The Reporter   
 Volume 52 # 40  --  October 7, 2012

Archives - Past Issues

Be Ready For What God Wills

 

  The Bible is one of God’s great gifts to the human race. Our appreciation for God and His Scripture should be expressed as we daily study His word. The people of Berea demonstrated the attitude that should be possessed by every Christian, in that "they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11) Our personal Bible study should produce a sincere desire to be ready every day to do what God wills. (Romans 1:5) It matters not how smart a man may become, he is still ignorant if he does not know the word of God, and he is still lost if he does not readily obey the word of God. What a mistake people make by not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. (Matthew 22:29) Let us always be ready for whatever God wills.

 

  The Bible is not just another book. It is the will of God. The Bible is the world's greatest book. The Bible is God's truth. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17) The Bible is the timeliest and most useful book ever penned. It tells man how to live on earth and how to go to heaven when he dies. Many have been opposed to the Bible. The foes of the precious word of God have come and gone but the Bible still remains the best seller from year to year. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) Always be ready for what God wills.

 

  The very words of the Bible were given by God. We can read and believe the Bible without having to fear that any part of it is untrue or uninspired. Peter said, "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21) God empowered holy men to write this book we know as the Bible. Paul taught the same truth. He said, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) The apostles and prophets delivered the message that they had received from God. Do not doubt God's word, instead believe, love and obey His truth. Always be ready for what God wills.

 

  Many add to and take away from God's word. The Bible is God’s complete and final revelation. It needs no addition, subtraction or substitution. God warned against such tampering with His truth. John wrote, "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19) By inspiration Paul gave warning against changing God's precious word. "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9) Dealing with the word of God is a serious matter because heaven and hell are involved. A false gospel leads to condemnation instead of salvation! The Gospel has the power to save all who will believe and obey it. Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16) If one is to be made free from sin, he must know the truth because it is the truth that makes you free. (John 8:32) Not only will the truth save a soul, but it will keep him in the pathway of righteousness. This great truth is taught in the powerful 19th Psalm. The Psalmist said, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:7-11) Always be ready for what God wills.

 

  Blessed are those who do God’s commandments. The teachings of the Bible must be obeyed because they are the commandments of God. John wrote, "Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14) The Bible is a book for all purposes. It provides comfort for one that is in sorrow; it provides encouragement for one that is in despair; it provides strength­ for one that is weak and gives hope to the one that is lost. The Bible can meet our every need. God's precious word also has an answer to all our religious questions. The Scriptures tell us how to live and how to die. The Bible is man's roadmap from earth to heaven. It is this same word that will judge us in the last day. (John 12:48) We should believe the word of God and make it our daily companion. We must allow God’s word to govern our daily lives. Always be ready for what God wills.

 

  Salvation is only in Christ and the Bible tells us how to be saved. The Hebrew writer exalted Jesus saying, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9) Salvation comes only to those that believe in Jesus. If you are to be saved you “must believe” that Jesus is the Son of God and that He became your sin offering. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God; the only religious authority of God on earth. (Matthew 28:18) He said, "I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but by me." (John 14:6) Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

 

  Salvation comes only to those who “repent of sins.” The scriptures teach that repentance is necessary for salvation. (Acts 17:30) Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action. A person who would follow Jesus must get out of the sinning business. It will be clear to all those who know this person, that he is now different. (Matthew 3:8)

 

  Salvation comes only to those who “confess the precious name of Christ.” People who believe in Jesus and have repented of their sins will be asked to confess publicly the name of Christ. (Romans 10:9-10) Then, with this accomplished, a person is ready to obey the gospel of Christ.

 

  Salvation comes only to those who “obey the gospel in baptism.” In Bible examples of conversion, the New Testament plainly states that people were baptized. Paul was told to be baptized and wash away his sins. (Acts 22:16) Romans 6:1-6 pictures obedience to the gospel as being baptized buried in baptism, baptized into Christ and being raised to walk in newness of life. After baptism continue to fill your heart with the word of God because you cannot be faithful to God if you allow any unbelief to take root in your heart. Always be ready for what God wills.

 

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

1. Prayer List: In Need of Prayer: LeRoy Boutwell, Mary Ann Bozeman, Willie Frank Burnett, Brenda Burkett, Camron Coleman, Bonnie Croley, Debbie Cunningham, Marietta Faulkenberry, Katlin Fuller, Devin Hawkins (nephew of Agnes Hammonds and Dennis Lowery), Dorris Hayes, Patrick & Wanda Hicks, Felice Kendrick, Patricia Kennemore, Peggy Lassiter, Alice Little, Carolena Long, Larry Lucas, Annie McKee, Jewel McNaughton, Charlotte Miller, Jeff Miller, Jeff Mustin, Jane Owen, Candice Parker, Elizabeth Perdue, Emma Peterson, Payton Pierce, William Pierce, Tina Pouncey, Shane Prater, Jack Queener, Amber Raines, Dan Raybon, Lydia Ann Raybon, Peggy Rice, Brenda Richburg, Timothy Rowell, Rosie Rudolph, Katie Sanders, Chuck Shepherd, Nathan Simmons, Margaret Skipper, Preston Steven, Debbie Stone, Bobby & Sylvia Taylor, Mary Lou Terrell, Arlene Thomas, Frank Thomas, Alice Thompson, Corrine Till, Tiffany Till (after surgery), Jenny Trawick, Dannie Waller, Gladys Warren, Jim Watts, and Jim Wood. Crowne Health Care: Helen Autrey, Dorothy Buck, Jewel Cauthen, Gladys Childs, Betty Findley, Kathy Johnson, Sarah Knight, Nelda Sanders, and Annie Ruth Tetter.

 

2. Requesting Our Prayers: Annie Webb, Juanita Baugh and Nicole Burnett responded to our Lord’s invitation. Please remember them in your personal, private prayer.

 

3. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to Janice Box and her family in the death of her mother, Marie Curlee.

 

4. Secret Pals for 2012-2013: The ladies will meet at the home of Nell Daughtry on October 7th at 2:00 p.m. to reveal Secret Pal from 2011-2012 and draw for 2012-2013.

 

5. Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday this week: October 7th Kathy Bozeman, Janice Cole and McArthur Taylor, October 10th Ann Cauthen, October 13th L.D. Sessions.

 

6. Area Wide Youth Meeting: The Walnut Street Church of Christ will host the Area Wide Youth Meeting on Sunday evening, October 14th. Darrell Powell will present the lesson that evening. The fellowship meal for the youth will begin at 5:00 pm. The Boston Butts will be done again this time if you wish to help please give your donation to Darrell. There will also be a need for desserts.

 

7. Diaper and Wipe Box: There is a box in the foyer to put diapers and wipes in for Gryffin Randolph.

 

8. Fall Festival: Jason and Ashley Holladay will host a fall festival on October 27th. Make plans to attend.

 

9.  Thank You Notes: (a) Thank you for thinking of us while Bobby was in the hospital and during my knee surgery. Knowing that you cared made everything a little easier and brighter for us each day. Thanks for the cards, phone calls, visits, the great food, the beautiful plant and most of all your thoughts and prayers. May God bless each and every one of you. Bobby & Sylvia Taylor, (b) Dear Walnut Street Family, To all of you who helped feed my family on the day of my sister, Mary Nell Cates’ funeral I would like to say a big thank you. The ladies who served “Miss” Mary, Evelyn and Dot, also Lomax you were so much help getting things moved. Bobby you were there to see things went well. This has been a hard time for me as this was my last sibling. Please pray for me. Thanks for helping me through the past year. Thanks so very much. Love you all, Betty Hobbie (c) During a time like this we realize how much our friends and relatives really mean to us…Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered. We want to thank you all so much for the wonderful lunch that you provided for us on Saturday after the funeral of our mother. We enjoyed it so much. We love and appreciate you all. God Bless, Jack Cates and Family

 

10. Gospel Meeting: Walnut Street Church of Christ will be conducting a gospel meeting on October 21st-24th with the speaker being Eric Lyons. Eric is the youth minister at the Wetumpka Church of Christ and he is employed with Apologetics Press. Mark your calendars and start inviting others to attend this gospel meeting.

More News & Notes

 

Dishes: If you prepared food for any of the recent funerals the dishes are in the multipurpose room. Please pick them up today.

  

 Pray For Our Elders: Elders in the church have great responsibility. Pray for Mike Bagents and Bobby Terrell daily.

 

Pray For Our Nation and Her Leaders: God said, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) PRAY “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 2:20)

 

Carl Sessions Camp Fund: Please contribute to the “Carl Sessions Camp Fund.” This makes it possible for all Walnut Street Children to attend Bible camp. Make checks to Walnut Street Church of Christ and mark them “Carl Sessions Camp Fund.” A very special “thank you” is given to everyone who has given to this great work. Lives are being changed!

 

Jerry Barr Mission Fund: Please contribute to the “Jerry Barr Mission Fund.” This fund was set up by Joan and other members of Jerry’s family. This money will be used to help with mission trips, build building and support other mission needs. Make checks to Walnut Street Church of Christ – “Jerry Barr Mission Fund.” Jerry’s love for mission work lives on.

 

Area Events: (a) October 7th – 9th – Gospel Meeting – North Lowndes Church of Christ – Speaker Doug Smith – Time Sunday 1:00 pm and weeknights 7:00 pm, (b) October 7th – 10th – Homecoming & Gospel Meeting – Luverne Church of Christ – Speaker Lee Jamieson – Theme “From Winepress to Victory” – Time Sunday Bible Study 9:30 a m, Worship 10:30 am and  Evening Worship 1:00 pm and weeknights at 7:00, (c) October 14th – Area Wide Youth Meeting – Walnut Street Church of Christ – Speaker Darrell Powell – Time 6:00 pm, (d) October 14th – 17th – Gospel Meeting – Rock Hill Church of Christ – Speaker Jimmy Mathews –Time Sunday 2:00 pm and weeknights 7:30 pm, (e) October 14th – 17th – Gospel Meeting – Evergreen Church of Christ – Speaker Ron Williams – Time 7:oo pm weeknights, (f) October 19th – 21st -  Backwoods Christian Camp Finally Fall Fling, (f)  October 14th – 17th  - Gospel Meeting – Lineville Church of Christ – Speaker James Watkins – Time nightly 7:00 pm, and (g) Walnut Street Church of Christ will be conducting a gospel meeting on October 21st-24th with the speaker being Eric Lyons. Eric is the youth minister at the Wetumpka Church of Christ and he is employed with Apologetics Press. He has authored many books and publications and is a well know speaker and defender of God’s word. Mark your calendars and start inviting others to attend this gospel meeting.

 

Living In The Moment

 

  Just live in the moment...or so we’re told. You want the shiny new car? Buy now and pay later. Marriage taking too much work? Find a new spouse that makes you happy. In one way or another, we’ve all bought into it. It works because we human beings are finite creatures. We’re bound—to a great extent, at least—by time. We’re aware of the past, and we anticipate the future, but more than anything, there’s today. That causes problems, of course.

  The Lord described himself as the Alpha and Omega in several places. He’s our Alpha, our starting point, our Creator. “In the beginning God created,” and “In the beginning was the Word . . .” He’s never not existed. But he also wants us to look in the other direction. Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet, and Jesus uses it to point to that time in the future when everything will converge. As Tim Keller puts it, all of history is rushing headlong into his lap.

  All things come from Jesus, and all things are going back to him. When we forget that, we get messed up. We make decisions that bring us the most immediate satisfaction, but we fail to consider the long-term effects. I struggle with that, don’t you? It’s so easy to buy something I want right now, when that money—God’s money—might be used later for a better, less selfish, purpose. It’s tempting to postpone spending good, God-focused, character-building time with my kids for that nebulous point in the future when everything slows down. I want the courage to live today—every day—with an eternal perspective. I need the discipline to make decisions right now based on something more substantial than what’s easiest in the moment.

  Jesus is the Omega. He’s the End Point, the Judge, the One “to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). Everything is converging toward that final day when he’ll gather us home and all of history will be understood as his story. We live today, but let us live it as it is—one more opportunity to be used by our Lord to bring eternity to a time-bound world.

 

- - - - Chuck Webster (chuckwebster.org)

 

God has made known to you what He wants you to do. Read your Bible daily and obey His Will!

 

Service Time:

Sunday

Morning:                       Evening:

  Bible Study 9:30            Worship 6:00

  Worship 10:30           

Wednesday:

Bible Study 7:00 pm

 

Here To Serve:

Elders:                        Deacons:

  Mike Bagents                Tony Bozeman

  Bobby Terrell                Bruce Cauthen

Minister:                          Jason Holladay

  Charles Box                  Dennis Lowery

Youth Minister:               Stuart Taylor

  Darrell Powell               Jim Till   

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)