On Being Children of God (Part 3)

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1 Volume 22, Number 6 February 7th, 2016 On Being Children of God (Part 3) by By virtue of our relationship with God, Christians are blessed to the recipients of the greatest measure of love the world can ever know. In the Father s expression of His immense love for all mankind (note Romans 5:8) we can see the value He places on the soul of each individual. In the guidance He gives us and the providence He ordains for us, we learn that His concern is not merely theoretical, but eminently practical as well. All these efforts on the Father s part have one basic theme, a single basic purpose behind and beneath them; to draw us (and indeed, all humanity) nearer and nearer to Him, to insure our salvation from the eternal consequences of sin. Another aspect of the relationship Christians enjoy with God the Father is that we become part of His family (by adoption, Ephesians 1:5, as well as by the new birth, John 3:3-5); we actually become children of God (John 1:12; Galatians 3:26). The apostle Paul affirms in Romans 8:16-17 that all those who are Christians are the children of God, and not merely children; by right of that relationship with the Father, we are also His heirs, and joint-heirs with His only begotten Son, Jesus. The image of adoption presented in passages like Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:5 reflects the concept of that relationship as enshrined in the Roman law of that day: An adopted child was considered as legitimate an heir as a naturally-born child, and was thus entitled to inherit a fair and equal portion of his father s estate. When we (by becoming Christians) were justified by the grace of God, we likewise became heirs of His estate, heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7). We stand to inherit 1. a home in heaven, 2. the perfect and unending fellowship of our Creator, 3. a realm completely free from pain, sorrow, and disappointment, 4. everlasting peace and joy, and, 5. innumerable blessings. The apostle John summarizes the issue very well in 1 John 3:1, writing; Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (emphasis mine, DR) Indeed, those who are Christians are the children of God, because He foreordained us unto adoption as His children, through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14), and as His children, we are inheritors of all spiritual blessings. (More to come!)

2 Four Legacies to Leave our Children by Richard Mansel Parenting becomes more important to me as I get older. I want my daughters to find happiness and good health in life. While I am unable to leave them wealth, there are four things that I, and all Christian parents, can leave behind for our children. 1. To be in Christ. There is nothing more important than being in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). We must teach them by word and deed what it means to be a child of God and to develop their own faith and beliefs (Hebrews 11:6; Philippians 2:12). 2. To shun materialism. They must learn simplicity and that true wealth does not come in material things. Their god should never be the next gadget or big thing. They can enjoy peace, joy and happiness in what they have (Philippians 4:11; Proverbs 28:6). 3. To shun prejudice and hate. Racism and hate are not inherent, they are taught. We must instead teach love and tolerance. God abhors prejudice and so should we (Acts 10:34; Galatians 2:11-17; Genesis 1:26). 4. To desire a godly home. Children must see a home that is filled with love, affection, respect and boundaries. They should learn responsibility and the ability to act independently. Through observation, they must see how to raise strong, godly children (Ephesians 6:1-4; Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Children must see love, respect and affection in their parents. They should never hear us mocking or insulting each other. We are the home they will build one day (Genesis 2:18-24; Ephesians 5:22-29; Matthew 19:6). Adults cannot be healthy emotionally unless they have felt unconditional love. To know that someone will love and accept us no matter what, is empowering. We may not approve of their life choices but we will always love them without reservation (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). If all children came from healthy, happy homes, the world would become safer and stronger. When we have children it becomes our absolute responsibility to teach, train, nurture and prepare them for the future. We cannot shun this responsibility without unleashing on the world another poorly equipped and troubled adult. It is nonnegotiable and a requirement from God (Proverbs 22:6). In a real sense, swelling prisons come from failed homes. Wealth is temporal but true values can last into eternity. God's people must do a better job training their children so the homes of the future will be resilient and godly. (via Forthright Magazine, Think About This What would YOU like to see this congregation accomplish in 2016? Have you thought about what it will take, for the church to actually DO what you think should be done? Now answer this question: Are YOU willing to give and do, to show up and participate so that the things you think are important for the church to accomplish can get done?

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4 Fa m i l y M a t t e r s Valorye Whittaker Is in ICU at Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta. Audrey Shaw Has been moved to a new section at Hope Center, Whispering Pines, room 4 (same security code). Deepest Sympathy We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Kathryn Hardy. Kathryn passed away last Sunday and her funeral was Wednesday. Also to Nina Harp and her family, on the loss of her father, Sione Toa of Hamilton, New Zealand. He was a long-time member and a pillar of the church there. Members With Health Problems: Lucille Amon, Becky Higginbotham, Marlene Etheridge, RuPearl Sharpe, Mattie Williams, Sally Wallace, Brenda Mitchell, Joe Clark, Equillar Butler, Bernice Gillespie, Maylon Swann, Hick & Estell Higginbotham, Una Fortson, David & Shirley Lee, Butch & Joann Trawick, Forrest & Burma Chapman Shut-ins: Annette Benefield, Lillian Gray, David Nash, Audrey Shaw, Jane Lankford & Frances Elder Others With Health Problems: Loretta Russell (Ray s mother), Ruth and Walter Campbell (Sylvester's mother and brother), Joyce Greene (Denise s mother), Pamela Morris (Mitchell s friend), Gilbert Jones (Equillar s brother), Nelda Hayes (Jack Sorrell s aunt), Tom Holcomb and Jean Benefield (Annette Benefield s son-in-law and daughter-in-law), Nancy Ford (Joann Crook s sister), Virginia Poskevich (David s mother), Xernonia Fortson (Una s daughter), Eddie & Lil Cauthen (Joan Poskevich s brother/sister-in-law), Bill Croix (Mattie s husband), Joe Hand (Jim Scoma s brother-in-law) and Marvin Cook (Jean Johnson s brother) Military Members Deployed: SFC Chineka McKenzie (Kuwait), 335th Signal Command (T) (P), APO AE. Capt. Rosa Bell, ECC A, New Kabul Compound (NKC), APO AE AM3 Candace Butts (Connie Elder s daughter), US Navy Deployed for FEMA Sylvester Campbell is in Texas. Missy Campbell has been redeployed to Columbia, South Carolina. Prayer Requested Jason Campbell (Sylvester & Missy s son). Thank you for your donations! Our F.R.O.G kids delivered 35 men s coats, 30 ladies coats, 40 blankets, 99 pairs of glovers, 22 scarves, 78 pairs of socks, 78 hats, and 175 sack lunches out to the homeless on the streets of Atlanta. This was an experience they will never forget. Thank you for supporting us in this event. Calendar Feb 5 Fellowship Game Night at 6pm Feb 7 - Hope Center Singing at 2pm Feb 7 - Congregation Meeting at 4pm Feb 8 Ladies Night out at Susan Fincher s home, at 6:30 pm Feb Great Smokey Mountain Marriage Retreat Weekend Feb 19 SilverWings Dinner at 6pm Feb 28-Mar 3 Progressive Meeting Starts Mar 5 Fayetteville s Ladies Day Tish Clarke, Speaker What is it? FAITH Mar Spring Gospel Meeting Rob Whitacre, Speaker Mar 18 - SilverWing Dinner at 6pm Apr 1 - Game Night at 6pm Chad Hodgkinson & Jasi Quinn Wedding February 13th at 1:00pm At Fayetteville Church of Christ Reception to follow. Please bring one dish for our potluck. Luke Quinn & Laura Morgan Come and Go Wedding Shower March 20th from 2:30-4pm In the Fellowship Hall The couple is registered at Wal-Mart & Target L2L Bible Bowl Healthy Snacks Feb 7 Chapter 27 & 28 Linda Johnson Feb 12 Friday 6:30-9:30pm Poskevich Feb 14 Written Bible Bowl & Pearls Test Feb 21 Puppet skills class 11:30-12:30 Feb 21 Review Miranda Kendrix Feb 28 Review & Games CYC Mar 6 Review/Games Susie Graham Mar 13 Review/Game Blitz Susie Graham Youth Events Feb 21 Area Wide Devotional at Atlanta Airport COC, 5pm Feb CYC Weekend (register now) March 20 Cedar Grove COC, 5pm March LTL Convention April 17 Conyers COC, 6pm

5 Call To Worship Scripture Reading Prayer Song Leader Preside Lord s Supper Sermon Response Elder Announcements Song Closing Prayer Evening Service Prayer Sermon Closing Prayer 2/7 Jordan Madison David Riley Dennis Etheridge Brad Hopkins Eric Hagin Jim Garner WORSHIP ASSIGNMENTS 2/14 Rory Bell, Jr. Jim O Brien Lewis Armstrong Ray Cozart Todd Storks 2/21 Jordan Madison Coney Johnson, Jr. Ray Russell Paul Lyons Ron Biles Bob Howell 2/28 Rory Bell, Jr. Rick Sharpe K Killingsworth David Hopkins Song Service Anthony Ravenell Paul Lyons Fayetteville s Spring Gospel Meeting March Speaker: Rob Whitacre, Boling Springs, TN Sunday 9,10am & 5pm Luncheon after AM Service Monday 7pm Tuesday 10am & 7pm Wednesday 7pm Fayetteville Church of Christ 2016 Goal - Evangelism Address: 870 Redwine Road Fayetteville, Georgia Monday Friday, 9-4 Office Telephone (770) , (770) Fax mail@fcoc.com Web Page: Ministers: (361) Dave.rogers@fcoc.com, (404) (cell) gnash999@gmail.com Office Secretary: Susie Graham celiagraham@bellsouth.net Elders: ( Jim Garner (770) (404) (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 Loretta Keith Nursery 2/7 Joan Poskevich, 14 Sandy Garner 21 Linda Johnson & Leisa Allender Care of Building 1-15 Jerry Kendrix/Jimmy Garner Shirley Allender/ Ushers 2/7 Jimmy Garner/Paul Lyons, 14 Bob Howell/ 21 Ron Biles/Jack Sorrell 28 David Poskevich/Thomas Quinn Media Center Helpers 2/7 Morris Jones, 17 Brad Hopkins 21Jordan Madison & 28 Rory Bell, Jr Open Arms 2/7 Sally Wallace, Jessa Quinn, Connie Kelly, Martha Vickery, Anne Siebert, Hugh Kelly & Ron Biles 14 Jasi Quinn, Jo Hurt, Estell Higginbotham, Linda Johnson, Linda Armstrong, Thomas & Meggi Quinn 21 Jo Ruffer, Rose Durden, Sandy Garner, Theresa Green, Paul & Decieta Lyons 28 Susie Graham,, Barbara Edmonds, Anne Siebert, Rick & RuPearl Sharpe Wednesday Evening Devotional 10 Jake Garner, 17 Keith Killingsworth & 24 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

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