Dan Winkler

It's a sensitive question, but one you and I really need to ask. Remember Jesus warning, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven " (Matthew 7:21)? It's just not good enough for us to claim an allegiance to some religion.

Think about the New Testament book of Hebrews. It was probably written to folks that had converted from Judaism to Christ and his church.

	There is a constant referencing to the Old Testament books of law [Genesis and Exodus], [Joshua and 2 Samuel], poetry [Psalms and Proverbs] prophecy [Isaiah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk and Haggai].
	Thoughts significant to a Jew can be found throughout the book. For example, it directs its reader's attention to "the fathers" (ch. 1), "the word spoken through angels, " [i.e., the old law (cf. Galatians. 3:19)] (ch. 2), the Sabbath concept (ch. 4), the tabernacle (ch. 6), animal sacrifices (ch. 10) and Mt. Sinai (ch. 12).
	Key "Hebrew heroes" such as Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and the worthies of "Faith's Hall of Fame" (ch. 11) are also mentioned.

Now, here is the point. Judaism was a religion that originated with God. As such, it fulfilled its divine purpose. But with the coming of Jesus' new covenant (Hebrews 8:6-12), even Judaism ceased to be a religion God accepted (cf Romans 9:1-3; 10: 1-3)!

The book of Hebrews was even revealed to encourage those who had converted from Judaism to "hold on" to their new religion (Hebrews 3:6, 14; 6:18; 10:22-23). Why? Why, if one religion is just as good as another?

May our hearts be like that of Paul who wrote, "I count all things to be loss ... that I may gain Christ, and be found in him not having a righteousness of my own" (Philippians 1: 8 -9).

A wise teacher used to always tell his class before giving a test, "I'm giving you two tests today -- one in trigonometry and one in honesty. I hope you pass both of them. But, if you can pass only one, be sure it's the test in honesty, for there are a lot of good men who don't know any trigonometry, but there are no good men who are not honest."

Attendance Cards!!

As of today, our members do not need to fill out and pass in the attendance cards on the back of the pews. However, if you would like to make comments or suggestions, you may still use the cards for this purpose. We do request that our visitors would fill out one of these cards and pass it to one of the aisles so that we might have a record of your visit.

The Web-site

Visit www.orangestreetcofc.com on the world-wide-web for the latest bulletins or updates of activities and member's information. A username and password are needed to enter the "Members Only" area. If you need this information, see or e-mail Carl or Nancy Chambers.

Gospel Meeting

The Preston Street congregation here in Auburndale is hosting a gospel meeting starting today and lasting through Friday evening.
  Oct. 17-20 Bro. Johnny Daniels
  Oct. 21-22 Bro. Ben Daniels
Today's services will be at Lake Region High School in Eagle Lake. The remaining services (18-22) will be at the Preston Street church building, 401 Preston Street. Contact: Tommy Falk, (836) 551-1431.

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand new end!"