****************************************************************************************************
Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 4 October 11, 2009 Number 41
****************************************************************************************************
The Bible #3
David A. Bass
The New Testament is our rule of faith today. Old Testament prophecies concerning an “eternal kingdom” and a coming “Messiah” (Savior) are fulfilled as Jesus provides eternal salvation from sin through his death on the cross and as His church (kingdom) becomes reality. The book of MATTHEW was written to a Jewish audience recording the life and teaching of Jesus with special emphasis on the many Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus as the Messiah. This book was written by the apostle Matthew sometime between 38 A.D. and 69 A.D. MARK was written around 65 A.D. by John Mark to the Romans emphasizing Jesus as the faithful servant. The book of LUKE was written by Luke, “the beloved physician” about 63 A.D. Luke is the only Gentile writer in the New Testament. Jesus is presented in this book as the perfect man, “the Son of Man” displaying the great mercy and compassion of God. JOHN was the last of the four gospel accounts written (probably around 97 A.D.). This book beautifully portrays the deity of Jesus. This book was penned by “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Each of these four gospel accounts give distinct details concerning the life, teaching and miracles of Jesus. The book of ACTS is the history book of the New Testament which gives great detail to the first thirty years of the church. It was also written by Doctor Luke about 64 A.D. The book of Acts also answers man’s greatest question, “What shall I do” to be saved? In this book we find many stories of actual conversions. ROMANS reminds us of man’s sin and that man is justified by faith. Abraham is held up as an example of faith. Romans also deals with Christian conduct. This letter was written by the apostle Paulabout A.D. 58 from the city of Corinth. 1 CORINTHIANS was written by the apostle Paul from the city of Ephesus about A.D. 56. The apostle deals with the division in the church, immorality, abuses of the Lord’s Supper and the eating of meat offered to idols. There is also a lengthy discussion concerning the regulation of spiritual gifts. 2 CORINTHIANS tells of Paul’s joy that his first letter had been received in the proper spirit and that the church had received his instruction and obeyed it. In this letter we read of the sufferings of Paul; the liberality of the churches of Macedonia and further instructions on Christian giving. This letter was written from Macedonia by Paul about A.D. 57. GALATIANS was written not to one congregation but to “the churches of Galatia” by the apostle Paul about A.D. 57. Paul begins by relating his own conversion and he also mentions the conference in Jerusalem concerning circumcision. The Galatians are warned against returning to the law of Moses and Paul masterfully shows that the Old Testament law was never intended as a permanent law. We are also reminded of our freedom in Christ. EPHESIANS was written about 62 A.D. by the apostle Paul from Rome. This letter was probably intended for several congregations in Asia Minor and Paul eloquently presents God’s eternal purpose to save both Jew and Gentile through faith in Christ. The church is set forth majestically compared by the apostle to the marriage relationship. This letter is concluded with a discussion of the Christian armor. The book of PHILIPPIANS was written while Paul was a prisoner in Rome about 63 A.D. to the church at Philippi. This is a letter of thanksgiving for their continued support and also of Paul’s love for them. Chapter two beautifully sets forth the humility of Christ.
Next week, Lord willing, we will continue our overview of the New Testament.
Prayer List
Ashley Carney; Glenda Mason; Karen Funderbird; Mr. & Mrs. Hyche(David’s parents); Dawn Rasco; Jamie Suiter; Payton Edwards; Gayle Higginbotham; Colin Chandler; Earl Dean; Martha Ecker Baileyt; Corey Boothe; Adam Pilling; Scott Pierce; Jesse Spillman; Major Marshall. (Earthquake victims in Pacific Islands). Our college students.
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading: Matt. 5:33-42
Pantry: pork-n-beans
Congratulations: to Teddy Bailey and Martha Eckert who were married on Sept. 30th.
Men’s Meeting: TODAY at 3:30!
Singing Workshop: Oct. 17th (all song leaders [boys & men] - 18th everyone!!
Fellowship Meal: Oct. 18th after our morning worship
Youth Devotional: TONIGHT following our afternoon worship!
Upcoming Events
Final Fall Fling at Backwoods: Oct. 23,24
Fall Cook-Out & Hay Ride: Oct. 31 at 6:30 at the Cashes!
Fall Gospel Meeting: Nov. 1-4
2010 Great Smoky Mtn. Marriage Retreat: Feb.10 - 13 in Pigeon Forge
Winter Bible School: Mark your calendar - February 19,20, 2010
Guntersville Family Retreat: March 18-20