Dennis Gulledge

Sometimes we hear of a preacher, teacher or elder who holds an unorthodox view of some Bible doctrine, but holds his convictions in reserve under the guise that “I do not teach it.” What that means is that he doesn’t publicly air his unscriptural views, but when asked about the issue will not hesitate to express his true feelings.

Anyone in a teaching position who truly believes a matter to be a solid case of Bible truth, and refuses to teach it is a hypocrite. Does one smother his convictions because he fears the personal consequences that may result if he publicly espouses his views? And does he really stifle his true feelings anyway, or does he gladly bend the ear of anyone who will give him audience? Indeed, the legs of the lame are not equal! Paul had some harsh words for those brethren who taught false doctrines privately (Gal. 2:4).

Not only must one set forth the truth of God in a plain and positive way, but he must also be willing to oppose every false way. Those who inwardly hold to scriptural views on doctrinal matters are certainly not going to be involved in exposing those views. In this day when Bible truths are being shamelessly repudiated we must be aware of the doctrinal convictions of those who occupy teaching and preaching positions.

Hispanic Work Report

Wayne Brewer

Paul wrote, rejoice everymore” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Anytime the gospel is preached that is a time for rejoicing. The Hispanic work at Mabelvale has seen growth throughout the summer and has reason for rejoicing. Classes continue on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. On August 17 a Spanish worship service was begun on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. The Spanish worship has provided an excellent opportunity for basic Bible sermons, such as: “The Power of the Gospel”, “What Does The Bible Say?”, “Who is a Christian?”, and “Two Doors, Two Roads” from Matthew 7:13-14, to be preached. There were twelve present last Sunday morning. It takes great courage for Spanish speaking people to walk into a church building knowing that most people will be speaking English. If you see them before or after your Sunday morning Bible class, give them a smile and friendly greeting, along with your name, and they will appreciate your kindness.
There are two Spanish related activities planned for the immediate future. Roberto Sarmiento from Alajuela, Costa Rica will hold a Gospel Meeting in Spanish at Mabelvale, October 5, 6, & 7. I worked with brother Sarmiento back in July and August in Tilaran, Costa Rica. Brother Sarmiento will preach at 9:15 a.m. at the Spanish worship service, and then again Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening in the auditorium and Tuesday evening in the multipurpose room. All interested are welcome to come out on Monday and Tuesday evening.
On Sunday evening, October 5, at our 5:00 p.m. English worship service, Enrique de los Santos, a student from the Alpha-Omega Biblical Institute will preach. He and other students from the Spanish school of preaching will be our guests that evening. Enrique will preach in Spanish and another student will translate the sermon into English.
Another important item to not is that the next issue of The Gospel Gleaner will be in English and Spanish. What a wonderful impact Mabelvale’s work through The Gospel Gleaner will have among Spanish speaking brethren. The Spanish issue will be sent from Georgia to California, from Washington state to Illinois, and from Canada to Costa Rica and Panama. Mabelvale’s Hispanic work is not only impacting southwest Little Rock, but now the world.
On October 11, I will be given a few minutes at the Mid-Ark Lectures in Malvern to update brethren in the area on Mabelvale’s Hispanic work, and on October 15, I will leave for a mission trip to Riga, Latvia, an excellent work among Latvian and Russian people that I have been involved in since 1997. Over the next two weeks another quarterly report of the Hispanic work will be prepared for Mabelvale, supporters of the work, and all who are interested. Thanks to all for your continued support and interest in seeking the lost. “Id por todo el mundo y predicad el evangelio…(Mark 16:15).

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 39 SEPTEMBER 29, 2003

OUR SICK

Bill Boyd’s father is home and doing well.
Jean Goodwin went to Baptist Hospital with chest pains on Saturday night. Initial tests look good.
Brenda Griffith, aunt of Jill Farris has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Malie McDonald, 14 month old, is in room 3123 of Children’s Hospital. The family will find out today (Monday) if she has leukemia.
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THANK YOU

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to all the ladies that provided us with food upon Richard’s return home from the hospital. It was so wonderful and very much appreciated. Also, the cards and calls that have continued to flow have been such an encouragement to us all. Words cannot truly express our deepest gratitude. Thank you all for making this difficult time much easier for us to endure. The Lowe’s.
Thank you so much for the phone calls, cards, visits and for the food prepared for me during my recent illness. Cleta Morgan.
Thanks so much for the cards, calls, visits and food during my recent illness. Dan Bates.
We would like to thank you for the thoughtful care packages that you sent us. It’s nice to know that we have such caring brothers and sisters in Christ at our home congregation. We love and miss you all. Thanks especially for the Easy Mac! Cliff & Devin.
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SERMONS FOR OCTOBER 5

Morning
Is The Silence Of The Scriptures Significant? (Hebrews 7:12-14)
Evening
Guest Speaker, Enrique de los Santos
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LADIES FELLOWSHIP

All ladies are invited to a Ladies Fellowship on Monday night, October 6th at 6:30 in the multipurpose room. We will have a special evening of fellowship for the ladies. Please bring finger foods and desserts! If you are 65 or older, please just bring yourself.
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MID-ARK LECTURES

The Ninth Annual Mid-Ark Lectures in Malvern will be October 11th from 8:45 AM to 3:30 PM. The van will leave at 8:00 AM. There are both adult lectures and youth lectures. Scott Perry will be speaking to the youth at 2:30. His topic is “Christ Is Our Perfect Role Model.” Lunch will be served.
EVENTS OF INTEREST

October 6………..Ladies Fellowship
October 7………...All Comers Class
October 11……….Mid-Ark Lectures
October 25………………Hobo Stew

OUR RECORD SEPTEMBER 28, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 225
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 175
P.M. WORSHIP 156
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 145

CONTRIBUTION 6228
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
October 5, 2003

Ray Wehunt Shawn Wallace
Jim Wallace Stan Smith
Dave Tollett Doyce Tarkington
Michael Wilson Barry Williams

Evening Gene Sullivan
Wendell Thompson
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

October 8 Darren Gowen
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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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