Thankfully Rescued
_______ David Sargent _______

Years ago a boat was wrecked in a storm on Lake Michigan. Students from Northwestern University formed rescue teams and did all they could to save people from drowning. One student named Edward Spencer saved 17 people before he fell exhausted to the ground.

Years later R. A. Torrey referred to this incident while speaking in Los Angeles, CA, when a man in the audience called out, "Edward Spencer is here!" Torrey asked Spencer to come forward and asked him if anything in particular stood out in his memory from that momentous occasion. Spencer replied,'Only this sir, of the 17 people I rescued, not one of them thanked me.’"

Another great "rescue operation" has been performed. And you may not realize it, but YOU were involved. You and 1, and every other person are drowning in a condition called sin. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Because of His love for us, God sent His Son to our rescue. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son in to the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved [rescued]" (John 3:16-17). Edward Spencer gave all of his energy to save 17 people from drowning, but the Son of God gave his life to save us - to rescue us from our sins (Romans 5:8- 10, Matthew 1: 2 1).

Through the cross of Christ, God has extended His saving hand to rescue us from our sins. He will save us, if we will reach out and grasp His hand. But just how do I grasp God's saving hand? What must I do to be saved - to be rescued from my sins? Thankfully, God has given us the answer through His Word!

We must BELIEVE in Jesus (Acts 16:3 1), REPENT of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:10), CONFESS Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), BE BAPTIZED for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), and continue to cling to His hand through our faithful obedience to His will (I Corinthians 15:1-4).

Due to our sin, the storms rage about us, but do not despair. Gratefully reach up to the saving hand of God in trusting obedience, and He will rescue you. Then, having been rescued, let us continue to express our gratitude by honoring our Savior through the lives that we live. For the best way to give thanks is to live thanks! Have you been rescued? Is your thanks-giving expressed by your thanks-living?

NO Times Change (yet)
The changes of times planned for our evening services (that were scheduled to go into effect next week) have been temporarily delayed. Our Sunday and Wednesday evening services times will remain as they are until further notice. See the elders for further clarification.

March Calendars
The March edition of the Orange Street Activities Calendar and Those To Serve List is available today in the foyer. Please pick up a copy so that you may be informed of the activities and duties scheduled for the coming month.

Our hearts and prayers are with Bobby Wells and his family in the passing of his mother, Grace Wells, this past Tuesday afternoon. Funeral services were held on Thursday at Auburndale Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Keep Bobby, Fay and the family in your prayers during this time of loss and sorrow.

Gospel Meeting
We have a “Homecoming” Gospel Meeting scheduled to begin Sunday, March 12th, and run through Wednesday, March 15th. This is only two weeks from today, so make your plans now. Invite friends, neighbors, and family and especially former members to be with us for any or all of this meeting. Our speaker for the series will be Ted Wheeler from Venice, Florida. Ted and Renee were members here at Orange Street back in the eighties and are cherished friends to many in the congregation.

Relay For Life
There will be a meeting today (Sun), for anyone that is interested in helping or being on our team for this year’s Relay for Life walk. The meeting will be in "auditorium B" immediately after the morning services.