So, where do we start when we are already worrying?
(1) We start by letting go of our thoughts of anxiety and replacing them with the truth (Php. 4:4-8), God will provide. He provided the “son of promise,” Isaac, through Sarah when she was past childbearing age (Gen. 17:19, c.f. 21:1); He provided a ram caught in a thicket for Abraham to sacrifice instead of Isaac (22:2, 8, 12-13).
(2) We must believe with all of our heart that God will provide. Without “the substance of things hoped for, based on the evidence of things not seen” we cannot please God (Heb. 11:1, 6). Sight must not hinder the reality of the power of God enacted by personal faith (2 Cor. 5:7).
(3) We must set a goal to please God by not worrying in spite of circumstances. “Consider the birds of the air” (Matt. 6:26); to consider means “to meditate upon, to study the reality of the situation.” Do we take time to ponder God’s providence? This will bring comfort when we do. When we consider the birds, we see they have everything they need when they are willing to work for it.
(App.) There are two ways to avoid worry: “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33) in attendance, in study and application of the word, in evangelizing); and live one day at a time (6:34): one thing above food, clothing, and shelter is a luxury. Enjoying the moment in doing whatever it may be will keep us satisfied and content and, most importantly, it will please God. Solomon in all his glory couldn’t buy what God is willing to give!

The Name of the New Testament
Merrill C. Tenney

The name “New Testament,” which is given to the second half of the English Bible, comes from the Latin Novum Testamentum, which is itself a translation of the Greek Hç Kainç Diathç kç (anglicized). The Greek term was generally used to mean “a last will or testament,” as the Latin translation indicated, but this translation did not exhaust its meaning. The word really meant an arrangement made by one party that might be accepted or rejected by another party, but that he could not alter; and that, when accepted, bound both parties by its terms. Since a will is the best example of such an instrument, the Latin Testamentum, preserved in the English Testament, was used.
The term covenant used in the Revised Version is derived from the Old French covenir, “to agree,” which in turn is derived from the Latin covenire, “to come together.” It means an agreement, stipulation, or contract that involves both parties in the agreement. It implies more than a promise, for a promise obligates only the person making it, whereas a covenant obligates both parties concerned in it. In this respect it approximates the modern term “contract.” Such is the meaning of the word covenant as used in Exodus 24:1-8, which describes the acceptance of the law by the people of Israel in Mt. Sinai. The fact that the Greek translator of the Old Tesament uses diathçkç in this passage to render the Hebrew word for covenant indicates that diathçkç may on occasion have this meaning, and this usage is confirmed by the language of Luke 22:14-20, where the old covenant of Exodus 24:1-8 is contrasted with the new covenant that Jesus made with his disciples at the last supper. The general meaning of the Greek term must be the same in both instances, as the contrast of old and new implies. The New Testament, then, is the record of the character and establishment of a new dealing of God with men through Christ. God sets the terms; man can accept or reject them but cannot alter them, and when man accepts them, both he and God are obligated to fulfill their requirements (emphasis mine, sp).The Old Covenant involved a revelation of the holiness of God in a righteous standard of law that those who received it were solemnly enjoined to keep. The New Covenant embodies a revelation of the holiness of God in an utterly righteous Son, who empowers those who receive the revelation to become sons of God by making them righteous (John 1:12).

[Material taken from New Testament Survey, by Merrill C. Tenney, pp.129-130]

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 8 FEBRUARY 24, 2003

OUR SICK

Linda Lou Henderson, sister-in-law of Sue Horton, is in room 1109 of St. Vincent and needs our prayers.
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BRIDAL SHOWER

All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower honoring Kim Walsh, finance of Shawn Wallace, on Sunday, March 23rd at 3:30 PM in the multipurpose room. She is registered at Wal-Mart and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Please see the bulletin board in the foyer for more details.
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HISPANIC REPORT

There will be a Hispanic Gospel Meeting and Saturday Campaign, March 22. A group of Hispanic teens from Rogers, and other Hispanic brethren from around the state, will be here to assist with the door to door work. There will be a worship service on Saturday afternoon, which will be made as bilingual as possible. Your help will be needed in a number of areas to make the effort a success (more information to come). Thanks again for your continued support and prayers regarding Mabelvale’s Hispanic work.—Wayne Brewer.
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SERMONS FOR MARCH 2

Morning
Lord, Remember Me — When I Struggle (Job 14:13)
Evening
Zechariah — The Messianic Minor Prophet (Part 2)
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SEARCH
Week of March 2
HIS GRACE REACHES ME
The marvelous grace of God in man’s salvation is beyond our little minds to fathom. It’s been penned in sermon and song, yet it remains widely misunderstood and mistaught. We’ll try again this week—a little harder perhaps.

EVENTS OF INTEREST
March 2….......……First Sunday Singing
March 4…………..All Comers Class
March 11…………All Comers Class
March 16…............Teen sing at Gulledge’s
March 18…………All Comers Class
March 18...........….Tuesday Evening Ladies Class at 6:30
March 23……..…...Bridal Shower for Kim Walsh
March 30……........Fifth Sunday Potluck

OUR RECORD FEBRUARY 23, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 201
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 174
P.M. WORSHIP 138
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 114

CONTRIBUTION 6975
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
March 2, 2003

Darrell Orick Robert Overbey
Harold Pigue Dale Morris
Doug Parker Scott Perry
Tim King Mark Bolding

Evening Mike Moore
Nathan Moore
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

March 5 John Griffin
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USHERS FOR MARCH

Morning Bill & Cliff Boyd
Evening Gary & Blake Poole
Wednesday Brad Horton & Darrell Orick
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GREETERS FOR MARCH

Roger & Sue Horton
Eva Joe Williams and Devin Long
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ELDER CHAIRMAN

March Johnny Boyd
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