How Could You Not Do Everything He Asks?
Scott Perry While watching the movie The Passion of the Christ, I could not help but wonder why everyone who claims to believe in and follow Jesus would not do everything within their power to do what he asks or commands. After everything He suffered, why would anyone not want to vehemently defend the doctrine of His apostles when Jesus said, “It is not ye [apostles, sp] that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you,” and “He that receiveth you receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me” (Matt. 10:20, 40). Rather, what we have today are people who praise this movie, but say things like, “instrumental music in worship is not a salvation issue,” or “I don't see any conflict between evolution and Genesis one.” Theistic Evolutionist, does it not bother you that Jesus confirmed the literal six-day account of creation (Matt. 19:4-6), and that the validity of marriage hinges on His statement all the while evolution is seeking to mythologize Genesis 1-3? To you who don't see instrumental music as a salvation issue, why don't you defend the doctrine (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) of the One who did so much for you? After you've seen all that He did for you, enduring the scourging and crucifixion, doesn't it bother you that people want to change His church! How can it not? When we sing, “Stand up, Stand up For Jesus,” let us work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12) as those who defend the Lord, not as hypocrites who “say and do not” (Matt. 23:3).
The Power of God Unto Salvation Is In The Gospel
Scott Perry The Passion of the Christ has certainly stirred the emotions of many, and my reservations about certain scenes such as the exaltation of Mary, the stomping of the serpents head, Satan with the baby, and the fact that the crucifixion would have included much more convulsions being far more painful than it was portrayed are probably the same ones many Christians have. My greatest concern, however, deals with choppy references to Scripture such as when the screen read, “Ye are my friends,” but it did not include the most important part: “If you do whatsoever I command you” (the rest of John 15:14)!
Jesus laid the ground work for unity (that everyone says they are seeking today) in His prayer in the garden when He then knew far too well what He would have to endure. He asked that all be “one” through the teaching of the apostles doctrine (John 17:20-23; Acts 2:42-47). Yet so many who are emotionally stirred aren't seeking the unity for which Jesus prayed. Maybe its because the movie which is “so powerful” isn't powerful at all when it mutilates the real power--God's word! (Rom. 1:16). So, as emotionally stirring as it is, it still fails to accomplish what only the real power of God to salvation can--the preaching (not acting) of the gospel, 1 Cor.1:19-23.
In 1 Cor. 1:19-23, Paul points out that the “preaching” of the gospel is not eloquence or worldly wisdom. Is not Hollywood, the world's way today to demonstrate eloquence? Paul said the apostles “preached” Christ crucified, not “acted out” Christ crucified. Mel Gibson's movie falls short of the truth because it did not contain the preaching of the truth. Today's drama skits will far short as well because they place the power of salvation in “modern worldly wisdom or eloquence”--acting. A movie will never bring unity for believers in Christ because it is not the preaching of the gospel for which the Lord prayed. If you really are emotionally moved by this movie, then, please, use your emotions correctly and allow them to motivate you to exalt his commands, not your feelings (Psa. 138:2).
A movie or drama skit will never be equal to the word of God, nor will it have the same effect. Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life” emphasis mine, sp). The power of salvation is in the very words that God has given unto us (Rom. 1:16). How long will it be before everyone who is “moved” by this movie will be back to doing the same things they were before? Why? because emotion is not sufficient to sustain obedience, only the words given by the Spirit of God are: ...unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them
that preach the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven...
Forasmuch as ye know you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as[the]
silver [screen] and gold[en globe awards], from your vain conversation received
by tradition from your fathers... VOLUME 41 NUMBER 11 MARCH 15, 2004 OUR SICK Robert Overbey is in the VA Hospital.
Ashley Brewer had surgery on her hand on Friday.
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THANK YOU Your love for God was exemplified through your many acts of kindness and compassion shown us during the extended illness and passing of my mother. We were overwhelmed by your attendance at the funeral. The food, calls, cards, flowers and especially your prayers were truly a source of comfort and strength. We are so thankful for our church family at Mabelvale. May God bless each and every one of you. Betty Tollett and family.
During the past four weeks your numerous calls, cards, acts of kindness and expressions of concern and sympathy have strengthened and sustained us. This congregation is a remarkable collection of good, tender hearted folks who some how rise to handle every difficult situation. Thank you for loving us and for taking such good care of us. We know we're most fortunate to be a part of you. The Charlie Dee Morris Family.
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TUESDAY EVENING LADIES The Tuesday evening ladies class will meet on March 23rd at 6:30 PM. The meal will be provided. Dawn Sullivan will speak on “The Worthy Mother.”
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SERMONS FOR MARCH 21 Morning
The Best Is Yet To Be (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Evening
Guest Speaker: Eddie Cloer
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RESPONSE Placing membership on March 14th, Evalena Dare, 11408 David O. Dodd, Little Rock, AR 72204, 455-2606.
Michelle Clark & Sebastian, 4300 Bowman Rd #109, Little Rock, AR 72210, 225-7042
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SEARCH
March 21
CONVERSION EXPERIENCES
A radio preacher gave “conversion experiences” of a sports-hero of his, a politician, and a well-known TV star, to show how by some miraculous means they were converted to Christ. God knew the power of example long before man did, and He left us several examples of conversions. Wouldn't His be better than some man's? Let's see. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 23……………...All Comers Class
March 23..Tuesday Evening Ladies Class
March 30……………...All Comers Class
April 2-4……..Evangelistically Speaking
Lectureship at Mars Hill in Vilonia
April 24.Ladies Day at Jessieville Church
of Christ, Annette Cates speaking OUR RECORD MARCH 14, 2004 A.M. WORSHIP 209
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 176
P.M. WORSHIP 157
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 146 CONTRIBUTION 7508
BUDGET 6845
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MEN TO SERVE
March 21, 2004
David Gulledge Jason Griffin
Dennis Gulledge John Griffin
Tim King Greg King
Jim Henson Darren Gowen
Evening
Roger Horton
Brad Horton
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR March 24 Bill Boyd
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USHERS FOR MARCH Morning Bill Boyd & John Boyd
Evening Gary Poole & Blake Poole
Wednesday Brad Horton & Darrell Orick
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GREETERS FOR MARCH Roger & Sue Horton
Regina & Troy Threet
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ELDER CHAIRMAN March Johnny Boyd
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