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DUE to the COVID-19 pandemic FAMILY NEWSThis bulletin is distributed in a variety of different ways. It is distributed during our worship services at the church building; it is made available on the web at our dowagiaccoc.org website; and it is sent by e-mail/messaging in connection with our Zoom broadcast invitations. However you receive it, we hope it will be informative and encouraging. We are not a denomination, but a local effort to encourage people to follow what the church was like in the first century. We have no man-made creed and only follow the Bible. We do not have religious titles and do not solicit donations. Come and learn more by visiting with us, e-mailing us, or calling us. CHEER UP — SPRING IS ON ITS WAY! As I sit here making up this bulletin there is a blue bird sitting on the suet feeder right outside my window. For those of you not acquainted with birds, the blue birds send out a scout when spring is ready to start. The scout looks for places to build a nest; but, they do not go out until spring is on its way! It is a much better omen than Punxsutawney Phil — the groundhog. REMEMBER OUR CLASS on Wednesday night at 7:00 P.M., either here at the building or on Zoom. If you cannot come to the building and have a smartphone, tablet, or computer call Karl Marcussen at 574-514-144 and attend the class on Zoom. If you need any of the sheets that go with the class, let John Clayton know (269-687-9426). ATTENTION LADIES: There is a ladies’ prayer meeting on Zoom at 1:00 P.M. every Thursday. This is a great time of fellowship and prayer. If you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer you can be a part of this. If you have not been contacted and want to participate call or text Della Bundle. TODAY'S LESSON
INTRODUCTION
A. Look at all the examples of extremism in the world!
B. People who say the Bible is hard to understand have been given an extreme view of what it says.
C. Example: Acts 14:8-13
I. WE TEND TO OVER REACT TO THE FUNCTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
D. This kind of extremism is all around us. A. Acts 2:38-39 — We are promised the gift of the Spirit.
II. WE TEND TO OVER REACT TO NEGATIVISM.
B. Romans 8:9 — The Spirit lives in us. — 1 Corinthians 3:16 C. Romans 8:16 D. Extreme view is the Spirit overpowers us. 1. Physically — trances, tongues, demons etc.
E. Gives us power in prayer, patience, temptation, etc.
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 — We are not robots. Romans 8:26ff; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; Acts 20:35
A. Christianity is not a constant flow of negativism.
III. WE TEND TO OVER REACT TO TRADITIONS.
B. The “Gospel” is good news! Ephesians 1:3; Galatians 5:1,22; Colossians 1:3; Philippians 1:3
C. Whining does not solve problems. Do something! A. Matthew 15:3-9; Colossians 2:8
B. We tend to make traditions binding. Buildings, baptism, Communion, orphan care,
singing (four part diatonic), weddings, funerals, witnessing, testifying, “pastor,” etc.
IV. WHAT WE NEED TO BE AS CHRISTIANS: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
A. 1 Corinthians 9:19 — A servant to all men
B. 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 — Empathetic C. 1 Corinthians 9:25 — Temperate in all things D. 1 Corinthians 9:26 — Let people know where you stand. E. 1 Corinthians 9:27 — Exert self-control. F. 1 Corinthians 9:27 — Remember that we can be drawn away. V. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DO THESE THINGS?
The role of the congregation
(John referred to our concluding song: “Only a Step.”)
THE BACK PAGEFAKE NEWS AND EXTREMISMI am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. It is interesting to read Paul's letter to the Galatian congregation in Galatians 1:6, 7 and relate it to our own situation. If you watch television news shows, no matter what channel you watch and no matter what your personal opinions are, you are being troubled. The Greek word used in this verse is tarasso which means to disturb, agitate. The King James translates this word “trouble” and the NIV translates it “thrown into confusion.” What is it about our makeup that causes us to be confused or troubled by what we see on TV or read in our magazines? There are a variety of answers to that question; but, the bottom line is that in our culture most of the information we get from the world is extreme in nature. We now know about changes in climate, about the problems with water and electricity in Texas, about the lies of politicians, about sickness throughout the world, and about violence and abuse to innocent people. So what is the answer for us as Christians living in the year 2021? Fifty years ago most, if not all, of this still happened; but, our sources of information were local and those reporting the news actually reported it instead of interpreting it. I would suggest to you that we cannot just refuse to watch and read about what is going on in the world; but, we do need to focus on God and his Word and realize that we are being told the extremes as seen by humans. Read 1 Timothy 3 and see what God tells us should be the approach of a leader in the church to the world in which we live. Do not blindly accept what the world tells you. Do not let extremes influence your service to God and man in how you live and how you serve. — John Clayton Our sign by the street! Sign saying from www.sayingsforchurchsigns.com. Scripture links/references are from BibleGateway.com. Unhighlighted scriptures can be looked up at their website. www.dowagiaccoc.org |
