Scott Perry

The theory of Premillennialism teaches that there will be two resurrections: a (secret) first resurrection of only the righteous dead and a second one of the unrighteous dead 1,000 years later. This “first resurrection” (rapture) of only the righteous dead is suggested by interpreting a highly figurative passage (Rev. 20:1-6) as literal, in spite of the fact that this interpretation contradicts numerous plain passages of Scripture that there will be only one resurrection at the last day of both the just and unjust (John 5:28-29; 6:40; Acts 24:15).
In John 5:28-29 Jesus stated that “all who were in the graves will come forth” at the very same time or hour. He spoke of one resurrection of both the good and evil. Where is there room for a 1, 000 years between resurrections of the righteous and unrighteous dead?
In John 6:40 Jesus stated that the righteous dead would be raised at the “last day.” The theory of Premillennialism says the righteous dead will be raised 1,000 years before the last day..??
In Acts 24:15 Paul speaks of the only resurrection of which the rest of the Bible speaks: a general one of all who have lived. Paul specifically states, like Jesus did, that this resurrection will be of both the “just and the unjust.” The word in the original (anastasin) is singular, not plural. It can only refer to one resurrection.

CHANGE
Jimmy Simmons

“He is not afraid to change” is a phrase used often to describe a man who is an innovator. To introduce or to begin something new is sometimes necessary in order to have progress. Our Lord, in a sense, can be said to have been an innovator. When He became our High Priest, there was a change of the law (Hebrews 7:12). However, the Lord did not change the old law during the time of His ministry on earth. In fact, in regards to the law of Moses, Jesus in His sermon on the mount said:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but whosoever, shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:17-19). Therefore Jesus was not a change agent. He was an innovator in the sense that He fulfilled all the old law in order to introduce the new law. In fact He had to die to take the old law out of the way so that we would be able to live under the New Testament (Col. 2:14; Heb.9:16-17).
How many change agents are willing to die for their innovations to take effect? Oh, many will go to their grave crying out for change, but none are willing to do, and are not able to do, what Jesus did, which was to fulfill the old law before introducing the new law. There is not one person living today or who will ever live who is able to introduce a new law by which we must live in order to go to heaven. For one of the greatest qualities of our Lord is that He does not change. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever (Heb.13:8). Since He does not change, then His law, which came into effect after His death, does not change. Yet, so many wish to do just that, which is to change His law.
There were change agents living in Jeremiah’s day. He said to them: “Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your soul” (Jer. 6:16). But, their response to Jeremiah was just as the response of change agents today. They said: “We will not walk therein” (Jer. 6:16). The attitude that so many today show for “the good way” is so very tragic. Paul told Timothy:“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from hearing the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Paul, who like our Lord was in a sense an innovator, for he carried the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles, told Timothy to preach the word, not change the word. Paul did not tell Timothy to give those who wanted change what they desired but what they needed. Brethren, the thing that must be changed is the old life of sin, and that will only be done by obedience to what must not be changed, the word of God. For only the Lord is able to give us, who are obedient to His way, a home in heaven some day.

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 14 APRIL 7, 2003

OUR SICK

Blanche Wherry, mother of Charlene Mauldin, came home on Tuesday.
Ruth West, sister of Eunice Watson, has been moved to Rehab.
Emma Lou Adams, sister of Carolyn Howell and Waymon Minor is in Ward 4A Room 406 following surgery at UAMS on Thursday.
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THANK YOU

Thank you for your calls, cards, visits and especially your prayers and expressions of concern during my recovery from knee surgery. I am doing well and hope to be back with you soon. Eloise Jarrell.
Blanch Wherry was released on Tuesday from Rehab. She is in the home of Jim and Charlene Mauldin. We wish to thank everyone for your concern. Visits will be welcome. Please call first and include us in your prayers. Jim & Charlene Mauldin.
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SING S’MORE

The first singing will be on April 13th beginning 15 minutes after the end of the evening worship service. We will sing for one hour on each 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sunday.
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YOUTH COOKOUT/DEVOTIONAL

There will be a cookout and devotional for the teenagers at the home of Jim & Brenda Henson this Friday, April 11th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. We will leave from the building at 6:15 PM.
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SERMONS FOR APRIL 13

Morning
The Family Of God (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Evening
Some Do’s Ad Don’ts For The Christian
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GOSPEL MEETING

April 13-15, Somers Avenue Church of Christ, Mack Lyon is the speaker.
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CLOTHING ROOM

We are in need of children’s clothing for the clothing room. We do not need adult clothing until further notice.
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We had a total of $8,347.00 contributed to Truth For Today, Individuals gave $1,347.00 and $7,000.00 from the Church Treasury.

SEARCH

Week of April 13
A CHRISTIAN IS A CHANGED PERSON
Christians are admonished not to conform to this world, but to live transformed or changed lives. This lesson deals with five major changes in the life of a person in becoming a Christian.

EVENTS OF INTEREST

April 13………………..Sing S’More
April 15…..........………All Comers Class
April 15……........……..Tuesday Evening Ladies Class

OUR RECORD APRIL 6, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 186
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 157
P.M. WORSHIP 130
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 139

CONTRIBUTION 5618
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
April 13, 2003

Mark Bolding Shawn Wallace
Jim Wallace Dave Tollett
Gary Poole Blake Poole
Stan Smith Harold Pigue

Evening Gene Sullivan
Doyce Tarkington
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

April 16 Dale Morris
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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
Cliff Boyd
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ELDER CHAIRMAN

April Roger Horton
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