Mabelvale Hispanic Report
Wayne Brewer
Paul wrote, “preach the word, be instant in season, out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2). How encouraging it is to know that many Hispanic preachers in our area are doing that. They love the truth and are preaching the truth. This past Saturday, December 6, brother Estanislao (Tany) Castanada, Hispanic preacher for the Getwell church of Christ in Memphis, was here by invitation of the Mabelvale Elders. The theme for the day was, “The Church, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
Brother Castanada has been a faithful gospel preacher of the truth for more than forty years on both sides of the border. He has proclaimed the truth both in Mexico and The United States. His doctrinal soundness and maturity was evident throughout the day as he presented a lesson regarding the authority of the God's word, that there is a pattern for truth found in God's word, which we must follow and not depart from. His lesson was also designed to inform Hispanic preachers regarding dangers of “The Community Church movement” and its work through urban ministries. Brother Castaneda and the truth were well received by the Hispanic preachers last Saturday. May God continue to bless the Hispanic work at Mabelvale, not only for it impact in the immediate area, but throughout the brotherhood.
GIVING A BOOK AS A GIFT?
[Be Careful!]
Dennis Gulledge
As we enter the Christmas season many people will be buying books to give as gifts this year. Books are perennial favorites as gifts. Good, spiritual books are of incomparable value. They cannot be measured in the dollars and cents that purchase them, even at today's prices. Books and resources that aid one in better understanding of the Holy Scriptures ought to be desired by all.
With so many books available on the religious market it pays for us to be careful that the books we buy as gifts are just that – gifts rather than white elephants. In this day of raging liberalism it will not do to go down to your local religious bookstore and select something on the basis of its popularity. We really do the recipient of our kindness no favors by acting upon such a subjective standard of selection.
There are a number of authors and books that really should be avoided rather than sought out as gifts. For example, books by Max Lucado, described by Christian Book Distributors as “The man with the golden pen,” would be better left on the shelf. As one of the most prolific change agents of our time, his departures from the truth include denying the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins, teaching a “sinner's prayer” approach to salvation, using instrumental music in the worship and fellowshipping denominations. Another popular author is Rick Warren, “pastor” of the Saddleback Community Church, reputedly the nation's largest church with 17,000 members. His current release The Purpose-Driven Life is a hot item in bookstores this year. I have not read this book, but would avoid it on the basis that Warren is a primary leader in the community church movement that is drawing away many disciples after them. There may be some good to be found in the writings of both these authors, but it would be surprising if the error did not outweigh the truth. If these men taught the truth their works should under your Christmas tree. Among the fiction favorites are the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. These books teach Dispensational Premillennialism in exciting stories. The authors' preoccupation with the “Rapture” doctrine may account for an empty package under your tree - a blessing in disguise. It is difficult to imaging that well-grounded Christians would even consider giving such books as gifts.
There are many good books that would make excellent gifts. The Gospel Advocate Company has re-printed many of the older classic works that have been unavailable for years. There are many lectureship books that would make very good gifts. Commentaries from Gospel Advocate , Burton Coffman , Truth for Today or Gospel Light are works that are greatly desirable. Books written by Foy E. Wallace, Jr., Guy N. Woods, Franklin Camp, Wayne Jackson, Wendell Winkler, James W. Boyd, Robert R. Taylor, Jr., among others, are volumes that would bring lasting benefit to the recipient.
OUR RECORD DECEMBER 7, 2003
A.M. WORSHIP 205
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 159
P.M. WORSHIP 147
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 126
CONTRIBUTION 10005
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
December 14, 2003
Barry Williams Ray Wehunt
Shawn Wallace Jim Wallace
Dave Tollett Wendell Thompson
Doyce Tarkington Stan Smith
Evening Gene Sullivan
Ken Sullivan
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR
December 17 Bill Boyd
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USHERS FOR DECEMBER
Morning Doug Parker & Darren Gowen
Evening Michael Wilson/Wendell Thompson
Wednesday Ken Sullivan & Nathan Moore
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GREETERS FOR DECEMBER
Ron & Lori Douglas
Ray Wehunt
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ELDER CHAIRMAN
December Harold Pigue
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VOLUME 40 NUMBER 48 DECEMBER 8, 2003
OUR SICK
Sammy Hutton was taken to the VA Hospital on Sunday but is back home.
Pauline Berry, mother of Brenda Henson, is in St Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs.
Thelma Blythe's sister, Annie Baker, is in the hospital in Monticello.
Continue to remember Richard Lowe.
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RESPONSE
Placing Membership on December 7:
Quinton & Betty McBride, 6805 Bluebird Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205, 664-3819.
Stephen McBride, PO Box 55591, Little Rock, AR 72215, 664-3819.
Tyler Vodehnal, 2010 Cleveland #D19, Conway AR 72032, 269-1072.
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SYMPATHY
EVENTS OF INTEREST
December 12……..Keenage Banquet
December 19…Ladies Holiday Party
December 19…………Teen Lock-In
December 20…...Progressive Dinner
We extend our sympathy to the family of Geraldine Chambers, Lynn, Sr., Lynn Jr. (Buzzy) and Lynette Murphy, who passed away on Wednesday evening. The funeral was Saturday.
Also, to Jr. Stracener on the loss of his sister, Freda Eastman, on Thursday. There will be a graveside service in Romance, AR today.
Also, to Cleta Morgan on the loss of her nephew, Bill Livingston, on Saturday night. Arrangements are incomplete.
Also, to Kellie Golden on the loss of her father, Larry May, on Tuesday.
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SERMONS FOR DECEMBER 14
Morning
The Cure For What Ails You (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Evening
Did Jesus Condone Law Breaking? (Matthew 12:1-9) Scott Perry
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KEENAGE BANQUET
Just a reminder of the Keenage Banquet on Friday, December 12 at 6:00 PM here at the building. Dress is casual. If you agreed to bring a Keenager please call them and make arrangements for them to get to the building. Cost is $10.00 per person. You may give your money to Ray or Donna Bryan.
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LADIES HOLIDAY PARTY
The Annual Ladies Holiday Party will be on Friday, December 19th at 7:00 PM at Nancy Leslie's home.
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