Recently, I heard a popular rock song that pictured the singer welcoming
his newborn baby into the world with wishes his son would not become like
his dad. As I listened to this melodramatic display of emotions from a dad
"so concerned" about his offspring¹s well-being, I pictured female concert
listeners swaying atop the shoulders of their boyfriends singing right along
with this "loving" father and being oh so sincere. The thought then occurred
to me how selfish this balladeer and his concert listeners would be in
such a situation given the hedonistic lifestyle that accompanies the
American rock scene. "Don¹t do as I do, but do as I say."
How about us who are members of the church? Can we be so repulsive in
the sight of God as a womanizing, drug-using rock star would be to us? We
can if we don¹t do as we say do. Christians must never fall into the trap of
not setting the right example by action in front of their children. "Don¹t
do as I do, but do as I say" has no room in the Christian¹s lifestyle. There
is no merit in the judgment of God for one who will not give up his sinful
habits, then wishes the best for his children by their not becoming like
him. The Apostle Paul penned, "Be ye followers of me even as I also am of
Christ" (1 Cor.11:1). The desire of all parents should be that their
children will become like them in so much as they are faithful to the Lord¹s
commands.

Receiving Rebuke
Scott Perry

The role of rebuke in the life of a Christian (whether giving it or
receiving it) is just as important--when used properly--as encouragement.
For preachers, these times are not pleasant (or shouldn¹t be), but it is
impossible to be a faithful preacher of God¹s word and not reprove and
rebuke sin (publicly and privately) when the situation calls for it. James
understood this (3:1). Likewise, preachers, when they need correction are
not above the reproof of others. All are in the same boat where the laws
of God are concerned.
Needless to say this is a very sensitive subject and must be handled
correctly by all parties involved. Correction is an act of love which
"suffers long and is kind" toward others. One who corrects another from a
motive of revenge or any disposition other than one of love (1 Cor.13:1-3)
is equally wrong, "Two wrongs do not make a right." Below are some points
taken from Bill Burk¹s article Reasoning About Rebuke in the latest bulletin
published by the Granbury Street Church of Christ in Cleburne, Texas. I
hope these will help us in our Christian walk together in this delicate, but
necessary practice of Christian doctrine:

1. Listen objectively to what is being said (Jas.1:19). Ask yourself, "Is
what my critic is saying true?" If it is true, then learn from it and let
the person who helped you know how much you love them for helping you. This
is a mark of true wisdom, "Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you" (Pro.
9:8).
2. Keep the emotions in check. The truth about ourselves hurts at times
(Heb.12:11). Yet, we shouldn¹t strike out at the one who is trying to help
us with his instruction. Even if the person rebuking us has improper
motives, and he reviles us in the process, we must not revile in return if
we are to follow the steps of Jesus (1 Pet.2:23).
3. Demonstrate an attitude of humility. None of us are too good to be
corrected. In fact, when someone points out one of our personal
shortcomings, we ought to be thankful that he doesn¹t know just how far we
fall short in many other categories (Rom.3:23). Correction, if looked upon
properly, can be a great tool for growth. Being made aware of our
weaknesses can cause us to depend that much more on God¹s grace and mercy in
our lives (1 Cor.15:10).
4. Readily admit wrong. If, upon reflection, we realize we have done wrong,
then we must be willing to concede such and determine to do better. If we
have sinned, then we need to confess that sin to God and to whomever we have
injured (1 John 1:7-9; Jas.5:16).

Proper reasoning about rebuke is important. We must be willing to accept our
fallibility and make correction when necessary. "He who disdains instruction
despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding"
(Pro.15:32).

OUR RECORD JUNE 16, 2002

A.M. WORSHIP 217
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 168
P.M. WORSHIP 149
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 148

CONTRIBUTION 6712
BUDGET 5570
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MEN TO SERVE
June 23, 2002

Darrell Orick Robert Overbey
Harold Pigue Stan Smith
Gary Poole Blake Poole
Scott Perry Doug Parker

Evening Gene Sullivan
Doyce Tarkington
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

June 26 Darren Gowen
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USHERS FOR JUNE

Morning Ray Bryan
Evening Greg King
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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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VOLUME 39 NUMBER 24
June 17, 2002

OUR SICK

Eleanor White is in Baptist Hospital after surgery on Tuesday.
Geraldine Chambers is in Room 3314 of St. Vincent.
Myrtle Boardman, grandmother of Jill Farris, is in Baptist Memorial Hospital
in North Little Rock.
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PLACING MEMBERSHIP

Ella Johnson
62 Pinedale Circle
Mabelvale, AR 72103
407-0658
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THANK YOU

In times of sorrow is when we can really appreciate the church! Doyce and I
and our family would like to say "thank you and God bless" to all that
helped with the food and singing during my Dad¹s funeral. The singing was
beautiful and food great! Doyce & Lana Tarkington and family.
Thank you for all your prayers for Butch. His test came back negative. Butch
& Nora Harris.
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VBS REFRESHMENTS

We will need caffeine free soft drinks and home baked cookies for Vacation
Bible School. Please bring them to the kitchen starting Sunday morning,
June 23rd.
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SERMONS FOR JUNE 23

Morning
Abiding In The Teaching Of Christ (2 John 9-11)
Evening
VBS (Bill Graddy will speak on "Hatred")
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FIFTH SUNDAY POTLUCK

There will be a potluck for the whole congregation after the morning service
on Sunday, June 30th.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

The Theme for VBS is "The Story Of Joseph," June 23rd thru 26th from 7:00 to
8:30 PM. Classes for ALL ages.
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SEARCH
Week of June 23
"WHAT¹S IN IT FOR ME?"
When entering any new relationship, just about any person will naturally
think or perhaps even ask, "What¹s in it for me?" But it is different when
considering becoming a Christian. "What¹s different about it?" you ask. Join
our study today and we will see
EVENTS OF INTEREST

June 23-26....Vacation Bible School
June 30..........Fifth Sunday Potluck