By David Phillips

Vacation Bible School last week reminded many of us of the value of good teachers. If you were not here to be able to observe the great work going on among eager young minds, you really missed out. Our Bible Class program and special events such as Vacation Bible School are great tools through which the children associated with this church are able to gain better knowledge and understanding of God’s word. But those Bible Classes are only as good as the teachers who serve in them.

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By David Phillips

God’s Word tell us of the many parallels between our lives on earth and Israel’s journey to the promised land. Hebrews 4:1 reminds us to be careful, lest we come short of it. These 5 elements can be identified in both their journey, as well as ours:

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By David Phillips

The last verse in the book of Judges states, In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes (21:25). These words, also previously stated in 17:6 remind us of the selfish nature of mankind to do whatever he can get away with. That certainly seems to have been the case in the days of the Judges and for many, even now.

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by David Phillips

Many scientists today tell us that the Earth is 4.543 billion years old, and they say that without batting an eye. But if you examine their arguments, you’ll find that conclusion to be based on evolutionary oriented assumptions. Evolutionists believe that early life evolved from nonliving chemicals 4 to 5 billion years ago and gradually developed over “geologic ages”. They say man (in one form or another) came on the scene about 1 or 2 million years ago. On the other hand, the Biblical record plainly indicates that living things were placed on the newly created Earth during the 6-day creative process that took place around 6 thousand years ago. Obviously, the Biblical timetable is about a million times shorter than the evolutionary one.

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by David Phillips

In addition to the “Gap Theory”, which we discussed in the last bulletin, we should note that there is significant controversy over how long the days of creation were. In an attempt to compromise with evolutionary thought, some have insisted on the possibility that each day of the Creation period was an age of millions of years.

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by David Phillips

Recently, Jimmy Gee challenged us to recognize the importance of the instruction from Colossians 3 regarding the matter of music in worship. Clearly, verses 16-17 furnish us with the authority for vocal music in worship (16) and also remind us that we are to do only that which is authorized by the Lord (17 …in the name of the Lord Jesus).

However, a point that some seem to be confused on is the distinction between vocal music and instrumental music. The confusion is often evident in a statement like this: “But the musical instrument helps us to sing better and makes our singing more beautiful.” This statement may even be true, if “better” and “more beautiful” are to be judged in human terms. But the fact is, human pleasure and enjoyment are not the primary aims of worship music. Worship is offered to God.

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by David Phillips

One of the reasons the radical feminist movement has gained such headway in their attack on the Biblical model for the home and family can be seen in their mischaracterization of Christian teaching.

For decades now, those who advocate the rejection of the Biblical model for family have convinced people that Scripture teaches that females are second class citizens, with neither rights nor respect, compared to males. On this basis, they claim the Bible should be rejected. Is this a fair representation of Christian doctrine?

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By David Phillips

Vontae Davis, corner back for the Buffalo Bills professional football team, recently retired. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2009 and played for the Dolphins, the Colts and the Buffalo Bills. In case you haven’t heard, he retired last Sunday, at halftime of the game in which he was playing. Needless to say, that caused quite a stir. Fellow players called his action “selfish” and “disrespectful”.

Brother Corey Sawyers (Bear Valley church of Christ) offers these wise words: “We assemble with our brothers and sisters in Christ each week. Those assemblies are for the purpose of our building up, encouraging, and comforting each other. While we praise the Lord when we assemble, the edification, exhortation, and consolation that takes place between Christians are vital components of our assembly.”

No doubt, you’ll see Corey’s well-made point: “So, we gather together on the Lord’s Day to worship Him just as the Christians of the First Century did (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:2). However, a week is long, and seven days without prayer, Bible study, and fellowship not only makes one week, but it also will make one weak! Many elderships, including ours, have decided it wise to meet at halftime of the week. Am I there? Am I quitting on my teammates – my brothers and sisters in Christ – at halftime? Am I letting them down when they need me the most?” [Daily Bread, 9/19/18]

Where were you last Wednesday night at 7 PM? We need you here – you’re part of the team!

by David Phillips

In the course of a recent work day, I pulled into a parking lot to fill out some paperwork. At a distance, I saw an elderly couple making their way out of a store. The man and woman both appeared to be somewhat feeble, and as they slowly shuffled through the parking lot, I couldn’t tell for sure if he was helping her or if she was helping him. It was only when they reached their car and she helped him painstakingly get seated into the passenger’s side that I could see that she was the stronger.

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by Tim Dooley

From false balances and just weights to pride and humility, Proverbs 11-15 reminds us of the vast dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked. In a world that seems to ever blur the lines between good and evil, sees little difference between right and wrong, and often sees the right as wrong and the wrong as right, we need to be reminded that God doesn’t…and He sees everything!

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