LOST IN THE “WOULDS” A lot of folks are lost in the “woulds,” but have not taken time to realize it. Make a personal evaluation! Are you in some of these woulds?
I “would” go to worship, but Sunday is my day off.
I “would” go to worship, but the weather is too bad.
I “would” go to worship, but I am just too busy.
I “would” go to worship, but there are some there who do not live as they should.
I “would” go to worship, but we always sleep late on Sunday.
I “would” go to worship, but we always have a house full of company on Sunday.
I “would” go to worship on Sunday night, but I don't think it's necessary; once in a day is enough. These are only a few of the “woulds.” Come out of the “woulds” and be present at all services, not just on Sunday morning. The church needs you and you need the church. – From, Ripley Beacon, Ripley, TN. THE CHURCH AT CORINTH
Dennis Gulledge The church at Corinth began the same way all churches of Christ begin. Acts 18:8 says, “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” What do we learn? We know the audience – citizens of the city of Corinth. We know their method of contact with the gospel – “hearing” (Rom. 10:17). We know their reaction to the message – they “believed” it. We know how they responded to the message – “and were baptized” (Mk. 16:15-16). We know the result: These Christians assembled at Corinth, thus becoming a “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2). They were “called [by the gospel (2 Thes. 2:14)] to be saints” (1 Cor. 1:2). They were in the grace of God given them by Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:4). They were in the fellowship of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:9).
Does all this mean that the church at Corinth was perfect? Far from it! Just like some congregations today, the church at Corinth had many problems. They were so problematic we might wonder why Paul and the Lord were so patient with them. Paul loved them as a minister and an apostle, and sought to correct their problems. Gospel preaching does not avoid church problems, but offers Bible solutions (2 Tim 4:2).
Some preachers must love to capitalize on the trouble-ridden church at Corinth. An objection to the restoration plea is usually to ask, “Which church do we want to restore? The Jerusalem church with its prejudice against Gentiles? The Corinthian church with its problems?” This popular view implies that restoration is impossible as long as individual members are less than they should be in spiritual maturity. Some preachers appear to view the Corinthian church as the prototype of the modern liberal congregation with its diversity in doctrine and practice. Their point is, if we can tolerate the church at Corinth in its extreme divergence of beliefs and practices, we can certainly fellowship anything that some brethren today might teach or do.
There are two basic reasons why churches have problems: First, the church is made up of people on differing levels of spiritual maturity. Some are babes (1 Cor. 3:1-3). Others are giants. The possibility of falling exists for all (1 Cor. 10:12). Spiritual immaturity allows false doctrine to gain a foothold in churches (Rom. 16:17-18).
Second, the church exists in the hostile environment of the world (1 Cor. 6:9-10). As to Corinth, the church was in the world, as it had to be, but the world was also in the church, as it ought not to have been (1 Cor. 5:9-10). Corinth probably more nearly resembles our present day situation than any other church in the New Testament.
A study of the church at Corinth is significant because of their problems and the solutions set out by Paul. 1 Corinthians was written for the benefit of the Corinthian church and to “all that in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:2). That is, the lessons from the church at Corinth are important for us today. VOLUME 41 NUMBER 14 APRIL 5, 2004 OUR SICK Edwina McClurkan is scheduled for knee replacement surgery on Tuesday, April 6th, at St. Vincent.
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THANK YOU Words cannot express all the love and appreciation we have for you for all the care and concern extended to my family and me during my surgery and recovery. Thanks to Dennis and Dale – you were great! Thank you for all the calls, cards, emails, visits, wonderful meals, but most of all, thank you for your prayers. Isn't it great to be a part of God's family! Jennifer Poole and family.
Thanks to all for the care package I recently received. It is comforting to know that you all are thinking of me. David Moore.
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90TH BIRTHDAY Mable Carter, former member at Mabelvale, will be celebrating her 90th birthday on April 10th from 2 to 4 at the Community Room of Park Place Apartments in Morrilton. If you would like to send a card the address is 306 N St. Joseph, Apt 121, Morrilton, AR 72110.
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Food needed for the pantry for April is cereal, meat in a can and ketchup.
SERMONS FOR APRIL 11 Morning
Acts 2 – The Hub Of The Bible
Evening
How To Save Your Family
Scott Perry
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SEARCH
April 11 THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST The logical message to follow last week's program on the death of Christ, is one on His resurrection. This happens to fall on “Easter Sunday” in the religious world, so it may reach some hearts with the truth, while they are focused on the thought. Of course, Bible students know Easter and The Resurrection of Christ are not the same.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 13……………….All Comers Class
April 18………..Teen Sing at Gulledge's
April 20……………….All Comers Class
April 24….…..Church Growth Workshop
with R.C.Thompson
May 1……………Bible Bowl at Crossett
June 10-13 ……………..Gospel Meeting
July 18-21……….Vacation Bible School
OUR RECORD APRIL 4, 2004 A.M. WORSHIP 232
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 166
P.M. WORSHIP 146
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 146 CONTRIBUTION 6389
BUDGET 6845
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MEN TO SERVE
April 11, 2004
Eddie Black Shawn Wallace
Paul Word Michael Wilson
Rick Wooldridge Danny Wooldridge
Ray Wehunt Barry Williams
Evening
Bill Boyd
Ken Bittle
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR April 14 Darren Gowen
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USHERS FOR APRIL Morning Tim King & Wally Davis
Evening Greg King & Nicolas Lowe
Wednesday Rick & Danny Wooldridge
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GREETERS FOR APRIL Greg & Cheryl King
Blake Poole
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ELDER CHAIRMAN April Roger Horton
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