The Reporter     Volume 47 # 35,  --  August 31, 2007

 

Attend Our Gospel Meeting

September 9^th-12^th

Walnut Street Church of Christ

7:00 PM

 

We Preach Christ Crucified

– First Corinthians One –

 

   Paul wrote his first letter to Corinth during his third missionary journey. (Acts 19:1-41) It was likely written in about 57 A.D. Corinth, the chief city of Achaia, was a city of wealth and extravagance. The church had been established in Corinth during Paul's second missionary journey. (Acts 18:1-18) Luke wrote, "...and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8)

 

   Different groups of people had brought confusion into the church. Bad news concerning the situation at Corinth had been brought to Paul by the household of Chloe (I Corinthians 1:11), and in a letter the brethren sent to him. (I Corinthians 7:1)

 

   The purpose for our learning the truth is so that we can be saved. We also learn the truth so that we might know how to lead others to Christ, as well as helping our brothers and sisters on this earth with the struggles of the flesh.  In this great epistle Paul deals with some of the difficulties facing the church of God at Corinth.

 

   The fellowship of the Son of God – I Corinthians 1:1-9: Paul was chosen by God to be an  apostle of  Christ Jesus.  God used  him to write several New Testament books. Sosthenes was a brother that also had a part in the writing of First Corinthians. We met Sosthenes in Acts 18:17 where the bible says, "Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things."

 

   This letter was written to God's church in Corinth. The church of God is people that have been set apart by calling on the name of the Lord in humble obedience. Paul's desire was that these brethren be blessed with God's grace and peace. God had enriched these people both to understand and to speak of salvation in Christ. The wisdom and knowledge to live the best life are placed within the word of God. Paul used the word of God as the final authority to solve the problems in the church at Corinth. We should follow His example.

 

   Those that wait for the second coming of Christ will not miss out on any blessing. At the second coming physical bodies will be raised and the righteous will become incorruptible. God will preserve you for His heavenly kingdom even if you are on life's other side. When you die your soul returns to God for His keeping. "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7) It is essential that we become blameless in order to prepare for eternity.

 

   The unity of the Son of God – I Corinthians 1:10-17: God called on His people to be united. (Ephesians 4:4-6) If unity is to be achieved we must get back to the Bible and do things exactly God's way. Sadly there were "contentions" among Christians at Corinth. Paul loved these brethren and was heart broken over their divisions. Their divisions had to do with their favorite preachers. But Paul wanted it known for the ages that it is in Christ and He alone that salvation can be found.

 

   Paul did not want the church made into a denomination. He did not want them saying he baptized into his own name. He was thankful that he had only baptized a few at Corinth, "Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." Paul never baptized in any name except that of the Lord Jesus. He did not have to have the honor of doing the physical baptizing himself. What mattered to Paul was not who did the baptizing but that the gospel was preached without using big words that would make the cross of Christ lose its power. He wanted people to be able to learn, believe and obey the truth.

 

   The preaching of the Son of God – I Corinthians 1:18-24: The message of the cross and redemption by blood seems foolish to many that are lost. Satan lost the battle and sin was defeated by the death of Christ. Jesus Christ paid the only price that could be paid to bring unto sinful man redemption and that price was His own blood. It may sound foolish to men but God said, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." This is a quote from Isaiah 29:14.

 

   God has shown us that the wisdom of this world is foolishness. How can you tell the wise from the foolish? True wisdom comes from God and His truth. God was wise and decided not to allow the people of this world use their wisdom to learn about Him through the gospel. Sadly the preaching of the cross is counted by many to be foolishness because of human wisdom.

 

   "Jews ask for miracles, and Greeks want something that sounds wise." Jesus gave the sign seekers only one sign. Jesus said, ..."there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:39-40) The sign was that Jesus was in the tomb for three days and at the end of those three days He arose. This is the gospel. Paul said, "We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness." (I Corinthians 1:23) We preach Christ because He is both "the power of God, and the wisdom of God."

 

   The wisdom of the Son of God – I Corinthians 1:25-31: When you discuss the most foolish thing that God could ever think or do it is greater than man's best. The, "weakness of God is stronger than men." God in His wisdom set forth the plan of salvation through the blood of Jesus. This simple plan of blood redemption seems foolish to the world, but it in fact provides man's only hope. Common people with honest hearts gladly received the gospel. The mighty of the world often reject it. Jesus can use ordinary men and women that are committed to Him to accomplish great things.

 

   God has chosen the things that seem to be foolish to the world to confound those that think they are wise. It is hard for the worldly to accept salvation by a cross. It is difficult for the world to believe that such spiritual changes could be brought on by an amazingly simple message. God can take what the world considers worthless, useless and nothing at all and use it in a powerful way. He can use the small, insignificant and the weak. This keeps people from bragging to God about what they have done. Through Christ's righteousness we are redeemed to be part of the body of Christ. So therefore, "if you want to brag, do what the Scriptures say and brag about the Lord."

 

   Will you appreciate Jesus enough that you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism use your life to spread the glorious gospel of Christ!

 

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: In Need Of Prayers: Mae Beverly, Neomia Collins (facing eye surgery),  Anne Marie Freeman, Roy Goodwin, Montine Hardin, Jean Harrell, Evan Hartsell, Susan Herring, Caleb Kervin (grandson of Mary Riley), Wanda Kyser, Becky McCreary, Jo Ann Moorer, Deborah Owens, Mary Powell, Don Reynolds, Ottey Simno, Ralph Sims, Nell Shanklin, Ronnie Shaver, Brenda Stallings, Mary Lou Terrell (eye surgery), Pam Till, Tiffany Till, Mashea Turner and her 3 pound eight ounce baby girl, Emerson, Earl & Jane Walden, Leroy Waller, Mary Williams and Melissa Woodruff. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. The Lord’s Invitation: (a) Willie and Tracy Mack responded to the Lord’s invitation. They also want to place their membership at the Walnut Street Church of Christ. Their address is 334 Oglesby Street, Greenville. Their birthdays are Willie January 15^th, Tracy June 20^th, Demarreo January 18^th and DeAngelo July 23^rd. (b) Kenyan Maxwell responded to the Lord’s invitation. Please remember Willie, Tracy and Kenyan in your personal, private prayers.

 

3. Baptized Into Christ: (a) James Harville was baptized into Christ. His address is 14 Lake Greenville Lane, Greenville, Alabama 36037 – Phone 335-558-7587 and birthday March 11^th. (b) Bill and Ann Walz were baptized into Christ. (Personal information will be provided nest week.) Welcome these good people into the body of Christ.

 

4. Area Wide Youth Devotional: There will be a youth devotional for the Montgomery area at the Walnut Street Church of Christ on Sunday October 14^th after the evening service.

 

5. Please Pray For: The following people are serving in Iraq: Sam Sanders, Jason Godwin, Michael Howell, Kimberly Williams, Taylor Bodie, Lynn Kervin, Paul Findley and Richard Shows. Pray for them often!

 

6. Walnut Street Church of Christ Gospel Meeting: Our gospel meeting with George Merritt is scheduled for Sunday night through Wednesday night, September 9^th – 12^th. The time is 7:00 p.m. (The Sunday morning service will be at its regularly time.)

 

7. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: September 3^rd William Pierce, September 4^th Jeff Harris, September 7^th Elizabeth Perdue, and September 8^th Bruce Cauthen and Ryan Taylor.

 

8. Thank You: Dear Members of Walnut Street, Thanks is such a “small” word when it comes to thanking each one of you for all you did at the loss of Cheryl, our daughter. For all your visits, food and words of comfort and your prayers to support us we say God bless and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Bobby & Birdie Lee Godwin

 

9. Secret Pals: Ladies that are interested in participating in the secret pals program for the 2007-2008 year can find the forms on the table in the foyer. The forms need to filled out and returned to Nell Daughtry by September 26^th.   

 

10. Put These Dates On Your Calendar: (a) September 8^th – Ladies Day – Cedar Grove Church of Christ – Speaker Sheila Butt – Time 9:00 a.m. (b) September 9^th-12^th – Gospel Meeting – Walnut Street Church of Christ – Speaker George Merritt – Time  each evening is 7:00 o’clock. (c) September 15^th – Youth Rally – Sylacauga Church of Christ – Speakers Eric Lyons and Brint Rice – Registration at 9:00 a.m., Earlybird Singing at 9:30 a.m. and program 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. (d) September 24^th-26^th – Regions University’s Spiritual Enrichment Forum – Embassy Suites, Montgomery. (e) September 25^th-29^th – 36^th Heritage Christian University Annual Evangelism Workshop – There’s A Great Day Coming: Welcoming the Lord’s Return (f) October 14^th – Area Wide Youth Devotional – Walnut Street Church of Christ – 6:00 p.m. (g) June 22^nd-26^th, 2008 – Vacation Bible School – Walnut Street Church of Christ.

Food For Thought About Alcohol

 

   I am so often reminded of the effects of alcohol consumption in our world that I felt compelled to share some facts (from the various sources) about the issue that you may or may not already know.

 

   Alcohol is not less dangerous than other drugs such as Marijuana, Cocaine or LSD. Car crashes, suicides, homicides and drowning are all associated with alcohol use and make it the number one drug problem for young people. In fact, the most likely cause of death for a 16-year old is alcohol related.

 

    If I let my child drink at home, he or she will be less likely to get into trouble with alcohol outside the home. Research shows teenagers whose parents allow them to drink at home are more likely to drink outside the home and to use other drugs. They also have a much greater chance of developing a serious problem.

 

    So long as my child doesn’t drive, it’s okay for him or her to drink. Teens don't drink the same way adults do. Many teens engage in 'binge drinking" and down their drinks quickly so that they will get drunk. When they are drunk they are more likely to drink and drive, or to ride with another teen who has been drinking.

 

    A mixed drink contains more alcohol than beer, wine or wine coolers. A 12 oz can of beer, a 5 oz glass of table wine and a standard mixed drink with 1.5 oz of 80 proof alcohol all contain the same amount of alcohol. A 12 oz bottle of wine cooler contains as much or more alcohol than the rest.

 

    Coffee or a cold shower will sober you up if you’re drunk. Only time can make you sober. It takes approximately two hours for each ounce of alcohol to work its way out of your bloodstream.

 

   “There is some evidence that drinking red wine may reduce the risk of heart disease. But this benefit is most likely due to other factors such as antioxidants called flavonoids found in red wine. Grapes and red grape juice also contain flavonoids. Red wine also contains a sub-stance called resveratrol, which may reduce the risk of blood clots. Resveratrol is found in the skin and seeds of grapes.” 

- - - - Darrell Powell

 

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)