What is the key that keeps the church alive in every generation? Some say, it is a strong eldership; Others would answer a strong pulpit; Some believe it to be the Bible, School; Some would say the life of a church is worship which is in spirit and in truth; Others will answer is generous giving which results in large contributions; Some, would say it rests in the involvement of youth.

The fact is that each of the above (as well as others) are factors which have a part in helping the church remain alive. However, it likely is the case that there is a sense in which EVANGELISM is the life of every congregation. Without evangelism there will be no elderships. Without evangelism no one will fill the pulpit. Without evangelism there will be no Bible School teachers or students. Without evangelism no one will continue to worship. Without evangelism there eventually will be no givers. Without evangelism there will be no youth to become involved in the work of the church. Without evangelism there will be no church. Without evangelism any church will die regardless of whatever else it has or does. A sure way to guarantee the closing of the doors in generations to come is to fail to evangelize in this generation.

In a wonderful front page article published recently in The Crieve Hall Chronicle, the weekly bulletin of the Crieve Hall Church of Christ, Nashville, Tennessee, Marlin Connelly stated the following: "We cannot adopt a lawn-party atmosphere serving up pleasantries in a light, bouncy way and fixed on image rather than substance" (Sept 1, 2002). Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where to find food. The food is the bread of life, and the bread of life is Jesus (John 6:35). The image of a church means nothing unless it is the reflection of Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18). Serving up the gospel to others is what the church, is to be about It gives substance to what we are and what we do. It gives life to others, and it keeps the church alive. It is evangelize or fossilize. It is reach out or fade out.

31st Annual Florida School of Preaching Lectureship
“ Do You Understand Restoration?”
Lectures will also be available “live” on the internet at www.fsop.net

see schedule here (PDF file)

Youth Christian Fellowship
Orange Street will host a YCF here today at 3pm. See Chad Tagtow for more details.

Men’s Breakfast
The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast will meet at the North Jackson congregation in Bartow, this coming Saturday morning, January 21st, at 8 am.

Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner
The “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” program will be restarting this year. If you are interested in participating, please see Shirley Bauer.

Directory Photos
Members who do not have a current photo in the church directory, are asked to see Keith Marten for details on getting their picture taken.