The Awe of
the Book
Charles C. Pugh III

Robert Milligan, 19th century Bible scholar and President of The College Of The Bible in Kentucky University, authored a valuable book entitled, Reason And Revelation (1868). In one of the book's chapters Milligan discussed the qualifications of the Bible student. These included (1) intellectual, (2) moral, and (3) literary qualifications necessary for a correct and practical understanding of the Sacred Volume. Concerning moral qualifications, Milligan wrote, "The first of these is a profound reverence for the Bible ... We should approach the Bible as we would approach its Divine Author" (382).

The only book in which God has recorded His revelation for man today is the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). This written revelation is complete (John 16:13; Eph. 3:3-5) and permanent (Matt. 24:35). It is final (Jude 3). It is "a closed system" (Cf. Rev. 22:18-19). The Bible is THE Book of God, and should be approached with the same attitude one should have if he heard God speak audibly from heaven.

This attitude of profound reverence for the Bible is illustrated by those who heard Ezra read the Scriptures (Neh. 8:1-6). The Bible says, " ... The ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law ... Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people ... and WHEN HE OPENED IT, ALL THE PEOPLE STOOD UP ... And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground" (Neh. 8:3, 5, 6, emp. added).

An old man who was found in Warsaw following World War II had owned and cherished a page that he thought to be from the Bible. He said, "I have read this page again and again. I thought it was from the Bible, but I was never sure. There is something different about it - this I know. But I have always wondered what comes on the next page." And then he wept, as someone let him see and hold, for the first time in his life a complete Bible! Such was the attitude of the one who wrote, " ... My heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure" (Ps. 119:161-162). ❦

LEFTOVERS
Author Unknown

Leftovers are such humble things. We would not serve them to a guest, and yet we serve them to our Lord who deserves the very best.

We give to Him leftover time, stray minutes here and there. Leftover cash we give to Him, such few coins as we can spare.

We give our youth unto the world, to hatred, lust and strife. Then in declining years we give to Him the remnant of our life.

Going to services regularly is like making a path through the forest. .. the more often you use it, the less obstructions you find in the way. Maybe you could use this method to remove those things which are hindering your attendance. Does this apply to YOU?? ❦

Restored
Our hearts were made to rejoice at the response to the Gospel call of sister Autumn Kidwell this past Sunday morning. Autumn came forward confessing sin in her life and asking for forgiveness and the prayers of the congregation. We are very blessed to have one of such a tender heart in our midst.

Christmas Eve
The wives of the elders, deacons and preacher would like to invite everyone to be their guests for lunch provided by them in the annex immediately after the morning services NEXT SUNDAY, December 24, 2006.
     SPECIAL NOTE: Following lunch at noon, the PM services will be held at 1:30 pm instead of the regular time of 6:00 pm.

Enthusiasm is a virtue rarely to be met in seasons of unruffled prosperity. It usually flourishes best in adversity, kindles in the hour of danger, and awakens to deeds of renown. Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm.