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 allow 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 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
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~~ James 1:2-4
Something to Smile About
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
After tucking their three-year-old child Sammy in for bed one night, his parents heard sobbing coming from his room.
Rushing back in, they found him crying hysterically. He managed to tell them that he had swallowed a penny and he was sure he was going to die. No amount of talking was helping.
His father, in an attempt to calm him down, palmed a penny from his pocket and pretended to pull it from Sammy’s ear. Sammy was delighted.
In a flash, he snatched it from his father’s hand, swallowed, and then cheerfully demanded, “Do it again, Dad!”Think About It
What is it Worth to You?
The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life – knowing that under certain conditions it is not worthwhile to live.”
Jesus lived in word and deed by the principle, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13), and so He gave Himself on the cross for all of humanity (John 3:16). What do you care sufficiently for to expose yourself to danger? Give up for your fellow man? – Matt Clifton, Judsonia church of Christ, Judsonia, AR
Highland Lakes church of Christ 