The Reporter

The subject of family or parents and children is close to our hearts. Children are pictured in the Bible as a blessing and delight sent from God. “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.” (Psalms 127:3-5) Hannah realized that her son, Samuel, was an answer to prayer. “For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him.” (1 Samuel 1:27) Jacob looked at his children as a gift from God. (Genesis 33:5) Godly parents invest much in their children. We provide for our children, protect them, train them and nurture them. Father’s have a great responsibility to nurture and train their children. “Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

In 2010 there were 593,464 families in Alabama. There are 1,133,130 children that live in Alabama. 429,000 of the children who live in Alabama live in single parent homes. This means that about 40% of all the children in Alabama live with only one of their parents. Children are in many Bible verses. “Child” is found in 185 King James Verses. “Children” is found in 1,540 Verse in the King James Version

of our Bible. Parents should choose to be godly parents. Children should be taught to obey and they should be taught to honor their parents. Children who learn obedience when they are young will be happier and enjoy life more. It was God who said that children are to "obey your parents." Learning obedience when you are young pays off greatly when you get older. Just some parents mentioned in the Bible? No! Faithful parents are a blessing to their children.

Just some parents mentioned in the Bible? No! Some parents mentioned in the Bible are very bad parents. Herodias, the wife of Herod is an example of a bad parent. First, she left her husband and married to a man she had no right to be with. John said Herod, “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.” Both Herodias and Herod were angry with John. Second, she allowed her daughter to dance before a group of lustful and likely drunken men. (Mark 6:22) Third, when the opportunity came to ask for something she told her daughter to ask for the head of John. (Mark 6:24) What kind of mother was she? Manasseh was an evil parent. He did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD. He built high places for idolatry. He reared up altars for Baalim. “And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” (2 Chronicles 33:1-6) Ahaziah reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah. Ahaziah did evil before the Lord, now get this, “for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.” (2 Chronicles 22:1-3) Just some parents mentioned in the Bible? No! Some parents mentioned in the Bible are very bad parents.

Just some parents mentioned in the Bible? No! Some parents mentioned in the Bible are very good parents. The children of righteous parents are truly blessed. “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.” (Psalms 112:1-2) Job is remembered for the loss of his children and for the loss of his possessions. He is remembered for the terrible suffering that he endured with faith and patience. He should also be remembered as one of the great parents in the Bible. “And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.” (Job 1:5) Abraham was one of the good parents in the Bible. “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” (Genesis 18:19) Noah was a good parent. His three sons and their wives were saved with him in the ark and I also pray that these boys were saved eternally. Noah was an example of a good man. When Israel was wicked God said this to show the depth of that wickedness, “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” (Ezekiel 14:20) Just some parents mentioned in the Bible? No! Some parents mentioned in the Bible are very good parents.

Just some parents mentioned in the Bible? No! These must be godly parents of godly, respectful children. I speak here of the families of elders and deacons in our Lord’s church. (1 Timothy 3:1-13) Those who bring children into the world have a great spiritual responsibility. God gave us our children. Let us never give up on the command to "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6: 4) Sadly some children are very disrespectful of and disrespectful to their parents and to God. Jotham “did that which was right in the sight of the LORD.” (2 Kings 15:34) His son Ahaz was so very disrespectful to both his father and to God. Ahaz “did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father. But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.” (2 Kings 16:2-3) The Bible says of Samuel and his sons, “And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” (1 Samuel 8:1-3) Both the righteous man Samuel and our mighty God deserved better from these boys. Noah was a righteous man. Yet during a time when he was weak and sinful his son, Ham was very disrespectful to him. (Genesis 9:20-29) Noah deserved better. Why should we obey our parents? “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20) Children should obey, respect and honor their parents because this pleases the Lord. Family is where children gain their values. Family is where children should learn about authority. Family is where we learn that we are precious to God and where we develop a strong faith in Him. Our families are a blessing from God. Just some parents mentioned in the Bible? No! These must be godly parents of godly, respectful children.

Let us do our best to build strong families. Love for God and faithfulness to His cause is our greatest need in this life. 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 into Christ. (Romans 6:1-4) After your baptism into Christ do your best to build strong families. - - - - Charles Box

1. Prayer List: Baptist Medical Center South: Bobby Taylor. In Need of Prayer: LeRoy Boutwell, Mary Ann Bozeman (sister-in-law of Jane & Pat O’Connor), Brenda Burkett, Bonnie Croley, Debbie Cunningham, Nell Davis, Marietta Faulkenberry (mother of Neil Faulkenberry), Hilton Gorum, Felice Kendrick, Patricia Kennemore, Peggy Lassiter, Alice Little, Carolena Long, Larry Lucas, Annie McKee, Jewel McNaughton, Charlotte Miller, Jeff Miller, Ray Moore, Jeff Mustin, Jane Owen, Candice Parker, Emma Peterson, Payton Pierce, William Pierce, Tina Pouncey, Shane Prater, Jack Queener, Amber Raines, Dan Raybon, Becky Reynolds, Peggy Rice, Brenda Richburg, Billy Rodger, Timothy Rowell, Rosie Rudolph, Katie Sanders, L.D. Sessions, Chuck Shepherd, Nathan Missions, Margaret Skipper, Debbie Stone, Sylvia Taylor, Mary Lou Terrell, Arlene Thomas, Frank Thomas, Alice Thompson, Corrine Till, Jenny Trawick, Dannie Waller, Gladys Warren, Jim Watts, John Watts, Mary Ann Wilkes, and Jim Wood. Crowne Health Care: Helen Autrey, Dorothy Buck, Jewel Cauthen, Gladys Childs, Arlene Coltrane, Betty Findley, Kathy Johnson, Sarah Knight, Nelda Sanders, and Annie Ruth Tetter.

2. Place Membership: We welcome Wheeler, Tracy, and Meredith Chance to the Walnut Street Church of Christ. Information for your directory – address 1105 County Line Road, Minter, Alabama 36761 – e-mail wandtchance@aol.com – phone 334-392-1849 – birthdays & cell numbers Wheeler January 29^th 412-3402, Tracy November 22^nd 412-3383, and Meredith February 23^rd 375-2894 – anniversary September 25^th.

3. Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday this week: September 3^rd William Pierce, September 7^th Sarah Knight, Elizabeth Perdue, and Susan Pope, and September 8^th Bruce Cauthen and Ryan Taylor.

4. Ambridge University Spiritual Enrichment Forum: The Spiritual Enrichment Forum will be held downtown Montgomery at the Embassy Suites Hotel on October 1^st – 3^rd. On Tuesday night, October 2^nd the Annual Appreciation Dinner will be held honoring Bobby and Mary Lou Terrell along with George and Nina Herring. Please attend if possible. See Bobby Terrell for more information.

5. Secret Pals for 2912-2013: It is time to reveal and draw Secret Pals again. The Secret Pal forms are on the table in the foyer. Fill it out and return it to Nell Daughtry by October 3^rd. The ladies will meet at the home of Nell Daughtry on October 7^th at 2:00 p.m. to reveal Secret Pal from 2011-2012 and draw for 2012-2013.

6. Gospel Meeting: Walnut Street Church of Christ host a gospel meeting on October 21^st-24^th Eric Lyons as speaker. 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.

7. Thank You Note: (a) Dear Congregation, We would like to express our gratitude for all of the loving support we received during our time of need. We are blessed to have such a caring church family here at Walnut Street. The church members at Walnut Street Church of Christ have been a great comfort to our family. With love, Earl & Lou Acreman, (b) Dear Walnut Street Family, I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful support group as you. During my long illness you have not failed to express your love and concern. Thank you so very much for your calls, visits, cards and the wonderful food. These have helped to make this difficult time so much easier. In a category all to itself, your prayers have made all the difference. Please continue to keep me and my family in your daily prayers. Again, thank you for your love and support and for being such a strong and caring church family. In Christian Love, William Pierce

8. Mission Work In Guyana: Please pray for our mission work in Guyana, South America. Pray that we can build the building in Annai soon, That nation, like our nation needs our daily prayers.

At the Walnut St. church of Christ, we have goals in mind for our young people while we are privileged to have a small part in their spiritual guidance. The following is not an exhaustive list, but includes some goals for our teens that we hope to help them accomplish.

6. …list reasons why abstinence until marriage is the best choice and God’s choice.

8. …apply characteristics of purity to other aspects of life—dress, speech, actions, etc.

12. …distinguish between the roles of men and women in the world, in the home, and in the church.

13. …recognize the vital importance of the man’s or woman’s role—as a teen and as an adult.

14. …participate in at least one ongoing service project—yard work, sewing, grocery runs, hospital visits, card writing, etc.

16. …(boys) lead in some aspect of 5^th Sunday worship service (preach, pray, lead singing).

Parenting is the only

job, that you don’t know

if you did a Good job,

until it’s too late!

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

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)

Bible Classes: If you are not attending Bible Classes Sunday at 9:30 am, and Wednesday at 7:00 pm, you are missing out on some great blessings. Thanks to those who teach and to those who attend these Bible classes.

Back to School: Please say a special prayer for all of our Children as they are now back in school. Pray both for their safety and their success. Our children are so precious and we love them all. “Children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psalm 127:3)

Area Events: (a) September 15^th – Ladies Day 2012 – College Street Church of Christ – Speaker Windell Ross – Theme “Portraying Mrs. Right, But Living As Mrs. Wrong” (Matthew 7:15-23) – Time 9:00 am through lunch, (b) September 15^th – Youth Rally – Sylacauga Church of Christ – Speakers David Bass and Chad Dollahite – Time 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, (c) September 22^nd – Youth Day 2012 – Cartersville Church of Christ, Cartersville, Georgia – Speakers Stephen Russell, Andrew Gifford, Gina Simpson and Stephanie Tompkins – Time 9:00 am until 2:00 pm – Please RSVP by September 8^th, – (d) September 29^th – Ladies Day – Luverne Church of Christ – Speaker Janice Claunch, (e) October 1^st – 3^rd – Spiritual Enrichment Forum – Hosted by Amridge University at the Embassy Suites downtown Montgomery, (f) Homecoming & Gospel Meeting – Luverne Church of Christ – Speaker Lee Jamieson, (g) October 19^th – 21^st - Backwoods Christian Camp Finally Fall Fling, and (h) Walnut Street Church of Christ will be conducting a gospel meeting on October 21^st-24^th 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.