Far more is involved than the attendance record when determining the success of a Vacation Bible School, but one thing that can be known by it is that members are inviting their friends! Lambert’s “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” was our theme and it was evident that Jesus has many friends, too because you invited yours! (John 15:14; Luke 14:23). Thanks to all who helped according to his several abilities. Below is a comparison between last year's and this year’s attendance records with the number of visitors per night in parentheses:

VBS 2002: VBS 2003:
Sunday 148 (5) 153 (5)
Monday 114 (5) 125 (12)
Tuesday 110 (7) 137 (21)
Wednesday 152 (na)* 148 (17)
(Avg.) 131 (5*) 141 (14)

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

VBS is an event we do once a year, but the good works involved can be carried out year round! Don’t stop inviting your friends and God will continue to give the increase! Now it’s off to Kinlichee, AZ for VBS 2003. Sixteen of your friends need your prayers. Take part by praying God will continue to bless their efforts.

Who Said So?
Lance Cordle

A former pro football player makes funny commercials for a long distance company and people laugh--then remember that number when they need long distance. A former boxer is interviewed by a popular magazine about his life and his religious faith. He is asked about the different religions and gives a politically correct, but biblically false answer--that all contain truth, and are thus, apparently equal. Millions will read his answer and many will consider it to be true. In the above examples, the two men are celebrities. They are not experts in the matters for which they speak. They convince people with the power of their celebrity status. This is[n’t] one mark of our current times: the power of “show” over substance. People allow themselves to be led to do something because someone they respect tells them they should. This, of cource, is not the way it should be-- God wants people to receive and understand a message before they act on it. This principle is vitally important in regard to salvation. Consider, for example, the preaching and teaching of Paul in Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:3-4, 11). The Bible says that in Thessalonica he “reasoned with them from the Scriptures...explaining and giving evidence...” (Acts 17:3,4 NASB). This was the basis behind his words, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ” (17:4). Paul probably held the equivalent of a Master’s or Doctor’s degree in Jewish circles, yet there was no intimidation or slick presentation--just sound reasoning from the Scriptures. Later on [in] Berea the listeners, “received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (17:11). In this case the Bible commends a group of people specifically because they did not just take Paul’s word on the matter of salvation. Instead, they sought for proof of his claims. We must be aware that there are many, many religious claims “out there.” Celebrities, persuasive speakers, and sincere, but misguided teachers are spreading false doctrine throughout our land. We must be vigilant on an individual level. Real, honest Bible study and examination must be an ongoing process in our lives. The Bible warns of those who “by their smooth and flattering speech...deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Rom. 16:18). It also warns us to “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). One last, sobering thought: God will judge both speakers and listeners in the day of judgement. “So take care how ye listen”(Luke 18:8).

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 30 JULY 28, 2003

OUR SICK

Richard Butler is scheduled for surgery at Baptist Hospital on Tuesday, July 29th.
Mayo White is scheduled to have a pacemaker implanted at Baptist Hospital on Wednesday, July 30th.
Addie Boyce is scheduled for surgery at Baptist Hospital on Thursday, July 31st.
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THANK YOU

Thanks for all your calls, calls and prayers. Please continue to keep me in your prayers. There’s no family like the family at Mabelvale. Olive Dove.
I received a box this week with a lot of goodies! I wish for you to relay my heartfelt thanks for everyone’s thoughtfulness! I will try to get a picture of me in the shirt for y’all. I am very grateful to be part of a caring congregation. Everyone’s assistance and cards have meant a lot to us. The time is drawing to a close and I am looking forward to returning to Mabelvale and being with one and all. Ron Douglas.
Words cannot express our appreciation for the wonderful baby shower. Your generosity is overwhelming!! It appears from his room that we are ready. We just need our baby boy! A special thank you to each of the hostesses: Nita Boyd, Donna Bryan, Sue Horton, Dawn Sullivan and Lou Sullivan. Thanks Again! Ron & Audrey Oliver
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The food team for August will be Anita Griffin, Joanna Moore, Tawni Wallace, Beth Butler and Marie Rogers.

SERMONS FOR AUGUST 3

Morning
Prudence
Evening
Bible Contradictions - Are They Real? Scott Perry will preach for both services while Dennis is on the mission trip to Arizona.
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AREA WIDE SINGING

Our annual area wide singing will be on Friday, August 15th, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. We will provide refreshments after the singing. Please bring finger foods.
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SEARCH

Week of August 3
THE THOUSAND YEARS OF REVELATION 20
The central point of premillennial teachings is that of a thousand-year reign of Christ on David’s throne. The only biblical mention of a thousand year reign of Christ is found in Revelation 20:4. It is important in such a study as this to know what the verse actually says and does not say that is so vital to the doctrine. This program examines the verse in context.
EVENTS OF INTEREST

August 1-8...Mission Trip to Arizona
August 3……...First Sunday Singing
August 9…..Bible Bowl Competition
August 15………Area Wide Singing

OUR RECORD JULY 27, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 195
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 164
P.M. WORSHIP 157
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 147

CONTRIBUTION 5365
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
August 3, 2003

Richard Butler Wally Davis
Alan Caudle Keith Golden
James Goode Phil DePriest
Darren Gowen Chuck Farris

Evening John Griffin
Jason Griffin
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

August 6 Dale Morris
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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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