THE ROYAL LAW
Introduction
As man awakes from his nightly slumber, he is forced to grasp the reality that he will, at one time or another, be faced with numerous choices throughout the coming day. But he must also appreciate that with his choices comes the consequences that could have an impact upon his entire life. The same is true for you and me as Christians. As we arise each and every morning, it is a given that Satan will place before us trials and temptations (Jas. 1:14) so as to offer us an opportunity to make a choice that could very well penalize our eternal welfare. Thus, it is imperative that each of us makes the right choice to avoid displeasing God.
But how can we evade making the wrong choice in our lives? How can we elude the price of eternal damnation which accompanies one's submission to temptation (Jas. 1:15; Rom. 6:23)? The answer to such a quandary lies within our willingness to adhere to the wisdom of God (Prov 1:7). No matter the situation or circumstance we all must formulate our own decision to either submit to the wants and wishes of this present age which creates envy, strife, and selfishness or to surrender to the ways of God which creates peace, gentleness, and equality (Jas 3:13-17). No matter the area under discussion, thankfully God has given us some insight to help in our decision making process. Whether we are being confronted with accepting our own sinfulness (Rom. 3:10, 23), our reception of Christ dying on our own behalf (Mt. 20:28), or how we ought to behave ourselves in the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15), God has provided us with His wisdom to assist us in making the right choice.
However, even though God has arranged for us to know His will (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2:15), not all willingly accept His message. In reality, mankind is not known for conducting himself in ways that are becoming of God. Time and again God's creation has sought to do things which are right in their own sight (Pro. 3:7; 16:2; Jgs. 21:25). The Bible is filled with examples: Adam and Eve partaking of the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:1-7), Uzzah reaching out to still the Ark (2 Sam. 6:3-8), or even our first century brethren treating each other with prejudice (Jas 2:1-13). Yet, the Holy Writ is also packed full of examples of those who received God's instruction and humbly did what was asked. In the gospel of Luke we have an example that verifies this very principle. If you will remember, Jesus was being pressed by the multitude by the lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1), and it is here that Jesus sees "…two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:2-5; emphasis mine AKW).
These words recorded by Luke describe the mindset of one who is willing to accept not only the authority of Christ, but is also loyal enough to accept His instruction on any given topic. That is the whole purpose of God giving us His divine Will (2 Tim. 3:16). It is there to tutor His creation whereby man can not only make the right choice in life, but also live by faith (Rom. 1:17).
Living by faith is what the Christian life is all about. Thus, it is essential for us to receive godly training in areas of our lives where we sometimes are oblivious to the fact that we stand in need of such lessons. That was the case with our brethren in the first century, especially in the area of being respecters of persons. The lack of equality is not a modern day problem; in fact, prejudice has been faced in every generation. This is the rationale for James offering such instruction on equality to our first century brethren. James calls this ideology the Royal Law.
To be continued…
Allen Weakland
Current Concerns
Rocio Chacon had surgery to remove the tumor on her thyroid on Wednesday, September 3rd. She is doing well. She is in room 641 at Medical Center Hospital.
Prayer List
Fran Arbuckle; Bill Butler ; Mildred Bell; Mildred Heslip; Cecil Hext; I.B. Huff; LaVerne King; Clemente Martinez; Estella Morolez; Lily Munos; Jesse Ramos; Betty Reeves; Mable Riggs; Marilyn Upshaw; Delora Wood; Thomas Wood.
Shut-ins
Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles 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, "Preaching Christ."
The Lubbock Lectureship is set for October 12th –16th. The theme is The Law of Christ. It will be held at the Southside Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. Make plans to attend if you are able. Allen Weakland will be one of the many wonderful speakers at this event. A flyer is posted on the News and Notes board in the east foyer.
The 6th and Jackson Church of Christ will be hosting Dr. Brad Harrub on September 28th, 29th, 30th and October 1st. They have graciously extended an invitation to us. Mark your calendars for this special event. Topics to be announced later.
FYI
Steve Horton will begin the Wednesday morning class on September 3rd in the annex at 10:30 a.m. He will continue his study on the book of Revelation. The potluck luncheons will still be held the last Wednesday of every month.
We need men who are willing to do the recordings of the sermons upstairs in the balcony on Sundays, Wednesdays, and any special services such as Gospel Meetings or Summer Series. We would like to get at least 12 men to sign up so that we may rotate each one and no one will have to serve more than one month out of the year. If you are willing to help with this matter, please sign up on the list on the bulletin board in the east foyer. We will have training with handouts for each of you.
We are in need of someone to head up organizing the visitation program. If you are interested and able to do this, please contact one of the elders.
Odessa Christian School is in need of a computer teacher. If you are interested, contact Shona Wood.
The New Mexican Christian Children's Home will be here on Monday, September 15th. They have requested the following items: sugar, picante sauce and fruit juices. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Bible Quiz Question
We will be using questions from Nehemiah until November in order to help our study for the upcoming Bible search in Cleburne, TX. There will be more than one question to answer. Parents please try to help your children answer these questions at home.
This week's answers must be submitted by September 10th. (Read Nehemiah 2:4-9).
Question: 1) What two men were Nehemiah's enemies before he ever met them? 2) After three days what did Nehemiah do under cover of darkness? 3) Who had Nehemiah brought into his confidence at this time?
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of September are Kellie Lane, Johna Straw, and Sonia Wood.
We are preparing to print out new pocket directories to be ready the first part of September. There are several people whose information has changed and several of our newer members who have not turned in their information to the office. Please provide us with any new information as soon as possible.
Belated Birth Announcement We are happy to announce the arrival of Matthew Lannie Simmons who was born on August 9th and weighed 7lbs. 14oz. Proud parents are Robert and Rosie Simmons and very proud are grandparents, Charles and Susan Simmons. Matthew's big brothers are Nicholas and Sammy. This week's pantry items are sugar, canned meats, and syrup.
| September 7, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Jeff Wesson | Jeff Wesson |
Song Leader | Ronnie Lane | Rudy Ochoa |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Jeff Wesson | Jeff Wesson |
Scripture | Richard Siler | Tom Sorenson |
Second Prayer | Mike Smith | Scot Straw |
Closing Prayer | Bill Tolbert | Frank Vargas |
|
||
West |
Rudy Ochoa |
Jeff Wood |
East |
Mike Roemisch |
Bradley Martell |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Jeff Wesson ~ Deacon: Ronnie Lane ~ Pulpit: Bill Brown ~ Table: Bill Butler ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Christ and Biblical Forgiveness"
(Matthew 18:21-35)
Sunday PM
"Believe Beware"
(Colossians 2:16-23)
Our Records
Bible Class... 92
Morning Worship... 173
Evening Worship... 91
Wednesday... 111
Contribution $4,113.65