February 27, 2000 Humble Messenger

Humble Messenger
Volume 8, Week 9 February 27, 2000
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Is It True?
 srf

"Examine everything carefully"

"But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil."
1 Th. 5:21-22 (NASB).

Following are statements often heard. Are they true?

It's OK to tell little white lies. Mt. 5:33-37; Jn. 8:44
I can be saved by living a good moral life. Gal. 2:15,16; Rom. 3:23
If one loves God he will obey him. Jn. 14:23; 1 Jn. 5:3
God will not let anyone spend eternity in hell. Mt. 25:41,46; 2 Th. 1:7-9
Christians should not judge. Jn. 7:24; 1 Co. 5:12-13; 1 Jn. 4:1
Regardless of how bad one has been, he can be forgiven. 1 Tim. 1:12-17; 2:4
The Bible is too hard to understand. Eph. 3:4; Lk. 10:26; Ac. 17:11
God expects me to forgive those who wronged me if they repent. Lk. 17:3,4; Mt. 18:21-35
I do not need to go to church. Ac. 11:26; Eph. 5:19; Php. 1:27; Heb. 10:24,25
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Building Up One Another
Open Letter to the Faithful
Much of our writing, preaching, and visiting is directed to the weak and unfaithful. We want to reverse that order here. This letter is to the faithful.

Our vocabulary is just not large enough to tell all of you wonderful people how much we appreciate you. It matters not how many times we meet in a week. We know you will be present. The weather, nor any amount nor kind of company are ever able to cause you to treat lightly your responsibility. Whatever attractions or distractions the world may offer, we know you will not forsake the Lord. You have no more time than the unfaithful members do, but somehow you manage to find time to serve to the fullest your Master.

Whenever a good program is put before the church, no one ever wonders what your response will be or if you can be counted on to see it through. When you accept an assignment, it is a foregone conclusion that you will see it through. You don't flirt with sin or see how worldly you can become without completely apostatizing.

We appreciate you even more because you demand no special attention or praise for your service, and you do not consider that being regular and faithful to God is grievous or a great feat of valor. You are a good example to our younger members and an inspiration to all of us. You make the work of elders and preachers much lighter. Thank you for being the kind of Christian you are. -author unknown

Don't know who wrote the above article, but is an excellent statement of the sincere appreciation we have for such people. "I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother." Phm. 4-7.
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Resolution Tips - What Works For Me
Resolution: Seek Avenues to Serve Brethren - 1 Pt. 4:7-11; Mt. 25:44,45 (Suggestion: Read these verses again.)
Tips: (submitted by your brothers and sisters in Christ): (1) Take the initiative to introduce yourself to brethren. (2) Send a card, write a note, or make a call to encourage, to cheer, to tell someone you appreciate them, or maybe just to say hello--you don't have to just send cards with get well wishes, sympathy, or other special occasions! (3) Verbally let brethren know you appreciate them. (4) Greet brethren sincerely--when you ask brethren how they are, listen carefully and let them know that you mean it and that you really care!

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Is every sin specifically mentioned in Scripture? If an act is not specifically mentioned as being sin, is it OK? How do you determine what IS sin if every sin is not specifically mentioned? There is an outline of a lesson dealing with these questions at the web site: http://www.kingwoodcable.com/colblip/humblechurchofchrist/
You can either simply take a look at it, or, you can download it to save for future study. Click on the "Sermon Outlines" link and look for the lesson titled, "Unspoken Sins." Be sure and note the endnotes at the end of the lesson.

"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so."
Acts 17:11.
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NEWS

Connie Crain was taken to the hospital last week with numbness in her arms. After tests she was able to return home. The cause was not determined . . . New report from Wayne Chamberlain in the foyer . . . If you wish to be part of the annex class next quarter (beginning next Sunday) please sign the list in the foyer . . . Next Sunday Steve Fontenot will be in a gospel meeting in Port Arthur, Texas. Gregg Hutson will preach in morning and Kris Emerson in the evening . . . If you would be willing to send a card to someone, or make a phone call, or visit them, please note the three lists in the foyer. Select your level of comfort (card, call, or visit/study) and put your name in that column . When Boyd Hurst returns from New Jersey, he will divide the volunteers into four groups. Each group will meet every fourth week to discuss their assignments. Thanks to these volunteers and to all others who serve in various ways in the Lord's work here in Humble. Some prepare communion, some provide transportation, some work on items in the building and lawn needing attention, some serve as song leaders, some serve as deacons, some as elders, some teach and some preach, some do other things no one knows about. It's a team effort, and without each one's contribution the load would be much heavier on others and much may go undone. "And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly..." Rom. 12:6 (NASB) .

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Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
MARCH
Wed. 1 pm - Lauren Hutson
Sun. 5 pm - Betty Yocum
Wed. 8 pm -
Sun. 12 pm - Barbara Simpson
Wed. 15 pm - Jim Crain
Sun. 19 pm - Hurst
Wed. 22 pm - Fontenot
Sun. 26 pm -
Wed. 29 pm - Rocky Rodriguez
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Wednesday Evening Close
Mar. 1 Bill Faulkner
Mar. 8 Fred Ferguson
Mar. 15 Steve Fontenot
Mar. 22 Michael Gove
Mar. 29 Mark Hargrove
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SCHEDULED TO SERVE

Wednesday Mar. 1

 

Song Leader: Rob McCaskill
Close: Bill Faulkner

Sunday AM, Mar. 5

Announcements: Wally Ottersbach
Song Leader: ????
First Prayer: John Whitehead
Lord's Table
_ Bread: Ennis Osteen
_ Fruit of the Vine: Jim Porterfield
_ Contribution: Charles Tu
_ Assistant: Lynn Michaels
Preaching: Gregg Hutson
Closing Prayer: Verlan Wilson

Sunday PM, Mar. 5

Song Leader: Craig Ottersbach
First Prayer: Gary Tuttle
Lord's Table
_ Bread: Ennis Osteen
_ Fruit of the Vine: Jim Porterfield
_ Contribution: Charles Tu
Preaching: Kris Emerson
Closing Prayer: Arthur Wilborn
If you are a scheduled song leader but know you will be unavailable, please notify Jim Crain.
If you are scheduled to serve in any other capacity but cannot serve as scheduled, please notify Boyd Hurst.