by David McCain

(taken from Granbury Street Church of Christ Bulletin--Cleburne, TX)

The following words from the Mabank Church of Christ bulletin relate a powerful case of repentance that needs to be experienced in more of our congregations. It is our hope that brethren who find themselves to be in unscriptural marriages (adultery) will gain from the account related here added motivation to repent--that is, to remove themselves from their adulterous relationships by ceasing to live together and ending their lives as husband and wife--and rely on God for strength to overcome the hardships we can only imagine this must involve.--Tyler Young

It is my sincere belief that few congregations have ever witnessed, nor will ever witness, greater humility, honesty, integrity, faith and courage, determination, sacrifice, and total obedience to the will of God, than we witnessed last Sunday, as Adam and Alice Roberts (not their real names) came before the congregation. In tearful penitence they made known their desire to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness, for their involvement in an unscriptural marriage relationship. Asking for the prayers of the church, the help and support of their brethren, and that God’s grace might be sufficient to sustain them, Bob Clamon announced to the congregation that the Robert’s are no longer living together, because to continue to do so would violate God’s law on marriage, divorce and remarriage. As I contemplate the faith and commitment it took, and will continue to take, for Adam and Alice to make such a decision, I am forced to marvel at their determination, as I exclaim with the Lord, “Verily, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel” (Matt. 8: 10).

If the New Testament were still being written, the story of Adam and Alice’s obedience to the gospel would be worthy of inclusion in the biblical record of notable examples of conversion to Christ. A couple of years ago, sweet little Samantha Beck, who was at the time a fourth grader, invited her school teacher, Alice Roberts to attend the services of the church. Alice began to attend our service, and over a period of time studied and learned the truth, obeying the gospel by putting on Christ in baptism. Later, that year, a Bible study was conducted with both Alice and Adam by Bob Clamon, which ultimately led to Adam’s obedience to the gospel when he was baptized into Christ for the remission of sins. Of course, the Christian life is a growing and maturing process (or at least it is supposed to be). As a child of God studies the Bible to determine God’s will for his life and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, he will undoubtedly be confronted with areas of life that he will need to change if he intends to remain faithful to God and be pleasing in his sight.
Such was the case with Adam and Alice. As their knowledge of God’s will increased, they came to understand their marriage was not pleasing in God’s sight, due to the fact that Adam’s previous marriage ended in an unscriptural divorce. We know the world counts this a frivolous matter, as it condones divorce for any cause and remarriage at will. However, God’s plan is: one man, one woman, for life (Matt. 19:6). God so hates “putting away” (Mal. 2:16), that he now grants only one reason for dissolving a marriage--fornication on the part of one’s spouse (Matt.19:9). Christ also warned that anyone who marries an individual who has been “put away,” whether for fornication or not, is contracting on ongoing adulterous relationship (Matt. 5:32).
Imagine yourself in the Robert’s place, as late last spring they came to the shocking conclusion that their marriage was condemned in God’s sight. They love each other as much as any couple, and quite naturally wanted to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife. And no one here knew of brother Adam’s previous situation and his ineligibility for marriage. As Bob Clamon stated Sunday, most people at that juncture would have tried to hide their past from becoming public knowledge because, truthfully, how many people are willing to give up the closet of all earthly relationships in order to have a right relationship with God?
However, Adam and Alice are not like most people. Rather, they sincerly desire to be dedicated children of God, so they went to the elders to ask what they needed to do to make things right. Our wise shepherds patiently spent many tearful, agonizing and prayerful hours studying and counseling with Adam and Alice to help them work through this problem. They are committed now to living celibate lives, without partaking of the privileges attendant to holy matrimony. There are still many legal, financial, logistical, support and companionship issues to be addressed so that their future relationship as brother and sister in Christ, rather than husband and wife, can be pure in the sight of God and man. Please pray for them and shower them with love, for they now need our fellowship more than ever as they strive to make this difficult transition in their lives.

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 42 OCTOBER 20, 2003

OUR SICK

Vivian Brooks remains in Room 907 of Baptist Hospital.
Olive Dove is doing better and can have visitors but please call John David at 653-0931 before visiting.
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THANK YOU

I want to thank all of you for the wonderful goodie package you sent me. It is always nice to get mail but it’s even better to know people back home miss you and care for you. God bless you in all that you do. Amanda Wooldridge.
Thank you so much for the care package you sent to me. I hope that everyone does not think that I am that underweight. The package should help add some much-needed pounds. Again, thank you. David Moore.
I want to thank everyone for the prayers and cards that I have received since my grandfather’s death. It has meant a great deal, and it’s truly made me happy to know such a wonderful church family. Tyler Vodehnal.
Pearlie Baldwin wants to thank everyone for the cards, visits and gifts.
EVENTS OF INTEREST

October 25………………Hobo Stew
October 26…………….Pew Packers
October 28…..All Comers Class Trip
October 31…………..Pumpkin Party
November 2…..First Sunday Singing
November 4……...All Comers Class
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HOBO STEW

The annual Hobo Stew will be on Saturday, October 25th at 6:00 PM here at the building. Please bring a can of vegetables (that you would put in stew) per person and a pan of cornbread or a finger food dessert or soft drink per family. Remember to dress appropriately.
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SERMONS FOR OCTOBER 26

Morning
Who Is A Pharisee? (Luke 15:1-2)
Evening
What’s It Like In My Father’s House? (John 14:1-4)
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PUMPKIN PARTY

There will be a pumpkin party on October 31st at 7:00 PM. More details will be handed out in classes.
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FOOD TEAM SIGN-UP

Anyone wishing to help with the food team program for next year, who is not currently on a team, please sign the list in the foyer. Teams serve for one month preparing food for those coming home from the hospital, those that have had a death in the family, etc. Please contact Betty Tollett if you have questions.
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OUR RECORD OCTOBER 19, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 228
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 181
P.M. WORSHIP 141
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 144

CONTRIBUTION 6710
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
October 26, 2003

Jim Henson Wally Davis
Jim Mauldin Roger Horton
Brad Horton Jeff Linker
Greg King Nicolas Lowe

Evening Waymon Minor
Tim King
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

October 29 Wayne Brewer
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USHERS FOR OCTOBER

Morning Tim King & Wally Davis
Evening Greg King & Nicolas Lowe
Wednesday Rick & Danny Wooldridge
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GREETERS FOR OCTOBER

Lou Sullivan
Judy Morris
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ELDER CHAIRMAN

October Roger Horton
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