Nile Street Notes- 5/25/08

Anna Church of Christ

104 Nile Street, Anna, Illinois 62906

833-5815

Website: www.annachurchofchrist.com

Elders Jamie Driskill 833-6245 Wayne Schultz 833-6487 John Shelton 833-5090 Deacons R.W. McAlister Robert McAlister Ryan Thornsberry Preacher R.W. McAlister 618-697-0351 Email: rwmcalister@hotmail.com Office 618-833-5815 Services Sunday Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Television Program In Search Of The Lord’s Way Ch 49 Sunday 7:00 a.m. Newspaper Ministry The Preaching Pen Gazette Democrat

Those Serving This Week: Announcements: RW McAlister Lord’s Table: Presiding: John Shelton Serving: Jamie Driskill Tony Ward Song Leader: Ron Schultz Scripture Reading: AM – RW McAlister PM – Tony Ward Sun. Bible Study Prayer: Wayne Schultz Opening Prayer: Sun. AM – Ron Schultz Sun. PM – Jamie Driskill Wed. – Larry Yates Closing Prayer: Sun. AM – Bob McAlister Sun. PM – Wardell Barnhart Wed. – Tony Ward

Imitate Me

As Christians, we should always set a good example for others to follow. However, when we look closely at our lives, we often realize that we would not really want others to follow in our footsteps.

Usually we know ourselves better than anyone except, of course, God. The apostle Paul knew the importance of living a life that others could follow, and thus be pleasing to God. He often encouraged others to follow his example. Why? Because he knew he was setting the right example for them! Consider what he said to the Philippians: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Philippians 3:17) Could we honestly, without hesitation, ask people we truly care about to follow us as a “pattern” of Christianity today? Do we want them judged with the same judgment we will receive?

Paul could say this because he knew that he was doing everything within his power to imitate Christ; and if others would imitate him they would have the same reward he was to receive. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Paul frequently encouraged Titus and Timothy to set a good example. To Titus he said: “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” (Titus 2:7, 8) And to Timothy: “...be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Think about it; what kind of example are we setting in “good works”, “doctrine”, “reverence”, “incorruptibility”, “sound speech”, “word”, “love”, “spirit”, “faith”, “purity”? We should encourage others to follow our example but must live lives worthy of that desire. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)

- Andrew Laux via Harrisburg, Il bulletin

A Parent’s Observation

This past week, one of our daughters had ball practice after school. She reminded Renee and me of this before she boarded the bus for school. However, she wasn’t sure if it was immediately after school, or if it was at 4 o’clock. We hadn’t received a note that it would be right after school (as would be the routine), so Renee told her, “Just ride the bus home after school and Daddy will take you to practice at 4. That way, you won’t have to take all of your gear and a change of clothes to school with you.” I also told her, “Just ride the bus home, then you can change clothes and get your gear. Daddy will have you there at 4.” “O.K.” she sighed.

Move ahead to 3:20 in the afternoon. I was out on the tractor, stopped to talk to a neighbor for a few minutes, and my cell phone rings. I was talking and didn’t want to be rude, so I shut the ringer off and continued my conversation. By 3:35, I’m home. My other daughter gets off the bus and with a worried look, tells me here sister didn’t ride the bus home. I check the voicemail I’ve been left. It’s my daughter telling me that she took it upon herself to find her coach at the end of school and practice was indeed set for right after, and she tells me if I could bring her helmet, glove, water bottle, and a change of clothes, that would be great.

Ever seen a cartoon character get mad? Their head quickly turns red starting at the neck, steam shoots out of their ears, and sometimes, their hair shoots clean off their head. I wasn’t looking a mirror at the time, but I believe that was my reaction! I took her the things she needed for practice and when I gave them to her, I promised her a meeting with the “board of education” later that night. She looked at me with a bewildered look on her face, on the verge of tears, and said, “What for? I just stayed for ball practice.” I reminded her of our conversation that morning and made it clear that the difference was, “I said.” Her mother had “said.” We said what she was to do. We told her plainly what we expected of her with no room for misunderstanding. Not having received a note or phone call from her coach, we didn’t want her to be alone on the ball field. Society isn’t as safe as it used to be. She chose (as kids often do) to disobey because she thought her way was as good as ours.

Think about this from God’s perspective. He is our Heavenly Father (Mt. 6:9), and we are His children.

* He established one church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4). Man thought his ways were as good as or better

than God’s and established many of his own design (Mt. 7:15; I Cor. 1:12); forsaking God’s.

* God said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Man says, “Belief alone is

enough.”

* God says, “Not everyone will enter the kingdom of heaven – only those who do God’s will” (Matt.

7:21). Man says all “good,” moral people will get there.

* God says, “Don’t add to or subtract from My Word” (Dt. 4:2; Rev. 22:18-19). Man says, “Whatever.”

* God says, “Sing praises unto me” (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19). Man says, “Sure, but I’m also going to add

an instrument.” God must be thinking, “Didn’t I say ‘don’t add to or subtract from?’”

Do we see the point? I told my child to do a specific thing. So did her mother. She chose to disobey and was punished. My wife and I expect obedience from our children because we love them and have their best interests at heart. Likewise, our Heavenly Father expects His children to obey Him. To God’s disobedient children, He promises, “...the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,[1]In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” (II Thess. 1:7-9).

As angry and hurt as I was when my child openly ignored what her mother and I told her, I have to wonder how angry and hurt God must feel when mankind – His children – disobey Him and ignore His wishes. Does that put obedience to God in clearer perspective? Give it some thought. - R.W.

SERMON TOPICS

A.M. – “Memorial Day”

(Matt. 26:26-28)

P.M. – “Providence & Paul”

(Gal. 1:15-16)

Those For Whom We Are Praying:

Kathleen Ritchey

Loren Eddleman

Josh Furlow (Friend of Rosemary)

Rosemary Dillow’s mother & Son –in-law

Jerry & Betty Ward

Rodney & Nikki Lingle

Bill Whitnel

Sheilah Whittington

Gene Ballance (Kittie’s brother) – Battling pneumonia. Doing somewhat better. 
Rose Wright – Had outpatient back surgery last Monday. Doing well.

Wisdom From Proverbs: “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Prov. 11:2).

Quotable Quote: “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.” - Tommy Lasorda

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Thank you, Veterans! More importantly, never forget that every Sunday is a Christian’s “Memorial Day” for the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary on our behalf.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES/MEETINGS

*Next Sunday will be the first Sunday in June and time for our monthly Potluck and quarterly Men’s

business meeting.

*Our food pantry needs canned meat and beans.

*Parents: If you care to, feel free to post any pictures or information relating to your children’s activities

on the bulletin board above the fountains.

*Feel free to drop any Bible questions in the Question & Answer box in the foyer.

Just a reminder: in order to hear the Bible class and sermons better, we have hearing assistance available. Please take advantage of it! Let one of us know and we’ll get you a receiver. If you don’t want a receiver, feel free to move closer to the front of the auditorium.

BIBLE QUESTION/ANSWER:

Last week’s answer: “Be not rash with thy mouth” (Eccl. 5:2).

New question: Who is known as the “son of consolation?”

 
Sentence Sermon: “When the outlook is dim, try the ‘uplook’.”
 

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Ann Toler – 5/26
Jonathan Smith – 5/26
Donna Bell – 5/29
Wayne & Sandy Schultz – 5/26
Rodney & Nikki Lingle – 5/29
 
 

More Than One Way To “Hit A Homerun”

You’ve probably already heard what happened last weekend when Central Washington and Western Oregon faced off against each other in a softball game. At stake was a bid to the NCAA’s Division II playoffs.
Western Oregon’s, Sara Tucholsky came to the plate with two runners on base.  Tucholsky was a lifetime .153 hitter and had never hit a homerun.  However things were about to change.  She connected on a pitch and hit a three run homer!  Due to her excitement, she missed first base.  So she stopped and turned to go back to the base.  But when she made the sudden stop and turn, she collapsed to the ground, having torn her ACL.

That’s when things got interesting.  Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace, two players on the opposing team offered to carry her around the bases so that her homerun would not be counted as a single.  So these two players gently picked up Tucholsky, and carried her around the bases, allowing her to tap each base along the way.  After reaching home plate, these two girls handed Tucholsky off to her own teammates.

The players, the coaches, and the people in the stands were applauding and shedding tears because of this act of compassion.  When asked later why she did it, Mallory Holtman said that it was senior day and that if it had happened to her, she would have wanted someone to come to her aid.
In other words, she was practicing the “Golden Rule” – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (paraphrased Matthew 7:12).  Isn’t it amazing how following the common principles of Jesus makes such an impact for good in our world?  Open your eyes to the possibilities before you.  You may not have the opportunity to carry someone around the bases, but if you look around at school or at your job, you will find things you can do that can have just as much impact on the lives of others.

- Steve Higginbotham via MercEmail

You are always welcome at the Anna church of Christ!