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David Bragg,
co-editor
www.davidbragg.org
Last month we again received correspondence from
BulletinGold’s founding editor Donna Richmond. I thought that
many of you would like to know how she is doing since her move from California to Texas and her return to
school. Donna writes, “The Lord willing, I will finish my studies
this May and am applying for a job here. Jeremy is doing fine as a
junior here majoring in social studies and business. My other son,
Michael, graduates from college in California this summer and may be
joining us.” It is always good to hear from Donna and we deeply
appreciate the great legacy she entrusted to us in
BulletinGold.
[Our entire brotherhood, and many outside the brotherhood, are grieved
over the tragic events revolving around the recent murder of our
brother, Matthew Winkler, and the arrest of his wife, Mary Winkler, our
sister. Unlike some, our interest is not focused on speculation
regarding these events but rather on "weeping with those who weep"
(Romans 12:15) in regard to the Winkler and Freeman families, and the
spiritual family of the Fourth St. church of Christ in Selmer, TN.
What is clearly manifest is that the Devil is working overtime through
the various media outlets, especially web and blog sites, marshalling
his energy against the Lord's church. With this in mind, the
selections in this issue of BulletinGold revolve around the church's
divine mission, upon which we must more earnestly consider.
Therefore, the selections in this issue of BulletinGold revolve around
the great need of "seeking and saving the lost" (Luke 19:10).
This foundational obligation deeply influences the individual
Christian's relationship with both their Lord and the world. This
challenge is wonderfully introduced in the following article written by
Ron Thomas, to whom I yield my usual space. David Bragg,
co-editor; www.davidbragg.org]
The Mission
of the Lord's Church
The church's mission is to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus'
church does that by preaching the gospel to those who are saved (in
order to keep them saved) and to the lost (in order to save them). The
message we take into a lost world is that Jesus died to save man from
his sins. A simple message, but a message that is roundly rejected by
most. Nevertheless, we preach it because it is the message of God (1
Corinthians 15:1-4).
Another mission of the church is benevolence. The Scriptures teach that
we should do good unto all men, especially those of the household of
faith (Galatians 6:10). When a saint is in need, the Lord is glorified
when the saints help that needy brother or sister. When one outside the
Lord is in need and the
church of Christ
can be of help, the Lord is glorified when we
extend a helping hand. So, if you wonder from time to time what our
mission is, just remember that the Lord's mission is to preach the
saving message to those who are lost, to edify the saints with the
teaching of God's word, and to render benevolence to those in need.
– Ron Thomas preaches for the Highway church of Christ in Sullivan , IL . He may be contacted at rthomas1@one-eleven.net
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 Panning
for Gold
- Feature Articles:
Christ and
the Church
by: David A. Sargent
It is not
uncommon today to hear people devaluate the church. Some say in effect,
"Christ, yes; the church, no." While some profess they love Jesus,
desiring even to follow Him, they have little use for "the church." The
Scriptures, however, are clear: One cannot have the church without
Christ, and one cannot have Christ without the church.
The church was God's idea. God's plan. It is not man-made. In fact,
observe the close relationship between Christ and the church. Christ is
the head of the church (Eph. 5:22-23a); He is the complete voice of
authority. Christ is the Founder of the church. Christ said to Peter,
"On this rock [the confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God], I
will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against
it" (Mat. 16:18). Christ is the foundation of the church. No building
or institution can be stronger than the foundation on which it rests.
And for the church, "no other foundation can anyone lay than that which
is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11). Christ is the Savior of
the body, which is the church: "For the husband is head of the wife, as
also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body"
(Eph. 5:23).
Indeed, as has often been noted by some in an attempt to minimize the
church; "the church doesn't save anyone." However, Christ saves the
church! In fact the church is composed of the saved (Acts 2:47). Christ
loved the church and gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25). We usually judge
the value of something by the price we pay for it. For what price was
the church purchased? Christ purchased the church with His own blood
(Acts 20:28). One cannot separate Christ from His church.
A low estimation of the church may be due to a lack of understanding of
what the church truly is, as taught in the Bible. There is also a
misconception of what the church is all about. One of the most
simplistic, yet one of the most beautiful images of the church in
Scripture is that of the family of God. As such, the church is designed
to be a place of loving encouragement (1 Thes. 5:11; Heb. 3:213) to
those who are seeking to follow Christ. Also, it is God's desire for
His family, the church, to grow and grow. God wants His family to share
the good news about Jesus Christ, as Jesus instructed His disciples:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching
them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with
you always, even to the end of the age. Amen" (Mat. 28:19-20).
How does one become a member of God's family, the church? To those who
were convicted of their sin and believed that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God, Peter said, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). "Then those who
gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three
thousand souls were added to them" (Acts 2:41). "And the Lord added to
the church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47). Only the Lord
can add one to His church when one obeys the Gospel as Peter and the
apostles presented it. Has the Lord added you to His church?
-- David A. Sargent is a minister of the Church of Christ at Creekwood
in Mobile , Alabama . You may visit
their website at: www.creekwoodcc.org
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Motto
by: Ron Adams
A motto is a brief statement
used to express a principle, a goal, or an ideal.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness,
against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
Christians are in an ongoing battle against evil, wherein goodness and
righteousness are continually opposed. Recently it occurred to me that
some of the official mottos and slogans of the United States
armed forces have application for Christian "soldiers."
AN ARMY OF ONE (
U.S. Army). Personal
responsibility to self, group (church) and leader (Jesus). Be a
working part of the body (church).
~~~~~~~
BE ALL YOU CAN BE (
U.S. Army). Find and use your
potential for the Lord.
~~~~~~~
SEMPER FI ( U.S.
Marines) "Semper Fidelis" Latin for
always faithful. "Faithful" is what Christianity is all about.
~~~~~~~
ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE. Once one joins the followers of
Jesus Christ, no looking back.
~~~~~~~
NOT SELF, BUT COUNTRY "Non sibi sed patriae" often cited as the Navy's
motto. Christians are to be Christ-centered, not self-centered.
~~~~~~~
ONE OVER ALL "Uno Ab Alto" ( U.S. Air Force).
Regard one another as more important than self. Have concern for
others. Bear one another's burdens. Do good to all men.
-- Ron Adams is editor of Thursday's Thought, a weekly inspirational
message. To learn more visit: http://thursdaythought.homestead.com
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Digging Coal
by: Rick Woodall
In my home state of West Virginia
many are in sorrow over the loss of life due to the recent mining
disasters. There is a common thought that is always in the back of
one's mind as you grow up as a child in the hills of Appalachia . "Will Daddy come home?"
It's not that one wants to think that way. History books tell the story
all too well. Looking back at the mining industry in my lifetime we
find this fact. There are friends and even preachers that have lost
their lives in the depths of the dark dungeons. The miners in America
have helped us structure some of the values for job management among
our peers. Long before there was an automobile America
was mining coal. The employees of these mining companies have a rich
history of how they stood up for their rights to make this occupation
and other jobs better for future generations.
I know few people that say, "I would really love to be a miner." Yet,
these dedicated men and women know to make life better for their
children they must work. In
West Virginia there is a surplus of
coal. Some of the coal waits to be dug out of the ground. The
future of this business has just recently been realized as new demands
have caused a new interest in reopening closed mines that still have a
great surplus.
Have you ever gone down into a mine? I was asked to go one time. As we
stood at the elevator door waiting to go some three hundred feet below
the ground, here is what I will always remember. I remember the sound
of the cables as the elevator ascended to the earth. I recall the door
opening and entering the elevator. I looked at the expression on each
man's face. I recall the silence inside the elevator as no one said a
single word as the pulley carried us to the depths of the earth.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all the families that are in heartache
as they continue this journey with many unanswered questions. In
reality we all have many unanswered questions. My gift reminds me to
take God's hand and let Him lead us on. Just like these brave men that
did what they had to do on a daily basis, let us be thankful.
"Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables
him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is
a gift of God." –Eccl 5:19
Have a great week.
- Rick Woodall is the minister for the Milan
church of Christ in Milan
, Michigan . His
weekly devotional message, Life Thoughts, can be heard on the World
Wide Web at this address: http://www.milanchurchofchrist.org/page3
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Simple Truth
by: Ron Bartanen
I recall reading of a famed
mathematician who had to hire a bookkeeper to do his books. He
said that simple math confused him! His mind was occupied with the
profound, but had no room for the simple.
Theologians delight in wrangling over controversial
issues to which the Bible gives little, if any, attention, while at the
same time missing and even ignoring what we might call simple
truth. While there is certainly deep and profound truth in this
sacred volume, that which is of first importance must take preeminence,
for it pertains to salvation. Consider the simple truth as
recognized by the first Christians:
Jesus was believed, and preached as the Son of
God. When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian, and the
Ethiopian wished to be baptized, he first confessed, "I believe that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37).
Jesus was believed and preached as the sinner's
sin-offering. "He made him to be sin for us.that we might be made
the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Sinners accepted Jesus by faith, repenting of sin,
confessing Christ and being baptized. To those brought to faith
in Jesus as the Christ, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38).
-- Ron Bartanen preaches for the Arthur church of Christ in Arthur , IL . He may be contacted at ron33dor@one-eleven.net
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Flying With
the Wings of the Gospel
by: David R. Ferguson
I recently
ran across a powerful little poem written by John Bunyan. It's
one of the best statements I have ever heard about the difference
between the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please
read below to see how it relates.
"Run,
John, run, the law commands,
But gives us neither feet nor hands.
Far better news the gospel brings:
It bids us fly and gives us wings."
In other words, in the Old Covenant God gave
commandments, but by and large did not give the divine procedure that
would overcome the deadness and rebellion of the heart. But in
the New Covenant, which God set up at the cross of Christ, God gives
even harder commands, but He also gives the power we need to fulfill
them through faith: "that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled
in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For
they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they
that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For the mind
of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and
peace. remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor
of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God
and Father, to which end we also pray always for you, that our God may
count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness
and every work of faith, with power.." (Romans 8:4-6; 1 Thessalonians
1:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11) We are duty-bound to run, even though
our feet are willfully frozen in the ice of sin. We can't run in
ourselves, and so the commands of the law condemn. And the gospel
is not different in having no commands, no conditions. Flying is
harder than running. With the gospel, however, we can not only
fly, we can soar! Although this sounds difficult, with God all things
are possible (Matthew 19:26). Some glad morning I'll gladly take
my wings of the gospel and fly away to be with the Lord forever!
-- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Lakeland
Church of Christ in Mattoon
, IL . He may be
contacted at davidferguson61@yahoo.com
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Living For
Christ Through His Church in the World
by: Gerald Cowan
There are
no Christians outside the church. The Lord adds one to the church when
they are saved (Acts 2:41, 47). Although the church is not of the world
it is certainly in the world. The gospel of Christ is to be preached
because that message alone brings us the salvation that is in Christ
(James 1:21-22, Luke 18:11). Some claim, “one church is as good as
another.” But that is no truer than saying one Lord or one Savior or
one religious book is as good as another.
God’s eternal purpose for the church and each member of it includes
edification, setting an example that others can safely follow,
perpetuation of the word, and opposition to all error in doctrine and
practice.
Our threefold obligation to the world is: teach it, save it, bring the
peace of God to it. Our threefold obligation to the church itself is:
edify and strengthen it, protect its purity, and preserve unity and
peace in it.
-- Gerald Cowan preaches for the Dongola church of Christ in Dongola , IL . He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com
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Nuggets
and Quick Riches
- misc. goodies
this issue
Jesus is All
in All
He is:
Peace for the fearful,
Refuge for the lonely,
Triumph for the trials,
Overcomer for the challenged,
Conqueror for the lowly,
Strength for the weak,
Restoration for the addicted,
Encouragement for the downtrodden,
Mercy for the sufferer,
Grace for the sinner,
Forgiveness for the offender,
Life
for the lifeless,
Victory for the oppressed,
Delight for the desperate,
Hope
for the hopeless,
Gladness for the sorrowful,
Love
for the unloved,
Righteousness for the unrighteous,
Wholeness for the broken,
Stability for the chaotic,
Abundance for the deprived,
Deliverance for the depressed,
Honor for the humble,
Rest
for the restless,
Bravery for the fainthearted,
Comfort for the confused,
Triumph for the defeated,
And
could I say more?
Yes,
I could, for "He is."
(selected)
- Selected; via the bulletin of the Harrisburg
church of Christ,
Harrisburg , IL
.
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Here's To...
HERE'S TO the single
mother who always get's the kids around to Sunday School and Worship
services every Sunday that she possibly can.
HERE'S TO the married woman or mother who's husband won't attend
worship services yet she gets there whenever possible.
HERE'S TO the single person who really has no one to motivate them but
themselves and yet still seem to be on time for the assembly of the
saints.
HERE'S TO the widow who still feels incomplete and never really over
the grief of losing their mate, yet still are faithful and active in
the church.
HERE'S TO those who have aches, pains, disabilities, and any number of
ailments that could keep them away from church services, but don't
allow them to.
HERE'S TO the child of unbelieving parents that gets to all the Bible
classes they can by any means available.
HERE'S TO the people who seem like life has just thrown every grief and
woe their way, yet remain steadfast and true to Jesus and His church.
HERE'S TO their dedication, which should motivate the rest of us to be
at every assembly of the church that we can possibly make!
Heb 10:22- 25 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our
bodies washed with pure water.Let us hold fast the profession of [our]
faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)And let us
consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some
[is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the
day approaching.
- Mike Sullivan lives in Winfield Pa (central
Pennsylvania ) and attends the
Susquehanna Valley
church
of Christ . He
may be contacted at dnddad@yahoo.com
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A Few Rules
To Live By
¨
Return everything you borrow.
¨ Stop blaming other people.
¨ Live within your means & within your seams.
¨ Be humble.
¨ Listen more; talk less.
¨ Every day, do something nice and try not to get caught.
¨ Strive for excellence, not perfection.
¨ Be on time.
¨ Don't criticize anyone.
¨ Be kind to other people.
¨ Be even kinder to unkind people.
¨ Take time to study God's Word and pray.
¨ Admit it when you make a mistake.
¨ Understand and accept that life isn't always fair.
¨ Let someone cut ahead of you in line.
¨ Don't argue.
¨ Know when to say something.
¨ Know when to keep your mouth shut.
¨ Don't make excuses.
¨ Don't sweat the small stuff.
--Author unknown
- Via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin of the Calvert City
church of Christ in Calvert City ,
KY.
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Hearts
of Gold
----poetry this issue
You Never
Can Tell
You never can tell when you send a word
Like an arrow shot from a bow
By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind,
Just where it may chance to go.
It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend,
Tipped with its poison or balm,
To a stranger's heart in life's great mart
It may carry its pain or its calm.
You never can tell when you do an act
Just what the result will be,
But with every deed you are sowing a seed,
Though the harvest you may not see.
Each kindly act is an acorn dropped
In God's productive soil;
You may not know, but the tree shall grow
With shelter for those who toil.
You never can tell what your thoughts will do
In bringing you hate or love,
For thoughts are things, and their airy wings
Are swifter than a carrier dove.
They follow the law of the universe --
Each thing must create its kind.
And they speed o'er the tract to bring you back
Whatever went out from your mind.
--Gospel Digest, February, 1960; submitted by Mark McWhorter, who can
be contacted at mtmcvb@concentric.net
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Too Busy to
Study and Pray?
by: Sheila Gosney
Does your schedule keep
growing beyond control
Till you're just running around day after day?
And you know you need to, but you just can't see how
To take time to study and pray.
For you take kids to school five days a week
With appointments and deadlines to keep.
Then you have club activities and baseball practices
With barely enough time to sleep.
Most of the time, you feel like you are "running on empty"
Or on "fumes" from the last sermon you heard.
But the God who loves you wants to energize you each day
>From the pages of His Holy Word.
And if you'd make time each day to seek Him and pray
He'd grant a peace when you're frazzled and sore.
For He wants you to grow in the midst of your busyness
And to hunger for Him even more.
So if your life is that hectic, you need to shift gears
And make time with Him a priority each day.
Then you'll be so blessed, convinced and refreshed
That you can't afford not to study and pray.
"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I
will delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy Word".
{Psalm 119:15-16}
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The Greatest
Thing You Can Do
by: S. D. Gordon
The greatest thing anyone
can do
For God and man is pray.
It is not the only thing,
But is the chief thing.
The great people of earth
Are the people who pray.
I do not mean those who
Talk about prayer;
Nor those who say they
Believe in prayer;
Nor yet those who can
Explain about prayer;
But I mean those people
Who take the time to pray.
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Gold
Mines
----quotes & sayings for
bulletins and signs this issue
1. If it's not in the Word forget what you heard.
2. If you're not living with God, you're rooming with the devil.
3. Satan takes you further than you want to go, and keeps you longer
than you want to stay.
- Submitted to Ed Thomason's website (Ed is a co-editor of
BulletinGold). He may be contacted at ed@mydoghouse.com
4. God
grades on the cross, not on the curve.
5. Prayer: Don't give God instructions; just report for duty!
6. The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will
not protect you.
- Via THE SOWER, the weekly bulletin for the Arthur church of Christ
in Arthur , IL . Ron Bartanen serves as
editor and preachers and may be contacted at ron33dor@one-eleven.net
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