September 13, 2009
Volume XXVIII - Number 37

The Importance of Midweek Bible Study
Ray Crawford

The question was asked me recently, "Are we to believe that Wednesday evening attendance is necessary?" I believe brother Garland M. Robinson makes a good response to this question by asking, "If you are a Christian, where else would you want to be?" This is a most revealing question. It reveals the shallow and hollow depth of devotion one has to the Christ who died for him. This question speaks volumes concerning those who desire to be somewhere else during the Wednesday night services.

It is a simple fact that a person will make time for and be engaged in whatever activity pleases him. The bottom line basically is that people only do what they want to do. If you want to be a faithful Christian, live a godly life, and go to heaven when you die, then you will make every effort to achieve that end. One's attitude and heart is not right who must be begged, prodded and coaxed to attend services of the Lord's church at any time! Shame on those who do not put forth the effort to be with those of "like mind" in the faith every opportunity afforded.

• II Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." To meet at any time with the saints to study the most precious Book that tells of everlasting life and what to do to obtain it is the desire of everyone who truly wants to go to heaven. One day we will stand before Jesus to be judged. We study the scriptures to be approved of Him so that we might be found living in accordance with His will when He comes to call all things to an end (Acts 17:30,31).

• II Peter 3:18 tells us, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This command is to grow in the knowledge of God. How then could anyone refuse to grasp the opportunity to do what we have been commanded?

Wednesday night is an excellent time to meet and study. This time is to supplement our personal home study. But if the truth is known, few study at home and therefore have no interest in midweek study either.

Seriously, what else on earth is more important than God, truth, and righteousness? Read Matthew 6:33 and know that when we put anything ahead of God, the Bible, and church and think we are fine, we are in for a rude awakening on judgment day.


Jaden WardCongratulations
We are privileged to announce that Valerie and Gene Ward are the proud parents of Jaden Tyler Ward - 8 lbs, 12 oz - born Tuesday, September 8th, 2009. At last word, Jaden, Valerie, Gene and Jazzy were all doing well.

You Are InvitedWedding
Heather Howell and Nathan Gann will be wed this coming Saturday evening at 5:00 pm, here at Orange Street. A reception will be held at Shalimar Creek after the ceremony.

Men's Breakfast
The men of the 5th Street congregation in Bartow, will host this month's Men's Breakfast at the N. Jackson Ave. church of Christ building - this coming Saturday morning at 8 am. All of our men are invited to attend. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer.

www.OrangeStreetCofC.com
We invite you to visit the church's redesigned web-site. The site is still not 100% complete, but it was getting more and more difficult to keep up 2 sites at once. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated and any suggestions will be given serious consideration. Let me know your thoughts, either in person or by email. If you have any problems see me, Carl Chambers, and we will try to find a solution.

Pantry Alert!
The PantryOnce again the cupboard is bare. We saw 26 and fed 84. WE ARE OUT OF EVERYTHING!! Please help out with canned goods and cash donations. Shopping day is Tuesday.

Family Outing
Green Meadows FarmThose planning to go on the family field trip to Green Meadows Farm need to sign-up on the sheet in the foyer TODAY. See Katrina or Sabrina.

TODAY'S SERMONS

AM: "A Necklace We Don't Want to Wear"
(Mark 9:42-47)

PM: "Attitudes Needed in the Church:
The Attitude of Lois and Eunice"
(2 Timothy 1:3-5)

PRAYER LIST

Wanda Greene, Micky Bell, Haskel DeBord, Gladys Wagner, Lucy Blackman,
Virginia Satterfield, Heidi West,
Stacy Paulin, Lynda Waters,
Robin Cunningham, Mary Joens,
Paul Williams, Luther Pendergrass,
Minnie Lee Stout, Kathy Beal, Robert Cox,
Pansy Sims, Weston Rogers, Ricky Peeples, Jonathon DeWalt, Riley Parker,
Vivian Bently, Frances Kidwell,
Zach Mathis, Paul Harper

– Shut Ins –
Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
John Baker, Frances Black, Mattie Hughs

– In The Nursing Homes –
Mona Howard (Springlake),
Jim Huggins (A,dale Oaks),
Robert Pearson (Consulate)