Proclaiming His Praises

2012-01-15T22:00:00.002-05:00

We had a great Sunday (January 15) here in the country, a little bit of heaven in Enola, Arkansas. We had a good crowd. Brother Palmer did an outstanding job leading our singing. We had several guests among us. Everyone stayed around quite a while visiting with one another after services were over. Several of our sick members were better. We enjoyed a great morning and evening of worship together in spirit and truth. God blessed us.

Our elders handed out a “Member Profile Sheet” along with a “Service Sheet” to every member. We have been asked to fill out each sheet and place them in the container in the lobby. The information will us to be more organized in our service to Christ, to one another, and to others. Please check as many items on the service sheet that you feel you would like to participate in. Challenge yourself. God will provide.

Our Sunday morning sermon series “Seven Steps Out of a Rut” continued this week with step #2 – Believe You Can Change. The blind man in Mark 10 could have made excuses. He didn’t. He could have played the blame game. He didn’t. He could have allowed fear to keep him from Jesus. He didn’t. He could have allowed his past to determine his future. He didn’t. He accepted personal responsibility for his life. He believed that he could change. Faith gives us access to the Father. Faith gives us the right to become a Christian. Faith pleases God. Faith is the foundation for our prayers to God. Faith is the substance of our hope and the evidence of we do not yet see. The blind man believed that through Jesus Christ he could be healed. His faith made him well, just like the Bible says. Next Sunday morning we will take a look at Step # 3 as we make the move to get out and stay out of a rut.

Sunday night at Enola! What a wonderful time together. If you are not attending on Sunday evening you are missing out. We are looking at life from differing perspectives. This evening we looked at “The Greatest Thing in the World – The Christian Life.” I believe that the Christian life is the greatest because only in Christ can we have spiritual health. Only in Christ can we have true happiness. Only Christ can we have heaven. Next Sunday evening we will focus on the worst thing in the world – sin. I hope you can make it back at 5:00 on Sunday evening. And hey! We have a very special program for our children and teens on Sunday night too.

Make sure you take a look at our website – www.enolachurchofchrist.com to stay up to date on what’s going on at Enola. We are slowly surely getting our website in order. This week we posted some valuable information about who we are at Enola. Check it out. Check out the calendar of events and get involved with your fellow Christians at Enola. This week on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. we will have our monthly Men’s Fellowship at the home of Greg Floyd’s in Vilonia. May God bless us all as we continue to work and worship together under that banner of the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2012-01-05T15:46:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year 2012! What a wonderful holiday season we have enjoyed with family, friends, and fellow Christians celebrating the closing of 2011 and the beginning of a brand new year full of opportunities and challenges. Every moment can be a time of renewal for every Christian.

Please consider the following poem written by Nixon Waterman and think about these thoughts as we press on into 2012. This poem was sent from the CEO of the company my wife works for and offers a great new perspective to business and to Christian living.

What Have We Done Today?
By Nixon Waterman

We shall do much in the years to come,
But what have we done today?
We shall give our gold in princely sum,
But what did we give today?
We shall lift the heart and dry the tear,
We shall plant a hope in place of fear,
We shall speak the words of love and cheer,
But what did we speak today?

We shall be so kind in the after-while,
But what have we been today?
We shall bring to each lonely life a smile,
But what have we brought today?
We shall give to truth a grander birth,
And to steadfast faith a deeper worth,
We shall feed the hungering souls of earth,
But whom have we fed today?

We shall reap such joys in the by and by,
But what have we sown today?
We shall build us mansions in the sky,
But what have we built today?
‘Tis sweet in the idle dreams to bask;
But here and now, do we our task?
Yet this is the thing our souls must ask,
What have we done today?

This Sunday morning we will continues in our series entitled, “Seven Steps Out of a Rut” with Step #1 – Take Responsibility for Your Life. Our text is Mark 10:46-52. Bartimaeus is teaching us how to get out of the rut we’re in. This blind man could have make excuses. He could have played the blame-game. He could have allowed fear to keep him from his goal. He could have allowed his past to determine his future. He didn’t. Let us sit at the feet of this man and allow him to teach us how to get from where we are to where we want to be, to where we need to be in our lives.

On Sunday evening we are looking at 2012 with an open mind for renewal. We are already one week into this new year. What shall we do? We will look to God’s word for guidance as to how to answer this very important question. “We can…We should…We must…”

God has blessed us. He is blessing us. He will bless in the days ahead. May we always trust Him and obey Him. It is a wonderful pleasure and privilege to be your minister, to be a member of the Enola Church of Christ.

2011-12-24T23:54:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to you and your family from up in the country! We enjoyed our children and grand children today, Saturday, December 24th as they made the short trip from Conway to give us a little bit of heaven on earth. I hope you will be experiencing a similar love with your family and friends. Christmas is on Sunday this year, tomorrow. At the Enola church of Christ our worship will be just as deep, just as loving, just as passionate, as always. We do not have to change a single element of our worship together. Every Sunday we celebrate and commemorate the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and eternal promise of the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Every Sunday we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with all our hearts to the Lord. Every Sunday we pray to our Father about our needs and the needs of those we love while giving thanks for God’s continual provision. Every Sunday we study God’s word just like the church did in the Bible. Every Sunday we examine ourselves and remember the sacrifice of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. Every Sunday we share from the bounty of blessings we have received from the hand of God into the hands of our eldership to be directed and distributed for the cause of Christ in our area and throughout the world. What a wonderful blessing it is to be a Christian and a member of the Enola church of Christ.

Thank you for allowing me to be your minister and friend for the past 6 months. God continues to bless us as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, just like Jesus spoke about in His sermon on the mountain in Matthew 5-7. We have some among us, our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering with sickness, pain, disease, relationship issues, temptations, trials, and testings. Let us put the lessons we have been taught over the past few weeks on prayer to work in our lives for ourselves and those around us who are suffering. I am praying for them. Join me in doing the same every day. Remember what Jesus said, “Ask…Seek…Knock…” When we ask, seek, and knock, He promises that we will receive, find, and the door will be opened to us. We do not always receive what we ask for. We do not always find what we are seeking. We do not always knock and have the door we knocked on open up for us. God promises to fulfill our needs according to His rich mercies. Too many times we stand in opposition to God in our personal lives and then wonder why our prayers and efforts seem to fail. May we stand close to our Father in word and deed so that His blessings toward us will shower down upon us like the recent rains we have experienced.

The coming year; 2012 will be one of the best yet. God is so good. Let us always be thankful.

2011-12-16T14:38:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that Christmas is only a week away now with 2012 rushing in right after? Just think about all the changes that have taken place in 2011. Whew! I get dizzy just thinking about it. Cindi and I have experienced some drastic changes for sure. Some changes have been very positive: Cindi’s graduation from SC with her MBA, our move from South Carolina back home to Arkansas, a new ministry with the church of Christ at Enola, a new home, new friends, living closer to our children and grand children. I could go on and on. We have also experienced changes that have been sorrowful. I don’t have to make a list. God has provided for us all along the way. What will 2012 hold for us? Whatever comes our way, whatever challenges, changes, and chances we experience, God will provide for us what is needed. I am so excited about our future together as a congregation of God’s people. May we continue to grow warmer through fellowship, deeper through discipleship, stronger through worship, BROADER THROUGH MINISTRY, and wider through evangelism. The Enola Church of Christ is doing just fine. We are growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

EVERYONE INVITED! The Burleson’s would like to invite the entire congregation to an OPEN HOUSE at our new home this coming Sunday afternoon, December 18th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. No gifts please. Your presence will be your precious gift to us. Just come by after lunch and visit with us. Check your bulletin this Sunday morning for our new address. We live right behind Phil and Learleen.

We will host the December Birthday and Anniversary Get-Together at our house on Sunday, January 1st immediately following the evening service. We will provide the cupcakes, drinks, and utensils. You can bring your favorite finger-food if you would like. This is a slight change in our usual last Sunday in the month format due to Christmas being on Sunday this year. If you or a member of our immediate family has a birthday or anniversary in December, please come to the Burleson’s for a time of celebration. In January our get-together will be Sunday, January 29th for our January birthdays and anniversaries.

On Sunday morning we will once again ask the most important question in the world; “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” then analyze the question. Am I ready to be saved? Am I willing to be saved? Am I able to be saved? One might be ready, but unwilling, like King Agrippa. One might be willing, but not ready, like the Ethiopian nobleman. One might also be ready and willing, but not able, like Cornelius. Are you ready, willing, and able? No excuses. No rationalizations. No more waiting. Come and be saved.

On Sunday evening we will focus our attention on “Growth- What Does It Take – Growing Broader Through Ministry.” Our lesson text is found in Matthew 25 where Jesus describes that great judgment scene. He talked about how He was in need and people either helped Him or didn’t. Those who helped Him went to heaven. Those who didn’t were turned away. Wehen we serve others, we serve our Lord.

2011-12-09T22:18:00.001-05:00

Cindi and I are changing addresses once again, hopefully for the very last time, Lord willing. We will be moving to our new home just a short distance back toward Conway Saturday morning, early and will certainly appreciate the help that our brothers and sisters in Christ at Enola will be giving us. It’s hard to believe that I have been your minister for almost 6 months now. In some ways it is hard for me to remember being anywhere else. In other ways it seems that we have only just begun to enjoy all that God has in store for us here in our Enola home. Please pray for the sale of our house in South Carolina. We took a trip to SC the first of this week to sign a new six month contract with a realtor, rake leaves, paint two rooms, and see that everything there is ready for a new owner. We don’t know who the next owner will be. God does know and we ask that His will be done for us. He always provides what is needed.

This Sunday morning, December 11th we will begin a new three-lesson series entitled “What Must I Do to Be Saved? – An Analysis of the Question.” We will look at the question with three words: Ready, Willing, and Able. In order to be saved, one must be ready to be saved. In order to be saved, one must be willing to be saved. In order to be saved, one must be able to be saved. We always have some in our services who have not yet become Christians. It is my prayer that these lessons will help those who have not yet trusted and obeyed Christ to do so. Wouldn’t it be great to begin the new year as a Christian? I am here to help you.

On Sunday evening we will continue in our series “Growth, What Does It Take.” This Sunday evening we will consider the fact that we will grow stronger through worship. When we come together as the church of Christ, we sing, pray, give, commune with Christ in the Lord’s Supper, and study God’s word. In order to be strong we must worship God in spirit and in truth. We must worship Him with our heart, not just with our lips. We must worship God in remembrance and in self-examination. The church at Corinth were weak, sickly, and spiritually asleep. Why? They were not worshipping God in the right way. We will take a look at their situation and make sure that we worship God honorably.

Our Church Luncheon last Sunday afternoon was tremendous even in the pouring down rain all day long. In all my years of preaching I have never seen that much food in one place. Wow! I just stood there at the dessert table in awe at the beauty of such blessings. The best part of the luncheon was the beautiful fellowship we enjoyed together. Our Brother Greg Floyd is doing a fantastic job already as one of our new deacons planning and organizing new and various activities for the church that we might grow warmer through fellowship. To God be the glory in all that we do in His name.

Christmas is now only a few days away. The New Year 2012 follows. What shall we do? May we put into practice all that we are studying and learning from our Bible classes and from the pulpit! I will. Will you? We can do it.

2011-12-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

December has arrived and with it the cold temperatures, 27 degrees up in the country and beautiful clear blue Arkansas skies. This morning, Thursday, December 1st, the frost on the grass looked like snow. A chubby Blue Jay was sitting in the bare crape myrtle in my back yard in the cold breeze. Every season offers both blessings and challenges. December reminds us that the year is coming to a close and a new year is on the horizon. December says, “Merry Christmas.” We think of family, friends, food, fellowship, and how blessed we are to live in America, the home of the brave and the land of the free. We will be shopping for special gifts to give to those we love and an extra gift or two for people we may not even know, orphans, widows, widowers, the lonely, the poor, the neglected, and the stranger. Some of us will be dropping hints about something special we might like to receive. I’ve hinted to Cindi a time or two about how much I really need a pair of cowboy boots. I’m thinking that we might need to stop by a western wear store just to look around. No problem. Jesus said it. Luke wrote it (Acts 20:35). Paul quoted it. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This Sunday, December 4th will be a very special time for the church at Enola and all who might join us for worship and fellowship. We will meet for Bible study at 10:00 a.m. like always then unite for worship together at 11:00. Immediately following the worship hour we will meet over in the fellowship building for a luncheon together. Every member will be bringing their best potluck dishes to share and enjoy. Every guest will be cordially welcomed to stay and enjoy the luncheon with us. As soon as we get everything cleaned up we will meet back in the auditorium for an afternoon service. We will then break for the day to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors. This will be my first such luncheon since becoming a member of the Enola congregation. I get excited just writing about it. God is so good to us. We are so very blessed. May we honor Him and show our gratitude to Him today and every day.

This Sunday morning our lesson is entitled “Am I willing?” Sometimes God is willing and sometimes God is not willing. Sometimes we are willing and sometimes we are not willing. When we pray, we should always pray with the knowledge, desire, and the words, “Not my will, but Your will be done, O Lord.” We will look at TRUST. Peter was willing, then wasn’t. We will look at OBEDIENCE. Jesus own brothers were not willing, then were. We will also look at SACRIFICE. The Pharisees were willing to a point, but were not willing to finish to the end. I hope you will be here for this lesson that will challenge your thinking and your life.

On Sunday evening we will continue in our series entitled, “Growth – What Does It Take.” We can grow. Growth takes proper food, reasonable exercise, and time. We can grow warmer through fellowship. We studied about fellowship last Sunday. We can also grow deeper through discipleship. What does it mean to be a disciple? How can we grow deeper this way. We’ll answer these questions from the Bible.

The new Bible study quarter begins on Sunday and Wednesday with some teachers continuing and a few new teachers. If you are not involved in one of our Bible studies, this will be a great time to start. I hope you will. I certainly do benefit from our time together studying God’s word.

2011-11-26T22:15:00.001-05:00

The official day we call “Thanksgiving” has come and gone, but hopefully our gratitude for life and all the rich blessings we enjoy every day from our Father will continue throughout the holiday season all the way into and through the New Year 2012. Cindi and I are so very thankful to be Christians and members of the Enola Church of Christ. It is difficult for me to believe that I have been your minister and friend for only five short months. It is my daily prayer and sincere desire to God for a lifetime of service to you and our Enola community.

Last Wednesday evening we had a great lesson from God’s word that reminded us of the languages of thanksgiving. We had several guests with us, here for the holiday weekend. This coming Wednesday, November 30th we will have our monthly singing. I always enjoy our time together singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Let’s make our monthly singing a priority in our schedule for this week.

Tomorrow, Sunday, November 27th I will preaching a lesson entitled “Thanksgiving – Today and Every Day.” I am thankful when I remember the past and all that God has done for me. I am thankful when I appreciate the present and all that God is doing for me. I am thankful when I decide to trust and obey God in the future and all that He has planned for me.

On Sunday evening our series entitled “Growing – What Does It Take?” continues. This Sunday evening we will look at how we can become a warmer, more loving and compassionate congregation through fellowship. The more we come together to worship, study, pray, work, and play the warmer we become. Of course fellowship has its requirements: 1) Walking in the Light, 2) Continuing in the Apostles’ doctrine, 3) United together in the grace and discipline of Jesus Christ. May God continue to bless every member of the Enola church of Christ with all that we need!
Don’t forget our Birthday and Anniversary Get-Together at the Burleson’s tomorrow evening immediately following our Sunday evening assembly. If you are a member of your family has a birthday or an anniversary in November, come and celebrate with your fellow Christian family. We will provide drinks, cupcakes, utensils, and some finger-food snacks. If you would like to bring a finger-food snack, please do. We always have a wonderful time together. Also, we have planned a Congregational Luncheon on Sunday, December 4th following our morning worship hour. This will be my first luncheon with you. From what I hear, our Enola brothers and sisters can really cook. Please make plans to be here for this very special time of fellowship together. Remember: We grow warmer through fellowship.
Our elders will be meeting together to calculate our budget for the coming year. Please remember the Enola Church of Christ in your own budget for the rest of the year and into the coming year 2012. There is much to do to make an impact for Christ locally and in other parts of the world. Money is required. You know what Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We all love to receive and receiving is a blessing. A greater blessing can be found in giving. Jesus is always right. But you know that already. God bless us all.

2011-11-15T16:32:00.000-05:00

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a week away? Many will be traveling near and far to visit family and friends as the holiday season begins. Let’s make a very special effort to travel safe and sound. Be patient. You know the traffic will be heavier than usual. Be more kind to those around you. During the holiday season people seem to be more stressed out than usual. Remember Paul’s instructions to the church at Rome in Romans 12:1-2. We must not be conformed to the world. We must be transformed by God’s word. Drive within the speed limits. We are Christians. This means that we live our lives according to the rules and the law of the land. Try not to over-eat, over-spend, over-extend, and over-do. You and I both know what our income is and what our monthly bills are. When we do not stay within our budget, things can get very tight in January and February of the new year. School will be out next week. This means that children will be running around in our communities. Be more careful and more watchful as you travel to and from work. Of course, may we all remember to be more thankful for the rich blessings we enjoy every day from our Father who loves us! I hope you will take these suggestions into consideration as we enter the holiday season.

This Sunday morning our sermon is entitled “Committed to the Father through the Son – Really?” We will evaluate our commitment to God through His Son Jesus Christ. People are committed to many things. Every Christian must be committed not to the fad, or to the food, or to the fun, or even to the fellowship when it comes to our Christian life and living. We must be committed to the Father through the Son.

On Sunday evening we will begin a new series of sermons entitled “GROWTH – What does it take?” This Sunday evening, November 20th we will introduce the series and then take a look at lesson 1 – Growing Warmer Through Fellowship next Sunday evening, November 27th Lord willing.

We are having a very good study on prayer on Sunday morning at 10:00 with Brother Eddie Hawkins, one of our elders here at Enola. I believe that this study has helped us all to have a better understanding of the power of prayer. I teach the adults on Wednesday evening from the book of Romans. We are studying through the book and are currently in Romans 12. If you are not involved in one of our Bible studies, please know that you are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to grow in your Christian walk with God. Jesus said that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Come and grow with us. You will be so very glad that you did.

Don’t let the rain and winter weather keep you away from worship and fellowship with your fellow Christians at Enola. Our doors are open. Our elders are leading us toward God’s blessings. Our deacons are working with a vision for service and growth. Our preacher is on the job every day in prayer, study, and service in the community. Our teachers are prepared and excited about sharing lessons from God’s word with their students. God is blessing us on every side. We are thankful.

2011-11-04T13:58:00.001-04:00

Remember to “Fall – Backward” on Saturday night before you retire to bed. Think about this small thing: setting our clocks back one hour in the fall and then ahead one hour in the spring. Just goes to show you what people can do when we are united together. It is true that Daylight Saving Time is primarily a North American choice and that the majority of the world’s population does not adhere to time changes. I didn’t realize just how much information was available on this subject. Check the internet and you will see.

Paul wrote about unity so many times in the Bible. Let me mention a couple.

“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; that you speak the same thing; and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Of course, Paul was writing about unity in the Lord’s church. No wonder people in the world today often look with distain at the church with so much disunity and discord. Please, Enola brothers and sisters, let us consider Paul’s pleading and live, work, play, and worship together in unity. This past Wednesday evening we sang hymn #358 in our books “O To Be Like Thee.” This song is tough. “O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer; This is my constant longing and prayer. Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus Thy perfect likeness to wear. O to be like Thee, O to be like Thee, Blesses Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.” We can have unity only when we can sing that song with the spirit and with the understanding.

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3). When you read on down through verse 6 you will notice that there is ONE BODY (The church of Christ – Ephesians 1:22-23). There is ONE SPIRIT who has given us the Bible. There is ONE HOPE of our calling in Jesus Christ. There is ONE LORD, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. There is ONE FAITH. Not many faiths, ONE FAITH. There is ONE BAPTISM. This is the baptism that puts us in Christ and saves us, the new birth. There is ONE GOD. All other “gods” are silent, powerless, useless, and a waste.

This Sunday morning we will conclude our series “Counting Our Blessings – Naming Them One By One.” I count my blessings one by one when I understand how God blesses me, when I decide to live one day at a time, when I decide to live my life optimistically, and this Sunday; I count by blessings one by one when I decide to love life and see good days. I hope you are benefiting from this series. I certainly am.

I am enjoying our Sunday evening series very much: Lessons from Four Fishermen – Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Peter taught us about service. He said to the lame man, “What I have a give to you.” Andrew was quietly effective. We can be quietly effective too. This Sunday evening we will learn that, like us James often blundered, and many times misunderstood Jesus’ plan for him. Through it all, James stayed close to Jesus.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday here in beautiful Enola, Arkansas. We are growing in the love of the Lord every day.

2011-10-27T16:12:00.000-04:00

Everything is going well in Enola, Arkansas. We have settled into autumn and winter is on the horizon. The leaves are really falling fast now in those gentle fall breezes. Can you believe that Thanksgiving is less than four weeks away with Christmas and 2012 just around the corner? Our hunters are busy nearly every morning in the woods on a deer stand waiting for that trophy buck. Brothers and sisters: Hunt whenever you can, but be at church when the church meets for worship, Bible study, and fellowship. When we are where we are supposed to be good things happen. When we are somewhere else, well, how can God bless us when we are going against His will? Just a gentle reminder of what a great honor it is for Christians to assemble together before God for worship. Let’s not miss a single meeting.

Last Sunday our elders presented four men to the congregation for our consideration as prospective deacons: Wayne Beene, David Berry, Brandon Breeding, and Greg Floyd. These men are fine Christian men and fully dedicated to Christ and His church at Enola. Next Sunday, November 4th these men will be appointed as deacons to serve beside our current deacons, Brothers Patrick Breeding and Sonny Wolfe.

Brother Brandon has been working on our new church website. As soon as we get everything organized we will launch it over the World Wide Web. You’ll be surprised just how much we will use our site every day for updates, news, and information. We plan on recording the lessons every Sunday and uploading them to our website for anyone to hear and consider. People traveling in the area will be able to look at our site, locate where we are, and plan their trip to be with us for worship. People moving into Faulkner country will be able to check out our website and the church as they make their choices where to work and worship. I will be uploading articles related to life and living to the website for the church and those who visit our site to read and consider. Our website is just another way the church of Christ at Enola can reach out to our community for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Cindi and I will host another Birthday and Anniversary Party at our house on Sunday evening, October 30th immediately following our assembly. We will provide the drinks, cupcakes, and utensils. If you or a member of your immediate family has a birthday or anniversary in October, come and be a part. If you would like, bring your favorite finger-food to share. We look forward to having you with us. Nothing complicated. Just a good time to get to know each other a little bit better.

This Sunday morning we will continue in our series “Counting Our Blessings – One by One.” We will look at how we count our blessings when we decide to live our lives optimistically. Paul decided. Then he learned. Finally he knew. These are the facts of life. If you would like to read ahead, read Philippians 4:8-13 to see just how it is. He wrote; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I can in Christ. So can you.

On Sunday evening we will learn another lesson from a fisherman, Andrew, the disciple who was quietly effective. I am learning so much from these four fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James, and John. I hope you are learning too.

2011-10-20T15:18:00.001-04:00

In our world today just about every person you meet has some sort of religious affiliation. On any given day you might hear any one of dozens of names given to various religious groups. What name should we, the followers of Christ wear? Check the Bible. What do you find?

“Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:25-26).

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe. Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Almost you persuade me to become a Christian.’ And Paul said, ‘I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, ight become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:27-29).

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evil-doer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:16).

Three times in the New Testament we find that the followers of Jesus Christ, His disciples were called “Christians.” You would think that we could understand such simple terminology. Yet even in the Lord’s church I often hear some of my brethren refer to themselves as “church of Christ” as if we are just another group of people who have denominated themselves along with the rest of the “religious” world.

I do understand that the word “Christian” has been manipulated by the world to mean many things. Much of the time the word is used to mean a “good” person in terms of behavior. Sometimes the word “Christian” is even used as a negative label; “Oh, you are one of those “Christians.” Don’t be troubled. If you believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, if you have turned away from sin in repentance, if you have confessed the name of Jesus before others, if you have been baptized (immersed) with the understanding that in baptism your sins are washed away, then you are truly and wholly a Christian. Nothing more! Nothing less! We must add nothing to it nor take anything away from it. Nothing needs to be explained. “Christian” says everything that needs to be said. I am a Christian, a member of the church that belongs to Christ, His church, the church of Christ.

This Sunday morning (October 23, 2011) at Enola we will continue in our series entitled “Counting Our Blessing One by One.” We count our blessing one by one when we LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME. Too many people try to live three days every day, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Yesterday is past. Tomorrow is yet to be. Today is called the present. What precious gift from God today actually is! We must not neglect it, refuse it, or waste it.

This Sunday night we will take a look at the next lesson from one of four fishermen. We will study about Andrew and how he was quietly effective in his ministry for Jesus Christ. He was looking for the Messiah. Are we? He was evangelistic in his every-day life. Are we? He was always helpful in a quietly effective way. Are we? He was faithfully dedicated. Are we?

2011-10-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

We’ve had a good week of Christian living here in Enola, Arkansas. The fall weather is simply gorgeous with cool mornings warming up nicely through the evening. I hope you are taking full advantage of such wonderful blessings. Get up a little earlier to go for a morning walk. Walk outside just after sunset and look up at the stars. Sit on the deck for a few minutes early or late and enjoy a bit of nature: squirrels preparing for the winter, falling leaves, geese settling on or lifting off the lake if you are near the water or flying overhead toward a warmer climate. These simple experiences make life worth living. Some people never look up to see the evidences of God. They rarely look out past their own feelings and needs to see the beauties around them. They seldom look around them at the opportunities for joy and service to others. They have even more difficulty looking within themselves to see that they have become far removed from the balance of life.

As Christians, we can, we must live a different, better, balanced life. Every morning let us think of God, His majesty, His richness, His purposes, His blessings toward us. Let us speak to Him in prayer and remember the assurances we have in Jesus Christ. Let us read God’s word, the Bible to be reminded of our past, our blessings, our present duty to Him and to our fellow man, and our future in Christ. Let us do more than read the Bible. We must rightly divide it (2 Timothy 2:15), realizing that God communicated to people before the coming of Jesus Christ in different ways (Hebrews 1:1-2). Today we do not read to obey the Old Testament, the Psalms, nor the Prophets of old. The Old Testament was God’s word to those who lived before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We read to obey His Son, Jesus Christ in the twenty-seven books called the New Testament with words written down by nine inspired men chosen by God (Matthew, Mark, Luke (2), John (5), Paul (13), Peter (2), James, Jude, and the writer to the Hebrews). These twenty-seven books are the final revelation from God to mankind in these last days in which we live (Jude 3, Galatians 1:6-10, Luke 16:16). Now make no mistake about it. The Old Testament is valuable to us today. Paul wrote in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” The Old Testament was written for our learning, not for our keeping. The New Testament is ours today to read, respect, reflect on, remember, and respond to immediately.

This Sunday (10.16.11) at Enola we will begin a new series of lessons entitled “Counting Our Blessing One by One.” God blesses all of His creation every day with life and everything that is needed to live. There are blessings that only come from God to those who are in a right relationship with Him. We’ll see what the Bible says about God’s blessings.

On Sunday evening we will consider “Four Lessons from Four Fishermen.” Simon Peter teaches us about doing what we can with what we have. I hope the entire congregation at Enola will be here on Sunday evening for this special series of lessons. We all will be encouraged and challenged to come closer to God and to one another.

Cindi and I made a trip to Columbia, South Carolina last weekend. I preached in a gospel meeting at the Windsor Lake congregation on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Thank you for your prayers for us while we were away. Thank you to Brother Brandon and Brother Eddie for preaching and teaching for me in my absence.

2011-09-28T12:33:00.002-04:00

How about this beautiful fall Arkansas weather? I can barely remember what 110 degrees feels like now. Consider the following thoughts from a lesson I preached recently at Liberty on Highway 64. My topic was “Jesus Keeps Blessing Me Over and Over Again – But How?”

God blesses His creation simply because He is the Creator and Father of all. He blesses us with life, sunshine and rain, gravity, the change of seasons, the air that we breathe, and the capacity to breathe. God made the world and everything in it. He gives to all life, breath, and all things. He has made from one blood every nation of men. In Him we live and move and have our being. Paul spoke these things to the Athenians. Luke wrote them for all to read and believe in Acts 17:24-28.

God extends some blessings only to those who are in a right relationship with Him, to those who love Him and are following Him. Consider Romans 8:28. “Now we know that all things work together for good…” This promise that everything will work out just fine is made to whom? To all creation? No. God promises that everything will work out just fine to those who love Him, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Consider Psalm 1. God promises blessings to the one who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, to the one who does not stand in the path of sinners, and to the one who does not sit in the seat of the scoffer. He offers this blessing to the one who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on that law day and night. Prosperity is promised to this one. Consider Psalm 23. All the blessings of this psalm: green pastures, still waters, soul restored, leadership in the paths of righteousness, comfort walking through the valley of the shadow of death, comfort in view of a rod and staff, provision in the midst of enemies, an anointed head, a cup that overflows, the surety of goodness and mercy every day, and heaven are promised to the one whose shepherd is the Lord. Consider Mark 16:16. Salvation is promised to those who believe and are baptized. I could go on and on with many more examples from the Bible of blessings promised and delivered to those who choose God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus keeps blessing me over and over again because I live one day at the time. Too many people try to live three days at the time. They try to live today while at the same time reliving and regretting yesterday and also at the same time looking into tomorrow with fear and doubt.

Jesus keeps blessing me over and over again because I count my many blessings every day rather than focus on my sorrows. Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” I am richly blessed every day. We all are. Why not count those blessings and rejoice in them rather than look over those blessings to focus on my disappointments?

Jesus keeps blessing me over and over again because I have decided to be optimistic. Do you know that we usually feel, learn, find, and become what we expect to feel, learn, find, and become? Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

My grand daughter, Faryn made me a very special creation from construction paper, crayons, and tape. The words on the creation hanging from my dressing room mirror say, “God Morning.” Of course she meant to say “Good Morning.” She tried to add another “o” to “God” but I like the first creation better. Every morning should be and is a “God Morning.”

2011-09-15T14:10:00.001-04:00

Have you had a good week? These are very busy times for everyone. In these busy times please remember to set proper personal priorities. Jesus commanded every Christian to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and our every need will be met (Matthew 6:33). We must not allow worldly activities and events to overshadow the duties and privileges we have as Christians. Every Lord’s Day and at other times as well, the church meets for Bible study, worship, and fellowship. As a member of the church I have the duty and the privilege of taking my place among my Christian brothers and sisters to encourage and be encouraged in my faith. I promise that I will do my part as a gospel preacher to provide Biblical, challenging, encouraging, interesting lessons and sermons every week aimed at helping us all grow in our walk with God. Our elders are committed to God and to their responsibility to meet our needs and lead us ever closer to heaven. Our deacons are committed to their individual roles as special servants to the church. It is my prayer that every member of the Enola Church of Christ will make Christ and His church the #1 priority in their lives at home, at work, at school, in the neighborhood, everywhere. Ask yourself: Am I reading my Bible every day? Is prayer a priority in my life every day? Do I look for opportunities to help someone in some way every day? Do I meet with the church at every opportunity? Am I committed to doing what I can to help the church grow every day? Am I living the Christian life the way I should? Am I enjoying my life as a Christian? If you can answer these questions with a “Yes,” that’s great. If not, then make the change you need to make to be all you can be for Jesus our Savior and Lord.

This Sunday morning we will continue in our series “The Bible – God’s Inspired Word to Humanity” with a lesson aimed at helping us understand and appreciate the benefits of the Bible. God’s word makes us wise to salvation. God’s word promotes faith in the life of every believer. The Bible nourishes our spiritual life. The Bible teaches us God’s will and teaches us how to worship, how to pray, how to give, how to organize our lives, how to live and how to die. When we understand and appreciate these benefits, we will read and rely on the Bible more and more every day.

This Sunday evening we will begin a new series entitled “The Way of the Cross.” Lesson one will be “The Requirements of the Way of the Cross.” Each letter in CROSS will provide our points: C – Courage, R – Reason, O – Obedience, S – Sacrifice, and S – Sincerity. We sometimes sing the song entitled “The Way of the Cross Leads Home.” Maybe we can sing this song (#343 in our books) before the sermon to get us started in the right direction.

I will be preaching at the Liberty Church of Christ on Highway 64 on Sunday afternoon, September 25th at 3:00 p.m. Our topic will be, “How Jesus Keeps Blessing Me Over and Over Again.” Please mark your calendar and plan on being present for this lesson. We can still make it back to Enola in plenty of time for our Sunday evening worship hour at 5:00.

Remember the Birthday and Anniversary Get-Together at the Burleson’s on September 25th immediately following our Sunday evening worship assembly. Bring your favorite finger food and come out to celebrate our September birthdays and anniversaries. Drinks and cake provided.

2011-09-09T13:58:00.000-04:00

Now this is what I’ve been waiting for! Cool breezes…royal blue Arkansas skies with feathery clouds ever changing shapes…the smell of fresh-cut hay…family and friends gathered together in the back yard…grilling out…watching football…ever being grateful for God’s rich blessings in my life. There are way too many people who have become so busy make a living that they never make a life. Life is too short, too volatile, too interesting, too exciting, too beautiful, too wonderful to miss and miss it we do when we spend our time fussing and fighting, regretting and being afraid, sorrowing and being depressed. Wake up. Look up. Get up. Live!

Our lesson on Sunday morning is entitled “The Bible – God’s Inspired Word to Humanity.” We will ask ourselves the question: What is the Bible to me? We will see what God’s word contains. We will see what the Bible teaches us. We will see the results of studying the Bible. We will see that the Bible is the traveler’s road map (John 14:6), the pilgrim’s staff (Matthew 7:24), the pilot’s compass (Psalm 119:105), the soldier’s weapon (Ephesians 6:17), and the Christian’s charter (Matthew 28:18-20).

On Sunday evening we will continue Sunday morning’s lesson with a look at what we find in the Bible: the Object, the Design, and the End. Did you know that the Bible can give life? It will be opened at judgment. The Bible will be remembered forever. No wonder the Bible is called the Book of books. It is indeed holy and written to us from God Himself.

If you are not currently involved in Bible study at Enola, please come at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning for a wonderful Bible study with Brother Eddie Hawkins, one of our elders. I teach the adults on Wednesday evening at 7:00. We are studying through the book of Romans. We are currently in chapter 9. Of course Brother Brandon and others teach our teenagers. We have Bible study opportunities for children too. Please take advantage of every opportunity you have to learn more about God’s ways and will for you and for the world.

I hear that our new congregational picture directories will soon be printed and ready for distribution. Make sure you check the bulletin this Sunday for special announcements concerning our picture directory. We would like to have every member of the church of Christ at Enola included in this publication.

SPECIAL NOTE: We are in the process of selecting additional deacons at Enola. Please pick up a selection sheet located on the tables in the lobby, read the instructions from our eldership, fill out the sheet with the names of those men you believe are qualified to serve as deacons, and turn in your sheet to one of our elders. This is not a complicated process. As soon as our elders have our selection sheets they will meet with the prospective men. They will then announce the names of those who will be put before the church for our consideration, and then after a day or two of consideration, they will be appointed as deacons. Let’s get involved with the work and service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so that the church will continue to grow and prosper.

2011-08-31T17:10:00.001-04:00

August is now history. Our teachers and students are well into their new school routines. Before too much longer we will begin to feel fall in the air (I hope). Traffic has really picked up in Conway and even in Enola. Be extra careful on the highways, especially around our schools.

Sunday was another good day for us at Enola with 147 members and guests assembled together for worship, study, and fellowship on Sunday morning and 90 in attendance on Sunday evening. Our offering continues to rise because we are simply and cheerfully returning to the Lord and His work as we have been prospered. Our youth met for a “Devo” at the home of Denis and Angela Curtis last Sunday evening. We hosted the August Birthday and Anniversary Get-Together at our house. The church is alive and growing at Enola. Tell everyone you know.

Congratulations to BRYAN BEENE! Bryan and I have been meeting together for the past few weeks regularly to study and discuss the Bible and God’s plan for every person’s life. Last week he realized his need for Jesus Christ in his life, confessed that Jesus is the Son of God, and was that same day baptized into Christ for the remission of his sins. He is now a Christian. Please pray for Bryan as he begins his new walk with Christ. There will be mountains to climb and valleys to cross but through it all Bryan will have Jesus Christ as Savior and Guide. He will also have you and me as fellow Christians who will help him along the way. God continues to bless us in every way.

We will conclude our Sunday morning series “Becoming a Great Church” this Sunday with a lesson on WORK. Oh, no. Not that! Great churches have a mind to work (Nehemiah 4:6). Work doesn’t bother great congregations of the Lord’s church. Christians in great churches just know that work is a part of what makes us great. Too many churches are “worship societies” instead of soldiers fit and ready for battle or athletes prepared and peaked for victory or farmers patient and prepared for the harvest.

On Sunday evening we will consider the final “R” of “Every Christian Should… REFLECT. When people look at us, what do they see? What is it that we reflect? We are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world. We are a city set on a hill. I hope this series has be both encouraging and challenging to you in your Christian life.

We have a very special treat on Wednesday, September 7th here at Enola. Bill Cline from Truth for Today will be with us to speak to us about all the great things that “Truth for Today” is doing in our world for the cause of Christ. Mark you calendar and make every effort to be here to hear this very special presentation.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday for worship, study, and fellowship. These are challenging times for all of us. Coming together strengthens us, encourages us, and helps us to stand firm in a sinful world.

2011-08-22T10:58:00.002-04:00

We had a great day at Enola yesterday, Sunday, August 21, 2011 with 136 in attendance for worship on Sunday morning and 96 on Sunday evening. The offering toward the work of the church was $2152.00. The elders announced the need to appoint additional deacons and asked the congregation to present to them the names of qualified men to serve in this capacity. The plan is very simple. Just take a sheet of paper, make a list of the names of the men you believe meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-15, sign the sheet, and hand it to one of our elders, Brother Larry Arnett, Brother Eddie Hawkins, or Brother Andrew Shock. They’ll take it from there. They will meet with the men we present to them to discuss the work of the church and their desire to serve. As soon as they get a list of qualified men who desire to serve they will present these men back to the congregation for further consideration. After a few days of consideration these men will be appointed to serve with our brothers who are already serving as deacons, Brother Patrick Breeding and Brother Sonny Wolfe. I know they’ll be glad to have some much needed help with the work of the church. We are becoming a great congregation. God is certainly blessing us every day with joy, peace, and prosperity.

Last Sunday we looked at how important UNITY is to any endeavor. Unity is especially important if we are to become a great congregation of the church of Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). We must be united in His way, in His truth, and in His life. Paul pleaded with the church at Corinth by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to speak the same thing, that there be no divisions among them, that they be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). He pleads with us today. Paul reminds every Christian of our calling to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He wrote in Ephesians 4:4-6 to remind us that there is one body (the church), one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all who is above all, through all, and in all. Let us continue to work together in unity and harmony. Let us worship together in spirit and in truth. Let us fellowship together in peace and happiness. Let us always perfectly joined together in the same mind (our thoughts, our plans, our desires for ourselves and the church) and in the same judgment (the decisions we make, the actions we take).

This Sunday we will focus out attention on another attribute that Christians in every great congregation possess: GREAT LEADERSHIP. Great churches have leaders, elders that are men of character, reputation, and vision. When “little men” oversee the work of the church, little will be done. When “great men” oversee the Lord’s work, great things will be accomplished. God expects the eldership of His church to be men of knowledge, love, zeal, and faith. They must be men of vision who see what God can do. They must be men who are “given to work.” They must be men of respect, humility, and service. I look forward to sharing this lesson from God’s word with you. We have three great elders at Enola. May we all appreciate our elders more and endeavor to make their work a work of joy.

Sunday evening at Enola is very special. Our series is entitled “Every Christian Should…” Every Christian should REJOICE. Life is tough. People are rough. And sometimes it seems like we don’t have enough. Rejoice anyway. Rejoice always. Every Christian should REMOVE. We should remove sorrow from our hearts and evil from our lives (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10). HOW? We must present our sorrow and our sin to Jesus honestly, openly, and willing. He cares for us. Hebrews 12:1-2 is a great passage of Scripture to read, remember, and apply. This Sunday evening we will consider the next lesson in this series, “Every Christian Should REMEMBER.”

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY FELLOWSHIP AT THE BURLESON’S – This Sunday evening immediately following our assembly. If you or a member of your immediate family has a birthday or anniversary in August bring a finger-food dish and come on over.

2011-08-15T13:26:00.002-04:00

We had a great Sunday at Enola yesterday, August 14th. We had 143 present for worship and by the way our young people were dressed, you could tell that school is about to begin. They looked very good in their new school clothes and shoes. It is good to get back into to somewhat of a normal routine again after the summer. I’m looking forward to sitting in the football stadium again on Friday nights. I guess Cindi and I will be cheering for the Vilonia Eagles this year since Mount Vernon Enola doesn’t have a football team yet. I plan on watching the UCA Bears play on their purple and gray field. I drove by last weekend to see it. Whew! It’ll take some getting use to. And of course, I will be cheering for our Arkansas Razorbacks. I do still have a lot of Gamecock in me since three members of my family graduated from South Carolina.

It was great to see Brother Buz Heffington back with us this past Sunday evening. Every week we have guests among us. Please see that our guests know how much we love and appreciate them. We can do this very simply. Just walk up to them, present your right hand of fellowship, and introduce yourself. There are visitor cards in the back of every pew and some in one of the tables in the lobby. Please see that our guests fill out one of these cards. You can see that the card gets to one of our elders.

This Sunday we will continue in our series: “Becoming a Great Church.” Think about it. Great congregations of the Lord’s church are united in purpose and plans. Ephesians 6:1-6 teaches us about the “oneness” that God expects from every Christian and every congregation. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about unity. “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). We often sing about the “common love” that we share as members of the church of Christ. Are we united under that banner of the cross of Jesus Christ our Savior? I look forward to sharing this lesson with you from God’s word.

On Sunday evening our new series of sermons is entitled; “Every Christian Should…” There are many things that we can do, but what should we do? Every Christian should REJOICE. Life is tough. People are rough. And it seems that we sometimes don’t have enough. Yet we are called to “Rejoice always, to pray with ceasing, and to giving thanks in everything because this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This Sunday evening we will look at the next “R.” If you would like to reach ahead, read Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 and see what Solomon asked of every young man.

Our eldership announced their plans to appoint additional deacons to serve the congregation at Enola. Please be praying for our elders and the congregation as we seek out qualified men to serve as deacons. Be listening for the elders’ instructions coming soon. I know that our two hard-working deacons; Brothers Sonny Wolfe and Patrick Breeding will be very glad to have some help. More workers mean more planting, more watering, and with the blessings of our Father more increase.

We meet every Sunday morning for Bible study at 10:00 and then for worship together at 11:00. We return for the evening worship hour and Children’s Bible Hour at 5:00 p.m. We also meet on Wednesday evening for Bible study at 7:00 p.m. Now that school is back in session it might be a little bit more difficult to come out for our evening meetings together. Come anyway. You can do it.

2011-08-08T18:30:00.000-04:00

Still hot and very dry – 108 today in Conway…105 in Enola. Be careful working out in the heat. I’m especially concerned for our high school and college athletes. Parents: Watch out for your children. They don’t always know when enough is enough. Unfortunately, some adults have trouble knowing this as well. Life is precious. Enjoy every moment, but do so with a view of eternity.

School begins in just a few days. This means additional traffic in the mornings and late afternoon. We must schedule a little extra time in our travels for the change in routine. Also, we must be more patient, kind, and generous toward others. Let’s show the world, our family, friends, and neighbors that we are different because we are Christians.

This past weekend was the “tax-free” weekend in our area. Cindi and I tried to do some shopping for our grandchildren but after about 20 minutes of traffic, crowds, and chaos we gave up, ate lunch and went to Little Rock to the circus. Ha! We left one circus to go to another circus. Our grandchildren watched the circus while Cindi and I watched them.

Sunday was a very special day for the church of Christ at Enola. It was a great joy to see Brother Andrew Shock appointed to the eldership. We are blessed with Brother Larry Arnett, Brother Eddie Hawkins, and now Brother Shock as our shepherds here at Enola. I am thrilled to serve under their leadership as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. May we all endeavor to live our lives in such a way that their task to oversee the congregation of the Lord’s church at Enola will be joyous, peaceful, and fulfilling! The writer to the Hebrews in Hebrews 13:17 says; “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

Next up: The appointment of additional deacons to serve the congregation at Enola. Please be praying for your minister (me), our eldership, our current deacons, and the entire congregation as we move forward to the appointment of additional deacons in the coming days. We have several men who are qualified and ready to serve in this capacity. There is much work to be done. May God bless our efforts together for the cause of Christ.

This Sunday we will continue in our series: “Becoming a Great Church.” In John 13, verse 34 and 35 John wrote down Jesus’ teaching concerning the love Christians must have for one another. We will look at these two verses with three things in mind: 1) A commandment is a commandment, not a suggestion; 2) This commandment to love was “new” in that the standard was new, and 3) The result of our keeping Jesus’ command is literally awesome.

This Sunday evening I am very excited about our new series of sermons entitled; “Every Christian Should…” There are many things that we can do, but what should we do? Every Christian should R____________, R____________, R____________, and R____________. I hope you will be here for every one of these lessons aimed at helping each of us walk closer to the Lord.

2011-08-02T12:59:00.000-04:00

August in Arkansas! Blue skies, sunshine, 102 in the shade, and no rain in sight. But, hey, fall is just around the corner. Before you know it, you will walk outside expecting another hot day and be surprised by the feeling of fall in the air. Isn’t fall wonderful? Orange, yellow, red, and silver leaves waiting God’s command to return to the earth, frost on the pumpkin, the smell of a fire burning in the fireplace, children up and out early to school, and football. I’m thankful for every blessing of life.

Thank you so much for coming over to our house this past Sunday evening for the July Birthday and Anniversary Celebration. We had a great time of fellowship together. Our August Birthday and Anniversary Celebration is schedule for Sunday evening, August 28th at the Burleson’s. We will provide the drinks, cake, and utensils. You can bring a finger food of your choice if you would like. If you or a member of your immediate family has a birthday or an anniversary in August, this get-together is for you. This month we are planning a singing for those who can stay a little while longer.

Our sermon series in August is entitled “Becoming a Great Church.” Last Sunday we introduced the series with a lesson about the church at Rome. When Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, he wrote about their faith that was spoken of throughout the whole world (Romans 1:8). He also wrote about their obedience that was known by all (Romans 16:19). A great church doesn’t just happen. On Monday Brother Frank Breeding and I drove out to Brother Hershel Palmer’s house to relieve Brother Palmer of some of his purple hull peas and a couple of mush mellows (cantaloupes), with his whole-hearted permission, of course. Brother Palmer has a beautiful garden, the result of many hours of faithful patient dedication to God’s plan of sowing and reaping. The same is true of the church of Christ at Enola. We must dedicate ourselves to God’s plan; to having and maintaining a spirit of love and unity. Our elders, our deacons, our ministers, our teachers, and every member must be people of faith and integrity in word and in deed. We must have a mind to work and do our work for the glory of Jesus Christ with a smile on our faces. We must dream big dreams and have plans for the future, next year, 5 years, all the way into eternity. We will be talking about these things over the next four Sundays, Lord willing.

This Sunday evening we will be concluding our series “Six One Thing’s in the Bible.” Our lesson will be taken from the Old Testament; Joshua 23:1-16. Joshua is about to die (He was 110). In verse 14 Joshua reminds the Israelites of God’s never-ending power to keep His promises.

“Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in your hearts and in all your souls that NOT ONE THING HAS FAILED of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed.”

Joshua then warns the people of the coming days of pain, sorrow, and woe brought upon them by God because of their refusal to keep His commandments. We can rest assured. When God makes a promise, He keeps it. Not one thing ever fails of all the good things which the Lord our God speaks concerning us as we walk in the light of His word (1 John 1:7). We may have to climb many mountains and cross over many valleys as we journey toward heaven, but all along the way God’s promises of strength, wisdom, and provision prevail over our struggles. I am thankful.

2011-07-25T17:04:00.001-04:00

Our VBS at Enola is really going great this week! We had a great crowd of 128 on Sunday night. Our theme this year is “Upside Down Under” and focuses on the transforming power of Jesus Christ in every life. We begin each evening promptly at 7:00 p.m. Our schedule is as follows:

Monday (25th) Lesson 2 – From Terrified to Trusting (Peter)
Tuesday (26th) Lesson 3 – From Selfish to Selfless (Zacchaeus)
Wednesday (27th) Lesson 4 – From Defiant to Devoted (Paul)

Every night we will meet for Bible study at 7:00 p.m. in our respective rooms. At 7:45 we will meet in the old auditorium for singing, skits, and announcement and of course a few words from Mr. Booster Rooster. We will wrap the evening up with refreshments in the annex. I hope you can be a part of our VBS every night. You’ll be so very glad that you did.

Can you believe that August is now upon us? Sunday is July 31st. Our teachers and students are getting ready for another year of school. Parents and children are gearing up for the back to school routine: up earlier in the morning, a good breakfast to start the day, homework, football, band, and other school related activities, to bed earlier if and when possible, and hopefully, everyone agreeing to being a bit more patient with one another. After a week or two the carefree days of summer melt away into plans for the fall. Do you remember God’s promises in Genesis 8:22? “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” God keeps every promise. I’m certainly glad.

This Sunday morning we will begin a new sermon series entitled “Becoming a Great Church.” Did you know that the church of Christ at Rome at one time was “spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8) and that they “had become known to all” (Romans 16:19). Just what was it that was spoken of and just what was it that had become known. You’ll have to read the above texts to answer these two questions. Our question is this: When people speak of the church of Christ at Enola, what do they say? What are we known for? I hope that we are and will continue to be known for the same two characteristics that the Roman congregation was know for at the time of Paul’s letter to them. In this series we will take a closer look at what great congregations of the Lord’s church have, take inventory, and then make application.

Great churches have a spirit of love and unity.
Great churches have leaders who are people of character, good repute, and vision.
Great churches have a preacher who sets a high spiritual tone in word and in deed.
Great churches have a “mind to work.”
Great churches have plans for the future.

On Sunday evening we will continue in our series on the “One Things of the Bible.” This week we will look at Paul’s attitude toward the things in the past from Philippians 3:13-14. He wrote, “This ONE THING I DO…” What about it? Can we do the one thing that Paul was able to do? I look forward to seeing you every week. God bless us.

2011-07-20T11:22:00.000-04:00

It’s VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL time here in Enola and we’re just about ready. Every teacher will be busy this week getting everything ready. Our VBS begins this Sunday evening, July 24th at 5:00 and then Monday through Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. We will sing, prayer, study the Bible and generally have a great time together. You know that VBS is not just for kids. I will be teaching an adult Bible study every night. I hope the entire congregation at Enola will make time in their busy schedules to be here to study God’s word.

This Sunday morning we will conclude our sermon series entitled “We Are More Than Conquerors” and ask ourselves; “Where am I going?” If you are standing at the crossroads of life looking right, left, forward, and backward, which choice will you make? Will you turn to the right? Will you take a left turn? Will you move straight ahead? Will you turn around and go backward? Think. Isn’t it true that your choices depend upon where you’re going? If you don’t know where you’re going, how can you make the right choice? Does it even matter? However, if you do know where you’re going, the choice is vital to your journey and much easier to make. You will make the choice that gets you closer to your destination. Too many people in our day simply do not know where they are going in life. A question to ask ourselves: Where will I be next month, next year, in 5 years if I keep living the way I’m living? Will I be happy? Will my faith in God be stronger? Will I be closer to Jesus Christ because of my choices? What about my family and friends? Will they be drawn closer to Jesus Christ because of my choices? Will my Heavenly Father pleased with my choices? Will my choices take me one step closer to my goals and eventually to heaven? May God bless us with wisdom, faith, and vision to lift our eyes toward God, being guided His word that is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path in life (Psalm 119:105).

Cindi and I will be hosting a monthly birthday and anniversary fellowship at our house in July on Sunday evening, July 31st immediately following our 5:00 worship hour. This fellowship is for any member of the Enola congregation who has a birthday or an anniversary in July along with their family members (within reason – Ha!). We will provide the cake and drinks. If you would like to bring a “finger-food” dish of your choice, please do. This is just one more way we can get to know one another a little bit better. The more the merrier!

Cindi and I made the trip to Morrilton and the Downtown congregation on Monday night to support their Singing Seminar with Brother Burt Jones from Ohio. It was good to see the brethren there again and learn more about how we can better worship God in spirit and in truth through our singing. Let’s make a special effort to support our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in the area when they are hosting events such as this.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning and Sunday evening as well as on Wednesday evening for worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Make it your aim to never miss a service.

2011-07-11T23:58:00.000-04:00

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL @ Enola Church of Christ – Enola, Arkansas
Sunday, July 24th - Wednesday, July 27th – Everyone is cordially invited!

Our annual summer Vacation Bible School is almost here! Brandon Breeding is doing a fine job getting everyone and everything ready. ADULTS: We will have four special lessons for you too. It will be a special honor for me to teach during the adult sessions. Of course our children and teens will have very special sessions of Bible study too with some great teachers. Please make plans to be here every evening for VBS.

Wow! Arkansas is HOT! And we really need some rain. Let’s be praying to our Father for showers of blessings. He is for us. He always provides for our needs. He holds us accountable for His provision. He loves us. We are not alone.

This Wednesday evening we are in for a very special time of study, fellowship, and consideration. Our special guest is Jyothi Raju Gaddapati of All India Christian Federation, Inc. a Christian organization that is seeking to help all our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in India who are so terribly oppressed. Brother Jyothi will be sharing valuable information with us about how we can help our fellow Christians in India. I hope the entire congregation at Enola can be present to hear Brother Jyothi.

Cindi and I are slowly becoming adjusted to our new home in Enola. Most of the boxes are unpacked. Some are stored away. Our living room furniture will arrive on Tuesday morning, Lord willing. I really haven’t had to do much outside work because of the hot summer weather. We are still somewhat tied to South Carolina because we have a house for sale there. Please pray for us that our house will sell soon so we can put down our roots here in Arkansas. We are waiting for our house to sell there before we can close on our house here. We are slowly getting to know our fellow Christian family here. Please be patient with us as we put names with faces. I’m not as young and quick-thinking as I use to be.

July Birthday and Anniversary Get-Together at the Burleson’s – Sunday evening, July 31st immediately following our evening worship service. If you or a family member has a birthday or anniversary in July, please come over to our house for finger-foods, drinks, and cake. Cindi and I will provide the drinks and the cake. If you can, bring your favorite finger-food snack and join us for a time of fellowship. Our plans are to host a birthday/anniversary fellowship every month on the last Sunday night in the month. This is just one way we can get to know each other better as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Our lesson series continues this coming Sunday morning – “We are more than Conquerors.” We have answered the question “Who am I?” Now we will take a look at Question #2 – Who am I trying to please?

On Sunday evening we will continue looking at the Six One Thing’s in the Bible.

2011-06-29T18:40:00.002-04:00

It’s me again, back into my somewhat normal schedule of studying, writing, preaching, visiting, spending as much time as I can with the grandchildren, and blogging. Cindi and I made the move back to Arkansas from our home for the past five years in Columbia, South Carolina. We moved to Enola, Arkansas, out in cattle country about 20 miles outside of Conway three weeks ago. Life is good, slow, quiet, and peaceful. Country life is definitely different from city life. This morning at 7:00 a.m. my neighbor’s dog, Molly was lying in the middle of the road enjoying the beautiful morning and only slowly moved from the oncoming lane when a farmer in a pickup truck loudly sounded his horn. Can you believe the nerve of some people? A couple of days ago a deer was grazing on some of the grass in my front yard while at the same time a rabbit was enjoying the back yard.

Yesterday I was set to repair the drain under our bathroom sink. I thought I had everything I needed. You know how it is. Lowe’s in only a mile or two away, right? Wrong! More like 20 miles away! Now we have a country store just up the road from our house, so I jumped into my Dodge to see if they had the 1 ¼ inch fitting I needed. Nope! Only 1 ½ inch fittings. There were three older gentlemen sitting on the bench just outside the store. One of them asked me if I was able to get what I needed. We talked for a minute or two and he said, “Follow me. I think I have just what you need.” I did. He did. The drain is working just fine now. I asked him what I owed him. “Not a thing” he said, only come by and visit with us sometime.” I will.

The church of Christ in Enola is a group of about 150 Christians who are very kind, loving, and hard-working. The population of Enola is 188 according to the sign posted on the highway as you drive into town. I am honored to be a member of the congregation. I am especially honored that they have asked me to work alongside of them as their minister and friend. God has always provided for Cindi and me in every way. We are thankful. I am thankful.

I am especially thankful to be closer to my daughter, my son, and my three grandchildren. When we were in Columbia, SC we were about 800 miles away from them. I missed too many birthdays, too many soccer games, too many dance recitals, too many teachable moments, too many hugs and kisses, too many scraped knees that needed a bandaide, and too many questions that needed answers, answers that can only come from a grandfather. Yesterday I spent a few hours with my two oldest grandchildren. We sat on the back porch for at least a half an hour just watching two humming birds fighting over the nectar in the hummingbird feeders.

To my fellow Christian brothers and sisters at St. Andrews Road in Columbia, SC, thank you for allowing me to work with you for the past five years. God blessed us all tremendously with physical and spiritual blessings. He is still blessing us even though we are apart. I will be at St. Andrews Road this weekend to perform the wedding ceremony of my dear friends, Jerry Satterfield and Shirley Dockray. I will also be preaching at both assemblies at SAR on Sunday. What a joy it is to be a Christian and know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

2011-06-07T15:50:00.000-04:00

COMING SOON… Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26
VBS at St. Andrews Road – July 10-14
Well, I guess by now just about everyone in the neighborhood has heard that I am moving back to Arkansas to be closer to my family. I plan to be here with you this Sunday, June 12th for the morning and evening service. We have been busy packing and plan to load the truck on Monday, June 13th and leave out on Tuesday, the 14th. If you can help us load anytime on Monday, your help will be greatly appreciated. We really don’t have a lot to load. We will be back in Columbia Friday, July 1, Lord willing and plan on being with you on Sunday, July 3rd for worship and fellowship.

The past five years have been simply wonderful for me at St. Andrews Road. We have had too many victories to count and a few sorrows that have brought us closer to God and to one another. God has blessed us. The congregation is strong and well-equipped for whatever God has in store for you. We have planted, we have watered, and God has given the increase and will continue to do so in the near and distant future. Please stand along side our elders as they continue the task of appointing additional deacons to serve the church and also as they begin the search for a new minister. My thoughts and prayers will ever be with you. Please pray for us.

This Sunday morning and Sunday evening our lessons will be on the subject of FAITH. I will present “8 Practical Definitions of Faith” for your hearing and consideration, four definitions in the morning and the remaining four at the evening service. I have preached sermons on faith many times before, but these two lessons will give us all a new perspective on what it means to walk by faith and not be sight. These are difficult times for too many of us. We need to believe and keep believing in God, that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Please plan on being here for these two lessons from God’s word.

REMEMBER: Brother Brad Harrub will be with us for a “Christian Evidences Seminar” on Friday, June 24th through Sunday morning, June 26th. Check out the bulletin board in the lobby and our website for additional information on this vital series of lessons on Christian evidences.

Our young men will be conducting the evening worship hour on Sunday, June 19th (Father’s Day). Brother Hutchison and our young men always do a fine job leading the service. We have the finest group of young people in the world. Be here to support them.
I leave you with one of my most favorite passages of Scripture:
1 “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”
Proverbs 3:1-8

2011-06-04T17:07:00.000-04:00

COMING SOON… Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26
VBS at St. Andrews Road – July 10-14

Recently there has been much talk about a California man’s prediction that the “Day of Judgment” would arrive on Saturday, May 21st at 6:00 p.m. Obviously, the Bible is right again. Jesus stated to His disciples in answer to their question about the end of the world and His promised return in Matthew 24:36: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, but My Father only.” Of course this is not the first time this man attempted to disprove our Lord Jesus Christ. He did the same thing in 1994. And even now, Mr. Camping stubbornly refuses to apologize for his pride and his rejection of Jesus’ words and states that the “Judgment Day” actually occurred as he predicted, except that the Day was a “spiritual judgment” and that the actual Judgment Day will arrive in five months. Wow! How foolish! Through the years since Jesus ascended to His Father many have carried out their deceptions or misconceptions about the return of our Savior. The Bible is God’s revelation once for all to the world. Believe Jesus. Don’t be fooled. Jesus will return just as He has promised. Prepare. Stay prepared. My grandfather, Noonen Burleson always said, “Boy: Plan to live and prepare to die.” Paul wrote “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Cindi and I made a trip to Arkansas last weekend to visit our family and to check on Ben, Lyndsee, and Lily. They have settled into their new home very well. They are worshiping with the Robinson and Center Church of Christ in Conway, Arkansas. The congregation there is currently seeking a man to work with their youth. Ben has submitted his name for consideration for the position. Please pray for God’s will to be done for them. Cindi is staying a few more days to work. I returned to Columbia on Tuesday. Thank you for your prayers for us.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration and selection in submitting the names of those men you believe are qualified to serve as deacons at St. Andrews Road. The elders have our selection sheets and are prayerfully considering each submission and discussing the work of the church with those men. May God bless us as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness!
Our Sunday morning series “Growing in Gladness” will conclude this Sunday with a lesson on how we can grow in gladness through our Bible classes. Are you currently attending one of our Bible classes on Sunday morning at 10:00 and on Wednesday evening at 7:00? If not, how about making a change. Get up a little bit earlier on Sunday morning. Come out on Wednesday evening. See for yourself just how much you can learn and grow in your knowledge of God’s word. Faith does come by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

On Sunday evening our series “Christian Teenagers” continues. We are considering the many challenges our teenagers face every day and Biblical examples of young people who faced the same challenges and were victorious in maintaining their faith in God: Joseph - sexual purity, David – bullies, Daniel - eating and drinking what is sinful, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego - idols. This Sunday evening we will look at Esther and see how she refused to be selfish and determined to consider others, her family, and her nation above herself. I hope you are being encouraged and challenged by these lessons.

2011-05-17T09:25:00.000-04:00

COMING SOON… Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26
VBS at St. Andrews Road – July 10-14

I hope you are having a great week showing and sharing the love of Christ at home, at work, at school, and in your neighborhood. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) that every Christian is “the light of the world.” He commanded: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (5:14-16). The purpose for our living the Christian life, the purpose for every good work is that our Father in heaven may be glorified.

Think about it. Suppose we live our lives some other way, not in “good works” but in ways that are doubtful, fearful, and sinful. Suppose we try to hide our Christian life from others. Do you remember Simon Peter and how he denied Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior not once, not twice, but three times before the cock crowed? Do you remember how he denied Jesus the third time with cursing and swearing and thus hid the light of Christ from those who needed to see it (Matthew 26:73-74)? It is indeed a tragedy when Christians have the opportunity to show and share by their good works the ways of God to His glory and because of doubt or fear or sin let the opportunity slip away from them.

Now suppose that Christians practice what they profess. Suppose you and I really and truly believed and obeyed Hebrews 11:6: What would people say about Christians and about God if every Christian decided to come to God, believe Him, and diligently seek Him? What would people say about Christians and about God if every Christian lived Romans 8:28? All things work together for our good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. What would people say about Christians and about God if every Christian really believed and obeyed 1 John 3:22? And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

Our Sunday morning sermon series “Growing in Gladness” continue this Sunday with a lesson aimed at helping us to grow in gladness through hearing God’s word preached. When we hear the gospel preached we are blessed, we grow stronger in our faith, we become more fruitful in our daily lives, and we obtain and maintain a better understanding of the fight against the enemies of the cross of Christ. I look forward to sharing this lesson with you. We only have one more lesson in this series. I hope these lessons have been an encouragement to you.

Thank you for your patience with me this past Sunday evening. Sometimes I prepare a little too much material for one session. Our Sunday evening series: “Christian Teenagers” is especially needed today. In this particular lesson we are using five unique Old Testament examples to help us understand the challenges our teenagers face every day: #1 – Joseph, maintaining sexual purity, #2 – David, confronting bullies, #3 – Daniel, refusing beer, wine, and alcohol, #4 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, rejecting idolatry, and Esther, being unselfish. Please make plans to be here every Sunday evening for these most important lessons. You will be so very glad that you were here with your children and teens.

2011-05-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

COMING SOON… Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26
VBS at St. Andrews Road – July 10-14

Spring is quickly coming to a close and summer is on the horizon (June 21st). As summer approaches many of us will be planning for some time away with family or maybe a few days away in the mountains, at the beach, or to some other point of interest. As we make our plans, let us remember that the work of the Lord continues at home while we are away. Let us also remember that we are Christians and as such should think soberly, speak gracefully, dress modestly, and act honorably wherever we are, at home or away. I’m definitely not trying pour cold water on our summer plans, but just sincerely reminding every Christian to live every day in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Our series “Growing in Gladness” continues this Sunday morning with a lesson aimed at helping every Christian to grow in gladness through giving. Jesus was right (Acts 20:35). We just need to trust Him, obey His word, and follow His example in our giving and living. We will look at five examples from the Bible: Zacchaeus, the poor widow, the Christians at Jerusalem, Barnabas, and the churches of Macedonia to determine how we should grow in gladness through our giving.

Sunday evening we will begin a new series entitled “Christian Teenagers” and ask: “Is It Possible to Be a Teenager and a Christian at the Same Time?” This week we will look at Biblical examples (Old Testament and New Testament) of teenagers and other young people who lived their lives on a higher plane than their peers and show that every teenager can do the same, even today. The choice is ours. I hope every parent and every member of the youth group at St. Andrews Road will be here to hear this series of sermons from God’s word.

The monthly area Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, May 17th at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Brother Bill Young will present our program on “The Relationship of Faithful Deacons to the Congregations They Serve.” Please plan to be here for our meeting together. We will break in June and July for the summer and resume our monthly meetings in August on Tuesday, the 16th, Lord willing. Our studies on “Deacons” have been very helpful to me and to those in attendance.

Speaking of deacons: Have you prayerfully and carefully considered the men at St. Andrews Road in preparation for selecting and appointing those who are qualified to serve as additional deacons? Go by the bulletin board in the lobby and check out the time-line for the appointment of deacons, pick up a selection sheet from one of the tables, follow the instructions, and give your completed selection sheet to one of our elders. There is work to be done. Let us appoint laborers to the work.

Wednesday evening at St. Andrews Road is very special. If you would like to grow in your knowledge of God’s word and as a result grow in Christian faith, then meet with your fellow Christian brothers and sisters on Wednesday night at 7:00. You will certainly be blessed.

2011-05-03T19:01:00.000-04:00

COMING SOON… Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26

We had a wonderful Ladies’ Day last Saturday. Every detail was perfectly planned, elegantly organized, and simply set in motion to the delight of every one who attended. Thank you: ladies for all you do to show and share the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you: men for giving up a Saturday to help our ladies with lunch. May God bless our efforts with a fruitful harvest!

May is “Graduation Month” for our students. Congratulations to every graduate! We will host a “Senior Banquet” on Saturday, May 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall to honor our St. Andrews Road graduates. This banquet is for our seniors, their families, and anyone else who would like to attend. A sign-up sheet has been placed on the bulletin board in the lobby. The cost for the banquet is $10 per person. Please check the bulletin board for further information or see Allen or Belinda Hutchison.

Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17th at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Brother Bill Young will present a program on the relationship of faithful deacons to the congregation they serve. We will take a summer break in June and July and resume meeting in August, Lord willing. This meeting is for preachers, elders, deacons, and any Christian brother who would like to attend.

Our Sunday morning series will continue this Sunday with a lesson entitled: “Growing in Gladness through the Lord’s Supper.” Our lesson text can be found in I Corinthians 11:23-34. We will consider how the Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of the past, a proclamation of the future, an examination of the present, and a communion together with Christ. I hope you will accept the challenge to grow in gladness by meeting together with your fellow Christian brothers and sisters for worship, study, and fellowship. We often sing hymn #229 by Brother Tillit S. Teddlie entitled “The Lord’s Supper.” Please, if you could and would, let this song be on your mind as you prepare to commune with Christ and His church this coming Lord’s Day.

When we meet in sweet communion where the feast divine is spread;
Hearts are brought in closer union while partaking of the bread.
Precious feast all else surpassing, wondrous love for you and me,,
While we feast Christ gently whispers: “Do this in My memory.”

“God so loved” what wondrous measure! Loved and gave the best of heav’n;
Bought us with that matchless treasure, yea, for us His life was giv’n
Precious feast all else surpassing, wondrous love for you and me,,
While we feast Christ gently whispers: “Do this in My memory.”

Feast divine, all else surpassing, precious blood for you and me,
While we sup, Christ gently whispers: “Do this in My memory.”
Precious feast all else surpassing, wondrous love for you and me,,
While we feast Christ gently whispers: “Do this in My memory.”

2011-04-25T15:08:00.002-04:00

Our annual Ladies’ Day has finally arrived, SATURDAY, APRIL 30th. This is a “ladies only” event planned by our ladies for ladies. I hope our ladies and their guests enjoy this very special time of study and fellowship. Thank you to every one of our ladies for the work you have done toward the success of our Ladies’ Day.

This Sunday morning we will continue in our series “Growing in Gladness” and study about the place of prayer, the power of prayer, and how we can grow in gladness through prayer. When the church meets for worship and fellowship, prayer is an integral part of our assembly. We begin every assembly with prayer. We close every assembly with prayer. Throughout our assembly we pray. This is the way our assembly should be. If we are not careful we can be distracted and lose focus. Let’s make sure that the time we spend in prayer is purposeful, powerful, and meaningful to the church and to God. When I was a boy my mother would “see to it” that my head was bowed, that my eyes were closed, and that my mind was focused when someone was leading the church in prayer. Mothers are different. They can be totally in tune to prayer and at the same time watch out for and correct little boys who are not. Thank God for mothers.

I am excited about our lesson this Sunday evening. We are looking at our salvation in various ways. We are saved by grace through faith. There is something to do to be saved. This “something” must be done. I must do whatever God commands in order to be saved. This Sunday evening we will ask the question: Will many be saved or few? The false idea that many, if not all will be saved regardless of their belief or lifestyle is comforting (and frightening). And our modern worldly culture views those who espouse this belief as tolerant and loving (How can I say “I love you” and allow you to believe a lie and be lost?). Yet, Jesus taught the very opposite of this view of salvation. After our study from the Scriptures we will see that Jesus taught that few, not many will be saved. He taught that there is only one way to be saved. There is only one truth. There is only one life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He taught that no one comes to the Father except by Him. Jesus taught that only those who trust Him and obey Him will be saved. I hope you will consider the Scriptures and believe and obey Jesus Christ. He said, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

May is graduation month for many of our graduates. The Burleson household will certainly breathe a sigh of relief this year. My wife, Cindi will graduate from USC with her Master’s degree in Business Administration. My son, Ben will graduate from USC with his Bachelor’s in History. My daughter-in-law, Lyndsee will graduate from USC with her Bachelor’s in Psychology, and my grand daughter, Faryn will graduate from Morrilton Primary School from Kindergarten. My daughter received her Master’s in Education from Arkansas Tech University in August of last year. I am so very proud of my family for their dedication to education. I can still hear my mother’s words to me, my sister, and my two brothers, “One of the most important things to me in life is to have my children graduate from college.” She dropped out of high school in the tenth grade to marry my dad. When my sister was a senior in high school, my mother took night classes and later received her GED. Going to school is hard work. Finishing, graduating requires planning, preparation, dedication, patience, strength, money, faith, and a strong commitment to a brighter future for yourself, your family, and society as a whole. Congratulations to every graduate! May God bless you as you begin your next adventure, further education or a career of your choosing! I think this “career of your choosing” is called a job. Another word for it is WORK.

2011-04-18T21:10:00.001-04:00

Our annual Ladies’ Day is now only one week away, scheduled for this coming Saturday, April 30th. Our special guest speaker will be Mimi Tate from Kaughman, Texas. Our theme is “Behold the Bridegroom is Coming!” You will be so very glad to be here for this very special event just for ladies. Men: We can certainly help our ladies by serving lunch to those who are present.

This Sunday morning we will continue in our series “Growing in Gladness.” Too many Christians have lost the true joy of worship and so, do not assemble with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as often as they should or could. Still other Christians may never miss an assembly, but they seem to have lost the joy that once filled their hearts and minds through worship. Last Sunday we discussed how we can grow in gladness through our assemblies. Preparing for worship, remember those present for worship, plugging-in to each aspect of worship, and putting into practice what we experience in worship determines our growth in gladness in our Christian lives.

This coming Sunday we will take a look at “Growing in Gladness through Singing.” Psalm 100:2 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” James asks, “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (James 5:13). Paul writes in Ephesians 5:18-20: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Again he writes in Colossians 3:16 concerning singing: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” As you can see from just these few passages from the Bible, singing is a big part of the life of a Christian. Think about it. About one third (20 minutes) of our Sunday morning worship hour is spent singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This is the way it should be. Notice also that throughout the New Testament you will not find a single passage that commands, suggests, or infers that God desires or allows mechanical instruments of music in addition to singing.

Many Christians have lost the joy of singing? Some sing with little or no emotion. Some simply do not sing at all. I am not saying that we should be undisciplined in our assemblies or that our assemblies should be indecent and disorderly. I am saying that singing has always been, is, and ever must be a priority in our worship assemblies if we are to be pleasing to our Father in heaven. How can we rekindle our growth in gladness through singing? Maybe if we understood the purpose of singing and then looked at some principles that will help us appreciate singing more, then we would begin again to grow in gladness through singing.

We are very blessed at St. Andrews Road to host the annual “All Night Singing” every year in August. We also allow our young men to lead our Sunday evening worship assembly three or four times during the year. This is good. But is this enough? If we expect to have good song leaders in the near and distant future we must allow ample opportunities for our young men to stand before the congregation to lead a song or two. If we expect our worship to God in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to survive and thrive in these modern times, we must give the more earnest heed to growing in gladness through singing.

I am excited about the sermon this Sunday evening. We will look at the Lord’s instructions to those who ask “What must I do to be saved?” Hear the instructions. Believe God. Repent of any and every sin. Confess who Jesus is. He is the Son of God. Be baptized to have your sins forgiven. Live the Christian life every day, one day at the time until Christ returns to take you home to heaven.

2011-04-13T22:33:00.001-04:00

Don’t you just love this time of year: the warmer weather, flowers everywhere, (The azaleas are especially beautiful this year.), soft rain falling outside, and dreams of summer vacation and graduation. Of course there are negatives: tax time, stormy weather and pollen, stress over grades, and of course whether or not the budget will allow for a summer vacation. My grandfather always said, “Son, you have to take the bad with the good.” The “facts of life” are, well, the facts of life. My trip to Arkansas last weekend was refreshing.

My grandchildren have really grown in every way since Christmas. Thank you for allowing me to be away for a day or two to see them. Thank you to Brother Caleb Colley for preaching two fine sermons last Sunday while I was away. We are blessed.

Our annual Ladies’ Day is now only two weeks away, scheduled for Saturday, April 30th. Our special guest speaker will be Mimi Tate from Kaughman, Texas. Ladies; you don’t want to miss this very special event planned just for you. See the front of your newsletter for details on our Ladies’ Day. If you can help, please sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby. Men: We have a special invitation to come out on Saturday and serve lunch to the ladies. We always have a good time serving together.

We will begin a new Sunday morning series of sermons this Sunday, April 17th. I have entitled this new series “Growing in Gladness.” David said in Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” Too many Christians have lost the true joy of worship and so, do not assemble with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as often as they should or could. Still other Christians may never miss an assembly, but they seem to have lost the joy that once permeated their hearts and minds through worship. Our topics will include: Growing in Gladness through: Singing, Prayer, The Lord’s Supper, The Offering, Hearing God’s Word Proclaimed, and Bible Classes. It is my prayer that these lessons will help us all to refocus our minds and our priorities on the wonderful blessings we receive when we come together for worship, study, and fellowship. Through a better understanding of worship, we will be able to say, “Worship? Hurray! Let’s get ready now and leave a little early so we won’t be late.”

Our elders are getting everything in order to begin the process of selecting and appointing additional deacons to serve the congregation at St. Andrews Road. Be listening for the details forthcoming. Be in prayer for our elders, for those who will be selected, and for the entire congregation as we set the stage for future growth in Christ in the Midlands.

Have you been thinking about becoming a Christian? That’s great! What are you waiting for? There is no better life than the Christian life. What do you need to do? Believe in Jesus Christ. Repent of any and every sin that has caused you so much trouble. This means to sorrow for your sin and commit to turn away from sin. Confess your faith in Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God and Savior of all. Be baptized into Christ. In baptism we put on Christ. We have our sins washed away through baptism. Jesus will add you to the church, His church. You will be a Christian, saved, free from sin, a new person, a member of the body of Christ, the church of Christ. I am always available to help you.

2011-04-07T16:23:00.001-04:00

COMING SOON…

Ladies Day with Mimi Tate (Texas) – April 30

Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26

The 67th Annual Carolina Lectures has now come and gone. We spent 4 days together – 9:00 to 9:00 and heard 42 lessons from 22 different speakers all focused on what it means to preach the cross of Jesus Christ. I especially enjoyed the 5/9 session every day. What a wonderful lectureship we enjoyed!

Thank you to every participant for being a part of this annual event hosted by various congregations from the Carolinas. Thank you especially to Brother Bill Young for assisting in arranging song leaders and men to lead prayer every hour, for manning our multimedia controls, and in general seeing that people had what they needed to get the job done. Thank you to Dave Pyle and our Service Groups at St. Andrews Road for breakfast and lunch everyday. Thank you to our church secretary, Kay Yenny for all the work that had to be done behind the scenes to see that the lectures were a terrific success. Thank you to Alex Arlington, John Dennison, and Alan Larmon, our elders who were on the scene every day to see that every need was met. Thank you to our exhibit representatives who came in from just about everywhere to let us know about so many opportunities for service locally and abroad. Thank you to our speakers for all the time and effort they invested in preparing and sharing lessons form God’s word that are much needed in these troublesome times. Thank you to Brother David Sain from Fayetteville, Tennessee who spoke every evening as our keynote speaker. Thank you to every member at St. Andrews Road, our guests from other congregations, and our guests from the community for being a part of this year’s 67th Annual Carolina Lectures. We’re already looking forward to the 68th Carolina Lectures in North Carolina next year.

NEXT UP – LADIES’ DAY @ ST. ANDREWS ROAD! Our Annual Ladies’ Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 30th at St. Andrews Road. Can you believe that our ladies’ day is only 3 weeks away? There is much to be done to get everything in order. If you can help, please check the bulletin board in the lobby and sign up to help. Men: Our ladies need our help to set up and clean up for lunch. If you can help, sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby. We always have a great time together.

Cindi and I will be out of town this Sunday visiting in Arkansas with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Please pray for us as we travel. Brother Caleb Colley will be preaching this Sunday morning and evening. It certainly is good to know that I can be away and know that capable faithful men will stand to continue the work of Christ. I plan to return on Monday, April 11th, Lord willing.

Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19th at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Brother Larry Reynolds, preacher at Leslie, SC will present our program on “The Relationship of Faithful Deacons to the Eldership They Serve.” If you can join us for this meeting, please do. We meet every third Tuesday in the month. We do take a break in June and July, and in December for the holidays.

Check out our website http://www.sarcoc.org/ to listen to the sermons from your computer. We plan to place the lectureship lessons on our website as soon as possible.

May God bless our efforts together for the cause of Christ in the Midlands.

2011-03-29T11:26:00.003-04:00

COMING SOON… Ladies Day with Mimi Tate (Texas) – April 30 Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26

The 67th Annual Carolina Lectures is this weekend, Sunday through Wednesday, April 3 – 6. David and Peggy Pharr will be arriving on Friday to set up the book store. Our keynote preacher, Brother David Sain will be arriving from Fayetteville, Tennessee on Saturday. Others will be arriving Saturday and Sunday in preparation for the lectures. David Pyle and our Service Groups have made plans for a light breakfast and a healthy lunch for us on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in the fellowship hall. If you can help with lunch, please see Brother Pyle and sign up on one of the service lists on the bulletin board in the lobby. Even if you can help an hour or two, come and help!

Some of the finest, most respected gospel preachers in the brotherhood will be here to share the “good news” with us on our theme “What it Means to Preach the Cross of Christ.”

Our ladies will also have the opportunity to hear Peggy Pharr, Kathy Ferguson, and Cindi Burleson speak at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday respectively. I am very excited about the 1:30 p.m. session. We will have 5 preachers preaching only 9 minutes each on a variety of important subjects. Think they can do it? Of course they can!

Remember our congregational luncheon following the Sunday morning worship hour. Plan enough food for your family and for our guests. Immediately following the luncheon we will meet back in the auditorium to hear three very special lessons on “Preaching the Cross of Christ to the lost (Haskell Yenny), to the saved (Bill Young), and to the poor (Billy G. Smith). What a grand “Carolina” meeting we will have together!

Please plan to be here for every session. You will be tremendously blessed. When you arrive for the lectures please register and take a name tag. You only need to register one time. Pick up a free CD that includes most of the lectureship lessons either in outline or manuscript form. Please take one CD for your family and if you would like, one for a friend. We are planning to record an audio of each session and make them available to you on our website at the conclusion of the lectures.

Thank you to our speakers, the service groups, and our special servants who work so hard behind the scenes to see that everything that needs to be done is done. Thank you to the Lord Jesus Christ, our Brother, our Redeemer, our Savior, and our Friend for every good and perfect gift.

Remember: On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we will meet at 7:00 p.m. for a period of congregational singing. Brother Sain will be speaking each evening at 7:30 p.m.

NEXT UP: Ladies’ Day 2011! Our Ladies’ Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 30th with our special guest speaker: Mimi Tate from Kaughman, Texas. This is a “ladies only” event, but we do need help from the guys serving lunch to the ladies. If you can help out with lunch, please sign up and show up on Saturday, April 30th. Pick up a flyer from one of the tables in the lobby and give it to a friend with a very special personal invitation to come with you to our ladies’ day.

2011-03-14T12:52:00.000-04:00

PRAY FOR JAPAN!
COMING SOON… 67th Annual Carolina Lectureships – April 3-6
Ladies Day with Mimi Tate (Texas) – April 30
Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26

We’re having a great week in beautiful Columbia, South Carolina! The Men’s Fellowship at Gold Hill Road in Fort Mill last Saturday was fantastic. Nine of us from St. Andrews Road made the trip. We were encouraged by the sermons we heard and edified by the Christian fellowship. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.

We had a great Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday. Brother Stewart Schnur did an outstanding job on the topic: “The Work of Faithful Deacons.” We meet for study and fellowship every third Tuesday in the month at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall at St. Andrews Road. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19th at 10:00 a.m. Brother Larry Reynolds, preacher for the Leslie church of Christ will present the program on “The Relationship of Faithful Deacons to the Eldership They Serve.” Mark your calendar and make plans to be here for this meeting.

The 67th Annual Carolina Lectures is now on two weeks away, April 3rd through April 6th. If you can help, please sign-up on the bulletin board in the lobby. We need your help! We will have a special meeting at the front of the auditorium immediately following our Sunday morning worship hour this Sunday, March 20th to make assignments and discuss the details of the program. Please make plans to meet with us this Sunday as we discuss this great service opportunity. Also, on the table in the lobby you will see a stack of brochures that detail the Carolina Lectures program. Please pick up as many as you need and get them to anyone who might want to attend. If you would like a copy of the program emailed to you, please email me at mickburleson@yahoo.com and I’ll get a copy to you asap.

Congratulations to McKinsey Wagner! McKinsey has been attending St. Andrews Road for quite some time. She made the trip with our youth group to the SOAR Youth Rally last weekend and responded to the invitation of Jesus Christ at the end of the program. She confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and put Him on in baptism (Acts 8:37, Galatians 3:26-27). Make sure you meet McKinsey and let her know how proud we are of her decision to become a Christian.

This Sunday morning we will have a very special guest preacher with us; Brother Eddie Ridgell. Brother Ridgell preaches for the Lord’s church in Watertown, South Dakota and is very special to us as a brother in Christ, a faithful gospel preacher, and a Carolinian. It will be great to see him and have the privilege of hearing him preach the good news.

Some of you, along with your neighbors will be receiving a very special copy of the “House to House – Heart to Heart” publication in the next few days. We made arrangements to have this fine Christian magazine sent out to about 1800 homes around our facilities at 425 St. Andrews Road introducing the church to the community and at the same time announcing the Carolina Lectures. We ordered addition copies of this publication. As soon as they arrive we will place them on one of the tables in the lobby. Take only one per family please.

We are a busy congregation. I’m glad. It certainly is great to be a Christian!

2011-03-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON… 67th Annual Carolina Lectureships – April 3-6
Ladies Day with Mimi Tate (Texas) – April 30
Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub – June 24-26

Thank you for your positive comments concerning last Sunday lesson on the qualifications of deacons. Thank you also for your patience with me as this particular lesson was a little bit lengthy. In our selection and appointment of additional deacons let us remember the admonition of Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:6; “Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against another.” God does not require perfection, only faithfulness.

This Sunday we will look at the Biblical work of faithful deacons. That’s right! Being a deacon requires work. Good work requires consideration, coordination, cooperation, and commitment. We will take a look at a Biblical example of these principles at work in Mark 2:1-15.

Our series on Sunday evening “We Are One Because…” is going well. We have considered unity in terms of one Father, one Source, and one responsibility. This Sunday evening we will conclude this series with a lesson entitled: “We are One Because We Share the Same Future – Goodness and Mercy Now – Then Heaven.” Truly Jesus and the Christian life is the way to all the goodness of life. Jesus and the Christian life is the pathway to mercy every day. Jesus and the Christian life will take us all the way to heaven. David wrote one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible: Psalm 23. I’m pretty sure you can quote it. Can you quote it right now?

Congratulations to our new brother in Christ: Adrian Jenkins! What a joy it was to hear him say the most beautiful words a believer utters just before baptism into Christ: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Immediately following this confession of faith Adrian was baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ. Adrian is a fine young man, highly intelligent with quiet strength. It is an honor to call him my Christian brother.

There are several “sign-up sheets” on the bulletin board in the lobby. Go by and check out all the opportunities that are available to us for service.

The 67th Annual Carolina Lectures are just 3 weeks away. We need your help on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to greet, introduce our speakers, lead singing, time the lessons, serve lunch, and in general be here to hear some of the finest preachers in the Lord’s church. Brother David Sain from Fayetteville, Tennessee will be our keynote preacher for the lectures. He will speak on Sunday at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. and then on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. We will meet for a period of singing at 7:00 p.m. each evening. I hope every member of the St. Andrews Road congregation will be here for every session. If you would like to have a PDF copy of the program, email me at mickburleson@yahoo.com and I will send you a copy asap. You can then email a personal invitation to the Carolina Lectures to your friends and family.

The service at Lexington Gardens Retirement Center went very well last Sunday. Brother Bob Ford did an outstanding job letting all his neighbors know about this period of singing and preaching. We had 14 in attendance. We will be sharing the gospel at the retirement center every first Sunday in the month.

2011-02-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON… Men’s Fellowship at Gold Hill Road – March 12
67th Annual Carolina Lectureships – April 3-6
Ladies Day with Mimi Tate (Texas) – April 30

The 2011 Statewide Bible Bowl is now history. We had a great day at this year’s Bible Bowl with well over 400 in attendance and 63 teams participating. Thank you to every team for your hard work and dedication. Thank you to every congregation for supporting the Bible Bowl. Thank you to every Christian worker who gave up a beautiful Saturday to help make this year’s Bible Bowl a tremendous success. We are indeed thankful to God for His perfect Word.

Congratulations to our own preteen Bible Bowl team for bringing home a first place finish and to our senior team for finishing second in their division. Our teen team and adult teams represented St. Andrews Road very well. Next year we will be studying from the Old Testament.

Our March lesson series is entitled: “Faithful Deacons.” The authority for deacons in every congregation of the Lord’s church is found in the word of God, the Bible. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:14-15; “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” He had just penned a list of the qualifications of elders and deacons.

This Sunday morning we will look at the second lesson in this series: “The Qualifications of Faithful Deacons.” We will focus our attention on God’s qualifications of those who will serve as deacons of the Lord’s church at St. Andrews Road.

Did you know that God has always required those who would serve him to meet certain qualifications?

Take a look at the qualifications of those who were to serve as judges over Israel with Moses: able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness (Exodus 18).

Look at God’s requirements of the one who was to take Judas’ office as an apostle; a man who had accompanied the rest of the apostles all the time that Jesus went in and out among them from His baptism until His ascension (Acts 1:20-26). There were only two of the 120 who were assembled who met these criteria: Justus and Matthias. There are no apostles today because no one can meet these qualifications.

Look at the qualifications of those who were selected to serve the neglected widows in Jerusalem: seven men from among you, men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit (obedient to and guided by the God’s word), and wisdom (Acts 6:1-7). The church selected seven men and the apostles appointed them to serve.

Look at the list of qualifications of those who are to serve the church of Christ as deacons: reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience, tested, blameless, husbands of one wife, ruling their children and houses well, with wives who are reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things (1 Timothy 3:8-13).

Come prepared to read, think, consider, and respond. Did you know that God also has qualifications for those who desire to enter heaven? Not everyone will enter in, only those who meet His requirements (Matthew 7:21).

2011-02-23T11:13:00.001-05:00

COMING SOON… Men’s Fellowship at Gold Hill Road – March 12
67th Annual Carolina Lectureships – April 3-6
Ladies Day with Mimi Tate (Texas) – April 30

The greatest work in all the world is the work of the church. When we involve ourselves in the work of the Lord, we will find the greatest joy, care, concern, love, and deep satisfaction in knowing that we are doing the will of God. Our lessons over the past two months have been about getting involved in the Lord’s work readying ourselves to defend the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Last Sunday our eldership informed the congregation of the need for additional deacons at St. Andrews Road; men to work alongside the eight faithful deacons who are currently serving in this capacity.

In order for the church to be successful, we must have a strong, loving, faithful eldership. Our elders must care deeply for the will of God and for every member of the body of Christ. They must be good shepherds. We must have deacons who will genuinely serve God by serving others. The word “deacon” in the Bible means servant. Deacons must be qualified men, capable men of integrity, faith, and dedication. We must have a steady, sound, meek, and fearful preaching of the word of God, full of truth and love whether from the pulpit, classroom, or one to one. We must have united committed cooperative members who love the Lord, respect the eldership, and strive to live by God’s word.

In Nehemiah 4:6, Nehemiah achieved success because the people had a mind to work. In Mark 2:1-5 the man who was lame reached Jesus and was healed because he had four friends who did what needed to be done. In Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus said that the harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few. What was needed then and now is more laborers into the harvest. Solomon said that two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12). Do you remember what Moses was trying to do in Exodus 18:13-27? Jethro told him that he would certainly “wear himself out” and the people too because he was trying to do something that was physically impossible to do. Jethro suggested that Moses choose qualified men to help him. In Acts 6 the church selected and the twelve apostles appointed qualified men to serve certain widows who were being neglected. The apostles were to continue in prayer and the ministry of the word instead of “serving tables.”

With the growth of the church at St. Andrews Road and the details of responsibility multiplying, it is needful for us as a congregation to look among us and select men who will be appointed as additional deacons as we endeavor to reach the lost with the gospel of Christ, restore the erring, and be edified in the most holy faith.

Note our sermon schedule for the next five Sundays, Lord willing and plan to be here for every service.
This Sunday The Biblical Authority for Deacons
March 6 The Biblical Qualifications of Deacons
March 13 The Biblical Work of Deacons
March 20 - Eddie Ridgell from Watertown, South Dakota will be with us
March 27 The Biblical Appointment of Deacons

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
Sunday through Wednesday - April 3 – 6, 2011
Keynote Speaker: David Sain, Fayetteville, TN

2011-02-16T12:24:00.000-05:00

COMING UP QUICKLY…
South Carolina Statewide Bible Bowl – Next Saturday, February 26
Men’s Fellowship at Gold Hill Road – Saturday, March 12
67th Annual Carolina Lectureships – April 3-6
Annual Ladies Day with Mimi Tate (Texas) – Saturday, April 30

The Lord’s Church – Worshiping God – Preaching the Good News – Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs – Praying with gratitude for every good gift that comes from above – Giving with joy to help – Sharing Communion together in remembrance of Christ – Bible study that produces growth – Visiting for encouragement – Working for a better life - All the things we do as Christians…Who we are… All these things, Christ, and His word, the Bible is constantly challenged by the blatantly sinful calloused culture in which we live. Every day we have to face the challenges to our faith in God.

This week I spoke with someone who, for the lack of a better, more sophisticated term hates just about everything I love about Christ and His beautiful creation, His church. This person said; “I was brought up in the church, forced to rise up on Sunday morning, forced to sit quietly for worship, forced to attend Bible study, forced to consider Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” I asked this person; “How is the life you have chosen working out for you?” The person I spoke with was alone, lonely, bitter, proud, in debt, physically weak, ill, and diseased. And the worst is yet to come, unless this person remembers, repents, and returns to all the things this person was “forced” to consider. I am reminded of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Isn’t it wonderful that he came to his senses and chose a better way, God’s way? The person I spoke with this week can choose another way to live.

The meeting with this individual was tough. The lessons we have been considering this month helped me tremendously. I sanctified (set apart as holy) the Lord God in my heart. I remembered that my hope is in Jesus Christ, not in myself. I remembered that meekness and gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit of God that lives in me and that meekness is a sign of maturity. I remembered that harshness could forever close the door to salvation to this person. I also remembered this coming Sunday morning’s lesson. I must give an answer for my hope with fear, terror, reverence, and respect for God and for what happens to those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The seed has been planted. May His word produce good fruit within this person’s heart!

I have spoken to several of you who have had similar experiences recently and have been helped by the lessons we are learning from God’s word. The word of God is powerful, profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect (complete, fully mature) thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16).

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday - April 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Keynote Preacher: David Sain, Fayetteville, Tennessee

2011-02-08T20:18:00.000-05:00

COMING UP…
South Carolina Statewide Bible Bowl – Saturday, February 26
Gospel Meeting with Caleb Campbell – March 6-9
Men’s Fellowship at Gold Hill Road – Saturday, March 12
67th Annual Carolina Lectureships – April 3-6
Annual Ladies Day with Mimi Tate (Texas) – Saturday, April 30

Greetings from Henderson, Tennessee and the 75th Annual Freed-Hardeman Lectures! Cindi and I arrived here late on Sunday night and hope to be back in Columbia by the time you read this article. Thank you so much for allowing us to be away for this annual workshop. Thank you especially to Brother Caleb Colley for preaching and teaching while I am away.

The lectureship theme this year is “Major Themes in the Minor Prophets – Proclamation and Promise.” There are 124 different speakers from 16 states. Sessions begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. I am writing this article on Monday evening.

Today I heard David Pharr (SC), The Message of the Minor Prophets; Thomas Warren (KY), Seek the Lord – Hosea 10:12; Marlin Connelly (TN), The Message of God – Its Power; Bill Flatt (TN), Restoring Harmony in the Home; Ralph Gilmore (TN) Open Forum; and David Lipe (TN), The Prophets Proclaim – Destroyed For Lack of Knowledge. Cindi and I volunteered to sing in the “Alumni Chorus” on Thursday evening, so we are practicing every day from 12:30 to 2:00 with a group of about 60 singers from around the world.

Pray for us as we travel.

Can you believe that the Statewide Bible Bowl is now only 2 weeks away, scheduled for Saturday, February 26th? Get ready. Get set. We are almost ready to go. If you can help with the Bible Bowl this year, sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby. If you have questions, see Brother Wade Holton.

This Sunday morning we will continue with lesson three in our series entitled: “Get Ready – Winning and Losing – Lessons on Soul Winning.” So far we have looked at the importance of our sanctification and our hope when it comes to sharing the gospel of Christ with our family and friends. This week we will look at another important word from I Peter 3:15, MEEKNESS. We will also look at the negative of this word; harshness. Meekness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Meekness is evidence that Christ dwells in us. Meekness is a sure sign that we are maturing in Christ. Meekness is the spirit or attitude that is needed when we are seeking to restore someone who sinned. Harshness will not bring a lost soul to salvation in Christ.

This Sunday evening our young men will be conducting the service. On Sunday evening, February 20th we will begin a study on unity – “We Are One Because…” and the first lesson: “We Have the Same Father.” Sunday evening at St. Andrews Road is a very special time for every Christian. I hope you will do your very best to be here every Sunday evening.

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday - April 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Keynote Preacher: David Sain, Fayetteville, Tennessee

2011-01-31T18:28:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON! Wow! What a beginning to 2011!
South Carolina Statewide Bible Bowl – Saturday, February 26
Gospel Meeting with Caleb Campbell – March 6-9
Men’s Fellowship at Gold Hill Road – Saturday, March 12
67 Annual Carolina Lectureships – April 3-6
Annual Ladies Day with Mimi Tate – Saturday, April 30

Our Sunday morning lesson series is taken from I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…” Our theme is “Winning and Losing – Lessons on Soul Winning.” In this series we will consider eight words and then eight questions. These words and the answers to these questions mark the difference between winning and losing in our mission to live what we believe and win the lost to salvation in Jesus Christ.

Last Sunday we looked at Lesson 1: Sanctification or Hypocrisy. We asked ourselves two questions: Are we the same as the world? Are we different, set apart from the world? Only God can sanctify us (Ephesians 2:4-9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). He sanctifies us by His word (John 17:17). Of course His word must be obeyed (1 Peter 1:13-25). Once we are sanctified, we must live a life that shows who we are (Ephesians 4:17-32). Too many Christians are such in name only. The difference between winning and losing, for others and for ourselves lies in our choice to live a life that is set apart from the world.

This Sunday morning we will look at Lesson 2: “Hope or Hopelessness.” We will ask ourselves two questions: Are we dead? Are we alive?

We will be at Lexington Gardens Retirement Center across I-26 from Lexington Medical Center this Sunday afternoon, February 6th at 2:30 p.m. for a period of singing and preaching. Brother Bob Ford lives there and has made the arrangements for this period of worship. It is our plan to make this a monthly meeting. What a blessing it is to have this great opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with our friends and neighbors.

Cindi and I will be in Henderson, Tennessee this week attending the Freed-Hardeman University Lectureships. We plan to leave Sunday afternoon and return on Friday, February 11th. Thank you for allowing me to be away for a few days to represent St. Andrews Road at this leadership workshop. Please pray for us as we travel. Brother Caleb Colley will be preaching and teaching while I am away. We are wonderfully blessed to have so many capable men and women who are willing serve the Lord and His church according to His will.

It is our privilege to host the 67th Annual Carolina Lectureships at St. Andrews Road in April. Brother Winford Claiborne will not be able to come and be our “key note” speaker this year. He called and asked to be relieved of his assignment due to his declining health. He is 84 years of age and has recently had some severe health issues. Of course we are disappointed. Please pray for Brother Claiborne as he deals with his health issues. We hope to have a key-note preacher in place for the lectureships as soon as possible. Life happens!

2011-01-24T13:05:00.000-05:00

We had a great Sunday last week! Our elders presented the 2011 budget to the church. I hope you will consider increasing your weekly offering as much as you can so that we can accomplish everything the Lord has in store for us in 2011.

It is great to see that we are now involved in three new mission efforts: Watertown, South Dakota (Eddie Ridgell) and Melbourne, Australia (Patrick Swayne) in addition to all the other great mission efforts that we support.

Locally, we will begin a Sunday afternoon service at Lexington Gardens Retirement Center next Sunday, February 6th at 2:30 p.m. Brother Bob Ford has arranged for us to come to his retirement center to preach and teach the gospel of Christ every first Sunday in the month. He and I are both very excited about sharing the pure and simply gospel with those who may have never heard it before. If you would like to join us for this service, please do.

These are busy times for us at St. Andrews Road. Remember that we are hosting all the following great events:
South Carolina Statewide Bible Bowl – Saturday, February 26, 2011
Gospel Meeting with Caleb Campbell – March 6-9, 2011
67 Annual Carolina Lectureships – April 3-6, 2011
Annual Ladies Day with Mimi Tate – Saturday, April 30, 2011

We concluded our series “Get Involved” this past Sunday with a lesson about the Good Samaritan. He got involved regardless of race or any other prejudice. Every person is precious in the sight of our heavenly Father. He got involved regardless of space. It didn’t matter where the man who had fallen among thieves was from, near or far away. He got involved regardless of character. The deciding factor in helping this man was that he was in need. That was the only thing that mattered. May we learn from Jesus’ parable that we must love and serve others because we are the good neighbor!

This Sunday morning our lesson series is entitled “Winning and Losing – Lessons on Soul Winning.” Jesus mission statement can be found in several places in the Scriptures. One place is Matthew 17:11: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost.” It is our mission to bring people, all people, regardless of race, space, or character to Jesus. Many times we are our own worst enemy when it comes to evangelism. In this series we will consider eight words that can make or break our mission to bring the lost to Christ.
Lesson 1: Sanctification (Are we different?) or Hypocrisy (Are we the same?)
Lesson 2: Hope (Are we alive?) or Hopelessness (Are we dead?)
Lesson 3: Meekness (Do we tell the truth in love?) or Harshness (Are we mean?)
Lesson 4: Fear (Are we kind?) or Haughtiness (Are we “holier than thou?”)

This Sunday evening we will conclude our series “Faith: Tempted and Tried” with lesson #5: BE REBORN.

Can you believe that January is almost history? My, my, how time flies. How are you doing on those New Year’s Resolutions? Are you reading, believing, obeying, sharing, and living God’s word in your daily life? We can do it!

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday - April 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Key Note Speaker: Winford Claiborne of Fayetteville, Tennessee

2011-01-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

The snow was a beautiful reminder of God’s glorious majesty. Some people love the snow. Others, like me, are very happy to see the snow fall and quickly melt away. Just think. In just a few weeks we will begin feel spring in the air.

The annual South Carolina State-wide Bible Bowl is now only five weeks away, scheduled for Saturday, February 26th. There is much to do and we need your help to make this year’s Bible Bowl one of the best events ever. Our Bible Bowl teams are doing their part, studying the book of Matthew like never before. Let’s all support them by being present and doing what we can to help.

In January we have been studying about how to “GET INVOLVED” in the work of Christ in this new year, 2011. Moses attempted to use excuses to keep from involving himself in God’s calling. The rich young ruler in Matthew 19 allowed regret to keep him from eternal life in Jesus Christ. Simon Peter had three great opportunities to get involved in the service of Christ. He denied the Lord three times and thus for a time refused involvement with Jesus.

This Sunday morning we will look at the final lesson in this series. We will consider how the Good Samaritan got involved in serving God by serving others. A merchant had been robbed and beaten. He was in need of help. Two men, a priest and a Levite had already been given the opportunity to get involved and did not. They saw him on the road and passed by on the other side. A “good Samaritan” did not allow prejudice to keep him from serving. He saw him and had compassion. May we follow the example of this good man! If you would like to read ahead, read Luke 10.

On Sunday evening I am learning so much from our study: “Faith: Tempted and Tried.” If we are to pass the trials that God supply to us for our good, if we are to withstand the temptations of the devil, then we must be real, be responsible, and be ready.

This Sunday evening we will find that we must also BE REFOCUSED. James tells us in chapter 1, verse 16 and 17: “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” When we are tempted and tried let us refocus on the good and perfect gifts from God.

Our Monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meetings are now back in session. Our theme for the season is “Faithful Deacons in Every Faithful Congregation.” We had a great session this past Tuesday morning on the need for faithful deacons. In February we will study the qualifications of faithful deacons. I hope you will make plans to join your fellow Christian brothers in February on Tuesday, the 15th at 10:00 a.m. for this great study.

Are you involved in a small group Bible study at St. Andrews Road? We have some really great Bible studies going on now on Sunday morning at 10:00 and on Wednesday evening at 7:00. Come early on Sunday morning for Bible study in one of our four adult small groups. Bring your children and grandchildren too. We have some great classes for them taught by the best teachers ever. You will be amazed at how much you will grow in your faith when you decide to.

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday - April 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Key Note Speaker: Winford Claiborne of Fayetteville, Tennessee

2011-01-11T15:39:00.000-05:00

Did you enjoy the snow? I have found that age and experience has a lot to do with the answer to that question. The teenage sons of one of my neighbors spent the entire day on Monday building snowmen and an igloo and shedding down any hill they could find. I watched them from my front window. I also saw their parents standing inside the house watching them, all the while holding a cup of something warm shaking their heads. It is certainly good to see that most of the snow has disappeared. Spring is on its way!

Our Sunday morning theme for January is “Get Involved.” Moses attempted to use EXCUSES to justify his desire to stay on the sidelines when God called him to get in the game. Of course by “sidelines” I mean in Midian shepherding his father-in-law’s flock and by “in the game” I mean in Egypt leading the Israelites to freedom. The rich young ruler in Matthew 19 allowed REGRET to keep him from his desire to have eternal life. He was sorrowful when Jesus answered his question. He asked; “What good thing shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus gave him the answer. He regretted that the cost of eternal life was so very high. He regretted that he needed to sell, give, come, and follow Jesus.

This Sunday morning we will consider Simon Peter as he sat outside the courtyard on that dreadful night that Jesus was betrayed and arrested. Peter denied Jesus. He had just told Jesus a few minutes earlier, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You! (Matthew 26:35). Later Peter he did what he said he would not do. How many Sunday’s have we sang and prayed and communed and presented our offering and said “Amen” when the sermon was preached and then on Monday or some other day of the week denied who we are or who Jesus is by our thoughts, words, and/or actions? May we accept the challenge to get involved, be involved, and stay involved in the work of Christ in everyday life!

This Sunday evening we will consider the theme: “Faith: Tempted and Tried” and the word “READY.” If we are to pass the trials sent to us by God for our good, if we are to escape the temptations of the devil, we must be real, we must be responsible, and we must be ready. We ready ourselves for God’s trials by study, prayer, worship, and humility. We ready ourselves for the temptations of the devil by understanding his methods. We will take a look at four steps of temptation: desire, deception, disobedience, and death.

The monthly MEN’S AND PREACHERS’ MEETING is now back in session after a holiday break. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18th at 10:00 a.m. here at St. Andrews Road in the Fellowship Hall. Our theme for the Winter/Spring session is “Faithful Deacons.” I will present the program this month on the subject of “The Need for Faithful Deacons in Every Faithful Congregation.” I hope you can join us for the meeting on Tuesday.

Bible Bowl 2011 is now only six weeks away scheduled for Saturday, February 26th. Our Bible Bowl teams are studying every day to be ready for the big event. Please mark your calendar and come out to enjoy this very special day of Christian fellowship. Get involved!

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday - April 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Key Note Speaker: Winford Claiborne of Fayetteville, Tennessee
Light Breakfast and Lunch Provided. Dinner on your own.

2011-01-03T13:08:00.000-05:00

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday - April 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Key Note Speaker: Winford Claiborne of Fayetteville, Tennessee
Light Breakfast and Lunch Provided. Dinner on your own.

It’s good to be back into the swing of things at St. Andrews Road after the holidays. I miss receiving and reading our weekly church newsletter. Somehow it seems that I am not totally connected without it. Anyway, we are back in business now. How is your 2011 going so far? Did you make those New Year’s resolutions? How about a plan to accomplish your intentions? Go ahead. Set some realistic goals for yourself in this New Year. Think about how you can accomplish those goals in a reasonable timeframe. Then get to work.

We have a lot going on at SAR! Statewide Bible Bowl – February 26, Gospel Meeting with Caleb Campbell – March 6-9, 67th Annual Carolina Lectures – April 3-6, Annual Ladies Day at SAR – April 30th and that is just the first four months of the year. Now do you see why our lesson series on Sunday mornings in January is entitled “Get Involved?” Whew! Hey! We can do this and much more working together in the name of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday mornings in January we are studying God’s word to challenge ourselves to get more involved in the work of the Lord here at St. Andrews Road. Last Sunday we looked at Moses and saw that at first he allowed EXCUSES to keep him from getting involved in the Lord’s work to bring the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 3-4). He said; “But, who am I?” He was really saying, “Why me.” How often do we use this excuse? Moses continued to try to excuse himself from the work that God had appointed only him to do. His final excuse says it all. He said, “Lord, can’t you use someone else?” He was actually saying, “I don’t want to!” Thankfully, Moses decided to get involved in the Lord’s work and lead God’s people to freedom.

After the sermon I realized that we need more time on this subject. So even though we mentioned the rich young ruler, Simon Peter, and the Priest, the Levite, and the Good Samaritan last Sunday, we will take these examples and focus an entire lesson on each one.

This Sunday morning we will focus our attention on another example of why some of us refuse to get involved, be involved, and stay involved in the work that God has appointed us to do: REGRET. We will look at the rich young ruler’s request of Jesus in Matthew 19 to see how regret can keep us from getting involved in the Lord’s work. It is my prayer and desire that these lessons will help each of us to get more involved in the work of the Lord.

Our Sunday evening series is entitled; “Faith: Tempted and Tried.” Last Sunday evening we looked at lesson one: BE REALISTIC. Every human being is tempted and tried. The word for the day is not “if” but “when” when it comes to the tests of life. We must not try to hide the fact that we are tested. We must remember that being tempted and tried is not sinful. Our Lord was often tested while fulfilling His mission for the Father.

This Sunday evening we will look at lesson two: BE RESPONSIBLE. We must not blame others for our problems. We are responsible for our own lives!

2010-12-15T11:56:00.001-05:00

God has blessed us with a wonderful 2010. We are very thankful for His rich blessings and pray that His light will continue to shine in our lives in the coming year 2011. Since this will be my final newsletter article for the year let me say “thank you” for your prayers, your support, and your friendship this year. May we all have a very merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Congratulations to T.J. Hawn. T.J. came before God and the church last Sunday evening to confess Jesus as the Son of God and be baptized for remission of his sins. He followed the instructions given to us in the Bible. His salvation rests entirely in Jesus Christ by grace through faith. He did not come to Jesus for the fad, the food, the fun, the fellowship, the face, or the favorite. He came to Jesus for the Father (John 14:6). We are thankful and overjoyed to have another brother in Christ.

A special thank you to Dave and Sherry Pyle and our Service Groups for preparing and delivering beautiful baskets of fruit all around the Midlands this past week! It is always more blessed to give than to receive, just like Jesus said.

It could be that you have been thinking about 2010; the mistakes, the unwise choices, the harsh words, what could have been, what is. Know that Jesus Christ came at just the right time to live, to die, and to rise again for you, for me, for all. His plan is clear. Believe. Repent of your sins. Confess that He is the Son of God. Be baptized to have your sins washed away. Live the Christian life. Start the new year right. Come to Jesus for salvation, for help, for leadership, for blessings, for your future.

This Sunday morning we will conclude our series, “Following the Footprints of Jesus” and think about the three general methods Jesus used to teach others concerning the Christian life. He used everyday life and common occurrences to talk to people and teach them the gospel. He was flexible in His approach to people. He was always pointed and purposed in His teaching because he knew that even a moment is too precious to waste on living lost. We would do well to follow His footprints in sharing the gospel with others in these modern times.

On Sunday evening we are asking a very important question; “What shall we do in 2011?” Challenge #1 - I shall have a greater appreciation and a greater respect for God’s word in 2011. Challenge #2 - I shall also pray daily, sincerely, fervently, and consistently. Jesus prayed. He taught His disciples to pray. He instructed every Christian to pray. In 2011, I shall pray.

Bible Bowl 2011 is just around the corner, scheduled for Saturday, February 27th, 2011. If you would like to be a part of one of our Bible Bowl teams its not too late. Go by the bulletin board in the lobby to sign up. We are studying the book of Matthew.

May God bless us all as we look to Him to supply our every need now and in the coming year.

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday - APRIL 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Key Note Speaker: Winford Claiborne of Fayetteville, Tennessee
Light Breakfast and Lunch Provided. Dinner on your own.

2010-12-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday - APRIL 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Key Note Speaker: Winford Claiborne of Fayetteville, Tennessee
Light Breakfast and Lunch Provided. Dinner on your own.

Brrr! I believe that winter has finally arrived just in time for Christmas which, by the way, is only two weeks away. We will be saying “Happy New Year” in less than 21 days whether we are ready or not.

I was thinking about all the changes that have taken place at St. Andrews Road in 2010. The church has grown with the addition of ten new Christians through baptism and thirteen new members through identification. Our nursery has grown by three with the births of Becca Pyle, Lily Burleson, and Ava Canon. Of course we have had eleven of our members to move away from us, some to find jobs and others to be closer to their families. Three of our precious family members have passed through the valley of the shadow of death: our sister in Christ, Christine Sheets and our brothers Larry Bailey and Jimmy Gist. Life is always happening.

This past year God has provided us with the means to renovate our auditorium, educational wing, fellowship hall, and offices. As you have noticed, we have just completed the installation of a new projection system and improved lighting that will enable us to place the announcements, sermon points, and in the near future, Lord willing our song selections in clear, easy to read format. We will begin using this new system as soon as we have everything in order.

What does 2011 hold in store for us? There will be changes and challenges for sure. There will be victories. There will be joys and sorrows. We will plant. We will water. We will trust and obey and wait. God will give the increase in His time and in His way. We will welcome new Christians to the church and say goodbye to some who will be called away, some to other adventures on this side of death and others to rest on the other side. Through it all God will always be with us and we will remain steadfast to our commitment to always be with Him.
Thank you for allowing me to adjust my sermon topics this past Sunday. This Sunday morning we will focus our attentions to our theme “Following the Footprints of Jesus.” The faithful walk in the footprints of Jesus. In our lesson I would like to look at several of Jesus’ footprints and check to see if we are following in His steps.

On Sunday evening we will take a look at 2011 and ask; “What shall we do?” For me, in the coming year, I would like the entire congregation to have a greater appreciation and a greater respect for the Bible. We will look at five ways we can show God that we have a great appreciation and a great respect for His word. If you would like to read ahead in preparation for this lesson, read Acts 17 about the Thessalonians and the Bereans.

A new Bible class has begun on Wednesday evenings at 7:00. This class is for “young professionals” ages 18 to 30 or so. We are using the Bible as our text and focusing on 13 challenges that young adults face every day. Each word begins with the letter “F.” This past Wednesday we looked at “FEAR” and learned that though fear is a challenge and a reality in life, we must not succumb to its power. If you are not involved in a Bible study on Wednesday night, please join us!

2010-11-30T12:12:00.000-05:00

December! We have only a few more days to accomplish our plans and resolutions for 2010. God has blessed us. Actually, we should use the remaining days in this old year to put 2010 behind us and look ahead to the new year, 2011. Our elders and deacons are busy praying, planning, and preparing for the coming year. Your minister is also looking ahead to all the challenges and opportunities that await us: Bible Bowl, Gospel Meetings, the 67th Annual Carolina Lectureships, Ladies’ Day, BreakOut 2011, Vacation Bible School, All Night Singing, Polishing the Pulpit Lectures…I could go on and on. May God continue to bless our efforts with a harvest according to His will!

We have been blessed with a great opportunity in 2011. We will be hosting the 67th Annual Carolina Lectureships. The date is set. We have chosen a theme. The speakers are almost in place. I will be asking for your help in several areas of service. God has blessed us with beautiful, updated facilities. We have a membership that knows how to plan, prepare, and work. This is a big undertaking for us. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Mark your 2011 calendar for this very exciting event and plan to be here for every session.

67th Annual Carolina Lectureships
St. Andrews Road Church of Christ
Sunday through Wednesday
APRIL 3 – 6, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Theme: “What it Means to Preach the Cross of Christ”
Key Note Speaker: Winford Claiborne of Fayetteville, Tennessee
Light Breakfast and Lunch Provided. Dinner on your own.

This Sunday morning the sermon is entitled “Following the Footprints of Jesus.” Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:24). Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9). Philippians 3:16 tells every Christian to “walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.” 1 John 2:6 says, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” There are many aspect of Jesus’ life that we must follow and walk after: His love, His patience, His compassion, His boldness, His humility, His seriousness, His joy, His kindness, His discipline, His use of time, His strength, and His way of sharing the plan of salvation. On Sunday morning I would like to focus on Jesus’ way of showing and sharing the gospel with people. He really only used two methods. We will take a look at the footprints of Jesus as He shared the gospel with others. Jesus was the best. I am never dissatisfied with the best.

On Sunday evening our lesson is entitled; “Follow Me.” We will consider our commitment to the Father through the Son (John 14:6). Am I committed to the Father through the Son? Or am I committed to something else? Some are committed to just about anything but the Father through the Son.

We are beginning a new Bible study for “Young Professionals” on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for anyone ages 18 to let’s say, maybe 30. We will be studying from the Bible on a variety of subjects: Fear, Faith, Finances, Family, Friendships, Focus, Freedom, Feelings, Fellowship, Food, Fun, Fads, and Future. I guess you noticed that each lesson begins with the letter “F.” This class also meets every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the “room down the hall” and is taught by one of our elders, Brother John Dennison. I look forward to seeing you!

2010-11-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

We had a great Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting this past Tuesday. Brother Richard Ramkinson of the Windsor Lake congregation did an outstanding job presenting a lesson on “The Relationship of Faithful Elders to the Congregation They Serve.” Brother Richard’s mother is still gravely ill too far away from him in Trinidad. Please pray for her, her family, and Brother Richard.

It is a very special privilege to work along side many faithful dedicated preachers, elders, deacons, and Christian brothers in the Midlands of South Carolina. Our monthly meetings together continue to be a great blessing to me and I am sure to every brother in Christ who attends. We will not meet in December due to our busy holiday schedules. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18th at 10:00 a.m. Mark your 2011 calendar for this very special time of study and fellowship.

God continues to bless us here at St. Andrews Road. It was such a blessing to see our brother Jason Gas respond to the Lord’s invitation this past Sunday morning asking for forgiveness and strength to live a better Christian life. Let us all be in prayer for Jason as he tries to live closer to Jesus.

God inspired John to write the following words in 1 John 2:1; “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” If you read a few verses before this passage, you will find these words, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). What a great blessing it is to be a Christian, saved by grace through faith, walking in the light as He is in the light, continuing steadfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine, worshipping God in spirit and in truth, walking by faith and not by sight, being steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, going about doing good today and every day waiting, hoping, and looking forward to the coming of Jesus and our home in heaven!

I am excited about our Sunday morning sermon series. I usually am! What do we need to accomplish God’s purpose for us? What makes us strong? Well, there are things that we DO need and there things that we DO NOT need. This Sunday we will consider the first lesson in this series entitled, “WHAT MAKES THE CHURCH OF CHRIST STRONG.” We do not need large numbers of people, only God’s will. We do not need worldly wealth, only God’s word. We do not need better, more sophisticated ways of doing things, only God’s way. If you would like to read ahead, read Judges 7, 1 Samuel 14, Numbers 13, Revelation 3, and maybe 1 Timothy 3 and Philippians 1:1.

On Sunday evening we will consider our salvation in Christ and how thankful we should be to God for the priceless gift of our His Son. Sin separates and condemns. God unites and saves through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the knowledge of God’s word sin is exposed. Through our obedience to God’s word sin is expressed. Through our continuance in God’s word sin is expelled.

Thanksgiving is now only a few days away. Many of us will be traveling to visit with family and friends. Others will be busy with family arriving from just about everywhere. In all that we do this holiday season, let us take time to thank God for the rich blessings that we enjoy from His hand. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

2010-11-09T11:22:00.000-05:00

Remember our monthly Midlands Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, November 16th at 10:00 a.m. Brother Richard Ramkinson of the Windsor Lake congregation will be presenting the program on “The Relationship of Faithful Elders to the Local Congregation of the Lord’s Church.” This meeting is for any elder, deacon, preacher, or any other Christian brother. We always have good discussion and a great time of study and fellowship together. We will have lunch together (Dutch-treat) at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road after the meeting. This will be our final meeting for the 2010. We do not meet in December due to the busy holiday season. We will meet in 2011 on the third Tuesday in January, the 18th. Remember to pray for Brother Richard’s mother who is very ill in Trinidad.

Thank you to our Brother Allen Hutchison and our entire youth group for hosting the “Double Nichol Banquet” last Sunday afternoon for those in the congregation who are 55 years of age and older. What a wonderful way to respond to my sermons on gratitude! Our older Christian brothers and sister are such a wonderful blessing to us. Our young Christians need those of us who are more mature in faith and in years to look up to and emulate. Maybe we can make this an annual event!

This Sunday we will once again focus our attention on gratitude (Thanks) and stewardship (Giving) since the Thanksgiving holiday is now less than two weeks away. On Sunday morning we will think about Paul’s request of Philemon concerning Onesimus in a lesson entitled “Now, That is How You Say Thanks.” Paul prayed for Philemon. Can you think of a better way to express gratitude? On Sunday evening we will note that when God asks us to give Luke 6:38, Galatians 6:7, Acts 20:35), He is simply asking us to share what we have been given with others. Do you know what sharing does for the one who shares? Sharing makes me more like God. When I share, I am very close to God. When I share with others, I win the victory over materialism. I want to be godly. Don’t you? I want to be as close to God as I can. Don’t you? I want to win the victory of worldliness. Surely you do, too! Paul said it best in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Sunday morning Life Enrichment Bible Class (Teacher: me) will have supper together each Sunday evening immediately following the Sunday evening worship hour in the fellowship hall. If you are a member of this class you are cordially invited to this fellowship supper. We will announce the menu each Sunday morning during class. Nothing complicated; just soups, stews, sub sandwiches, pizza, KFC, and maybe casseroles. This will be a great time of fellowship together for the class.

If you are not currently attending one of our Bible classes on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening, know that you are missing out on a great opportunity to grow as a Christian. Get up an hour earlier on Sunday morning and be a part of one of our very special Bible classes. On Wednesday evenings we meet at 7:00 p.m. and dismiss at 8:00 with very few exceptions. Sometimes I get a little bit lengthy with the devotional lesson, but not too often. We love being together. That’s the way it should be.

The holiday season is quickly approaching. The traffic really picks up this time of the year with holiday shopping and family visiting. Be careful. Be thoughtful. Be patient. Be safe. Be thankful. Be the Christian you know to be.

2010-11-03T12:06:00.000-04:00

Remember to “FALL BACK” your clocks one hour on Saturday night (6th) before you retire to bed because Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday morning (7th) a 2:00 a.m. Don’t be the one who arrives ready for Bible class an hour late or the one who arrives for the 11:00 a.m. worship hour during the dismissal song and prayer. Make a note for yourself on the mirror to remind you. Maybe at note on the refrigerator might be a better place. Most cell phones now have programs that can be set to remind us of important dates and appointments. Let’s be on time, prepared, and excited about meeting together for worship, study, and fellowship.

Last Sunday evening our young men did an outstanding job leading us in worship. Bobby Graves led the singing. Justin Johnson and Kyle Holton presented two fine lessons. Gabriel Jenkins and Christian Jenkins led in prayer. Tyler Johnson and Brandon Lambert read from the Bible. Joey Reeves, Brace Hutchison, and Wyatt Holton serve at the Lord’s Supper table. Thank you! Brother Allen Hutchison for all the planning and preparation you put into our youth program. Thank you to our young men and our young women for living the Christian life at school, at home, around your friends, and everywhere, especially in the church. What a great joy it is to be a member of the Lord’s church at St. Andrews Road. May God help us to be more appreciative of the blessings we enjoy, blessings that many congregations only dream of!

Thank you for allowing me to postpone part of the sermon last Sunday morning to this Sunday morning. I am looking forward to preaching this Sunday morning on the subject “When We Give, We Get.” Do you remember the three things that God expects every Christian to give: T______, T___________, and T____________? Do you remember the three things that we must never give? Never give ____. Never give ____. Never give _____.

This Sunday morning we will focus on the Bible text found in 2 Peter 1:1-11 and see that each Christian grace (virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love) in this text requires diligent stewardship. God gives every Christian grace and peace (2), “all things that pertain to life and godliness (3), and exceedingly great and precious promises (4). We must manage our lives so that these graces can be ours and abound (8). For example: If I am to have virtue in my life, I must give all diligence to purity, not to worldly peer pressure. I hope this lesson from God’s word will help us all to live the way God would have us live.
This Sunday evening we will learn about gratitude. Jesus was thankful. He was often disappointed when those around Him were ungrateful. Did you know that ingratitude is a mark of someone who is foolish and deserving of death? Gratitude is God’s will for everyone. We have so much to be thankful for. Let us be careful to show and share our gratitude with God, with those we love, and with everyone.

Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16th at 10:00 a.m. Brother Richard Ramkinson of the Windsor Lake congregation will be presenting the program on “The Relationship of Faithful Elders to the Local Congregation of the Lord’s Church.” This meeting is for any elder, deacon, preacher, or any other Christian brother. We always have a lively discussion and a great time of study and fellowship together. We will have lunch together (Dutch-treat) at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road after the meeting. Hope to see you there!

2010-10-25T12:30:00.001-04:00

This coming Tuesday, November 2nd every Christian has the opportunity to make the changes that need to be made in our local, state, and national government by the simple act of voting. Vote! It is your right as an American to make a positive difference in our country and in the world. Make this right a priority on Tuesday.

This Sunday morning (31st) our lesson from the pulpit will help us to know what God expects from every Christian: He expects us to give three things: Time (We each have been given the same amount of time, 24 hours every day), Talents (We each have talents, given by God to be used in service to others), and Treasures (Everything we have is a gift from God). He expects us NOT to give three things…Can you guess what three things Christians must never give? We will discuss these things on Sunday morning, Lord willing.

On Sunday evening we are in for a very special time of worship, study, and fellowship. Our young men will be handling every aspect of the service. Make sure you are here to support them. I am certainly looking forward to this very special service. I remember the first time I led a song in the church. The song was “Send the Light,” number 192 in our song book. I was about 10 years old and practiced leading that song in my Papa’s old barn loft with my two brothers acting as the church. What a sight and sound that must have been so many years ago. I wonder if my mother stood outside that old barn just to hear us sing. There was no way anyone could have known that 41 years later I would be preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in Columbia, South Carolina. God knew.

Where will our young men and young ladies be tomorrow, next year, 41 years from now? God knows. We hope and pray that they will be preachers and preachers’ wives, song leaders and the wives of song leaders, elders and elders’ wives, deacons and deacons’ wives, Bible teachers, faithful Christian parents, and faithful Christian friends following the pattern of the Bible in life and living. What they become is a product of prayer, preparation, practice, privilege, and participation. May we at St. Andrews Road do a good job in each area of service to our young people! Thank you to Allen Hutchison for your love and faithful dedication to the young men and women at St. Andrews Road. Thank you to every faithful Christian parent for your dedication to bring up your children in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Thank you to every young man and woman for your commitment to Jesus Christ and His church at St. Andrews Road. We are so very proud of you!

Remember that “Daylight Saving Time” ends early on Sunday morning, November 7th. Cindi and I usually move the clocks “fall backward” before we go to bed on Saturday night, November 6th. Whew! Can you believe that Thanksgiving is less than four weeks away with Christmas just around the corner? This is my favorite time of the year!

BIBLE BOWL 2011! We will host the Statewide Bible Bowl on Saturday, February 26, 2011. Everyone is already studying the book of Matthew. Please go to the bulletin board in the lobby to sign up to be on one of our Bible Bowl teams. There are four divisions: Preteen, Teen, Adult, and Senior. If you have a question or need further information, just call the church office. You can also check our website: www.sarcoc.org for up to date Bible Bowl information. For those who do not sign up to be on one of our teams, we will need your help in other areas of the Bible Bowl. In the coming days we will post several sign-up sheets on the bulletin board for your consideration. We love working together.

2010-10-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

We’ve had a great week showing and sharing the gospel of Christ here in Columbia, South Carolina. The fall weather is simply gorgeous with cool mornings warming up nicely through the evening. I hope you are taking full advantage of such wonderful blessings. Get up a little earlier to go for a morning walk. Walk outside just after sunset and look up at the stars. Sit on the deck for a few minutes early or late and enjoy a bit of nature: squirrels preparing for the winter, falling leaves, geese settling on or lifting off the lake if you are near the water or flying overhead toward a warmer climate. These simple experiences make life worth living. Some people never look up to see the evidence of God. They rarely look out past their own feelings and needs to see the beauties around them. They seldom look around them at the opportunities for joy and service to others. They have even more difficulty looking within themselves to see that they have become far removed from the balance of life.

As Christians, we can, we must live a different, better, balanced life. Every morning let us think of God. Let us speak to Him in prayer and remember the assurances we have in Jesus Christ. Let us read God’s word, the Bible to be reminded of our past, our blessings, our duty, and our future in Christ. Let us do more than read the Bible. We must rightly divide it (2 Timothy 2:15), realizing that God communicated to people before the coming of Jesus Christ in different ways (Hebrews 1:1-2). Today we do not read to obey the Old Testament, the Psalms, nor the Prophets of old. The Old Testament was God’s word to those who lived before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We read to obey His Son, Jesus Christ in the twenty-seven books called the New Testament with words written down by nine inspired men chosen by God (Matthew, Mark, Luke (2), John (5), Paul (13), Peter (2), James, Jude, and the writer to the Hebrews). These twenty-seven books are the final revelation from God to mankind in these last days in which we live (Jude 3, Galatians 1:6-10, Luke 16:16). Now make no mistake about it. The Old Testament is valuable to us today. Paul wrote in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” The Old Testament was written for our learning, not for our keeping.

Sin is our enemy. Sin has always caused humanity problems. Still does. Sin separates us from God. The Bible is written so that we might know right from wrong, truth from error, so that we might not sin (1 John 2:1). We must stay away from sin. And when we do sin, thankfully God has provided a way out of sin and into his salvation through His Son (John 14:6, 1 John 1:1-2). We must take the way. When we turn to God we must turn away from sin.

This week end on Friday and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. I will be preaching the gospel at the church of Christ at Windsor Lake. If you can make one or more of these meetings, the church there would be greatly encouraged and you would be too. Pray for me as I travel across town to encourage our fellow Christian brothers and sisters.

This Sunday morning we will continue in our series of lessons on the theme “Fully Committed to Christ.” We will focus our attention on the question: “Am I fully committed to the Lord’s church?” If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 16, Ephesians 5, and Acts 2.

On Sunday evening we will consider the personal relationship that Jesus had with various people during His ministry; children, His friends, the hungry, the troubled, the helpless, and the rich and the poor. Jesus is “A Personal Savior.”

2010-10-06T11:27:00.000-04:00

Some of us did not receive our newsletter in the mail last week! We do not know what happened. I did my part. Kay did her part. The Post Office…Well, we’re trying to find out what happened there. If you are reading this before Sunday, October 10th, I guess everything is back in order now. Anyway, as usual, I try to find a lesson to learn in every situation. Try and think about what it takes to get a gallon of milk into your refrigerator. Grass, water, a cow, a farmer, a barn, milking equipment, storage containers, inspectors, trucks, gasoline, truck drivers, pasteurization processes, a production factory, refrigeration equipment, stores, purchasing agents, store managers, you and me with jobs that pay enough to get to the store and purchase the milk, health to walk back to the milk aisle (You know they always put the milk at the very back of the store.), and then finally, a glass to pour the mile into to drink it (Of course, you should never drink out of the container). I enjoy milk in my cereal, with cookies, with cornbread in it (I know. That sounds gross to some people, but it is really delicious to me) and mixed with ice cream to make a milk shake. I especially enjoy chocolate milk. Back in our not to distant past, getting a glass of milk was not all that complicated. But I won’t get into that that.

NOTE THESE VERY SPECIAL MEETINGS!
Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled Tuesday, October 19th at 10:00 a.m. here at St. Andrews Road. Our theme for the fall is “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” We have looked at the need for faithful elders and the qualifications of faithful elders. This month we will focus our attention on the work of faithful elders. I have the privilege of presenting the program this month. If you have an hour or two on Tuesday the 19th come and meet with us in the fellowship hall. We usually have about 20 or so at the meeting. We begin at 10:00 and close the meeting at 12:00.

The Windsor Lake congregation is hosting a gospel meeting on Friday night and Saturday night, October 15th and 16th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, October 17th at 3:00 p.m. at their facilities at 238 Windsor Pointe Road, Columbia. I have the honor and privilege of preaching three lessons on the theme “He Knows Those Who Are His.” I hope you will come out and support this fine congregation of the Lord’s church.

We will have our annual FALL FESTIVAL here at St. Andrews Road on Saturday, October 23rd. I always enjoy our fall festival. This year we plan to meet at “the sheds” in back of our facilities on St. Andrews Road. We will have a fish fry. Mmmm! Bring a side dish, a drink, and your lawn chairs. Men: This year we will once again test our cooking skills at the Men’s Dessert Cook Off. Gentlemen: Prepare your favorite dessert and see if you can wow the judges. We always have a great time in Christian fellowship.

Our sermons this Sunday morning and evening will once again center on fully committing ourselves to Christ and how we know that we are Christians. I am especially enjoying our Sunday evening series “I Know That I am a Christian Because…” I know that I am a Christian because I am a disciple of Christ (Acts 11:26). I know that I am a Christian because I am persuaded (Acts 26:28). This Sunday evening we will look at the final lesson in this series; “I know that I am a Christian because I sometimes suffer (I Peter 4:16). It’s true. We are sometimes persecuted because of our faith in Jesus Christ. When we suffer because of our faith in Jesus Christ we should rejoice and not be ashamed because we know that we are in good company. Jesus suffered too. Be ready. Be strong. Be blessed!

2010-09-28T12:15:00.001-04:00

October! Can you believe it? The rain we received this week was refreshing and much needed. Did you know that this was the first rain we have had in 28 days? We are thankful to God for His providence.

Wasn’t last Sunday great? We had the honor of hearing two great gospel preachers tell of their commitment to Christ and His church in the mission field: Joey Treat in the South Pacific Island of Palau and Patrick Swayne in Melbourne, Australia. Wow! What a day! It is certainly a great joy to know that we have a part in reaching out to the world with the gospel of Christ through our prayers, encouragement, and financial support of these fine Christian men.
Thank you for all the delicious food we had at the potluck luncheon last Sunday. We had enough food for a multitude. It was good to see so many members and guests sitting together laughing, talking, visiting, and sharing some time together. The Bible refers to such meals as “love feasts.”

I’ll be back in the pulpit this Sunday teaching and preaching again. We will begin a lesson series this Sunday morning entitled “Fully Committed to Christ.” Am I fully committed to Christ? Are you fully committed to Christ? Jesus was fully committed to His Father. The twelve were. Even Judas was committed, not to Christ…to money. Paul was definitely fully committed to Christ. He wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Time and time again Paul instructed Timothy to be fully committed to Christ (I Timothy 1:3, 18; 3:12-16; 5:21; 6:11-16 for example). Think about the full commitment Moses made to God when he stood in bare feet before the burning bush. Think about Noah’s commitment to build the ark and save his family. Think about the spies that went over Jordan to take a look at the Promise Land. Two were committed to God. What about the other ten? The church at Ephesus lost their first love. They were not fully committed. The church at Laodicea was lukewarm. They were not fully committed, either to God or against Him. Their lack of commitment made God sick. God expects and accepts only our full commitment to His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said it this way. “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

On Sunday evening we will continue in our series “I Know That I am a Christian Because…” with a lesson from Acts 26. Paul is talking to King Agrippa about becoming a Christian. He sought to persuade him to obey what he believed. I know that I am a Christian because I AM PERSUADED. Are you persuaded? God created everything. Are you persuaded? Jesus Christ is His Son and the promised Messiah, our Savior and Lord. Are you persuaded? The Holy Spirit of God revealed God’s word to selected men so that the entire world may believe and obey the gospel of Christ. Are you persuaded? Jesus shed His blood to purchase and save His church. Are you persuaded? The one and only source of God’s instructions and commands to mankind is the Bible, God’s holy word. Are you persuaded? God alone has the authority to say who, what, when, where, how, and why mankind can please Him in life and living. Let us consider these things.

Mark you calendar for a very special gospel meeting at the Winsor Lake church of Christ just across town scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday evening, October 15th and 16th at 7:00 p.m. and then on Sunday afternoon, October 17th at 3:00. I will be sharing three lessons from God’s word on the theme: “The Lord Knows Those Who Are His.” Come and grow in your faith.

2010-09-22T11:29:00.000-04:00

It’s great to be back in beautiful Columbia, South Caroline after our trip to west Texas a few days ago. Boy, west Texas is different…big for sure, but barren except for a few farmers, the cotton fields, and oil wells. I like trees, grass, water, and people. It is true that Columbia seems to be getting crowded, but try living in a place where your next neighbor is five miles or more away. I sat out in the local preacher’s front yard for one hour and saw only one car, his. He lives right in the middle of town (population 253). Of course I do realize that sometimes, on some days this would be a wonderful pleasure. Thank you for allowing me to be away to share the gospel of Christ with our fellow Christians in Texas.

This Sunday, September 26th will be a very special day for us at St. Andrews Road. Brother Joey Treat will be with us for the morning service. He will be sharing all the wonderful news of our work together in the gospel of Christ from the South Pacific Islands, specifically Saipan, Chuuk, and Palua.

Immediately following our morning worship hour everyone is invited to a potluck luncheon in the fellowship hall. Please bring enough food for you, your family, and our guests. Let’s make sure that we all plan big!

On Sunday evening we will get to meet and hear Brother Patrick Swayne from Melbourne, Australia. He will sharing the news of his work as a missionary “down under” and then meeting with our eldership to talk about how we might be a part of the work of Christ there.
Do you remember the sermon last Sunday morning? The love of Christ is:
Our __________________ to serve
Our __________________ to obey
Our __________________ to gratitude
Our __________________ to heaven
I fear that too few Christians know, understand, appreciate, or ever acknowledge the power of the love of Christ in the world. When we come to know, understand, acknowledge, and appreciate the demonstration of God’s love for mankind in Christ Jesus we are forever changed in mind, in speech, and in lifestyle.

What about Sunday evening? Do you remember how you know that you are a Christian? I know that I am a Christian because: ___ ____ __ ____________. You can find the answer in Acts 11:26.

We had a great Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting this past Tuesday morning. Bill Young led the discussion on the subject of “The Qualifications of Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” The meeting was well attended and the discussion, as always was in depth and with enthusiasm. We are studying a series of lessons on the theme “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” We have discussed “The Need for Faithful Elders” and “The Qualifications of Faithful Elders.” The next lessons will be “The Work of Faithful Elders” in October and the “The Relationship of Faithful Elders to the Congregation They Serve” in November. If you can take an hour or two to study with a group of elders, deacons, preachers, and Christian brothers please come and be a part of the meeting. We meet every third Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. We take a break in December for the holidays and another break in July and August for summer vacations.

I have been honored with an invitation to preach the gospel of Christ in October at the Winsor Lake church of Christ on the other side of town. The congregation at Winsor Lake is hosting a gospel meeting on Friday evening (15th) and Saturday evening (16th) at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon (17th) at 3:00 p.m. I hope we can have a good crowd from St. Andrews Road at each service.

2010-09-08T11:56:00.001-04:00

Gone again! Cindi and I will be in a small town in west Texas this week. I will be preaching in a gospel meeting with the church of Christ in Ackerly, Texas beginning Sunday morning, September 12th continuing through Wednesday, September 15th. Ackerly is south of Lubbock and west of Abilene on the map in the middle of oil country. My friend, Craig Shackleford is their preacher. I am excited about visiting with them and sharing life lessons from God’s word to encourage them to greater faith in God. We plan on being back in Columbia late Thursday night, Lord willing. Please pray for the safety of our journey and that the church there will be edified in faith, hope, and love. Brother Caleb Colley will be preaching while I am away.

Remember our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday, September 21st at 10:00 a.m. Brother Bill Young will present a program entitled “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation – The Qualifications of Faithful Elders.” God has directed every congregation to be led by faithful, qualified elders. It is true that some congregations simply do not have men who meet the qualifications given in God’s word. These congregations must pray for, work toward, and prepare men who will be qualified for the eldership. St. Andrews Road is overseen by three faithful, qualified elders who leqd us in the way of righteousness and prosperity in Christ. We also have other men in the congregation who are living according to the Biblical pattern. They are preparing themselves for the eldership in the near and distant future. We must endeavor in every way to follow the pattern of leadership found in the Bible. This meeting is held every third Tuesday in the month at St. Andrews Road and is open to every Christian brother who desires to attend. After the meeting we have lunch together at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road, Dutch-treat of course.

September 26th will be one of those very special days at St. Andrews Road!
On Sunday morning, September 26th Brother Joey Treat, missionary in Chuuk, Pacific Islands will be with us to share all the good news from the other side of the world. We are planning a “pot-luck” lunch following the morning assembly. Then on Sunday evening Brother Patrick Swayne, missionary in Melbourne, Australia will be with us to share all the good news from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ down under. You won’t want to miss out on this very special day of worship, study, and fellowship as we focus on God’s blessings to us and through us.

Can you believe that there is only 16 weeks left in the year? Whew! Don’t believe me? I counted twice. God tells us over and over in His word, the Bible concerning the brevity of life and how we must take advantage of every opportunity and possibility one day at a time. Just as we heard this past Sunday, we must WAKE UP to all the possibilities every day for ourselves, for our families, and for the church. We must GET UP to take full advantage of God’s blessings in our lives. We must OPEN UP in obedient faith to do what God asks us to do. Really the only reason anyone can’t is that they won’t. It was our Christian brother and inspired writer to the Philippians, Paul who said; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He was writing the truth. God was the One speaking the words Paul wrote. He could. We can too.

Take a look at the “Family News” section on your newsletter today. There is so much we all can do to encourage our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Pray for those who are sick and shut-in. Make a visit. Make a call. Send a card. Email. Text. You can make such a positive difference when you decide to!

2010-09-02T13:35:00.000-04:00

The Polishing the Pulpit workshop in Sevierville, Tennessee was great. The workshop is an annual event where Christians from just about everywhere meet in the Smoky Mountains at the convention center for six days of intense Bible study and training. The event is organized in a special way. Each participant can choose a “path” of instruction especially formatted for their particular role or interest. If you are an elder, you can choose a program for the entire week that focuses solely on the eldership. If you are deacon, a program of instruction has been designed especially for you. If you are preacher, a youth worker, or a Bible class teacher you can choose that particular program of instruction. There are special sessions for teenagers. I chose a variety of sessions that included:
Robert Taylor, Jr. - “If I Were Starting Out as a Preacher Again…”
Cliff Goodwin – “How to Grow in the Spiritual Disciplines”
Gary Hampton – “How Can We Get This Church to Grow”
Eric Lyons – “Salvation: The Gift of God’s Grace”
Brad Harrub – “Little House on the Prairie or Big Mansion in the City”
Dan Winkler – “I’ve Got Peace like a River”
Caleb Colley – “Influence 101”
Matt Vega – “A Lawyer Looks at the Trials & Persecutions of Early Christians”
Alan Highers – “Hot-Button Issues Facing the Church”
I appreciate the opportunity to attend this great workshop for myself, my family, and the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road. Know that you will be hearing what I have learned in the coming days.

Our Sunday morning sermon is entitled “Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?” taken from the angel’s question to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18:14. Of course we all know the answer to this question. Nothing is too difficult for God. We will look at three things we can do: wake up, get up, and open up to God’s opportunities, to God’s purpose, to God’s blessings. Check out Genesis 18 as you prepare for the lesson this Sunday.

Sunday evening at St. Andrews Road is always a very special time of worship, study, and fellowship. This Sunday evening we will focus our attention on “Developing Positive Expectation.” Do you remember the lesson Jesus taught from a widow who had been wronged? She sought justice from a judge who didn’t regard God or man. The unrighteous judge honored her request simply because she kept on keeping on. She had the power of positive expectation. We too, can develop this character trait in our own lives. We’ll discuss how on Sunday evening. I hope you will be present for this great lesson from God’s word.

Lately we have been blessed with several new Christian brothers and sisters deciding to work and worship with us at St. Andrews Road. Some have moved into our area. Others have recently obeyed the gospel. God is blessing us with laborers just like He promised. Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” We have been praying. God answers our prayers. What shall we do? Let us get to work together reaching up and reaching out with the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the eldership shepherding, the deacons serving, the preacher preaching, the Bible teachers teaching, all Christians working together toward heaven.

Statements from PTP: “I am not a body with a soul. I am a soul living in a body.” (Cliff Goodwin – Alabama)

2010-08-16T23:26:00.000-04:00

The new school year is now underway. I’m looking forward to my fellow Christian brothers and sisters being home again, back from family vacations and visits. It will be great to have a full house again when the church meets together for worship on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Our area monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday was a good one. This fall we will be studying “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” I introduced this series with a lesson on the need for faithful elders in every congregation. Next month we will take a look at the qualifications of faithful elders. Brother Bill Young has served as a gospel preacher and also as an elder of the church for many years before his retirement. He is well qualified to present our program in September. If you have a couple of hours available, we meet every third Tuesday in the month at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. After the meeting we have lunch together at one of our local restaurants.

Lately we have had much to pray about. Sister Mary Dennison remains in the Providence Heart Hospital. The doctors are working to bring her system back into balance. Sister Elma Berrier is working hard every day at Heartland Rehabilitation Center trying to improve enough to go home. Brother Jerry Satterfield is doing much better after his sinus surgery a few days ago. One of our teenagers, Kyle Holton has had a tough battle with food poisoning and is on his way to recovery. Sister Teresa Reeves is improving after her fall and then her surgery to repair a broken elbow. Another one of our teenagers, Shila Johnson is improving after surgery to repair a dislocated knee cap. The past few days have been rough on Brother Jimmy Gist as he continues his battle with cancer. There may be others that I do not know about. Please remember last Sunday evening’s sermon from Luke 18:1-8. The widow was persistent in prayer, persistent in hope, and persistent in her faith in someone who didn’t care. The judge didn’t care for her. He didn’t care for anyone. He didn’t regard man or God. Yet this unrighteous judge helped her because she kept on keeping on.

Our faith and our hope is in the living God, our Father. He cares for us, hears our prayers, and is ready, willing, and able to help us according to His will and purpose. Our challenge is to keep on keeping on in hope, in faith, and in persistent prayer. Jesus said it best in Matthew 6:33; “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

This Sunday morning we will focus our attention on WISDOM – Why Do I Need It? We will consider what Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:1-18 and make a list of the reasons every one of us should earnestly desire wisdom from God. Then on Sunday evening we will again look at WISDOM and ask the question; How Do I Obtain It? If you would like to read ahead, read James 1:5-8, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, and 1 John 2:1-2.

Cindi and I will be attending the Polishing the Pulpit Workshop in Sevierville, Tennessee from August 27th through September 2nd. Brother Alan Larmon and Brother Allen Hutchison attended this workshop last year and really benefited from the lessons that they heard. I am thankful to have the opportunity to attend this year. Please pray for us as we make the trip to the Smoky Mountains for PTP.

Mark you calendar for September 25th. It is a very special privilege for us to have two wonderful missionaries visiting with us on Sunday, September 25th. Joey Treat from Chuuk will be with us on Sunday morning and Patrick Swayne from Melbourne, Australia will be with us on Sunday evening.

2010-08-05T15:06:00.000-04:00

Our annual ALL NIGHT SINGING is this Friday night, August 6th beginning at 7:30 p.m. I hope you will be a part of this great time of fellowship where Christians sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs well into the night. We plan on singing for a couple of hours then take a break. The singing will resume and continue as long as we can.

Our annual youth rally; BREAKOUT 2010 is this Saturday, August 7th. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Brother Caleb Colley will be our speaker and has planned some really great lessons on the Christian’s ACTIVE DUTY. Please make plans to come out on Saturday for this very special event.

Thank you so much for your positive comments about last Sunday’s sermons. To God be the glory because every lesson I present comes directly from the Bible. Are you a faithful Christian? Only a faithful Christian will hear Jesus say “Well done.” A faithful Christian “is” until death. Faithful Christians bear much fruit. Faithful Christians not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. When it comes down to it, faithful Christians walk a different, difficult path from the rest of the world. We must not conform to the world. We can and must allow God to transform us by and through the word of God.

Some people seem to think that God will not accept them, that God does not value them, that God does not love them, that God will not forgive them unless their lives are perfectly in order. They are mistaken. Please don’t be mistaken! If this is the case with God then none of us will ever be accepted, valued, loved, or forgiven. I love to read the Biblical account of a father and his two sons in Luke 15:11-32. The young prodigal son made some really poor decisions. He made some sinful decisions. Yet what happened when this young sinful son realized his wrong and decided to return home to his father? Read it. The father joyfully accepted his son even though his life was sinful, dirty, and in disarray. It is true. We all are capable of making some really bad choices. It is also true that we are capable of making really good choices.

Don’t be fooled by the lies of the devil and those who are mistaken about His goodness and His will for every man, women, boy, and girl in the world. The Holy Spirit wrote concerning God’s plan for every human being in 2 Peter 3:9; “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH but that all should come to repentance.”

This Sunday morning we will consider the subject “BUSYNESS” not business, busyness. Our lives are about to get very busy again with school, homework, tests, sports, practice and games, getting up earlier, going to bed earlier, and everything else that goes with the close of summer. In our busyness we must not forget our first and foremost commitment to Christ and His church. We must never be too busy with life that our Bibles go unread. We must never be too busy with our own schedule that we miss the opportunity to help others who are in need. We must never be too busy to pray, to sing, to give, and to worship. Let’s make sure that we put first things first. When we do, all the other things will be in the right order.

On Sunday evening we will take a look at Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:6-8; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” We too have a fight to fight. We have a race to finish. We too must keep the faith. What was at the end of Paul’s journey? Read it.

2010-07-27T10:29:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that Sunday is August 1? Students and teachers are now preparing for the new school year. USC is preparing for another banner year with a record number of freshmen entering college life. Families are trying to take one final break before the busy fall schedule begins. We have had a great summer! Of course the warm weather will continue for a few more days. I’m looking forward to stepping outside one morning very soon to feel that autumn is on its way.

Remember our annual ALL NIGHT SINGING here at St. Andrews Road, this coming Friday night, August 6th beginning at 7:30 p.m. We plan to sing well into the night. SAR members: Bring “finger foods,” desserts, and drinks for ourselves and our guests. This will be a time of singing that you will not soon forget. The very best singers from all around the state in addition to many who will be coming in from many miles away will meet to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in praise and thanksgiving to God. I look forward to our singing all year long.

Immediately following the singing youth grades 6th through 12th, parents, and friends will be arriving for our annual youth rally; BREAKOUT 2010 scheduled for Saturday, August 7th. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program continuing into the afternoon. Brother Caleb Colley will be our special speaker for BreakOut this year. We are excited to have him speak to us on the subject of ACTIVE DUTY. Please make plans to come out on Saturday for this very special event.

This Sunday morning we will consider FAITH and what it means to be a faithful Christian before God and before our fellow man. Proverbs 20:6 asks the question; “Who can find a faithful man?” In Proverbs 31:10 we find the question; “Who can find a virtuous wife?” We will describe faithfulness and consider what it means to be “faithful” in terms of LIFESTYLE, LENGTH OF DAYS, LOVE, and LEGACY. I am looking forward to sharing this lesson from God’s word with you this week. If you would like to read ahead, read Hebrews 10:19-25 in addition to the list of the faithful in Hebrews 11.

On Sunday evening we will continue our consideration of FAITH with a lesson entitled; “Increasing Our Faith.” When others look at you or me, what do they think? What do they see? Well, we can’t always know what others think or what others see, but we can know what God thinks and what God sees when He looks at us. He sees that we are acceptable. He accepts us as we are but will not leave us there. We are valuable, worth more than all the world. We are lovable, so much so that God gave his only Son to provide for our needs. We are forgivable. God’s promises are true. We are capable…not in ourselves, but in Christ Jesus. Too often we listen to Satan’s lies: “What is wrong with you? Why can’t you be more like him or her? You’ve been nothing but trouble since you were born! Can’t you do anything right? No wonder you don’t have any friends! You’ll never amount to anything!” If you’ve heard these lies before, know that these words did not come from God. I hope you will come out on Sunday evening to have your faith strengthened and increased through the study of God’s word, the Bible.

If you will look around you will see new faces at just about every service. Sometimes we get so caught up with our own plans that we forget to welcome our guests. Please consider it your personal service to meet every guest with a warm smile and a hardy handshake so they know that we love them and welcome them.

2010-07-22T13:15:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it? Our Annual All Night Singing is now only 2 weeks away scheduled for Friday evening, August 6th beginning at 7:30 p.m. It is a great privilege for us to host this event year after year. I hope you are planning to come and be a part of such a wonderful time of fellowship as we blend our voices together to sing praises to God. We will sing together until…

Immediately following the singing (the very next day, Saturday, August 7th)) teenagers will be gathering together at St. Andrews Road for our annual youth rally, BreakOut 2010. Brother Caleb Colley will be our special guest preacher this year. Brother Colley is a staff writer for Apologetics Press and is the producer/director of AP’s “Digger Doug.” He is a faithful Christian at SAR and is currently a student at USC in the doctorate program. We are very excited about our theme: ACTIVE DUTY. I will be speaking to the adults in one of the “breakout sessions” on the subject “Arming Our Children.” We are encouraging our fellow Christian teens and their chaperones from around the area to come for the annual all night singing on Friday night. Several SAR members have opened their homes to host any who would like to spend the night on Friday night and be ready bright and early for BreakOut 2010 the next day. Pick up a brochure from the lobby for further information about BreakOut 2010! Register early if you can!

Friday, August 6th 7:30 p.m. All Night Singing
10:30 p.m. Meet with Host Families

Saturday, August 7th BREAKOUT 2010
8:30 - Registration
9:30 - Welcome and Singing (Wow! Simply Beautiful)
10:00 - Session 1 – Caleb Colley
10:30 - “Active Duty” Activity
11:00 - Singing
11:15 - Session 2 – Caleb Colley/Mickey Burleson
11:45 - Singing
12:00 - Lunch
12:45 - Singing/Activity
1:15 - Session 3 – Caleb Colley
1:45 - Closing

This Sunday morning at SAR we will take a look at “GROWTH.” Think about it. Growth is God’s plan for every Christian and for His church. Growth is good. As a matter of fact, we really don’t have to “try” to grow. Growth is natural, necessary, and expected. We will consider our own relationship with God and check to see if we are growing as we should. If you would like to read ahead, read Ephesians 4:1-16.

Sunday evening at SAR is always a very special time of worship, study, and fellowship. We will ask and answer the question “How Can I Grow?” Growth happens when we “keep on keeping on” in patience, in diligence, in faith without worrying about the measure of men.

Are you currently attending one of our Bible classes here at St. Andrews Road? We have great teachers, great subjects right from God’s word, the Bible, great facilities, and great opportunities every Sunday morning at 10:00 and every Wednesday evening at 7:00. Come and study. Think and decide. Grow!

2010-07-13T11:57:00.000-04:00

Our Vacation Bible School was a great success this past week. Thank you to Brother Bill Young and the entire team from St. Andrews Road who gave so much of your time and talents to this year’s VBS. We had good attendance each evening. The children, teens, and adults were reminded about God’s wonderful gift of creation. God created the heavens and the earth, the sky, the sun, moon, and stars, the plants, the fish, all the other animals, and man. It took Him six days to create everything and then He rested on the seventh day. This is not a theory. This is a fact! Many in our world today reject this truth. They are mistaken (Matthew 22:29). They are “untaught and unstable people” who “twist” the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). Of course, God loves you, me and every person who loves Him and also every person who doesn’t. Though some deny Him and/or reject Him, He is. Though some mock, laugh, and sneer, He is. Though some refuse to obey Him, He still is.

Next up we have our annual All Night Singing scheduled for Friday night, August 6th beginning at 7:30 p.m. here at St. Andrews Road. I hope you will mark your calendar, invite a friend, and come out for a great time of singing with your fellow Christians.

Our annual youth rally “BreakOut 2010” is scheduled for Saturday, August 7th. That’s right! The very next day following our all night singing, we will have an all day youth rally. Come for the singing. Spend the night with one of the members at St. Andrews Road. Then arrive early for a day that you will not soon forget. Our theme this year is “ACTIVE DUTY.” Caleb Colley will be a special guest speaker for the day. I have the privilege of speaking to the parents during one of our “breakout” sessions. This event is for teenagers grades 6th through 12th. Registration for “Active Duty” is at 8:30 a.m. BreakOut 2010 will continue until 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Congratulations to LACEY LAMBERT. Lacey obeyed the gospel of Christ on Wednesday evening, July 7th. It was such a great joy to hear her say those beautiful words; “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God” and then to stand with her as she experienced the new birth in baptism. Make sure you meet Lacey and welcome her into the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Sunday morning series “Repentance: A Command for All” continues this week with our final lesson “Fortifying the Must of Repentance.” We have looked at identifying the meaning of repentance. We have looked at clarifying the motivation of repentance. Now let us understand that repentance is a must. Paul said it best in Acts 17:30-31. Luke wrote “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but NOW COMMANDS ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Read this passage again. God now commands all men everywhere to repent. This isn’t too difficult to understand. Repentance is a must. If you are reading ahead, read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and 4:1-4 to see that society has a desperate need, the need to repent. What does Luke 13:3 say to us about the necessity of repentance?

This Sunday evening we will look at “Five Affirmations on Life and Living” from only one verse – Job 1:21. I hope you will come for worship, fellowship, and a very important lesson that will truly help you with the foundation principles of life.

2010-07-05T15:18:00.000-04:00

Four years! That’s right! Can you believe that I have been working with you as your minister and friend for four years? We have accomplished much together during these four years. Sometimes it seems that I’ve always been at St. Andrews Road. Then at other times it seems that our work together has just begun. We have accomplished much and yet so many opportunities and challenges stretch out before us. It is my desire and prayer that God will grant us many more happy and prosperous years of service together in His kingdom. Please keep me and my family in your prayers as we labor together with you. We pray for you, your family, and every family in the church daily that we will continue to be the salt, the light, and the city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden.

Our VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL begins this Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. We will have everything ready. There will be workers at the building just about all day Saturday (10th) and also on Sunday afternoon (11th) setting up our classrooms for Bible study, story time, and games. Some will be getting things ready in the fellowship hall for snack time and crafts. Others will be decorating the lobby and the auditorium. We are very excited about our VBS this year and hope that you will be a part of this very special event. Check out the front of your newsletter again for all our VBS activities. ADULTS: VBS is for you too. There will be a different guest preacher each night presenting lessons to the adults in the auditorium. Please make plans to come and learn.

Our Sunday morning sermon series “Repentance: A Command for All” continues this Sunday. Last Sunday we looked at the definition of repentance. It is true that too many of us have become desensitized to the effects of sin in our lives and in society as a whole. The prophets’ cry to the people was “Repent!” John prepared the way of Jesus by preaching “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus began His ministry preaching repentance. The apostles were commanded to preach repentance and remission of sins. The church of the first century preached repentance. Today, we too must heed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). We must repent and then cry out to others, “Repent!”

This Sunday we will look at another aspect of “Repentance: A Command for All” with a lesson entitled “Clarifying the Motivation to Repentance.” Do you know of someone who has sinned and desperately needs to repent? You can see what sin has done and is doing to them, to their family, to their influence, to their lives. They cannot see what you can see. What can possibly motivate a person to repent? We will look into God’s word, the Bible to clarify the motivations to repentance. If you would like to read ahead; read Romans 2, 2 Corinthians 5 and 7, and 2 Peter 3. After reading these passages pray that God will give us all wisdom and greater faith in the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17).

On Sunday evening we will look at what some have labeled “The Prosperity Gospel.” According to many of the preachers you hear on TV, on the radio, and even from the pulpit worldly prosperity always follows righteous living while depression and loss always follows sinful living. According to those who preach this “gospel” (which is not from God) if someone is in pain, if someone suffers a loss, if someone loses job, if someone dies, if someone has to go though a divorce then that person must be sinful. This type of preaching is simply not Biblical. Don’t get me wrong. Sin is the cause of every problem in the world. However, being rich or poor, healthy or sickly, happy or unhappy, alive or in the grave, prosperous or just “surviving” according to the world’s standards is not always a matter of a person’s decision to be one or the other. Let us think on these things.

2010-06-29T11:09:00.000-04:00

Our world is in crisis! It has been in crisis since Adam and Eve. God cleansed Adam’s world with a flood back then. He spared Noah and his family (God was gracious. Noah was just, perfect in his generation, and he walked with God). We all are here in the world because of God’s grace and Noah’s faithful life. Why is it that mankind cannot, will not learn from the past. Sin caused the world’s crisis then. Sin is causing the crisis in our world today. My article this week is negative, disappointing, even depressing. Please think about the current state of our world and rededicate yourself to make a change in your thinking which will lead to action at home, at school, at work, in the church, everywhere.

The economy is in crisis. Taxes, fees, tickets, tuition, insurance rates, and just about every expense is increasing while income and opportunity is decreasing.
Business and industry is in crisis. There are more closings than openings. Just this past Sunday Cindi and I ate at Piccadilly at Dutch Fork Square for the last time. They are closing. Many employees must take on ever more responsibilities while business owners and managers cut benefits and refuse any increases in compensation. Corruption abounds. Business ethics are outdated.

Agriculture is in crisis. There are fewer and fewer farmers planting crops even though the need for food has never been greater. Some farmers have discovered that they can make more money by not producing crops (government subsidies) than by producing crops. The last tomato I ate cost me $1.00. Unbelievable!

The environment is in crisis. We are now facing the worst environmental crisis in the history of the world in the Gulf of Mexico and no one seems to know what to do about it. This was not an “act of God.” We know that we need to lessen our dependence on petroleum, but lifestyle often supersedes values.

Education is in crisis. Fewer teachers with ever increasing responsibilities and increased class sizes are now acceptable sacrifices for the benefit of the bottom line. Just about every college and university in the state has increased tuition 6% to 14% this year. This was necessary of course in order to increase the salaries of the coaches and their assistants (USC did go 7 and 6 in football last season). No problem with the increased tuition, right? We’ll just borrow more money to pay it. What will our students do six months after graduation when they receive the bill for their college education - $50,000 even $100,000 in some cases? Payment will be due whether those graduates have a job or not.

Local, state, and federal government is in crisis. We cannot survive very long spending more than we take in. The Tea Party movement is just one example of a variety of people from all around the nation rising up to say, “Hey, when we elect a person from our town, county, or state, we expect that person to be a person of integrity and to represent our interests and the interests of America.” Many people are now voting for candidates that they know absolutely nothing about rather than voting for the status quo. Good candidates with the values that make America the greatest country in the world are far and few between.

The home is in crisis. More and more men and women choose to live together in sexual immorality rather than become husband and wife in marriage. Single parenting is now the rule rather than the exception. Many parents expect and even demand that schools, community youth organizations, and the church train up their children. VBS and Bible camp are not baby sitting services!

The church is in crisis. God directs every Christian to be the light of the world. In our day many Christians attempt to live in the light on Sunday morning from 11:00 to 12:00 but live in the darkness of sin’s deception during the week. Do not be deceived. God never has, does not, will not, and never will accept anything less than our 100% commitment to His kingdom and His righteousness.

God gave Solomon the answer to any and every crisis in 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

2010-06-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

I may never be as clever as my neighbor down the street
I may never be as wealthy as some men I’ll meet
I may never have the fame that other men have had
But, you know, I’ve just got to be successful as this little child’s dad.

There are certain dreams I cherish, that I’d like to see come true
There are things I’d like to accomplish before my working days are through
But the task my heart is set on, is no mere passing fad
I’ve just got to be successful as this little child’s dad.

I may never come to glory and I may never gather gold
And men may count me as a failure when my business life is told
But if he who follows after shall be godly, then I’ll be glad
Because I’ll know I’ve been successful as this little child’s dad.

It’s the one job that I dream of. It’s the task I think of most
For if I fail this little child, I’ve nothing else to boast
For all the gold and wealth I’d gather, my fortune would be sad
If I failed to be successful as this little child’s dad

Our lesson from the pulpit this Sunday morning will focus on what we can do to be the best dad’s we can. I’ve entitled this lesson “Being the Best We Can Be.” If you would like to read ahead, read Psalm 127, Romans 15, Proverbs 22:6, and 2 Corinthians 12:14. We can learn a lot about what NOT to do from men like Lot, Eli, and David, but are we really interested in what NOT to do? I’m not! We will look at Romans 15 in a different light to show us just how fathers (the strong) are to bring up their sons and daughters (the weak). We will then look at three important principles from the Bible that we must teach our children. I hope you will be here for this very special lesson from God’s word.

This Sunday evening we will begin a new three lesson series on the question “What must I do to be saved?” This question was asked three times after the death of Jesus with just a little change in form each time it was asked. The men on the Day of Pentecost asked, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Saul asked, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6). The jailor in Philippi asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). In this series I would like to analyze the question to demonstrate three principles: READINESS: Those who asked BELIEVED THEMSELVES TO BE LOST, WILLINGNESS: Those who asked WERE WILLING TO DO WHATEVER GOD ASKED THEM TO DO, not what they, themselves wanted to do, and ABLIITY: Those who asked truly DESIRED THE ANSWER, THE TRUTH and were able to obey what they heard.

Mark your calendar for our summer Vacation Bible School scheduled for Sunday evening (July 11th) through Thursday evening (July 15th) at 6:30 p.m. Let’s make this year’s VBS the best one yet! We will have special classes for every age, children, teens, and adults.

2010-06-09T12:03:00.000-04:00

It’s that time of year – SUMMERTIME! I just love vacations, cookouts, family and friends coming and going, working and playing outside, weddings, camp (when I was younger), and Vacation Bible School! Our VBS has been scheduled for Sunday evening through Thursday evening, July 11th through 15th. It’s going to be great! This summer will be especially great for the Burleson family because of our new arrival, Lillian Kate Burleson expected any moment. Please pray for Lyndsee and Ben as they await the arrival of their daughter.

This Sunday morning’s sermon is entitled “All Means All.” We will look again at the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and see that Christ has all authority. We will see that every Christian is commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations, that we must observe and teach others to observe all things that have been commanded us, and that Christ is with us always. Salvation is our most precious possession. May we always be ready to share the good news of salvation in Christ wherever, however, whenever, and with whoever we can.

Our Sunday evening sermon is entitled “There is No Other.” If you would like to read ahead, read Ephesians 4:1-6. Note the “One’s” in this text. For example: There is ONE BODY (4). There is no other. There is ONE SPIRIT. There is no other. There is ONE HOPE. There is no other. You see? We will take a look at these facts of life and remember what Jesus said in John 14:6.

Take a look again at David’s prayer in Psalm 51:1-17 and note the wages of sin, then remember the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus.

“Have mercy on me, O God according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of You tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin (Sin dirties our soul). For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me (Sin dominates our mind). Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight – that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge (Sin dishonors God). Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness (Sin depresses our heart), that the bones You have broken may rejoice (Sin diseases our body). Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You (Sin destroys our testimony). Deliver me from the guilt of blood shed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit (Sin defiles our spirit), a broken and contrite heart – these, O God, You will not despise.

Oh, my friend! Please obey the gospel of Jesus Christ so that you can be set free from sin (Romans 6:16-23).

2010-06-03T11:14:00.000-04:00

June 2010! School is out for the summer! Hurray for our students and teachers! You have made it through another year. The summer months mean a few less students down town and a few more students on the highways and around town. Watch carefully for our children as they enjoy their summer.

Speaking of summer; Our Vacation Bible School at St. Andrews Road is just around the corner scheduled for July 11th through 15th. Mark your calendar and get ready for an awesome VBS this year. You won’t want to miss a single night.

Last weekend was “Memorial Day” weekend. We all remembered our family and friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation and our allies. Our family got together on Monday for a special “cook-in” (It rained most of the day at our house.). We prayed for the families of those who died in the battle. Even now our soldiers are scattered across the globe protecting the rights of others to live in freedom and in peace. I’m so sorry that there must be war in order to obtain and maintain peace. What a dilemma!

Our Sunday morning lesson series “Faith to Victory in Christ” continues this Sunday with another lesson from Lazarus. Last Sunday we considered all the people who needed to believe in Jesus Christ: Thomas and the disciples, Martha, Mary, and all the people who watched as Jesus prayed to His Father and ours then commanded Lazarus to rise from death and come out of that tomb. This Sunday we will consider three of the most powerful statements in the Bible:
Jesus wept (John 11:35).
Lazarus, come forth (11:43)!
Loose him, and let him go (11:44).

Sunday evening at SAR is a very special time of worship and study. Jesus is our Shepherd (Psalm 23). All the promises of Psalm 23: green pastures, still waters, restoration, paths of righteousness, His presence, comfort, peace, plenty, goodness, mercy, and an eternity in His house are conditional to our submission to His Shepherding.

Jesus is also our Provider (John 10:9-10). He provides health, healing, help, hope, happiness, and heaven. If we reject His provision, He still provides. He provides hardship (Hebrews 12:5-11) and if we continue to rebel against Him, He provides hell (2 Thessalonians 1:7-12). Please! If you are in rebellion to God…if you have yielded to sin…if you have made the wrong choices…if you have believed the lies of Satan and his followers…if you have thought about obeying but have not obeyed the gospel…if you have now realized that there could be another way to live…Don’t wait any longer. A gospel preacher named Ananias came to Damascus to speak to Saul (Acts 9:6), he laid out the following plan straight from God:
“And now why are you waiting?
Arise and be baptized,
And wash away your sins,
Calling on the name of the Lord.”
Saul followed the plan and his life was forever changed.

Sin does so many terrible things to us. Read Psalm 51 and see what David wrote about sin! Sin makes our souls dirty. Sin dominates our minds. Sin dishonors God. Sin depresses our hearts. Sin diseases our bodies. Sin destroys our testimony. Sin defiles our spirits. Sin leads to death. The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul when he wrote in Romans 6:23; “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Don’t die. Live!!

2010-05-24T16:11:00.000-04:00

Jury duty! A first for me! Last week I was selected for jury duty and served along side five other jurors in Magistrate Court. It was a privilege for me to fulfill my duty as a citizen of the United States of America, the greatest country in the world. I did notice that some of my fellow citizens did not seem as “privileged” as I was. The judge asked us if there were any prospective jurors who could not be fair in their judgment. Surprisingly to me and to the judge, three people raised their hands. The judge called these three people to the bench and asked them the following question, “Is it my understanding that you cannot be fair in your judgment even though you have not heard the case or even any details of the case?” These three people answered, “We cannot.” Of course the judge released these people from their jury duty. After these people left the courtroom, the judge looked over to the clerk and said, “Well, that’s a first.” Over the last few days I have thought about these three people and others in our communities who may be like them. There are people who simply cannot, or will not, or are not fair. I am sorry to have to write that statement. But unfortunately, the statement is true. We all can find consolation in the fact that though people may or may not be fair in their judgment, God is always fair. He is always right. He is always just. He is always perfect in His thoughts, in His word, and in His decisions. We may not always understand His thoughts and judgments, but His thoughts and judgments are fair, right, just and perfect the same.

The prophet Isaiah wrote God’s word in Isaiah 55:8-9:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Our brother in Christ and apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:18-27 concerning life, our sufferings, the futility that we are subjected to, the bondage of corruption that we will some day be delivered from, the weaknesses that we endure then writes in verse 28; “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Our Sunday morning series “Faith to Victory in Christ” continues this Sunday with a lesson from John 11, the Biblical account of Jesus power over life and death. We will look at the people in this account and learn “Lessons from Lazarus.” If you would like to read ahead to prepare for this lesson read John 11. Notice Jesus. He was all-powerful then. He still is. He will be forever. Notice the disciples, especially Thomas. Note their lack of understanding. Notice Martha and Mary. They believed that Jesus could have healed their brother. But obviously they did not believe that He could raise him from the dead. Notice the mourners. They recognized Jesus’ love and his power to heal, but questioned Jesus’ punctuality. Notice Lazarus. He was sick and dying, then dead and waiting. I look forward to learning lessons from Lazarus.

Last Sunday night at SAR we looked at Jesus as our Provider. He provides everything we need according to His will and purpose. He is the door where we enter for salvation and provision. This Sunday evening we will see that Jesus provides not only blessings and benefits, but also hardship and chastening. Our Scripture text can be found in Hebrews 12:5-11.

Our Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 11th through 15th. I hope you can schedule your summer activities around Vacation Bible School and be present every night. If you can help with this year’s VBS, that would be great! Brother Bill Young is our coordinator. We need you!

2010-05-18T13:59:00.000-04:00

Last week I made a quick trip to Arkansas to see my granddaughter graduate from preschool. That’s right. Preschool! Let’s see…800 miles and 12 hours in the car to Arkansas on Monday…Graduation on Tuesday…800 miles and 15 hours in the car back to South Carolina on Wednesday. Wednesday was one of those days. I left Conway, Arkansas at 5:00 a.m. hoping to arrive in Columbia in time for Bible study. At 6:30 I had driven 90 miles when my battery light came on followed by several other lights. A minute or two later I was sitting on the side of the interstate waiting for a tow truck to take me to someone who could replace my alternator and battery. Have you ever been stranded on an interstate? There was a guard rail three inches from the right side of my car. Those big rigs were passing by at 70+ miles per hour within four feet of the left side of my car. Whew! Three hours and $482.27 later I was back on the road again. It certainly is odd that a $300.00 job costs almost $500.00 when you’re away from home and you need help as soon as possible. Anyway…The trip was worth more to me than all the money in the world. Too many people have lost sight of what is truly important in life: Faith in God, family and friendship, peace, hope, and love.

Our Sunday morning series is entitled “Faith to Victory in Jesus.” Last Sunday morning we considered three lessons from two fishing trips (Luke 5). On the first trip the disciples fished alone. On the second trip Jesus was present. On the first fishing trip the disciples fished their plan. On the second trip they fished Jesus’ plan. On the first fishing trip the disciples hoped in fish. On the second trip they fished in hope. Let us consider life as a fishing trip and learn these valuable lessons about life. We can do so much more with Jesus present in our lives than we can ever do alone. Jesus’ plan is so much better than ours. Isn’t it time that we stopped hoping in fish, in things, in our own power and started fishing, living in hope, in Christ? Jesus said in Matthew 6:31-34; “Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

This Sunday morning we will look at the conversion of Saul of Tarsus from his father’s law to faith in Christ Jesus. Saul is also known as Paul (Acts 13:9). Luke records the Biblical account of Saul’s conversion in three places in the book of Acts: 9:1-19; 22:6-16, and 26:12-18. It would be great if you could read these accounts before Sunday. We will learn three lessons from Saul that will help us to find faith to victory in Jesus. We must not lie. We must not cry. We must not sit by. We must arise.

Last Sunday evening we looked at Jesus as our Shepherd. This Sunday evening we will consider Jesus as our Provider. He provides HEALTH.

Our physical body is a member of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:15, 19). Paul told Timothy to exercise himself toward godliness. He said, “Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (I Timothy 4:7-8). God’s word was written that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that believing we may have life in Him (John 20:31). God’s word was written that we might not sin (I John 2:1). Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Are you healthy?

2010-05-14T12:47:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful week it has been in beautiful Columbia, South Carolina! I just love these cool refreshing mornings. Don’t you? Most of our spring blooms have now faded away. The trees are full of leaves (Try not to think about all the raking we’ll have to do in the fall.). Summer is almost here. We are blessed!

We had a great Mother’s Day breakfast last Saturday morning! Just about every chair was filled with mothers and grandmothers as well as family and friends gathered to enjoy a special breakfast especially prepared by the men of the congregation. Thank you to every Christian brother young and older for getting up especially early on a Saturday morning to serve our mothers. Of course the reward for our labor together was delicious and plentiful.

Congratulations to our 2010 graduating seniors. We are hosting a special graduation celebration on Saturday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. This event is for the entire congregation. Come and celebrate this momentous occasion with our graduating seniors and their families. Please call the church office if you plan to attend.

This coming Sunday morning we will begin a new series entitled “Faith to Victory in Christ.” We will learn a lesson from four disciples; Peter, Andrew, James, and John about the victory that comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. These fishermen had fished all night long and had caught nothing. Jesus came on the scene and asked to use Peter’s boat to teach the multitude of people who came to hear the word of God. After His lesson Jesus asked Peter to launch back out for a catch of fish. At first Simon Peter was hesitant, but out of respect for Jesus, he obeyed. Do you remember the result of Simon’s faith in the Lord on that day? Read Luke 5:1-11 and see for yourself. We will talk about the two fishing trips and why the second trip resulted in such wonderful blessings. Of course the presence of Jesus made all the difference then for the disciples. He still makes all the difference in our lives today. Are you a Christian? Could it be that you have been “fishing all night and caught nothing?” Is it possible that you are missing the most important “difference” in your life? Sunday’s are always special at St. Andrews Road. We have a place for you!

Every Sunday morning at 10:00 we have special Bible classes for every age and interest including three adult Bible studies and a young professionals class. Our newly renovated educational wing is really beautiful with large welcoming well-lighted classrooms. Our teachers are well-prepared and eager to help every student to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge of God’s word.

Jesus said; “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Make a change for the better this Sunday and come out at 10:00 to study God’s word with your fellow Christian brothers and sisters. You will be so very glad that you did! You can do it!

Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday morning, May 18th at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Following the meeting we will eat lunch together at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road. I hope you can make the meeting on Tuesday. We will take a break for the summer (June and July) then meet again on the third Tuesday in August.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…” (Psalm 46:1)
“Be still and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10)
“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God…” (Psalm 53:1)
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust…” (Psalm 71:1)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path…” (Psalm 119:105)

2010-04-27T10:26:00.001-04:00

May 2010! Wow! Ladies’ Day 2010 at St. Andrews Road is this Saturday, May 1st. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Ladies: You won’t want to miss this very special ladies only event. Everything has been prepared for you to come and be “spiritually beautiful.” In addition to Saturday’s big event the young ladies (grades 6th – 12th) and their mothers, grandmothers, and/or guardians are invited to a “Girl’s Night Out” with Sheila at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evening in the Fellowship Hall. Also, Sheila will teach a special ladies Bible class in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning at 10:00. Come and enjoy these wonderful opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth with your Christian sisters.
Next up at SAR!
Mother’s Day Breakfast on Saturday morning, May 8th
Graduation Celebration on Saturday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m.
Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday, May 18th

Not long ago I read the following poem printed in the Myrtle Beach congregation’s newsletter (February 21, 2010).
ACCORDING TO YOU
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are read by more than a few.
But the one most read and commented on is the Gospel according to you.
You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day,
By the things that you do and the words that you say.
Do men read His truth, and His love in your life?
Or has yours been too full of malice and strife?
Does your life speak evil, or does it ring true?
Say, what is the gospel according to you?
I would like to use this little poem to remind every Christian of the significance of our influence for Christ in the world around us. Are you showing and sharing the gospel of Christ in thought, word, and deed? Or are we showing and sharing something else? Our lesson from God’s word this Sunday morning is entitled “The Gospel According to Me.”

Think about it! When I am tempted what do I show others? When I have sinned, what do I teach others? When I am lonely, what is the gospel according to me? When I am afraid or worried or sick, what do people see in me? When I need help or advice or guidance, what do I do? When death is near, what do I teach others? I look forward to sharing this lesson with you.

Our series “Aquila and Priscilla – The Model Couple” concludes this Sunday evening with the third and final characteristic – Putting First Things First. Aquila and Priscilla teach us TOGETHERNESS. They teach us how important it is to be able to AJUST to the “curves” of life. This Sunday evening we will look at how Aquila and Priscilla put God at the center of their relationship. They were teachers. They taught Apollos the way of the Lord more perfectly. They were missionaries. They risked their own lives for the gospel. They were fellow workers with Paul physically (tents) and spiritually (teaching others). The church of Christ met in their home. Just what kind of home would you expect the church of Christ to meet in? Unfaithful? Stingy? Selfish? Sinful? Oh no! Aquila and Priscilla were true servants of God first and always. What about your home? Could the church meet where you live? If so, wonderful! Keep on keeping on. If not, make the changes that need to be made. You can do it – Philippians 4:13.

2010-04-22T11:59:00.000-04:00

Our Ladies’ Day 2010 is now only a week away, Saturday, May 1st. What a day this will be! Ladies, come early for a light breakfast, register, hear our very special guest speaker, Sheila Butt from Nashville, Tennessee as she speaks about spiritual beauty, and stay for lunch. We’re having Olive Garden salad, soup, and those delicious breadsticks. Take another look at the front of your newsletter for additional ladies’ day activities. Of course this is a “ladies only” event.

Men: We could really use your help serving lunch to the ladies on Saturday. We also need substitute teachers for our children’s Bible classes on Sunday morning, May 2nd. Go by the bulletin board in the lobby to sign up to help.

LADIES’ DAY 2010
Saturday, May 1st
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Sheila Butt
Theme: SEEKING SPIRITUAL BEAUTY
Special Ladies Bible Class
Sunday Morning, May 2nd
10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Hall

Our Sunday Morning series “Now That I am a Christian” concludes this Sunday. Christ calls me to REJOICE, to be prayerful, to be thankful, and to be hopeful. He calls me to REMOVE from my life any sorrow or sin that would lead me in the wrong direction and to remove my life from any influence that would lead me away from the path to heaven. He calls me to REMEMBER my first love, to think, to decide, and to act. He also calls me to REFLECT the image of Christ to those around me at home, at school, at work, wherever I am. If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 5.

On Sunday evenings at St. Andrews Road we are looking at the model marriage of Aquila and Priscilla to find three characteristics that we would do well to apply to our own relationships. We read about this model couple in Acts 18:1-3, 18-19, 24-27; Romans 16:3-5; I Corinthians 16:19; and in II Timothy 4:19. Last Sunday we noticed their “togetherness.” You never read about Aquila without Priscilla. You never read about Priscilla without Aquila. They were together in every way. This Sunday evening we will look at another characteristic that we need in our relationships today: THE ABILITY TO ADJUST. I hope you will make plans to be present for this study on Sunday evening.

We had a good men’s and preachers’ meeting this past Tuesday. Bill Young did an outstanding job on the subject of “The Preacher and Mental Health.” We had good attendance, good participation, and wonderful fellowship. We meet every third Tuesday in the month at St. Andrews Road at 10:00 a.m. except for June, July, and December. Cedric Anderson will present our program in May.

NEW PICTURE DIRECTORY COMING SOON! Josh and Aaron Moore will be taking our pictures in June for a new picture directory. Please go by the bulletin board in the lobby to sign up to get your picture taken. Let’s make it our aim to have 100% participation. Since the last picture Cindi and I had taken there have been three additions to our family; two grandchildren and a daughter-in-law. Our little Lily is now well on her way. Whew! Life just keeps on happening, doesn’t it?

2010-04-15T16:30:00.001-04:00

South Carolina in the spring! No wonder so many song writers write about our beautiful state…our beautiful sunrises, the ocean and the mountains, our diverse unique cultures (Low Country, Midlands, and Upstate). No wonder so many artists paint pictures of our beautiful places and our smiling faces. It is a very special privilege to call South Carolina our home.

Our newly remodeled facilities are serving us very well. Isn’t it great to walk in on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening to newly renovated classrooms, spacious restrooms, and clear bright hallways? We are so very thankful to God for His provision, thankful to those who have gone on before us for their sacrifices, and thankful to have the wisdom, the opportunity, and the faith to do our part for ourselves and for future generations.

Our Sunday morning series “Now That I am a Christian” continues. We have discussed every Christian’s calling to rejoice in Christ. We have looked at our mission to remove from ourselves every sorrow and every evil and to remove ourselves from the same. This Sunday morning we will consider the word REMEMBER as it applies to our theme. The church at Ephesus was a great congregation. The Lord knew their work, their labor and their patience. He recognized that they were standing firm against false teachings. However, the Lord had something against them. They had left their first love. God called them to remember, to repent, and to return (Revelation 2:1-7). We must love God and maintain that love to the end (Revelation 2:10).

This Sunday evening we will begin a new three lesson series entitled “Aquila and Priscilla – The Model Marriage.” We will take a look at their relationship and find principles that we can apply to our own relationships today. If you would like to read ahead, read Acts 18:1-3, 24-27; Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19. I look forward to sharing these lessons with you. Sunday evenings are very special at St. Andrews Road. Every member of the church should make every effort to be here for worship, study, and fellowship. Can you think of a better place to be?

Our Ladies’ Day 2010 is just around the corner, only two weeks away. Several sign-up sheets have been placed on the bulletin board in the lobby for us to consider and volunteer our time and talents. Wouldn’t it be great to have every St. Andrews Road lady, young and older participating in this year’s annual ladies’ day? Of course this is a ladies only event. If you have a question or need any information about our ladies’ day, see Cindi Burleson, Monica Holton, Belinda Hutchison, or Sherry Pyle.

Also, our special guest speaker, Sheila Butt from Nashville, Tennessee will stay over on Sunday morning to teach a special ladies’ Bible class in the Fellowship Hall.

Guys: Our ladies need our help with lunch on Saturday and with substitute teaching on Sunday morning, May 2nd. Please drop by the bulletin board and sign up to help.

LADIES’ DAY 2010
Saturday, May 1st
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Sheila Butt
Theme: SEEKING SPIRITUAL BEAUTY
Lunch: Olive Garden Salad, Soup, and Breadsticks

2010-04-02T22:17:00.002-04:00

Our gospel meeting is now history. Brother David Pharr did an outstanding job presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ in a most effective way. We had good attendance at every meeting. The fellowship luncheon on Sunday…our newly renovated fellowship hall…the food…the friendship…the joy…the packed room…Wow! Isn’t it great to be a Christian? Isn’t it great to be a member of the St. Andrews Road church of Christ? It is!

Congratulations to Tyler Johnson, Ashton Gist, and Andrew Yuris. Tyler became a Christian this past Sunday morning. Ashton and Andrew confessed Jesus as Lord, Savior, and the Son of God and were both baptized into Christ this past Sunday evening. We welcome these new Christians into the Lord’s church. May these new Christians grow in the grace and in the knowledge of Christ every day! It is our prayer, our plea, and our plan to lead others to follow their example of faith in the days to come!

We are already well into planning for our next event at St. Andrews Road; LADIES’ DAY 2010. Our Ladies Day has been scheduled for Saturday, May 1st with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m. Our theme is “SEEKING SPIRITUAL BEAUTY.” Our special guest speaker will be Sheila Butt from Columbia, Tennessee. Ladies: Please mark your calendars for Saturday, May 1st for this special ladies’ day. If you can help in any way with this year’s ladies’ day please sign up on one or more of the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board in the lobby. It would be great to have every lady at St. Andrews Road helping with this year’s ladies’ day.

Lately the Lord has added several new Christians to the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road. We are so very thankful for God’s rich blessings. This month (April – Can you believe it?) I would like to look to the Bible to show these new Christians and remind every mature Christian that we must live our lives according to God’s instructions written to us in the Bible.

Every Christian should rejoice. It is true that life can certainly throw us some “curves.” It is also true that life is filled with people, things, and circumstances that can rob us of our joy. However, God’s purpose for every Christian is that we rejoice in everything.

Every Christian should remove from their life any sorrow, any evil, and any sin. Isn’t it true that these things can rob us of our rejoicing? Sorrow is part of life. It is not God’s will that we should continue in sorrow. We cannot get away from evil. Evil is all around us. However we must not participate in evil. We must not give a place for evil in our lives.

Every Christian should remember God in every thought, word, decision, and action. Putting God first in our lives means thinking like God, speaking like God, wanting the same things that God wants, and acting like God would act.

Every Christian should reflect on who and what is coming. Either Jesus will return in our lifetime or we will die and wait in death until He returns. Heaven or hell remains for every person. We must live our lives with this fact in mind.

On Sunday evening we will look at Galatians 6:7-8. What we sow we will certainly reap. Rebellion or obedience? Lying or the truth? Stealing or working to help and serve? Sexual immorality or purity? Addiction or discipline?

Cindi and I will be traveling to Clemmons, North Carolina on Wednesday to participate in the 64th Annual Carolina Lectures. I will present a lesson to the men on Friday at 2:30 p.m. Cindi will present a lesson to the women also at 2:30. Please pray for our safe trip and our return home on Saturday.

2010-03-17T12:17:00.000-04:00

Gospel Meeting at St. Andrews Road
March 28 – 31
Special Guest Preacher: David Pharr
Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill
Our Theme: The Ancient Faith for the Modern World

Our gospel meeting is now only a week away! Please make special plans to meet with your fellow Christian brothers and sisters for worship, fellowship and study on Sunday and then each evening, Monday through Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Jesus quoted from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 8:3) in Matthew 4:4; “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Jesus is exactly right. He always is! Our world hungers and thirsts after the knowledge, purpose, and the word of God. You will be so very glad that you were present to share in this wonderful spiritual feast.

Congratulations to Brianna Jenkins! She is one of the most intelligent young ladies I know. She is kind, helpful, and always smiling. Brianna made the trip to the youth rally in Georgia last weekend with our youth group and upon returning home made the most important decision in life. She decided to confess Jesus as the Son of God and be baptized for remission of her sins. Please let Brianna know how much we love her and how proud we are that she made the decision to become a Christian.

God continues to bless us with rich blessings. Let us always be thankful to Him for His power to salvation in the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Let us always be thankful for His provision for our every need (Matthew 6). Let us always be thankful for His protection as we live the Christian life (Psalm 23:1-5). Let us always be thankful for the promise of goodness and mercy all the days of our lives, and that one day we will live in His house forever (Psalm 23:6).

Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting at SAR this past Tuesday was a good one. Brother Richard Ramkinson, minister at Windsor Lake did an outstanding job presenting the program. Brother Bill Young will have our program in April. Mark you calendar for April 20th at 10:00 a.m. for this meeting. We meet every third Tuesday in the month from 10:00 to 12:00.

This Sunday morning we will conclude our series “Looking to Jesus.” This week we will focus our attention on VISION. Do you sometimes have trouble seeing the path that you need to take in life? Know that there will always be uncertainty. There will always be risk in every worthwhile opportunity. Our enemy, the devil always attempts to cloud our vision. God’s word is written to us to help us see the path to God. If you would like to read ahead, read Hebrews 11:24-29 about how Moses was able to see past the passing pleasures of sin to take the right path to God. This path includes identity, responsibility, priority, and difficulty.

Cindi and I will be traveling to Alabama to visit my 94 year old grandmother then on to Arkansas to spent a few days with our daughter and grandchildren. My grandmother, Tennie Burleson suffered a heart attack last Sunday morning and remains in the hospital in Hamilton, Alabama recovering. Please remember her in your prayers to our Father. We plan to return home on Friday of next week, Lord willing. Remember us in your prayers to God as we travel. Thank you for allowing me to be away.

May God bless us to ask, to seek, and to knock! His promises are sure!

2010-03-02T12:33:00.000-05:00

Bible Bowl 2010 is now history. Our St. Andrews Road teams represented us in a marvelous way in the demonstration of their study of God’s word and also in the spirit of Christ. Thank you to every team member and mentor for all the hours of study and preparation you put in to the Bible Bowl this year and every year. Thank you to Cindi Burleson and Bill Young for the hours of study you both put into preparing the questions for this event. Thank you to Brother Wade Holton and the entire team of workers who set everything up on Friday and then made sure everything was back in place for our assembly on Sunday. Thank you to every Christian from all around the state of South Carolina who participated in this year’s Bible Bowl. It is my prayer that we have been encouraged and challenged in our Christian walk through the study of God’s word and through our fellowship together.

Mark you calendar for this very special series of meetings!

Gospel Meeting at St. Andrews Road
March 28 – 31
Sunday at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Monday through Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Special Guest Preacher:
David Pharr
Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill
Our Theme: The Ancient Faith for the Modern World

I am really looking forward to our gospel meeting this month. Brother David Pharr, elder and former pulpit minister at Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill will be with us preaching on the theme: The Ancient Faith for the Modern World. This will be a great time of worship, study, and fellowship. Please make plans to be here for every meeting. You will be so very glad that you were here.

Our Sunday morning theme in March is: “Looking to Jesus.” It is vital that we look. When we look, we see. Some do not see because they will not look. We must look to Jesus when we are tempted. He provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). We must look to Jesus when we are sick. He provides healing, help, hope, and strength to endure (Matthew 7:7-12). We must look to Jesus when we are in sorrow. He provides peace and rest (Matthew 11:28f). We must look to Jesus when we doubt. He provides for our faith (Romans 10:17). We must look to Jesus in all things. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). So let us obey God, looking to Jesus, laying aside every weight and sin, running with endurance the race before us (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Our lesson this Sunday is entitled “Looking to Jesus Means…” Just what does it mean to look to Jesus? Looking to Jesus means committing to what is right. Looking to Jesus means being in Christ. Looking to Jesus means being close to God. Looking to Jesus means walking with God. Are you looking to Jesus?

On Sunday evening we will continue in our series of lessons: Poor Decisions Christians Can’t Afford to Make. We must not allow our fleshly desires to overrule God’s word. We must not listen to the advice of someone who does not know the word of God. This Sunday evening we will find that we must not blame others for the things that we bring on ourselves. If you would like to read ahead, read about Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 12 through 16 again.

Our newly renovated facilities are simply gorgeous! God is good, all the time!

2010-02-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

Bible Bowl 2010 is now here! We will have a packed house on Saturday, February 27th. I hope you can be here for this annual state-wide event. Those participating in this year’s Bible Bowl have been studying the Old Testament books of Lamentations and Ecclesiastes and will share their knowledge of these two books throughout the day.

Can you believe that Monday is March 1st? Flowers are awakening in our yards and finding that winter is not quite ready to yield to spring. No problem. God has everything in hand.

This Sunday morning our sermon topic is “Looking to Jesus.” God always gives us the strength to do what we need to do, to do what we have to do. In temptation He provides a way of escape. In sickness he provides help, comfort, wisdom, and healing. In sorrow He gives us rest. In all things God provides for us. Jesus instructed us to “Ask…Seek…and Knock” (Matthew 7:7f). If you would like to read ahead, read Hebrews 12:1-2 in addition to Matthew 7. Do you remember Paul’s statement of truth in Philippians 4:13? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

On Sunday evening we will continue in our series of lessons entitled: FOUR POOR DECISIONS CHRISTANS CAN’T AFFORD TO MAKE. Last Sunday evening we looked a lesson one.

In Genesis 12-16 we find that Abraham and Sarah allowed their fleshly desires to overrule the word of God. They were desperate to have a son. After all, God had promised Abraham that he would be blessed and that all nations of the earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:1-3). God did not however, give Abraham the time frame for these blessings. God doesn’t give us a time frame either. Does He? Read Galatians 6:9 to find that God promises to reward the good that we do in ____ __________.” You can probably fill in these blanks without looking. Now back to our thoughts about Abraham and Sarah!

Sarah was about 76 years of age when she made a poor decision and gave Hagar, her handmaid as a wife to Abraham (You can figure the ages of Sarah, Abraham, and Ishmael from Genesis 16:16; 17:17; 17:24; 17:25; 21:5. Try it. You will find this interesting.). Age was not the problem. The problem was Sarah’s desperation that led to impatience that led to a poor decision. Of course we must remember God’s promise in Romans 8:28: “Now we know that all things word together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God is so good.

This Sunday evening we will consider the second poor decision Christians can’t afford to make: We cannot afford to listen to those who do not know God’s word. Think. God spoke His promises to whom? To Sarah? No. To Hagar? No! To Abraham! Ah, yes! We simply cannot afford to listen to the advice of someone who is not familiar with the word of God. I look forward to sharing this lesson with you.

Sunday evenings at St. Andrews Road are very special. I hope you will make a special effort to assemble with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ on Sunday evening for worship, study, and fellowship.

Remember our Gospel Meeting in March scheduled for Sunday through Wednesday, March 28th – 31st with Brother David Pharr.

The renovation to our facilities is complete except for a few minor additions. Now it is up to each of us to take care of our facilities so that we can enjoy the fruits of our sacrifice for years to come.

2010-02-22T12:11:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that the Statewide Bible Bowl is now only a week away scheduled for Saturday, February 27th right here at St. Andrews Road? Wow! It is amazing that February is almost over. I am looking forward to spring!
Speaking of the Bible Bowl: If you can help with setting everything up on Friday or if you can help out on Saturday, please sign upon the bulletin board in the lobby. We really need your help! Check in with Wade Holton or Mike Moore for details.
This Sunday morning we will consider the most dangerous word in any language: TOMORROW. This one word has robbed millions of people of success. It has caused many plans to be forever changed. It has closed the gate of heaven to countless multitudes of people. Proverbs 27:1 simply says; “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” What a statement of truth! Please, please, please do not wait until tomorrow to do what you need to do today.
Every Monday I receive a copy of our attendance report from our church secretary, Kay. We have such a wonderful, caring, faithful congregation. It is such a privilege to be your minister and friend. Sadly, my brothers and sisters, we have some who are not holding to their commitment of faithfulness to God in attendance, in Bible study, in fellowship with the church, in communion with Christ in the Lord’s Supper, in giving to the furtherance of the work of the church, and in prayer together with fellow Christians. Every Sunday morning the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road meets for Bible study, fellowship, and worship. Bible study begins at 10:00 a.m. We take a short break at 10:45 and then meet together for worship at 11:00. We are usually out by 12:00. We return on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. and on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Just think: two hours and forty-five minutes on Sunday and one hour on Wednesday evening. It is true that some have difficulty driving at night. Did you know that our deacons arrange to pick up anyone who needs a ride to our assemblies? If you need a ride, just call the church office and someone will gladly assist you. It is also true that work, sickness, and circumstances that are beyond our control sometimes hinder us. Do an evaluation of yourself and your family. Are you fulfilling your commitment to Christ and His church? I need you. You need me. We need each other. Decide today to do what you know you need to do for God, for your family at home, for your Christian family, for yourself.
On Sunday evening at SAR we will begin a new series of lessons entitled: FOUR POOR DECISIONS CHRISTANS CAN’T AFFORD TO MAKE. I hope this series will help us all to be more aware of the God’s provision and our enemy’s deception. We will use Abram and Sarai along with others from the Bible as examples of those who made poor decisions that were so very costly to their relationships with others and with God. If you would to read ahead, read Genesis 16.
Lesson 1 – We cannot afford to let fleshly desire overrule the word of God
Lesson 2 – We cannot afford to listen to those who do not know God’s word
Lesson 3 – We cannot afford to blame others for what we bring on ourselves
Lesson 4 – We cannot afford to shirk responsibility for the sake of keeping peace
Our Gospel Meeting with David Pharr is on the horizon scheduled for Sunday through Wednesday, March 28th – 31st. Mark your calendar and plan to be here on Sunday and every night of the meeting.
I always look forward to our time together in study, worship, and fellowship.

2010-02-01T11:07:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday was truly a day to remember at St. Andrews Road. It is an honor to be a member of the Lord’s church and worship and work along side my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Every aspect of our assembly together was edifying. We sang. We prayed. We remembered our Savior in Communion. We gave. We studied God’s word. These things we do every Lord’s Day.
Thank you for your generosity toward the people of Haiti. Our elders asked us to give generously and sacrificially to help those in need. It was a privilege to do so. A check was sent this week to help those in such dire need. May God continue to bless us with health, happiness, and provision to help those in need! May we take advantage of every opportunity to serve! We have the Lord’s command in Luke 6:38:
“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom, for with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
This command is simple, plainly stated, and to the point. After stating the truth we can honestly say, “And that’s the way it is!” Our own prosperity depends upon our generosity.
Bible Bowl 2010 is now only four weeks away scheduled for Saturday, February 27th all day. Bible Bowl teams from around the state will assemble here at St. Andrews Road to prove their knowledge of Lamentations and Ecclesiastes. Our teams have been studying every day in preparation for this state-wide event. If you would like to help with this year’s Bible Bowl, please sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby.
On the calendar in March: MEN’S FELLOWSHIP – MARCH 13th at Gold Hill Road Church of Christ in Rock Hill. Last year close to 700 men gathered together to sing and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ preached. You do not want to miss this annual event. No girls allowed!
Mark you calendar for our spring Gospel Meeting:
GOSPEL MEETING
ST. ANDREWS ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST
SUNDAY – WEDNESDAY
MARCH 28 – 31
OUR SPECIAL GUEST PREACHER: DAVID PHARR
This Sunday morning we will once again focus on our theme: “The Bible: The Book of Books.” The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of men, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. It is riches for the poor, medicine for the sick, a map for the lost, and the hope for the dying. What should we do, what must we do with God’s word, the Bible, the Book of books? We will answer this question on Sunday morning.
On Sunday evening we will consider “Paul’s Instructions to Timothy.” He instructed Timothy to FLEE. Run from false teachers, from the desire to be rich, from sin. Next Paul told him to FOLLOW. Run after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. This Sunday evening we will look at Paul’s next instruction: FIGHT. Fight the good fight of faith. We are reading Paul’s first letter to Timothy, chapter 6, verses 11 and 12.
The renovation to our facilities is just about completed. Our goal was to be finished with everything by February 27th and I believe that we are going to make it. God has richly blessed us. May we love one another as Jesus loved us!

2010-01-22T16:14:00.000-05:00

This past Monday, January 18, 2010, was “one of those days.” The day began with a call from our dear sister Linda Butler. Her dear mother and our sister in Christ, Christine Sheets, passed from this life to Paradise early Monday morning. We extend to this family our deepest sympathies. The earthly tabernacle of Sister Sheets will be gently carried to Kentucky and laid to rest beside her loving husband. She was 93 years of age. Please remember this family in your prayers. Sister Linda will need our prayers and support during the coming days as she adjusts to the changes of life.

After a couple of phone calls from Christians who almost had me questioning my decision to become a gospel preacher, I thought: “What going on?” Then it hit me. Monday was the third Monday in January and what some call “Blue Monday”, supposedly the one day of the year when people are most negative about their lives. Overspending during the holidays is now showing up in the mail. The turkey and dressing, apple pie and ice cream, along with all those family get-togethers sitting on the sofa watching the tube is now showing up on the bathroom scales. Thoughts of springtime flowers and summer vacations are overshadowed by cold temperatures, dreary skies, and rain. Gray seems to be overtaking us.

In addition to these things, we have seen images of the utter chaos in Haiti; and we mourn for the citizens of that country as they face such overwhelming tribulations stemming from a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Tears swell in my eyes and my heart aches as I try to imagine how the country will survive such unimaginable circumstances. We all are survivors.

Please know that “Blue Monday” is just a myth. It isn’t real. In life we make choices and experience the consequences of those choices. Others make choices that affect our lives with or without our consent or knowledge, and we must make adjustments. Life happens. Jesus told His disciples about life in John 16:33; “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

God is always right. His word is infallible. He has told us in Galatians 6, verses 9-10: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Any day can be a “blue” day or one of the best days of life depending on our understanding of the facts of life. We must not allow the philosophies of this world to deceive us and lead us to doubt, disappointment, discouragement, and depression. These are tools of the enemy: Satan. He uses these tools to tempt us to turn on each other with unjust criticism, judgment, and cynicism.

God does not deceive. He is truth. He never disappoints. He is our Father. His plans always end in victory. He is our Savior. His ways lead to happiness and prosperity. He has told us about the “up’s and down’s” of life in His inspired word, the Bible. When we are experiencing the “ups” of life, let us glorify God for His grace and mercy and remain humble before Him. When we are experiencing the “downs” of life, let us trust God even more and be reminded that we are not alone, that though today may be filled with sorrow, pain, loneliness, and loss; God remains ready, willing, and able to help us in our time of need.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea…” (Psalm 46:1-2).

2010-01-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

What about this weather? “Brrr - Frozen” for several days then “Ahhh – Much better” – 60 now! Some people really like the cold … the electric company, the gas company, and maybe those in the plumbing business, or in the heating and cooling business. No problem! We will soon be surrounded by the sights and sounds of spring. I’m ready!

Did you realize that our South Carolina State-Wide Bible Bowl is only 6 weeks away, scheduled for Saturday, February 27th, here at St. Andrews Road? Our Bible Bowl teams are working day and night studying Lamentations and Ecclesiastes. They will be ready. Thank you to every team member and instructor for all you are doing to see that we are ready. Soon there will be sign-up sheets on the Bulletin Board for all who can help. Go by, check out the opportunities, and get involved.

Do you remember the points from last week’s lesson entitled “Under New Management”? When we are baptized into Christ, we are a new creation. The old things of life have passed away. All things have become new (II Corinthians 5:17). In Christ, everything changes. Each point started with the letter “M”.

We have a new M____________________. We no longer serve sin.
He shows us a new M____________________. We no longer desire sin.
We now have a new M____________________, life.
He provides a new M____________________. We no longer love sin.
We now have a new M____________________. Our focus has changed.
We have a new M____________________. Sin no longer interests us.
Did you think of any other points that could be made?
____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________

Congratulations to Gabriel Jenkins, son of Millie Sindo and brother to Adrian, Brianna, and Christian. Gabriel was baptized into Christ this past Sunday evening. What a joy it was to hear him say, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” and then watch him be buried with Christ in baptism. Make sure you tell him how thankful we are to have him as our new brother in Christ. He is a fine young man and one of our most talented Bible Bowl team members.

It is our privilege to host the Area Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting each month. Our next meeting will be here at St. Andrews Road this coming Tuesday, January 19th, at 10:00 a.m., in the auditorium. I will teach a lesson on the benefits of being “in Christ” the first hour. We will discuss the infallibility of Scripture during the second hour. This meeting is for any Christian brother who can attend. Everyone is invited to meet at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road for a Dutch-treat lunch together.

On Sunday morning for the next three weeks, our lessons will focus on our need for a greater appreciation for the inspired word of God. Read Psalm 119 and note the focus of this Psalm. Note the words: “word, ways, testimonies, commandments, precepts, statutes, judgments, and law.” This Sunday our lesson is entitled: The Bible: The Book of Books!

Sunday evenings are very special times of worship, study, and fellowship at St. Andrews Road. This Sunday evening we will take a look at the first of Paul’s lessons to Timothy: FLEE. This series of lessons will also include Paul’s instruction to “pursue” or FOLLOW … After that Paul told Timothy to FIGHT … Finally, he told him to “lay hold” or FOCUS … If you would like to read ahead, read I Timothy 6.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, Sunday night, and Wednesday night.

2010-01-06T12:11:00.000-05:00

Well, we’re already into this New Year going about our Father’s business following Jesus’ example. His mission was to seek and save the lost. Of course we cannot save anyone. Only God can save. But we can seek those who are lost in sin to teach them God’s plan of salvation. It is our privilege and duty to share the gospel of Christ, God plan of salvation with all who will hear. Paul wrote concerning the power of God to salvation in Romans 1:16-17.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Our renovation continues. Have you seen all the changes? We’re getting ever closer to moving back into our newly updated offices, classrooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, and fellowship hall. Thank you for your patience and your generosity toward this major project. God has blessed us and will continue to fulfill His promises toward us in this New Year. May we fulfill our promises to Him and to one another! Remember what Jesus said in Luke 6:38:

“Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Have you ever been to a restaurant to eat and found that your experience was somewhat less than what you expected? Maybe the floor was dirty, or the waitress was unfriendly, or the food was cold or tasted funny. You determined not to go back to that restaurant again. Then later as you drove past the restaurant you noticed a sign on the door that said, “Under New Management.” You then decided to give the place another chance and found the reverse of your first experience. The place was clean. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food was delicious and just right. What made the difference? New Management!

The same it true with becoming a Christian. Before we became a Christian sin and Satan “managed” our lives. The happiness we thought we felt faded fast. Sadness, pain, loneliness, and trouble seemed to surround us as soon as we stopped to think or rest. The nights were often long and lonely. Then we heard about Jesus, maybe from our parents, a friend, or someone at work or school. After a few questions and answers from the Bible we made the decision to believe in Him as the Son of God. We repented of our sins (Acts 2:38), confessed His name (Acts 8:36-37), and were baptized into Him (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). He added us to His church (Acts 2:47). We welcomed a new manager (Matthew 7:21, 24-27). It is true. Everyone has problems. Sinners have problems. Christians have problems too. Just like Jesus said, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). The rains descend, the floods come, and the winds blow in every life whether a person hears the word of God and does it or whether a person hears the word of God and rejects it (Matthew 7:24-27). The difference shows itself before, during, and after the storm. In Christ we have faith, hope, and confidence before the storms of life. In Christ we have strength and endurance during the storms. In Christ we have knowledge, wisdom, and humility after the storms.

Are you tired of the old manager (sin, selfishness, the past, things, money, worldliness, sinful habits, helplessness, pills, drink, food, etc.) in your life promising and promising and never keeping those promises? Come to Jesus!

2009-12-16T11:15:00.001-05:00

2009 is quickly coming to a close. 2010 lies ahead of us, waiting patiently for the dawn of January 1st. We have experienced many changes in 2009 at St. Andrews Road. We have grown and will continue to grow in number, in grace, in love, in fellowship, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we are nourished by the word of God (Matthew 4:4), as we put into practice what we are taught (James 1:22), and as we wait patiently on God to fulfill His promises (Galatians 6:9-10).

Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 3:6 concerning growth. “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” Indeed God has answered our prayers with a harvest of new brothers and sisters in Christ. Just this past Sunday evening God blessed the church with three new members. Tammy Badgett made the good confession that was baptized into Christ. Her finance’ Steve Hawn also decided to commit his life to Christ and be baptized. Their wedding is planned for this month. Please make sure you meet them and let them know how happy we are to have them with us at St. Andrews Road. We also welcome Angela Davis, Hannibal Davis’ mom to the church at St. Andrews Road. Sister Davis has been worshiping with us for several weeks and just this week decided to work under the oversight of our elders.

This has been a challenging year financially for some of our families. A few of our brothers and sisters lost their jobs this year. Some of them are working again. Others are still prayerfully and patiently waiting for work. Even in these troublesome times we have met all our financial obligations and have exceeded our budget for the year. God is good to us. To Him we give all glory, honor, and praise for the rich blessings that we enjoy.

Take a look around our facilities. Walk into the auditorium and you will see new updates. Walk through the lobby and see the new paint. Walk into our restrooms and note the positive changes. God has blessed us.

The renovations to our classrooms, offices, and fellowship hall, as well as our halls, restrooms and conference rooms continue and will be completed in just a few short weeks. God continues to bless us as we labor together in harmony and unity in His name. May we always put His kingdom and His righteousness first in our lives! Jesus said that when we put first things first “all these things will be added to us” (Matthew 6:33).

Our Sunday morning sermon series “About Our Father’s Business” continues this Sunday. Jesus was always about His Father’s business. His mission was to preach, serve, live, die, and rise again so that the whole world could be saved by grace through faith. He lived to honor His Father. He brought glory to His Father by fulfilling His Father’s will. He finished the work that His Father gave Him to do (John 17:1-5). Think about it. Jesus “business” was and is people. His Father’s business is “people.” We too must be about people: our family and friends, the saved and the lost, the thirsty, the hungry, the naked, the stranger, the sick, and those in prison, even our enemies. If you would like to read ahead, read Luke 4:14-21.

This Sunday evening we will look at “Understanding Growth.” Balance is vital to our growth. A positive mental attitude is also a key to understanding growth. Every action is influenced by the way the think. We must not allow circumstances, people, things, or feelings to direct our thinking. Our thinking and then our decisions are influenced and directed by God’s word.

I look forward to sharing these lessons from the word of God with you.

2009-12-07T12:36:00.001-05:00

December! Can you believe it? Christmas in 20 days! Happy New Year 2010 in just 26 days! This is a time for evaluation, consideration, administration, and then demonstration. Take a look at yourself. How have you lived your life? The past is filled with ups and downs, positives and negatives, wins and losses, good decisions and decisions that we regret, righteousness and sin. What lessons have you learned from the past? The lessons you have learned will serve you well in living today, tomorrow, and into the future. How are you living your life today? How will you live your life tomorrow and into the coming year? Decide to live with a view of eternity.

“The Preacher” (Solomon) wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10;
”Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity.”

He wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 concerning life and living;
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:1;
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

He wrote in the same chapter, verses 15 and 16;
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

This Sunday morning we will continue in our sermon series entitled “About Our Father’s Business.” We will once again look to Jesus to show us just how we must live our lives every day about our Father’s business. If you would like to read ahead, read John 17:1-5. Jesus glorified His Father. What does it mean to glorify our Father? Who should? Why should we? How can we? Where do we? We will look to the Scriptures to answer these questions.

On Sunday evening the theme for our study is “Understanding Growth.” We have found that growth is natural and is the result of proper nutrition (Matthew 4:4), reasonable exercise (James 1:22), and time (Galatians 6:9). We have also found that growth is good (Matthew 4:4). It is of God (1 Corinthians 3:6). It is necessary (John 15:1-3). It is expected (Matthew 25:14-30).

This Sunday evening we will take a look at the importance of BALANCE when it comes to growth. Jesus experienced balanced growth. The New Testament church was balanced in their growth. Our purpose and desire for ourselves, for our children, and for everyone is that we all grow in wisdom (mentally) and stature (physically) and in favor with God (spiritually) and men (socially). It could be that you know someone who is not balanced in their growth. Consider someone growing physically but not mentally? I had a cousin who had a terrible virus when he was very young. This affected his mind for the rest of his life. He grew physically. He loved everyone. He loved going to church. But… Just think of a fifty year old man with the mind of a two year old. My great aunt had a tough time. Now think of a church that is huge when it comes to the number in attendance but yet cannot tell you why they do what they do or believe what they believe. I look forward to our study together.

2009-11-19T11:29:00.002-05:00

God continues to bless us with grace and growth as the old year is quickly coming to a close. Wow! Can you believe that we have less than six weeks left in 2009?

We have finally graduated from demolition to construction in the renovation of our educational/administration wing. As you know Kay and I have not been able to be at the office for the past couple of weeks due to the removal of debris and some hazardous material from the old section of our building. Our elders felt that it much better to be “safe than sorry” when it comes to these matters. I appreciate their wisdom and their thoughtfulness on our behalf. I am sorry that we have not been able to produce our weekly SAR newsletter. If you are like me, I always look forward to receiving the bulletin and reading it from front to back. As you can see, we are now back on track.

Just think. In just a few short weeks the sacrifices that we are making will result in larger updated offices, classrooms that meet the needs of every age group, larger up-to-date restrooms, nice new kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, storage rooms, and halls. Just this week one of the men from the company overseeing our renovations apologized for displacing the office staff. My response to him was this; “I keep my eye on the prize.” I focus not on the disarray of the renovation but on a vision of how beautiful our building will be when the construction is completed. May we all read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 in the light of our current situation!
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working in us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Wonderful news! As was announced last Sunday, Jeremy (J.P.) Pyle was baptized into Christ on Friday evening, November 13th. What a joy it is to have another new brother in Christ! God is so good to us. May we all be more thankful for our wonderful Christian family at St. Andrews Road!
Our Sunday morning sermon theme for the remainder of the year will be “About Our Father’s Business.” In Luke 2:41-52 we find that Jesus and His family had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. Jesus’ parents started home and had traveled a day’s journey when they discovered that Jesus was not with them. They returned to Jerusalem and found Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. Jesus’ mother asked Him about why He chose to stay behind and His answered, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

The Bible tells us that Jesus went back home with them and grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Just as Jesus knew that He must be about His Father’s business, so must we be about our Father’s business. We will focus on God’s purpose, His business for us as we close out this old year and look into the new year. What is our Father’s business? We will look at the following:
1. Living our lives every day in thought, word, and action to honor God
2. Studying, preaching, teaching, practicing, and abiding in the truth
3. Focusing on doing good in our everyday lives
4. Believing in…trusting God
5. Actively waiting for Jesus’ return

2009-10-29T10:41:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it? Sunday is November 1st. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time on Saturday, October 31st. I do enjoy this time of the year and look forward to the holidays.

This coming Sunday morning, we will continue in our series “The Way of the Cross.” As we begin our journey on the way of the cross, we must have courage, reason, obedience, sacrifice, and sincerity. As we journey, what can we expect to experience? Can you remember? C_____________, R_____________, O______________, S______________, S_______________. Our lesson this week will focus on the end of our journey on the way of the cross that leads home. What will we find? If you would like to read ahead, read John 14:1-6 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Heaven will surely be worth it all!

On Sunday evening we will once again consider the greatest invitation ever extended. Jesus simply said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me.” We have looked at Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for help. We have looked at His invitation to come to Him for hope. This Sunday evening, we will look at His invitation to come to Him for healing. I hope we all will be challenged and encouraged to accept this great invitation. Read Matthew 11:28-30 and Mark 2:13-17.

Let me remind you of a couple of exciting meetings that are scheduled for November.

I will be preaching about the blessed assurance we have in Christ at the church of Christ at Windsor Lake on Sunday, November 1st, at 3:00 p.m. We will be taking the van and plan to leave the church parking lot at 2:15 p.m. Please sign up on the sheet in the lobby if you plan on riding with us.

Stacy Ferguson will be with us on Sunday, November 8th, to share the good news from the Pacific Islands. Brother Ferguson works full time with Robert Martin in the Pacific Islands Bible College. He and his wife, Kathy, are missionaries to the Pacific Islands. It will be a great to hear about how our fellow Christian brothers and sisters are doing on the other side of the world.

Please remember Cindi and me in your prayers. We will be traveling to Lady Lake, Florida, on Saturday, November 7th, where I will be preaching the gospel in the church of Christ at the Villages on Sunday, the 8th through Wednesday, the 11th. We plan to return to Columbia on Thursday, the 12th, Lord willing. May God bless us all as we take advantage of every opportunity we have to show and share the gospel of Christ.

The renovation to our facilities is moving along according to schedule. A special thanks to brothers Jerry Satterfield and Don Richbourg. They will be at the building on a daily basis to make sure everything goes according to the plans. For the next few days until further notice, we have been asked to enter and exit through the main entrance. If you are coming by the office, please give us a call. Thank you for your patience, your generosity, and your support during the renovation process. It is amazing how much work has already been accomplished in just a few days of work.
Congratulations to our new brother in Christ, David Goza. David has been meeting with us for the past few weeks. He made the most important decision of his life this past Sunday morning when he made that good confession and then put on Christ in baptism. He is now a Christian.

Have you been thinking about becoming a Christian? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? Are you tired of sin and its power over you? Then accept Jesus’ invitation. Believe, Repent, Confess, Be baptized. Rejoice!

2009-10-22T13:09:00.001-04:00

It is good to write to you again after being out of town for a few days then coming home to move the church offices to our current temporary location in one of our classrooms. The renovation of our facilities has now begun. The work of the Lord’s church continues in the midst of construction workers, construction equipment, and thoughts of how much God is blessing us. The renovation of our facilities does not hinder our work for Christ. We continue in worship, in prayer and study, in fellowship, in reaching out with the love of Christ to those who are lost, and in providing encouragement and edification to the church. We continue in benevolence, edification, and evangelism. We will not be distracted from our mission. Our elders continue in prayer and the ministry of the word of God. Our deacons continue to fulfill their individual duties for Christ and the church. Your minister continues in prayer, in the study of God’s word, in helpful counsel with those who are in need, and in his daily evangelistic responsibilities. Every member of the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road continues to live the Christian life day by day to honor God assembling together on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for worship, study, and fellowship. Our plans are to be in our newly renovated facilities in just three months, Lord willing.

Our sermon series on Sunday morning is entitled “The Way of the Cross.” This past Sunday, we looked at “The Way of the Cross – What is required?” This coming Sunday morning we will consider what we will experience on the way of the cross. If you would like to read ahead, read Galatians 6:11-15.

Remember that the five points of each lesson in this series begins with the letters C-R-O-S-S. Do you remember the points to last Sunday’s lesson?

C _______________

R _______________

O _______________

S _______________

S _______________

Our Sunday evening series is entitled “Come to Jesus for. . .” We all need help. Jesus knows this fact. He promises us that He will help us. He, also, gives us the terms and conditions of His promise of help.

Read Psalm 1 again. Can you see His promises: Blessing, delight, waters of life, fruit, leaves that are not withered, prosperity in all things? Now can you see His terms and conditions? Our counsel must only come from God’s law on which we meditate day and night. We must plant ourselves in Christ. We must bear fruit. We must not wither in our relationship with God.

Read Psalm 23 again. Look for His promises: I shall not want…green pastures, still waters, a soul restored, leadership, companionship, comfort, discipline, protection, provision, acceptance, blessings galore, goodness and mercy every day, heaven forever. Wow! Now look for His conditions. Can you see them? The Lord must be the Shepherd of our lives. We must follow His leadership even into the “valley of the shadow of death.” We must submit to His discipline and to His protection. We must sit at His table.

Even in John 3:15-17, we can see God’s promise and also His conditions. God promises salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. He then conditions that salvation on “whoever believes in Him.” Of course, we know and understand that faith in Jesus Christ is defined in Hebrews 11:6 as believing that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

This Sunday evening we will look at “Come to Jesus for…HOPE.”

2009-10-14T10:32:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday was certainly a day to remember at St. Andrews Road. We had a wonderful time of Bible study, worship, and fellowship. I hope you were encouraged and challenged to move from “have to” to “get to” to “want to” in your daily walk with Jesus Christ.

Our men’s meeting this past Sunday was very well organized and well attended. We had 50 men present for the meeting. There were ten men who could not attend the meeting but provided their support by proxy. When called upon for their support of the elder’s decision to renovate our facilities 59 men said “Yes.” Only one man said “No.” Our renovation will begin on Monday, October 12th. We will have new classrooms with more space to teach and study. We will have new up-to-date restrooms that will meet the needs of every member and guest. We will have a new kitchen that will meet our need for communion preparation, benevolence, congregational luncheons, ladies’ day, youth functions, men’s meetings, meals for those bereaved, wedding receptions, baby showers, and the many and varied events that require such a room. We will have a new pantry room that will aide us in stocking food items for those of our community who are hungry. We will have a room for the storage of our tables and chairs, Bible Bowl equipment, and other equipment. We will have new offices for our secretary and minister. We will have a new meeting room for our elders. We will also have new carpet and paint throughout the educational wing with new lighting and new redesigned heating and cooling systems. The renovation will take approximately 3 months to complete. It is our hope and desire that we can complete this project before February 27th, Bible Bowl 2010. These are certainly exciting times for us as members of the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road.

Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is now only one week away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Our theme for this year’s ladies day is “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Our special guest speaker will be Casandra Martin from Spring, Texas. Everything will be ready. Our ladies have been working overtime to see that our ladies’ day will be a wonderful event for every one present. If you can help in any way please see one of our committee members: Cindi Burleson, Sherry Pyle, Monica Holton, or Belinda Hutchinson. Men: We have been asked to help with lunch. If you can help, sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby.

Cindi and I will be out of town this weekend visiting our daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Conway, Arkansas. Please pray for us while we are away.

Brother Caleb Colley will be preaching on Sunday morning and Sunday evening while I am away. Brother Colley is a doctoral student at USC and a faithful gospel preacher. He speaks regularly at lectureships all around the country. He is also writes for Apologetics Press, a publication that reaches out all around the world to defend our faith in God. Please be here this Sunday to hear Brother Colley. You’ll be so very thankful that he is working and worshiping with us at St. Andrews Road.

Let us remember the words of our brother Paul in Ephesians 4:1-6.
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in your all.”

2009-10-01T12:42:00.001-04:00

October! Can you believe it? Only three months remaining in 2009! Can you remember all the promises you made to yourself back in January? Take better care of myself…Eat better…Exercise…Lose weight…Spend more time with my family…Read the Bible and pray every day…Save…Enjoy life and living…How are you doing? It’s not too late to get on track. Today is the best day of your life. Yesterday is past. Tomorrow may never come. Today is the only day that really matters. Eat better today. Take that walk today. Better health is a result of eating better and reasonable exercise. Turn the TV off. Get up from the computer. Put down the paper. Put down the cell phone. Spend some time face to face with your spouse, your children, and your parents. Look. Listen. Laugh. Spend some time with God reading His word and talking with Him in prayer. Don’t just survive. Live!

This Sunday morning we will look into God’s word to see that our entire lives can be different, better, more significant when we learn to “Let Our Duties Become Our Desires.” We each have our own individual duties in life, responsibilities that are personally only ours. Sometimes, we look at these duties as things we “have to” do. I have to get up early to go to work. I have to pay the bills. I have to mow the lawn. I have to cook dinner. I have to clean the house. I have to do my homework. I have to study for the test. I have to go to Bible study. I have to go to worship. I have to study, pray, give, wait. On and on we could go. Of course, I have never heard anyone say “I have to go fishing” or “I have to make a trip up to Darlington” or “I have to go on vacation.” Just a simple change in vocabulary can affect our entire lives. Change the words “have to” to “get to” or “want to” and see what a difference this small change can have in your attitude toward life. We no longer “have to” go to work. We “get to” or “want to” go to work. We no longer “have to” study, pray, give, or wait. We now “get to” and “want to” do these things. If you would like to read ahead, read Philippians 2:1-18.

On Sunday evening we will conclude our series “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The church of Christ in the first century was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. They were steadfast in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer. They lived their lives adding and abounding in the Christian Graces. They loved God and they loved one another. They were not easily discouraged. They were focused. Finally, the church of Christ in the first century lived transformed lives. Our brothers and sisters in Christ of the first century are wonderful examples of faith, hope, and love for us today.

Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is now just a few days away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. This is a ladies only event. Our ladies have been praying, meeting, planning, organizing, and looking forward to this day for many weeks. Ladies at St. Andrew Road: Please invite and remind your family, friends, and neighbors about this special Ladies’ Day. Men: We have been asked to be here to help with lunch. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the lobby. Please sign up if you can help serve.

The renovation plans for our facilities are proceeding according to schedule. There will be a very important meeting of the men of the congregation this Sunday morning, October 4th immediately following the morning worship hour in the Fellowship Hall. Please make every effort to be at this meeting. Thank you for your patience, your support, and your cooperation as we grow into the 21st century. To God be the glory! Great things He has done.

2009-09-26T15:26:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that summer is past and autumn is now upon us? Tuesday, September 22nd, was the first day of autumn. Before you know it, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving (Only 9 weeks away!). I do love the fall…falling leaves, cooler weather, geese in the sky, animals preparing for their winter nap. The changing of the seasons reminds us of the wonderful promises and provisions of God.

Our Sunday morning lesson series, “100%,” is drawing to a close. We will have our final lesson this Sunday. We have been challenged to give our all, 100% to faithful attendance, to give our all, 100% to daily Bible study, and to give our all, 100% to unity and cooperation. Our final lesson challenges us to give our all, 100% to believing, truly believing in God day in and day out, in good times and in bad times, through youth into maturity, when we are healthy and when we are sick, in the “curves” of life and when life is as smooth as silk, believing, trusting and obeying God even in the face of death. The Bible was written so that we would believe (John 20:30-31). Paul said that the “invisible attributes” of God can be “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…”(Romans 1:20). We must not be deceived. God is and He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Believe it. Trust Him. Obey Him.

Our Sunday evening series, “1st Century Success in the 21st Century,” continues this week. We are looking at the church of Christ in the first century to see how they thought, spoke, and lived to have such dynamic growth. They were not ashamed of Christ. They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. They adding and abounded in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. They were tough, not easily discouraged.

This Sunday evening, we will find that they were focused. They knew their purpose. They understood their purpose. They focused on their purpose. Do we know our purpose? Do we understand it? Are we focused? If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 28:18-20.

A SPECIAL NOTE TO EVERY MEMBER AT ST. ANDREWS ROAD: We will have a very special “business meeting” this Sunday morning immediately following our assembly together so that our elders can share with us the plans for the renovation to our facilities. Following the dismissal prayer, we will break for a few minutes to greet our guests then return to the auditorium for the meeting. Please make a special effort to be present at this meeting. Our elders will give us valuable information as to the company that will be doing the work, the approximate cost of the project, the approximate time of construction, as well as the reorganization of our Bible classes. Thank you so much for your prayers, for your support, and for your patience as we grow into the 21st century. God is so good to us.

Our Ladies’ Day 2009 is only three weeks away scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. The theme for the day is “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Our special guest speaker is Casandra Martin from Texas. Ladies: Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors to come and be a part of the very special time of study and fellowship.

This Sunday Cindi and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage. Really! We are truly blessed. Through all the changes and challenges of life our steadfast hope will forever rest in Jesus Christ, in His kingdom and in His righteousness.

2009-09-17T16:15:00.001-04:00

We have so many marvelous events coming up at St. Andrews Road.

Our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, September 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Brother Terry Gunnels from Barnwell will be leading our discussion. This meeting is usually held every 3rd Tuesday in the month. October’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, the 20th.

Our Ladies’ Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. Casandra Martin from Spring, Texas, will be our special guest speaker to the ladies. Our theme this year is “Lord, Teach Us To Pray.” Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be served by the men of the congregation. Of course, this is a “Ladies Only” event. Can you believe that our Ladies’ Day is only four weeks away?

The renovation to our facilities will begin very soon. The architectural plans have been completed. We already have one bid. Two additional bids will be in any day. Construction can begin as soon as the right company has been awarded the project. Please pray for our elders and those who will be involved in our renovation project. Let us be thankful to God for His providence! Our brothers and sisters of the past sacrificed much to give us the beautiful facilities we have today. We now have the distinct privilege to show our appreciation for their sacrifices by following their example of faith, hope, and love.

Our Sunday morning series “100%” will continue this Sunday with a lesson on cooperation and unity. What if every member of the church at St. Andrews Road decided to do their very best, to give 100% to cooperation and to the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace? God desires that we be together in every aspect of life…worship, work, prayer, suffering, rejoicing, life, and the resurrection. Our subject is entitled “100% Cooperation and Unity.” The Lord tells us that the church is the body of Christ (Romans 12; I Corinthians 12). We are individual parts united by love working together as one.

On Sunday evening at SAR, we are looking at “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The first century church grew and prospered even in the midst of terrible hardship and persecution. How did they do it? The first century church of Christ was not ashamed of Christ (Romans 1:16). Are we? The church continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine (teaching), in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer (Acts 2:42). Do we? The first century church added and abounded in the Christian Graces (II Peter 1:5-10). Are we? The church loved one another (John 13:34-35). Do we?

This Sunday evening we will look again at the first century church of Christ, their thoughts, words, and actions. In such a dismal time, a time of ignorance, poverty, suffering, and persecution, we find that the church of Christ was not easily discouraged. They focused their lives on God. If you would like to read ahead, read II Corinthians 4.

Just a note about our Parent Rally last Saturday: Thank you to our brother Allen Hutchinson and our eldership for seeing the need for such a dynamic program for our parents and our youth. The program on internet safety was outstanding. The speakers were dynamic and knowledgeable. The internet is a valuable tool. It can also become a snare. We must be vigilant in our Christian life to stay on the path that leads to heaven.

I look forward to our worship and fellowship together on Sunday, Sunday evening, and on Wednesday evening. Let us commit ourselves to Christ, 100%!

2009-09-10T15:29:00.002-04:00

This Saturday, September 12th, we are hosting a very important Parent Rally designed especially for parents and grandparents on the subject of internet safety. Take a look at the questions below and ask yourself, “Am I as informed as I need to be?”

Is your child a Christian online?
Is your child in a “technical” relationship?
If so, does that person know where your child or grandchild lives?
What pictures does your child or grandchild download?
Is your child or grandchild being cyber-bullied?
Could your child or grandchild be a “friend” to a sexual predator?
Do you know ASL, POS, BOLO, CD9, or KPC?

The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 11:30 a.m. or so. Special speakers from SLED and RCSD (Richland County Sheriff Department) will be with us for this very special presentation and meeting. There is no cost for the program. Register for the program at 772-0102 if you can.

The plans for the renovation of our classrooms, offices, and kitchen and the updates to our auditorium and restrooms are proceeding according to schedule. Proper preparation is vital to the success and cost effectiveness of our renovations. Patience is a virtue. Please be in prayer for our elders and those who are involved in the many aspects of our renovation project.

Our Sunday morning series is entitled “100%.” Last week, we focused on 100% Attendance. When a Christian chooses to be away from the assemblies of the church, that Christian simply does not understand the purpose, the necessity, and the value of our meeting together. Let us lift up our eyes to look at the purpose of our coming together for worship and fellowship. Let us climb up higher to see the necessity of our meetings together. Let us launch out further to understand that our meetings together produce a greater faith in God and a greater love for one another.

This Sunday we will look at “100% Bible Study.” Do you have a weak faith? Are you bored with your Christianity? Has temptation overtaken you? Are you discouraged? Did you know that the prescription for your problem is found in God’s word, the Bible?

What was it that empowered Jesus to overcome temptation? Read ahead in Matthew 4:1-11 to see. What does a human being need to grow? What does a Christian need to grow? Read I Peter 2:1-1-3 and Hebrews 5:12-14. The study of God’s word enables every Christian to know the difference between truth and error. Read II Timothy 3 to learn about the “perilous times” in these “last days” and how our God’s word makes us “complete, thoroughly equipped from every good work.”

On Sunday evening we will take another look at the first century church of Christ, how they thought, spoke, and lived. They were not ashamed of Christ. They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer. They adding and abounded in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. This Sunday evening we will look at just how much they loved God first and one another as Christ loved. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples…” (John 13:34-35). Paul said that “the greatest of these is…” (I Corinthians 13:13). We can have 1st Century Success in the 21st Century when we apply these principles to our lives individually and collectively.

We began a new adult Bible study on Wednesday evening at 7:00 in the auditorium. We are studying through Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Please come and be a part of this special Bible study. I look forward to seeing you for worship, study, and fellowship on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening. Come grow with us.

2009-09-05T07:59:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday night was indeed a night to remember. Our young men were prepared, confident, and courageous as they led the congregation in worship. Wyatt Holton and Christian Jenkins read from the Bible. Justin Johnson and Joey Reeves prayed and served around the table. Christian Cromartie closed out the service in prayer. Ben Burleson, Josh Moore, and Allen Hutchinson assisted these young men as advisers and mentors.

Bobby Graves delivered a sermon on “Satan’s Game Plan.” He read from John 10:9-10 about Satan’s plan to steal, kill, and to destroy. He taught us to look at the three aspects of sin: desire, opportunity, and action. He reminded us that Satan’s game plan was a plan for losers.

Kyle Holton followed up with a sermon on “God’s Game Plan.” He read from Matthew 16:18 about Christ establishing His church. He reminded us that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against the Lord’s church. He quoted James 4:7 and said that we must submit to God and put our faith in him just like a football player submits to his coach and has faith in him. We must also resist the devil just like we resist the efforts of an opposing team; when we do, the devil will flee from us. He said that God loves every sinner, but hates sin. He concluded in saying that God’s game plan is a plan for winners.

What a joy it is to see our young men and women growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God continues to bless us with every spiritual and physical blessing as we put His kingdom and His righteousness first in our daily lives.

This Sunday morning, we will begin a new series of lessons entitled “100%.” Wouldn’t it be great if we had 100% of the membership of the church of Christ at St. Andrews Road present for every assembly? Lesson One – 100% Attendance!

Our aim is to have 100% of the congregation involved in studying the Bible every week. Do you remember the people at Berea in Acts 17:10-11? “They received the word of God with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Lesson Two – 100% Bible Study!

It is our aim to have 100% of our brothers and sisters in Christ working together for the cause of Christ in unity and harmony. Ephesians 4 and II Thessalonians 3 teach us about the importance of unity and cooperation in our work for Christ. Lesson Three – 100% Unity and Cooperation!

We will conclude this series with a lesson on heaven. God’s desire is for every person to be saved. In II Peter 3:9 we find that the Lord is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Jesus died so that we could live in heaven with Him. Lesson Four – 100% Saved in Heaven!

Our Sunday night series, “1st Century Success in the 21st Century,” continues. We are looking at the great success of the church of Christ in the first century, how they thought, spoke, and lived, then making application to the church of Christ today.

They were not ashamed of Christ. They were not ashamed of the gospel. They went everywhere preaching the wonderful news of salvation in the name of Jesus. Are we ashamed of Christ, of the gospel? Are we showing and sharing the best news in all the world with those around us?

They continued steadfastly…in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Are we continuing steadfast?

This Sunday evening, we will look at II Peter 1:2-11 and ask ourselves, “Are these things in us and abound?” Are we adding to our faith…these “graces”?

2009-08-26T11:09:00.000-04:00

What can we do with the past? What must we do? Lay it down and leave it. God teaches us to “forget what is behind” so that we can “reach forward to what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13). The writer to the Hebrews said, “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is before us looking to Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). A man came to Jesus and said, “Lord, I will follow you…”; then, he wanted to look back. Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:61-62).

Every sin can be forgiven. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners like us. Sometimes we make mistakes. Think about it. Would you say that you learned more from your successes or from your mistakes? It is true that some people never seem to learn from their mistakes. They just keep making the same old errors in judgment, the same old mistakes. We can be different. We must be different. We can learn from our mistakes and become smarter, stronger, and wiser.

Would you say that the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4 had a past? Read about the conversation Jesus had with this woman. Whew! She had had five husbands and was living with a man that was not her husband. Yet Jesus offered her relief from her past. He said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Of course, Jesus is talking about salvation.

Read about the woman who was caught in adultery, the very act in John chapter 8. The men who brought her to Jesus only did so to find a way to accuse Jesus. I have often wondered why the other individual in this sinful act was not brought in. Maybe he was one of those who brought her to Jesus. We do not know. We do know that Jesus offered no excuse for this woman’s sin. He did say to those who accused her, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” No stones were thrown. As a matter of fact, after a few moments of silence Jesus looked up and saw that every man had went out one by one. He looked at the woman and said to her: “Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior. He is the Way. He is the Truth. He is the Life. No one comes to the Father except by and through Him (John 14:6). He alone is the solution to our past.

What can we do about the future? What must we do? We must not worry about it. Jesus taught us about worry and anxiety in Matthew 6:25-34. He said, “Do not worry about you life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Did you know that most of the things we worry about never actually happen? Many of our worries can be summed up in two words, “What if?” It is always wise to plan for tomorrow. I know that my utility bill will arrive in the mail sometime this week. My house payment is due every month. I am hungry just about every morning, noon, and night. We must learn to live our lives with trust rather than worry. God takes care of his creation. Jesus asked, “Are you not of more value than they?” He then reminds us that our Father knows about our needs and will sufficiently provide for our needs. We must trust and not worry about tomorrow.

What about today? Now, that’s a good question! May we all live today to its fullest potential! Jesus Christ delivers us from worry and fear.

2009-08-20T10:53:00.000-04:00

We are well on our way toward the much needed renovations to our facilities here at St. Andrews Road. The architectural plans are being completed. The financing has been approved. The elders are receiving financial gifts, promises, and pledges from our members. God is blessing us in and through these difficult economic times. Our Christian brothers and sisters in the past sacrificed their blood, sweat, and tears to give us what we have today; a place to worship God in spirit and in truth that is beautiful, comfortable, and more than adequate for our needs. The best way to show our gratitude to these who have sacrificed so much is to offer our own sacrifices to those who will follow us. May we all follow our elders and deacons in their sacrifices for the future of the church that meets at 425 St. Andrews Road! May we all be able to say: “I am. I have. I will.”

Our Sunday morning lesson series, “The Greatest Thing in the World – The Christian Life,” has been challenging to us all. We have looked at Sin – How Terrible, Grace – How Marvelous, Salvation – How Wonderful, Life – How Short, and Eternity – How Long. This Sunday morning, we will conclude this series with a lesson entitled “God – How Good!” I hope you will be here for this very special concluding lesson. If you would like to read ahead, read Matthew 6:25-34. This passage teaches us how to think, how to live, and why.

We introduced our new Sunday evening series last week with a lesson that asks every Christian to lift up our eyes (John 4). Jesus taught his disciples not to wait but to look up to see the fields that were white with the harvest. He reminded them that they were not alone in their work that they were only building on the work that others had begun.

We, too, must lift our eyes to look at the harvest of family, friends, and neighbors who are searching for help, hope, and the answers to the questions of life.

God asks every Christian to climb up higher (Luke 19). Zacchaeus was a man who wanted to…needed to see Jesus. He had to overcome the crowd that obstructed his view as well as his own limitations (a small stature) to see Jesus.

We, too, must climb up higher in order to overcome whatever it is that is obstructing our view of our salvation which is in Jesus Christ. In the letter to the Hebrews (12:1-2), we are instructed to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us” so that we may run the race before us.

God asks every Christian to launch out further (Luke 5) in our obedient faith in God through Jesus Christ. After Jesus taught the multitude, he asked Simon to launch out into deep waters for a catch. Simon did what Jesus asked even though he had toiled all night and caught nothing. He caught so many fish that both his boat and his partners’ boat began to sink.

We, too, must launch out deeper in our Christian walk with God. Remember what God wrote to us in Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

This Sunday evening, we will look at the first lesson from our series entitled: “1st Century Success in the 21st Century.” The First Century church was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Their courage and deliberate daily preaching and teaching of the gospel of Christ proved to be the power behind the tremendous growth of the church. What about us in our day? Are we ashamed of the gospel of Christ? I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

2009, SAR Newsletter Article - August 16

2009-08-17T12:18:00.000-04:00

Back to school! Our teachers have been busy for several days now getting their classrooms in order. Some students have already begun the new school year. The rest will soon follow. You can certainly tell by the increased traffic that our college students have arrived for the fall semester. We must be extra cautious on the highways. School buses stopping and going…Children crossing the streets to and from school…Parents dropping off and picking their children…Young drivers not always focused on their driving…I could go on and on. Please be a little bit more patient with yourself and with others as we all adjust to a new routine.
We will host the Area-wide Men’s and Preacher’s Meeting this Tuesday, August 18th. Brother Bill Young will be presenting a program on “Burn-out.” Come a little bit early for a Krispy Kreme doughnut and coffee. Our program will begin at 10:00 and conclude a few minutes before noon. We will have a Dutch-treat lunch together after the meeting.
This Sunday morning we will continue in our series “The Greatest Thing in the World – The Christian Life” with a lesson entitled “Eternity – How Long.” We have looked at Sin – How terrible, Grace – How Marvelous, Salvation – How Wonderful, and Life – How Short. We only have two more lessons and this series will be completed. I hope you are being encouraged and challenged to become a Christian, then to be a Christian, and to live the Christian life.
On Sunday evening we will begin a new series of lessons on the early church of Christ. The success of the church of Christ in the first century was dynamic. In this series we will look at the reasons for the advancement of the Lord’s cause in the first century and be confident that we too, can enjoy great success in our day. We will focus our attention on the following lessons:
They were not – Romans 1:15-16…We must not be too.
They were – Acts 2:42… We can be too.
They were – II Peter 1:4-11… We can be too.
They truly – John 13:34-35… We can too.
They were not – II Corinthians 4:1, 8-10… We must follow their example.
They had – Matthew 28:19-20… We must too.
They were – Romans 12:1-2… We must be too.
I look forward to sharing these lessons from the Bible with you. May God help us to apply His instructions directly to our every day Christian lives!
Our Ladies’ Day 2009 at St. Andrews Road is just around the corner scheduled for Saturday, October 17th (Only eight weeks away!). Our ladies are busy getting everything in order for this very special day. A Ladies’ Day committee meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, August 17the in classroom 204 immediately following our worship together. All ladies and teenage girls are encouraged to attend this meeting. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby if you can help in any way with our upcoming Ladies’ Day.
The Sunday morning adult Life Enrichment Bible Class just completed a study on the “Me-Attitudes.”. For the remaining Sunday mornings in August we will study the book of Jude. Think about it. Have you ever studied Jude? If you are not currently involved in one of our Bible study programs please consider this your special invitation to join the Life Enrichment Class. Come and grow with us in the knowledge of God’s word. This class meets at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday morning down the hall in Room 204.