Sept. 16, 2007
Volume XXVI - Number 37  

A Member of His Church
Roger Rush

Some surveys indicate that as many as 96 out of every 100 Americans believe in God. However, when one looks at statistics regarding church membership and involvement, another picture begins to take shape. Many who consider themselves believers want nothing to do with organized religion. Their response is "Yes" to Jesus, but "No" to His church. The fact is, we can't have one without the other. To reject the church is to reject Christ, and to reject Christ is to reject His church.

Membership in His church is essential to a right relationship with the Lord. The importance of the church is apparent from the following:

First, Jesus shed His blood to purchase the church. Paul charged the elders of the church at Ephesus: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

Second, Jesus loved the church and died for it (Ephesians 5:25). He would not have died for something which was unimportant or irrelevant to the salvation of mankind.

Third, it is in the church that man is reconciled to God. Through his death on the cross he made it possible for Jews and Gentiles to be reconciled unto God in "one body" (Ephesians 2:16). The one body is the church (Ephesians 4:4).

Fourth, man cannot be saved outside of the church. All of the saved are added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:47).

The church is too important for it to be casually brushed aside. It was important enough that Jesus was willing to die for it. It should be important enough for us to actively serve the Lord as members of it. Those who deny the importance of the church are seeking all of the blessings of Christianity without any of the responsibilities. It won't work!

Are you a member of His church?



AM SERMON:
"The High Price of Unfaithfulness"
(Deuteronomy 7:6-11)
PM SERMON:
"Is God Concerned with Our Giving?"
(Malachi 3:8-12)

A message from Ted Wheeler:

Floods Devastate Ghana

275,000 people have been displaced in Northern Ghana. (227,812 in the Northern Region where much of our work is being done). At least 20 people killed. Bridges destroyed. @ 20,000 homes destroyed or damaged. Thousands of acres of farmland are under water. 69% of this year’s harvest will be lost (@31% of the national harvest). Hunger is inevitable and with it malnutrition and disease. Children and the elderly will be at the greatest risk. This will become a major disaster in the months to come. $250 will buy 50 kilos of maize, $350 will by a bag of rice. You can help by sending your gift to:

Ghana Flood Relief
Ghana Missions
4301 SR 776
Venice, FL 34293

Betty Whitehead, known by many here at Orange Street, passed away this past Thursday morning from a massive heart attack. She had been having problems for awhile and was getting ready to go to the doctor when she had the attack. No funeral arrangements were known at this printing. Keep Dale and the family in your prayers during this time of loss and sorrow.

Our Pantry
Our food pantry is an ongoing work and we need to keep it stocked so that the work can continue. The greatest need is usually canned meats, canned fruit and personal hygiene items - but all canned foods are welcomed. If you can help with the Thursday food distribution program, see Wanda Greene.

Directory Update
Please update the “Extended Family” portion of your directory:

HILL, Gene & Jerry. . . . . .662-887-3526
120 Stonewall Dr. - Indianola, MS 38751

The Seven Ages of Man
R. M. Cornelius

• 6 weeks:  all systems go
• 6 years:   all systems no!
• 16 years: all systems know
• 26 years: all systems glow
• 36 years: all systems owe
• 56 years: all systems status quo
• 76 years: all systems slow

  

Katherine Moses, Ann Johnson,
Luther Pendergrass,
Mona Howard, Jason Powell,
Wilda Cox, Pete Peeples,
Bill Guy, Minnie Lee Stout,
Zach Mathis, Pansy Sims,
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)
Jewell White (Auburndale Oaks)