Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, October 8, 2006 Volume 50, Issue 39 THE POWER IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST His blood is ESSENTIAL. Acts 8:32-33 contains a marvelous reference to Isaiah 53, and the One who was willing to do that which was necessary to release us from the clutches of Satan. God "laid on him the iniquity of us all!" (Isa. 53:6), allowing Christ to bear our errors and blunders and have them cleansed by His stripes: "By his stripes we are healed" (I Peter 2:24). The necessity of that sacrifice is clearly stated: "Apart from the shedding of blood there is no remission...It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins" (Heb. 9:22). His blood is EFFICACIOUS. A beautiful and impressive verse of Scripture promises cleansing. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isa. 1:18). The high cost of low living demands a price so high that only the death of the Lord could atone for mankind's enormous blunders. His blood is ENDURING. In Rev. 15:3 we rejoice to read that the redeemed host was standing on the sea singing "the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb." The anthem which Israel sang after crossing the Red Sea (Ex. 15) declared that Jehovah would fight for them. Add to that the victory in the Savior's blood (Col. 1:20) and we are truly "more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom. 8:35-37). His blood is ENABLING. Romans 12 begins by telling us that it is by our spiritual service, based on the unfathomed mercy and love of God, that we are empowered to fight ardently and actively, and win the "good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12). His blood is ENRICHING. In Jude's
brilliant benediction, we find the fruition and culmination of our life in
Christ and His cleansing blood. "Now unto him that is able to guard you
from stumbling and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish
in exceeding joy, to the only God our Savior" (Jude 24-25). Due to our
relationship with the Redeemer, the Father above is able to: Johnny Ramsey
FAMILY NEWS THANK YOU FLU SHOT CLINIC SERVICE GROUP 4 POTLUCK BRIDAL SHOWER TUESDAY BIBLE CLASS OUR RECORD YOU ARE INVITED 5TH/6TH GRADE PROJECT Remember our military men and women in prayer: THANK YOU AGAPE The United Way annual fund drive has begun again. If you make contributions to United Way you can choose AGAPE Child and Family Services on your donation form. REMEMBER IN PRAYER WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
FALSE STANDARDS The subject of the standard for religion is one of great importance. A proper understanding of this crucial subject will help eliminate religious confusion. Following are some things that are not suitable as standards for religion. DENOMINATIONS. Denominations are not to be set up as standard in religion because they came from man rather than God (Mt. 21:25-26). Jesus would not tolerate human inventions in the field of religion and neither should we (Mt. 15:13-14). HUMAN REASONING. Jeremiah showed that human reasoning can be faulty by saying "...it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23). Human reasoning is not an acceptable standard in religion because it becomes corrupt when left alone (Rom. 1:18). TRADITIONS OF MEN. The traditions of men are not authoritative no matter how old they are or who began them (Mt. 15:7-9). Paul correctly stated, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men" (Col. 2:8). THE MAJORITY. Jesus showed that the majority is not a safe guide by saying, "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat" (Mt. 7:13). Exodus 23:2 shows that the majority never has been a safe standard, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgement." AN EXPERIENCE. Many people claim to have witnessed or felt strange things, and these experiences become their guides. However, this is not a standard in religion because people's minds are easily deceived. "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs, and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Mt. 24:24). The word of God is the only true authority in religion (2 Tim. 3:16). All me must either obey God's word and allow it to be our guide, or ignore it and allow it to condemn us (Jn. 12:48). Bobby O'Dell
Freed-Hardeman Scholarship Fund We will be having a special contribution on Sunday, October 8th, for our students who are currently attending Freed-Hardeman. This is an excellent way for us to show our support for them. Our contributions in the past have been a great success and have helped our students to put a "dent" in the large cost that a college education carries. It is really special that we can contribute in such a way to help those of our number who do not receive assistance from their parents. We have some students from Woodland Hills who receive no help at all from their families. This contribution is NOT TO GIVE THE STUDENTS A FREE RIDE. It is to help supplement some of the loans and assistance that they have already applied for. It is our hope that you will be able to set aside some funds for this special day. Keep them in your prayers and make sure that you let them know just how much their church family here cares for them while they are away. CURRENT FHU STUDENTS
Neil Hillis
Joseph Noto
EDIFICATION To be devoted or faithful to a particular purpose, or to a divine being, can be defined as an act of dedication. "My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the word of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58) "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Rom. 12:1) Are we as dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ and His church as we should be? We read of many individuals in both the Old and New Testaments that were dedicated to the Lord. Nehemiah was a man of dedication. He rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem although his work was ridiculed. Barnabas was dedicated to the Lord. He was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and considerable numbers were brought to the Lord (Acts 11:24). We read in Acts 15:25 where he was referred to as "our beloved Barnabas." Paul lived a dedicated life even though he was stoned and left for dead, he was revived and continues to preach (2 Cor. 11:24-28). In living a dedicated life, Jesus' goal was to do His Father's will. "We must work the works of Him who sent me, as long as it is day, night is coming, when no man can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the word." (John 9:4-5) Christians should be the most dedicated workers of all. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your minds." (Matt. 22:37) In being dedicated workers we can fulfill God's law by helping those in need. Many scriptures teach us that it is God's will for us to take care of the less fortunate as we have opportunity. Gal. 6:10; James 1:27) We at Woodland Hills have this opportunity now in helping provide some of the essential items of the needy people in Ukraine. We also have an opportunity to show our support for our students who are currently attending Freed-Hardeman University by contributing to the Woodland Hills Freed-Hardeman Scholarship Fund. We are challenged in many ways to be more dedicated to Jesus and His church. Are we meeting this challenge?
For the elders,
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