The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

Transcription

1 Volume 22, Number 43 October 9th, 2016 The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ by Dave Rogers It is truly amazing to note how often a single fact can completely alter the course of history! This is true of events in the physical world; the first wheels mobilized ancient man and Gutenberg s printing press made knowledge of God s word possible for the common man! The harnessing of electricity has revolutionized our lives. Television, an outgrowth of that discovery, has become one of the most influential mediums in human history. Just so, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead has such an impact that knowledge of it traversed the world in apostolic times and still affects us today. H.G. Wells placed Jesus at the top of his list of the ten most influential men in all human history. Jesus stands out because of His resurrection: All that He did and said would be long forgotten, save for the fact that He lives. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the New Testament; it is entirely worthless if He does not live today. Without the fact of the resurrection, the history of the church is a chronicle of countless fools led astray; without the resurrection, the faith of every saint is vain (1 Corinthians 15:17), and there is no hope in the world. John Lennon wrote, Imagine there s no heaven; it s easy if you try. No hell below us; above us, only sky. He did not believe in an afterlife, and called for others to join him in believing that all hope was to be found in this world. He rejected eternity, only to be sent into it by a disturbed youth with a gun! Lennon s ideas show the hopelessness of life without God! Creation itself cries out that there is a sovereign Creator, and His existence demands that there be more to life than this world! Peter foretold that some would be skeptics; scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation (2 Peter 3:3-4). Many in Paul s day also rejected the idea of resurrection from the dead, and they urged the saints to join them; thus Paul wrote If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable (1 Corinthians 15:19). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical fact; the faith is firmly established by it, and our faith rests solidly upon it. Consider some Facts of the Resurrection of Jesus: It was not the first resurrection from the dead; In John 11, Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead, after his body had been entombed long enough for Martha to smell its decay. Jesus had also previously raised Jairus daughter, Mark 5: Jesus own resurrection was not the first, but it IS a unique resurrection! From Acts 13:34 we learn that He was raised no more to return to corruption. Furthermore, He will never die again (unlike all others who were raised from the dead)! Skeptics try to explain away the resurrection of Jesus in a variety of ways: The official explanation was grave-robbing by His disciples, Matthew 28: Because they deny the possibility of miracles, many modern scholars cling to the swoon theory (that Jesus didn t die, but merely fainted on the cross, and later awakened in the tomb and sneaked out [past the guards!] to later proclaim His resurrection ). Others suggest the Jewish rulers stole His body to prevent Him becoming a martyr (that one doesn t even make good nonsense ); and some even assert a Hallucination theory that the disciples saw Him in a vision, or their desire for His return was so great, they deluded themselves. In addition, there is the wrong tomb theory (based on a misapplication of John 20:1-2), and the disciples plot theory (the disciples stole the body, and perpetrated a hoax on the masses). (To be continued next week)

2 Secrets of Spiritual Growth by Russell Haffner The Bible is clear concerning our need for spiritual growth. In the letter to the Hebrews we find a rebuke of those who did not understand the importance of growing and maturing in the faith. He Hebrews 5:12-14 it states, For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. We would never expect a plant to grow without water, sun and soil, yet many Christians think they can grow without the necessary ingredients prescribed in God s Word. To obtain spiritual growth we must have fellowship with other faithful Christians. In Acts 2:42 we find, And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. To obtain spiritual growth we must remain grounded in the Faith. Colossians 1:23 states, If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister. To obtain spiritual growth we must study God s Word. In 1 Peter 2:1-2 we find, Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. The Christian life is a process of growth. It begins with a growth from the depths of sins to the light of God through the grace of the Father. The Bible teaches, And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. If our life does not reflect growth, then our life is not the Christian life. Conquering Sheep by Steve Higginbotham How would you get the point across? Suppose you wanted to convey that the children of God are conquerors, but not of their own strength and power. How would you express it? I know how God once expressed it in the days of Gideon (Judges 7). On this occasion, God intentionally reduced the size of his army to just 300 men who then conquered the Midianites who were described as being as numerous as the sand by the seashore. These conquerors certainly had no illusion that their victory was earned. The point was made, and it's so clear you can't miss it. Now look at the words of Paul We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter, yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Did you see that? Conquering sheep! Now if that doesn t make a point! Friends, as children of God we are more than conquerors, but not of our own strength and power. We are nothing without Jesus. And how can we remember this important truth? Just remember the imagery - Conquering Sheep! Now if that doesn't capture the truth that we are victorious, but not of our own might, I don t know what does. Conquering Sheep! Copyright 2005, South Green Street Church of Christ, Glasgow, Kentucky Reprinted by permission Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.

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4 Save the Dates.... November 11 12, Fayetteville Church of Christ Marriage and Relationship Enrichment Weekend FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER - 7:00 P.M. 9:30 P.M. KICK OFF THE WEEKEND WITH A DATE NIGHT! DINNER (NOMINAL COST PER COUPLE GAME NIGHT / ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER - 8:30 A.M. 2:30 P.M. BROTHER DAVID SHANNON PRESENTING UPLIFTING MESSAGES ON BUILDING / STRENGTHENING MARRIAGES AND RELATIONSHIPS BASED ON BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES LIGHT BREAKFAST ICE BREAKERS MULTIPLE SESSIONS LUNCH PROVIDED BY CONGREGATION FREE CHILD CARE is AVAILABLE Friday & Saturday RSVP BY SUNDAY, 6 NOVEMBER TO THE CHURCH OFFICE AT MAIL@FCOC.COM OR (770) PLEASE INDICATE WHICH DAY/S YOU WILL BE ATTENDING AND IF YOU WILL NEED CHILDCARE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO LEARNING TOGETHER AND SHARING THIS TIME OF FELLOWSHIP! FAYETTEVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST 870 REDWINE ROAD, FAYETTEVILLE, GA th Annual Atlanta Area-Wide ThanksSinging Join us the Sunday before Thanksgiving for a joyous, time-honored tradition Date: Sunday, November 20, 2016 Time: Location: 2:00 p.m. Fayetteville Church of Christ 870 Redwine Road Fayetteville, GA Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall For info call or us at: mail@fcoc.com

5 Fa m i l y M a t t e r s Butch Trawick Is in Piedmont Fayette Hospital, room 202. Annette Benefield Is not having a good week. Ruby Fowler Has been diagnosed with heart problems. Ray & Kevin Barton Dennis & Charmaine Barton s family, Ray is recovering from hip replacement and Kevin is recovering from surgery. Hick & Estell Higginbotham Are both having eye problems. Estell will see her doctor October 27. Deepest Sympathy We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Greg Curtis and his family for the loss of his father, James H. Curtis of Florence, AL. Mr. Curtis passed away Thursday morning. Please keep the families in your prayers at this time. Members With Health Problems: Betty Jo Nash, Becky Higginbotham, Shelby Garner, Jim Garner, Steven Burdette, Mattie Croix, Mary Lawrence, Amy Nash, Decieta Lyons, Ru- Pearl Sharpe, Sally Wallace, Brenda Mitchell, Equillar Butler, Shirley Jones, Lucille Amon, Marlene Etheridge, Mattie Williams, Bernice Gillespie, Maylon Swann, Una Fortson, Forrest & Burma Chapman Shut-ins: Valerie Whitaker, Joann Trawick, David & Shirley Lee, Lillian Gray, David Nash, Jane Lankford, Joe Clark & Frances Elder Others With Health Problems: Kresta Braswell & Kyla Barton, Rose Osborn (friend of Marlene Elheridge), Harold Holt (Shirley Lee s brother), Sybil Hedden, Caylee Williamson (Terri Durden s niece), Cole Gilman, David Fredricks (Jeannie Pyron s brother), Meg Wallace (Sharon O Brien s cousin), Willard Mann, Bree Couch (Ginny s daughter-inlaw), Gregory Crook (Lucille Amon s nephew), Tom Holcomb & Jean Benefield (Annette s Son & daughter-in-law), Greta Newsome (Jill Nash s sister), Joanne Daugherty (David & Wayne Nash s Sister), Carol Bomar (Charity Nash s aunt), Loretta Russell (Ray s mother), Nelda Hayes (Jack Sorrell s aunt), Nancy Ford (Joann Crook s sister), Virginia Poskevich (David s mother), Xernonia Fortson (Una s daughter), Eddie & Lil Cauthen (Joan Poskevich s B-i-L/S-i-L), Joe Hand (Jim Scoma s B-in-L) and Marvin Cook (Jean Johnson s brother) Prayer Requested Scott Kelly s address jpay.com (Web site) # (Scott / Robert Kelly) Prayer Requested Jamie & Jason Campbell (Sylvester & Missy s sons). Military Members Deployed: AM3 Candace Butts (Connie Elder s daughter), US Navy FEMA Deployed: Sylvester Campbell is in Louisiana. Today is MakeUp Photo Day Pictures will be taken on the front porch by Donna Hagin. Calendar October 7-8 Ladies Retreat at Calvin Center. The Theme is Setting My Table with Soul Food. Ladies, You will need your Bibles, PLEASE BRING THEM! (paper one, not electronic) Oct 9 Scotland Mission Report and finger foods after PM Service. Oct 17 Monday Night Ladies Night Out hosted by Sally Wallace. Bring your scariest treats. Oct 21 - Silverwings Apple Barn Trip, the bus will leave the building at 9:30am Nov 6 - Service Sunday, Worship, lunch, devotional & service. Using service time for upcoming Marriage Weekend & ThanksSinging, we will divide up that night and attend different congregations to promote the two events. November Fayetteville s Marriage Enrichment Weekend Nov 20 ThanksSinging at Fayetteville COC Service Sunday & Luncheon November 6th Promoting the Marriage Weekend & ThanksSinging Youth Events Oct 23 - Area Wide Youth Devo Forest Park October 29 God s Ranch - Feed the Homeless. Coats, gloves, scarves & blankets are needed. Oct 30 - Trunk-n-Treat Nov 13 - Area Wide Youth Devo - Fairview Dec 18 - Area Wide Youth Devo Tara Area Events: Oct 9-12 Middle Fayette COC Revival, Speaker: Randy Kea Oct 15 Bremen Church of Christ Ladies Day, Speaker: Nicci Leonard Oct 15 Forest Park COC Ladies Day, Daughters of the King Speaker: Tish Clark Oct 18 Becoming Enough ladies ministry of Peachtree City COC Oct World Mission Forum at Forest Park COC

6 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 Call To Worship Greg Nash Greg Nash Greg Nash Greg Nash Scripture Reading Morris Jones Brad Hopkins Ben Rogers Rick Sharpe Song Leader Jimmy Garner Stan Mitchell Jimmy Garner Stan Mitchell Prayer David Poskevich Steve Hopkins Jack Sorrell Eric Hagen Preside Lord s Supper Thomas Quinn Hugh Kelly Luke Quinn Mike Fields Server Jerry Kendrix Anthony Stinson Jerry Kendrix Anthony Stinson Server Larry Rose Zeke Poskevich Larry Rose Zeke Poskevich Server Charles Nash Randall Bell Charles Nash Randall Bell Server Paul Lyons K Killingsworth Paul Lyons K Killingsworth Server Ken Fincher Bill Ruffer Ken Fincher Bill Ruffer Server Curtis Hurt David Hopkins Curtis Hurt David Hopkins Server Coney Johnson Jim Lindsey Coney Johnson Jim Lindsey Server Anthony Ravenell Gayle Pelfrey Anthony Ravenell Gayle Pelfrey Sermon Dave Rogers Dave Rogers Dave Rogers Dave Rogers Response Elder Jim Pelfrey Jim Pelfrey Jim Pelfrey Jim Pelfrey Announcements Greg Nash Greg Nash Greg Nash Greg Nash Shepherd s Prayer Greg Nash Jim Garner Tom Durden Jim Pelfrey Evening Worship Announcements Greg Nash Greg Nash Greg Nash Greg Nash Song Leader Rory Bell Coney Johnson Stan Mitchell Jimmy Garner Prayer David Riley Rick Sharpe Rory Bell Jim O Brien Sermon Dave Rogers Dave Rogers Song Service Dave Rogers Lord s Supper Ken Fincher K Killingsworth Larry Rose Randall Bell Lord s Supper Curtis Hurt Hugh Kelly Anthony Ravenell Zeke Poskevich Prayer Ron Biles James Walker Michael Boelsterli Larry Fields Raintree Village Food Truck on November 14th Put your donations in the foyer. Urgent Needs: School Binders (2 inch), Subject Dividers, Snack size snacks & chips, juice & water. A list is on the bulletin board. Fayetteville Church of Christ Goal - Evangelism Address: 870 Redwine Road Fayetteville, Georgia Monday Friday, 9-4 Office Telephone (770) , (770) Fax mail@fcoc.com Web Page: Ministers: Dave Rogers (361) Dave.rogers@fcoc.com Greg Nash, (404) (cell) gnash999@gmail.com Office Secretary: Susie Graham celiagraham@bellsouth.net Elders: Tom Durden ( Jim Garner (770) Greg Nash (404) Jim Pelfrey (770) Deacons: Dennis Graham David Hopkins Hugh Kelly Jerry Kendrix Andy Johnson Paul Lyons Stan Mitchell David Poskevich Anthony Ravenell Jack Sorrell Assembly Schedule: Sunday 9:00 am Bible Classes 10:00 am Worship Service 6:00 pm Worship Service 10:00 am Tuesday Morning Bible Class (September 11 May 14) 7:00 pm Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:00 pm Thursday Night Ladies Class (September-May) Communion Preparation Kyndal & Sandy Garner Nursery 9 Michele Chapman, 16 Lorette Keith, 23 Miranda Kendrix 30 Terri Durden Care of Building 1-15 Keith Killingsworth/Luke Quinn Jerry Kendrix/Jimmy Garner Ushers 9 Ron Biles/Gayle Pelfrey 16 Andy Johnson/Thomas Quinn 23 Keith Killingsworth/David Poskevich Media Center Helpers Oct 9 Ben Rogers 16 & 23 Morris Jones Open Arms Wednesday Evening Devotional 12 David Riley 19 Greg Nash 26 Anthony Stinson Our Missionaries Graham, Elizabeth, Joshua, Megan, Bethany & Elijah McDonald Scotland,11 Woodhead Ct, Westfield, Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, G68 9DB graham@gmcd.net Skype: gmcd105 or Scott, Rebecca & Violet Shananhan Pohnpel scottshanahan@hotmail.com Kenloy & Ivell Walker Mandeville, Jamaica Old Harbouir Church of Christ, Forrest & Burma Chapman, State of Georgia ftc1952@alltel.com

7 Area Wide Youth Devo Forest Park Ladies Night Out hosted by Sally Wallace