Sour Grapes?
Suppose the church was liken to a cluster of grapes, and upon a very detailed and scrutinizing observance of the cluster, someone decided that a number of the grapes were not living up to the greatness of others among the cluster (Matt. 7:1-5; Luke 18:9-14). For instance, it appeared as though the smaller grapes could not provide needed assistance to the bunch, so they were plucked and tossed away . Taking even a closer look, there appeared to be a few grapes that had begun to wither. Therefore, it was determined that these could no longer be of much use to the cluster, thus, they too were discarded. There were others which were not quite ripe, and, out of impatience in the maturing process , they too were cast down. This process continued until there was no longer a bunch of grapes-just a bunch of twisted, unattractive twigs, with only a couple of grapes hanging on for dear life!
Does this sound familiar? The analogy may seem absurd, but have we manifested this type of mentality in the church today? Consider the following explanation of the metaphor.
The grapes which were too small represent young Christians who are overlooked by older Christians when it comes to the work of the church. The mistake made by this practice, is that these young children of God (who are Christians) need to be working by the side of older, more mature brethren in order to learn how to be a seasoned soldier. The withered grapes which are older children of God who feel they have been "retired" from the work of our Lord by the younger, more energetic Christian. This is truly ludicrous, for without the mature, wiser child of God, younger Christians would miss out on the valuable experience gained only by fighting the Lord's battle for years (Titus 2:1ff).
The grapes which are unripe are the new converts who are still in the infant stage of Christian development. These, who vary in physical age, may seem to be unworthy to be on the front line with more experienced soldiers, however, the value these brethren add to the church is indescribable, for we do not yet know the talents which will be developed by them in the future (Matt. 25:14-23).
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:20-23, instructed the Corinthians of the importance of every member of the body of Christ when he said, "but now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness."
God makes it very clear that every member of the church is precious to Him; therefore, every Christian should also be precious in our sight. The common goal Christians share is unique, and we need to take advantage of all the talents that each and every member possesses. Friends, either we are a cluster of grapes, or we are a twisted ugly twig. What do you see?
-Allen Weakland
Current Concerns
Nell O' Beth Willoughby is in Medical Center Hospital room 437. She is still suffering with a kidney infection that they
are trying to clear up.
Kathy Nunley had surgery on Tuesday, June 19th at Medical Center Hospital. She is in room 753.
Delora Wood surgical procedure was cancelled. They are hoping to reschedule for next week.
Prayer List
Fran Arbuckle; LeeRoy Bell; Josephina Chacon; 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, "Christ's Transfiguration."
Ladies' Night will be held on Tuesday, July 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the annex. Please cook your favorite recipe. Also, if you
could provide Sonia Wood with a copy of your recipe before the 10th, she can make copies for everyone.
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- fax
550-7086. The fax is also posted on the bulletin board in the east foyer.
Thank You
Dear Sisters,
Thank you for "pounding" me last Tuesday. The gifts were very useful and thoughtful. You have made us feel special
and very welcome.
In Christian love, Christy Weakland
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of June are Nancy Easlon, Kayli Martell, and Julie Driver.
| June 24, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Song Leader |
Steve Horton |
David Easlon |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Scripture |
Jack Wright |
Alex Martinez |
Second Prayer |
Scot Straw |
Bill Butler |
Closing Prayer |
Leon Sledge |
Larry May |
|
||
West |
Ben Ellison |
Trini Wood |
East |
Bill Brown |
Bradley Martell |
Sunday AM
"The Words of Our Lord"
(Luke 24:36-40)
Sunday PM
""The Noble Bereans"
(Acts 17:10-15)
Our Records
Bible Class...98
Morning Worship...164
Evening Worship...115
Wednesday...125
Contribution... $4,630.21