Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, July 30, 2006 Volume 50, Issue 29 WHERE ARE THE NINE? In Luke 17:11-19, we read of Jesus cleansing ten men of their leprosy. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when the diseased men lifted their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." Jesus told the men to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they went their skin was made whole. One of the ten, who was a Samaritan, turned back to give thanks unto the one who had healed him. The question Jesus asked him was, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine.?" I have to admit that often I am like the nine, rather than the one who returned to give thanks to the Lord. I think we all find ourselves failing to give thanks the way we should. We have a tendency to think that when life is going well, that is just the way it is suppose to be. It is not until the blessings we take for granted are removed that we realize how thankful we should have been. Listen to what the word of God relates to us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) Again the Bible tells us, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." (Psalm 68:19) Our Lord truly blesses and blesses again. As we consider the account of Jesus healing the ten lepers our attention is drawn to the nine who did not return to give thanks. No matter what these men were thinking, there is no reason why they did not return to express their appreciation to Christ. I hope we can learn from their ingratitude. God is the one from whom all blessings do flow. Each day we need to pause and praise him and give thanks unto him. Just like the nine, we are without excuse. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalm 100:4). See You in Bible Class Sunday,
JOIN US FOR A THE PARABLES OF JESUS Week #8 - August 2nd "The Lost Sheep" (See The Bulletin Board For More Details)
ROSS RHAPSODY Once again, the summer has come to a close, and that means that Ross Rhapsody must cease to exist. It has been a crazy summer, and for many of you the only way you were able to see the youth was through these articles. We have completed four successful VBS’s, a mission trip to Honduras, and still have a week of church camp ahead of us. I want to first thank Nate for always being there to show me his sweet calves at the most inopportune times. Thanks to Taft and Meleia for your awesome example and leadership, and thanks to the youth for always being so willing to do whatever was asked of you in any situation and for an occasional good laugh. Thanks to Bobby for your insights and for the daily office entertainment. Thanks to the Elders for giving me the opportunity to once again serve as youth intern, and thanks to the wonderful church family at Woodland Hills- without your support and prayers none of this would have been possible. Vego’s Verse:
FAMILY NEWS OUR SICK/HOMEBOUND WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS NEW BABIES Hudson Chase Gillespie, 8 lbs, was born July 22nd at Baptist Women’s Hospital. His proud parents are Tim and Alissa Gillespie. He has two big brothers, Connor and Chandler, who are also proud of him. They live at 3890 Leeward Slopes Cove, Lakeland, TN 38002. Congratulations and best wishes to them! BAPTISM BAPTISM CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK Our guests this morning are invited to stay and have lunch with us. ICE CREAM SUPPER HONDURAS PRESENTATION SUMMER IN REVIEW OUR RECORD
HARVEST TIME LESSONS One illustration that is often used to encourage us to evangelize is that soul winning is like a great harvest. This illustration is not a new one, for nearly 2,000 years ago our Lord said: "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." (Matt. 9:37-38) Following are some similarities between a physical and a spiritual harvest. First, harvest is a time when something valuable is at stake. A farmer’s very livelihood depends on him reaping what he has sown. How much greater is a spiritual harvest? Our Lord asked; "For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26) At the harvest the most valuable thing in all the world is at stake – the souls of men. Second, harvest is a time when laborers are in demand. Any young man across our land can get a job when it is time for physical crops to be gathered. The problems is that not many are willing to do this hard work. The same dilemma has always been present in the church. There are still too few who will heed the command to: "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." (John 4:35) Third, harvest is a time of great concern. When the harvest time comes, physical farmers carefully scan the heavens; watching for storm clouds lest the grain be lost. How much more should we be concerned for the souls of men. We need to be like Andrew who "first findeth his own brother....And he brought him to Jesus" (John 1:41-42). And we need more like Cornelius, who out of love and concern for souls; "called together his kinsmen and near friends." (Acts 10:24) Fourth, harvest time is a time of sacrifice. Years ago if a neighbor became sick, his neighbors would harvest his crop. When it comes to the harvesting of souls we must put other things aside that we can "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matt. 6:33). We must remember the admonition to "endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist" (2 Tim. 4:5). Fifth, harvest is a time of cooperation. To be successful in the time of physical harvest a farmer must properly discharge duties to the workers. In like manner each Christian has been delegated responsibility in the harvesting of souls. We must never forget that "go ye" means "go me!" As Paul wrote; "So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God." (Rom. 14:12) Sixth, harvest is a time for which there has been preparation. No farmer in this world can expect to reap where he has not sown. And for the Christian’s harvest, "the seed is the word of God." (Luke 8:11) And it is only after we have planted that seed in the human heart that it germinates and comes up in obedience to make one a citizen of the Kingdom.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
See You in Bible Class Sunday,
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