What Thou Thinkest
Scott Perry

Luke recorded, in the latter part of his later treatise to Theophilus, the journeys Paul made for Christ. Paul endured many hardships of the sea in order to fulfill his mission for Jesus, and one of the final images we have of Paul by inspiration is him living in private quarters chained to a Roman soldier. A practice initiated by Caligula (A. D. 37 - 41) when he was emperor. Acts 28:17 states that Paul, while there, called the leading men of the Jews in Rome together to explain to them why he had come to Rome in the condition that he had. His Jewish brethren responded to him by saying that they had not received letters from anyone in Judea concerning him, nor had any Jewish brother come and spoken anything evil against Paul (Acts 28:21). The final thing they said before setting a day to hear Paul give a defense (1 Pet. 3:15) was this objective-minded statement, “But we desire to hear of you what you think, for concerning this sect [church of Christ], we know that it is spoken against everywhere” (Acts 28:22).
In our foyer are numerous tracts that will provide information for honest people who may not know the truth “concerning the sect . . . spoken against everywhere.” Will you read and give to your neighbors and friends tracts that may help them come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved? (1 Tim. 2:4). When you give them the tract, invite them to respond as the open-minded Jews did, “We desire to hear of you, what you think.” Two, that I think are especially helpful are: “Misconceptions About the Church of Christ Clarified” and “Things Morally Right, But Religiously Wrong” by A.G. Hobbs.

Mabelvale’s Hispanic Work
Wayne Brewer

Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). These powerful words of Jesus present a great challenge and opportunity for the church to make known “the manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:10). The Lord’s church at Mabelvale is taking that opportunity and challenge seriously by supporting the preaching of the gospel overseas, as well as locally, to those who speak English and to those who do not. It is very encouraging to know that evangelism is an important work of the Mabelvale congregation, and that the congregation has been so supportive of the Hispanic work.
For the last several months the Hispanic work has focused on having classes on Sunday afternoons, as well as some on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and at other times by appointment. More than forty Spanish, speaking people have attended the classes at various times. Like all people some who come are not all that interested, others are moderately interested, and still others are very interested. Ultimately each individual must make their own decision regarding obeying the gospel.
The Hispanic work will continue to grow step by step. Another important step in the work is to provide an opportunity on Sunday morning for those who do not understand English. A Spanish worship service was first held on August 17 with seven Spanish, speaking people present. Worship in Spanish is important because people cannot learn the will of God or worship God in a language, which they do not understand. Paul wrote, “in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding…than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue (language)” (1 Corinthians 14:19). Also, it permits the uninterrupted preaching of the word. Jesus said, “preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). Not only do people need to hear the word taught in their own language, but they need to hear the word preached in their own language.
What can be expected in the Spanish worship? Worship that is “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, and not in English. There will be a little flexibility regarding time because Hispanic people are noted for not being as punctual as the typical American culture. Due to the few number of people we must realize that there may be times when no one is present. Patience is essential regarding the work. There will be progress and setbacks throughout the work, like in all works of the church, but the command of Jesus is to go.
I appreciate the continued support from everyone concerning the Hispanic work. All have been so supportive with help in various ways, encouraging words, and prayers. As always the elders and I are open to your thoughts and suggestions as to how the work can go forward.

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 34 AUGUST 25, 2003

OUR SICK

Lou Sullivan had surgery at St. Vincent on Monday, August 25th.
David Gulledge broke his collarbone on Saturday.
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MEN’S BREAKFAST

There will be a men’s breakfast as 8:00 AM on Saturday, September 6th for all men of the congregation.
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FIFTH SUNDAY POTLUCK

The Fifth Sunday Potluck has been postponed for one week to September 7th following the morning worship service.
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FIRST SUNDAY SINGING

The First Sunday Singing Practice will be at 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 7th.
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BIBLE BOWL PRACTICE

There will be a Bible Bowl Practice for grades 3 through 12 at 3:30 PM on Sunday, September 14th. The study for this quarter will be “The Church.”
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CHILDREN’S HOME

We still need contributions for Paragould Children’s Home for school supplies. Make checks out to the church and mark for “Children’s Home.” If you have cash donations see Rick Wooldridge.
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SERMONS FOR AUGUST 31

Morning
Are We Bound By The Ten Commandments? (Romans 7:4-7)
Evening
To The Work (Nehemiah 4:6) [The young men will conduct the worship service]
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The Food Team for September is Judy Morris, Emma Brown, Bette Hendricks, Jill Horton, Charlie Dee Morris, & Michele Smith

SEARCH

Week of August 31
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
One of the strongest hopes the Christian has is that Christ will come again. New Testament Christians believe strongly that He might come even in their own lifetime. That faith was motivation in time of great persecution and hardship. It inspired them to fulfill the great commission in their own day. The return of Christ is a vital part of New Testament doctrine and faith. What does God have planned for the world at Christ’s return?
EVENTS OF INTEREST

September 6……….Men’s Breakfast
September 7….Fifth Sunday Potluck
September 7…..First Sunday Singing
September 14….Bible Bowl Practice
September 21…………….Teen Sing

OUR RECORD AUGUST 24, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 226
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 181
P.M. WORSHIP 186
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 144

CONTRIBUTION 5738
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
August 31, 2003

Blake Poole Gary Poole
Gene Sullivan Stan Smith
Jim Wallace Shawn Wallace
Doyce Tarkington Ray Wehunt

Evening young men

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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

September 3 Michael Wilson
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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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