RESTORE WHICH CHURCH?
Dennis Gulledge  When we talk about restoring the New Testament church in our time is it necessary to designate which church we want to follow as our pattern for restoration? That is, do we want to imitate the problematic church at Corinth, the dead church at Sardis or the lukewarm church at Laodicea? This question is often asked as if such is the limit of the restoration of the idea of restoration. Such an assertion involves a total miscomprehension of the idea of restoration.
  In like fashion when some insist we must restore the “spirit of early Christianity,” we might ask: Which spirit? The spirit of Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)? The spirit of Diotrephes (3 John 9)? Should we be Christians like these men? Obviously not!
  The purpose of restoring New Testament Christianity is not that of trying to duplicate various New Testament congregations of the first century in the sense of reproducing their faults and shortcomings. We should follow their example only as they followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Our goal is not to copy their imperfection but to endeavor to be the kind of church that Paul urged them to be. We should not want to maintain the low level of spiritual growth which characterized some of the New Testament congregations, but should follow the Word of truth which they should have followed.
WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE (2003)
Dennis Gulledge  World Bible School (WBS) is one of those evangelistic works within a congregation that draws little attention to itself.  The Mabelvale church has been involved in WBS for many years.  Those individuals who serve as teaches in WBS are some of the most evangelistic minded people that you will find.  They do not “sound a trumpet” as they go about this work.  When we think of the “visible results” of the gospel WBS seldom is mentioned.  Yet, it probably has borne more fruit than anything we do in the building up of the kingdom on a worldwide scale.
  It is my desire to give periodic reports in this bulletin of the work that is done in WBS.  This is so that people may be informed of just who is involved, and what the results have been.  I communicate with Delores Pigue who supplies me with up-date information and statistics for such reports.  We hope that it is helpful. Lessons mailed: 1225
Lessons received: 866
Requested baptism: 81  TEACHERS:  Deloris Pigue, Marie Rogers, Chester Goodwin, Tamera Long and Wendell Thompson. 
  HELPERS:  Nita Boyd, Eva Joe Williams, Cleta Morgan, Dave Tollett, Carolyn Howell, Ray Wehunt, Mary Nell Cohrt and Tamera Long. 
  TEENAGED ASSISTANTS: John Boyd, Jessica Gulledge, David Gulledge, Breanna Gulledge, Kristen Lowe, Nicolas Lowe, Crystal Chapman and Nathan Moore.  There is always the need for more teachers as well as helpers to work in WBS.  There is no shortage of work to be done.  They have received many letters from missionaries who located and immersed our students, and who have sent us letters and pictures of people and places.  These pictures are posted on the bulletin board next to the nursery.  Why not stop by and take a look at these pictures?  It helps to be able to put a face to the names of so many people who have been taught the gospel through WBS.
  Please check the bulletin board also as to where the clothing from our clothing room is sent.  There are photos and letters from the preachers who have received these items.  These letters express the deeply felt gratitude of these individuals for the clothing we have sent.  By the way, 78 boxes of clothes were mailed in 2003.
  When you pray please do not forget those who are sending the light to far and distant lands, and making a difference in the quality of life for some.  VOLUME 41    NUMBER 4                JANUARY 26, 2004 OUR SICK Continue to remember Richard Lowe in your prayers.
Lyle Spoerl is scheduled for surgery at St. Vincent on Wednesday.
Eunice Watson will have out patient laser surgery on her right eye today (Monday).
Sam Griffith, father of Jill Farris, is scheduled for surgery on Thursday at St. Vincent.
Maudie Long, mother of Eva Joe Williams is seriously ill.
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RESPONSE Placing Membership on January 25th: Wendell “Speed” & Mary Wallace, 59 Berkshire Drive, Little Rock, AR 72204, phone 663-2179.
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THANK YOU I would like to thank everyone for the love and kindness shown me during my illness. Your prayers, cards, phone calls were a tremendous strength throughout my absence. Extending great appreciation to my family at Mabelvale. Marie Rogers.
*********************************NEW BABY Janet & Donnie Holland have a new daughter, Haley Karen, born Friday, January 23, weight 6 lbs. 19 inches long. Waymon & Linda Minor are her grandparents.
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Members who have not received their pictures need to call Olan Mills. Phone 1-800-845-1157, contract #75559. SERMONS FOR FEBRUARY 1 Morning
Issues Satan Uses To Divide The Church
Evening
Four Questions About Baptism (Scott Perry will be preaching for both services while Dennis is at Freed Hardeman  Lectures)
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SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to the family of Lois James who passed away on Thursday. The funeral was Saturday.
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LADIES TRIP Ladies, a trip to the Buckstaff Bathhouse in Hot Springs is planned for Saturday, February 21st. If you are interested in going, please contact Judy Morris for more information.
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SEARCH
THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
This is the 5th in a series of programs designed to enhance the importance and relevance of the New Testament church. Whose idea was the church? For what purpose? CALENDAR OF EVENTS February 6……....Bible Bowl Pizza Party
February 7……..Bible Bowl Competition
February 10…All Comers Class Resumes
February 21…Ladies Trip to Hot Springs OUR RECORD  JANUARY 25, 2004 A.M. WORSHIP 233
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 189
P.M. WORSHIP 186
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY  153 CONTRIBUTION 6998
BUDGET 6845
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MEN TO SERVE
February 1, 2004 Eddie Black Wally Davis
Phil DePriest Ron Douglas
Bill Boyd John Boyd
Richard Butler Alan Caudle Evening Johnny Boyd
  Ray Bryan
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR February 4 Scott Perry
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USHERS FOR FEBRUARY Morning John & Jason Griffin
Evening  Richard Butler & Devin Long
Wednesday  Keith Golden & Ken Sullivan
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GREETERS FOR FEBRUARY Gary & Jennifer Poole
Stan & Michele Smith
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ELDER CHAIRMAN February  Bill Boyd
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