Testing... 1-2-3... Testing...

Nobody likes tests! Still, we face them: pop quizzes, mid-term exams, job performance evaluations, drivers license tests, etc. Though unpopular, testing is a way of determining what a person knows, how well he is able to perform - and in what areas he needs to change (improve).

In our spiritual lives, we face three kinds of tests: from ourselves, from others, and from God. The key to passing the examinations of others (as we try to function within society), and to being acceptable to God (when we stand before Him in the final judgment), is a willingness to regularly and thoroughly examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5). One of the purposes of God's Book is to make this possible. It is like a mirror, giving us a clear image of ourselves (James 1:21-25). If we study diligently, examine carefully, and respond humbly, it will provide us everything we need for a full and useful life now and a long and joyful life hereafter.

Remember that passing a lot of little tests along the way - is the best way to prepare for a final exam!

Tim Richardson

You might be in a country church if...

1. The call to worship is, "Y'all come on in!"

2. People wonder when Jesus fed the 5,000 whether the two fish were bass or catfish.

3. The preacher says, "Bubba come help with the offering"- and five guys stand up.

4. The restroorn is outside.

5. A member requests to be buried in his four-wheel drive truck because, "I ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get me out of "

6. Never in its entire 100-year history has one of its preachers had to buy any meat or vegetables.

7. The church directory doesn't have last names.

8. Four generations of one family sit together in worship every Sunday.

9. The only time people lock their cars in the parking lot are during the summer and then only so their neighbors can't leave them a bag of squash.

10. There's no such thing as a "secret" sin.

11. You miss worship one Sunday morning and by two o'clock that afternoon you have had a dozen phone calls inquiring about your health.

Having preached in a few "country churches," there is much to be said about the close bond that usually exists between members. But no matter what the size of the church, that bond should exist. The church was never intended by God to be a lecture hall or a corporation or even a social club. It's a family. The church of our Lord is a group of people who share their lives with one another, who truly enjoy being with one another, who freely turn to one another in times of need. Paul gave the following instructions for dealing with "church family": "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Rom. 12:10, 13, 15).

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Alan Smith

Restored

We rejoice with the angels of God over the response of Vanessa Powell who came forward last Sunday morning, confessing sin and asking the prayers of the congregation on her behalf. We are strengthened by her courage and ask that you keep her in your prayers that she may be able to endure the trials that are before her.

Ladies' Devo/Luncheon

Reminder to all ladies: The topic for Monday's devotional will be "Christian Living: Things a Christian Will Do". A hand-out to get us started will be provided. Plan to stay for the covered dish luncheon. Ladies who work are invited to come and have lunch and fellowship with us.

Sandy Callender

Tonight!

The prayer group meets at 5:30 each Sunday evening in classroom #3. All members are encouraged to meet with the group and participate.

Our youngsters meet in the auditorium at 5:40 for a few minutes of story and song. before worship services.

Two little boys visited the local zoo. One of them wondered aloud: "I wonder why these cats are wild?" The other boy replied, "They are wild cats because their mother and father are wild cats". This may explain many of the problems we are having in the world today.