Dennis Gulledge

The recent movie Bruce Almighty has brought some attention to an Old Testament designation of Deity that is rarely heard these days. This is not to say that the movie, staring Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman and Jennifer Aniston, is going to inspire any degree of reverence for the almighty God. In fact the opposite will be true. What else might we expect from a movie that is rated PG-13 “for language, sexual content and some crude humor”? These are the trademarks of any Jim Carrey movie.
Christians should not support this movie. We ought to avoid it like the plague. One writer said, “the lake of fire is prepared for those who watch this movie and think it to be funny.” If hell awaits us for watching a movie, then that vindictive might apply to numerous films that we have already seen, and perhaps elicited a chuckle from the most stoic among us. If we are looking to the world to lift us up to greater heights of reverence to God we are looking in the wrong place. Think of the difference it would make if Christians would simply have their “senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14), and stick to their convictions for truth in all circumstances. If that would happen this movie would starve of financial support from every faithful Christian in the world today (1 Thes. 5:22). If our young people would learn to form such a criterion in their lives, it would certainly eliminate this movie, and many others, from their entertainment preferences.

GOD ALMIGHTY

Dennis Gulledge

When is the last time you heard God referred to as “the Almighty”? That once popular designation has lost its hold on public consciousness, along with references to the Bible as “the Good Book,” and Sunday as “the Lord’s Day.” It was once common for prayers to open with a reverent invocation to the Almighty God.
God Almighty is an Old Testament designation for deity coming from ‘El Shaddai in the Hebrew language. The Hebrew word ‘El is a reference to God as “the most high.” In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek was “the priest of the most high God” [‘El]. The probable meaning here is, “the Strong One,” and so, as a reference to strength, came to mean “God.” In Genesis 17:1 is the first reference to the Lord as “the Almighty God.” In speaking to Abram, God identified himself using the term ‘El, meaning, “the Strong One,” and a new word, Shaddai. The latter name is derived from a root that means to “destroy,” or, “to deal violently.” There is nothing, however, in the context of Genesis 17:1 to suggest the use of violence by God, so it is intended to convey the idea of God’s omnipotence. Bible translators have uniformly rendered the name, Almighty.
This epithet is peculiar to God who created all things out of nothing; who, by his power and sustenance supports what he has made, and who can also put an end to the existence of all things. Any power that man has is wholly derived from He who gave it, “for there is no power but of God” (Rom. 13:1).
So keen was the respect of the Jews for the Almighty God, that sometimes the names of their children reflected their sole dependence upon God. It is probable, therefore, that the names Zuri-shaddai (Num. 1:6), and Ammi-shaddai (Num. 1:12), were given as a constant reminder that the Almighty God should be their guide and stay.
Again, in Genesis 17:1ff, the Lord appeared to Abram in order that his faith might rest firmly upon God’s ability to do what he says. In the context, ‘El Shaddai is able to do that which is humanly impossible, and that was to make parents of Abraham and Sarah, who were ninety-nine and ninety years old respectively. The assurance was that many nations would emanate from this aged couple (Gen. 17:4). If God is almighty, then, Abram could rest assured in any promise that he might give. That is, he could know that such a God would fulfill his promises. In the strength, then, of such a powerful God, Abraham, “Who against hope [all apparent hope, DG] believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Rom. 4:18-21).

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 23 JUNE 9, 2003

OUR SICK

Geraldine Chambers is in Room 4054 of St. Vincent.
Charles Goins has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
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THANK YOU

God has truly blessed us with brothers and sisters like you. Your kindness, help, welcome and love have meant so much to us since coming to Mabelvale and working with you. Your demonstration of love with the “pounding” and “house warming” touched our hearts. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May our love for one another continue to grow. As is said often in Spanish. Dios les bendiga-May God Bless you. Wayne, Susan, Ashley & Brian Brewer.
Thank you so much for the Haley’s Bible Handbook. It will be very useful while I study. The ice cream supper and the gifts are much appreciated. Please pray for me as I go through my college journey. Alicia Wallace.
I would like to thank the church here at Mabelvale for the wonderful ice cream supper and the Bible Handbook that I received. It meant so much to me that you care. Devin Long.
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SPANISH CLASS

There will be a new class for the summer to learn Spanish on Thursday’s at 7:00 PM in the adult 4 classroom. Wayne Brewer, Johnnie Bishop and Genaro Pincheira will be teaching the class starting Thursday, June 12th.
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SERMONS FOR JUNE 15

Morning
The State Of The Dead (Luke 16:19-31)
Evening
Guidelines For Studying Parables (Mark 4:2) Scott Perry
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TEEN SING

The Teen Sing will be after the evening service on Sunday, June 15th at the home of Bill & Lori Boyd.
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Gospel Meeting at McAlmont, June 15-19, Carl Mitchell is the speaker. Monday-Thursday services are at 7:30 PM.

SEARCH

Week of June 15
BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER
Uncle Rue Porter, a gospel preacher of renown many years ago, once told how he had overcome a man’s anger and escaped his physical attack with kindness. That story and lots of Biblical instruction is given for our admonition in this program.
EVENTS OF INTEREST

June 13…….………………..Lock In
June 15…….Teen Sing at the Boyd’s
June 15-21………Sardis Lake Camp
June 20…...Basketball Night at CAC
June 27…Oak Grove Youth Meeting
July 13-16………………...Our VBS
August 1-8...Mission Trip to Arizona
August 15………Area Wide Singing

OUR RECORD JUNE 8, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 204
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 170
P.M. WORSHIP 171
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 148

CONTRIBUTION 6933
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
June 15, 2003

Darrell Orick Robert Overbey
Waymon Minor Dale Morris
Scott Perry Mike Moore
David Moore Nathan Moore

Evening Jim Mauldin
Doug Parker
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

June 18 John Griffin
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USHERS FOR JUNE

Morning Doug Parker & Darren Gowen
Evening Michael Wilson & James Goode
Wednesday Ken Sullivan & Nathan Moore
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GREETERS FOR JUNE

Doyce & Lana Tarkington
Audrey Oliver
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ELDER CHAIRMAN

June Harold Pigue
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