Tis The Season. From The Minister s Pen. Bulletin #1440 December 18, uring the month of December, every year, the United States celebrates

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1 Bulletin #1440 December 18, 2016 From The Minister s Pen Tis The Season D uring the month of December, every year, the United States celebrates a national holiday. It is, traditionally, a time of shopping, decorations, singing of carols, lights, and gatherings. This time of year is somewhat different from other seasons. Generally, it is the case that people attempt to be more kind and generous during this time of year. It is a season known for joy, as the Christmas carol proclaims. However, the time for joy is not based upon what time of year it is, a particular climate, nor any holiday season. The time for joy and happiness is the present, no matter what time of year it may be. What better source for true joy and happiness than He who is able to save our soul? For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). It has been well-stated, There s no time like the present. However, each year, many wait eleven months before being kind, generous, considerate, and jolly. In like manner, many will wait, until it is too late, to submit themselves to the com- mands of God. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Pet. 3:10). We should take advantage of the fact that God has given us this day rather than taking it for granted. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:13-14). Our society has become accustomed to thinking about Christ only during the time of a holiday season instituted by man (i.e. December 25th). We should, however, render our lives a sacrifice to God everyday (Rom. 12:1-2) and not merely give the appearance of devotion to Christ during a particular season. Consider how sad and hopeless our lives as Christians would be if our dear Lord chose to

2 Page 2 watch over His children only during one season of the year! Yet, many in society, some who even claim to be Christians, choose to focus on the Christ only during the holiday season, a convenient season for the world to offer what they consider to be praise to our Savior, and then forget Him during less convenient times throughout the rest of the year until the holidays roll around once more. Recall the response that Felix gave to Paul, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee (Acts 24:25). The problem with procrastination is the fact that there may not be a tomorrow (Jam. 4:1, 3-14). The problem with designating a certain season of the year as the time to celebrate the birth of Christ is the fact that it is not authorized by God. God specified that Sunday, the first day of each week, is the time to worship Him (Acts 20:7) and the Christian is to live faithfully every day. We cannot be like Felix and wait for a more convenient season to be obedient and joyful. Godly obedience should be part of a faithful Christian s year-round lifestyle, a lifestyle which will naturally result in joy felt throughout the entire year. But godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6). The present truly is the day of salvation, because it is the only time that we know for sure exists. NOW is the time: To come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4) by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). To believe that he [God] is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Heb. 11:6). to repent: Because he [God] hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Jesus Christ] whom he hath or dained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31). To confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Mat. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10). To be baptized to have your past sins forgiven (Acts 2:38), to be added by God to His Church (2:47), and to be saved (1 Pet. 3:21). To be faithful (1 Cor. 4:2; Heb. 5:8-9). Tis the season to obey God s plan of salvation and begin your life as a Christian, a child of God, a member of the Church for which Christ died. Tis the season to remain faithful to God until death (1 John 1:6-9; Rev. 2:10). Tis the season, not because it is December, nor because of the celebrations and festivities occurring this time of year. Tis the season, because tomorrow may be too late.

3 Bulletin #1440 December 18, 2016 Church News and Views Holiday Gift Box For members who wish to include Dr. and Mrs. Washington in your holiday gift giving, a gift box has been placed on the Hospitality Desk. Please put your gift inside a greeting card and place your gift in the box. Gifts are voluntary, however everyone is encouraged to participate. Begin the New Year with singing praises, praying, hearing God s Word and being inspired to take a fresh new walk with a deeper commitment to the Lord. Our Watch Night service will be for the ENTIRE FAMILY! The evening s program will include: **GOSPEL PREACHING** **LOVE-FEST** **JOYFUL and SPIRITED SINGING** **REFRESHMENTS** Come!! Bring family members and friends!! Give thanks and praise to God for bringing you and your family safely through Come and be among godly people and a place where the Bible is preached, believed, and practiced. Plan to be with us to bring in the New Year right! Postcard invitations that you may give to friends are located on the Hospitality Desk. Powerful Gospel Preaching Vesper Services Women s Conference Workshops MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND!! The Bereavement Committee is in charge of handling the food for our guests during the 2017 Ministers Institute. We are in need of helpers and food donations. A list is posted at the Hospitality Desk. Please stop by today and let us know if you would be interested in assisting us in this endeavor. Please see Sis. Ethel Bess or Sis. Ermine Thompson for further details. You also may contact Sis. Bess at or Sis. Thompson at

4 Page 4 In accordance with our holiday schedule, midweek Bible study will NOT be held this Wednesday and the following Wednesday (Dec. 28 th ) evenings. Be sure to continue your personal Bible study each day. NEXT LESSON SERIES Starts January 4 th Come Before Winter Weekly Broadcasts Begin First Sunday in February 2017 Congratulations to the following youth for their outstanding academic performance during the fall term of school. Each has earned Honor Roll recognition by earning a 3.0 GPA or higher. Maya Allen* Cameron Burgess* Sean Grosvenor* Sierra Grosvenor Jonathan Malone Jason Newson Kaelah Roland* Shemani Saintfort Shemar Saintfort Ariel Stewart* *Minister s Honor Roll (4.0+ GPA) Please encourage these students when you see them. Their names will be placed on the Minister s Bulletin Board and recognized in a special way at an announced time. Lord, He Whom Thou Lovest Is Sick (John 11:3) Shut-In: Charles Davis, Camille Ewers, Paul Frances, Martha Moore, Ermine Mullins, Joyce Parrish, Marion Williams, Lillie Jackson Prayer Requests: Bobby Ace, Barbara Adams, Sharon Berrian, Ethel Bess, Laura Blidge, Louise Bowman, Richard Brazil, Raf Campbell, Charlie Crawford, Arnetta Cross, Ron Cullingford, Brooklyn Delancy, Aletha Denmark, Kristin Dicks, Felisha Downer, Donna Eacho, Sharon Eason, Nelzene Edwards, Loerine Ellis, Bessie Everitt, Phillip Everett, Linda Green, Hanley Freeman, Cora Hargrett, Dudley Hill, Joe Holland, Vernon Holland, Lois Hutchison, Jacquelyn Irvin, Veanna Irvin, Brad Johnson, Becky Johnson, Catie Johnson, Gloria Johnson, Louis Johnson, Chicago, Jones, Annie Lee, Kevin Larkins, Nancy Logan, Mary Lyons, Elouise Mash, Suzanna Middleton, Sharon Monroe, Willie Mae Morris, Jennifer Neita, Jimmy Newson, Rosie Newson, Dianjalo Parrish, Johnny Richardson, Shay Roache, Deotha Roby, Akiko Robinson, Rachel Scoggins, Shirley Seays, Richard & Jean Sherman, Maxine Smith, Yvonne Stokes, Linda Stokes, Rosemary Strachan, Brandi Stroman, Alexander (Joe) Sutton, Ernest & Mae Thomas, Samantha Tobias, Rolinne Trompe, Roosevelt Tukes, Lewis & Jean Truttling, Johnnie P. Walker, Johnni Walker, Lillie Walker, Lucille Walker, Michael Ward, Ray Watson, Joshua Webb, Marie Webb, Ranspord Webley, Annie Williams, Betty Williams, Charles Williams, Jackie Williams

5 Bulletin #1440 December 18, 2016 We Come Into This House To Worship Him (John 4:24) Month of DECEMBER MORNING Announcements EVENING Reginald Johnson Reginald Johnson Prayer Willie Hamilton Glenn Barbee Scripture (Reading Raymond Thompson Raymond Thompson Sermons Call To Obedience Counselors: K. Hutchison / J. West C. Jean / W. Hamilton Confessions /Prayer Petitions Keith Hutchison (Officiating) Offering (1 Cor. 16:1,2) Lord s Supper (Acts 20:7) AM Officiating: Keith Hutchison / Raymond Thompson (1) Left, J. Franklin (2) Left, D. Stokes (3) Left, T. Harris (4) Left, M. Strong (1) Right, B. Byrd (2) Right, L. Frazier (3) Right, M. Hughes (4) Right, D. Edwards Alternate: G. Barbee Song Leader Song Keith Hutchison (Officiating) PM Officiating: Keith Hutchison / Raymond Thompson E. Thompson C. Jean J. Franklin E. Holcombe D. Stokes T. Harris Alternates: G. Barbee Ministerial Announcements Doxology Dismissal Elijah Thompson Elijah Thompson Worship and Praise Leaders Keith Hutchison, Reginald Johnson Ushers Head Ushers: Tony Hugley, Booker Bess Auditorium: Bros. T. Hugley, B. Bess, F. Williams, D. Adams, E. Thompson, R. Johnson, J. Outler, M. Jeanty, D. Gray, S. Wilson, D. Freeman, R. Rouse, C. Rouse Lobby: I. Johnson, H. Penn Hospitality Desk / Concierge Alice George, Sharon Evans Back Hall: D. Brooks, J. West

6 Page 6 Bible School Attendance Report FROM: The Education Department December 11, 2016 CLASS ATTENDANCE COLLECTION GOAL NUMBER GOAL AMOUNT Church Nursery 4 Nursery Class(2 & 3) 10 N/C $ $ N/C Kindergarten (4 & 5) Grades 1 and Grades 3 and Grades 5 and * Grades 7 and * Grades 9 & Grades 11 & * Ladies Class Men s Class Sound Doctrine Class #1 CLASSES OF THE WEEK ATTENDANCE ADULT: Sound Doctrine YOUTH: Grades 9 & 10 COLLECTION ADULT: Sound Doctrine YOUTH: Grades 11 & 12 *GOAL MET Total: 150 $ SERMON NOTES The Record Speaks GOAL ACTUAL 12/11/16 Wednesday PM Bible Study Bible School Worship Baptisms (2016) Placed Membership 9 Visitors 5