VOLUME XX   January 5, 1997   Number 1

A NEW YEAR:  1997

As we stand on the brink of another new year, let us think of the many opportunities and struggles it will provide us with.  Let us think of those who will name the name of Christ in baptism, and let us work to help them make the most important decision of their lives.  Let us think of those who will come back to the Lord, and let us pray for them and encourage them in every way for good.  Let us think of those among us who will leave this world of sin and sorrow for the bright and sunny shores of eternity, where no sin or sorrow may be found, and let us learn from their godly examples.  Let us also think of what we will use the new year for...

WILL WE USE IT FOR GAINING A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WORD?  There are many good things for us to learn in this life, but none even begin to compare with the value of a knowledge of the blessed word of God, the Bible.  It will go with us through all other educational endeavors, it will accompany us through our working years, it will be there for the birth and rearing of our children, it will be there for us in our sickness, and it will go with us even to the grave, and it will stand as a witness to our faithfulness in the afterawhile.  May we determine to spend some time each day of this new year studying the Bible.  May it be of greater importance to us than all other pursuits.

WILL WE USE IT TO MATURE SPIRITUALLY?  Will we apply the things we are taught in the Bible to our lives and thereby set a better example before others?  Will we be diligent in attendance, thereby showing all the world that there is no place on earth we would rather be than in the assembly of the saints worshipping God?  Will we put to practice what the preacher preaches?

WILL WE USE THIS NEW YEAR TO TELL SOMEONE OF JESUS CHRIST?  Remember, our family, friends and neighbors are rushing headlong into judgment.  Have we told them what God requires of them in order to be saved?  We see them daily, and would probably do anything on earth for them, but have we told them how to get to heaven?  Is it really so difficult and risky to speak a word in the interest of their souls?

WILL WE USE THIS NEW YEAR TO OBEY THE GOSPEL?  We may do all manner of good works, help many people, and be nonviolent and law-abiding citizens; but unless we have obeyed the gospel, we cannot dwell eternally in the presence of God (II Thessalonians 1:7-9).  Many people have been led to believe that they need not walk in obedience to the scriptures, and that they need not obey the gospel, just so they are sincere and good.  But, the Bible tells us that to be saved we must hear and believe the gospel (Hebrews 11:6, Romans 10:17), repent of sins (Acts 2:38, Luke 13:3), confess Christ before men (Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 8:37), and be baptized (Acts 22:16, I Peter 3:21).  Having done this, we are to be faithful even unto death (Revelation 2:10).  Will we use the new year to obey the gospel?

WILL WE USE THE NEW YEAR TO BE OF GREATER SERVICE TO THE CHURCH?  Will we sign the list of volunteers to lead in prayer?  Head the table? Make announcements?  Will we volunteer to teach a class?  You know, teaching is a wonderful way of helping others, but it also allows us to grow and strengthen ourselves in the faith.  Will we make ourselves available for service in 1997?  We can serve outside of the assembly as well, by gathering new names for the bulletin, telling others of the Newspaper article and the Television program, and in general "talking up" the church.  The church is a working institution composed of working members.  Will we be such members in 1997?

WILL WE USE THE NEW YEAR TO HELP THE ELDERS MAKE THINGS GO SMOOTHLY?  Will we refrain from activities that will cause trouble in the church?  Will we be sure to be present for each assembly, for the elders have set the times so we may come and be edified and strengthened?  Will we be kind to visitors?  Will we listen to the teachers and preacher as they feed us the word of God?

IF THIS SHOULD BE OUR LAST YEAR ON THIS EARTH, WILL OUR PASSING BRING JOY OR SADNESS TO THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN?  The Lord loves us all, and wants to see us in heaven; but it is up to us to repent and obey (II Peter 3:9-10, Acts 2:38).  If we had to leave this world in our present spiritual condition, where would we go?  It is a most sobering and serious thought, but if we welcome our last new year this year, what will become of us?  Will he say to us, "Well done...enter thou in to the joys of thy Lord..."?  Or will he say to us, "Depart from me, ye cursed, I never knew you..."?  Many answers to questions are not really that important, but the answer to this question is of the greatest importance.  For if we leave this world in a lost condition, nothing else that we have done here matters.  All the money we have made, all the possessions we have, all the friends we have made will come to naught.  What will become of you?

MAY GOD HELP OUR ELDERS IN THIS NEW YEAR TO FEED AND LEAD US, AND, MAY GOD HELP US AS MEMBERS IN THIS NEW YEAR TO FOLLOW AND LEARN AS THEY GUIDE US IN THE WAYS OF TRUTH.  We are fortunate, no, blessed, to live in a nation where christianity may be practiced so fully and freely.  Let us use that right in 1997 to the fullest!!!

 Tim Smith
 1272 Enon Road
 Webb, AL 36376
 334-899-8131

THIS EDITION WAS PRINTED EARLY.

TELEVISION PROGRAM:  We invite you to watch SPEAKING WHERE THE BIBLE SPEAKS on GRACEBA IMAGES CABLE 6 each MONDAY AT 7:00 P.M. and each SUNDAY AT 1:00 P.M.

BILLS FROM GOD?

   The scene was a familiar one.  The young couple were going over their monthly bills.  In it were ones from the drug store, department stores, oil companies, etc.  Trying to find something humorous in the situation, the man quips, "Isn't it a good thing that God doesn't send us bills?"

   That is good, isn't it?  But what if He decided to just bill us for this wonderful body He has given us? The Psalmist said, "I will praise thee; for I am wonderfully made..." (Psalm 139:4). Shakespeare said, "What a piece of work is man!" Think about what God has made:

   THE EARS: A piano has 88 keys, but each of your ears has a keyboard with 1,500 keys.  They are so finely tuned that you can hear the blood running through your vessels.  The outside of your ear can catch up to 73,700 vibrations a second.

   THE EYES:  They are both microscopes and telescopes.  They can gaze into the heavens and see a star millions of miles away, or inspect the smallest insect.

   THE FEET: Did you know that each foot has 26 bones, none of which is wider than your thumb?  But is so "manufactured" (arched) with its ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints that a 300 pound man can put all his weight on these tiny bones.

   THE HEART:  Its size is about like your fist, but pumps (beats) 4,320 times an hour.  In a year that would mean about 40 million beats.  A drop of blood can make a round trip in your circulatory systems in only 22 seconds.

   WHAT IF GOD CHARGED US INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS ON THIS MARVELOUS BODY HE HAS GIVEN US!

 Author Unknown