Let The Beauty of Christ Be Seen
Many of our religious friends tend to discredit the attractiveness of true Christianity. Conceptions like the introduction of mechanical instruments into our worship, praise groups, exchanging sprinkling and or pouring for immersion, replacing biblical hermeneutics with humanism and altering traditional worship with contemporary worship are only a few points to support such an assertion. By such alterations, are they not saying that Christianity is not appealing enough by itself? Friends, are men at liberty to modify the ways of God so as to make it more faddish, thus creating something that is more pleasing to the eyes of men? Beloved, Christianity is attractive enough to draw any and all who would truly be pleasers of God. And yet, in what ways is Christianity attractive?
First, Christianity is attractive when Godly love is shown (John 13:35). Though our Lord made it clear that this is one of the beautiful traits of Christianity, there are many who seem to be more concerned with biting and devouring one another (Galatians 5:15), than they are speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Beloved, how did our Heavenly Father make the Gospel so attractive; was it not the manifestation of His love through the giving of His only Son (John 3:16; I John 3:16)?
Second, Christianity is attractive when Godly speech is used (Ephesians 4:29). Friends, have we become so calloused to all of the filthy or lewd speech in our society that we no longer see a need to be civil in our own speech. Our Lord made it very clear that our speech should be seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). And only by speaking properly can one manifest one of the true attractions found within Christianity.
Third, Christianity is attractive when one manifest his fidelity to God and His will (Colossians 3:17). In a time when "doing your own thing" is not only popular but it is promoted as the ultimate ethic, there stands an appeal in yielding to a high power (Romans 9:20-21). Think about it, how did Naomi lead Ruth to forsake Moab (Ruth 1:16-18)? Was it not through Naomi’s own fidelity toward the God of Heaven?
Over and over again we are bombarded with the ideology that the ways of God are not as attractive as the ways of men. And yet, as one considers the thoughts above, one is immediately drawn to the true beauty of Christianity. Let us all wear these traits so as to let the beauty of Christ be seen in us.
Allen Weakland
Sympathy
We express our sympathy to the family of Alvie Adams. Alvie passed from this life on the morning of November 1st. Graveside services were held on Saturday, November 3rd at 2:00 P.M. at the Western Roses Memorial Park in Midland. His son-in-law , Lon Howard officiated the service.
Placing Membership
Chris Lopez has expressed his desire to work and worship with us here at the Eisenhower congregation. He has asked for our prayers for strength on his repentance.
Current Concerns
Mildred Heslip’s hip surgery went very well. She is currently on the Health South floor of the ORMC- Rm- 313A undergoing her physical therapy.
JoAnna Minter, sister of Charles Wood, has additional spots on her left femur and her spine. They are to schedule x-rays to determine if radiation treatment needs to be done now or later. She continues to undergo chemo treatments every three weeks for the spots on her liver.
Prayer List
Bill Arbuckle; Fran Arbuckle; Kiah Bayless; Rachel Cunningham; Janet Gray; Mildred Heslip; Helen Jones; Doc King; Bessie Millwee; Patsy Sanchez; Baby Ava Camille Simmons; James Smith; DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; 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 entitled, " Rejoice and Be Glad."
Our next Ladies’ Night is scheduled for November 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the annex. We will be making college care packages for our college students. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board for items needed, please be sure to sign up for one or more items. There is a bucket provided under the bulletin board for your items.
Attention members: We will not be having regular services on Wednesday, November 21st. Instead we will meet at the 6th and Jackson congregation for the annual Area Wide Thanksgiving Fellowship. Please be there!
FYI
We have received word regarding Doc King. He is in rehab at the Sterling City Home and is making progress. He is doing occupational, physical, and some speech therapy. Within the next two or three weeks Doc will be moving to the Royal Estate Assisted Living Facilities in San Angelo, TX where his son lives. His temporary address is posted on the bulletin board if anyone would like to send him a card.
The title of Wednesday’s morning Bible Class lesson is entitled "Honor One Another" (Romans 12:9-10). We will be having an early Thanksgiving (potluck) dinner following our lesson today (Nov 14th). Please come and enjoy two feasts; one from God’s word and then Thanksgiving dinner afterwards. The turkey and ham have been taken care of so please bring any side dish or dessert of your choice.
There are more copies of Burt Groves’ commentary on Luke. They are $10.00 each.
We are still working on the CD’s for the gospel meeting. They should be ready in the very near future. Thanks for your patience!
Odessa Christian School needs a day care worker. Hours are from 10:30-5:30 p.m. Salary is $7.90 per hour.
The New Mexico Christian Children’s Home will be conducting their "needs drive" on December 12th. Some items they have suggested are bar soap, beef broth, and chocolate chips. They also accept monetary donations that you can give to the office staff.
Youth
Allen and Christy Weakland will be hosting a teen devotional on Sunday, November 11th after evenings service. Boys bring drinks, girls bring Fritos. Invite your friends.
Thank You
The family of Alvie Adams would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to each and everyone who supported and showed love to the family during the past five years when Alvie was going through his treatments. The prayers, cards, calls and support was greatly appreciated.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Ronald & I want to thank you all so much for the precious book with all of the wonderful heart felt notes included inside and the beautiful card you sent for Leemore. I’ll take them to her and we’ll read them aloud together. She misses you all and knows that she may never see some of you again this side of heaven, but she looks forward to a great heavenly reunion one day! May God richly bless you all!
In Him,
Michelle Cook
Office News
The office will close at noon on Wednesday, November 21st and will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 22nd and 23rd in
observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Our food coordinators for the month of November are Christy Weakland and Keely McFarland .
| November 11, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Lon Howard |
Lon Howard |
Song Leader |
Ronnie Lane |
Steve Horton |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Lon Howard |
Lon Howard |
Scripture |
Rudy Ochoa |
DJ Ray |
Second Prayer |
C.M. Riggs |
Mike Smith |
Closing Prayer |
Richard Siler |
Tom Sorenson |
|
||
West |
Scot Straw |
Craig Wesson |
East |
Bill Tolbert |
Cody Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Lon Howard ~ Deacon: Don Easlon ~ Pulpit: Bill Butler
Table: Larry May ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM "Internalizing Christ" (Galatians 2:20-21)
Sunday PM "Dying So That We Might Live" (Romans 6:1-12)
Our Records
Bible Class... 102
Morning Worship... 165
Evening Worship... 98
Wednesday... 113
Contribution $4126.86