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Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 4 August 9, 2009 Number 33
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Stop Dating The Church
Steve Higginbotham
I recently read a book by Joshua Harris by the above title. In this book Harris affirmed that there are many people who “date” the church, but who are unwilling to fall in love with and be committed to the church. And you know, I think he’s right. How many people do you know who are “believers” but they’re not “belongers.” They believe in Jesus, but don’t want to be tied down. They “date” the church, but want to remain independent and free of commitment and responsibility.
Friends, instead of seeing the church for all its flaws and foibles, why not see it as the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:9-11), and the beautiful bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32). Committing to the church doesn’t tie one down, rather it anchors one through the storms of life. And it’s flaws? It’s flaws provide us with an opportunity to love, serve, practice patience, and grow more like our Savior.
Listen friends, don’t allow yourself to use the excuse that the church is too messed up to commit to it. Jesus is the only one who has the right to disown or give up on the church, but he never has and never will.
Therefore, let me leave you with this challenge. Many people are fond of saying that we need to develop a heart for the poor or a heart for the lost, and these are good desires. But may I challenge you to also develop a heart for the church? Get involved. Get committed. Take on responsibility. Invest yourself. After all, if Jesus loves the church, shouldn’t we?
VISITATION IS THE KEY. . .
. . . .To Our Growth At Lay Lake. How much we “go” determines how much we “grow!”
. . . .To Winning People To Christ. Few souls are won by mail or phone.
. . . .To Helping People. Only through face-to-face contact can people’s deepest needs be discovered.
. . . .To Christian Joy! The Christian who does not “go” has failed to heed Christ’s highest command.
Every Christian should be interested in visiting because so many things can be started or settled for human good and the glory of God only by a personal commitment to winning souls to our Lord Jesus Christ!
1) Visiting is the best way of keeping in touch with other members of the church. We need to know one another better so that we may share experiences of joy and bear one another’s burdens of life! 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Galatians 6:1,2
2) Visiting is the best way of reaching absentees and converting them to regular attendance. James 5:19,20; Hebrews 10:24-26
3) Visiting shows the party visited that someone “cares for his soul.” Yes, truly cares. Everyone needs that realization that someone cares for him. Jude 22,23; John 13:34,35
4) Last, Visiting is surely a part of our Christian responsibility as outlined in the word of God. Matthew 25:36,43; James 1:27
Prayer List
Barney Payne; the Jackson family; the McDonald family, the Walton family; Byron Benson; the Rocco Pierce family; Bill Nelson; J. B. Vincent; Gayle Higginbotham; Colin Chandler, Martha Eckert; Mary Merrell; Robert Kelley; Adam Pilling; Corey Boothe; Scott Pierce; Beverly Smathers; Robert Kelley.
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading: Matt. 3:13-17
Pantry: shortning (This is only a SUGGESTED item).
Fellowship Meal: Invited your friends and family for some good food and fellowship next Sunday immediately following our morning worship.
Grief Class: Immediately following our fellowship meal on August 23 we will have a time of prayer and discussion for those interested.
Minutes Available: for our August Men’s Meeting. These are on the table in the foyer.
Fifth Sunday Prayer Service: August 30. All of our Christian men are encouraged to participate.
2010 Great Smoky Mtn. Marriage Retreat: Feb.10 - 13 in Pigeon Forge
Winter Bible School: Mark your calendar - February 19,20, 2010
Fall Gospel Meeting: Mark your calendar - Meeting - Nov. 1-4
August Birthdays & Anniversaries
- 17 - Hillary Payne
- 17 - Frankie & Kim Roberson
- 22 - Lauren Jones
- 23 - Will Parker
- 25 - Evan Weathers