April 29, 2018
WHAT EVERY CHILD NEEDS
MIKE HIXSON
It is reported that in the United States of America 1 live birth takes place approximately every 8 seconds (wiki.answer.com). The blessings of parenthood are reflected in the words of the Psalmist when he said, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is His reward….Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them” (Ps. 127:3, 5a).
While parenthood is a rewarding experience, numerous responsibilities come with the territory. It is a sad fact that many couples are in the baby-making business, but are totally oblivious when it comes to being responsible parents.
Our society would be well served to examine what the Bible has to say about the responsibilities associated with parenthood. Here are some things children need in the home:
1. Children need godly parents with the father assuming the role of the spiritual leader in the home. We need more men like Joshua who exclaimed, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).
2. Young people must feel loved and wanted on a daily basis (cf. Tit. 2:4). We are social beings and children crave our attention and acceptance.
3. Children need to be taught the Bible in the home. There is no greater influence than the home. We should open our Bibles regularly and teach our children about the Lord (cf. Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:4-6).
4. Disciplining children is not in vogue today, but they need it. Young people need parameters or guidelines in the home. The wise man said, “Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction” (Prov. 19:18).
5. We must communicate with our children. An open line of communication is the best policy. We must initiate conversation and also develop the trait of being good listeners (cf. Jas. 1:19).
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
April 15, 2018
WHAT IF?
MIKE HIXSON
As members of the church, we enjoy a special relationship to the Lord and have numerous responsibilities that must be honored. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said we are to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13, 14). In our relationship to Him, Jesus is pictured as the “Vine” and we are “the branches” (Jo. 15:5). As individual branches, we are to be productive and glorify God (cf. Jo. 15:6-8).
In light of our unique relationship to the Lord and the important responsibilities that have been entrusted into our care, have you ever wondered what the church would be like if other members modeled their behavior after our personal example? This is a question that should prompt serious reflection on our part. Think about it this way, would the church grow numerically through evangelism (cf. Matt. 28:19-20)? Would the church grow spiritually through daily study and meditation (cf. Ps. 1:2; Matt. 4:4; II Pet. 3:18)? Based on our example, how regular or irregular would other members of the church attend Bible class and worship (cf. Heb. 10:25)? What about visiting the sick and shut-in (cf. Matt. 25:31 -46)? Would the church have peace and harmony or strife and conflict (cf. Eph. 4:1-3)? How would the weekly contribution fare (cf. I Co. 16:1-2)? Do you think visitor’s to worship and Bible study would feel welcome (cf. Prov. 18:24)?
Whether we realize it or not, other people are observing our words and actions. Thus, our goal should be to set the proper example before our church family. (cf. I Co. 11:1).
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
April 8, 2018
Roll The Gospel Chariot Along
By Steve Higginbotham, 2016
Many of you know the song children sing during VBS enti-
tled, “Roll the Gospel Chariot.” This was one of my favor-
ite songs as a young boy, especially when we got to the
line that said, “When the Devil’s in the way, we will run
right over him.” When we sang that line, we would roll
our arms as fast as we could, imitating the turning of a
wheel, and we would “run over the Devil” at high speed!
But what I could never understand as a child is why we
would sing the line, “When the sinner’s in the way, we will
stop and pick him up.” From my understanding at the
time, I didn’t want to “stop and pick them up;” I wanted
“run right over them too!” I mean, why not? If we were
going to run over the Devil in our “Gospel Chariot,” why
wouldn’t we also run over a sinner who was behaving
like the Devil?
As an adult, I understand what I didn’t understand as a
child. We must learn to make distinction between the sin
and the sinner. While we are to hate sin (Romans 12:9),
we are to love the sinner (Romans 5:8; Luke 19:10). How-
ever, if truth be told, although we may understand the
meaning of this song, we may in practice be guilty of
“running right over the sinner” instead of “stopping and
picking him up.”
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
April 1, 2018
Welcome!!!
We are so glad that you are with us today!
Our service will be to praise and worship
God and to encourage and uplift us to
face another week.
We will sing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16),
pray (James 5:15-18),
and partake of the Lord’s Supper to
remember our Savior’s sacrifice on the cross
(Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
We will also give back a portion of the
monetary blessings that God has granted
us so that we can carry out His work in
our community (1 Cor. 16:2, 2 Cor. 9:7).
We will also study a lesson from His Word that
will hopefully be applicable to our daily lives,
so that we can be equipped to handle the
pressures of this world and reach those
outside of Christ (2 Tim. 2:15)
There is a nursery available for those with small children.
We will be having a fellowship meal immediately following our first service. Please stay and eat with us.
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
February 18, 2018
Are You A Tree Or A Post?
The question may seem strange to you, but there is a good lesson to be learned in the answer. As a young boy, my dad had a herd of beef cattle and we would keep them in a fenced in pasture. From time to time some of the posts holding up the fence had to be replaced because they were rotten. They would fall over and cause the fence to sag where the cows could get out. This was a source of aggravation to me, since I had to round up the cows that got out and then fix the fence. This required both time and work. You know how kids enjoy such things. I sometimes wished the post would be like trees so they wouldn’t have to be replaced.
What made the difference? Think! Plant a post and a tree in the ground side by side. At the beginning the tree is small, slender and easily bent or broken. The post, on the other hand, is large, solid and strong. It is hard to move and will support a fence.
But then the forces of nature take over. The tree begins to grow little by little, gradually becoming bigger and stronger. In a few years it stands tall and sturdy, while the post planted at the same time has rotted and fallen over.
Now, the application. What about those of us who profess to be Christians? Are we like the tree or the post? If our Christianity is dead, like the post, then we will surely grow weaker and weaker year by year, until finally we fall away. But, if we are truly alive in Christ, then the passing years will see us grow stronger and more mature than the beginning.
As Christians we have been made alive by the power of the blood of Christ (Titus 3:5). Afterward, real spiritual life in us is maintained by fellowship with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit (I John 1:1-7). So, which are you? A tree or a post?
For His Cause
Song Leader: Brian (AM) Tim (PM)
Scripture Reading: Bob
Lord’s Table: Tim (L) John
Sermon: Fred Rhodes
Opening Prayer: Kenneth
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
February 11, 2018
Do You Think to Pray?
by Gene Taylor
The opportunity to pray, to communicate directly with God, is one of the greatest blessings the Christian enjoys. It is evident that Divinity places a great deal of emphasis on prayer and its power. While on the earth, Jesus prayed often both showing and instructing His disciples that they ought to be people who pray (1 Thes. 5:17).
Prayer is the general term for addressing God. Since it is possible for His children to talk to Him, He asks them to call upon Him often (Luke 18:1-8; Ephesians 6:17-18; 1 Timothy 2:1-3).
Prayer is both the privilege and duty of the righteous (James 5:16). The model prayer given by Jesus in Matthew 6 shows that prayer was designed for children of God (v. 9). Only those who are trying to live righteously have their prayers heard and approved (1 Peter 3:10-12).
Prayer is asking, seeking, and knocking with the assurance that the Father is ready, willing, and able to respond (Matt. 7:7-11).
Prayer is an act of faith (Luke 18:1-8; Jas. 1:5-7). By praying to God, one shows he believes that He is real, that He loves His children, and that He hears and answers their prayers (John 9:31; 1 John 5:13-15).
Prayer is an expression of worship because praise, an integral part of worship, is a major component of prayer (Matt. 6:9). The very fact His children seek Him in it and pray that His will be done demonstrates their respect and love for God thus worshiping Him in prayer.
As stated above, prayer involves adoration and praise. It eulogizes God (Acts 2:47; Matt. 6:9).
Prayer includes petitions, pleas for one’s needs (1 John 5:15). These can be such things as supplications (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6), confession of sins, and pleas for forgiveness (1 John 1:9-2:2). Another essential of prayer is thanksgiving for blessings received from God (Phil. 4:6). Intercessions, pleas for others, are also an element of prayer (1 Tim. 2:1).
Since prayers can be hindered by many things, Christians must constantly be on guard against those things which would hinder their prayers. Such things as lack of faith (Jas. 1:5-7), wickedness (Psalm 66:18), selfishness (Jas. 4:3; Luke 18:9-14), improper attitudes toward others (Matt. 6:14-15; 5:23-24; 1 Pet. 3:7), and the substitution of prayer for obedience can all hinder the prayers of the church and its members.
Holy living is a must for God to hear your prayers.
Song Leader: Albert (AM) Brian (PM)
Scripture Reading: John
Lord’s Table: Bob (L) Austin
Sermon: Fred Rhodes
Opening Prayer: Roy
Closing Prayer: Tim
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
January 28, 2018
INVESTMENTS THAT WILL PAY OFF
MIKE HIXSON
Many of us invest with the intent of reaping financial rewards down the road. While that is important, I want to suggest there are some other areas that need our attention in the realm of investing for the future. The investments I’m talking about are not material in nature. No, they are far more important. I want to encourage you to think about investing in the following over the next 12 months.
1. Spend quality time in the Bible every day. Isaiah said, “Search from the book of the LORD, and read” (Isa. 34:16). You will be surprised the rich dividends that can be reaped by carefully analyzing God’s word day and night (Ps. 1:2; 119:97, 105).
2. Regularly pray to God (Lu. 18:1). God the Father wants to hear from you each day. You will have His undivided attention (Heb. 4:16; I Pet. 3:12). Prayer will afford you the opportunity to draw closer to God (Jas. 4:8a).
3. Make it your goal to be present for every service of the church (Heb. 10:25). God wants you in worship and Bible study (Jo. 4:23-24). It will enrich your life and strengthen your soul (II Pet. 3:18).
4. Rope off precious time to be with your family. Do everything within your power to strengthen your family relations. Make sure your home is headed in the direction of heaven (Ps. 127:1, 3-5).
5. Tell someone about Jesus (Matt. 28:19-20). I know you want your friends and family members in heaven. Without your instruction and encouragement, they may not make it.
Don’t let that happen.
Song Leader: Albert (AM) Brian (PM)
Scripture Reading: Trent
Lord’s Table: Roy (L) John
Sermon: Fred Rhodes
Opening Prayer: Tim
Closing Prayer: Bob
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
December 31, 2017
THE POWER OF THE TONGUE
Mike Hixson
The tongue is a powerful instrument that can be wielded for good or evil. Solomon said on one occasion, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21). The book of James, which is the New Testament counterpart to the book of Proverbs, states “the tongue is a little member and boasts great things” (Jas. 3:5a).
Although it is admittedly difficult, our goal as God’s people is to “bridle” the tongue and use it constructively for the welfare of others. One way we can use our tongue in a positive way is by sharing the gospel with a friend, neighbor, co-worker, classmate, relative, etc. (Matt. 28:19-20). The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth and said, “we also believe and therefore speak” (II Co. 4:13). Think of the profound gratitude the Corinthian believers must have had for the opportunity to hear, believe, and obey the gospel (Acts 18:8; I Co. 6:9-11).
A second way the tongue can be employed for good is by offering words of encouragement. Solomon said, “And a word spoken in due season, how good it is” (Prov. 15:23b). He also observed, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11). Solomon was simply saying a word spoken at the right time is of great value. We can offer words of encouragement to those who are battling various ailments, disappointments, frustrations, etc. in life. Sometimes just saying the right thing can change the countenance of another person.
Suffice it to say, there are numerous ways the tongue can be used for good. Hopefully and prayerfully, we will choose to use our tongue for the benefit of our fellow man and the glory of God.
Song Leader: Brian (AM) Tim (PM)
Scripture Reading: Trent
Lord’s Table: Roy (L) Bob
Opening Prayer: Fred
Closing Prayer: Brian
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
December 10, 2017
The Lord’s Prayer for Unity
Mike Hixson
In the shadow of the cross, Jesus prayed to the Father these words, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that you sent Me, and the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (Jo. 17:20-23). Note the emphasis Jesus placed on unity among those who would believe in Him. Sadly, the Lord’s prayer has gone largely unheeded. The religious landscape is divided with Wikipedia reporting there are “approximately 41,000 Christian denominations.”
With so much division in the religious world, the question is often raised, “Is unity possible?” The answer is yes. The key to unity in the world today is to go back to the Bible. Jesus prayed for those who would believe on Him through the words of the apostles (Jo. 17:20), or the “apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). When Paul chided the church at Corinth for division, he pled with them to “speak the same thing” (I Co. 1:10). There is no way we can all “speak the same thing” if we are not using the same standard. The only standard that will unite is the Bible or the “apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). The apostle Paul further counseled, “let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind” (Phil. 3:16).
If people will accept the Bible as the standard of authority in matters pertaining to faith and practice, then unity can be realized (II Tim. 3:16-17; Col. 3:17). This would necessarily result in the laying aside of all human creeds, manuals and confessions of faith in favor of God’s Word. Only then can the prayer of our Lord be fulfilled.
Song Leader: Brian (AM) Albert (PM)
Scripture Reading: Trent
Lord’s Table: Bob (L) John
Opening Prayer: Kenneth
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
December 3, 2017
Are You Growing
Tim Woodward
Try to imagine what it would be like if your batting average in life was figured out at the end of every day and the next morning it appeared in bold newspaper headlines for everyone to see. Professional baseball players have that every day. How did Jason Heyward do yesterday? What is he hitting now?
How would you like that? “Yesterday, the batting average of Tim Woodward dropped another five points as he went hitless in four times at bat. He struck out on his visit to the hospital, flied out twice in attempting to find volunteers for that job that needs doing, and his sermon was a pop-up to the infield.”
Try it on yourself. “Yesterday, Jon Doe’s slump continued as he went 0 for 4. He lost a contract before noon, chewed out his secretary immediately afterwards, grounded out with his teenage son’s request for help, and was thrown out of the game for arguing with his wife.”
The fact is that no one keeps up-to-date batting averages on us, and in a way, I suppose that is good. But it also means that we can utterly stop growing without ever knowing it. Nobody is measuring us. Nobody is timing us. Nobody is keeping the averages current. One day life slows down and we look around and suddenly realize that we’ve become stagnant. One man put it this way: “Growth is the only evidence of life; whoever is not busy growing is busy dying.”
Scripture backs that up. We are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.” We are told to add the Christian graces to our lives. Paul puts it this way: “I do not count myself to have attained. But forgetting those things which are behind and pressing forward to those things ahead, I push towards the goal…” (Phil. 3:13).
Every one of us should be able to say with the old cowboy, “I ain’t what I ought to be, I ain’t what I’m gonna be, but thank God, I ain’t what I used to be!”
Song Leader: Brian (AM) Trent (PM)
Scripture Reading: Austin
Lord’s Table: Tim (L) John
Opening Prayer: Kenneth
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
November 26, 2017
A CHURCH THAT EXCELS!
Dan Gulley
Someone noted this similarity between playing bagpipes and throwing a javelin blindfolded, “you don’t have to be good to get everyone’s attention!” What kind of person gets your attention? The Bible tells us the kind of person kings and other prominent people are searching for in proverbs 22: 9, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” Cream rises to the top, and excellence in work and character stands out like a diamond in the mud. First Timothy 3:13 reveals that God honors deacons who are committed to excellence in their work for Him, “Those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus,” Deacons, as well as other disciples of Jesus, can serve well, or be guilty of serving God in less than excellent ways. A lack of excellence in our work for God will not please Him. Jeremiah 48:10 reveals the seriousness of serving God in a shoddy and less than excellent way: “A curse on him who is lax in doing the Lord’s work” (NIV). The New American Standard Bible renders this verse, “Cursed be the one who does the LORD’S work negligently.” Elders, preachers, deacons, song leaders, Bible class teachers, yes- every Christian at every position of service to God – can serve well, or we can serve poorly. We can excel, or we can be lax and negligent.
Mark 7: 34 says about Jesus, “He has done all things well,” revealing that Jesus was committed to excellence in His service to God and to us. A Lord who did His best for us deserves the best we can do for Him. A church cannot excel unless the members who make it up are devoted to excellence. How excellent are you in living, loving, giving, forgiving, attending, worship, praying, teaching, and serving? John Gardner said something worth considering about excellence, “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity, and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is in an exalted activity, will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water” (Leadership magazine, Summer, 1993). Nor will the notion that we can scorn excellence and tolerate shoddiness in our service to God! If you want to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” you must commit yourself to doing well and being faithful and being a servant. The church excels in service to God when her members do. Anything less than excellence is less than God deserves.
Song Leader: Tim (AM) Brian (PM)
Scripture Reading: Trent
Lord’s Table: Roy (L) Bob
Opening Prayer: Tim
Closing Prayer: Brian
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
November 12, 2017
God’s Three Steps To Success
Mike Hixson
In successfully leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua had to obey God’s simple instructions. The first step being to “be strong and of good courage” (Joshua 1:6); the second step included continually meditating on the Book of the Law; and finally, he was to do everything it said (Joshua 1:8). As long as Joshua followed these three steps, God promised him “good success.”
Notice that God’s idea of success has little to do with fame, fortune, or knowing the right people. In the original Hebrew, the phrase, “then you will have good success” (Strong’s 7919) means “then you will act wisely.” Just as God called Joshua to walk in wisdom, He wants us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15).
As we take courage in the Lord (John 16:33 NASB), feast on His Word (1 Peter 2:1-2), and obey Him (Romans 6:17), we have a recipe for godly success that’s better than anything we could possibly think up on our own.
Song Leader: Albert (AM) Trent (PM)
Scripture Reading: Austin
Lord’s Table: Tim (L) John
Opening Prayer: Kenneth
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
November 5, 2017
THE BIBLE AND THE QURAN
MIKE HIXSON
The Bible is viewed by Christians as a divine book. Similarly, the Quran is held in high esteem by the Muslim community and regarded as a holy book. However, there are vast differences in the two books. The Bible is the inspired word of God, whereas the Quran is not. The Quran does not manifest the same “DNA code” of the Bible. One of my professors said regarding the Scriptures that “there were more than forty different writers, some of whom contributed to the writings of the Old Testament and some of whom contributed to the New Testament. Those writings constitute one theme or system. Yes, forty or more writers, but that is not all, those writers wrote under varying circumstances over a period of some sixteen centuries. Further, those writers were not all from the same country. They were in fact from various countries; they had different cultural, educational, and political backgrounds; and they were characterized by the usual and natural tribal racial prejudices. Some who wrote were men of means and distinction, while others were poor and relatively unknown. Some who wrote enjoyed a position of freedom, while others were in a position of bondage (Jeremiah, for one). The person who entertains doubts relative to inspiration should grapple with the question of how those writers could have written such a harmony over a period of sixteen centuries if they were not moved by the Spirit to write” (Systematic Theology, Rex Turner, Sr., pp. 1-2).
The Quran, on the other hand, does not come close to demonstrating the same divine origin. McClintock and Strong are quoted as saying the Quran “is exceedingly incoherent and sententious, the book evidently being without any logical order of thought as a whole or in its parts” (quotation taken from Confronting Islam: Examining the Qur’an, Wayne Jackson).
Song Leader: Tim (AM) Austin (PM)
Scripture Reading: John
Lord’s Table: Albert (L) Trent
Opening Prayer: Kenneth
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
October 29, 2017
The Lord’s Supper
By Mike Hixson
Every first day of the week members of the church meet to worship God. One of the acts of worship that is exclusive to the first day of the week is the Lord’s Supper. Prior to His betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Matthew’s account reads, “Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat; this is My body. Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom”
(Matthew 26:26-29)
The observance of the Lord’s Supper provides Christians with the unique opportunity to retrospectively reflect on the death of Jesus for sin. Paul wrote, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Another aspect of the Lord’s Supper is that it allows Christians the privilege of introspectively evaluating their lives. The apostle Paul commanded, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28).
The early church observed the Lord’s Supper exclusively on the first day of the week (cf. Acts 20:7). Why the first day of the week? Brother Rex Turner, Sr. wrote, “The first day of the week is, therefore, that momentous day when Jesus broke the bars of the prison of death and gave to all men the unquestioned evidence that all the dead of all the earth will one day arise as Christ arose. The first day of the week is Christ’s resurrection day. It is the greatest day in all the annals of history. What could be more appropriate, therefore, than for the disciples to assemble on Christ’s resurrection day, the first day of the week, to break the bread and to drink the fruit of the vine in commemoration of Christ’s death, his atoning blood, his resurrection, and his promise to come again.”
Song Leader: Tim (AM) Austin (PM)
Scripture Reading: John
Lord’s Table: Albert (L) Trent
Opening Prayer: Kenneth
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
October 15, 2017
Lydia’s Readiness for the Gospel
By Mike Hixson
As Paul and Silas embark on the second missionary tour of duty for the cause of Christ, Luke records their travels “throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia,” and that they were prohibited by the Holy Spirit to go to the Roman province of Asia and preach the gospel (Acts 16:6). They travel on the Mysia, and desired to go to Bithynia, but were again forbidden by the spirit to do so (Acts 17:7). Luke does not provide a reason why the missionaries were prohibited from entering Asia. Passing onward from Mysia they arrive in the city of Troas, where Paul received a vision in the night. The vision was that of a man from Macedonia requesting help, from which Paul concluded the Lord wanted him and his co-laborers to preach the gospel (Acts 16:9-10). Leaving Troas, Paul and his companions travel by sea to Samothracia, arriving in Neapolis the following day, a distance of about 125 miles (Acts 16:11).
Geographically speaking, Samothracia “is an island in the Agean Sea about half-way between Troas and Neapolis. It is about eight miles long, and six across, very mountainous with some of its peaks being 5000 feet above sea level” (New Testament History Acts, Gareth L. Reese, p. 573). From Neapolis, they travel around 10 miles to Philippi, which according to Luke “is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony” (Acts 16:12). After spending several days in Philippi, Luke said they went out of the city on the Sabbath day to a certain river side (Luke 16:13). Historians believe the river was called “Gangites,” and was located about a mile outside of the city. It was customary for prayers to be offered at this place (Acts 16:13). By the side of the river the missionaries meet some Jewish ladies (or proselytes). Apparently there was not a synagogue in the city of Philippi, since these ladies were meeting by the river side. It took at least ten men in a city for there to be a synagogue. If there was not a synagogue, a convenient place would be sought out for worship.
It was down by the side of a river that Luke introduces us to one of the Jewish women present, a woman by the name of Lydia. This lady was not only a religious person, she was a business woman. Luke says she was from the city of Thyatira, and a seller of purple (Acts 16:14a). Historians indicate purple fabric was deemed highly valuable in the eyes of the ancient world. The dye was said to have been “extracted from shellfish in the eastern Mediterranean. It took about 8,000 mollusks to produce one gram of the dye. A less-expensive dye was made from an extract of the madder root” (The Acts of the Apolstles from Jerusalem to Rome, Wayne Jackson, p. 190).
Regarding purple fabric, H. Leo Boles noted “it was used on the official toga at Rome and in the Roman colonies” (A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, p. 257).
As a Jewish lady or proselyte to the Jewish religion, Lydia was well equipped to hear the glorious gospel of Christ. The Old Testament Scriptures had been given to the Jewish people (Romans 3:1-2), and pointed with clarity to the coming of the Messiah. Prior to ascenting to heaven, Jesus summed up the thrust of the Old Testament by stating, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me….Then He said to them, thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day” (Luke 24:44-46). Equipped with the knowledge of the coming Messiah, Lydia was more than ready to hear the gospel from the lips of Paul, who could say unequivocally, Christ has come!
Song Leader: Trent (AM) Albert (PM)
Scripture Reading: Austin
Lord’s Table: Brian (L) John
Opening Prayer: Tim
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
October 1, 2017
The Need for Change in America
By Mike Hixson
The United States of America has undergone cataclysmic changes over the last fifty years. Granted, some changes have bettered our society. Improvements in medical science, transportation, and communication have blessed us immeasurably. On the other hand, America has deteriorated in areas that are cause for grave alarm.
Is it possible to bring about positive change in America? The answer is yes. However, it is my conviction change will not be wrought by politicians in Washington. The only thing that can remedy our nation is the gospel. A good example of the power of the gospel is reflected in the lives of the Corinthians. Luke, the inspired historian, said that “many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). Bear in mind the city of Corinth was a cesspool of immorality and ungodly vices. The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Corinth, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:9-11). Did you take note of the fact Paul said some of the Corinthians had been caught up in immorality and ungodliness? What brought about the change? According to Paul, the gospel of Christ was responsible for changing the hearts and lives of many of the Corinthian people.
If we are going to bring about sweeping reform in our nation, there is only one remedy, the gospel. I hope and pray that we will have the resolve to turn this nation upside down with the gospel of Christ.
Song Leader: Albert (AM) Austin (PM)
Scripture Reading: Austin
Lord’s Table: Tim (L) Trent
Opening Prayer: Kenneth
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
September 24, 2017
Making the Most of Life
By Mike Hixson
Are you making the most of life? Far too many people on planet each miss what life is all about. Solomon, the wisest man of his day, immersed himself in material goods and pleasures. He wrote, “I made my works great, I built myself houses and planted myself vineyards. I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. I acquired male and female servants, and had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and the provinces. I acquired male and male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds. So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in all Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor” (Eccl. 2:4-10).
Despite all of his worldly possessions and pleasures, Solomon exclaimed, “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun” (Eccl. 2:11). Wonder how many people today look at their vast financial portfolio and the accomplishments of life and come to the conclusion there is still something missing?
After having placed life under a divine microscope, Solomon concluded the true summation of life is this: “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” (Eccl. 12:13-14). Are you making the most of life?
Song Leader: Albert (AM) Tim (PM)
Scripture Reading: Trent
Lord’s Table: Roy (L) Bob
Opening Prayer: Tim
Closing Prayer: Albert
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21
September 17, 2017
God Cares For You
By Mike Hixson
There are many people in the world that have reached the sad conclusion that no one cares about them. They feel isolated and all alone when it comes to dealing with the problems and heartaches of life. Centuries ago, David came to the conclusion that no one cared for him. He write, “I cry out to the LORD with my voice; with my voice to the LORD I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before him; I declare before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path. In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me. Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul” (Ps. 142:1-4).
Although David felt overwhelmed by his persecutors (142:6), he was not alone. Furthermore, there was someone who cared for him, despite his sentiments. David responded to his distressing situation by turning to the Lord. He said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living” (Ps. 142:5).
In times of difficulty and distress, we would do well to look to God for refuge. The Psalmist said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). The opportunity always exists for God’s people to turn to Him in prayers for refuge and comfort. The apostle Paul counseled, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
The world is a place where problems and suffering exist (cf. Job 14:1). Troubles and difficulties will certainly come, but always remember God cares for you (cf. I Peter 5:7).
Song Leader: Brian (AM) Albert (PM)
Scripture Reading: Austin
Lord’s Table: Bob (L) John
Opening Prayer: Tim
Closing Prayer: Roy
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Hear the Word of God, Romans 10:17
Believe God’s Word, Hebrews 11:6
Repent of Sins, Acts 2:38
Confess Jesus As the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins, Mark 16:15-16
Live Faithfully, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 7:21