Evangelism Is Our Responsibility God loves all men and desires their salvation (John 3:16). God saves the world through the gospel (Rom. 1:16). We, too, should love men and desire their salvation like God (1 Tim. 2:4), Paul (Rom. 10:1), and Jesus (Luke 19:10). One way we may show our good works that our Father may be glorified is to evangelize our community (Matt. 5:16; 9:36-38).
Evangelism is our responsibility because Christians are God's instruments for good works (Eph. 2:10). The gospel is to be spread by preaching (Rom. 10:13-15). Paul felt an obligation to preach (1 Cor. 9:16), and Christians are to follow his example (Phil. 3:17). Jesus, who left glory to come to the Earth and die on a Roman cross ((Phil. 2:5-8), left us the perfect example of behavior for God's children working tirelessly to evangelize the lost (John 4:6; 17:4).
We could be held responsible if we do not evangelize. Ezekiel was responsible to deliver God's message. If he delivered the message, then he was free from the guilt of man's blood (Eze. 3:19), but if he did not deliver the message (Eze. 3:18) he was guilty of the sinner's blood. Paul, too, was guilt-free from the blood of man because he did not shrink from preaching God's word (Acts 20:26). Why not take advantage of every opportunity you have to reach the lost privately and by participating in the public efforts of the church? Meeting your responsibility will be a very rewarding experience!
(via Central Academy Bulletin) HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN!
Daniel F. Cates Over the course of the past month the families of John Boyd and Harold Pigue, the church at Mabelvale, and the brotherhood in general have lost two very precious men. It is with sadness that we view the empty seats, but with gladness that we look forward to a future reunion. I cannot pen any great words of comfort during this time. I cannot turn back the clock to former days. However, I can try to honor these two great brethren by putting us in mind concerning their attitudes and actions.
When I think of these two men I think of men who had a great love for their families. It is only right that when one talked for any length of time one learned about their families. Whether they expressed the love they had for their wives or the encouragement they gave to their children or their joy over their grandchildren, it would not be long before such was expressed.
When I think of these two men I think of men who had a great desire to please their God. As it did not take long for things to turn to a discussion of their families, it also did not take long for one to learn of the God whom they served. These men were apt to teach (1 Tim. 3:2) and ready to give an answer for their convictions (1 Pet. 3:15).
When I think of these two men I think of men who had a great respect for the Truth. These men refused to back down from the Word they knew to be Truth. The thought of compromise would not cross their minds, they were set upon the firm foundation (2 Tim. 2:19). They bought the Truth and would sell it for no price (Pro. 23:23).
When I think of these two men I think of men who had a great appreciation for the Christ and His church. Naturally, when one has the proper desire to please God and respect for the Truth, he will appreciate the Christ who is God Himself (John 1:1; 14:9) and the church which is His body (Col. 1:18). Both of these great men exhibited that characteristic in their spiritual lives. They had such a great appreciation for the Christ and His church that they gave freely of themselves for her sake, giving themselves to be elders, bishops, overseers, pastors watching over the spiritual welfare of the flock.
When I think of these two men I think of men who had a great concern for Mabelvale. These men loved Mabelvale with their whole hearts. Having sat in countless elder-preacher meetings I can testify of this. These men would do whatever it took to see that any member of the Lord's church in Mabelvale receive the spiritual nourishment they so needed (Acts 20:28).
When I think of these two men I think of men who are great models for us. I have often, in the years that I have been gone from Mabelvale, thought of how the great eldership there would handle given situations. I have remembered with respect the way that they encouraged each of us. When Shelly and I arrived at Mabelvale we had just been burned—most of the congregation at Mabelvale do not know of this. We had been under a very poor eldership and had been hurt badly by it. However, when we went to Mabelvale our faith in elders was restored—it was due to the effective and caring leadership of brethren Boyd, Pigue, Morris, and Sullivan, and we will ever love each of them and the congregation there for it. It is my hope, and likely the same which many of you share—that when I am more seasoned I might be more like these men! In losing them we lose two superb Christian gentleman, and there is a void left that will never truly be filled. When David lost Saul and Jonathan he wrote words fitting in this day, “The beauty of Israel is slain... how are the mighty fallen!”
VOLUME 41 NUMBER 21 MAY 24, 2004 OUR SICK Pearlie Baldwin is back in St. Vincent.
Marie Gingerich is scheduled for an arteriogram on Tuesday at St. Vincent.
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SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to Hazel Marrow on the loss of her brother-in-law, John Buster. The funeral was Saturday in McCaskill. Also, to Susan Brewer on the loss of her grandmother, Bernice Roth, on Saturday. The funeral will be on Tuesday in Wiener, AR.
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PLACING MEMBERSHIP Sandra Brewer, 4166 Grant 58, Redfield, AR 72132, phone 870-942-2723 placed membership on Sunday, May 23rd. She is the niece of Cleta Morgan.
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HISPANIC GOSPEL MEETING There will be a Hispanic Gospel Meeting at Mabelvale, May 28-30, with the theme “Wonderful Words of Jesus.” The Friday and Saturday evening services will be at 7:00 PM. The Gospel Meeting will conclude on Sunday evening at 5:00 PM with Mabelvale's English and Spanish meeting together in a bilingual service in the auditorium. Pedro Resindiz will preach from John 14:6 on Friday, Roberto Moran will preach from John 14:15 on Saturday and Fernando Diaz will preach from Matthew 16:18 and Luke 6:46-49 on Sunday.
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SERMONS FOR MAY 30 Morning
Qualities Of A Good Sower
Evening
Fernando Diaz will preach on Sunday evening.
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Children's Homes will be here to pick up donated items on June 21st. SEARCH
May 30
MEMORIALS ARE IMPORTANT
Within ten days after the fall of the Berlin Wall, I visited East Germany. There I saw the ruins of monuments to Communist rulers lying broken in pieces on the lawns of public buildings. Via TV we all witnessed the fall of the statue of Saddam Hussein in Bagdad. Memorials, political and/or religious are important. Let us see. Please sign teacher VBS list in the foyer. Please let Mike Moore know if you can help with transportation during our Gospel Meeting.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 28-30……Hispanic Gospel Meeting
June 5……...Door Knocking for Meeting
June 5………………Singing at Mars Hill
June 10-13 ………...Our Gospel Meeting
July 18-21……….Vacation Bible School
OUR RECORD MAY 23, 2004 A.M. WORSHIP 232
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 190
P.M. WORSHIP 179
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 145 CONTRIBUTION 6585
BUDGET 6845
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MEN TO SERVE
May 30, 2004
David Gulledge Jason Griffin
Jeff Linker Dennis Gulledge
John Griffin Brad Horton
Jim Henson Devin Long
Evening
Tim King Greg King
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR June 2 Dale Morris
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USHERS FOR MAY Morning Roger Horton & Phil DePriest
Evening Ken Bittle & Jim Henson
Wednesday Jim Mauldin & Waymon Minor
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GREETERS FOR MAY Mike & Joanna Moore
Nathan Moore & Danny Wooldridge
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ELDER CHAIRMAN May Dale Morris
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