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September 11, 2005
The Preacher's Page by Larry Sweeney
We are excited about the opportunities that are before us relating to our seminar. We know that bro. Edwards will do a wonderful job. As you may recall, he served as a missionary for many years, and thus brings to the seminar a respected experience as to what needs to be done to take the gospel to the lost. We also know that the Word of God will be at the center of everything that is taught.
        With all of this said, then the rest is up to US. It is up to us to be faithful in our attendance. It is up to us to be ready to hear, receive and apply the message that we hear. It is up to us to pray for bro. Edwards and for the fruit that will result from this seminar. It is up to us to pray for the lost. It is up to us to participate joyfully in each worship. It is up to us to speak positively about the Lord's church and encourage each other and our visitors. It is up to us to make our visitors feel welcome. It is up to us to make this seminar a source of spiritual growth for the congregation.
        And yes, YOU can make a difference! PRAY AND PARTICIPATE!

“O Will You Not Tell It Today?”

        Imagine a group of men working deep underground in a mine. Suppose that one day as they were working, the mine began to crumble and collapse around them. Rocks and boards came crashing down everywhere. When they looked around, they realized that they were trapped. There was no way for them to get back to the opening of the mine.
        Now suppose one of the men knew of a secret tunnel that led out of the mine another way. None of the other men knew about it.
        Wouldn't he be a cruel and selfish person if he went alone to the secret tunnel and escaped, without telling the other men that there was a way out of the mine? We would all agree that such behavior would be shameful.
        At one time or another, all people are in a condition very much like these miners. At some point everyone is trapped by sin. God has given us a way to escape from this trap. This way is found in the Bible. Christians have found that way and thus they are no longer trapped. Just like the miner, however, these Christians must share that wonderful way of escape with those who are still not free.
--Mark Blackwelder
        We all have been deeply moved by the devastation and despair brought by hurricane Katrina upon the people of New Orleans and other cities along the Gulf of Mexico. It is difficult for us to fathom the depth of the loss that is being experienced by so many.
Please remember these people and the relief efforts in your prayers. Pray that the relief efforts are successful. Pray that order can be restored. Pray that the good and noble efforts of so many will bear fruit. Pray that the plans of evil people will be defeated. Pray that we all will learn again that the material things of life are temporary in contrast to that which is most important (the spiritual) which is eternal. Pray that hearts will be opened to the gospel because of this tragedy. Pray that God will work providentially so that much good results from this disaster. --Larry