Sometimes smaller churches make the mistake of thinking that they cannot do much for the cause of Christ. We assume that limited numbers and limited resources means we can only have limited results. This is not true! Allow me to share with you the opening lines of a recent letter from Doug Wheeler who has just returned from his annual trip to Nigeria . . . “Dear brethren, I want to thank you for your support and the great interest you have in Nigerian evangelism! I must say that you are one of the leading congregations in INFLUENCE for Christ and His church in Nigeria, BECAUSE of your WBS (World Bible School) program you have going on in Nigeria through Sylvester Imogoh . . . How does that make you feel? You ought to feel honored and blessed that Christ is doing such a significant work through us! As a small child I loved to throw a pebble into a pond and watch the ripples move out over the entire surface. I was fascinated that something so small could affect something so large. Who would have ever thought that the little ole Highland Lakes church of Christ would be one of the leading churches in the world to have an influence on the entire nation of Nigeria? Brethren . . . let’s keep the ripples going . . . it’s having a great impact for the Lord! — Joe
Out of love for one another…….
We are currently allowing mask use to be optional during the Sunday morning Bible Study and worship assembly and Wednesday evening Bible study. We recommend that those who are unvaccinated or have personal health concerns to continue to wear a mask. We thank you for your consideration of and care for others. Masks are available if you need one.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)
Scripture of the Week
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” ~~ 2 Peter 1:3-4
Something to Smile About
A Rude Awakening
On a Sunday morning, after the worship service, a woman who prided herself on her youthful appearance, spotted a familiar face in the crowd in the fellowship hall. After thinking a while where she might have known that lady, she decided that they might have been students together in high school. She approached the lady and said, “Excuse me, but did you go to Cherry Hill High?”
“Yes, I did,” replied the lady. “My name is Gloria.”
“Gloria! Yes, I remember you! You were in my class!”
Puzzled, Gloria gave the matter some thought for several moments. “What subject did you teach?”
Think About It
Living with Dragons
One day, in England, a “gentleman of the road” (we’d call him a hobo) stopped by a restaurant named “St. George and the Dragon.” He knocked at the back door and asked if he might have some leftovers to eat. A very stern lady looked the fellow in the eye and said: “I’ll not give you one crumb. You’re a fit fellow. Get yourself a job, you bum!” And then to punctuate her point, she slammed the door in the fellow’s face. The shabbily dressed fellow stood looking at the establishment’s sign for a moment and then knocked, again.
The door opened and the same stern lady asked in a hateful voice: “Well, what is it you want, now?
“I was just wondering,” he said, “could I please talk to St. George, this time?”
Unfortunately, we all face “Dragons.” Sometimes we work for them. Sometimes they are relatives. But let’s face it, sometimes we are the dragons! (Not you, right?). So I look for a dragon slayer I can count on. It’s called love.
What makes the dragon in you appear? Petty problems, real or imagined slights, jealousy, insults, someone cheats you? Do you really like yourself when the dragon appears? I know I don’t like it when it is me.
So let’s try this formula from the Bible:
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
“… show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2).
Larry Fitzgerald, Woodlawn church of Christ, Abilene, TX
Highland Lakes church of Christ 