David will be finishing up his series this morning on the Qualifications for Elders. He will also be preaching this evening. (Topic not furnished)
Elna O'Neal is having some complications after her by-pass surgery on her leg. She is still in the cardio vascular wing at Baylor. She is experiencing lots of pain and swelling.
Hollis & Joyce Lee are back at home now but still need our prayers and visits.
Patsy Duncan is making progress following her recent surgery on her feet.
Betty Ferrell continues to improve following here recent double knee surgery.
Louis Bell struggles daily with his medical problems and is still confined to his home. He still needs our prayers on his behalf.
Perry Cooper, confined for a long time at his home, struggles with his disability and would appreciate prayers on his behalf. Also, remember Josephine as she helps him each day.
Billy Campbell is improving daily, as we can all see, and she is back in services. She says she feels great. She really does look good and she is walking much better now.
We need to remember Stacie Cook and her family in the loss of her mother last week. A Memorial Service was held Wednesday at Bates-Cooper-Sloan Funeral Home. Thanks to the ladies who provided lunch for the families.
TA TA TA DA Folks we have a baby! Entering the world at 2:20 a.m. on Thursday, 15 December 2005 was Colton Todd Jaggers, weighing in at 7 lbs. and 12 ounces, 19-1/2 inches long. Proud parents are Todd & Jeannie Pat Jaggers. Elated Grandmother is Sherri Fox. Ecstatic Great Grandparents are Carl & Pat Lee. CONGRATULATIONS!
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PRAYER LIST
Betty Abbey, Justin Barker, Rachel Barker, Louis Bell, Winell Blackard, Annah Brown, Billye Campbell, Perry Cooper, Betty Ferrell, Hollis Lee, Joyce Lee, Georgia Lide, Courtney Marshall, Elna O'Neal, Wayne Pickrel, Marie Plemmons, Dorothy Sargent, Alva Mae Sheets, Rebecca Tippitt
Recent studies of church growth patterns have uncovered one very important principle of church growth. Though there are a number of different methods we can use to reach people with the Gospel of Christ, the vast majority of our new converts had their initial introduction to the Gospel, and the Lord's church, at the invitation of a concerned friend. The research in this field shows that about 70% of our new converts have come to know Jesus, and His church, as a result of what some call, "friendship evangelism."
At a seminar I attended several years ago, brother Jerry Jenkins, one of the guest speakers, defined evangelism in a very simple but profound way as, "God's love for those who are lost." Isn't that a beautiful description of the heart and soul of what evangelism is all about? When we bother to evangelize by sharing the Gospel, we are practicing the most basic principle of sharing God's love with the lost. What more beautiful or effective way is there to share God's love for the lost, than by inviting a friend to come meet Jesus? What better way is there to show your love for your friends, than by telling them about Jesus, and bringing them to meet Him? I can think of absolutely none.
This is Biblical! Do you remember what Andrew did when he first met the Lord? The Bible says the very first thing he did was to go find his brother Peter, to tell him that he had found the Messiah, and then Andrew brought Peter to meet Jesus (Jn. 1:40-42). What else do you know about Andrew? Maybe the most important thing Andrew ever did for the Lord, was to bring Peter to meet Jesus.
Oh, how the world is richer for Andrew's simple act of friendship evangelism! Think how the story of Peter, with his ups and downs with the Lord, inspires us with hope. If the Lord could patiently put up with Peter, maybe there's hope for you and me! Think how the Lord changed Peter from a diamond in the rough to a dynamic defender of the faith.
Think about those dramatic narratives in the book of Acts and how they encourage and empower us to stand up and be counted for the Lord, just like Peter, who said in defense of the preaching of the Gospel, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). Finally, think how the tender epistles of Peter challenge us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Pet. 3:18). However, none of this would be available for our edification and encouragement, had Andrew not bothered to practice friendship evangelism. Thank you, Andrew!
How many Peters are out there, just waiting for a friend like you to bring them to Jesus? As the old song says, maybe "you can't sing like angels, or preach like Peter or Paul, but you can tell the love of Jesus, you can say He died for all!" Be a true friend! Practice "friendship evangelism!" Bring your friends to meet Jesus! How about this Sunday?
David McCain
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NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY
Johnny Ramsey
Nineteen centuries ago Christ and His apostles began a system of spiritual power that encompassed the earth and blessed the world. The pure religion of the Savioronce establishes has never vanished from the human scene even though the darkness of the ages often has dimmed its pristine beauty. Daniel 2:44 affirmed the perpetual status of the Kingdom, and Matthew 16:18 promised its glorious establishment. In spite of persecution by Rome, jealousy of the Jews, economic poverty, and a startling message, the gospel of Jesus swept the ancient world by storm.
The ardent zeal of devoted servants of the Lord emblazoned a noble page in the volume of ancient history. The spiritual army of the Lord made many valiant conquests for the Captain of their salvation (Hebrews 2:10). Shining as lights in the midst of a perverse generation (Philippians 2:15), early Christians took seriously the task of "living soberly, righteously, and godly" (Titus 2:12). The simple organization of the Lord's church made clear its autonomous government. Adhering strictly to divine principles of self governing procedures set forth in Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5-6, Acts 20;28-30, and I Peter 5:1-4, there was no need for earthly headquarters, bureaucracy, or hierarchy.
In Philippians 1:1 we read simply of elders, deacons, and all the saints. Worship in the first century church of our Lord was to be conducted in "spirit and in truth" as John 4:24 clearly stated. Reverently, as the Scriptures directed, the body of Christ "continued steadfastly" in the homage the apostles taught (Acts 2:42). The first day of the week was especially set aside for the Lord's Supper and the contribution (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1-2). Nineteen centuries ago the church Christ established by His shed blood was strong in its exposure of error (II Timothy 4:2-4), as well as its proclamation of truth (I Timothy 3:15) and especially in ardent evangelism.
Acts 5:42, 8:4, and 12:24 tell us of the daily teaching that caused "the word of God to grow and multiply." Christians of that era prayed boldly and fervently (Hebrews 4:16; James 5:16) even as they joyously sang praises unto God (Acts 16:25; Colossians 3:15-17). Christianity was not a church house religion to them. It was not "a way of live" it was life! Paul said: "For me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21).
