Where Does It Say You Can't?
Friends, for years, our denominational acquaintances have been guilty of trying to back up their bogus doctrines and ensuing unscriptural practices with the question, "Where does the Bible say you can't do this?" Of course, what they have failed to realize is that if something is Biblical – it is because it is written in the Bible. Likewise, if something is scriptural – it is because it is found in the Scriptures. Friends, a doctrine or practice is only authorized due to what God has said, not due to what God has not said.
What makes this whole situation worse is that now our own brethren have bought into this way of thinking and are taking the exact same position in argument for their own introductions of unscriptural, unbiblical, unsound doctrines and practices. Adding to this whole scenario is the spiritually mistaken preachers who have somehow been "enlightened" with a better way – but in reality are actually guilty of showing a lack of admiration and reverence for the authority of God's Holy Writ (Col 3:16).
With some of our brethren holding to this type of argumentation, is it any wonder why we are seeing changes in how the body of Christ functions? Friends, to hold to such a position as this is in all reality a move of hypocrisy. Let me illustrate: If you truly believe that it is alright to implement a practice solely because the Bible does not specifically say you can't, you must, if you are to avoid hypocrisy, also agree that if you enter into a store and request a particular item, however, the merchant returns with additional items, then proceeds to ring up all of the items, including the additional ones, you would have to accept the merchants actions solely on the fact that you didn't specifically stated that you did not want such supplementary items. Now, I'm sure that most are truly questioning such logic and rightly so. When someone makes a request, their silence also offers future instruction concerning what they do not want. Friends, the same is true with God! All He had to do was inform us what he wanted – His silence on the matter gives us instructions concerning what He does not want.
So, instead of asking the question, "Where does it say you can?" One would be better off asking, "Where does the Bible say I can?" That is the different between walking by faith and not by sight (II Cor. 5:7). To ignore our own illogical reasoning does not mean that God is going to ignore it. I plead with all to consider the ways in which we live, because we are assured that God is going to (Revelation 22:18-19).
Allen Weakland
Sympathy
We express our sympathy of the family of Joshua Adkinson and his two year old daughter who were killed in an automobile accident. Joshua was the grandson of Ralph and Kathleen Adkinson from the Brown Trail Church of Christ.
Current Concerns
Bill Butler has been diagnosed with lymphoma and will see an Oncologist soon to determine treatment.
Yvonne Howard, mother of Lon Howard is scheduled to have surgery at Midland Memorial Hospital on Thursday, February 7th.
Sharon Fisher is at Odessa Regional Medical Center in room 407. She is having difficulty breathing.
Bill Arbuckle is at Medical Center Hospital in CCU #6.
Halley Brookshire received a good report. He is cancer free.
Damon Callendar, grandson of Glenna Callendar, is out of the hospital and back at work.
Nick Smith had his lung and three lymph nodes removed. It was a success. The cancer was contained in the lung. He is in room 430 at Medical Center Hospital. They have requested no visitors at this time.
Dorothy Williams, the grandmother of a friend of Juli Marshall, has terminal cancer. She lives in California and is in her 80s.
Debbie Williams, daughter of Dorothy Williams, is requesting prayers as she cares for her mother Dorothy.
Prayer List
Avenell Holloway; LeeRoy Bell; Mildred Bell; Mark Brewer; Harry Montgomery; Russell Montgomery; Robert Edward Orta; Barbie Robinson; Dolores Sanchez; James Smith (Nick's dad) and family; DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles and Pearl Tucker.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's topic will be entitled, "Jesus' Story of the Prodigal Son."
FYI
Ladies remember "Ladies Night" Tuesday, February 12th at 7:00 P.M. Please bring your favorite finger food.
The Wednesday morning Bible Class subject will be the book of Revelation.
We are busy planning our upcoming Ladies' Day to be held on March 1st. We need your help with this. We are still in need of coffee
cups that you could part with for us to use for our special project. We need these as soon as possible.
Odessa Christian School is currently accepting applications for the position of administrator/principal. Interested persons should
submit their resume or direct any inquiries to:
Odessa Christian School, 2000 Doran, Odessa, TX 79761
ATTN: Board of Trustees
432-361-6311
Youth
We are needing hosts for the monthly youth devotionals. Please sign up to host one or more on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the east foyer.
There will be a youth devotional on February 17th immediately following evening services in the annex. It will be hosted by Scot and Johna Straw. Boys bring cokes and girls bring desserts.
Thank You
Dear Ladies,
Thank you so much for the wonderful care package! It really made getting through finals much more enjoyable. It means so much to me to know you all are still thinking about me and praying for me in such special ways. I really appreciate the generosity you all have shown me. Thanks again!
In Christian Love,
Kristin Lane
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of February are Robbie Butler and Nancy Easlon.
Our pantry is running low. Every two weeks we will have new suggested items. This week's suggestions are sugar, flour or tortilla
mix, cooking oil, and milk products. Thank you!
| February 10, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Bill Brown | Bill Brown |
Song Leader | Ronnie Lane | Cameron May |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Bill Brown | Bill Brown |
Scripture | Kirk McFarland | Jr. Munoz |
Second Prayer | Jimmy Nunley | Rudy Ochoa |
Closing Prayer | Jack Wright | DJ Ray |
|
||
West |
Mike Roemisch |
Craig Wesson |
East |
Bill Ryan |
Cody Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Bill Brown ~ Deacon: Juan Morolez
Pulpit: Juan Morolez ~ Table: Richard Siler ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Perfecting Holiness"
(2 Corinthians 6:14 & 7:1)
Sunday PM
"Nahum's Message"
(1 Corinthians 10:11)
Our Records
Bible Class... 107
Morning Worship... 182
Evening Worship... 99
Wednesday... 123
Contribution $5,968.00