****************************************************************************************************
Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 4 April 19, 2009 Number 16
****************************************************************************************************
Bible Study & Worship
David A. Bass
What is your view of Bible Study and Worship? Is it a necessary evil, something that must be done in order to escape the horrors of hell? Do we consider every opportunity to assemble with our brethren for Bible Study and Worship a special privilege?
Some view Bible Study as an option. If it doesn’t conflict with anything else, they will attend, but don't expect them to prepare a lesson or participate in any class discussion. This person has little interest in the Word of God. On the other hand, serious students of the Bible arrive early with their lesson prepared eager to learn more from the Bible. This person creates enthusiasm in the class because they are glad to be there! Wednesday evenings are looked forward to with great anticipation because it affords another opportunity for a study of God’s Word!
What about Worship (morning and evening)? For some worship is something to be endured with no interest whatsoever. Rather than assembling to worship the God of heaven because of love and devotion, some appear rather bored - perhaps attending only out of a sense of duty or obligation. During worship some are manicuring their nails, writing notes, drawing, being entertained by someone else’s baby, talking, sleeping, watching the clock, eating or just looking around waiting for it all to end. Too many “Christians” are spectators rather than participators. They do not join in the singing of praise, or follow with reverence the reading of Scripture. The sermon is merely a“performance” to be critiqued while our giving and the Lord’s Supper is just a formality. There is little love and warmth in the heart. The command to worship “in spirit” (John 4:24) is meaningless.
Others assemble for worship (morning and evening) with a much different attitude. There is joy in their hearts at the privilege and opportunity to worship our “Father” without fear. They are uplifted as they speak with God in prayer and praise his name in song. There is great sorrow in their hearts as they remember Jesus’ death upon the cross while partaking of the Lord’s Supper and yet great joy in remembering his resurrection. Giving as “they have been prospered” is considered a privilege and an opportunity! As the gospel is preached they hang upon every word and whether the sermon is 30 minutes long, or an hour it matters not so long as the Word is preached without fear or favor. As the invitation song is sung they long for those who need to respond to come to Christ in obedience.
Brethren, we need to “examine ourselves” in regard to our attitude toward Bible class and worship. Too many have been lulled to sleep or become totally indifferent. We need to develop an attititude like David when he said, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalms May we look forward to every Bible class and worship service and come with love in our hearts toward God and one another!!!
Prayer List
J. C. Hyche (David’s dad); Gladys Gaut; Bill Nelson (Frieda’s dad); Bobby Clements; John Crumbly; the Jones family; Julia Shareef; Ronny Clements; Martha Eckert; Mary Merrell;; Adam Pilling; Robert Kelley; Corey Boothe, Matthew & Levi. Pray for our young people!
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading Today: 1 John 2:18-29
Responses: The following responded during our gospel meeting: Kayla Dunphy; Hanna Hyche; Tracy Hyche, Will Parker, Kyla Phillips and Kellie Smith.
Our Gospel Meeting: What a tremendous meeting we had!!! Thanks to everyone who helped make it a success.
What’s next? Our gospel meeting (revival) is over - what will we do with what we learned? Let’s take it to others. “The blessed gospel is for all. . . “
Gospel Meeting: Grandview Pines April 19 - 22 with Curtis Cates doing the speaking. If you would like a C.D. with all of the sermons, please write your name down & give it to Chris Smith.
Volunteers Needed: Please look at the bulletin board. We need volunteers to clean the fellowship building after our fellowship meals; serve as greeters; and help with yard work at the building. Thanks!!!
April Birthdays
- Jeff Jones TODAY (April 19th)!!!
Mark Your Calendar
- June 7 - 1st Session of Backwoods Christian Camp
- June 19 - June Bug
- July 10 - Jason & Kayla’s wedding
- July 20 - Vacation Bible School
- Sept. 25 - Aaron & Lindsey’s wedding
!!! Welcome Visitors !!!