July 4, 1999

Freedom
Patrick Henry, Virginia delegate to Continental Congress from 1774-1776, made his stirring speech in March, 1775, in which he said, "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Today July 4 is observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. in commemoration of that document of freedom.

But the oppression suffered in servitude to a world government is no match for the oppression, captivity, and ruin of servitude to sin. "For the wages of sin is death . . . " Romans 6:23, NASB. Separation from God here and eternally in a place "prepared for the devil and his angels" (Mt. 25:41) is the "reward" for those who are in the bondage of sin.

And, unlike civil or political freedom, you cannot go to war and obtain freedom. You cannot marry into freedom. You cannot buy your freedom. You cannot suffer or evidence enough sorrow to be set free. You cannot run away to freedom. There is one way and one way only to be free: "you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:32,36,  NASB. It is the truth about Jesus Christ--the gospel--we must know and believe to be free: ". . . unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins." John 8:24, NASB. Teach it to your children! Tell it to your neighbor! Implant, nourish, and cherish it in your own heart!  

We have the privilege today, and every first day of the week to commemorate how he set us free: He "redeemed" us with His own blood! Let us worship Him with hearts of joy and thanksgiving! (srf)

Singing Is...

Worship

"and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, 'Therefore I will give praise to thee among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Thy name.'" Romans 15:9, NASB.
Do you sing worthily?

An Expression of the Heart

"speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord" Ephesians 5:19, NASB.
Do you sing heartily?

To Encourage One Another

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16, NASB.
Do you sing audibly? ‹ can others hear you sing?

Desired by God

". . . Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises." James 5:13, NASB.
Do you sing?

" . . . the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb . . . And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy art Thou . . .'" Revelation 5:8,9, NASB. ". . . those who had come off victorious . . . sang the song of Moses the bond-servant of God and the song of the Lamb . . ." Revelation 15:2,3, NASB.
 (srf)

News of Interest
James Wilson will be preaching both in the morning and evening assemblies next Sunday, July 11. The church here has had fellowship with James in his support for many years . . .  Jim Porterfield received a good report relative to his hepatitis in that the level of enzymes that gave such concern had fallen in half . . . Reports from Lithuania by Jay Horsley are available in the foyer. The church here had fellowship with Jay in the expenses of this preaching trip . . . Reuben Amador's report on his recent trip to Cuba is in the foyer. The church here had fellowship with Ruben in the expenses of this preaching trip . . . Ronnie Triplett, brother of Ross Triplett (who just  finished a meeting here) and Roena Legg, underwent liver surgery for cancer last week. Ronnie lives in Oklahoma and Larry and Roena are there this weekend . . . The building was left open with the lights on last Sunday evening. Let's all make it our responsibility if we are among the last at the building to be sure it is secured properly . . . Earl Mitchell, Mike Mitchell's father, made a report on a recent trip he made to the Philippines. He discusses such things as their poverty, the large population, and the love and sacrifices for the truth being witnessed by those who go there to preach and teach. If interested in hearing it, see John Whitehead for a copy . . . A new "Find" feature has recently been added to the website: http://www.kingwoodcable.com/colblip/humblechurchofchrist/ [use no spaces in this address]. Looking for that past article but can't remember which issue? Type in a word or two and presto...! For example, type in "inherited depravity" and the April 4 issue of the Humble Messenger will be brought to the screen where this article appeared. Type in "time line" and "Adult Class Material" will be brought up. Click on that and then scroll down and there it is: "Time Line (Dates)."

Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
‹ July ‹
Ralph and Toy Robinson have graciously signed up to provide transportation to Zelma for the entire month of July.

SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, July 7
Song Leader: Charles Tu

Sunday AM, July 11
Announcements:  Robert Rice
Song Leader: Boyd Hurst
First Prayer: Dwight Osteen
Lord's Table:
Bread: Jim Crain
Fruit of  the Vine: Gregg Hutson
Contribution: Gary Tuttle
Assistant: Arthur Wilborn
Closing Prayer: Jay Lietka

Sunday PM, July 11
Song Leader: David Osteen
First Prayer: John Whitehead
Lord's Table:
Bread: Jim Porterfield
Fruit of the Vine: Jay Lietka
Contribution: Mark Ary
Closing Prayer: Ennis Osteen