"Depart From Me"
by Lee Moses
Early in Jesus Christ's three-year earthly ministry, there was an occasion when He was on a ship in the Sea of Galilee with Peter. Jesus instructed Peter to move into the deeper waters and let down the nets that they might catch fish; to which Peter responded, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:5). Peter was a professional fisherman, and was shocked when he saw the ordinarily impossible amount of fish they were able to bring in, enough to cause two ships to begin to sink. Realizing the magnitude of the miracle in relation to the depth of his doubt previously, he threw himself at Jesus' knees and cried, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord" (Luke 5:8).
Peter's attitude was one of humble reverence and awe. He had come to realize that there was more to Jesus than he had thought; despite the fact that his brother Andrew had told him that Jesus was the Messiah, and despite the fact that Nathanael had confessed the deity of Jesus (John 1:41,49). Peter at that point in time realized that he stood before One far greater than he; One with Whom he did not deem himself worthy of standing in His presence.
Many today say the same thing to Jesus that Peter said-Although not for the same reason. They say, "Depart from me," because they are sinful. However, they are desirous that Jesus depart because they have no interest in departing from their sinful lifestyles. Jesus offers "grace upon grace" to all (John 1:16-17). This grace teaches mankind that all are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live "soberly, righteously, and godly" (Titus 2:11-12). Such grace most men do not want part nor parcel of, so they tell Jesus to "depart," along with the grace He offers. When people reject Christians trying to teach them Jesus' message of hope, they are not rejecting those Christians, they are rejecting Christ (I Samuel 8:7).
It is a good thing for Peter that Jesus did not depart from Him, but comforted Peter with the words, "Fear not." Peter then devoted his life to following Jesus (Luke 5:10-11). Jesus did not depart from Peter because his attitude was right and he wanted to do right in the sight of the Lord. Those who reject Christ and ask Him to depart might want to reconsider. Although the pleasures of sin may be alluring while on this earth, if Christ does depart from someone that person has no hope. If Christ fulfills a sinner's request to depart, Christ will on the final day turn that sinner's request back upon him; echoing the words, "Depart from me" (Matt. 25:41).
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Tom's Pen
Note: The following recent news item prompted our reply that follows: "A community Thanksgiving worship and song service has been planned for Sunday, November 24, and will be hosted this year at the Naples Church of Christ. The service will begin at 7 p.m., and the guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Tim Edwards, pastor of the Naples First United Methodist Church. Congregational singing will be led by Mac Jones. Church of Christ minister, Les Johnson, extended an invitation to the public to attend."
Open Letter To Our Brethren In Naples.
November 19,2002
Elders
Church of Christ
Naples, TX
Dear brethren,
I am very concerned about a newspaper clipping that was handed to me this past Sunday. I assume that the article appeared in the Naples local paper, though the source was not included. The message, however, was clear and concise. "Church of Christ host Community Thanksgiving service is November 24." Why do you think it important to host a joint worship assembly with the denominations? What do they have to offer that the Lord's church cannot offer? Is this an attempt to make the Lord's church in Naples look more favorable in the eyes of the community? But most of all, where is the authority in God's word to do this? Perhaps even more serious is the fact that you will have as your speaker a man who is not even a Christian. Do you think a Methodist preacher has more to offer than a faithful preacher of God's word? The newspaper clipping left the impression, so far as the Lord's church in Naples is concerned, that it makes little difference that a religious title reserved for God is now an acceptable title for a religious leader. "Rev. Tim Edwards" will grace the pulpit of the local church of Christ. Who would have believed it?? Will you introduce the man as "Rev. Tim Edwards"? Will he be wearing the flowing garments so often worn by denominational preachers? I shutter to think what impression that "Community service" will leave in the eyes of those in error. Brethren, the words of the apostle Paul are still in my Bible: "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them" (Eph. 5:11). Yet you plan to have at least a "little fellowship" with the unfruitful works of darkness. Paul also told us to "mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them" (Rom. 16:17). Will you mark this man as a false teacher before, during, or after he has filled your pulpit? Oh, how my heart aches as I consider the ramifications and implications of your actions.
I am in hopes that this letter will reach you before Sunday evening's services. If so, I implore you to cancel this entire "community service." Are you now willing to compromise the truth for the sake of numbers and/or approval in the eyes of the religious community around you? I fear that this is the case. I plead with you brethren, I beg of you, to consider the direction you are going. Please do not follow through with this "joint" worship with the denominations. Meanwhile, where are the shepherds of this flock? Where is the faithful preacher of God's word? Is there no longer a distinctive voice in the city of Naples to oppose error and to preach the distinctive message of Christ? Please, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, repent of this move away from the cross of Christ. Let the pure, soul-saving, distinctive message of the undenominational nature of the Lord's church be heard in that community once again.
For Him
Tom Wacaster
(mailed to the elders of the Lord's church in Naples, 11-18-02)
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Family News and Notes
The Ladies Bible Class will not meet on November 26th. Classes will resume on December 3rd.
Mark your calendar...the mid week services for Thanksgiving week and Christmas week have been changed:
Thanksgiving week - moved to Tuesday Nov. 26th
Christmas week - moved to Thursday Dec. 26th
Next Sunday is the 1st Sunday of a new month...set aside for Building Fund Contributions.
If you wish to contribute you may do so on that date.
Cleaning our building...We need volunteers to help clean the building for the month of December. If you are willing and able to help please sign the sheet on the table in the foyer. Thanks.
Please note.our Library has moved to the first room on the right just past the Secretary's Office in the north hallway. This is the room the teens meet in.
BIBLE BOWL at Clarksville, Texas...December 3rd. Will pertain to Ephesians 4 thru 6. Everyone is invited to attend and participate.
New Mailing Address for Ralph Phillips. Please change your records to show:
2845 Highway 67 E
Mount Vernon, Texas 75457-9718
Patsy Duncan got a good report from her doctors this past week and continues to improve.
Mary Glover was sick at home this past week. but is feeling much better
Narci Cooper was admitted to Titus Regional Medical Center Thursday evening. She is in Room 307.
Dick Justiss had prostate surgery Thursday. He is in Room 325 at Titus Regional Medical Center.
Lashedria Traylor is in Titus Regional Medical Center, Room 322.
Alice O'Neal (George O'Neal's mother) is out of the hospital and is doing fine.
Todd Ranes is still in Wadley Hospital in Texarkana and continues to make a slow recovery. He had surgery on his leg last week and is feeling better. He will need further surgery.
Paula Duncan is in Titus Regional Medical Center, Room 309, with a blood clot in her leg. She asked for our prayers.
THANK YOU "Dear Brethren: I want to thank you for the lovely flowers sent in regard to our loved one, Jerry Herring. Also, all the lovely cards of comfort regarding my sister, Bernice Terry. These things have warmed and touched my heart. I thank God for your love and thoughtfulness.
-Sincerely, in Christ - Ruby Lawhon"
THANK YOU "Thank you for your prayers, cards and phone calls on my behalf. I have an appointment with the Specialist on December 12th. I have had mixed news regarding my condition. Hopefully, Dr. Robertson will be able to give me more information.
- Wade Miller"
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THANKSGIVING WEATHER
Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190F. The kitchen will turn hot and humid, and if you bother the cook, be ready for a severe squall or cold shoulder.
During the late afternoon and evening, the cold front of a knife will slice through the turkey, causing an accumulation of one to two inches on plates. Mashed potatoes will drift across one side while cranberry sauce creates slippery spots on the other. Please pass the gravy.
A weight watch and indigestion warning have been issued for the entire area, with increased stuffiness around the beltway. During the evening, the turkey will diminish and taper off to leftovers, dropping to a low of 34F in the refrigerator.
Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, high pressure to eat sandwiches will be established. Flurries of leftovers can be expected both days with a 50 percent chance of scattered soup late in the day. We expect a warming trend where soup develops. By early next week, eating pressure will be low as the only wish left will be the bone.
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Prayer List
Delores Adams Narci Cooper Perry Cooper Sandra Cooper Patsy Duncan
Jerry Freeman Mary Glover Bonnie Horton Howard Horton Corine Hudson
Dick Justiss Ruby Lawhon Wade Miller Elna O'Neal Glenn Parham
Murphy Ross Also -- Paula Duncan Evelyn Harrison Alice O'Neal
Todd Ranes Lashedria Traylor
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Service Arrangements
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rhodney Freeman
SONG LEADER: Bill Jones
PRAYERS-----Sunday
a. m. First Prayer Wayne Pickrel
a. m. Closing Johnny Barrett
p. m. First Prayer Weldon Miller
p. m. Closing Jack Cooper
PRAYERS-----Wednesday
First Prayer Jim Duncan
Closing Bud Roach
COMMUNION:
a. m. Wayne Pickrel Jim Duncan
George O'Neal Charles Kyle
William Embree Glenn Parham
p.m. Frankie Sargent Vernon Garrett
ATTENDANCE COUNTER: Grady Duncan
