November 3, 2002


Volume XXII - Number 44  

Divine Ownership
and Giving

D e a n   M i l l e r


Universal divine ownership is one of the truths most clearly revealed in the Bible. God owns it all!

"The earth is Jehovah's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" (Psalms 12:1). "For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains; and the wild beast of the mountains; and the wild beast of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof" (Psalms 50:10-12). Everyone is God's by right of creation. Everything that everyone has is a blessing from God (Acts 17:25; James 1:17).

Christians are “twice-owned” people. They (like everyone else) are God's by right of creation but also by right of redemption. We are not our own because we were "bought with a price" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). We were "Purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). We are God's!

God's people see life as a sacred trust We are God's. Everything we have is given to us by God (e.g., time, body, soul, talents, property, relationships, influence, the gospel, money, possessions). Life and all it entails is a matter of stewardship. We are stewards - managers, not owners!This concept of life causes one to have a unique attitude toward their giving to the Lord in worship every first day of the week (2 Cor. 16:1-2). We realize that when we place our contribution in the collection plate, we are not giving to the Lord so much as just taking our hands off what already belongs to Him. Then it becomes much easier to give liberally and cheerfully (2 Cor. 8:1-2; 9:6-7). ❦

$   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $


AM SERMON:
"Living Lessons From Proverbs: Benefits of Obeying One's Parents"
(Proverbs 1:8-9)
PM SERMON:
"Who Has Woe?"
(Proverbs 23:29-35)

New Members
We are very pleased to welcome Lawrence and Rita Bauer (Bob’s parents) to the number of saints that worship here at Orange Street. Please add the following information to your directories:

BAUER, Lawence & Rita.......***-****
*** ******* ** - Auburndale, FL *****

Our hearts go out to Jerry and Gene Hill and family in the sudden passing of Jerry’s sister, Jacqueline (Jackie) Shelton, this past Monday (Oct. 28th) in Noblesville, Indiana. Funeral services were held on Friday. Keep the Hills in your daily prayers that God may provide His peace and comfort in this time of loss and sorrow.

Pantry Needs...
pantry.gifThe pantry has taken quite a few hits lately and is in need of restocking. We especially need “Canned Meats”. Do you best to help us keep the pantry ready for any needs that may arise.

Youth Devo
The Teen Group is scheduled to meet tonight (Sun.), after the evening services. See Matt Faneuf or Bob Bauer for more details.

In the Foyer
The latest editions of the “Spiritual Sword” and the “Christian Courier” are available in the foyer. The elders provide these excellent publications for your edification and learning. Use them!


As you live your day, how do you use your mind? “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoevery things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

 


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UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:

• Nov. 3-7- Sixth Street church of Christ
Lakeland, FL
See bulletin board for details.

• Nov 15,16 - Weeki Wachee Christian Camp
Men's Retreat - “Here’s Your Sign”
See bulletin board for details.

• Nov 18 - Ryans’ Restaurant
Banquet for Fishers Of Men graduates

• Jan 20-23, 2003 - Fla. School of Preaching
28th Annual Lecturship.
"Do You Understand Fellowship"
Complete schedules here.


Don’t forget to attend the weekly Prayer Session in Room #3 - each Sunday evening at 5:30

Jasper Sims, Mona Howard, Elsie Chambers, Jason Powell,
Walter Wheeler, Lula Greene, Karen Green, Roger Reese, Jr. Howard,
Charlie Tessner, Robert Cox, Alma & Ervin Eubanks, Joe Shockley,
Derek Howard, Sherry Hobbs, Cliff Powell, Mike Peters,
June Pendergrass, Cora Harper, Leland Copeland, Margaret Duh,
Sue Church, Megan Chapman, Sara Gilliard, Johnny & Jewell White,
Mattie Hughs, Karen Bauer

In The Nursing Homes

Doc Anderson [WH Health & Rehab], Victoria Wooster (OH),
Sam McCampbell (TN)