February 4, 2001


Volume XXI - Number 5  

FRIENDLY PERSUASION
Alexander Campbell (1830)

If, indeed, all mankind were equally in love with truth, we might have only to propose a change for the better, and all would embrace it. But just the reverse of this is the true history of society. The more clearly and forcibly an unpopular truth is argued, the greater will be the dislike to it by all who are interested in representing it to be error.

Pride, ambition, and selfishness are all powerful allies of error. The pride of the understanding is the most Invincible of all sorts of pride, especially when religion is the problem. And as long as there are conflicting creeds, sects, and divisions among religionists, so long will it be our duty to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.

Never was there so much need to study as in the defense of the truth. We must conciliate the passions, while we besiege the understanding. We are not to suppose all our opponents to be knaves and impostors to be disinterested and obstinate. We must remember that in this world of weakness and error, the good and virtuous are often enlisted under the banners of error. There are honest differences of opinion, and men equally sincere on both sides of many questions.

Friendly and persuasive were the words and arguments of the prophets, apostles and our Savior to these who appeared honest in their convictions, but severe and tart were their reproofs to such as appeared obstinate in error. Courtesy and kindness will be our best guides, and a good example will often achieve more than a thousand arguments.


AM SERMON:
"To Be Announced"
PM SERMON:
"To Be Announced"

Calendar Additions
Please add the following events to your Activities Calendars for the month of February.
  Feb. 11 - Cupid's Cafe  
  The men of the congregation will prepare and serve dinner for our ladies (probably Spaghetti) - after the evening services next Sunday.
  Feb. 17 - Home Bible Study  
  The monthly Home Bible Study will be hosted by Jim and Janie Hall this month on Saturday evening Feb. 17th. This is a good opportunity to visit the Hall's home. The van will be going, so listen for further details and/or directions.

In Appreciation . . .
We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the fine job that our young men did in leading the congregation in devotional services this past Wednesday evening. The song leading, Bible reading, prayers, and talks were all done decently and in order with all dignity and a growing confidence. The teachers and parents of these young men are to be commended for their initiative in training and encouraging these future leaders of our Lord's church. We are all encouraged in this - a job well done.

Personal Work Group
The Personal Work Group is scheduled to meet tonight in Assembly Room "B", after the evening worship services. Members of and anyone who would like to take part in the work of this group should plan to attend.

Also Tonight . . .
We meet for prayer each Sunday evening at 5:30 in class room #3. All of our number are encouraged to attend and take part.
Our youngsters meet at 5:40 each Sunday evening in the auditorium for a short period of story and song before the evening worship. Parents are encouraged to have their children here in time to participate.

On the Bulletin Board
There are several area events posted on the bulletin board in the foyer, that might be of interest to various members of the congregation. Take a minute to look over the Gospel Meetings, camps, and special events that are coming up in the near future.


"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" (Matt 7:1-2). When you see a work neglected, instead of being critical, offer to help.

Talmadge Royal, Charlie & Betty Dupree, Jasper Sims, Cliff Powell,
Frances Deaton, Don & Sheila Adkins, Sue Church, Norris Clark, Brice Oliver,
Linda Dale, Robert Cox, Earl & Vernon Wilkes, Roger Reece, Vera Barber,
Mel Chambers, Vannie Dowdy, Frances Austin, Margaret Duh, Joe Chambers,
Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Mona Howard, Sherry Hobbs, Linda Thompson, Karen Bauer,
Alzonio Rhodes, Mattie Hughs, Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie, Victoria Wooster