JURONG OUTREACH - August 06

THINGS ABOUT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST THAT SURPRISE PEOPLE
3 SEPTEMBER 06

Due to a strict emphasis on following only the Bible (rather than a mixture of Scripture and tradition), the church of Christ differs from other religious groups. Often people are pleasantly surprised—even refreshed—to learn these differences. In this and coming issues, we’ll highlight a few.

The church of Christ does not “tithe.”
Who could count the times someone has exclaimed, “You mean the church of Christ does not tithe?!” They have always been taught that tithing was a part of every church’s doctrine and are surprised to learn that the New Testament does not even use the word “tithe” in relation to giving in the church. Tithing was a part of the Old Law and is mentioned in reference to the practice of the Pharisees (Mt. 23:23; Lk. 11:42; 18:12), and Levitical worship (Heb. 7:5-9). The New Testament does not command a certain percentage, but teaches we are to give as we are prospered, as we purpose, and with a cheerful attitude (1 Cor. 16:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:6, 7).  ”Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 

PEOPLE CANNOT “JOIN” THE CHURCH.
“Joining” the church is one of the most common expressions in religious conversation. It is so much a part of most people’s religious vocabulary that no one really thinks much about it. Becoming a part of the church is not like joining a social order or civic club. The Bible teaches that when people are obedient to their Lord He “adds” them to His church.
(Acts 2:42, 47; 5:14; 11:24). ”Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. “
“And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” Could you imagine someone saying, “I’m going to join the football Hall of Fame?” or “I think I’ll join the president’s cabinet and be Secretary of State?” There is, of course, a sense in which we join ourselves together with other Christians after having been added to the body by the Lord (Acts 5:13; 9:26; 1 Cor. 1:10; 6:17; Eph. 4:16).

COMMUNION IS A PART OF WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY.
More than once those who are unfamiliar with the church of Christ, after a few visits with local congregation, have been heard to say, “You know, the one thing I really notice about the church of Christ is that they have communion every Sunday!” This is surprising because most religious groups .partake of it quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Early church historians speak often of the Lord’s supper involving a weekly participation. They verify what the Bible teaches regarding its frequency—that the disciples partook of the communion when they assembled (1 Cor. 11), and that they assembled on the first day of every week (1 Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7). “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST HAS NO EARTHLY

HEADQUARTERS.
On a number of occasions people ask, “Where are the headquarters of the church of Christ?” They mean by that in what city are your central offices, etc. They are surprised when we say, “We have no headquarters. Each congregation makes its own decisions based on the Bible.” Since the head of the church is Christ, and since Christ is in heaven, then heaven must be the location of the headquarters (Col. 1:18, 24; 1 Pet. 3:22; Phil. 3:20). “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (NKJV) No board hands down controversial decisions; no dues have to be sent in each month; no one decides (or has to approve) preacher relocations.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST HAS NO “CREED BOOK.”
Often someone says, “You mean you follow only the Bible!,” or “The church of Christ does not have a creed book for its members!?” Why is this surprising? Because most religious people have been under the influence of prayer books, creed books, manuals, disciplines, and articles of faith since youth. However, the Bible states that the Scriptures supply all we need spiritually (2 Timothy 3:16-17) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
( 2 Peter 1:3). “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”
Jesus said His Word will judge us in the last day, not man’s (John 12:48). “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” 

“Come and see” (John 1:39).

BEYOND REDEMPTION POINT
10 SEPTEMBER 06 

At the turn of the 20^th century, the Niagara River of New York was a point of recreation for many people who enjoyed the outdoors. Boaters, anglers and swimmers plied the beautiful waters of this magnificent setting. Many people enjoyed memorable times with family and friends in the safe upper reaches of the River. They could take comfort in being far from the dangers that lay further downstream.  

However in the words of preacher George Truett in a gospel meeting in Fort Worth , Texas in June, 1917, danger was in store for those who failed to heed the warning: “Were you ever yonder above Niagara ? If you have been, some hundreds of yards above that roaring, plunging Niagara , you have seen a strange sign, flung out on either side of the river, as the river rushes to take that last awful plunge. You recall it as I speak of it. A plank with three ominous words is flung out on either side of the river, and you are arrested as your eyes see those words - just three:
“PAST REDEMPTION POINT” The meaning of the words is ominous and evident. Oh boatman, plying your little boat on the surface of that river, do not get below that sign! Oh canoeman, floating idly and leisurely on the bosom of the river, do not get below that sign! 

For a little below that sign the river-bed falls, and the river rushes with the speed almost of the arrow let fly from the bow to take its fearful plunge over the awful precipice. Do not get below that sign. Somewhere in the journeying of a human soul there is that awful sign flung out: “PAST REDEMPTION POINT”. Soul, DO NOT get into the current below that sign!”What about OUR souls? Will we enjoy the safe comfort provided by our Lord and Saviour in His Word? To take haven in His arms of rest? Or instead do we allow ourselves to be pulled towards that ominous DANGER of SIN where peril and ruin await those caught in its dreadful power?

Safety is found in Christ,
believing in Him (Acts 16:31),And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,

 repenting of sin (2 Cor 7:9) Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,

confessing Him as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

and being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.(Acts 22:16) And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

 One is kept safe by Christ by continuing to heed the “signposts” of God’s Word  
(1 John 1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

“PAST REDEMPTION POINT.” DON'T get below that sign! Through an obedient faith, find joy and safety in the River of God ’s love.  

God bless you! 

-- Terry Livingston

DOES THE BIBLE OFFER HOPE FOR DEPRESSION?
17 SEPTEMBER 06 

Depression is perhaps the most common emotional problem that we face today. Experts suggest as many as one out of five Americans experience severe depression some time during their lives, and depression may be the most common health problem for women. Symptoms of depression include apathy, insomnia, difficulty in concentrating, and a general loss of interest in life. Severely depressed people may become suicidal, violent, or completely withdrawn. Depression has always been a problem for mankind. Bible characters such as King Saul, Elijah the prophet, Job, and others experienced depression. 
Sources of depression may be physical, psychological, or spiritual. Fatigue, chemical imbalances, and other physical problems may cause it. After his defeat of the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel, Elijah was physically exhausted. When Jezebel threatened his life, he fled into the wilderness and was ready to die. The angel of the Lord comforted him and strengthened him with food, telling him, “Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee” (1 Kgs. 19:7). He still felt overwhelmed and alone. He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kgs. 19:10). He repeated, “I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kgs. 19:14).

The Lord encouraged him by letting him know that there were still seven thousand faithful, and by sending Elisha to help him. Loss is a common psychological cause of depression. Job lost his possessions, family, health, and even his reputation. He cried, “...the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came” (3:25-26). Later he learned that God continued to control the universe: “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee” (Job 42:2).

Unfulfilled hopes and dreams, and feelings of worthlessness or helplessness brought on by stress also cause depression. These feelings often come because one has lost proper perspective. Disappointments may be opportunities in disguise—times to rearrange priorities, making them in line with God’s will. We can overcome feelings of helplessness and worthlessness by understanding that God is still in control. He demonstrated His love for us in the cross (Rm. 5:8). Sin has spiritual consequences, which often include depression. Obeying God is the key. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love...” (Jn. 15:10). God does not intend for us to be depressed, and is eager to forgive and comfort.

 —Bob Prichard

Have you ever felt you have come to the end?  You have given all you could and yet it was not enough?  You have done all you could, within your ability and knowledge but it was just not working?  Have you reached a point of despair, of helplessness?  Have you secretly cried out to the Lord “Why O Lord have you forsaken me?” WHAT TO DO NEXT?  

Remember the many promises that the Lord has made to us, His children, whom He loves dearly: 

De 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. 

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

Ec 3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end 

Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Ps 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

A GOOD WORD
24 SEPTEMBER 06 

Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on one good compliment.” We all know what he meant by that. It lifts your spirits to have someone say something genuinely nice to you or about you. Solomon noted this human truth: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” (Prov. 12:25). Haven’t you experienced days when the morning began just right? Someone in your family mentioned something special about you he/she appreciated. Your boss gave you a compliment as you walked through the door. And then, there was a note in the mail or a phone call from someone you love, and words of cheer entered your heart and carried you through the day. Since we know how good it feels to receive such expressions from people, shouldn’t we spread the same joy to others? We ought to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to us. (Eph. 5:15;) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (Col. 4:5, 6;) Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.  (Gal. 6:10)As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 

A good word. You don’t have to be rich to give compliments away. You don’t have to be well known to effect others. Even complete strangers reap the benefit of receiving a good word from you. We hear so many bad words in our world. Let’s start a campaign to balance what people hear. It all begins with a good word!  

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Be Careful What You Say

One day a little girl watching her mother do the dishes noticed several strands of white hair on her mother’s brunette head. She asked, “Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?” She replied, “Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry, one of my hairs turns white.” The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, “Momma, how come ALL of grandma’s hairs are white?”

What does the Bible have to say about keeping our tongue? 

Psalms 12:3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:  

Psalms 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 

Psalms 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.  

Psalms 37:30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. 

Psalms 39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that  I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Proverbs 15:4  A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:

Proverbs 21:23  Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.