Volume 11 No. 08 Founded on the Word—Focused on the World April 19, 2009
“Let Him Have His Way with Thee”
By Kris Groda
Welcome to the North Jefferson church of Christ! We are
glad you are with us and we pray that you will be as those
in Berea who were “more noble than those in Thessalo-
nica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
“Let Him Have His Way with Thee”, the theme for our Spring Gospel Meeting is designed to call us to examin-
ation of self, repentance and discipleship. We want to stress the Biblical pattern for Christian living. As the hymn teaches, we want to wholly yield to and surrender to His divine will. We believe the Bible is from God and like
Peter, we believe that Christ has the words of eternal life (John 6:68).
In 1898 Cyrus S. Nusbaum penned the words to this song:
Would you live for Jesus and be Welcome
always pure and good?
Would you walk with Him within
the narrow road?
Would you have Him bear your
burden, carry all your load?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Would you have Him make you
free, and follow at His call?
Would you know the peace that
comes by giving all?
Would you have Him save you, so
that you need never fall?
Let Him have Himway with thee.
Would you in His kingdom find a
place of constant rest?
Would you prove Him true, each
providential test?
Would you in His service labor
always at your best?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Refrain:
His power can make you what you
ought to be.
His blood can cleanse your heart
and make you free;
His life can fill your soul,
and you will see
‘Twas best for Him to have His
way with thee.
The lessons are:
The Kind of Child God Wants, a study of God’s expecta-tions of His offspring. This lesson focuses on aspects of the Christian’s life that are often forgotten. The Conver-
sion of an Honest Man is a lesson that explores a person’s journey to a relationship with God using only a Bible. Be
Ye Transformed s delves into what the Word says about how a person is changed into the image of Christ. Be Ye Re-conciled defines reconciliation, the ministry thereof and why there is a need to be reconciled to God. Be Ye Stead-fast and Unmovable admonishes the Christian to be
grounded and settled in the Faith of Christ with the bodily resurrection in view (1 Cor. 15:58). The last night of the series is Extreme Makeover – Prepared for Eternity,
coined from the television series, “Extreme Makeover” and “Extreme Makeover: Home Addition”. This lesson chal-lenges the hearer to let God “Have His Way with Thee”. When we yield to the commandments of the Lord, we will be fit for eternity’s ‘home of the soul’.
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According to the March 26, 2009, USA TODAY, the Southern Baptist Convention is preparing to launch a new outreach campaign. They see as their greatest obstacle being able to motivate their own members to evangelize. Yet, as the article proclaimed, "But it may be the only effective way to reach people, according to a survey of 15,173 people by LifeWay Research, a Christian research firm. The survey found only two ways most people said they were somewhat or very willing to ‘receive information’ about Jesus: 63% would hear it in a ‘personal conversation with a family member,’ or with a friend or neighbor from the church (56%)."
The above survey found nothing new. For years it has been known that the most effective outreach religiously is the individual. God’s wisdom chose the foolishness of preaching through which believing men would be saved (1 Corinthians 1:21). When Jesus sent out the twelve into the cities of Israel, He sent them preaching (Matthew 10:7cf.). Preaching indicates making a public proclamation. That public proclamation can be to a few or to many. But it must be made if God’s word is to be planted into the hearts of men.
That public proclamation can be made through the media. There are several wonderful programs on television and streaming live on the internet where God’s word is proclaimed by faithful gospel preachers. Publications such as House to House are effective tools for publicly proclaiming the gospel. Going door to door proclaiming the gospel (Acts 5:42) has been effective for two of the faster growing religious bodies in this country. If those in error can use that tool effectively, certainly the Lord’s church should be able to use that tool effectively in proclaiming the unadulterated truth of His word. Other tools have been used in the past and will continue to be used in the future to see that the gospel is proclaimed in order to save the lost. Yet, the greatest tool that a body can use is the personal touch.
People will attend weddings because of personal invitations. People get involved in cancer awareness and fund-raising projects because of the influence and invitations of family or friends who are involved. When others see your commitment and involvement, your personal interest and invitation will influence their decision to "give it a try."
Consider this principle as demonstrated in the Bible. Peter was brought to Jesus by Andrew, his brother (John 1:40-42). Philip brought his friend Nathanael (John 1:44-45). After Matthew began following Jesus, he invited publicans and sinners into his house to be with Jesus and his disciples (Matthew 9:9-10). After Jesus cast the unclean spirit out of the man who dwelt among the tombs, He told him to go to his family and friends and tell them of the great things Jesus had done (Mark 5:19-20cf.). After Jesus taught the Samaritan woman at the well, she went into the city and told others, who went out to Him (John 4:28-30). Cornelius, the centurion, as he was expecting the arrival of Peter, called together his family and friends that they might hear what Peter had to say.
Survey Says ... By Terry Mayberry
There are religious groups in this country who are trying to reach out to others. Some are very zealous. Others are trying to motivate their members to be more zealous. Though they are sincere, they are spreading their error. The Lord’s church should not be slack. The Lord’s church has the greatest message. God has chosen the public proclamation of the gospel as the way through which the lost will know the truth. However, every member of the Lord’s church is important in reaching those who are lost. You might not yet have the confidence to teach and proclaim the gospel. Yet, you can be instrumental in helping family and friends hear the proclamation of that gospel. Engage them in conversation about spiritual matters. Pique their interest and then invite them to Wednesday Bible classes. Invite them to Sunday worship and Bible classes. Invite them to a Bible study in your home. If you are uncomfortable teaching it, there are others who can teach it. Invite them to enroll in a Bible Correspondence Course. Surveys show that you are the key to others receiving the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brotherhood Events:
You are invited to Ladies Day on Saturday, May 02, 2009
At North Jefferson church of Christ
2311 North Jefferson Avenue
Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455
903-572-1136
Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 28
Other scheduled events:
April 26-29 — North Jefferson—Gospel Meeting
May 3-6 — Blodgett — Spring Gospel Meeting
July 26-30 – Oak Grove – Gospel Meeting
Sept 13-16 – North Jefferson – Gospel Meeting
(Mike Hisaw preaching)
Watch your bulletin for more events forthcoming.
Prom Alternative
A formal banquet will be held on May 8th at 7;30 pm at the OS2 restaurant in Marshall, Texas. This event is being planned for youth that choose not to attend a school prom. It is open to youth in 9th – 12th grades. There will be a lock-in following the banquet at David McCain’s bowling alley (also located in Marshall). There be free bowling throughout the night and breakfast will be provided Saturday morning. High School youth attending the Prom Alternative must R.S.V.P. by April 30th. Contact Richard Rutledge at 903-537-4129 or thepreacher@suddenlinkmail.com
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Prayer List: Justin Barker, Rachel Barker, Louis Bell, Doris Bell, Jim Duncan, Irene Duncan, Dorothy Kyle, Wade Miller, Thelma Reed.
Also: Carolyn (Katy) Cabell, Wesley DuBose, Ronald Duncan, Jennifer Freeman, Janice Lineberger, Wayne Lineberger, Charles Whitney
Congregational Shut-Ins:
Home: Doris Bell, In Tyler: Louis Bell, Pleasant Springs Assisted Living: Annah Brown, Home: Irene Duncan, Home: Joyce Lee, Villa Assisted Living: Georgia Lide, Mt. Vernon: Alice Lovelady, Home: Marie Plemmons, Home: Thelma Reed
Notes of Interest and Upcoming Events:
ATTENTION: Anyone leaving a note on the Secretary’s desk for inclusion in the bulletin … will need to sign the note Prayer List: Justin Barker, Rachel Barker, Louis Bell, Doris Bell, and show your telephone number in case I need to verify or clarify. — Thanks, Rhodney Freeman
Our Gospel Meeting Begins Today!!!! Welcome to all our Visitors…..we are glad to have you!!! EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS OR BRING THEM.
Our meeting will run from today, April 26 through April 29 with Kris Groda preaching at each service.
Theme: ‘Let Him Have His Way with Thee”
A noon luncheon will take place following this morning’s worship assembly. All are encouraged to come!
Anyone Who is able and willing to help with VBS crafts, either with pre-planning and preparation or during VBS week please contact either Lena Groda or Shannon Hargrove.
CHILDREN’S HOUR – May 3rd – for ages 3 through 10 ---- in the Multi-Purpose Room. Parents, don’t forget … this is your time together. The kids will be taught and fed during the time you are gone.
The Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will not be until Saturday May 8 from 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM due to Ladies Day being on the first Saturday. Men, bring a friend with you.
Last week we had a brief article about Randy Cooper. (We only reported part of the story.) On Sunday morning, April 12, Randy went forward to be recognized as a member of this congregation and asked the prayers of the congregation on his behalf. He wants to be a worker for the Lord. His address is: Randy Cooper - 2000 Choctaw, Apt. #39 ~ Mt. Pleasant, TX. 75455
"Please join us for a Bridal Shower honoring SHELLEY PEARSON bride-elect of Justin Lee on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009, 10:00 a.m. til 12 noon, at the home of Teresa Price, 1105 Holly Hill Lane, Mount Pleasant, Texas
(Hosted by Family and Friends … Registered at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kasseigh's Kollage, and Mason's Hardware")
Joy Cooper’s dad (Waylon Morrel from Deport, Texas) had open heart surgery (triple by-pass) at Baylor in Dallas. Kent reports that he was scheduled to be dismissed and return home to Deport on Wednesday evening. No further updates on his condition, but apparently he is doing well.
Our hearts are saddened at the loss of the niece of Wanda Carlock and Faye Gilmore last week. Her funeral was conducted Wednesday at Bates-Cooper-Sloan Funeral Home with burial at Winfield Cemetery. Please remember this family in your prayers.
Doris Bell was dismissed from Titus Regional Medical Center following her recent hip surgery. She is now at Pleasant Springs Assisted Living, recovering from her recent hip surgery.
The Teacher Appreciation Banquet was held on Friday night, April 24, in the Multi-Purpose Room. This was a banquet for teachers only (and their spouses). The banquet honored those who have taught at any time within the last ten years. Bob arranged for a special guest to be in ing. attendance. At the printing of this bulletin it was too early to put anything about the success of this banquet in this bulletin, but perhaps we will get an update this morn
Thanks and Appreciation:
For the past several months, several of our young people have really been dedicating themselves to a deeper study of the Bible. They scored very well during the Area Wide Bible Bowl which has just concluded. Their final score was 52 out of a possible 70 point total. If you had an opportunity to take a look at the various test, you would really be impressed and amazed at the Bible knowledge our young ladies and men have gained through their diligent study. Those participating were Cade Armstrong, Joanna Armstrong, Emilee Ferrell, Mollee Ferrell, Tyler Hargrove, Emily Robison, Travis Robison, Cody Sparks and Sarah Sparks. The coaches were: Royce and Cindy Armstrong, Daniel and Keely McCary, Rance and Cathy Robison. Also lending help and encouragement with refreshments were Linda Ferrell, Stephanie Sparks, Cathy and Rance Robison. We are grateful for these young people who are striving to be all that God would have them to be. We appreciate you!
The Elders.
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Those to Serve
Sunday 04-26-2009
Sunday Morning Worship:
Announcements …………….....................……Weldon Miller
Song Leader …………….......….................... Randy Eubanks
Building Fund Contributions to date…...............$ 56,765.00
PLEASE NOTE: This bulletin is formatted Friday morning each week. Any news items or articles you wish included must be submitted to the Editor no later than Thursday Night. You may call Rhodney Freeman at 903-572-1181 (home) or 903-572-1136 (Office)
Founded on the Word—Focused on the World April 19, 2009
