May 23, 1999

Is it important to study whether churches have the right to contribute to the Herald of Truth, World Radio, or other such sponsoring church arrangements? Is it important to know whether churches may contribute to orphan homes, colleges, and other human institutions? Is it important to determine whether there is divine authority for churches to provide for entertainment, secular education, and social services?

Is it important to know what God has revealed? 1 Ti. 3:14,15; 1 Co. 14:37; 2 Pt. 3:18. Is it important that we restore our thinking to the New Testament pattern? 2 Ti. 1:13; 2 Th. 2:15. Is it important that churches of Christ practice truth, and not error? 1 Co. 4:17; 7:17; 11:2,23; 14:34-38.

If God has revealed anything that bears on these practices (of the first paragraph), and if these fact that these practices exist indicate that there is a need to restore thinking along these lines to the New Testament teaching, and if, because of a failure to do so churches are practicing error, depleting their energy and resources in unauthorized fields of activity and opening the door to further departure from the New Testament pattern‹then, is it important?

srf

Church of Christ?

What if you read that the "hardware" store was pushing medicine? Or that the "pharmacy department" of Eckerds was having a how-to on building patio decks? Then what about a "Church of Christ" owning and operating a "Christian School" that performs "a musical entitled 'Bring Back Broadway'"? Or having a "Prime-timers ministry" that "provides fellowship and activities for retired members"? How about HALO (Helping Aged Loved Ones), which "offers information and assistance in meeting the needs of the elderly"? These may be wholesome and even worthy services, but are they the work of a "church of Christ"?

Churches of Christ in the New Testament engaged in worship in the name of Christ, teaching the word of Christ, and benevolence to other Christians. They performed no plays. They organized no secular schools. They had no civic societies. They sang. They prayed. They observed the Lordıs Supper. They studied the Bible. They contributed to provide for these activities and to support gospel preachers and relieve needy brethren. A church was taught to be "the pillar and support of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15).

Question: Is it important?

srf

News of Interest
Steve and Pat Fontenot are in El Reno, Oklahoma, today, where Steve is preaching in a gospel meeting. Larry Legg will teach the auditorium class this morning, Kris Emerson will preach this morning, David Osteen this evening, and Rocky Rodriguez will teach the Wednesday evening class . . . Thanks to all who contributed their time and efforts to work in and around the building, not only yesterday, but in the past couple weeks. Things are definitely looking better! Another work day is scheduled for June 12. This will allow us to work on things remaining to be done before our meeting, which begins June 20.

Total Commitment - Dick Blackford

What does it mean to be totally committed to Jesus Christ?

1. It means serving even at a great disadvantage.
2. It means serving in spite of danger or real persecution.
3. It means serving in spite of the fact that His way is not the most popular.
4. It means serving in spite of relatives and friends who choose the opposite direction.
5. It means serving when others are having fun in error.
6. It means serving when others are not fighting fair and using carnal enticements, such a recreation and entertainment.
7. It may mean worshiping with a small group in an unimpressive building.
8. It may mean worshiping with people who are not your age.
9. It may mean worshiping with people with whom you have little else in common, except Jesus Christ.

Self-denial has never been popular (Luke 9:23).

Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
‹ May ‹
Sun., 23, am -    pm - Jamie W.
Wed., 26, pm - Rocky
Sun., 30, am - Fontenot pm - Jamie W.
June is now posted. Can you assist in this good work? If so, please select a date and sign your name.
"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27.

SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, May 19
Song Leader: David Osteen

Sunday AM, May 23
Announcements:  Jeff Bogs
Song Leader: Boyd Hurst
First Prayer: Wallace Ottersbach
Lordıs Table:
Bread: John Whitehead
Fruit of  the Vine: Verlan Wilson
Contribution: Ennis Osteen
Assistant: Mark Schindler
Closing Prayer: Charles Tu

Sunday PM, May 23
Song Leader: David Osteen
First Prayer: Jim Porterfield
Lordıs Table:
Bread: Bill Faulkner
Fruit of the Vine: Jeff Bogs
Contribution: Johnathan Bernard
Closing Prayer: Boyd Hurst