DOGS & HOGS

The sermon yesterday morning was on sheep and goats based on Matthew 25:31-46. There will be a day of separation when Jesus comes again. The sheep will have eternal life. The goats will go away to everlasting punishment, a place prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41,46).

When I told Brian what I was speaking on, he told me I should do a lesson on the dogs and hogs. He had reference to a statement made in II Peter 2:20-22, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” This section of scripture has to do with the idea of those who obey the gospel, live the Christian life and then for some reason, go back to their old way of life. It is not a pleasant picture that is painted for us by the apostle Peter. It may be disgusting, but we know that dogs do that very thing. We also know that a pig is still a pig, no matter how much you clean it up. It will wallow in the mud if given the opportunity.

This is sad proof of the possibility of falling from grace. These had escaped from the corruption of the world, they had repented and became New Testament Christians. They had been washed in the blood of the lamb and were cleansed from all their sins. Yet, they chose to go back to their old ways, to become entangled again with their old lifestyle. Now, their condition is worse than had they never obeyed the gospel. This is a sad commentary on the lives of some people who know what it is to have forgiveness, to have experienced the grace of God, yet make a choice to go back to their own way of life. What a dangerous situation to be in! Do not be like that dog or that hog.

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CHILDREN CAN LEARN

The Law of Moses included the message that parents were to instruct their children in the ways of Jehovah. Speaking of the words that He gave to Israel through Moses, God said, "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deuteronomy 6:7). Such teaching was not only for the Israelites’ own children, but for their grandchildren as well: ". . . but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons" (Deuteronomy 4:9).

The New Testament also indicates that parents should teach their kids the ways of the Lord. It is written, "And ye, fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). All of us know that kids can learn things. First, we know this from personal observation. Second, we also are certain that it happens since God tells His people to teach their kids. The fact that God wants it done implies that learning can take place.

Children can learn spiritual truths. Timothy did. By the Spirit, the apostle Paul reminded him, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Yes, children can learn the sounds that animals make, the ABC s, how to count, and colors. But, dads and moms, they can also learn spiritual truths!

Children can learn from an early age. It is too bad that many Christians around the world do no realize this. It is tragic that some congregations do not have classes for kids until they reach school age. What wonderful opportunities they are missing! We have known little cookie-crunchers that, before they were 1Ω years old, could correctly say "Jesus" in response to the question, "Who is God’s Son?" Now folks, they did not learn such by accident, did they? The little fellas can learn from a very early stage in life that "God" made the sun, that "God" gave us the Bible, and that "Jesus Loves Me."

Children can learn a lot. We have heard three-year old kids name the 66 books of the Bible in order. Some four-year olds can tell you that Jesus has only one church (Ephesians 4:4). Most adults, including famous denominational preachers like Billy Graham, have never learned that truth. We have heard five-year olds quote a Bible verse for each action in the plan of salvation, from hearing (Romans 10:17) to baptism (Mark 16:16). Many adults that have been members of the church for 30 years are unable to do such. There is no denying it: kids can learn a lot!

Children can learn by observation. They can learn from an early age that the observation of the Lord s Supper is a sober occasion (1 Corinthians 11:24-26). They can learn that when we pray to God, that is not a time to be playing. They can learn that it is only males that lead mixed groups in prayers (1 Timothy 2:8). On the other hand, when they do not see a pattern of good works (Titus 2:7), they can also learn that some saints skip Bible class, some talk during sermons, some never bring their Bibles to services, and some never sing. Brethren, what are the little ones at our congregation observing in you and me?!

Let us challenge children to learn. Let us work diligently and patiently with them. When it comes to the training of children, whether they are toddlers or teens, there is no substitute for two items: (1) repetition and (2) a good example from Christians that shows them the right way. Yes, Children Can Learn: they can learn spiritual truths, they can learn from an early age, they can learn a lot, and they can learn by observation.

-- Roger D. Campbell

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MONTROSE FAMILY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Aug 09, 2009

THOSE PRIVILEGED TO SERVE

WORSHIP----SUNDAY---9:00 AM

Co-Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billy Halliburton

Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glen Reece

Scriptures Reading. Matthew 19:8,9…. . . . Chase Cole

Song Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jimmy Smith

Opening Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacky Carver Jr

Lord’s Supper-Preside: Steve Anderson

Serve: Ricky Kirby, Craig Anderson,

Brian Harville, Cody Anderson

Closing Prayer.................................. Hoss West

Greeter- Steve & Maria Anderson

Greeter- Ricky & Janie Kirby

Count Offering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacky Carver, Sr.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaleb Bush

AM Sermon- . Christian Family

PM Sermon- - Life is in His Son (I John 5:5-13)

WORSHIP---SUNDAY---6:00 PM

Song Leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harold Smith

Scripture Reading.. . . .I John 5:11-13. . . . . Chase Cole

Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Brooks

Lord’s Supper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacky Carver Sr.

Serve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .Chase Cole

Closing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zac Cole

BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAY---7:00 PM

Song Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harold Smith

First Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glen Reece

Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger Draper

Closing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Kemp

Prepare Communion for Aug

Shirley Hailey

Note: If you are not able to fulfill your assignment listed above, please notify the coordinator so that he can find a replacement.

MONTROSE BULLETIN BOARD

NURSING HOME: Lucille Smith,

Those on the sick list:

Donald Chaffin (Zion) Lou Gehrig’s disease

Kathy Harville

Vaughn Allen –cancer has returned

OUR RECORD OF LOVE FOR CHRIST

Wednesday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Worship Sunday AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Bible Study Sunday AM .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

D aily Bible Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Worship Sunday PM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Offering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3795.00

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Youth Day Aug. 8^th. beginning at 10:00 AM. Speakers Brian Harville, Glen Reece. Cookout and games at the Goads and Dyers after the lessons.

Oct. 10^th. Hayride at the Russells

Oct 18-21^st. Fall Lectureship with Ben Flatt

We are asking each family to bring items for the pantry to be used for needs in the community as they arise: Item for week: Green Peas.

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BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR AUG

01 Isa. 18-20 02 Isa. 21-23 03 Isa. 24-26 04 Isa. 27-29 05 Isa. 30-34 06 Isa. 35-37 07 Isa. 38-40 08 Isa. 41-43 09 Isa. 44-46 10 Isa. 47-49

11 Isa. 50-52 12 Isa. 53-57 13 Isa. 58-60 14 Isa. 61-63 15 Isa. 64-66 16 Jer 1-3 17 Jer. 4-6 18 Jer. 7-9 19 Jer. 10-14 20 Jer. 15-17 21 Jer. 18-20

22 Jer. 21-23 23 Jer. 24-26 24 Jer. 27-29 25 Jer. 30-32 26 Jer. 33-37 27 Jer. 38-40 28 Jer. 41-43 29 Jer. 44-46 30 Jer. 47-49 31 Jer. 50

04 I Kings 15-17

31 Isa. 15-17