I began receiving The Spiritual Sword (published quarterly by the
Getwell Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee) in 1974 while a student at
Freed-Hardeman University. Since then I have been an avid reader of the
periodical and have acquired every issue, even those of its pilot year,
1958.
At the recent recommendation of one of our elders, Bill Boyd, each of
our six elders, thirteen deacons and two preachers are now receiving The
Spiritual Sword. This is an investment in the future of, not only the
Mabelvale church, but the Lord¹s cause as a whole. The Spiritual Sword is
irreplaceable as a useful resource of Bible study. It is especially
informative in the area of issues and problems facing the Lord¹s church
today. It is a strong polemic against the current liberalism of
change-agents, the Community Church movement and other postmodern tendencies
among some churches of Christ. Alan Highers, as editor, exposes and reacts
to the men, churches, schools and papers, both in and out of the church,
that are responsible for the current digression. Yet, he does so in a way
that is plain, balanced, scriptural and Christ-like.
To me it is encouraging that the bishops, deacons and preachers at
Mabelvale are treated to The Spiritual Sword. It can only strengthen and
inform us as we seek to stand up for Christ and oppose the devil and his
doctrines.

VOLUME 39 NUMBER 25 June 24, 2002

OUR SICK

Eleanor White is in Room 711 of Baptist Hospital.
Geraldine Chambers is now at home.
Cleta Morgan had eye surgery on Wednesday, June 19th.
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SYMPATHY

We extend our sympathy to Jill Farris and her family on the loss of her
grandmother, Myrtle Boardman. The funeral was Saturday.
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THANK YOU

Thank you friends at Mabelvale for your thoughts and prayers at this time
our loss. We appreciate the cards and beautiful plant. Chuck & Jill Farris.
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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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TWISTERS GAME

A trip is planned to attend the "Twisters" Arena Football game on Friday,
July 12th. Tickets are $5.00 each for a group of 20 or more. If you are
interested in going please let Scott Perry know by Sunday, July 7th.
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SERMONS FOR JUNE 30

Morning
Earthly Reminders of Life¹s Temporal Nature (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7)
Evening
The Dangerous Philosophy of Hedonism (Luke 12:19)
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SEARCH
Week of June 30
PATRIARCHS, ISRAEL, CHRISTIANS
Few people (even the modern "clergy") know, or observe, one of the simplest
and most basic observations necessary to a clear understanding of the
Bible program, it may help more people than any other one program we have done in
more than 21 years.

EVENTS OF INTEREST

June 30SSS.Fifth Sunday Potluck
July 12S.."Twisters" Football Game
July 21S...Visitation Reorganization
Meeting
August 16SSArea Wide Singing at
Mabelvale

A NEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY IN DANGEROUS PHILOSOPHIES CONFRONTING THE
CHURCH
Dennis Gulledge

Everybody has a philosophy of life. Every person has a way of thinking
that governs the way he or she views life. Perhaps it is not too trite to
say that what you think determines what you are! A philosophy is a
fundamental core of belief ­ an outlook on life that influences what we
think and the values by which we live. As such, there are good philosophies
and bad philosophies.
Anything that affects the lives of people individually is likewise going
to affect the home, and then society at large. Such an influence is in
turn going to impact the Lord¹s church. Some think that philosophy is just
a college class for smart people, but my philosophy will determine my belief
system: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psa. 14:1). My
philosophy will determine my words: "Out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth speaketh" (Mt. 12:34). My philosophy will determine what I consider
important in life: "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also" (Mt. 6:21). My philosophy will determine my actions: "Therefore all
things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:
for this is the law and the prophets" (Mt. 7:12).
It may be that we do not realize the philosophy that is guiding us in
our decisions, thinking and values. Relativism, hedonism, existentialism,
liberalism, modernism, postmodernism, etc., may not be articulated in our
minds, and yet they can be guiding us all the while. Through various
stimuli these ideas can be easily placed in our minds and nurtured. Some
people might be surprised at what they really believe!
The April 2002 issue of The Spiritual Sword deals with the theme:
"Dangerous Philosophies Confronting the Church." Dale Morris and I have
elected to make this our next study on Wednesday nights, beginning on July
10th at the Mabelvale church of Christ. This promises to be a very
interesting and enlightening topic for a series of summer studies. The
topics covered include Atheism, Evolution, Relativism, Existentialism,
Modernism, Postmodernism, Hedonism, Universalism, Materialism and Calvinism.
We will have the added benefit of the studies of such excellent writers as
Alan Highers, Wayne Jackson, Jon Gary Williams, Gary McDade, Greg Tidwell,
William Woodson, Phil Sanders, Dan Winkler, Kippy Myers, Wendell Winkler and
David Pharr. I sincerely hope that you can join us in this interesting
study!

OUR RECORD JUNE 23, 2002

A.M. WORSHIP 210
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 157
P.M. WORSHIP 161
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 146

CONTRIBUTION 5272
BUDGET 5570
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MEN TO SERVE
June 30, 2002

Eddie Black Ken Bittle
Michael Wilson Dave Tollett
Rick Wooldridge Danny Wooldridge
Ray Wehunt Sasha Babenko

Evening Jim Wallace
Shawn Wallace
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

July 3 Brad Horton
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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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