The Encourager. September 23, Sunday Service s Bible class 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Afternoon 2:00 pm. Tuesday Ladies Class 11:00 am

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1 The Encourager Church of Christ 140 West 15th Street Front Royal Virginia FrontRoyalChurchofChrist.com SimpleBibleLessons.com We Welcome Our Guest! We are so glad you ve come for worship today! Our prayer is you will be blessed by your time with us. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have concerning our worship. September 23, 2018 Sunday Service s Bible class 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Afternoon 2:00 pm Tuesday Ladies Class 11:00 am Wednesday Service 7:00 pm Personal Bible Study SimpleBibleLessons.com Online Correspondence In Home RSW Jail Ministry Correspondence 2nd & 4th In House Food Pantry By Appointment Minister John Stephen Smith ministerfrcoc@gmail.com

2 Congratulations: to Marian Lozier on the birth of a new grandchild. Lacy Lee, granddaughter of Debbie Martin. Hazel Clark, is in Lynn Care #242 rehab. Gloria Van Arsdall, Brookside, new room #122A. Philip (Pop) Funk in Lynn Care, room #221B. Adam Selby Michael Michelucci, Debbie Martin s son. Kim Wines, Debbie Martin s daughter. Remi Wines, Debbie Martin s grandson. Mary Steele Ceann Collier Ella Sullivan Cathy Meadows Kelly Clark Rick Steele Bobby Jo Henderson Ray Stelzl Tim Gunter Kenny Henderson Jr. Ruth Brooks Jamie Shell Marty Jones Jamie James Scott McCool Jaden Turner Doris & Donald Jones Carol & Doug Ritenour Dolores Williams RSW Jail Ministry Our nation and lawmakers The Lord s church Military men and women First Responders Our missionaries Our Homebound Audrey Herring John Woodall Nancy Barnes Cancer Diagnosis Janet Jenkins Jerry Eubanks C.R. Newlin Priscilla L Philip Funk Jr. Jackie Barbe Frank Couto Ryan Denharat Sandy Holzhauser Vita Torres Jeff Pingley Wendy Willoughby Elaine Appleton Robert Jenkins Names On This Page Will Periodically be removed. Please Keep Tenia Informed as to there Condition & or Status

3 The Cracked Acorn Blessings September 23, 2018 c.r. van arsdall The evening news: I remember Peter Jennings the ABC News Anchor when he told us he has lung cancer. Mr. Jennings was a workaholic and had a busy life of marriages and reporting. He was easy to listen to and got straight to the point. I liked him and wished him a successful fight against his disease of which only about 15% are cured. I also thought once he was cured he could begin to "smell the roses" and enjoy much of the life he had missed. (He died at 67, year 2005.) Consider: a period of great prosperity that changed everything and reached everyone but the Smith family always just barely got by, but paid their bills on time. Land was going up in price, but not everyone could sell and move away. The Smiths had to stick it out and stay where they were. The family increasingly found their small house shadowed by tall Mac Mansions. Mr. Smith never would mention it or told his wife he was terribly depressed. Finally when he could stand it no more he confided in a close friend filled with practical wisdom. "Fred, how many cars do you own?" his friend asked. "well, I have an old Chevy and a rusty jeep. Why?" "Fred, go buy as many old clunkers as you can find, have them towed to your property." "I don't see what this has to do with anything, you're crazy!" Fred walked away. He couldn't understand why his best friend would pass out such idiotic advice, eventually Fred did what he never thought he would do. He found give away cars and asked people to donate cars or trucks and leave them on his property. When his friend stopped to visit, he told Fred he was proud of him but he needed to do one more thing. "Fred, there's still room on the property close to the mailbox. I know someone who can't get rid of his old cattle truck, call him up and take it off his hands for junk." Fred was in so deep that his wife was not speaking to him. So he swapped a Saturday of lawn work for the smelly old eighteen wheeler; it now reposed by the mailbox, and you could no longer see the house. Yes, Fred knew he had completely gone around the bend, for what reason and purpose he didn't know. His friend now told him to call the salvage yard and have it all cut into scrap. Fred saw his property as much larger and noticed his small house was really lovely and had many fine features. His wife now spoke to him and they begin to build a closer bond with themselves and their blessings. (thanks to an old Russian Folk Tale) WHEN UPON LIFE'S BILLOWS YOU ARE TEMPTEST- TOSSED,WHEN YOU ARE DISCOURAGED,THINKING ALL IS LOST,COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS,NAME THEM ONE BY ONE,AND IT WILL SURPRISE YOU WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE. (Hymn lyrics SACRED SELECTIONS)...Sell all that you have... Luke 18:18-23

4 Leviticus 16 BSGFAA Lesson 217 Day of Atonement Moses Bible Quiz: 1. Yes or no, did David have a plan of the temple and its utensils to give Solomon? Where did David get the ideas for the plan? 1 Chronicles 28: Why did the Sanhedrin want to find false evidence against Jesus? Matthew 26:59 Who was the chief person of the Sanhedrin? Matthew 26:57; John 18:4 3. Describe the three incidents in which Peter denied Jesus. When did Peter realize his denial of Jesus? Matthew 26: How was the tabernacle and all its furnishings and priests made most holy? Exodus 30: What part of God did Moses see Exodus 33: Describe Moses second trip up Mount Sinai to meet God and his face when he returned. Exodus Why were Bezalel and Oholiab quality skilled craftsmen and able to teach others? Exodus 35: Did the Israelites construct every portion of the tabernacle as God had commanded? Exodus 39: What was the trespass (quilt) offering? Briefly describe it. Leviticus 5:14-6:7; 7: What was the grain (meal) offering? Briefly describe it. Leviticus 2:1-16; 6:14-23 According to the Dictionary: 1. Seventh month included: first day was the Feast of Trumpets; tenth day was the Day of Atonement; fourteenth day began the one week Feast of Tabernacles. 2. Feast of Trumpets was the beginning of the civil year and included the blowing of trumpets. Possibly was a preparation for the Day of Atonement, 10 days later. The lesson which the Israelites were reminded during the festival was the birth and sacrifice of Isaac. Genesis 21:1-34; 22: Day of Atonement was regarded as a :Sabbath no matter which day it fell. 4. Seven was a symbol of completeness Questions: 1. When could Aaron enter the Most Holy Place? Who could be inside the Most Holy Places with Aaron? Leviticus 16:2, 17, For whom did Aaron make atonement? Leviticus 16:17 3. How did Aaron choose which of the two goats was for the Lord and which for the scapegoat? Leviticus 16:8 4. What did Aaron do when he went into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement? Leviticus 16: Describe the function of the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 16:10, On the Day of Atonement what was to be done with the portions of the bull and goat that were not used in the burnt offering? Leviticus 16:27 7. How often were the Israelites to observe the Day of Atonement? When? How? Why? Leviticus 16:29-34

5 Numbers 1-4 BSGFAA Lesson 218 Numbering of Israel Moses Bible Quiz: 1. What did Nathan the prophet tell Bathsheba to do in order to save her and her son s lives from Adonijah? Did she follow Nathan s instructions? What was David s promise to Bathsheba concerning Solomon? 1 Kings 1: Solomon sat on the throne of. 1 Kings 1:35 3. Why did Pilate not release Jesus? What man did Pilate release? Mark 15:15 4. Why did God not destroy the Israelites whom He saw worshipping the golden calf? Exodus 32: Moses had to (a) encourage or (b) restrain the people concerning their gifts for construction of the tabernacle. Exodus 36:6 6. What could the Israelites see, when the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle? How did the Israelites know when God wanted them to pick up camp and travel? Exodus 40: What was the purpose of the burnt offering? Briefly describe it. Leviticus 1:4-17; 6: How often was the fire on the altar to burn? Leviticus 6: When could Aaron enter the Most Holy Place? Who could be inside the Most Holy Place with Aaron? Leviticus 16:2, 17, For whom did Aaron make atonement? Leviticus 16:17 Additional Scriptures: 1. We show our faith through action. James 2:18 2. God had promise to fight for Israel. Exodus 14:14 According to the Dictionary Numbering the Israelites Purpose was to learn the manpower available for military service. Women, children, and Levites were not counted. The numbering in one day was the result of a well organized plan. Questions: 1. Who was to counted in the census at the Desert of Sinai? The total number was. Numbers 1:3, Which tribe would lead the Israelites when they traveled? Who was last? Numbers 2:9, The Israelites camped around the. (a) city of Jerusalem, (b) Nile river, or (c) the tabernacle in the wilderness. 4. The Lord took the Levites in the place of whom? Why did God say all firstborn are mine? Numbers 3: Name the three sons of Levi. What were the jobs of the Gershonites? Kohathites? And Merarites? Number 3 6. When the Israelites traveled, who carried the thing that were in the Tabernacle? What would happen to the Kohathites if they looked at the holy things? Numbers 4:15, Who gave each Levite a job to do? Numbers 4:47-49 Application: on God s giving people a job to do Numbers 4:49

6 Serving Today Bob Baleskie Danny Derflinger Eddie Benfit Mike McCool Madelynn Derflinger 9/23 Eliza Anderson 9/24 Song Service Tim Tewalt Wilson Diaz Scripture Reading Art Candenquist Mason Clark 9/28 The Callaways 9/30 Lord Fairfax Community College. This is for special needs classrooms. Here is the list of items needed: umbrella s, ear buds, Lemon Lime Blossoms Lysol wipes, large size Command utility hooks, as well as Subway gift cards. Monetary contribution also welcome. See Deborah Baleskie if giving money or gift cards. Through out the school year these items will be subject to change as needs change. Where: Sherando Park (Sandy Shelter) 255 Lakeview Circle, in Stephens City Date: October 13 Time: 11:00 am. Each family is encouraged to bring side dishes and desserts. Don t forget your lawn chairs! Contact: Patrick McCary if planning to attend. Ofc. Phone: Patrick.McCary@cocSouthside.org Please check out the new Nursery schedule. This will be on a weekly basis. Sign up for the week you can do during worship only. Ladies pick up the ladies meeting notes at the information corner. Next Ladies Meeting November 18th. K thru 5th grade clothing collection, please see Tabitha Anderson for more details.

7 The Moral Decline in America Part III Will God continue to bless America is the question? God expects nations to maintain a level of righteousness. A nation s strength lies not in the power of its military, the wealth of its citizens, the magnificence of its capital, or the progress of its science, but in the goodness of its people! It is dangerous to forget God, Psalms 50:22, 23. A Nation in Moral Decline, where does America stand on this continuum of righteousness? Let not sin have dominion Romans 6:13 As co-habitation before marriage climbs. Divorce rates are up as well. Many factors undermine the home: date sex, cohabitation, adultery, wifeswapping, no-fault divorces, and homo-sexuality. Perhaps the biggest factor is that many marry the wrong person for the wrong reason and have little understanding of martial responsibility and long-term commitment. The Bible says, What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder Matthew 19:6. Children at risk. Without the protection of the traditional family, children are at risk for physical & sexual abuse, and gangs. More than three million child abuse cases occur each year! U.S. registered sex offenders reach into the hundreds of thousands, 18% of all women have been raped; teens age 14 to 19 are 4 times more likely to be victims. Not counting the thousands of girls and women, boys and teenage boys caught up in sex trafficking. Without strong families, teens search for an identity. More than a million and a half joined one of the 33,000 active criminal gangs in the United States. Sex before marriage. America has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world. Pat Buchanan reported, Half of all children born to women under 30 in the U.S. now are illegitimate. One of 3 U.S. children live in a home without a father. Sexually transmitted diseases, is ramped in 1 of 4 teen girls. Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge Hebrews 13:4. Pornography 40% of all Internet traffic goes to adult sites. 70% of high school age boys visit a site monthly. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God Matthew 5:8. Homosexuality. June 26, 2015 is a day that will live in infamy. In what is undoubtedly the worst decision ever made by a U.S. Supreme Court, that same-sex marriage could be granted protection under the Constitution. God holds a society accountable when homosexuality flourishes unchallenged, Ezekiel 3:17-19; Romans 1: No court has the right to overturn a decision already made by the Creator, John 12:48; Leviticus 18: What God created to be fruitful and multiply as one male, one female can do, is not to be looked at as ugly or disgusting but righteous in His eyes. He told man to leave his parents and cleave to his wife (woman). Genesis 2:24 Next week the conclusion.

8 Galatians 5:13 SERVE One Another September 23, 2018 CALLED TO F Galatians 5:13a USE NOT F TO SERVE THE F Galatians 5:13b USE OUR FREEDOM TO S Galatians 5:13c About Attendance Brother un-known said to me, I spoke with our wellknown Brother Discourager about his lack of attendance. It was almost like explaining why fire trucks are red. Fire trucks have four wheels and eight men, so four plus eight equal twelve. There are twelve inches in a foot. A foot is a ruler, and Queen Elizabeth is a ruler and Queen Elizabeth is the largest ship in the seven seas. Seas have fish. Fish have fins. The Finns fought the Russians. The Russians are red. Fire trucks are always rushin therefore; fire trucks are red. Now do you understand? If you think that is wild listen as he and others explain their lack of turnout to Bible Study and worship. One said that Sunday comes at the end of a hard week when all are tired and worn-out. Also it comes just after Saturday night and that is the night we feel we should enjoy ourselves and take in a movie or ballgame. It is after midnight when we get to sleep. I mean no disrespect; but it seems to me the Lord picked the wrong day for worship. One sister said Sunday is about the only day her husband has to catch up on jobs around the house. She also feels that he should have one day a week to sleep, fish, golf or visit the folks. Another explains that they visit out of town and have to drive back on Sunday so they can get back to work on Monday. That causes them to miss some Sundays. They just know that the Lord understands. One family meant to go to worship Last Sunday but had company; the Sunday before that they meant to go but it was raining. All agreed that they had to do better and get back to worship; or else people would think they had quit; you know how people are to talk. They say they love God and the church; they have been faithful for years; they expect to die being faithful; and go to heaven. Does any of this sound familiar? I think this is a tragedy. Jesus said, The love of many will wax cold. But he that endures unto the end; the same will be saved. (Matt. 24:12-13) So my dear brothers; stand strong. Do not let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. (1 Cor. 15:58) Author Unknown