THE DISCLAIMER
Bob Plunkett
Sunday morning I was watching “In Search Of The Lord's Way” with brother Mack Lyon. Immediately after this fine lesson the station put on the screen in bold letters a statement disclaiming any responsibility for the message.
It was striking to me that this same station never puts in bold letters a disclaimer for their television programming. Here you have violence, explicit sex scenes, drinking and drunkenness, living together without marriage and vulgar language. Is this not an admission that they endorse this programming? Since they have no disclaimer are they not responsible?
They seem to be saying, “We accept no responsibility for any home that may be restored with the message of Jesus Christ; no prodigal in the garbage dump of society who is reminded in this lesson that he is loved by his Heavenly Father and turns his life around and comes home. We are not responsible for any prisoner who hears about the new birth and sends for someone to come and baptize him into Jesus as he commits his life to him.”
Do they then accept responsibility for those who, upon receiving the message turn to alcohol, etc., leave the wife of their youth, who in a drunken state kill someone on the highway or those three young boys who were inspired by television to walk into Columbine High School and turn the school into a killing field. Disclaim the one and endorse the other. What a shame!
There will come a day when God will have his disclaimer in bold print, “I NEVER KNEW YOU, DEPART FROM ME.” (Matthew 7:23). Jackson Heights Bulletin
HIS SPIRIT WAS STIRRED IN HIM
Jerry w. Joseph
When Paul went to Athens and saw the whole city filled with idolatry, “his spirit was stirred in him” (Acts 17:16). When we look at the condition of our world today how do we react and respond? Does it bother us to see and know of the lost condition of so many? The Bible lets us know in no uncertain terms the sinfulness and the spiritual condition of all who are in sin.
In Romans 3:23, Paul declared “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” In Romans 3:10 these words, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one.” The result of sin is spiritual death as we read in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Before one obeys the Gospel he is “…dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).
When we see the sad spiritual condition of sinful man, do we feel as Paul? Is our spirit stirred within us? Does this cause us to be moved with compassion, care and concern? Does this create in us a greater determination than ever, to proclaim and practice the Will of God?
What this sinful world needs is the Gospel of Christ. Man cannot be saved without the Gospel. Paul said in Romans 1:16-17, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believieth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Within the Gospel of Christ is revealed God's way, plan by which He declares sinful man righteous. That is why it is imperative that the Gospel be proclaimed.
We must take advantage of the opportunities presented to us in getting the Gospel out into this world. As the Word is being spread, we pray that it will fall upon those with good and honest hearts. God demands that those who are lost and desire salvation believe (Mark 16:16), repent (Acts 2:38), confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized (Galatians 3:26-27).
Also, when we see those who claim to be children of God begin to compromise with the Truth, our spirits need to be stirred in us. The Bible is right and must be upheld. It must not be perverted in any shape or form (2 Peter 3:16; Galatians 1:6-9). It matters not how many may come together and seek to “agree” to something, if the Bible doesn't condone it, it is wrong (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Too many are more concerned with just “going along” to “get along” than with “give me the Bible.” If some practice or message is according to the Bible, then let's stand up for it. But, if the message or practice is not according to the Bible, we must take our stand against it no matter who is proclaiming or practicing it (Ephesians 5:11; 2 John 9-11).
If our spirit is stirred because of the many who have not obeyed the Gospel and those who are turning away from the Truth, let us make sure that we stay with the Truth in what we do and declare. We could very well encourage those who have not obeyed the Gospel to obey and those who are compromising with the Truth to turn back to the Truth before it is too late. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). It is true, that if we fail to “walk in the light” not only will our souls be in a lost condition, but we could very well be encouraging others to stay in their lost condition. How tragic that would be!
But, what a difference it could make in our own lives and perhaps with others, that when we see sin that our “spirit is stirred within us” and we respond in a Biblical way to it. My friends, the difference is going to be between Heaven & Hell.
VOLUME 40 NUMBER 49 DECEMBER 15, 2003
OUR SICK
Richard Lowe is in Room 649 of Baptist Hospital. Richard went home last night (12/15)
Pauline Berry, mother of Brenda Henson, is in St Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs.
Marvie Smith is in Room 204 of the Heart Hospital.
Debbie DelCampo, daughter of Butch & Nora Harris has a brain aneurysm.
Bill Smith, friend of the Mauldins, has some serious health problems.
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SYMPATHY
We extend our sympathy to Regina & Troy Threet on the death of Bob on Sunday. The funeral will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.
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THANK YOU
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the beautiful service, dinner prepared by the food zone, memorial donations, calls and cards. Your Christian love and support means more than our words can ever express. We feel blessed to be associated with such a wonderful congregation. God's love has been exemplified. Lynn, Lynette, Buzzy and families.
We would like to thank you for all the cards we have received and all the prayers offered on our behalf during this time of my sister's illness and passing. We also want to thank the elders and preachers for the beautiful flowers. Jr. & Marie Stracener and family.
Thank you for all your constant concern, prayers, cards and meals for our family during this difficult time with Richard's health. It is truly a blessing to have such a wonderful Christian family. The Lowe's.
SERMONS FOR DECEMBER 21
Morning
You Can't Lose In Giving (Acts 20:35)
Evening
Wayne Brewer will report on his recent trip to Latvia.
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SERMONS FOR DECEMBER 28
Morning
The Year In Review (Philippians 3:15-16)
Evening
The Home In Crisis (Matthew 19:4-6)
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New Address for Ron, Lori & Caty Douglas, 11 Jack Nicklaus Cove, Little Rock, AR 72210, 455-0996.
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LADIES HOLIDAY PARTY
EVENTS OF INTEREST
December 19…Ladies Holiday Party
December 19…………Teen Lock-In
December 20…...Progressive Dinner
December 31………New Year's Eve
Singing
The Annual Ladies Holiday Party will be on Friday, December 19th at 7:00 PM at Nancy Leslie's home. A taste of Christmas will be this year's theme. A dessert buffet will be served. Please bring a gift, any gift for dirty Santa. Dawn Sullivan will drive the van, it will leave the church building at 6:30PM.
********************************* To be restored on December 10: Karla Bates.
There will NOT be a bulletin next week
OUR RECORD DECEMBER 14, 2003
A.M. WORSHIP 211
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 170
P.M. WORSHIP 143
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 138
CONTRIBUTION 8146
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
December 21, 2003
Eddie Black Danny Wooldridge
Rick Wooldridge Johnny Boyd
Bill Boyd John Boyd
Ken Bittle Paul Word
Evening Ray Bryan
Michael Wilson
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR
December 24 Alan Caudle
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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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