The Reporter -- 1252015 Published weekly by the Walnut Street Church of Christ, 306 Walnut Street, Greenville, Alabama. Please accept our invitation and ATTEND our church services: Sunday Morning 9:30 & 10:30 – Sunday Evening 6:00 --Wednesday Evening 7:00. Everyone is welcome. Our building is located at 306 Walnut Street in Greenville, Alabama. We are just behind Trustmark Bank, about 3 blocks from Butler County Court House. God bless your family. Love Charles In My Spiritual Life, Who Am I? Many people have a deep interest in genealogy. They want to find out about their ancestry. They feel that this will somehow better help them to understand who they are. Learning your genealogy may cause a person to be able to put their own life in better perspective. In genealogy searches, sometimes things are found that we wish we did not know concerning ancestors. There are triumphs and tragedies that our ancestors went through. Knowing these things could help us to have a more grateful heart for where we are in our life today. Genealogy is one of Americas favorite hobbies. There is something very strange about events that happen to a person involved in genealogy. We live in a world with several billion people. They suddenly find out that someone is their fourth or fifth cousin and they somehow feel close to that person. They feel connected to them. You may not have any interest in your physical ancestry, but you do need to know who you are spiritually. I am not saying we need to trace our spiritual ancestry back generation to generation; rather I am saying we need to know who we are spiritually at this moment. The little book of 3 John allows me to find some answers to the question, “Who am I in my spiritual journey?” Who am I in my spiritual journey? A little child is born into this world pure and innocent. Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) Sadly, we do not maintain that state of being innocent; we go astray from God. In that state of innocence, the person is without guilt. They could not be charged with any wrongdoing in thought or action. We leave this innocent state by going astray from God. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) Having gone astray from God, we must then obey the gospel in order to avail ourselves of atonement by the blood of Jesus. Peter told believers to, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) Who are you on your spiritual journey? Are you a saint or are you still a sinner? Who am I in my spiritual journey when it comes to living by the truth? In the book of 3 John, God allowed us to look briefly into the life of a faithful brother named Gaius. This good man loved God and stood for the truth. “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.” (3 John 1:3) Our goal should be to imitate Gaius as we faithfully live by the truth of God. His faithfulness brought joy to John, his father in the faith. John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 1:4) Gaius was a brother who did what he should do in the kingdom of God. In a great tribute to this good man the Bible says, “Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers.” (3 John 1:5) in his spiritual journey, (a) Gaius loved the truth and walk in it, (b) He was benevolent toward other Christians where he lived, and (c) He was helpful to strangers who moved about spreading the gospel. We are able to observe these great things concerning Gaius in his spiritual journey, but who am I in my spiritual journey when it comes to living by the truth? Who am I in my spiritual journey when it comes to what I do in the local congregation? Our spiritual journey should lead us in a direction that is exactly opposite of the life of like Diotrephes. Sadly, this brother did things to hinder the growth of the church and the love that could exist within it. John identified Diotrephes as one who promoted that which was evil. “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” (3 John 1:9-11) Likely, Diotrephes did not work like Gaius, but he wanted to have the love and respect that Gaius had in the church. He used his tongue and malicious words to do damage. When I asked, “Who am I in my spiritual journey when it comes to what I do in the local congregation?” I pray that the answer is not, I am Diotrephes. Who am I in my spiritual journey when it comes to my daily influence? God inspired John to write some positive things about a brother named Demetrius. “Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.” (3 John 1:12) “Having a good report” is another way of saying that he had been a good example for God. Demetrius had a good report of all men. The truth itself bore witness and gave Him a good report. There is no proof at all that this could be the case, but would it not be wonderful if this was the same Demetrius, who at first was a maker of idol gods in Ephesus? (Acts 19:24-29) Demetrius is a man who is certainly worthy of our imitation. We must learn to discern between good and evil, righteousness and wickedness and we must support and imitate those who are good and righteous. It was a wonderful thing that Demetrius had the witness of so many people that he was a righteous man. It was a much greater thing that Demetrius had the witness of the truth that he was a righteous man. Demetrius is a good example of what the truth requires in the life of one who would faithfully serve God. John had much more he wanted to say, but his desire was to say it face-to-face with these brethren. “I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.” (3 John 1:13-14) John certainly said enough in these few verses to remind us who we need to be in our spiritual journey. It is God’s desire that we learn the difference between good and evil and follow that which is good. To follow that which is good, we must obey the gospel and live a faithful Christian life. To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37) and be baptized to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21) As a Christian, always follow that which is good. “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” (3 John 1:11) ---- Charles Box News & Notes 1. Prayer List: In Need of Prayer: LeRoy Boutwell, Dale Bozeman, Homer Cauthen, Camren Coleman, Tim & Trina Croley, Donald Davis, Jerri Davis, Courtney Gregory, Gwen Henderson, Donna Miller, Dorman Murff, Sherri Norton, Alice Padgett, Becky Reynolds, Linda Reynolds, David Sessions, L.D. Sessions, Larry Smith, Tete & Eleanor Stabler, Wayne Stallings, Mary Lou Terrell, Bill Thomas, Russell Trawick, Leroy Waller, Bill Ward, Barbara Woods and Wayne Young. Crowne Health Care: Dorothy Buck, Jewel Cauthen, Gladys Childs, Arlene Coletrane, Ruth Davis, Bessie Frazier, Davis & Ruth Hester, Kathy Johnson, Sarah Knight, and Annie Ruth Tetter. Pine Needle: Elizabeth Perdue and Lydia Ann Raybon. 2. Pray for These Cancer Victims: Juanita Baugh, Roy Bender, Libby Bozeman, Bonnie Croley, Debbie Daurelia, Kay Davis, Lynn Henderson, Sandy Hutton, Peggy Lassiter, Shelia McCullough, Eugene Morgan, Clarence Ray, Bob & Ann Rainey, Laura Rutherford, Ed Starkie, Ally Tucker and Patricia Unger. 3. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to: (a) Patricia Gafford and her family in the death of her father, Daward McNaughton. Mr. McNaughton is also the brother-in-law of Hilda Cauthen and (b) David Stallings and Felice Kendrick and their families in the death of their aunt, Callie Lowe. 4. 2015 Budget: Our weekly budget for 2015 is $7,071.00. Give as God has blessed you. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) 5. Contribution Verification Letters for 2014: The letters are available on the Welcome Center. If you do not find yours or if there are questions see Deborah Stallings. 6. Secret Pal Meeting: The Secret Pals will meet on Sunday, January 25th at 5:00 p.m. in the multipurpose room. If you are a Secret Pal member please attend! 7. Anniversary: Celebrating an anniversary this week: January 29th Billy and Felice Kendrick and January 31st Terry and Gayle Gafford. 8. Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday this week: January 26th Sue Bagents, January 27th Sarah Hoffman, January 28th Carla Goth and Phillip Pierce, January 29th Wheeler Chance, Andrew Gibson, Micah Godwin, Jane O’Connor, and Sandra Roberson, January 30th Kayla Garlock and Kristi Garlock, and January 31st Barbara Walker. 9. Dipe & Wipe Shower for April & Brett Rowell: A box is in the foyer for items that you bring. They are having a boy. Some needed items are listed on the box. 10. Thank You Notes: (a) Dear Church Family, We cannot express the heartfelt gratitude that we fell for the people here at Walnut Street. We have been so blessed by all the expressions of love shown to us during our mothers illness and her passing. Thank you for the many prayers, visits, phone calls, food and beautiful flowers. Thank you for your genuine love and ever working spirit for the Lord and His family. In Christian Love, Wheeler, Tracy & Meredith Chance and (b) Dear Walnut Street Church of Christ, Thank you so much for the beautiful plant that you sent to us. It was so nice that you remembered my mother in this way. Thank you, Mike & Ann Findley and Family 11. Special Need: Hospice Care Package items for this week are lotion and socks. 12. Sign-Up Sheets 2015: The sign-up sheets for 2015 are on the bulletin board. Please volunteer. *We are also looking for some men who would be willing to drive the van for either 1 week or 1 month. If you could help, let Charles Box know. 13. Pray for Our Work in Annai: Please pray for our mission work in Annai, Guyana South America. Charles Box will make a trip to Annai January 26th – February 12th. Please pray for him. 14. Area Events: January 30th – Singing – Elba Church of Christ – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. A Living Faith Sometimes you hear people say that Christians are known more for what were against than what were in agreement with. Sadly, sometimes this seems true. We shouldn’t be KNOWN for pointing fingers, judging others, and making it known what we believe is right and wrong. Instead of trying to “get ‘em told,” we should be trying to save their souls! A spiritually mature Christian doesn’t get angry at people because they aren’t faithful to God. A spiritually mature Christian mourns the lost and wants desperately to SHOW them WHY it is wonderful to serve to God. It is a constant challenge to balance faith and works, but James chapter 2 stresses the importance of both. “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18) Real faith cannot exist without good works any more than love can exist without actions to back up the emotion. Understanding the depths of God’s love for US gives insight into the fact that He loves others every bit as much! When it comes to your faith and actions, you are establishing habits and patterns right now that literally can shape your life for better or worse. One key to success here is that when we start focusing on faith, the good deeds follow naturally. Balancing faith and works can be a difficult thing to accomplish. Good deeds or bad deeds dont affect Gods love for us even one bit. And, good deeds alone cannot earn Gods favor or salvation, though using our talents faithfully is required (Luke 15). But, actions are evidence of the compassion, love, and grace God has bestowed on every Christian. So, today, will you consider obeying the gospel as a reaction to God’s matchless love? “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17) ----Darrell Powell Saving faith is a yielding to the authority of God! Please accept our invitation and ATTEND our church services: Sunday Morning 9:30 & 10:30 – Sunday Evening 6:00 --Wednesday Evening 7:00. Everyone is welcome. Our building is located at 306 Walnut Street in Greenville, Alabama. We are just behind Trustmark Bank, about 3 blocks from Butler County Court House. God bless your family. Love Charles
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 01:04:35 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015