Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, October 22, 2006 Volume 50, Issue 41 FREEDOM IN CHRIST We are in the midst of celebrating our independence and democratic ideals. Everything is wrapped in "red, white, and blue." Commercials toast our freedom and independence. Politicians put aside polarizing ideologies and stand together on platforms to congratulate our nation. Most everyone is given the official holiday as leave from normal work routines. It is good to celebrate our freedom because it has been "won" by the courage of those who loved freedom more than their lives. Freedom is never "free." Freedom always comes with a cost that brings consequences that require commitment. Those in our nation who take our freedom for granted and are indifferent to the consequences and commitment required to maintain it, are a source which compromises the strength of our national fiber. This truth is readily admitted. As wonderful as our national freedom is, Christians enjoy and even greater freedom. It is the spiritual freedom offered to us by God. It is a freedom from the captivity of sin; the intolerance of arrogance; the blindness of ignorance; and, the oppression of self-righteousness. This freedom enables us to serve in God-given roles and practice that which brings blessings from the heavenly Father. This freedom in Christ is a wonderful release from self-centeredness as we lose (crucify) self's agenda and pursue God's agenda. It is a freedom that asks, "How can I serve others?" It is a freedom to work under the loving restraints of God's directions and not he grievous standards of the world (cf. Ac. 26:17-18; Gal. 3:27-29; 5:1; Rom. 6:17-23; 14:19; 15:17; I Tim. 2:8-15; etc.) Tragically, there are some who take their freedom in Christ for granted. They are indifferent to its cost, blind to its consequences, and have deserted its commitment. They loudly cry for "freedom FROM" God's law but fail to understand that deserting the freedom of Scriptural authority puts them back into Satan's control (II Pet. 2:12-22). As we celebrate our nations' freedom let us not forget that we have offered to us an even greater freedom. Let us zealously guard our national freedom, but let us steadfastly defend our spiritual freedom! (Jude 9) Daniel Hope
TAFT TALK TLC UPDATE: DEVOTIONAL: BASIC TRAINING: GIRLS DEVO: MAD FRIDAY: RAKE AND RUN:
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Much Love,
FAMILY NEWS
TRICK OR TRUNK
FLU SHOT CLINIC
SERVICE GROUPS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SERVICE GROUPS POTLUCK
DAY LIGHT SAVINGS TIME
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
SYMPATHY
TEEN LEADERSHIP COUNCIL The Woodland Hills Youth Group has appointed their youth council that will serve through May of 2007. A group is appointed each year to take a leadership role within the church. We select this group based upon their experience and qualifications. There are eight on the council for the upcoming year. Last weekend, the 13th and 14th, the group met in the Davidson Boardroom at the Hilton Hotel. They planned out the calendar through 2007. They participated in leadership building activities and filled out evaluations and surveys. This is definitely a group to be proud of. They will be the representatives, meeting once a month to go over details and planning. They will be in charge of planning devotionals, retreats, and activities. They will be on the receiving end of any outside suggestions or ideas. We want to make this group known to you so that you can be aware of some things that are happening. It is a very exciting time for the WHYG (Woodland Hills Youth Group). We will introduce four members of the council this week and four the following: Bud Thomas - He is a Junior at Arlington High School. Bud plays soccer and has been a cornerstone in the Arlington High School Marching Band. He also plays in a band with several of his friends and their name is "A Penny Short." They play concerts all over the greater Memphis area. He has an ability to draw people to him without being abrasive or too strong. He is an asset to this council because of his demeanor and character. Emily Seward - She is a Senior at Harding Academy. Anyone that knows Emily would describe her as friendly. She does not meet a stranger. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to do anything that she can to help other people. She has been involved in stateside mission work, girls devotionals and has brought many ideas to this council about visitation and service. Emily also works for Harding Academy, assisting with the after school program. She has a love for children and it is evident in her daily life. Jarrod Draughon - He is a Senior at Collierville High School. Jarrod, also known in the youth group as "J-Rad," has a very unique style. He is a professional BMX bike rider. He frequently competes in competitions all over the Southeast. He is also very skilled in the area of evangelism. It is a regularity to see him at services with someone "new" each week. He is not afraid to speak about his faith, and those that know him are aware that they always have an open invitation to visit with him. Alex Maxwell - She is a Junior at Harding Academy. Alex is so special to the group because of the many talents that she possesses. She is in the Harding Academy Band. She is very artistic in many ways. The theme for WHYG in 2006 has been "SHINE" from Matthew 5:16. Alex drew and designed the T-shirts for this and is always willing to help and pitch in with new thoughts and ideas. We are blessed to have her part of this group because she has a remarkable ability to think and apply unique thoughts to our planning.
KEY WORDS ABOUT OUR CLEANSING Reconciliation: "Might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" (Eph. 2:16). Through the events on Calvary, we can, as sinners, be brought back into fellowship with our Creator from whom we had been estranged due to sin and death (Rom. 5:12). Remission: "Whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood" (Rom. 3:25). When lost souls asked what to do, the Lord answered: "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins" (Acts 2:38). To have the guilt of the past washed away and to stand on level ground at the foot of the cross is a sublime blessing. Redemption: "In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" (Eph. 1:7). We can be redeemed through the precious blood of the Son of God and walk in a new life (Eph. 22:24). From darkness to light, our journey takes us toward the land of fadeless day (Acts 26:18). The only life that counts is life in and through the shed blood
of Jesus Christ. Indeed, as the song proclaims: Johnny Ramsey
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