Weekly Bulletin - February 26, 2012

HOW DO WE RESPOND WHEN SOMEONE COMES FORWARD?

     For every worship service an invitation is extended for someone to come forward and either: (a) become a Christian; (b) request prayers  to help overcome a struggle/sin, (c) request prayers and support while going through hard times, (d) recommit one’s life to Christ.  

     Even though this is not the only time these things can be done, of all the congregations that I have either attended or preached for, it is actually uncommon to see someone come forward.  Why is that? Of the many reasons that could given, one of the biggest hindrances in my is because they’re afraid of what others will think of them and how they will be treated.      

     In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), when the youngest son returned home (which represents the sinner coming to Christ), there were two individuals who responded in two entirely different ways.  His father was overwhelmed with joy, forgave him, and welcomed him back into the family as if he never left. His older brother did not welcome him back, but basically responded the very opposite way of his father.  How do we respond when a sinner returns home, like the Father, or the older brother? 

      Here’s how the unwelcoming, unloving older brother reacts to someone responding to the invitation:   1. “What did he do now?”    2. “I wonder what sin he committed that makes me better than him.”  4. “You’re now blacklisted from ever being considered faithful in my eyes.”   5. “As the weeks, months and years pass by, I’ll always remember your sins and what you’ve done and will remind others of what you’ve done.”    6. “Since I refuse to forgive you, I will also never respect you.”   7. “I’m so glad I’m not like you.”   8. “It’s sinners like you that make the church look bad.”   9. “I’m actually disappointed you came back.”  This attitude and response has discouraged more people from either making their life right with God or continuing to live right than we may ever know. 

     Here’s how a Christian would respond toward someone coming forward if his attitude were more in line with the Father:  1. Tears of joy.    2. “I’m so glad you’ve come home, I’ve been praying for you.”  3.  “I’m a sinner saved by God’s grace just like you.  And even though are specific sins may be different, I’m in need of God’s grace just as much as you.”  4. “We’re here to help one another go to heaven, how can I be of help to you?”  5. “Did I mention how happy I am to see you return?”

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).                       

    -  Dale P. 

WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

Numbers 35-Deuteronomy 16

News and Notes:

-The church now has a blog/website.  You can find it at: www.southloganchurchofchrist.blogspot.com

-Keith Ball is planning to be with us on Sunday, March 11 for Bible class and morning worship to give his report on the mission work in India. 

-Food Bank: Saturday, March 3.  

- Annual India Missions contribution the 3^rd Sunday in March. 

- Ladies Bible Study:  Thursday’s at 10:00 here at the building.

-A cradle roll class is now offered in the old toddler classroom for Bible class on Sunday and Wednesday. 

For the Record:

Sunday

Morning Worship……55

Evening Worship.........20

Wednesday

Bible Class…….…..….14

Contribution............$995

THE MOVIE OF THE PRODIGAL SON – Luke 15:11-32 (part 3)

THE OLDER BROTHER

SCENE 5:  (verses 25-32)

I.  THE BROTHERS RESPONSE

II. THE BROTHERS RELIGION

A. He had some ___________________     __________________________ about him.

B.  His Religious System:

C. View of Himself – Self Righteousness

1. _________________________

2. _____________________    ______________________

3.  _____________________   ______________________

4.  _______________     __________________________     ___________________

D.  View of Others – Superiority

1.  __________________________

2. ___________________________

3. ___________________________ 

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

WINTER TUNE-UP SPECIAL

ADJUST  your lights so others may see your good works.

SET your timing to be in the assembly at the proper time.

ADJUST the brakes of your tongue.  Its in a slippery place.

TUNE-UP your heart and have the peace that passeth understanding.

ALIGN your direction so you will be able to steer yourself up the straight and narrow way. 

TUNE your mind to think on pure, holy and notable things.

FOR A QUICK START and a sure victory, be ready at all times to do the Lord’s will, then do it. 

ANTI-FREEZE your heart.  Be fervent in spirit, serving God.

LUBRICATE your spirit with the oil of gladness. Rejoice always, giving thanks for every thing.

RETIRE with full assurance of a safe trip to eternal life as a careful and obedient driver. 

-Author Unknown, selected from  the St. Clair Ave. church of Christ weekly bulletin in East Liverpool, Ohio. 

THE MOVIE OF THE PRODIGAL SON – Luke 15:11-32 (part 2)

Review from last week:

SCENE 1:  (verses 11-12)

1. Son’s _________________________

2. Father’s __________________________

SCENE 2: (verses 13-16)

1.  Son’s ______________________________________ Life. 

2.  Son’s ___________________________________________________ Life.

SCENE 3:  (verses 17-19) 

1.  Son’s _________________________________________.   

2. Son’s ___________________________________________. 

Today:

SCENE 4:  (verses 20-24)

1.  Father’s _______________________________________. 

2. Son’s  __________________________________________. 

3. Father’s ________________________________________. 

SCENE 5:  (verses 25-32)

1. Brother’s ______________________________________. 

2. Brother’s ______________________________________. 

WEEKLY BIBLE READING:  Numbers 18-34

News and Notes:

•           The church now has a blog/website.  You can find it at: http://www.southloganchurchofchrist.blogspot.com/
• Keith Ball is planning to be with us on Sunday, March 11 for Bible class and morning worship to give his report on the mission work in India. 
• Food Bank: Next one is Saturday, March 3. Any questions, please see Lester.  
•  Annual India Missions contribution the 3^rd Sunday in March. 
• Ladies Bible Study:  Thursday’s at 10:00 here at the building.
• A cradle roll class is now offered in the old toddler classroom for Bible class on Sunday and Wednesday. 

For The Record:

Sunday

Morning Worship……68

Evening Worship.........20

Wednesday

Bible Class…….…..….12

Contribution............$1,143

February 12, 2012

Five Links of Fellowship
Gathered TOGETHER

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Knit TOGETHER

“that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ” (Colossians 2:2)

Perfectly Joined TOGETHER

“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Striving TOGETHER

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27)

Caught Up TOGETHER

“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Found at:  bulletingold.com/goldvol11_12.html

 

WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

Numbers 3-17

News and Notes: .  .

- Men’s Business Meeting: Tonight after evening services.

- Keith Ball is planning to be with us on Sunday, March 11 for Bible class and morning worship to give his report on the mission work in India. 

- Keep in mind our annual India Missions contribution the 3^rd Sunday in March. 

- Ladies Bible Study:  Thursday’s at 10:00 here at the building.

- A cradle roll class is now offered in the old toddler classroom for Bible class on Sunday and Wednesday. 

For the Record

Sunday

Morning Worship……68

Evening Worship.........12

Wednesday

Bible Class…….…..….12

Contribution............$1,143

THE MOVIE OF THE PRODIGAL SON – Luke 15:11-32 (part 1)

SCENE 1:  (verses 11-12)

1. Son’s _________________________

2. Father’s __________________________

SCENE 2: (verses 13-16)

1.  Son’s ______________________________________ Life. 

2.  Son’s ___________________________________________________ Life.

SCENE 3:  (verses 17-19) 

1.  Son’s _________________________________________.   

2.  Son’s ___________________________________________. 

February 5, 2012

BREAK DOWN OF THE BIBLE:

     Last week, we noticed how the books in the Old Testament were broken down or categorized.  Now I would like to do the same for the New Testament. 

     The Gospels (Life of Jesus Christ):  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are books about the birth, life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.  Some have said that Matthew was primarily written to the Jews, Mark was written to the Romans, Luke wrote to the Greeks and John was the last of the gospels to be written and was written for everyone  in order to deal with false doctrine that had arisen about Christ at the end of the first-century. 

     History of the church:  Acts!  The books of Acts is a history of the beginning of the church.  It records it’s establishment (Acts 2), its message, hardships, growth throughout the world, etc.  Since this historical account of the church ends several years before A.D. 70, and has a rather awkward ending, some have said that the inspired writer, Luke wrote this book as a defense for Paul while on trial in a Roman prison, and in turn, a legal defense for the new religion - Christianity. 

     Letters to the churches (how to live in the church): Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1,2&3 John and Jude were letters that were either written to churches or individuals about how to live in God’s kingdom.  Primarily, most of the letters were written to correct problems that had arisen in each congregation. 

     The Apocalypse:  Revelation.  Even though there are several different approaches in how to interpret Revelation,  overall, it deals with the ultimate victory of the church in this world.  Gospel preacher Johnny Ramsey once mentioned that the theme of this book is this: “those who overcome, get to come over.” 

     Having a brief understanding of a breakdown of the Bible I think will further aid one in understanding each book separately, and it’s overall theme/message:  God saving man through His Son, Jesus Christ – which brings glory to God! 

Dale P.

 

WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

Leviticus 14-Numbers 2

News and Notes:

-          We want to extend our sympathy to the Culbertson family. Kevin sister passed away on Thursday.  Calling hours will be in Camridge from 4-8 on Monday; the funeral will be at 11:00 on Tuesday. 

-          - Community Food Bank:  Next Saturday.  For more details, see Lester. 

-          - Men’s Business Meeting:  Next Sunday after evening services.

-          - Keith Ball is planning to be with us on Sunday, March 11 for Bible class and morning worship to give his report on the mission work in India. 

-          - Keep in mind our annual India Missions contribution the 3^rd Sunday in March. 

-          - Ladies Bible Study:  Thursday’s at 10:00 here at the building.

-          - A cradle roll class is now offered in the old toddler classroom for Bible class on Sunday and Wednesday. 

For The Record:

Sunday

Morning Worship……51

Evening Worship.........16

Wednesday

Bible Class…….…..….15

Contribution............$1,332

4 REASONS TO PUT GOD BACK IN AMERICA:

1.  NO GOD, NO ULTIMATE RULES:  Judges 21:25

2.  LIFE BECOMES A MESS:  Matthew 9:35-38

3.  DECLINE IN MORALS:  Romans 1:18-32

4.  BURDEN OF FALSE RELIGIONS:  Matthew 11:28-30; 23:1ff.