July 11, 1999

News of Interest
James Wilson will be preaching in both morning and evening assemblies today. The church here has had fellowship with James in his support for many years . . Verlan Wilson has learned he has diabetes . . . Gregg Hutson's mother is scheduled for surgery tomorrow in Oklahoma . . . Ronnie Triplett, brother of Roena Legg, remains in the hospital following surgery for liver cancer . . . If you have announcements that would be of interest to the congregation, you can inform Robert Rice by phone (281-360-1566) or email (long view@flash.net) [use no spaces in this address]. He is making announcements this month . . . Robert Turner not only possesses exceptional Bible knowledge, but a rare insight and ability to express that knowledge and insight in concise, clear articles. For twenty years (1964-1984) he wrote in "Plain Talk," a monthly publication began as a part of the teaching work of the Oaks West congregation in Burnet, Texas, in 1964. They were later published in bound volumes, but I do not know if these are available any longer. From time to time we will reprint some of these articles. They are worth reading! (See page 2.) If you wish to save them for future reference, you can (1) save the Humble Messengers we print them in, (2) copy them from the church's web site, (3) copy them from this web site (where all are being made available electronically): http://www.flash.net/~cofc/ptalk/ptalk.htm [use no spaces in this address] . . . Trying to locate a congregation in an particular area? Go to the church's web site, http://www.kingwoodcable.com/colblip/humble churchofchrist/ [use no spaces in this address], click on "Links" and scroll down. You will find three links to help in locating congregations . . . New report in foyer: Gianni Berdini.
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Singing with Understanding
If we are to worship "in spirit" (John 4:24) it is necessary that we understand what we sing. Therefore, we will occasionally print articles that discuss the meaning of songs. The page numbers are from Hymns for Worship (1987), Sixth Printing (1994).

"Lord, We Come Before Thee Now" p. 68
As the title indicates, this is a prayer in song. (Compare Hab. 3:1,19, "A prayer of Habakkuk...For the choir director...") It should be sung with the spirit of reverence and sincerity befitting prayer.

"O do not our suit disdain." "Suit" = "5 a) an act of suing, pleading, or requesting b) a petition." Webster's New World Dictionary. "Disdain" = "to regard or treat as unworthy or beneath one's dignity; specif., to refuse or reject with aloof contempt or scorn" Ibid. This is a request God not refuse our petition. Note the next sentence: "Shall we seek Thee, Lord in vain?"

"Tune our lips" - enable us to give expression to our hearts which we request to be filled with a knowledge and appreciation of "Thy rich grace." "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:15, NASB.

"Heal the sick, the captive free." Physically sick or spiritually sick? The second phrase--"the captive free"--seems to favor the idea of spiritual sickness. "...He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden" Luke 4:18, NASB. Truly this is "good news" ("gospel") for which we can "all rejoice in Thee"! (srf)
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The Object of Saving Faith
- Robert F. Turner

Paul said, "I know WHOM I have believed, and am persuaded that HE is able to keep that which I have committed unto HIM against that day." 2 Tim. 1:12 (Caps mine, rft)

Paul's faith was not in a system, but in the author of that system. The system was right, and obedience to the laws and commands of that system right, because it was God given through Christ. This is not said to suggest that the system is unimportant, but to distinguish between the author and the product. Further, no "man or plan" choice is under consideration here. One can not truly accept Christ without accepting His teachings, nor can one consistently accept the teachings of Christ without accepting His divinity.

Philosophic Faith
Modernism is proud of its current "Christian Philosophy." Preachers and teachers "compare" the various systems of religion, (Buddhism, Taoism, and the like) and then urge the acceptance of "Christianity" because of its "superiority." (Naturally, this includes only that part of Christianity approved by the superior intellect of the teacher.) Intentionally, or otherwise, God is made subject to man, and in the final analysis such faith is in one's self, rather than in Him.
Accepted on such a basis as this, "Christianity" becomes a human system with human limitations. Having been judged by man, its authority and power is limited to man's level--and can lift man no higher than this.   

Sectarian Faith
But what of those who equate their own brand of orthodoxy with "Christianity"? "My church teaches this, so I'll hold to "this" to my dying day." Is such creedalism any better than the philosophy of the modernist? One puts his faith in current theology, another in the earlier creed makers, but neither really trust in Christ.

Names and Claims
And what of those who claim faith in Christ, but refuse to conform to the teachings of Christ? Calling one a Christian does not make a Christian and calling one's church "of Christ" does not make the church of Christ. Jesus said, "If a man love me, he will keep my words." (Jn. 14:23) Note, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God." (2 Jn. 9)

Faith and Relationship
True obedient faith establishes fellowship between God and man, thru Jesus Christ. This relationship can exist as long, but only as long, as we walk in His truth. (1 Jn. 1:3-10) As servants of God, our allegiance is to God; not to church, not to creed, not to elders, not to preacher, not to friends, BUT TO GOD THROUGH CHRIST.

This is the true saving faith, and without it there is no salvation. With such faith, the Lord's teachings are not "a" way, but "the way." The consequences, I fully believe, are what He would have them be, and of them I can not be ashamed.
Plain Talk, Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan., 1964, p. 3
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SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, July 14
Song Leader: Jim Crain

Sunday AM, July 18
Announcements: Robert Rice
Song Leader: Dwight Osteen
First Prayer: Gregg Hutson
Lord's Table:
Bread: Jeff Bogs
Fruit of the Vine: Kris Emerson
Contribution: Larry Legg
Assistant: Michael Gove
Closing Prayer: Bill Faulkner

Sunday PM, July 18
Song Leader: Craig Ottersbach
First Prayer: Derek Huddleston
Lord's Table:
Bread: Mike Head
Fruit of the Vine: David Osteen
Contribution: Ennis Osteen
Closing Prayer: Glenn Bogs