TEN-TENTHS
John Gipson

The church had a parking problem. Close by was a supermarket. Believe it or not, it was closed on Sundays. The church inquired of the owner of the supermarket as to whether they could use his parking lot on Sunday, "Yes, you can use our parking lot or Sunday, fifty-one Sundays a year, but not fifty-two. One Sunday a year the entrance will be chained off." They inquired why this odd restriction. He said, "I want you never to forget that this parking lot belongs to the supermarket, not to the church."

I wonder. Do you suppose that one of the reasons we do not acknowledge the sovereignty of God is because he has been so good to us? We say that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, but we have used it so long that we have begun to think that the title is ours. I wonder if the cattleman who takes his cattle to auction ever stops to consider that those cattle, and the cattle on a thousand hills belong to God? Do you suppose that the oilman really considers that God owns those oil wells he likes to call his? And what about that fruit orchard? Doesn't it belong to God.? How about the house you live in, and every baby that you have cradled in it? And what about your bank account? Oh, I know that you worked hard to obtain it, but doesn't the silver and the gold belong to God? "Beware lest you say in your heart, My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

If we really understood that we are stewards, we probably wouldn't be so concerned about arguing over a tithe, or any other percentage, that we are offering to God., We would understand that all of it (ten-tenths) belongs to the Lord.

We have come a long way in restoring New Testament Christianity, but we have not yet reached the understanding of those early Christians in Jerusalem. Among them "no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own" (Acts 4:32).

Daily Bible Readers
All who signed up to be Daily Bible Readers last year - and - have had at least a 90% success rate - are asked to sign the sheet in the foyer.

Elders Meeting
The elders would like to meet with the congregation this afternoon at 5:00 here in the auditorium. All members are encouraged to attend.

Youth Christian Fellowship
Orange Street will host a YCF here next Sunday (15th) afternoon at 3 PM. See Chad Tagtow for more details.

Placed Membership
We are pleased to welcome Tracy Walling to the number of saints who worship here at Orange Street. Sister Walling has asked to be included in our membership. We will run directory information when it becomes available.

Diaper Shower
There will be a diaper shower held at Sabrina Tagtow’s residence on Tuesday, January 10th. The time is 7:00 pm and all of the ladies of the congregation are invited to attend. See Sabrina for other details.

FSOP Extension Class
A new FSOP extension class will begin here at Orange Street, in the annex, this coming Thursday evening (Jan. 12th) at 7 pm. This semester the subject will be “The General Epistles” (James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, Jude). The class will be taught by Bob Bauer. There is a $5 registration fee to cover FSOP expenses and all are invited to enroll and participate.

It is never worthwhile to argue or discuss the religion that you think too little of to practice. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)