A Parent's Worst Nightmare (2)
Even if they are not drunkards, fornicators, or infidels, will they escape the fires of hell if they "socially" drink, or go out to dance clubs, or dress immodestly, or enjoy ungodly entertainment-or permit their children to do these things? Desperate parents may fool themselves into thinking otherwise, but the word of God answers, "No" (Heb. 10:25; 1 Cor. 15:58; 10:31-33). Then there is still the serious problem of liberalism in the church. It seems many parents are content to see their children become active members of a congregation and faithfully attend services, regardless of whether the church to which their children belong is doctrinally sound and standing fast in God's truth in all things. What good will it do for our children to attend all services and zealously work in a congregation that is not contending earnestly for the faith, that is fellowshipping false teachers, or refusing to preach the whole counsel of God? The fate of those in the church who receive or refuse to oppose error is ultimately the same-possibly even worse-than those who never enter the church at all (Rev. 2:14-16; 2 Pet.2:1ff; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 John 9-11.) I would have sorrow if my children joined a denomination, but my sorrow would be as great if they remained members of a congregation of the church of Christ which is fellowshipping denominations or participating with brethren who are not faithfully upholding the truth. If my children have so little conviction for the truth that they are indifferent toward issues dividing the church and unconcerned about whether the congregation to which they belong is supporting error, then regardless of how enthusiastic and involved the y might be, they are still lost (2 Thes. 2:10-12; Mat. 7:21-23). And yes, they are still lost even though they are my children.
Before they were born I prayed earnestly about whom my children would marry. Though it would likely devastate me if my children married "outside the church," my concerns with regard to their marriages would not necessarily be alleviated simply because they married Christians. I do not want my children to marry outside of Christ, but neither do I want them to marry weak or "liberal" Christians. I will rejoice in seeing them marry members of the church only if the spouses they choose are dedicated disciples of Christ who are so strongly convicted for the truth that they would never tolerate any deviation from it. While they were yet unborn I fervently petitioned God that they would grow up to seek for and find spouses who will help them to serve God faithfully and raise their children to love God and hold fast to the truth. Anything less and I fear for their souls and the souls of their children. To the church at Laodicea Jesus said, "I know thy words, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth" (Rev. 3:15-16). Half-hearted commitment sickens the Lord. He would rather have us be "cold" than lukewarm. That is why my concern that my children could one day forsake the faith entirely is eclipsed by the fear that they become weak, casual Christians only partially committed to the cause of Christ. A prodigal who has wandered far from home knows he is lost and may "come to himself," )Luke 15:17), but a lukewarm Christian may be unaware of his wretched condition and remain in the grip of a dangerous indifference, comforted by a false sense of security, blinded to his own unfaithfulness (Rev. 3:17).
My concerns for my precious children are more than seeing them marry Christians and continue to attend services of the church. They must live holy lives. They must never compromise the truth. They must love God with all of their hearts, souls, and minds and their neighbors as themselves ( Mat. 22:37-39), and they must do all that they can to raise their children to do the same.
That is why as their father, I am responsible for doing all I can to train them to be faithful to God and instill within them the importance of raising their own children to be faithful to God. That is why I must teach them, train them and pray for them to choose faithful spouses-not merely mates who are demonstrate a genuine commitment to Christ, those whose lives offer sufficient testimony that they will do all the truth all the days of their lives. My exhortation to each one of them is to "fear Jehovah thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve Jehovah thy God with all thy heart and with all they soul, to keep the commandments of Jehovah" (Deut. 10:12-13). If they do not do these things, though they remain affiliated with the Lord's church and attend worship services, they will still be lost. I want more than anything else for Jessica, Justin, and Jamie by the grace of God to have eternal life in heaven. How terrible it would be if they grow cold in their commitment to the Lord. But how terrible still-indeed, how much worse- if they die lukewarm, a disgusting shame to their Loving Lord whom they did not count worthy of their utmost adoration, of their absolute obedience. For a Christian parent, that can be a tragedy, in one sense, greater than that of complete apostasy. Oh nightmare of nightmares! Praise God that, by his grace and with his help, it is one which I can do much to prevent. It is one which I must do everything in my power to prevent lest, if my children end up lost, my real terror should be wondering if I did. May it not be so.
-Tyler Young
Sympathy
Marie Montgomery, aunt of Devida Montgomery passed away on Monday, June 11th. Marie lived in Waverly, Ohio.
Her funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 13th.
Current Concerns
Kathy Nunley is scheduled to have surgery at MCH on Tuesday, June 19th.
Patsy Sanchez, sister of Estella Morolez who was diagnosed with Lupus will have bypass surgery done on her legs at
Lubbock Heart Hospital on Wednesday, June 13th. Patsy has a 100% blockage in both legs. However, the doctors think
they will be able to save her legs by trying to redirect the blood flow around the blockage. This will be her third bypass
surgery.
Update on Current Concerns
Grace Register is back home now after having tests done in Dallas. All tests were good. She is having some acid reflux
and a slight eating disorder possibly as a result from her eye surgery.
Josephina Chacon, grandmother of Ruben and Robert Chacon who had a light stroke is undergoing therapy to help her
with her walking.
Hazel Cavanaugh received a good report from her blood test last week . Her next appointment will be in six months.
Joe and Gracie Mendoza's triplets condition has not changed much. They still have a lot a serious health issues to be
solved. The Mendozas are friends of Juan & Estella Morolez.
Prayer List
Fran Arbuckle; LeeRoy Bell; Beulah Cox; Dana Erwin; Sharon Fisher; Katy Lou Horton; Joe and Gracie Mendoza; Patsy
Sanchez; Nina Sledge; Marilyn Upshaw; Jurlean Warren; Charles Watson; Delora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Lela Jo McElroy; Wilma Mitchell; 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 titled, "Living Joyfully in Christ"
FYI
Odessa Christian School is in need of summer day campus workers-age 18 and up. Hours will be from 8:00 to 5:30-1
hour lunch. Salary $7.50 per hour Monday thru Friday. Please contact Twyla Greenfield-ph #362-6311 or fax 550-7086.
The fax is also posted on the bulletin board in the east foyer.
Thank You
Your thoughtfulness and comforting words have warmed our hearts and lifted our spirits. Thank you for caring.
Maxine Newton and the entire Elms family
Thank you for the Bible that I received at my graduation party. I will think of this congregation each time I read it.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness very much.
Joshua Bell
There are no words to express our appreciation for everything that has been done for us during and since LeeRoy's
surgery. Special thanks to Robbie and Bill Butler, Pearl and Harvey Garvin, Burt Groves, and Debbie Marrs for coming
and sitting with our family though the surgery and for the support you gave to us. Also many thanks for all the visits,
cards, telephone calls, and especially the prayers that have been said and the basket of snacks. It came in real handy
while we were in the ICU waiting room. The whole family sends their appreciation. Thanks to Ann Ellison for teaching
my Wednesday night Bible class while LeeRoy was in the hospital. We really feel loved by Eisenhower.
LeeRoy & Sharon Bell
I want to thank everyone for the prayers, cards and visits during my stay in the hospital. We also thank you for the
prayers and cards for Bruce and Iola's sister during their illness. We could not survive without the love and care of our
Christian family.
In Christian Love,
Wallace & Iola
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of June are Nancy Easlon, Kayli Martell, and Julie Driver.
| June 17, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
Song Leader |
Ronnie Lane | Cameron May |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
Scripture |
Juan Morolez | John Bethune |
Second Prayer |
Jimmy Nunley | Tony Marrs |
Closing Prayer |
Burt Groves | Tom Sorenson |
|
||
West |
George Warren Jeff Wesson Jr. Munoz Mike Roemisch |
Craig Wesson Cody Wesson |
East |
Steve Horton Bill Ryan C.M. Riggs Don Easlon |
Jeff Wood |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Charles Wood - Deacon: Ronnie Lane
Pulpit: John Wood- Table: Johnny Warren - Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Lessons From the Fall of Jericho"
(Joshua 5:13-6:5)
Sunday PM
"Walking By Faith"
(II Corinthians 5:7)
Our Records
Bible Class...111
Morning Worship...181
Evening Worship...115
Wednesday...153
Contribution... $4,539.30