

CHRISTIAN GIVING
(I Cor. 16:1-4).
Christian giving, this passage teaches us, is:
* Positive. "As I have given order"
* Personal. "Let every one of you"
* Private. "Lay by him"
* Periodical. "Upon the first day of the week"
* Prospective. "That there be no gathering when I come"
* Proportional. "As God has prospered him"
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 34, Aug. 25, 1991, p. 3]

LIFE BEGINS AT 80
I have news for you. The first 80 years are the hardest. The second 80 are a succession of birthday parties. Everybody wants to carry your luggage and help you up steps. If you forget your name, or anybody else's name, for that matter, or what day it is, or an appointment, or promise to be in two or three places at the same time, spell words wrong - you need only explain that you are 80.
If you spill soup on your necktie or dress, or fail to shave on one side of your face, or forget to zip up your dress or pants, if your shoes don't match, or you carry a letter around for a week before mailing it, that's all right. You're 80, you know.
At 80, you can relax without any misgiving. You have a special alibi for everything. Nobody expects much of you. It is a great deal better than 65 or 70; at that time they expect you to retire to a little house in Florida or Arizona and become a discontented, grumbling has-been.
But if you survive until you're 80, everybody is surprised you can walk, surprised that you can carry on an intelligent conversation.
At 70, people are mad at you for everything. At 80, they forgive you for anything. If you ask me, life begins at 80.
[by Artie Edwards from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 34, Aug. 25, 1991, p. 3]

FAMILY FOCUS
Rest and peace. Two areas in which we need to focus. Please allow me to offer a few practical ideas to help our lives become less cluttered and hurried:
* Learn to say "no" not only to events which take us away from our families and service to God, but also to say "no" to our children. Many parents feel the pressure to say "yes" to everything their children wish to do. Part of our hurriedness is each child being involved in 20 different clubs/activities with no time left for family.
* Go to bed 30 minutes to an hour early for one week. You may be surprised what physical rest will do for you.
* Turn off the TV and play games, sit and talk or go to the park as a family. Eat meals together.
* Take your lunch break and other brief times through the day.
* Decide to make Bible study and worship a family priority. Set your children's clothes out on Saturday night. Get up early enough so that you will have time to spare instead of pushing yourself to the last minute. Arrive at the building early and be prepared to stay a while after the assembly. Fellowship with others is a blessing.
* Devote yourself to prayer throughout the day. But don't just make your prayer time while you are driving or jumping from one hectic activity to the next; set aside time for focused, uninterrupted time with God.
[by Russ King from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 60, no. 34, Aug. 25, 1991, p. 3]

WHY DID YOU SKIP SUNDAY NIGHT SERVICES?
If the reason fits you, then answer the question that follows.
1. Because I had company. (Did your company keep you from work?)
2. Because there was a good television program I didn't want to miss. (Is that putting first things first?)
3. Because I feel that once is enough. (Would you recommend that we close the doors Sunday night and have no service at all?)
4. Because I was tired. (Would you have been too tired if there had been a $500.00 reward for going?)
5. Because I was lazy. (Honest?)
6. Because I had a date. (Why not bring your "date" to services? Is your "date" more important than the Lord?)
7. Because I don't like the preacher. (You don't worship the preacher, do you?)
8. Because I love pleasure more than I love the Lord. (Ever read Heb. 11:24ff?)
9. Because I am not interested in preaching the gospel to the lost. (Why do you come Sunday mornings?)
10. Because the biggest crowd is present on Sunday morning. (Didn't you help make it smaller on Sunday night?)
11. Because I just didn't want to go. (Why? Are your affections set on things above? Col. 3:1-2.)
If you are unwilling to identify any of the above "reasons" for missing Sunday night service, why not be present Sunday night?

[footnote] Some may have to work, some may not be able to come because of poor health, some may even be caring for the sick. God knows why you were not in worship. Sadly enough, many do not think it is important to be in worship on Sunday night or Wednesday night. Most who do attend believe they receive a blessing by being there. Being with other Christians, singing praise to God, praying together and hearing the gospel taught is worth it. If you have been missing this we still meet every Sunday night and Wednesday night. Come let us worship together.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 22, 1991, p. 3]

SAY "AMEN" BRETHREN
The background, establishment and growth of the New Testament church in America was in a largely unsophisticated society. But many of our pews might be empty today if these good people had been inhibited in shouting "Amen" at the reading and preaching of God's word.

We are not the people our ancestors were. We have been buttoned-down by restraints of middle-class good taste, and our worship frequently is a mirror of that good taste - non-involvement, sitting on our hands.

We have not rejected saying "Amen" because it is scripturally unsound, but because it might commit us. Our ancestors could say "Amen" during a sermon, but we do not want to get involved...especially not in public; it demands too great a risk of commitment.

When Nehemiah stood before Israel, calling for commitment...(Neh. 5:13). Ezra read the book of the law to Israel as they worshipped to...(Psa. 106:48). Paul insisted that the congregation...(I Cor. 14:16).

"Amen" meaning "so be it", is used 13 times in the Old Testament and 48 times in the New Testament - in praise or worship of God. So, say "Amen" brethren!
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 22, 1991, p. 4]

FAITH IS AN ADVENTURE IN LIVING
If you haven't believed, you haven't lived. Living by faith quickens our pace, enables us to work enduringly and fills our lives with action-packed experiences.

Walking the walk of faith is truly adventurous. It leads us cautiously over rocky places, directs us hopefully through desert storms and guides us over, under, around and through the mountains of life.

By its very nature, faith is dynamic not static. It is best described or defined by words of action - in English jargon, by words called gerunds. Faith is exploring, discovering, launching, encountering and marching. It is listening, understanding, believing, trusting, hoping and growing. Faith is sustaining, forgiving, knowing, confessing, obeying, giving and coping. Faith is all of this and much more.

The great Biblical heroes of faith became conquerors, builders, sojourners, fathers, mothers, leaders and soldiers. They faced jeers and floggings. They were destitute, persecuted and mistreated. They lived in deserts, mountains, caves and holes in the ground and through all of this, they were sustained by faith.

Faith is forever renewing us, refreshing and restoring us. Faith is enabling as we encounter the challenges of life. It informs us as to the alternatives of life. When happiness alludes us, faith discovers a new path to joy unspeakable.

When communication is cut off with our loved ones, faith helps us acquire a new approach in our relationships. When our march toward success is interrupted, faith points out an acceptable alternate route. When doubt threatens to short-circuit our relationship with God, faith enlightens us with a keener sense of understanding of God's providence and His presence in our lives.

Faith is certainly an adventure in living. But how adventurous are we? Are we willing to be led by faith in the experiences of exploring, discovering, encountering and developing? Are we willing to move on with faith? These are tough questions. They deserve to be answered. What about you?
[from Orange Ave. church of Christ, Eustis, Fla., Sept. 22, 1991]

WHEN LIFE SEEMS TO GO TO PIECES
There is a likelihood your life will suffer a shattering blow. Your own little world may seem to fall in pieces. You feel like you are coming unglued at the seams. The youth speak of it in a telling expression: "blowing your mind." You get so tense and uptight, you are sure you can't take another hour of it.

* A son or daughter gets picked up, possessing drugs.
* An aging parent is impossible to satisfy and there is nothing you can do to change things.
* A very significant loved one dies and you can't get hold of yourself.
* An unexpected financial reversal comes and it will take you years to get back on your feet.
* You have an auto accident in which someone is seriously injured.
* You act compulsively and do a wicked thing you never dreamed you could do.

God never alters the laws of nature, in order for a Christian to have an easy time! All the faith in the world won't allow you to escape trials and tribulations. Faith is simply the handle by which you can get a firm grip on God's grace, enabling you to weather any storm that beats upon your life. When you make your life a prayer, you never get to the end of your hope!
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 1, 1991, p. 3]

IN HIS STEPS
"The road is too rough, dear Lord," I cried, "There are stones that hurt me so,"
And He said, "Dear child, I understand; I walked it long ago."
"But there is a cool green path," I said, "Let me walk there for a time."
"No, child," He gently answered me, "The green road does not climb."
"My burden is too great," I said, "How can I bear it so?"
"My child," He said, "I remember it's weight, I carried my cross, you know."
"But I wish there were friends with me, who would make my way their own."
"Ah, yes," He said, "Gethsemane, was hard to bear alone."
And so I climbed the stony path, content at last to know
That where my Master had not gone, I would not have to go.
And strangely then I found new friends; the burden grew less sore,
As I remember long ago, He went that way before.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 1, 1991, p. 3]

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