EVANGELISM

Sunday Morning we talked about some things that hinder us in the effort to evangelize in the young adult class. Have you ever given thought to the powerful words that illustrate the responsibility God left for us as his children to follow through with. Words such as “convert,” “save,” “restore,” “recover.” These word leave us with a great responsibility to fulfill.

The apostle Paul stated in Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” When you seek to restore some thing or someone, you are trying to bring them back to their original state. When you are trying to restore an erring brother or sister in Christ, you are trying to bring them back to the point where they were faithfully following the will of God. Barnes had this to say in his commentary about restoring. “He apostle does not say in what manner this is to be done; but it is usually to be done, doubtless, by affectionate admonition, by faithful instruction, and by prayer.” You should also notice that Paul give the one doing the restoring some instruction as well. This should certainly affect our attitude when we go about trying to bring them back to faithfulness.

“And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:26). Strong’s Concordance has this to say about the word recover. “To become sober again, i.e. (figuratively) regain (one's) senses:” We may need to help someone regain his or her senses again and come back to serving God. It was said of the prodigal son, “and when he came to himself..” (Luke 15:17). We may help them, but it is a decision they have to make.

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19, 20). Let me just say briefly that the word convert means “to cause to return, to bring back.” If we can do that, we save a soul from eternal punishment. What a challenge for all people who are striving to follow God’s will!

EARTHLY THINGS ARE TEMPORARY

O

ur time on earth is just that – TIME. It will eventually run out. James speaks of life as a vapor (James 4:14). If we are wise, we will invest our energy in the eternal rather than the temporal. In order to do this, we must be able to discern the difference between the two.

Let’s consider some things that fall under the category of “temporary.”

Our Earthly Sojourn Is TEMPORARY

The great men and women of faith (Hebrews 11) understood their life on earth was temporary. These faithful pilgrims (I Peter 1:1-2; 2:11-12) realized they were just passing through this veil of tears and therefore exerted their energies in seeking a heavenly country (Hebrews 11:16). We would be wise to do the same. There is only one life to live and we must live it in view of eternity (Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 6:33).

Earthly Goods Are Only TEMPORARY

Everything belongs to God (James 1:17), and whatever we “possess” has simply been placed under our care (oversight) for a brief time. We must be faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:14ff). Eventually all earthly goods will perish (Revelation 18:17). Like houses and hotels from a Monopoly game, everything eventually goes back into the box. ALL things will eventually (after our departure) be Almighty God’s to destroy (2 Peter 3:9-10). We must be careful not to invest too much energy in the pursuit of temporary things (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; 1 John 2:15-17).

Earthly Relationships Are Only TEMPORARY

Yes, it is true, the Bible teaches that relationships between faithful Christians will continue into eternity. However, we must not think we will be identical throughout eternity as we experience and enjoy life here on earth. On earth, there is no closer tie than that of holy matrimony marriage). Still, Jesus made it clear there will not be marriage or giving in marriage in heaven (Matthew 22:29-30). Earthly relationships will pale in comparison to what we will experience in God’s presence (Revelation 21-22).

Earthly Accomplishments are only TEMPORARY

Awards, degrees, achievements, test scores, promotions, etc. will be of no value in glory. Sure, they are valuable and treasured here on earth. But we should value them for what they are –temporary.

The only accomplishments that have lasting value on earth pertain to hearing of our Creator; believing and obeying Him; serving the Living God until the time of our departure into eternity (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 25:46). Therefore, let us look for ways to glorify God even as we seek our necessary goals one earth (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Pause and Consider

At best, our life one earth is a few decades (James 4:14; Job 14:1). All will die (Hebrews 9:27). This earth will be destroyed at the end of time (2 Peter 3:9-10).

Upon our death – nothing will be important except our relationship to Jehovah God. Whether we are a follower of Christ, faithfully serving Him, fully learning and obeying His inspired law will determine our eternal destiny.

Paul spoke of the Lord’s return, as He will come, taking vengeance on those who do not know Him a well as those who have chosen NOT to obey Him (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Friend, are you ready to face God in judgment?

--Truth in Love; Jan-March, 2008; Paul Sain

THE CHURCH DOES NOT DEMAND ENOUGH

Coach Jimmy Johnson may not classify as a certified theologian. But his recent answer must arrest our attention. The question, “Are our young people now soft?” His answer, “No, they are not. The people making the demands are getting soft.” Coach Johnson is very demanding. If it works on the football field it could work at church.

“Satisfying wants” down at church is in. Consumerism. Give them what they want. Paul called it “itching ears.” We have one bad case of the “itch” down at church. “The church exists to supply your needs.” Nothing is to be asked of them. Tolerance is in . . . truth is out. Believe/live as you please. The church wishes to be popular. Religious pluralism results in moral relativism. The church is Biblically illiterate and spiritually immature. Nothing is demanded; nothing is expected. Tolerance is the only doctrine. Confrontation is anathema – YET!

The fact of God is confrontational

Jesus is confrontational

The Gospel is confrontational

Truth is confrontational

Morality is confrontational

Preaching is confrontational

Judgment is confrontational

Personal accountability is confrontational. The church must know something, stand for something, be something. The pulpit must thunder. Elders must exact holy demands. The brethren must be holy. “Our young are not soft—the people making demands are!” Parents –demand of yourself, your children. Teachers – practice what you preach. Our leaders are soft. We are not demanding too much but too little!

“Playing church” cannot build churches.

Charles Hodge.. from the Banks of Onion Creek, 08/22/1996, Keynoter

MONTROSE FAMILY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

May 31, 2009

THOSE PRIVILEGED TO SERVE

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

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

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

Scriptures Reading..John 3:19-21..Addison Halliburton

Song Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Harville

Opening Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacky Carver Sr.

Lord’s Supper-Preside: Robert Hackett

Serve: Jacky Carver Jr., Jimmy Smith,

Ricky Kirby, Steve Anderson

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

Greeter- Ricky & Janie Kirby

Greeter- Jimmy & Melanie Smith

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

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

AM Sermon- . Darkness and Light

PM Sermon- - Young Men Conduct Services

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

Song Leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zach Grubbs

Scripture Reading .Rom.10:14-17.Addison Halliburton

Song Leaders… Brian H, Chase C, Ethan L. Kaleb B.

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

Speakers: . . . . . . . . . .Tim Hommrich…. Jimmy Smith

Lord’s Supper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaleb Bush

Serve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Addison Halliburton

Closing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Larry Cole

BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAY---7:00 PM

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

First Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacky Carver Sr.

Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Smith

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

Prepare Communion for June

Dianna Dillehay and Vicki Russell

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

This Sunday is 5^th Sunday Contribution will go toward capital improvements and meeting budget.

MONTROSE BULLETIN BOARD

NURSING HOME: Lucille Smith

Those on the sick list:

Donald Chaffin (Zion) Lou Gehrig’s disease

Charles Max Newport--Oneida

Kathy Harville

Jimmie Faye Cole--home

Mitchell Smith—.

Rebecca Smith—Harold’s sister-in-law,

OUR RECORD OF LOVE FOR CHRIST

Wednesday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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

Bible Study Sunday AM .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Daily Bible Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Worship Sunday PM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Offering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,541..00

Gospel Meeting, June 21-26^th. with Gary Hampton, director of East Tenn. School of Preaching and Mission speaking.

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: Pickles

Congratulations to Gabrielle Armour for being Valedictorian at Defeated Elementary for 2009

Wedding Saturday, May 30^th…Emily Russell and Brandon Vaden 5 PM at Ted & Vicki Russell’s.

Church Picnic is June 6^th. at the barn. Sign-up sheet is on the table in the back

BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR JUNE

01 Psa. 18-20 02 Psa. 21-23 03 Psa. 24-28 04 Psa. 29-31 05 Psa. 32-34 06 Psa. 35-37 07 Psa. 38-40 08 Psa. 41-43 09 Psa. 44-46 10 Psa. 47-51

11 Psa. 52-54 12 Psa. 55-57 13 Psa. 58-60 14 Psa. 61-63 15 Psa. 64-66 16 Psa. 67-69 17 Psa. 70-74 18 Psa. 75-77 19 Psa. 78-80 20 Psa. 81-83

21 Psa. 84-86 22 Psa. 87-89 23 Psa. 90-92 24 Psa. 93-97 25 Psa. 98–100 26 Psa. 101-103 27 Psa. 104-106 28 Psa. 107-109 29 Psa. 110-112 30 Psa. 113-115