The first spiritual test most Christian young people face is at school. The devil will do all in his power to convince young people that their school work is more important, their friendships more significant, their social groups more precious, and their school activities are more valuable than [sic] their loyalty and commitment to the Lord. The “humanists” (those who believe we are the only standard for right and wrong) would love to see our young people make any one of those things their god. For almost 13 years the state will have their opportunity to discredit the Lord and to push the acceptance of sin. How should young people prepare for such challenges?
First, prepare yourself spiritually. Resolve in your mind to be faithful to the Lord. If you develop good habits now, they will be easier to keep as an adult. Never allow any person or event to keep you away from your spiritual obligations (Matthew 6:33). Yes, it would be easier to attend practice, study, or sleep while the Saints are assembled, but think of the good you are doing when you come. You are strengthening your spirit, encouraging your brethren, worshipping your God, and letting the world know how important Jesus is in your life.
Second, prepare yourself scholastically. We are not talking about making good
grades although every Christian should
study hard and set a good example. We are talking about Bible academics. Be
prepared to defend the gospel against denominationalism and atheism (1 Peter
3:15). When evolution is taught in the classroom, don’t ignore it or be
afraid to speak against it. Confront the teacher/class in a loving way and present
the Truth. Don’t allow your faith to be ridiculed and mocked. Defend your
Lord as you would defend your family name.
Third, prepare yourself mentally. One of the keys to high test scores is mental attitude. If you desire a high score and are mentally prepared for the challenge, then you will succeed. Prepare your mind for the devil’s tests. Don’t be afraid to say, “No.” Don’t be afraid to stand up for the Lord. Keep the Word of God near your heart, (Psalm 119:11) and it will guard your body and soul from sin.
Fourth, prepare yourself morally. “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). For most young people, sin is always knocking at the door. It provides both opportunity and short term pleasures everyday. The devil will always offer young people avenues for gossip, lying [sic], lust, fornication, dancing, drinking, drugs, and immodest apparel. Young people, these are tests that have severe consequences. One failure can cause your life to change forever. A recent study has shown that one out of every three young people by the age of 24 have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. It just takes one of these sins to destroy your mind, alter your life, corrupt your body, and kill the soul. “...Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you...” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
I have known many young people who worked part-time, maintained solid grades, played sports, went out with their friends, and were faithful to every service of the church. Yes, there were occasions when their “social and school life” came into conflict with their spiritual obligations. It was then that their faith was tested. It was then that they had to make a choice. Indeed, faithfulness to God is worth more than an “A,” more than a goal (touchdown, run, or basket), more than a “paycheck,” and more than any “friend.” May all young people understand the tests of their faith are the most important lessons they will learn while at school. It is more important to graduate as a faithful child of God with average grades than [sic] to graduate as the head of the class, super star, and unfaithful. Remember what Solomon said, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years drae nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
VOLUME 40 NUMBER 32 AUGUST 11, 2003
OUR SICK
Jr. Stracener is ill at home.
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RESPONSE
Placing Membership on Sunday, August 10th: Dollie Word, 12 Flag Road, Little
Rock, AR 72205, phone 663-7622. Glenda Arledge, 5612 C Street, Little Rock,
AR 72205, phone 663-3988.
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THANK YOU
I want to thank you all so much for the love and caring that was shown to me
while I’ve been ill. Thanks for all the prayers, cards, calls and visits.
I also want to thank all the ladies for the wonderful food. A special thanks
to Dale. I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful congregation. Addie
Boyce.
I want to thank each and everyone for all you have done for me. A big special
thanks for the prayers. Thank God for my Christian family at Mabelvale. Retha
& Sammy.
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PEW PACKERS
There will be a meeting for parents of children ages 2 thru 4 grade after the
evening service on Sunday, August 17th, concerning plans for Pew Packers.
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COLLEGE STUDENTS
Most of our college students will be leaving this weekend for Freed-Hardeman
or Harding. Others will be attending UALR.
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SERMONS FOR AUGUST 17
Morning
The Gospel Frees Us From Tradition (Colossians 2:8-10)
Evening
Sin – Missing The Mark
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AREA WIDE SINGING
Our annual area wide singing will be on Friday, August 15th, from 7:00 to 9:00
PM. We will provide refreshments after the singing. Please bring finger foods.
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Change for children cans will be due the middle of September.
SEARCH
Week of August 17
PREMILLENNIALISM
“Pre” means before; “millennial” has to do with a thousand;
and “ism” means a body of doctrine. So Premillennialism is that
body of teaching dating back to the second or third century which says that
when Christ comes again, He will establish the kingdom which He was unable to
establish at His first coming because the Jews rejected Him and crucified Him.
EVENTS OF INTEREST
August 15………Area Wide Singing
August 17………………...Teen Sing
August 23………..Youth Devotional
August 31…….Fifth Sunday Potluck
OUR RECORD AUGUST 10, 2003
A.M. WORSHIP 220
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 180
P.M. WORSHIP 166
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 130
CONTRIBUTION 6178
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
August 17, 2003
Eddie Black Henry Brooks
Ken Bittle Bill Boyd
Cliff Boyd John Boyd
Wayne Brewer Brian Brewer
Evening Johnny Boyd
Ray Bryan
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR
August 20 Johnny Boyd
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USHERS FOR AUGUST
Morning John & Jason Griffin
Evening Richard Butler & Devin Long
Wednesday Keith Golden & Ken Sullivan
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GREETERS FOR AUGUST
Bette Hendricks & Emma Brown
Thelma Blythe & Marie Rogers
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ELDER CHAIRMAN
August Bill Boyd
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