Is at what time the thief on the cross died more important than at what
time he was forgiven? Why even ask the question? The reason is because I was
in conversation with one who believes he can be saved like the thief on the
cross (by simply asking the Lord to save him at anytime, Luke 23:43). I made
the mistake of saying the reason one cannot be saved like the thief is that
the thief ³died under the Old Law² What I should have said was, ³because he
lived (more specifically, was forgiven) under the Old Law.²
The reason one cannot be saved today like the thief was saved then is based
upon the principle of a last will (Heb. 9:15-17). The Hebrew¹s writer points
out that a person¹s will goes into effect after he dies--before one dies he
may grant to whomever whatever is within his power. The thief was granted
pardon while Jesus was still living and the Old Law was still in effect,
then at the death of Christ, the Old Law ceased (Col. 2:14). The thief¹s
salvation, therefore, was based upon the fact that he lived (was forgiven of
his sins) under the Old Law regardless of what time he died.
By my saying that the thief ³died² under the Covenant, instead of that
³he was forgiven under the Old Covenant,² afforded him the opportunity to
say that the thief died after Jesus died [which is correct (John 19:32-33)
implying, ³Why did the thief not have to be baptized if the Old Law ceased
at the death of Christ?²]. I understand this gentleman is responsible for
desiring to know and for obeying the truth apart from my mistakes, but maybe
it would have pricked his heart if I had stated it correctly.

What, Me Worry?
Scott Perry

Often times we hear of studies that break down a person¹s life into
hours: so much time sleeping, so much time eating, so much time in the
bathroom, etc. I wonder how much time we as Christians spend worrying? Now,
I¹m not talking about making preparations or putting a lot of concern into
things for our families, in fact 1 Tim. 5:8 warns us: ³But if any man
provide not for his own and specially they of his own house, he hath denied
the faith, and is worse than an infidel.² But I am talking about giving in
to anxiety. Worry should be brought into the light and examined that it may
be exposed for what it really is an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices² (2 Cor. 2:11).
None of us likes to do things after which when we are done we realize we
haven¹t accomplished anything. During a research week while at the Memphis
School of Preaching another brother and I had our computers plugged in at
the same outlet. I didn¹t have my material (which I had typed all day)
stored on a disk; so when he went to unplug his machine, I said to myself,
³I hope he doesn¹t pull the wrong plug.² If he had, I would have lost all
the work I had done and everything would have been vain. Worry should be
looked at in this light. It is an action that is vain.
Psalm 127:2 states, ³It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up
late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for He giveth his beloved sleep.² Strong
defines Hebrew words for vanity as ³emptiness, desolating; evil (as
destructive), ruin.² A synonym for worry is solicitude ³eager, anxious, or
apprehensive.² The Greek word is meridzo and figuratively means ³to
disunite; to divide through the idea of distraction.² The answer to worry is
trust. God has trusted us with His kingdom and given us honor. Let¹s meet
the challenge of opportunity He has given us by trusting Him to provide our
needs, ³As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is
a buckler to all them that trust in Him² (2 Sam. 22:31). Trusting God
brings joy, ³But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let
them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that
love name be joyful in Thee² (Psm. 5:11). Trust brings rejoicing, but worry
brings sadness.
We have a choice whether we worry or not; we are not ³made a certain way
and there¹s nothing we can do about it.² Worry begins in the center of our
will (Rom. 6:16-18). When the Bible speaks of our nature, it speaks of one
that has resulted by choices over an extended period of time. Since worry is
a lack of trust in God, then it must be of the devil. When we choose to
believe the devil, we choose to believe a lie (John 8:44). To believe a lie
means to be deceived, and we do not glorify God or meet the honor He has
bestowed upon us when we worry.
(to be continued)

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6 FEBRUARY 10, 2003

OUR SICK

Nancy Leslie and Nora Harris were both at home sick on Sunday.
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THANK YOU

The Bokony family wishes to thank you for your prayers and support during
our mother, Peggy Bokony¹s, illness and passing. She rests in the arms of
our Lord. With Christian love. Buddy, Bruce, Bunny and Jo Gina Bokony.
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CAC SCHOOLS

Priority enrollment for the 2003-2004 school year at Central Arkansas
Christian Schools is Feb. 3rd through Feb. 17th. Church families may apply
during this period prior to Open Enrollment. Call Jeanette Palmer at
758-3160 ext. 124 for admission information.
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PLEASANT VALLEY DAY SCHOOL

Pleasant Valley Day School, located at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, has
an opening for a part time/full time teacher. We are also starting
registration for students for next year. Our program is available for
infants 6 weeks on up through preschool. We offer affordable, quality care,
in a bright, Christian environment. Please contact Karla Wade at 225-5818,
ext. 14, for more information.
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SERMONS FOR FEBRUARY 16

Morning
The Music In Worship That God Has Authorized (Ephesians 5:17-21)
Evening
Haggai *********************************
TEEN SING

The Teen Sing will be after the evening service on Sunday, February 16th,
hosted by Wayne & Susan Brewer, in the multi-purpose room. Boys bring drinks
and girls bring chips.
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SEARCH
Week of February 16
THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH
Who would you say is the preeminent Person in the Bible? Would it be Moses
or David? How about Jesus Christ? Why, yes it¹s Christ of course. Then it
doesn¹t surprise you that the church you read about in the Bible is the
church of Christ, does it? Neither does it come as a surprise that Christ
has the preeminence in His church, does it?
EVENTS OF INTEREST
February 18......All Comers Class
February 18......Evening Ladies Class
February 25......All Comers Class

OUR RECORD FEBRUARY 9, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 201
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 162
P.M. WORSHIP 134
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 136

CONTRIBUTION 5261
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
February 16, 2003

Chuck Farris David Gulledge
Dennis Gulledge Keith Golden
Darren Gowen Phil DePriest
Wally Davis James Goode

Evening John Griffin
Jason Griffin
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

February 19 Keith Golden
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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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