July 29, 2007
Volume XXVI - Number 30

Something To Think About!!
Sam Bartrug

If you were to examine the basic beliefs in churches of Christ compared to those of various denominations, it might surprise you to learn that there is little that is unique to us. For example:

• We are not the only ones who believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God.

• We are far from the only ones who assemble on Sunday for worship.

• Most others share with us a belief that Jesus is the Son of God.

• Many stress the need for repentance and a turning away from sin.

• Most acknowledge the need to publicly confess one's faith in Jesus.

• Others besides us baptize by immersion, do not baptize infants, and understand baptism as being for the remission of sins.

• We aren't the only group that sings without instrumental accompaniment.

• Others observe the Lord's Supper weekly.

• Many wear the name Christian and stress holiness in personal living.

• We do not stand alone in teaching that Christians can sin, and thus need to confess their sinfulness and ask for forgiveness when they do.

What is it then that makes churches of Christ different from other religious groups? We are different in that we teach acceptance of all of these distinct bible practices! Others may accept one or more of them but not all of them! Yet, if they are true and biblical, should they not accept them all? Even those who might not practice all of these basic New Testament teachings will generally affirm. that they are valid and that one could practice them without violating Scripture.

It is not our goal to be different from others just to be different. It is our goal to be what God reveals He wants His people to be. This means that we strive to understand and do all that the New Testament teaches God's people should do, leaving no part out and adding nothing to it.

May God help us to continue our quest to be like the church you read about in the New Testament!

August Calendars
The August edition of the Orange Street Activities Calendar and Those To Serve List is available today in the foyer. Be sure to get a copy and be informed of the coming month’s duty schedule and congregational activities.

Fellowship Tonight
All are invited to meet in the annex after the PM services this evening for a time of food and fellowship. We will be honoring our recent birthdays and anniversaries.

PLEASE!!
We really need to get our pantry restocked. We need canned goods of all types (i.e. meats, vegetables, fruits, pasta products, juices, coffee, etc., etc.) as well as personal hygiene products (i.e. soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, etc., etc.). Won’t you please help get this good work back in good working order?

FSOP Extension Class
The FSOP Extension Class, "Ethics", will be held here in the annex, beginning Thursday, August 16th from 7 to 9:30 pm. Bob Bauer will be the instructor. There is a $5 registration fee for the term.

There are many reasons why a man ought to become a Christian, such as love for God who created him and a deep sense of gratitude to Christ who died for him. But along with all these should be a man's love for his family. He ought to desire to be the kind of husband and father his family needs and desires.

A Christian father fills that need.
TODAY'S SERMONS

AM: "The Church Which Fell from Grace"
(Ephesians 2:8-9)

PM: "Is Honesty the Best Policy"
(Romans 12:17)

PRAYER LIST

Katherine Moses, Jason Powell,
Wilda Cox, Pete Peeples,
Minnie Lee Stout,
Zach Mathis, Pansy Sims,
Mona Howard,
Brice Oliver, Lindsay Jo Holt,
Frances Kidwell, Gina Dupree

– Shut Ins –
Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
Frances Black, Cliff Powell, Mattie Hughs

– In The Nursing Homes –
Elsie Chambers (Auburndale Oaks #242)
Robert Pearson (Tandem)
Johnny White (Auburndale Oaks)
Jewell White (Auburndale Oaks)