Northeast Family Update

“Above all, love each other deeply” (1 Peter 4:8)

 

February 20, 2005

FBI Probe?

 

In a recent article published by, “The Southern Illinoisan” the reality of government persecution comes to light. The article tells of a “protestant pastor” being interrogated by FBI agents over the topics of some of his sermons, including his speaking out against abortion and homosexuality. Louis P. Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition based in Washington issued a formal statement calling the incident “alarming.”

“This is designed to have a chilling effect on religious speech. Pastors who preach from the Bible about issues such as abortion and homosexual marriage may now be subject to a federal knock on their church door.” (Louis P. Sheldon)

It is commendable that “protestant pastors” stand against such things as abortion and homosexuality. And it is not unusual that they will feel the first attack from those who want to negate such a stand. I wonder how long it will be until we begin to see similar things within the Body of Christ. Just how long will it be until the FBI or other agencies attack the true Church. If we teach the “whole counsel of God” in all its truth we should understand that we too will face persecution. Jesus made it clear, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. (John 15:18).” For all who live godly lives they too will face persecution. Paul in his writing to Timothy says, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).” When an individual Christian or a congregation of Christians stands for the truth they will endure Satan’s assault. It has been said that if you are not being persecuted you need to check and see if you are really proclaiming God’s truth. Satan will not attack those who are doing nothing.

As faithful Christians we cannot allow government agencies or any other entity to keep us from speaking the “whole counsel of God”. There are too many souls facing eternal damnation for us to cower from persecution. We must remember that we are in a spiritual war against the Devil and that we are God’s soldiers in this war. Every Christian has a responsibility to stand firm on God’s truth and make sure that it is proclaimed to every nation beginning in their own back yard.

For each of us individually you must take stock in yourself and see where or how you will stand when faced with such persecution? Will you stand firm on the Word of God or let it slide? Will you proclaim the “whole counsel of God” or say nothing? The key factor is just how much do you truly “love” the lost?

It is my hope and prayer that we love people enough that we will fight the good fight of faith and continue in the battle as soldiers of God. Never allowing anyone to keep us from proclaiming God’s word to a lost and dying world!

John E. Werhan

 

 

Wednesday Bible Class

“Golden Rules” @ 7:00 P.M.

Make plans to attend

 

Put a Sock In It ...

A young couple decided to marry. As the big day approached, they grew apprehensive. Each had a problem they had never shared with anyone, not even each other. The groom-to-be, overcoming his fear, decided to ask his father for advice. "Dad, I am deeply con­cerned about the success of my marriage." His father replied, "Don't you love this girl?" "Oh yes, very much," he said, "but you see, I have very smelly feet, and I'm afraid that my fiancé will be put off by them." "No problem," said dad, "all you have to do is wash your feet as often as possible, and always wear socks, even to bed." This seemed a work­able solution to him.

The bride-to-be, overcoming her fear, decided to talk with her mom. "Mom," she said, "when I wake up in the morning my breath is truly awful." "Honey," her moth­er consoled, "everyone has bad breath in the morning." "No, you don't understand. Mine is so bad, I'm afraid my fiancé will not want to sleep in the same room with me." Her mother said, "Try this. Get straight out of bed, and head for the kitchen and make break­fast. While the family is busy eating, move on to the bathroom and brush your teeth. The key is not to say a word until you've brushed your teeth."

"I shouldn't say good morning or anything?" she asked. "Not a word," her mother affirmed. "Well, it's worth a try," she said.

The loving couple was finally married. He with his perpetual socks and she with her morning silence, they managed quite well. For about six months. Shortly before dawn one morning, the husband woke with a start to find that one of his socks had come off. Fearful of the consequences, he frantically searched the bed. This, of course, woke his bride and without thinking, she asks, "What on earth are you doing?"

"Oh, no," he replied, "you've swallowed my sock!" "Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth" Proverbs 5:18

 

 

Sunday Evening Sermon Series

Thessalonians

 

Textual Insight

 

 

 Ladies ThursdayBible Class

Each Thursday @ 9:30 A.M.

“Esther”

********

  Upcoming Events

Ladies Night  Out

Elm & Hudson church of Christ

“Spring Cleaning of the Heart

Renewal of the Soul”

Speaker: Joan Willis

March 1, 2005

RSVP by February 24th

Let Linda or Pat known if you want to attend

—————

Area-Wide Youth Rally

“Jesus Christ Crucified”

With Willie Franklin

March 6, 2005 - 5:00-8:00 P.M.

Mountain View church of Christ

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Gospel Meeting

“Christianity Is For The Committed”

With: Josh Linton

March 6-9, 2005

Sayre church of Christ

 

 

Christian Plan of Salvation

 

Hear the Gospel - Rom. 10:17; Jn 6:45

 

Believe in Jesus - Heb. 11:6; Jn. 8:24

 

Repent - Acts 2:38; Lk. 13:3

 

Confess Jesus as Lord - Ro. 10:9-10; Mt. 10:32

 

Be Baptized - Mk. 16:15-16; 1 Pt. 3:21

 

Lord Adds To Church - Acts 2:47

 

Live Faithful - Gal. 5:16-26; Rev. 2:10

 

The Northeast Family Update is published weekly by the Lord’s church in Sentinel, Oklahoma under the oversight of its Elders.

 

If you wish to be taken off our e-mail list please send a reply to [email protected].

 

If you wish to be added to our e-mail list please send a request to [email protected].

 

Our Elders: Junior Blanton (674-3987), Otis Martin (393-4936)

                                    Leland Womack (666-2243)

 

 

Our Deacons: Curtis Chandler (393-2167), Tommy Hagen (393-4542),

Ron Morris (486-3574), Bud Robinson, (393-4560),

Jackie Todd, (393-4383), Robert Whinery (674-3463),

 

 Our Minister: John E. Werhan (393-4898 office) (393-2264 home)

 

 Our Address:

Northeast church of Christ

1111 E. N. Boundary

P.O. Box 357

Sentinel, OK 73664

[email protected]

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