In This Issue - Magnolia Messenger

MAGNOLIA MESSENGER
JULY/AUG., 2005 -- VOLUME 27; NUMBER 3
MAGNOLIA MESSENGER
27th
"Let us consider one another to provoke unto LOVE and GOOD Works."
(Hebrews 10:24)
Not Just
An Ordinary
Old Store
Front
See
What's
Inside
(Page 19)
MM Readers Ask
Can one who has received denominational baptism
“place membership” and be accepted by a church of
Christ? (D.N. and R.K.)
What should we do with one who comes from a
denomination and says she has been baptized for
remission of sins? Can we accept her in membership or
should she be baptized again? (W.W.)
Cecil May Responds (Turn to Page 3)
P. O. Box 1578
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Our
In This Issue
Six Billion People to Die this Century ---- (Page 2)
Worship & Church Growth --- (Page 4)
"Just A Christian" --- (Page 4)
Characteristics of a Spiritual Leader --- (Page 5)
The Church at Antioch --- (Page 6)
Retirement Reception for Paul Sparks (Page 6)
MBC Accreditation Reaffirmed --- (Page 7)
Fall Schedule at MBC --- (Page 7)
Fun... FUN ...Fun --- (Page 9)
Central Mississippi Lectures --- (Page 10)
Mississippi Flood Relief --- (Page 11)
The Hill of Three Crosses --- (Page 12)
God's Role for Men and Women --- (Page 13)
Churches Seeking Preachers --- (Page 14)
TZ 2000: Hattiesburg Mission --- (Page 16)
Reaching the Lost: Columbus Mission --- (Page 16)
A Changing World; An Unchanging Gospel (Page 17)
"Hard QB": 488 Readers Sent in Answers (Page 18)
South Mississippi: Booneville Mission Area (Page 19)
Year
662-289-3559 (H/O)
601-668-3344 (cell)
[email protected]
Fear Not
to
answer
"The Question Box"
Subject: Fear
"Easier", this time!
Guaranteed!
7th Annual
LA MM RV Rally
(Zwolle, LA)
October 19-23, 2005
Details on Page 12
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Organization
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Kosciusko,
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Thanks for Receiving and Reading the "Magnolia Messenger".
Published By
Magnolia Messenger
Church of Christ
P. O. Box 1578
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Change Service
Requested
People are Funny
They Want
the front of the bus;
the middle of the road;
and the back of the church!
Editor says:
"Read somewhere, copied"
30th Annual
Spiritual Sword
Lectureship
October 16-20, 2005
The Gospel of Belief: JOHN
Getwell Church of Christ
1511 Getwell Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38111
(901) 743-0464; Fax 901-743-2197
[email protected]
Mansion
Made
by
Man
No Comparison to the
Mansion Being Prepared by
Jesus (See Page 2)
Fulton Bible Institute
Begins August 30
FIRST COURSE
Clap
As They
Go By
The Distinctive
Nature of the Church
(Page 6)
The Fulton Church of Christ
is starting a school called Fulton
Bible Institute. The first class is
scheduled for Tuesday, August
30, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fulton
church building. The school will
offer one course this fall called
“The Distinctive Nature of the
Church.” It’s a twelve-week study
that will meet one night each
week for about an hour and a half
to two hours.
Bible courses are offered
through the curriculum of Sunset
International Bible Institute in
Lubbock, Texas. Fulton Bible Institute will provide fundamental
Bible instruction. Their motto is
“Going Forward by Going Back
to the Bible.” For more information you may contact, Russ
Crosswhite at the Fulton Church
of Christ in Fulton, Mississippi.
Telephone: (662) 862-4549.
E-mail:
[email protected]
MM Circulation
25,000
Thank you. Thank the Lord!
Now, He Has It!
(although it's not much!)
Sample of News Notes
(Look for other notes as you read!)
VICKSBURG
The I-20 Church of Christ in
Vicksburg scheduled a Gospel
Meeting August 7-10, 2005, with
Leon Barnes from North Little
Rock, AR as the guest speaker.
Evening services are at 6:30 PM on
Sunday evening and at 7:00 PM
Monday through Wednesday. Paul
Walden presently preaches for the
Vicksburg congregation.
NEW ALBANY
An “All Day Service” was held on
July 31, 2005 at the New Albany
Church with Keith Mosher, Sr. from
Walls, Mississippi, doing the
preaching. In addition to their regular morning services, they enjoyed
lunch together, then an afternoon
service followed by an "Area-Wide
Singing" at 2:00 P.M. Johnny
Burkhart serves as preacher for
the New Albany congregation.
BATON ROUGE
The Capital City Church of Christ
in Baton Rouge has a new minister. His name is Chad Martin.
Eddie Boggess was the former
preacher.
Later,
He Lost the Little He Had
(see Page 19)
TUPELO
There is scheduled to be a Youth
Rally at the Gloster Street Church
of Christ on August 20, 2005. Chad
Ramsey is the local minister.
"Put them in mind... to be ready unto every GOOD work." (Titus 3:1)
Page 2
July/Aug., 05
Magnolia Messenger
Readers' Response
(Comments & Suggestions Invited; Criticisms Considered)
I receive the Magnolia Messenger
and really enjoy the true teaching of
the Word of God from your paper. I wish
there were so many others who could
receive it beside the ones who already
do. I was so amazed of all the ones who
sent in Bible question answers. I thank
you so much for the paper.
I love your paper, but I can’t afford
to send a gift right now. I am a member
of the Elysian Field Avenue Church of
Christ. The minister is Errol Reid. I am
proud to be a Christian and I enjoy
reading your paper and filling out the
Question Box. I will send a donation
when I am able. I am on a fixed income
and bills are hard to meet... I pray God
will continue to send a blessing upon
the spreading of the gospel paper and
your good work. God be with you always. (Dorothy Terrell Jackson, New
Orleans, LA)
Editor's Note: The above response
helps to explain why "no charge" is
made for the MM. We continue to thank
the Good Lord for our faithful supporters and our regular readers. (alf)
Dear Christians at M/M,
I can’t say enough of good things
about M/M. I can’t wait to get it every
time. I read and then try to pass it on.
I know it is discouraging to get
Negativeism, they are the losers. Keep
up the good work. In Christian Love,
Linda Paden.
Brother Al,
I saw a copy of your magazine at
my parent’s house when I was visiting
the other day and was very impressed.
I was especially impressed with the
item titled ”Folks Who Outgrow The
Church”. Please send the magazine
to: Richard Paylor, West Monroe,
LA 71291 I look forward to receiving
it.
We have enjoyed reading your
magazine, through our preacher and
his wife, Charles and Joan Rye. They
are former sojourners and have recently started serving with us at our
small country church -- Bald Hill
Church of Christ. Please send your
wonderful magazine and also send it
to my son... Thank you for your good
work in helping spread the gospel.
(Melvin & Kay Linton, Lufkin, Texas)
I just want to say how much we appreciate and enjoy reading all that’s
in there. I like to read the questions and
answers. There is just so much good
in there. God bless you for what you
all do to spread the good news. In
Christian love, (Billy & Mary
Vickers, Ambrose, GA)
I enjoy reading the Magnolia Messenger very much. God bless you in this
great work for the Lord. Would you
please send my brother a copy? (Ms
Maggie N. Fain, Ocean Springs, MS)
... Appreciate the Magnolia Messenger. Always look forward to the
news in Mississippi. Of course, appreciate June's write-up on Charles
Curtis’ retirement... (Virginia &
Lavon Henley, Daphne, AL)
Magnolia Messenger
6,000,000,000
(Six Billion People)
Destined to Die
In This Century
That's everyone* of us!
When the year 2000 A.D.
had its beginning (four and 1/2
years ago), over six billion
people were living on planet
earth. Now, I realize that my
next statement is not going to
surprise you. By the end of this
century, all 6,000,000,000 will
be dead. Not surprised. I understand; however, do you not
agree, it's serious? May we be
made to think soberly.
In reality, it won't make that
much difference how the following questions may be answered: "When?" "How?"
"Why?" Or, "How Old?"
What does make a difference is preparation. "Was he/
she ready?" That's what really
matters! Are you ready/prepared? Are you a Christian? Are
you a faithful Christian? Remember: "It is appointed unto
man once to die." (Heb. 9:27)
Unless Jesus comes first, you
will be among the six billion to
die in this century. So will I.
(alf)
(*There may be a few exceptions where folks live more than
100 years.)
Church of Christ - Kosciusko
More Reader Response
Published every two months (as funds and time permit). Mailed without
charge to all who ask to receive it and to others for whom it is requested.
Contributions from churches and individuals make possible the circulation
of approximately 25,000 copies of each issue of the "Magnolia Messenger". Your help is requested, needed and appreciated!
Supported By Contributions
A. L. Franks, Editor
Paul Franks, On Line Editor; www
Cecil May, Jr., Bible Questions Answered
June & Glenda Franks, Special Assistants
Telephone Numbers
Office/Residence
(662) 289-3559
Cell Phone
(601) 668-3344
Oregon & Flordia
EXAMPLE: A call received July 28 from
Junction City, Oregon. MM reader
Joel Brown called, informing us of the
death of his sister, Eunice Jane Willett,
who lived in Miami, Flordia. Brother
Brown stated that his sister "really
loved it [the MM]". He also expressed
his and his wife's appreciation for the
"Messenger". Our sympathy to the
Browns in their loss. May God bless.
Thanks for reading the MM.
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mansion Built By Man (c1856)
Not to be Compared
to the
Place Being Prepared
by our Lord Jesus Christ who said,
"Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions [abiding places]; if it
were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for
you." (John 14:1,2)
Our Eternal Home
No picture available.
BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION:
Holy City. The "New Jerusalem". Lighted with the glory
of God -- like unto a stone most precious -- clear as crystal. The
lamp is the Lamb. No more night!
Wall of jasper; great and high. Foundations adorned with
all manner of precious stones. Gates of pearls. City is pure gold;
street is pure gold, as it were transparent glass. A river in which
flows the water of life. And a tree of life, bearing twelve manner
of fruits.
Even more exciting: God shall dwell with his people...
wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death shall be no more.
No mourning, no crying, no pain. Not any more! Forever.
Eternal. "These words are true and faithful." (See Revelation
21 and 22)
I want to go to Heaven. I want you to go to Heaven. Jesus
said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the
Father except by me." (John 14:6)
Are you ready? Are you a Christian? Are you Faithful?
We Wondered... But, Why?
"O WE of little faith!"
Mailing Address:
Magnolia Messenger
P. O. Box 1578
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Editor's Note: The mention of a person or church in the Messenger does NOT necessarily mean that we either endorse or approve all the person or church may believe, teach or do. We do
not (can not) have full knowledge of every person or church mentioned in the ‘MM; furthermore, we do not believe our role before
God to be that of a judge. We pray, however, that we will never
lend encouragement to anyone or anything in conflict with, or not
in harmony with that which is plainly taught In Scripture. Your comments invited and encouraged. (A. L. Franks, Editor)
An Earthly Home in Natchez, Mississippi
Editor
A. L. Franks
We confess. As the appointed
time to publish this issue of the MM
drew nearer, we began to wonder.
Will we be able? Will we have the
money? Funds were not presently
available. In our weakness, we
wondered.
But, now we ask, "Why?"
Once again, the Lord has provided.
Regular supporters continue to
give. "Dependable" is the word.
"Faithful" describes the response
of many congregations and scores
of individuals. Bank drafts are being honored each month. One from
a church that gives $300.00. Another from a car dealer who con-
tributes $100.00. We can always
count on a certain widow's draft for
$10.00. Some special contributions have recently come. A church
sent $1,200.00. Another sent
$600.00. A couple sent $75.00. A
reader included $1.00 with her answers to "The Question Box".
So once again, we are enabled to publish -- to pay nearly
$5,000.00 for the printing of this
issue and another $4,000.00 to
mail all of the nearly 25,000 copies.
Thanks to our good Lord and our
faithful supporters... Why did we
wonder? Lord, strengthen our faith!
(Al & June Franks)
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
’
Bible Questions Answered
By Cecil May, Jr.
QUESTION NUMBER 1: What should we do with one who
comes from a denomination and says she has been baptized for
remission of sins? Can we accept her in membership or should
she be baptized again? (W.W.)
NUMBER 2: Can one who has received denominational baptism “place membership” and be accepted by a church of Christ?
(D.N. and R.K.)
Responder's Note:
These two questions are not the
same. It is important to differentiate between the situations these
questions pose.
Response To
Question Number 1:
The accounts of conversion in
Acts are our pattern. I often say in
preaching them, “If you hear what
they heard and do what they did,
you will get what they got and
become what they became.”
When people believe the gospel, repent and are baptized for
the remission of sins, they are
saved. At that point they are added
by the Lord to the church He
promised to build (Matthew
16:18; Acts 2:47; 5:11), the kingdom over which He reigns (Colossians 1:13).
The Lord does the adding. We
are not called to vote on it.
Some Principles to Consider
1) In things related to salvation, the Bible is clear and can be
understood by an ordinary
reader.
As part of our “back to the
Bible” plea, we frequently make
that point: “Be like the Bereans
(Acts 17:11).” “Regardless of
what your preacher, parents or
others may tell you, search the
Scriptures for yourselves. Believe
and do what you learn there.”
“The Bible only makes Christians only.”
“One cannot be taught wrong
and baptized right,” is a true statement, but a person can be exposed to erroneous teaching about
baptism and other subjects and
still learn and practice the truth
by his or her own personal study.
I have known some who have
done that.
2) It is not possible to know
what a person believes simply on
the basis of what the church he is
a member of teaches.
That is even true among us.
Just because a person is a member of, or even a preacher for, a
church of Christ, it is no longer
possible, if it ever was, to say
with certainty what he believes
about anything in particular.
So even though it is correctly
said that a particular church which
immerses for baptism teaches that
one is saved before and without
baptism, it does not necessarily
follow that every member of that
church believes that.
Traditional practice in many
such churches is for the candidate
for baptism to confess, “I believe
that God for Christ’s sake has
forgiven me of my sins.” But every person baptized in those
churches has not been asked to
make that confession, and some
who were asked to do so have
declined, confessing instead that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
There are people who are
members of groups that usually
sprinkle instead of immerse who,
because of their own study of the
Bible, have been immersed. Some
have done so with proper biblical
faith and understanding, gleaned
from their own study of the Scriptures.
3) The validity of baptism is
not determined by the faith of the
baptizer but by the faith and understanding of the one being baptized.
It would be impossible for any
of us to have confidence that we
were baptized scripturally if it
depended on the faith or sincerity
of the person baptizing us. We
are not equipped to read minds or
hearts.
Some think they have “proven”
to people who thought they were
baptized for remission of sins that
they really were not by calling the
preacher that baptized them and
asking him. However, it is not the
intention of the baptizer that matters, but the faith and intention of
the person being baptized.
4) Baptism into Christ, into
His body, does not require being
baptized in association with a
particular congregation.
The treasurer of the African
Queen Candace was baptized by
Philip as the treasurer rode from
Jerusalem back toward his home
in Ethiopia. Philip began his
teaching with the prophecy of the
suffering servant of God who
“bore the sins of many and makes
intercession for the transgressors”
(Isaiah 53). From that passage he
preached the gospel of the crucified and risen Lord. The Ethio-
Cecil May, Jr.
pian believed the gospel, was
baptized and went on his way
redeemed and rejoicing. Philip
departed in another direction
(Acts 8:26-40).
The Lord added the treasurer
to His church.
There was, however, no local
church where he was or where he
was going. We have no way of
knowing what the treasurer did
with his newly found truth when
he got back home in Ethiopia. We
do not know what else Philip had
time and opportunity to teach him
or whether he ever saw another
Christian. But we do know that he
believed the gospel, was baptized
and was added by the Lord to the
company of the redeemed.
5) The only way we can know
whether anyone has been baptized with biblical understanding
is by what he or she tells us.
Even if someone is baptized in
an environment with which we
are familiar, and by a preacher we
know preaches the biblical understanding of baptism, the person being baptized could have
some other motive entirely. One
man told his wife in my presence,
“The only reason I was baptized
was to get you and the preacher
off my back.”
There is no reason not to trust
what we are told. We must, because we have no other way of
knowing.
There are people who do not
understand the expression “baptized for remission of sins.” Some
have said they were baptized for
remission of sins but also stated
that they thought they were saved
at one point and baptized later.
Obviously they did not understand the phrase biblically.
If a person from a milieu in
which the opposite is usually
taught says she was baptized for
remission of sins, we may need to
help her be certain she understands what that should mean.
Page 3
A recommended practice,
when beginning a study, is to ask,
“Are you a Christian?” If they
say, “Yes,” ask them to tell about
their conversion. If they thought
they were saved before baptism,
it will be revealed in that conversation. Note can be made of that
and they can be reminded of it if,
after further study, they then understand that the Bible puts baptism before salvation and try to
extrapolate that back to their conversion.
Once they see from the Bible
that baptism precedes salvation,
if they are on record that they
were baptized with a different
understanding, it usually flows
naturally for them to request to be
baptized biblically.
In answer to the current question however, if the person clearly
understands what he or she is
claiming to have done, we have
no right to say, “No, I will not
accept that you have done that.”
Response to
Question Number Two
If by “denominational baptism” is meant baptism for the
purpose of joining a denomination, or baptism in accordance
with erroneous teaching, the answer is “No.”
Biblical baptism is a burial; it
is not sprinkling or pouring (Acts
8:38-39; Colossians 2:12). It is
preceded by faith (Acts 8:37 KJV;
Mark 16:16); so an infant or anyone coerced into baptism has not
been scripturally baptized.
Biblical baptism is motivated
by faith, and it is also the act by
which faith is completed (compare James 2:22).
God’s promised blessings are
usually conditioned on obedience
to a commandment that does not
logically relate to the promise.
Examples: marching around the
walls of Jericho to conquer that
city (Hebrews 11:30); washing in
the pool of Siloam to be cured of
blindness (John 9:7); dipping in
the Jordan river to be cleansed of
leprosy (2 Kings 5:10); leaving
home and family to be blessed
and to be a blessing (Genesis 12:14; Hebrews 11:8).
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is filled with such examples. In every instance people
received blessings “by faith”
when they obeyed.
The basis and power of our
salvation is what Jesus Christ did
for us on the cross of Calvary.
Being baptized is the act of faith
by which we appropriate what
Jesus did on the cross.
The Bible on Baptism
“Baptism... now saves you.. .
through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).
Baptism is “into Christ” (Galatians 3:27). There are no spiritual blessings outside of Christ
(Ephesians 1:3). Ananias, sent
by Christ, commanded Saul, “Be
baptized and wash away your
sins” (Acts 22:16).
Baptism is “for the forgiveness of your sins” and to “receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts
2:38).
At baptism we are “baptized
into (Christ’s) death” and “raised
from the dead by the glory of the
Father (that) we too might walk in
newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).
When we “obey from the
heart” the “form,” “pattern” or
“type” (Greek, tupos) of the gospel, we are “set free from sin”
(Romans 6:17). The gospel is the
good news “that Christ died for
our sins in accordance with the
Scriptures, that he was buried,
that he was raised on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures”
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We obey
the gospel when we are buried
with Christ by baptism into his
death and are raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father that we
too might walk in newness of life
(Romans 6:4).
Jesus said, “Whoever believes
and is baptized will be saved, but
whoever does not believe will be
condemned” (Mark 16:16). That
is entirely different, even exactly
opposite as far as baptism and
salvation are concerned, of “Whoever believes is saved, and then
will be baptized.”
All of that leads me to conclude
that a person who is baptized maintaining that baptism has nothing to
do with salvation has not submitted
to biblical baptism. To say one is
saved before and without baptism
is to deny every biblically stated
purpose for baptism.
Invitation
To readers who believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
God, and who are attempting to
turn their lives away from sin, I
urge, as did the Christ-sent messenger to Saul, who was in that
same mental and spiritual condition, “And now why do you wait?
Rise and be baptized and wash
away your sins, calling on his
name” (Acts 22:16).
CM
YOUR QUESTIONS INVITED
Cecil May Jr., Dean
College of Biblical Studies
Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36109
334/386-7154
[email protected]
Magnolia Messenger
Page 4
Bulletin Selections
July/Aug., 05
Articles on this page are selected from church
bulletins/papers and are considered worthy of wider circulation.
Editor's Note: We are blessed to regularly receive scores of
church bulletins from churches of Christ throughout Mississippi and nearby states. For the diligent efforts that go into
each publication, we thank God. We are pleased to reprint
in the MM a select few of the many meaningful messages
found in recent bulletins. Brethren, keep up the good work!
(alf)
Worship & Church Growth
- Steve Reeves In his excellent book, More
Than A Feeling - Worship That
Pleases God, Jimmy Jividen notes
that “Church growth is an excuse
some give for adding unscriptural
innovations to the worship of the
church. There is a whole body of
literature promoting church growth
by secular means.”
Every child of God should be
interested in the growth of the
church. Jesus’ great commission
given to the apostles was to “Go
into all the world and preach the
Gospel to all creation. He who
believes and is baptized shall be
saved, but he who
does not believe
shall
be
condemned" (Mk.
16:15-16). While
such growth is
essential it is also
true that we must
not compromise
clear
Biblical
instruction in an
attempt to achieve
it.
In an effort to
“connect” with
those in the world
more and more
churches have
a l l o w e d
pragmatism to
dictate their actions
rather than the clear instruction of
scripture. When this happens the
door is wide open for the
introduction of anything that might
draw a crowd. This is why, in many
churches across the land, worship
services have become “holy
entertainment.” The proliferation of
soloists, praise teams, bands,
drama, and other innovations have
turned worship into a consumerdriven forum rather than an
encounter with the living God.
In the attempt to make services
more
“user-friendly”
and
contemporary it concerns me
greatly that some much needed
qualities are being lost. The spirit
of reverence that causes us to
humble ourselves before God as
Moses did when ne approached
the burning bush (Ex. 3:5). The
sense of wonder possessed by
Isaiah when he saw the Lord, “high
and exalted” in the temple (Isa.
6:1). The realization of our
sinfulness and need for salvation
(Isa. 6:5).
Our society views worship as
an event rather than an experience;
it is where we “go” rather than what
we “do.” Such a mindset is contrary
to the very meaning of the word
“worship". In the New Testament
there were two words translated,
“worship,” The first, proskuneo is
found 59 times and means, “to
prostrate oneself before another.”
The second, latreuo means “to
serve”. Jesus used both words in
Mt. 4:10 when he said, “You shall
worship the Lord your God and
Him only shall you serve.”
What has happened to our
sense of commitment and
dedication? Why is it that we can
have 750 -800 in a crowd on Sunday
morning and less than half that
number back on Sunday or
W e d n e s d a y
nights? Frankly,
we’ve done a good
job of attracting a
crowd but a poor job
of making true
disciples. Such is
the case in many
c h u r c h e s
throughout
the
land,
The way to
better worship is not
through human
innovation and the
introduction
of
unscriptural
practices. Better
worship is not the
result of “tweaking
and tampering” with
the service from week to week.
Simply put -- our worship will be
better when we as the people of
God are better; when our hearts
are truly convicted about the God
we serve and our souls are fueled
with passion for the Lord.
In 1 Corinthians 11 the apostle
Paul addressed abuses in worship
-- particularly the Lord’s supper.
His means of doing so was not to
change up the format or introduce
some radical style. Rather, in the
remaining chapters of that book he
sought to remind people of the true
spiritual foundations of worship and
service to the Lord,
As we seek to please God
through our worship, may we begin
by seeking His forgiveness for our
sins and renewing our commitment
and dedication to His Word and
His cause.
(Steve Reeves preaches for the
Goodman Oaks congregation in
Southaven, Mississippi.
His address: 1700 Goodman
Road; Southaven, MS 38671;
[email protected])
Church Bulletins Requested
Just A Christian!
Needed Reminders
Some Things the Church is Not
- Paul Sparks The Church is NOT
In the Money Making Business.
Some churches hold huge savings accounts,
drawing interest, hoarding funds, while people all
over the earth are dying lost without the gospel.
It is NOT the Business of the Church
To Provide Secular Education.
Secular schools are businesses and do not belong
in the church budget. For some years now some have
dug into the treasuries of the church for their support.
Jesus Christ did not die to provide chemistry labs,
tennis courts, and computers or to make secular
“scholars”. Schools CAN be helpful to the cause of
Christ, but they can be harmful also. In fact, many of
the schools that were established by brethren many
years ago have become a liability to the Lord’s church,
instead of an asset.
The church is NOT simply a
"feel good society"
Designed to draw huge numbers.
Numbers are important, but simply drawing
numbers does not necessarily mean that a church is
faithful to the Word. The church must work to please
God, not man. Some have perverted the gospel by
seeking to do things without Bible authority and then
asking, “What’s wrong with it?” We must have
authority for the work of the church even as we must
have authority for worship, the plan of salvation,
organization and terms of entrance into the church.
People who are calling for change ignore the fact
that Jesus said, “I will build MY church...." (Matthew
16:18) Furthermore, He said, “My kingdom is not of
THIS world.” (emphasis mine, DPS) We must
completely give up the concept that just anything will
be OK if we are just sincere. Remember, we can and
probably have been, sincerely wrong in many of our
endeavors in this life.
(Paul Sparks is the long time preacher for the
church in Indianola, MS. He plans to retire from fulltime service within the next few months. His address:
603 E Percy Street; Indianola, MS 38751-2547.)
Jesus established His church in the first century.
Its beginning was on the Day of Pentecost when
Peter preached and God added to Christ’s church
about 3,000 souls. These people were later called
"Christians". Churches were started all over the
known world.
These churches all taught that faith in Jesus
was the only way to have eternal life. On Pentecost,
those who were convicted of their sins repented and
were baptized for the remission of their sins. (Acts
2:38) In every account of conversion, related in the
book of Acts, you see the same thing taught. When
a person does this today, the Lord adds him to His
church.
There are many Biblical expressions used to
identify the church that Jesus built. Our sign, in
front of the building [Lake Charles, LA], uses one
of those expressions -- "Church of Christ". This
name is descriptive; it tells the world who meets in
this building. When I talk to people about faith, I
often use the phrase, "I am just a Christian." I try
to stay away from phrases like, "I am Church of
Christ" or "I am a Church of Christ Christian." It is
sometimes hard to do that.
Some other phrases that I grew up hearing
were: "The Bible is our only creed." "Let us speak
where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the
Bible is silent." "In matters of faith -- unity; in
matters of opinion -- liberty; and in all things, love."
The scriptural basis for all these phrases was, and
still is, a plea for Christian unity.
I am thankful to be just a Christian. I am
thankful to God for adding me to His church. The
importance of
love and unity
is clearly seen
when
we
remember the
words
of
Jesus who
said, “By this
all men will
know that you are my disciples, if you love one
another.” (John 13:35) And, in his final hours,
Jesus prayed that all believers would be one -- that
the world may believe that God had sent Him into
this world. (John 17:21)
Paul Franks (our eldest son) preaches for the
Boulevard congregation in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
His address: 2808 Enterprise Boulevard Lake Charles,
LA 70601. E-mail: [email protected]
The Joy of Soul Winning
Wayne Burger
Every Christian ought to bring
souls to Christ simply because God
wants us to do that. But, like all the
commands of God, there are many
“side benefits”. Christians should
be “Soul Winners” for the joy it
brings.
1. It brings joy to the one
saved.
When the nobleman from Ethiopia
was baptized into Christ the text
says, “he went on his way
rejoicing.” (Acts 8:39.)
2. It brings joy to heaven.
Jesus said,“likewise joy shall be in
heaven over one sinner that
repents.” (Luke 15:7.) Every soul
saved proves that the death of Christ
was not in vain.
3. It brings joy to the one who
had a part in the conversion.
There is joy to the mother and
father who have produced a
physical baby. In an even greater
sense there is joy in the life of the
one who has part in another’s
spiritual birth. This joy continues
for a lifetime and is far reaching.
Recently, I had the joy of finding
out that a man I taught over twenty
years ago is now
serving as an
elder in the
Lord’s church.
That brings me
joy.
If you haven’t experienced this
joy, let me urge you to become a
soul winner. The joy that it brings
to your life will be a tremendous
by-product. The joy it brings will
rate right along with the joy you
had when you were baptized into
Christ.
Taken from "Old Paths",
published in Amarillo, Texas
(Dalton Key, editor). Article was
written by Wayne Burger
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
Characteristics of a Spiritual Leader
Joshua 1: 1-9
The book of Joshua is not
intended to be a continuation of
the history of Israel from the death
of Moses to the death of Joshua.
Nor is it simply the “Acts of
Joshua.”
The real purpose of this book
is to show how God faithfully
fulfilled His promise to Abraham
(Genesis 15:18). This book shows
us the entrance of God’s faithful
people into the blessings of His
promise. They are receiving the
land that He had promised them-their rest (Hebrews 4).
Joshua is 85 years old when
he receives command of the nation
of Israel. At the end of the book
he is 110 years old (24:29). So the
book covers a period of 25 years
as Israel conquers the inhabitants
of the land and possesses it for
themselves.
The first 12 chapters describe
their entrance into the land and
the battles which Joshua and Israel
fought to conquer the land. The
last 12 chapters describe his
efforts to see God’s people
comfortably settled in their new
homes and the establishment of
God’s covenant in the land.
The work of Joshua was
terribly severe and led him from
one battle to another as he led the
forces of God to conquer the land.
“And he captured it and its king
and all its cities and they struck
them with the edge of the sword,
and utterly destroyed every person
who was in it. He left no survivor,
just as he had done to Hebron, so
he did to Debir, and its king, as he
had also done to Libnah and its
king” (10:39).
As you can see this was a
campaign of extermination. Over
the centuries many have
questioned why God would lead
his chosen people to such bloody
battles. Many have expressed that
the God of the Old Testament
must have been different from the
God of the New Testament. In the
New Testament we see love,
mercy, and forgiveness from God
to all people. I want to emphasize
to find fault with the campaign of
Joshua is to find fault with God
Himself. Joshua is simply acting
on
God’s
command
(Deuteronomy 20: 10, 11).
God did offer peace to those
that would take it, but the people
of Canaan would not accept the
offer. The conquest, represented
in this book, is an act of righteous
judgment by God on these people
for their abominations, idolatrous
rites and practices, and their moral
Eddie Lewis
degeneracy. To me it shows the
great severity of God’s judgment
on sin and what the sinner needs
to be aware of as he faces the final
judgment. Israel in the wilderness
had learned the strict difference
between right and wrong -- good
and evil.
They hated sin and this was a
holy war to them with God on
their side. God had never left his
people without proper leadership.
After the death of Moses God
rose up Joshua to be His captain.
Moses is called the “servant of
Jehovah” (1:1). That means that
he faithfully proclaimed God’s
word to the people. Joshua is
called “Moses’ servant.” That
means that he assisted him in the
work of God. Now that the leader
was dead, Joshua had to step into
the work he was prepared to do.
We see four characteristics that
qualified him as a spiritual leader
for Israel and are qualities needed
by leaders today.
1. He was a man of courage
(1:6). The hard part was ahead for
Joshua and Israel -- conquering
the land (1:5). God promised
Joshua that no one would be able
to stand against him, “I will not
leave you or forsake you.”
God told Joshua to go to war.
He must lead them into enemy
territory. Courage was needed by
Joshua and the people of Israel.
This is the only way to possess
the land. It takes courage to face
troubles and problems and deal
with them, but like Joshua we
must understand that the source
of our courage is God.
2. He was a man of obedience
(1:7). God promises Joshua that
he would succeed and prosper if
he would obey. Moses had told
Joshua to be firm and strong
(Deuteronomy 31 :6), to rely on
God (Deuteronomy 31 :7, 23), to
divide the land right for an
inheritance (Deuteronomy 1:38,
3:28), and to observe the Law
(Deuteronomy 5:29;28:14). If he
did these things God would be
with him and Israel.
This is a great lesson for us.
Our leaders must show us an
example of obedience in their
lives. If we obey, God promises
to abide with us.
3. He was a man of the book
(1:8). What does this statement
mean, “The Word is not to depart
from your mouth?” God did not
want Joshua to use the Word of
God to speculate on some theory,
but use it to guide his daily walk.
Joshua was to be so familiar with
the Word that his speech was to
be flavored by the Word of God.
He was to know the meaning of
the Word of God and daily apply
it to his life. Even though he was
a military leader, he was to be so
familiar with the Word of God
that he could talk to the religious
leaders about God’s will. He was
to govern the nation of Israel by
the kind of government God
would approve. Simply, scripture
applies to all of life.
A professor of biology told
his class that he knew all the
exact components of a seed that
he held in his hand. He said he
could make one that looked
exactly like the real one, but if he
planted the seed he made into the
ground it would simply dissolve.
He said the real seed contained
the mysterious life principle called
DNA that he could not make.
The Bible looks like all other
books. We may even write a book
that sounds like the Bible, but
there is a deep, mysterious
difference. Man’s word will never
produce what God’s word planted
in good honest hearts can produce
-- eternal life and eternal fruits.
See LEADER on page 12
Caribbean
Missions Forum
November 11-12, 2005
Hosted by the
Sylvan Hills
Church of Christ
117 W. Maryland Ave.
Sherwood, AR 72120
Cliff Ganus Jr.
keynote speaker
Theme,
“To God be the Glory"
Those interested in registering
or in presenting a 10 minute
presentation, submit request
by October 15, 2005 to the
above address, phone 501835-4141, or email web page,
www.sylvanhillscofc.org. or
[email protected]
.
Page 5
Abraham
"Friend of God"
- Jimmy W. Cox The only person to have
received this title. “And the
Scripture was fulfilled which says,
‘Abraham believed God and it was
accounted to him for righteousness,’ and he was called the
friend of God.” (Jas. 2:23). Also 2
Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8). Let us note
some of his qualities.
–He believed God. Jas. 2:23;
Heb. 11:8, 9, 17. Faith is required
for salvation, but it is not the only
requirement. A person can believe,
and still be lost. “Nevertheless even
among the rulers many believed in
Him, but because of the Pharisees
they did not confess Him, lest they
should be put out of the synagogue;
for they loved the praise of men
more than the praise of God.” (John
12:42, 43); (Jas. 2:17-26).
–Obeyed God. When told to
go to another country, he went (Heb.
11:8); When commanded to offer
Isaac, he did (Heb. 11:17). We
must obey to be saved. “Though
He was a Son, yet He learned
obedience by the things He suffered.
And having been perfected, He
became the author of eternal
salvation to all who obey Him.”
(Heb. 5:8, 9).
More... News
SOUTHAVEN
The 13th Annual Power Lectureship
is scheduled for July 31 - August 4,
2005 at the Southaven Church of
Christ. The theme is “Why Should I
Believe The Bible”?
DEQUINCY
Michael Potthoff is the new minister for the DeQuincy Church of
Christ in DeQuincy, Louisiana.
Michael and his wife, Ruth, moved
to DeQuincy sometime in May.
SOUTHAVEN
The Goodman Oaks Church of
Christ near Memphis has begun a
new area of ministry. It is a deaf
ministry. Kevin Crabtree is the deacon over this new ministry. Recently, a group from the Roebuck
Parkway Church of Christ in Birmingham, AL came to assist
Goodman Oaks in a door knocking
campaign to introduce the church
to the area deaf. On July 3rd Hal
Suddreth was to hold their first deaf
worship service. Plans are to establish a permanent deaf congregation.
CORINTH
One hundred twenty young people
recently participated in a Regional
Work Camp. They painted sixteen
houses -- thirteen in Alcorn county
and three in Prentiss County. Sixteen congregations were represented under the Regional Work
Camp Banner. About sixty adults
helped assist the youth in accomplishing the tasks. Terry Smith is
the associate minister for the Foote
Street Congregation in Corinth.
–Feared God. “And He said,
‘Do not lay your hand on the lad,
or do anything to him; for now I
know that you fear God, since you
have not withheld your son, your
only son, from Me.” (Gen. 22:12).
Man’s whole duty is to fear God
and keep His commandments.
(Eccl. 12:13).
–Had a deep concern for the
lost. (Gen. 18:16-33). Every
Christian should feel a
responsibility to the lost. “For I am
not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is the power of God to
salvation for everyone who
believes, for the Jew first and also
for the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16).
–We also can be friends of
God. “You are My friends if you do
whatever I command you.” (John
15:14).
–You are either for God, or
against Him. “No man can serve
two masters . . . You cannot serve
God and mammon.” (Matt. 6:24).
Article by Jimmy Cox, a member of
the church in Columbia,
Mississippi. He can be reached at:
Jimmy Cox
54 Cox Lane
Sandy Hook, MS 39478-9435
Notes ...More
QUITMAN
Jesse Coats Died
The Magnolia Messenger has
been informed of the recent death
of Jesse Chalmers Coats, Sr. of
Quitman, Mississippi. Brother Coats
died at his residence on June 29,
2005. His funeral service was conducted on July 2 by Richard
Gooch, David Sargent and Lannis
Lindsey.
Brother Coats is survived by his
wife Mary B. Coats, three sons,
three brothers, eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
He was an active member of the
Quitman Church of Christ. We extend our deepest sympathy to the
Coats’ family and to his church family at Quitman.
PONTOTOC
Sixteen teenagers and three adults
from the Siwell Road Church of
Christ in Jackson, Mississippi recently participated in various service projects with the Pontotoc
church on Church Street. Their
main goal was to host a Vacation
Bible School. Attendance was reported to be good with around 115
attending on Monday through
Wednesday evenings. The Youth
Minister for the Siwell Road congregation is Scott Jefcoat.
Thank You
for your interest in
Bible Study
and for reading the MM
Magnolia Messenger
Page 6
The Church At Antioch
A prayer for the South
Huntington Street congregation in
Kosciusko, Mississippi.
50 Years of Preaching
That Calls For a Celebration!
Retirement Reception
Honoring
Paul Sparks
Saturday
August 27, 2005
Registration 1:30 - 2:00 P.M.
Program: 2:00 - 3:00 P.M.
The church at Antioch has long
been a model for church growth,and
for good reason. We note these
characteristics:
1. It was a changed church.
At the preaching of the word,
“people turned to the Lord” (Acts
11 :21). That means, among other
things, a new value system, a new
way of life, different priorities.
2. It was a teaching church.
That is seen in 11 :26 and in 15:35.
In the 15:35 verse, not only do we
see Paul and Barnabas teaching
and preaching, but “many others
also.”
3. It was a giving church, If a
church is to be classified as a
teaching church,” then it
necessarily follows that it will also
be a “giving church.” You cannot
be successful at teaching without
giving of yourself. The Antioch
church not only gave of themselves
but they also gave of their means to
help the poor (11 :27-29).
4. It was a fasting, praying,
and sending church. That is seen
in 13:1-3. One result is the
missionary journeys of Paul. The
church was led by men who wanted
to do God’s will. They were open to
His direction and guidance. It was
while they were “ministering to the
Lord and fasting” that the Holy Spirit
said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas
and Saul for the work to which I
called them: (13:2).
5. It was a church of truth
seekers. When men came to
Antioch from Judea teaching the
necessity of circumcision in order
to be saved, “the brethren
determined that Paul and Barnabas
and certain others of them should
go up to Jerusalem to the apostles
and elders concerning this issue”
(15: 1,2). They were not “issue
centered,” but when truth was at
stake they were not afraid to tackle
the issues.
It is my prayer that these
Biblical characteristics be
descriptive of us as the Lord’s
church in this place. (by Les
Ferguson, Sr. -- taken from Kosciusko's
church bulletin - 3-05)
Clap As They Go By
Garvis Semore
Please Come To A
Les Ferguson, Sr.
July/Aug., 05
Indianola
Church of Christ
Indianola, Mississippi
Attention: Wanted,
Christian Pen-Pals
Some interest has been shown in
seeking others who may have a desire to correspond by letter and/or email with other faithful Christians.
If you desire to have a Christian
pen-pal, you may wish to write to one
or more of the following persons.
Sandra Abston
112 Bluebird Dr.
Greenwood, MS 38930
[email protected]
Melissa Stewart
1416 North Park Ave.
Greenwood, MS 38930
[email protected]
Michael Hony
32800 County Rd CR512 Lot 801
Greenwood, MS 38930
[email protected]
You CAN Answer
The Question Box
(See Page 20)
Remember, Jesus said:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of
God and his righteousness...."
(Matthew 6:33)
Priestly Prayer
Biblical & Beautiful
Under the provisions of the
New Covenant, all Christians
are priests (study I Peter 2:5).
And, among our priestly privileges is the daily opportunity to
pray for one another (read James
5:16).
May I ask, What could be
more Biblical or beautiful than
the earnest recitation of the
God-given petition recorded in
Numbers chapter six (verses
22-27)? Through Moses, God
instructed Aaron and his sons,
as priests, to pray for the people.
"This is the way you should
bless the children of Israel. Say
to them...
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face to shine upon you,
And be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
And give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26
Have you ever found yourself wondering if you were doing
enough for God? I vividly recall sermons and seminars where I was
left with the feeling that everyone was doing more than me.
To be sure, we need to be
reminded of our personal
responsibility to God. We need
to be reminded that the Great
Commission is given to every
Christian, not just preachers.
Every Christian must come to
the realization that we live in a
big world where many are lost.
We do have a personal
responsibility to God.
Still, we aren’t all the
same. We have different talents
and abilities. We have different
Garvis Semore, MBC President
opportunities. Paul frequently
compared the church to a body. In writing to the church at Corinth
Paul would speak of hands and feet; or eyes and hearing or
smelling. “But now are they many members, yet but one body” (1
Corinthians 12:20).
As Paul continues, he begins to specify particular functions
held by individuals in the early church. We are reminded yet again,
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1
Corinthians 12:27). Paul’s point is clear. We don’t all do the same
things, but we all have the same goals and we all work together as
one body.
Are you doing enough in the Kingdom? What you are able to
do I might not ever accomplish. What I am able to accomplish
might not be among your strengths. We don’t judge ourselves by
what others have done or are doing. We judge ourselves in light of
God’s Word and a thorough self-examination. Working together
we accomplish God’s purpose on earth. “I have planted, Apollos
watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
For more than twenty years I have served as a local preacher
for several congregations in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and
Kentucky. I have watched as people of varying talents, means, and
health have done what they could (you are reminded of the
breaking of the alabaster box in Mark 14). Some received acclaim
and recognition. Others quietly went about their tasks.
Now my focus has changed. I’m no longer filling one local
pulpit every week. I now serve as the president of a college that
exists primarily to help train workers in the Kingdom. Even at
Magnolia Bible College we have different roles and abilities. Some
will receive acclaim and recognition. Others will quietly go about
their tasks. Still others of you will quietly pray for our efforts at the
Bible College and we may never know your names. Some will be
in a position to help us in our efforts financially. We aren’t the
same. We’re not even expected to accomplish the same things.
Are you doing enough for God? We need not concern
ourselves with what others are doing. We need only to concern
ourselves with what God has blessed us with and how we are using
those blessings.
Will Rogers is given credit for saying, “We can’t all be
heroes, because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go
by.” We can’t all be a Paul. We can’t all be a Peter. We can’t all be
preachers, elders, song leaders, or Bible class teachers. For those
of us who can’t be those things, may we ever become a Barnabas
and encourage others as they walk by.
Garvis Semore
P.O. Box 1109
Kosciusko, MS 39090
E-mail: [email protected]
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
MBC News
1-800-748-8655
www.magnolia.edu
"Good to Go"
Accreditation
Reaffirmed!
John Gardner
An expression of rather recent
origin (at least to this writer’s
knowledge) is “good to go.” The
words are used to sum up a sense
of readiness and confidence about
some future endeavor. One is
“good to go” if certain
preparations are completed and
resources are on hand to help
with what lies ahead.
The Commission on Colleges
of the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools (SACS) has
once again put its stamp of
approval on Magnolia Bible
College as an institution of higher
learning by reaffirming MBC’s
regional accreditation at the
Commission’s June meeting. As
far as meeting the recognized
standards of good practice in
higher education is concerned,
SACS said in effect that MBC is
“good to go” for another ten years,
at which time its reaffirmation
will once more be considered.
Needless
to
say,
the
administration, faculty, staff,
students, and other interested
Magnolia Bible College
Memorials and Living Tributes
The following is a list of those who recently made contributions to
Magnolia Bible College in memory of, or in honor of, loved ones. The
names of those so honored, and the names of the donors, will also be
inscribed in a book in the library. The names in bold type are memorialized or honored. The names following are the donors.
In Memory Of
KATHRYN GAINES
Betty S. Kellum
BONNIE HADDOCK
Mary Jane Haddock
LESLIE W. DYCUS, JR.
Barbara Dycus
Robert and Lois Dycus
Robert J. Delk
Neil and Jill Ford
Neil Ann Delk
Dycus Grandchildren
Mr. and Mrs. John Vaughan
CLAUDIE H. WALTERS
Jerry and Neeta Hart
THOMAS “LARRY” PARKS
Mary Jean Parks
Bobby and Sandra Anderson
Robert and Lois Dycus
Gregory and Annie Grissom
Dr. and Mrs. Jim Costello
Mr. and Mrs. John Vaughan
DOUG WALTON
Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Bennett, Jr.
BILLIE FAY ROBY
Lone Pine Church of Christ
DORIS BISHOP
Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Bogle
MATTIE COFER
Bobby and Lila Schmitz
BOYD FLOYD
Bettie Jo Hill
BILL SWARTZEL
DORIS BISHOP
PHILLIP GAUNT
Carroll and Amy Foote
Thank You!
Note: Gifts in memory or in honor which are sent to the Magnolia Bible College are listed above. Gifts to the Magnolia
Messenger are handled separately from those given to MBC.
(Please see page 11.) Thanks for including either or both MBC
and the "MM" in your giving to the earthly work of the heavenly
kingdom.
Please Send
MBC Memorials
And/or Tributes To:
Magnolia
Bible College
P.O. Box 1109
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Page 7
P. O. Box 1109
Kosciusko, MS 39090
parties are excited and grateful to
God for His blessing.
Regional
accreditation
through SACS means that
Magnolia Bible College can
continue to offer a bachelor’s
degree in Bible that is recognized
for its educational quality.
Without accreditation by a
Department of Education
approved accrediting agency,
MBC could not operate in
Mississippi as a degree granting
institution.
Because of accreditation,
courses taken at MBC are more
easily transferred than would be
possible otherwise if a student
decides to complete his or her
education at another institution.
While Magnolia Bible
College receives no federal
monies, MBC students can apply
for federal grants and loans to
help them with” their educational
expenses because of the college’s
recognition by SACS.
While accreditation is
important, it is by no means all
that it takes to make MBC “good
to go” in achieving its mission of
educating and training gospel
preachers and other workers in
the kingdom of God.
Magnolia Bible College must
have a dedicated administration,
faculty, staff and student body to
be ready for the challenge ahead.
MBC must have generous
financial support from many
individuals and churches who
want to see prepared workers
filling valuable places in the
kingdom. The college must have
many who will speak up for her
and point others to her as a good
place to equip for ministry.
Most of all, MBC must have
God’s blessing to succeed.
“Unless the Lord builds the house,
they labor in vain who build it;
unless the Lord guards the city,
the watchman keeps awake in
vain” (Psalm 127:1).
With God’s blessing and the
support of those just mentioned,
Magnolia Bible College, which
this year celebrates its 29th
anniversary of service to the cause
of Christ, will indeed be “good to
go” for whatever future the Lord
may choose to give her.
[To those who have
supported MBC in so many
ways over the years, let me
thank you and ask that you
continue your support as you
are able. JGJ]
MBC Fall (2005)
Schedule of Classes
Registration -- Aug. 12
Classes Begin -- Aug. 15
(All are 3 hour courses unless otherwise noted.)
Monday
8:/5 -11 :05 AM
DOC 113 Teachings of Jesus
DOC 233 Inspiration & Authority of Scripture
11:15 -11:50AM
1:00-3: 50 PM
BL 213 Elementary Greek I
PRE 153 Methods of Evangelism
4:00 -6: 50 PM
CS 131 Introduction to Christian Service [1 hr.]
MBC 102 My MBC (Freshmen Seminar) [2 hrs.]
(Both CS 131 & MBC 102 must be taken together)
7:00-9:50PM
CE 123 Educational Media Teclmiques
SOC 113 Introduction to Sociology
Instructor
Smithson
Hines
Chapel
Hines
Ferguson
Ferguson
Staff
O’Brien
Staten
Tuesday
8:15-11:05AM
DOC 313 Religions in America
OT 133 Survey of Old Testament
Hines
Nettle
11:15 -11:50AM
Chapel
1:00-3: 50 PM
CE 133 Adult Religious Education
NT 353 Synoptic Gospels
OT 453 Critical Introduction to Old Testament
Gardner
Hodge
Hines
4:00 -6: 50 PM
DOC 213 Case for Biblical Christianity
ENG 113 English Composition I
OT 413 Prophets of the Babylonian & Persian Periods
Nettle
McArthur
Semore
7:00-9:50PM
CE 413 Educational Psychology
ENG 213 English Literature
PRE 433 Principles of Church Growth
Gardner
McArthur
Ferguson
Wednesday
11:15-11:50
Chapel
Thursday
5:00 -8: 50 PM
SCI 114 Survey of Physical Science [4 hrs.]
6:00 -8: 50 PM
CL 213 Computer Literacy I
ENG 103 Development English
Benson
O'Brien
McArthur
EXTENSION CLASSES
South Madison Church of Christ, 338 Lake Harbor Rd.,
Ridgeland, Mississippi
Thursday: 6:00 -8:50 PM
NT 233X Galatians, 1 & 2 Thess.
OT 133X Survey of Old Testament
Hodge
Nettle
TO BE ARRANGED
CS 210 Christian Service I [O hrs) - Ferguson
FW 311 Field Work I [I hr.] - Ferguson
FW 411 Field Work III [I hr.] - Ferguson
MIS 213 Bible Basis for Missions - Staff
PE 211 Physical Education [I hr.] - Staff
PRE 333 Introduction to Campus Ministry - Gardner
PRE 253 Introduction to Youth Ministry - Gardner
800-748-8655 www.magnolia.edu 662-289-2896
Magnolia Messenger
Page 8
(Almost 101)
Mrs. Mattie Ellen Moore Cofer
Preacher at Ellisville
Responds to Request
June 24, 1904 - May 11,2005
for many, many
Mrs. Mattie
years. She was
M. Cofer was a
an excellent
faithful member
teacher. Miss
of the Water
Mattie built a
Valley Church
scale model of
of Christ. “Miss
the tabernacle
Mattie”, as she
which is housed
was affectionin a classroom
ately known,
in our church
was a gracious
building. Not
lady. Her hope
many months
was to live to be
ago
Miss
100 years. She
Mattie, very
did! And, she
ably, presented
almost made it
a program on
to be 101 years
the tabernacle
old.
to the YaloM i s s
busha County
Mattie’s funeral
Historical
service was at
Society.
Seven Oaks
Miss Mattie
Funeral Home
On Her 100th Birthday
lived a wonderin Water Valley
with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. ful Christian life and her passing
Her going home service was has left a void in all the lives she
conducted by brother David Floyd touched during her 100 years on
and brother Bob Floyd.
this earth.
Miss Mattie lived at Hermitage
Gardens in Oxford, Mississippi, (Report submitted to the MM by Bob
for the last two years and, while and Glenda Singleton of Water Valley,
there, she continued her Christian MS. Picture provided by Frances
living and influenced the many Stewart. Thank you all.)
people with whom she came in
contact.
Even though she had to move to
an assisted living facility, her desire
was to continue to worship with
for
the Water Valley church which she
did as long as she was able. Miss
Receiving & Reading
Mattie was a virtuous woman and
the
her memory will live on for many
years to come.
Miss Mattie taught Bible
classes for ladies and young people
Thank YOU
Magnolia Messenger
Bob Spurlin's Popular Book
"Don't Ever Give Up"
Has Been Revised and Enlarged.
Added Chapters Include:
"Suicide, A Christian Viewpoint";
"Shocking Events Do Happen";
"Our Health, A Blessing From God."
Two hours of work daily
requires two days
of total rest or sleep.
For several years brother
Spurlin has been suffering with
illness that keeps him confined to
bed, requires constant care and
permits very limited activities. In
spite of his severe physical problems, he continues to serve by
writing excellent material with the
aid of a voice activitated computer.
One of his best known books,
"Don't Every Give Up" has been
circulated in forty states and several foreign countries. The revised
edition (soon to be available) can
be ordered for $11.50 (includes
shipping and handling). A case of
books (30 copies) may be purchased for $300.00 (a $45.00 discount). All profits will help the
Spurlin family in meeting their
medical and related expenses.
Please order from the:
Bob Spurlin Family
2101 Glenwood Drive
Hartselle, AL 35640
or e-mail
[email protected]
Comments, Ideas
And Suggestions
Are Invited and Truly
Encouraged
A few weeks ago I spoke on the
phone with preacher Jerry Morton
and asked him to tell a little about
himself and the church in Ellisville,
Mississippi. I am thankful for his following response. (alf)
Dear Brother Franks,
There is not a whole lot to tell
about myself. For several years I was
what people call a "tent making
preacher." The work at Ellisville is my
first full time work.
My family and I moved here from
Tennessee in December of 2004. We
have three children, only one lives at
home, that's our 18 year old daughter,
Kimberly. Our oldest, Ryan, lives and
works in Memphis and our middle
child, Justin, just finish at FreedHardeman and is now working as a
youth minister at Church Street Church
of Christ in Lewisburg, TN. I studied
at The Nashville School of Preaching.
The members of the Ellisville
Church of Christ are excited about
what the future holds. We have a lot of
work to do and our elders are getting
things in the proper order. In the near
future we hope to establish deacons.
Our main focus will be on the City of
Ellisville and Jones county with the
goal to spread the gospel of Christ
Jesus thoughout this area.
We have started a web-site; it’s
not quite ready but it will be very soon.
Our
web
address
is
www.thelordsway.com/ellisvillecoc .
Our
e-mail
address
is
[email protected] Please keep
our efforts in your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Jerry Morton
Additionally, brother Jerry wrote,
"Also please put in your paper that the
Ellisville church of Christ now has
elders. They were appointed on April
24th of this year. Their names are Jim
Hale, Paul Heathcock, John Sexton
and Laudice Scrimpshire."
COFFEEVILLE
Don Huddleston from Ponca City,
Oklahoma spoke in a Gospel Meeting at the Coffeeville Church of
Christ. The dates were July 31st August 3rd.
BOONEVILLE
Ladies Retreat
Set for October 7,8
The ladies of the Booneville
Church of Christ are making plans
for the retreat held each year at
Tishomingo State Park. The date
for this year's retreat is October 7
and 8. For more information,
please contact the Booneville
church at P. O. Box 28;
Booneville, MS 38829 or call
662-728-5544.
Magnolia Messenger
Welcomes
Teaching Articles
SHARE TRUTH WITH OTHERS
July/Aug., 05
And It Shall
Come To Pass
by
Barbara Cagle Ray
[email protected]
Ed was plagued with physical problems;
Pain was an everyday part of his life.
And when he returned from work each day,
He entered a home filled with family strife.
He had no special pleasures of his own,
Yet he wore a smile when the day was done.
All his friends couldn’t seem to understand,
His cheerful disposition puzzled everyone.
One day as Ed came home from work,
His neighbor, Phil, was on his way in.
He thought, “I’ll go over and say hello,
Maybe Ed would like to talk to a friend.”
Phil asked of Ed, “Can you please tell me,
How do you deal with life’s pain and strife?
You seem to handle adversity so well.
What’s your secret to dealing with life?”
“Well, said Ed, “I read my Bible a lot,
And I listen closely to what it has to say.
It says, ‘And it shall come to pass...’
It never says, “It shall come to stay.’”
Forest Update
Lake Charles Youth
Conduct VBS
About 9 years ago, the church
in Forest, Mississippi had dwindled
to less than eight faithful members.
Facing a rather large monthly payment on their meeting place, the
struggling church reluctantly decided to sell their property and disTest
band as a visible
church of Christ
in Forest, Mississippi.
Upon hearing of their plans, we
called for a special meeting and
pleaded that their plans to sell and
disband be reversed. Thank the
Lord, a decision was made to keep
trying. We published a report and
an appeal in the Magnolia Messenger and things have not been
the same since.
Brethren from several states
responded, offering to help financially and in other ways. One lady,
a sister who requested that her
identity not be publicized and who
knew nothing about the church in
Forest before reading the report in
the MM, starting sending a
$1,000.00 each month (more,
some months). She kept up her
support for several years -- until
she was sure the church could and
would survive. And, it has! A very
special thanks to our dear sister
and her caring husband.
Presently, the church has a fulltime preacher. Larry Gallaher, who
Jeremy Geurin, Youth
Minister, taught VBS
adult class each night.
is also a full-time student at MBC
(this is his senior year!), does an
excellent job in presenting sermons
from the Word of God. Attendance
is running about 40 each Lord's
day.
Brethren from other congregations continue to assist, including a
group from the Boulevard church
in Lake Charles, Louisiana, who
came a few weeks ago and conducted a VBS. (Paul Franks, who
preached several years at Forest,
now preaches for the church in
Lake Charles). Of course, all property debts have been paid. Part of
the preacher's support is provided
by the Lebanon Road Church in
Nashville. Often, when prayersare
offered by Forest brethren, special
thanks is given to God for all who
have helped keep the Lord's church
alive in Forest, MS.
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
Page 9
... From A Woman's Viewpoint ...
worldly lusts, ye should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in
this present world.” (Titus 2:12)
The Bible also says, “And be not
conformed to this world...” (Romans 12:2)
There are many things we can
and should do in the service of
God, that bring pleasure, causing
maturing believers to honestly
exclaim, "It's fun to to be a Christian". You receive a sense of fulfillment and joy when you know
you are serving God to the best
of your ability.
It has been demonstrated that
those who are among the most de-
pressed of people are often those
who only think only of themselves. They seek what they want
and to make an effort to do only
what they want to do.This way of
life never brings true or lasting
satisfaction.
The Bible says, “Thou wilt
shew me the path of life; in thy
presence is fulness of joy; at thy
right hand there are pleasures for
evermore.” (Psalms 16:11)
“Whom having not seen, ye
love; in whom, though now ye see
him not, yet believing, ye rejoice
with joy unspeakable and full of
glory.” (I Peter 1:8)
You might ask, “What is my
relationship to this world?” Fun
and the things of this world only
offer temporary pleasure that
quickly subsides. On the other
hand, a close and lasting relationship with God, through His Son,
Jesus, offers an earthly life of
peace, joy, happiness and "fun".
And, even more exciting, beyond
this life, there is waiting a home
in heaven.
Mrs. A. L. Franks
P. O. Box 1578
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Ladies' Day
20th Annual
at Amory
Ladies' Day at Winona
October 1, 2005
September 10
Jane Maynard
Fun... FUN... Fun
The Bible teaches there is a
time for everything. “To every
thing there is a season, and a time
to every purpose under the
heaven... A time to weep, and a
time to laugh; a time to mourn,
and a time to dance.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,4)
After observing the actions of
many, you would think all they
are interested in is a time of fun
and pleasure.
If we are not careful, this
world and all its attractions can
become our god. There are many
things that may not necessarily be
wrong within themselves, but if
we put those things before God
to the neglect of spiritual things
then they become a sin.
The Bible says that in the last
days perilous times will come.
Among the things listed, during
the perilous times, are those who
are lovers of pleasures more than
lovers of God. (II Timothy 3:4)
This pretty much describes our
world. Don't you agree?
God made a beautiful world
for us to enjoy. God also made us
with a need for some rest and relaxation. Each of us needs some
time for "R & R." However, in
many of the so called "recreational" activities, we come away
feeling the very opposite of rested
and/or recreated.
We, as the offspring of God,
are also spiritual beings who
need the Creator of this universe
in our lives. God made us, therefore, He knows what we need and
what is best for us.
To love this world is incompatible with holiness. The Bible
commands, “Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in
him. For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the lust
of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the
world. (I John 2:15,16)
If we leave off serving God,
then we have left undone the one
thing that really matters. “For
what is a man profited, if he shall
gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul? or what shall a man
give in exchange for his soul?”
(Matthew 16:26)
The Bible admonishes us to
live a godly life even though we
live in an ungodly world. Holy
Scripture exhorts, “Teaching us
that, denying ungodliness and
June Franks
Topic
Another Beautiful Mississippi Scene: The Pearl River
Fifth Mississippi Ministers' Wives Conference
October 28-29, 2005
Clarion Hotel & Convention Center (Jackson, MS)
Speaker: Doris Dansby (Bossier City, LA)
Contact Robin Nettle; 1183 Hwy 27; Vicksburg, MS
601-638-5142
Have You Counted the Cost?
Do you want to be a Christian and wear God’s holy name,
Or do you want to follow Satan and enter into the burning flame?
Do you want to teach others about God’s saving plan,
Or had you rather be lost by enjoying the pleasures of man?
If you study the Bible each day, you will learn of God’s riches untold,
But if you turn your back on him, you’re no longer a part of His fold.
We can choose to follow Satan’s plan and be eternally lost,
Or be led into Heaven by God’s nail scarred hand.
Have you counted the cost?
By Nina Thorn; 1135 Ratliff Ferry Road; Canton, MS 39046-9688
"Here I am Lord, Send Me."
Speaker
Melissa Lester
(Wetumpka, AL)
Church of Christ
North Blvd Drive
Amory, Mississippi
For more information,
please contact Cindy
Hathcock @662-256-2382
speaking on
"Flowers That Never Fade"
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Fellowship Lunch Provided
Ladies Retreat at Sardis
September 16, 17
Speakers: AlPaulthena Cotton, Kathy Segars,
& Jane Maynard, Answering Bible Questons
In Memory Of
Pauline Jackson
by Lisa Dearman
Tho' stooped in nature... She was tall in faith.
Tho' her body was frail... Her spirit was strong.
Tho' quiet and gentle... Her presence was deafening.
Tho' her health has failed her... Her soul has triumphed.
(Sister Jackson was a faithful member of the Morton church of Christ.)
Messenger
of Love
Vickie Smith Eaton
120 CF 503
Guntown, MS 38849
When you are blessed with a child,
Your life becomes enriched.
A child inspires happiness,
From the moment they exist.
When time is spent with a child,
Every moment is a treasure;
And caring for a child,
Makes every chore a pleasure.
A child is a precious gift,
From Heaven up above.
A child is sent by God,
As a messenger of love.
Magnolia Messenger
Page 10
Gospel Crusade
Conducted in Kosciusko
The date of July 9-15, 2005 will long be
remembered as a very special time for churches
of Christ in Central Mississippi. Several Kosciusko area congregations cooperated in a joint
effort to evangelize the community and to manifest a spirit of "oneness" among the churches
regardless of racial makeup.
Nine Services, Nine Speakers
Answering
"What Does the Bible Teach"
Paul Williams
(Metro-East church in Jackson)
"Music in the Church"
Eric Dawkins
(Tipton St.
Church in Kosciusko)
"About Church Offices"
Les Ferguson, Sr.
(So. Huntington St.
church in Kosciusko)
"Benevolence"
Willie Baldwin
(East Pearl
Church in Macon)
"Saved Before or After Baptism?"
Sometimes
I Forget... Almost!
Central Mississippi Lectures
On a recent Sunday morning,
my June and I enjoyed worshipping with the South Huntington
Street congregation in Kosciusko.
This is not a normal practice for us.
As readers of the MM know, our
evangelistic work, including publication of the "Messenger", usually
takes us into other communities
and other congregations. But, occasionally, staying home on Sundays brings benefits.
Obviously, the opportunity to
visit with brothers and sisters we
have loved for many years is a
great blessing. Our recent Sunday
visit also blessed us with the opportunity of hearing one of
Kosciusko's four elders, John
Gardner, present two excellent
studies, one in the Bible class hour
and the other in the "worship hour".
We were also blessed with the opportunity to follow the very capable
leadership of Robby McCafferty
as he led us in some beautiful and
meaningful songs -- some old,
some not so old.
But... what I really started out to
stress in this article was not so
much the fellowship, the singing or
the sermon. Rather, what "sometimes I forget... almost!" was
brought to my attention as I read
the weekly Sunday bulletin which
had been handed to me by Ray
Gilbert as we entered the church
building. The following is a section
of the bulletin listing mostly foreign
mission ministries of Kosciusko's
South Huntington Street Church.
Hosted by the
Roger Hines
(North Liberty
Church in Canton)
"About the Church"
Curtis Page
(Williamson Ave. Church in Jackson)
"About Worship"
John Gardner
Academic Dean, MBC
"Authority of the Scriptures"
McArthur Williams
(Tchula congregation)
"Who is Authorized to Preach?"
Nathan Wright
(Huntsville church
at French Camp)
"Eternal Destinies"
The special services were conducted in the J. B. Hayes building
on the campus of Magnolia Bible
College and at the Attala County
Coliseum in Kosciusko.
July/Aug., 05
Yes, in addition to generous
support of local evangelism, Magnolia Bible College and the Magnolia Messenger, the Kosciusko
church has a long history of interest in overseas mission work. This
is something that I sometimes forget... almost! I appreciated and
needed the reminder. (ALF)
Thanks for Reading the MM
Our Daily Prayer
Help us, Lord, to publish a paper that will advance Your
Cause, resulting in saving and
strengthening precious souls.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Siwell Road Church of Christ
4075 Siwell Road ; Jackson, MS 39212
“Growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord”
(2 Peter 3:18)
September 30 - October 2, 2005
(Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Friday, September 30
7:00 - 7:40 -- Congregational Singing
7:45 - 8:30 -- Permanence of the Gospel
Gary Knuckles, Keynote Speaker
Saturday, October 1
Tract A (Auditorium)
"Congregational Growth"
Tract B (Fellowship Room)
"Personal Growth"
8:50 - 9:30
A. Growth Through Family Ministry
John Pigg, (South Madison, Ridgeland)
B. Growth Personally
Greg Ledbetter (Durant Church of Christ)
9:40 - 10:20
A. Growth in a Large Congregation
Doug Greenway (West Main, Tupelo)
B. Growth is Commanded
Scott Jefcoat (Siwell Road, Jackson)
10:30 - 11:10
A. Growth in a Small Congregation
Shaun Evans (Tylertown)
B. Growth Through Training
Robert Rawson (Batesville)
11:20 - 12:00
Growth Through a Youth Program
Michael Bates (Batesville)
B. Growth Through Missions
Rocco Pierce (Missionary, South Pacific)
12:00-1:30 -- Lunch (Provided)
1:30 - 2:15
Growth Through Evangelism
Mark Ray (Siwell Road, Jackson)
2:30 - 3:15
Growth in Our Faith
John Gardner (Magnolia Bible College)
3:30 - 4:15
Our Growth in Mississippi
Al Franks (Magnolia Messenger)
7:00 - 7:40
Congregational Singing
7:45 - 8:30
The Power of the Gospel
Gary Knuckles, Keynote
Sunday, October 2
Gary Knuckles, Speaker
9:30 -- Growth Through Love
10:30 -- The Beauty of the Gospel
For Accommodations:
Camper hookups available on Church
grounds or Days Inn, 306 Swinging
Bridge Rd., Byram, MS 39212
(601) 371-7111
For information:
Call (601) 372-2551
or
www.siwellroad.org
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
Good News
From Union, MS
- Report by Rick Benson -
Mississippi Flood Relief
by Goodman Oaks Church of Christ
Brother Franks,
Here’s a bit of news regarding a
recent disaster in Southaven. This was
a localized flash flood that hasn’t
received any media attention outside
our local area. However, the need is
real for us to assist these families in
getting back into their homes. We would
appreciate any coverage you can give.
Thanks for your continued good work.
Brotherly, Steve Reeves, Goodman
Oaks Church of Christ Southaven,
Mississippi
Sent: Wednesday,
July 27, 2005 10:27 AM
On Friday afternoon, July 15th
our community was inundated with
over four inches of rain in less than
one hour as a result of the remnants
of Hurricane Dennis. All across the
area streets were flooded and
damage was sustained. The
hardest
hit area was on
Longbranch Drive and Acorn Cove
just north of Rasco Road. Over
thirty-five houses received damage
from the flood. While a few homes
sustained only minor damage
(carpeting, etc.), others are having
to be completely gutted and rebuilt
on the inside. In addition these
families lost furniture, clothing and
other household possessions.
Goodman Oaks has been on
the scene continuously providing
relief. Initially we provided water
and food to these families. Early in
the week we contacted the
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief
agency in Nashville who responded
immediately with boxes of food
and necessities along with new
mattresses and box springs. In
coming days they will be shipping
new refrigerators and ranges. We
have worked with various
emergency relief agencies and
businesses to secure building
materials and equipment for
renovating the damaged homes
and helping these families get back
on their feet. A fund has been
established at Bancorp South for
immediate relief needs. Every cent
donated will go to flood victims and
the fund will be administered by
our congregation.
Though we can help provide
building
materials
for
reconstruction it is important that
this work be done by qualified
builders. This will be a lengthy and
expensive project. Remember,
most of these individuals did not
carry flood insurance and such is
not covered under regular
homeowners' insurance.
Goodman Oaks is co-ordinating
an “Adopt-A-House” program to
provide funds for this long process.
We’re asking area businesses and
churches to adopt a house and
take care of whatever needs are
there. We, personally, hope to
adopt as many of these homes as
we can afford to.
Accordingly, our Elders have
designated this coming Sunday’s
offering in its entirety to go to this
relief effort (July 31). We hope to
raise $100,000 in this effort.
Individuals or congregations
throughout the nation who would
be interested in assisting with this
effort are asked to contact the
Goodman Oaks church.
For additional information
contact: Steve W. Reeves, Pulpit
Minister, Goodman Oaks Church
of Christ, Southaven, MS 38671
(662) 349-3600
The Promise Of
Pefect Peace
"Thou wilt keep him in
perfect peace, whose mind
is stayed on thee: because
he trusteth in thee."
(Isaiah 26:3)
Comments & Criticisms
Considered!
A group of 11 Sojourners came
to Union in May. They brought their
RV’s and stayed on the grounds at
the church building. The Sojourners
were assisted by a dozen members of
the local church, resulting in the
knocking on 500 doors and giving
out 42 Bible correspondence
courses.
The following week the church
held a Gospel Meeting with the
theme, “What Must I do to be Saved?”
God blessed our efforts so that we
witnessed 3 baptisms and one
restoration. During this second week
40 home Bible studies were
completed.
The Sojourners contributed 540
man hours, spreading the gospel in
Union. Many additional hours have
been spent by the local congregation,
following up on the work that was
started by the sojourners. In June we
started and completed a home Bible
study with a young man who is blind.
He obeyed the Gospel and was
baptized into Christ. He has received
a Bible in Braille, has been faithful
in attendance and has twice read the
scripture during the assembly.
The church in Union has been
blessed by the efforts of those
Sojourners who came and unselfishly
gave of themselves. We would like
to thank each of them for coming and
helping us spread the Gospel of Jesus
Christ.
The Sojourners who worked the
campaign in Union are: John and
Mary Townley, Luther and
Martha Barnes, Carl and Barbara
White, Eunice Conn, Claryce
Arnold, Eleanor Townsend, Dickie
and Brenda White.
This is a great and very much
needed work of the Lord’s church
and we are very thankful for all the
sojourners.
(Our special thanks to Rick Benson
who preaches for the Union,
Mississippi church of Christ for
sending the MM this report. Brother
Rick is another graduate of MBC.alf)
(Right) John
Townley,
unofficial
spokesman for
the group
(Below)
Sojourners are always at home in
their RVs.
Page 11
STOP
See the
Sun Rising
God Has
Given Us
Another Day
"This is the day
which the Lord
hath made; we
will rejoice and
be glad in it."
(Psa. 118:24)
MAGNOLIA MESSENGER
Memorials & Tributes
The person whose name is in CAPS is memorialized or honored
by the person(s) whose name is in lower case letters. Thank you
for remembering and/or honoring your loved ones and/or friends in
a very special way by giving to the missionary efforts of the “Messenger”. Thanks again. God bless! (ALF, editor)
In Memory Of
MRS MATTIE COFER
Bob & Glenda Singleton
Mrs. L. C. Stewart
(Water Valley, MS)
LEE BROWN
VERA HODGE
Mrs L. C. Stewart
(Water Valley, MS)
BOB HUNT
M/M Henry Ford
(Ackerman, MS)
MILDRED JEANS
Alma Callahan
(Merryville, LA)
NELSON WARD
Hazel Cook
(Columbus, MS)
RANDALL MONAGHAN
Dr. & Mrs. Joe Kellum
(Tupelo, MS)
GLADYS ALDRIDGE
RAY ALDRIDGE
Charles Aldridge
(Magnolia, MS)
WAYMON TAYLOR
Faye Taylor
(Tupelo, MS)
M/M MORRIS REICH & RAY
M/M RALPH GRAY
Joyce Reich Gray
(Amory, MS)
PAULINE JACKSON
Randy & Lisa Dearman
(Morton, MS)
MATTIE COX
Ramona Pound
(Columbus, MS)
NICKI DUNLAP
Hazel Dunlap
(Natchez, MS)
In Honor Of
GLOSTER STREET
LADIES’ JAIL MINISTRY WORK
Tupelo, Mississippi
Anonymous
Thank You!
NOTICE!
Memorials and/or honorariums
given to Magnolia Bible College
are handled separately from those
given to the Magnolia Messenger.
(See Page 7) Thanks for each gift,
whether MM or MBC.
Thank You!
PLEASE SEND
Memorials & Tributes to the
MAGNOLIA MESSENGER
P. O. Box 1578
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Your faithful and generous support of the mission efforts of the
"Magnolia Messenger" is greatly needed and deeply appreciated.
MM -- Good News Newspaper
Page 12
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
The Hill
of
Three Crosses
by
Danny Dodd
"The Ballentine Home" - Pinevale's New Cottage
Pine Vale Children’s Home
located in Corinth, MS thirty four
miles from Freed Hardeman
University has now completed their
new home. The home is named in
honor of Audelle Ballentine,
mother of Betty Peck, Starkville,
MS.
The home will be able to house
twelve children with ample room
to grow and play. The 5,000 square
foot wing floor plan allows for
housing both boys and girls.
Houseparents have a large area for
their private quarters. The main
area is open, light and friendly.
The Ballentine Home, along
with the Wade Cottage and the
Doran Cottage have the capacity to
care for a total of 36 children. The
director’s home, Pharr Cottage, is
also available if there were an
emergency. At this writing, May’
2, 2005, Pine Vale is still in need of
houseparents for the new home.
Please call Bonnie Vansandt if you
would like more information on
the home or the position.
Bonnie Vansandt, Director
Pine Vale Children’s Home
1872 CR 700; Corinth, MS 38834
662-286-6555 [email protected]
More and More
churches and/or classes
are answering the "Question Box"
as a joint class effort.
Join the Joint Studies!
7th Annual
LA
Magnolia
Messenger
RV Rally
October
19 - 23
Ray Bob and Jim Bob Insure Fun!
"We Are A Blessed People"
Keynote Speaker: Bill Oakley
Thursday Night Special - "Legends of Country Music"
Bible Lessons, Gospel Singing, Fellowship,
Games, Food, Big Fish Fry, Entertainment
Wednesday -- Sunday
North Toledo Bend State Park
Zwolle, Louisiana
For more information or to reserve a place to stay, please call Ray
Franks at 337-786-4494 or Gerald Spears at 337-786-7801. Or
write to Ray at P. O. Drawer 218; DeQuincy, LA 70633.
In Vilnius, Lithuania, high above
a ridge overlooking the city near
the ancient tower of Grand Duke
Gediminas, stands the Hill of Three
Crosses. Starkly beautiful, this
monument to Calvary has endured
the onslaught of Nazi Germany,
the tyranny of communism, and of
destruction and rebuilding, to testify
to the faith of this historically
Catholic stronghold.
Easily seen throughout most of
the city, it was meant to be a
continuing reminder of the sacrifice
of Christ to generations of
Lithuanians who have grown up in
its shadow. Unfortunately, the latest
generations seem to be moving
out of that shadow and away from
any form of Christian tradition. They
now bow to another god -- the one
we call secularism.
Traveling there since 1996 and
living there during 2001-2003, I
witnessed a remarkable decline of
interest in spiritual matters. In the
more immediate years after their
liberation from fifty years of
communist oppression, Lithuanian
citizens flocked to Christian
gatherings and Bible study. Interest
was extremely high as they thirsted
for knowledge of God. The Vilnius
Bible Study Center was abuzz with
activity and study and the Vilnius
church of Christ was growing.
As time passed and information
and choices increased, the allure
of secularism with its emphasis on
self-gratification swept in. Suddenly
Lithuanians discovered heretofore
unknown thirsts that demanded
quenching.
Multiplex cinemas came to
town. Huge malls with all the bells
and whistles followed. New car
dealerships were built. Modern
banking with quick and easy loans
was next. Casinos came to cash in.
Adult entertainment of various sorts
began
appearing.
Slick
commercials aired on the newly
available satellite TV channels to
explain why all of this was needed.
It all came pouring in -- along
with drastic increases in crime,
AIDS, STDs, divorce, suicide and
calls from government officials
pleading for more funding to handle
these new problems.
In just one decade Vilnius
changed
so
rapidly
and
dramatically that the Hill of Three
Crosses and all it stood for was
reduced to just another tourist stop.
Now, the Study Center is not nearly
as busy. Fewer Lithuanians are
interested in pursuing the one true
God.
What happened so swiftly and crosses on it. It was there 2000
suddenly there has been years ago in reality -- nailed to that
happening more slowly and subtly center cross on Golgotha. It stands
here. The Lithuanians are merely before us even now in the person
playing catch-up. We’ve had all of of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
what they are seeking for so long who steadfastly remains at God’s
that we take it for granted and how right hand pleading for us to listen.
it affects our own pursuit of God.
If we could just grasp the value
For the most part the majority of in seeking “first his kingdom and
our country still goes to Sunday his righteousness” (see Matthew
school and worship, but fails to 6:25-34) we would receive such
give much else to God. Through God-designed personal and
the week we rush along often spiritual fulfillment that the need to
unwittingly upholding the principles follow the god of secularism would
of secular thought. Self-interests vanish. Through God’s power we
reign above all else. Families bow would be able to see how truly
to it, now churches are bowing to it shallow, harmful and futile is a life
and souls are lost to it.
lived selfishly.
When we do take the time to
To find him, though, we have to
access the damage
look past the
done in our pursuit
attraction
and
of it, we blame
clutter of secular life
anyone
but
to that lonely hill of
ourselves (even
three
crosses
God),
apply
centuries ago. No
expensive selfmatter where we
serving band-aids
are,
only
by
and then later
embracing him -- not
wonder why things
self -- will our life
have not gotten
really and eternally
better. We have
matter.
created a vicious
Danny Dodd preaches
cycle of which we
for the Gateway
are often too blind
church of Christ in
to see, much less
Pensacola and may be
find real answers to
reached by addresDanny Dodd
solve.
sing him at:
245 Brent Lane
The answer does exist,
Pensacola, FL 32503
however. It is there in Vilnius
[email protected]
represented by that hill with three
Morton
Church
of
Christ
Conducted
Meeting
and
Homecoming
Manny Lago, former preacher
for the church in Morton, returned
to Mississippi on June 12-15 for a
gospel meeting with the Scott
County church. Brother Manny,
pictured above (on right), and his
wife (on left), are now living in and
working with the church in Savannah, Georgia. (The younger lady in
the center is Traci Nichols.)
The meeting, described as "one
of the best", was a great encouragement to the church. My June
and I were privileged to attend the
last night of the special series and
are pleased to close out this short
report by saying, "A good service,
a good sermon, a good church!"
We are very thankful for the capable work of the present preacher,
Josh Allen, a student at MBC.
(alf)
July/Aug., 05
Magnolia Messenger
God's Role For
Men and Women
- Daniel Guy In the beginning God created
the woman as a helper suitable for
the man (Gen. 2:18). She was not
inferior to the man in any way, but
she was not created to rule over
the man. The two, man and woman,
were to be as one, in body, as well
as in purpose and direction. A body
cannot function properly with two
heads, so God put the man to be
head of the family.
Not only could we say this is
because God created the woman
for the man, but also because the
woman listened to the serpent, the
old devil himself, ate of the
forbidden fruit and tempted her
husband to eat as well (Gen. 3:6).
Because of this, the woman’s desire
was to please her husband and her
husband was to rule over her (Gen.
3:16). A truly godly woman will seek
to please her husband, and the
truly godly man will seek to please
the Lord as he takes charge of his
family as God directs.
The man is responsible to God
for leading his family as well as
bringing up the children. While the
woman is to be his helper in the
great task of child rearing, she is
never charged with that
responsibility in Scripture. The man
is commanded by God not to
provoke his children, to discipline
them with love, and to “bring them
up in the training and admonition of
the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). The man is not
to treat his wife as his slave who
must jump at his every command.
She is not his doormat and he is to
treat her with love and respect.
Christ is the supreme example
that the man is to follow in caring
for and nurturing his wife in love.
Husbands are told to love their
wives “just as Christ also loved the
church and gave himself for it” (Eph.
5:25). This means that if she is ever
in peril, he will be willing to put his
life on the line to save her. It means
that he will forget himself whenever
she is upset and take time out to
console her. Remember, “Christ is
the head of the church and He is”
also “the Savior of the body”
(Eph.5:23).
It also means that the man will
not give his wife everything she
desires. This would likely cause
financial ruin, lead to extreme
friction when basic needs cannot
be met, and likely end in the demise
of the family. But most of all, he will
not use this as an excuse to satisfy
his own desires, leaving his own
family hungry and under-clothed.
After serving God, a man’s major
desire should be towards his wife
and children. If a man will do this,
he will likely find his wife willing to
submit to his authority as God
commands (Eph.5:22-24).
In the early days of the church,
women were looked upon with
respect and when some were
neglected in the daily distribution
of food, faithful men were
Fifty Years Together
immediately appointed to take care
of the matter (Acts 6:1-3).
Women played a vital role in
the spread of the gospel by the
early church. Tabitha was an
example of faithful, loving service
(Acts 9:36-39). Through women
such as Lydia, who were given to
hospitality, the disciples were able
to carry the gospel throughout the
world (Acts 16:11-15). Phoebe is
described as a “servant of the
church that is in Cenchrea”
(Rom.16:10). A few women were
even supported by the church.
These were widows over 60 who
had been very hospitable, had no
family, and had helped others along
life’s road (I Tim. 5:9-10).
Women were also involved in
private teaching as was the case
when Aquila and Priscilla taught a
misinformed preacher, Apollos,
correctly concerning the Law of
Christ (Acts 18:26). Older women
are told to train younger women in
Christian living (Titus 2:4). Christian
women are to be chaste and
obedient to their unbelieving
husbands so they might win them
to Christ (I Pet. 3:1).
Christian women also have a
very important role in assisting their
husbands to make strong family
units which are the backbone of
the church as well as the society in
which we live. Without them, neither
the church nor society can function
as God intended.
Many of Jesus’ closest disciples
were women. Mary Magdalene,
Joanna, Susannah, and many
others helped to provide financial
support for Jesus and the apostles
as they went about preaching (Luke
8:2-3). It seems that several women
provided a place of rest, relaxation,
and consolation during His earthly
ministry.
Jesus never treated women
disciples as though they were
inferior to the men in any way. In
fact, by his attitudes and actions,
he indicated that men and women
have equal worth in the sight of
God. He even expressed that some
of the women provided the greatest
aid for his ministry. Mary provided
moral support while her sister
Martha was so concerned about
cooking a meal (Luke 10:42). This
same Mary was the one who
anointed Jesus’ feet with costly
ointment which was considered as
an anointing for his future burial
(John 12:7).
Faithful and sorrowing women
witnessed Jesus' death on the cross
while the apostles fled the scene
(Mt.27:55-56). While He was
supposed to be still in the tomb,
several women brought spices to
anoint His body but He had already
risen (Mk.16:1-6). We can see from
this that women provided a great
service for Jesus on earth. They
were great disciples with important
roles, but they were never included
in any leadership position. Never
did he appoint one woman apostle.
Those in leadership were all men.
On the day of Pentecost in Acts
2, men and women came into the
church in great numbers. No
distinction was made between the
sexes concerning membership in
the Lord’s church. All were told to
repent and be baptized to wash
away their sins (Acts 2:38) and the
Lord added them to His church
(Acts 2:47).
But there is not one Scripture
that says they had the same roles
in the church. Not one woman is
ever called a preacher, evangelist,
or pastor (elder, bishop, overseer,
shepherd, presbyter — all terms
for the same office as pastor). One
of the qualifications for a pastor as
well as a deacon is that he be the
husband of one wife (I Tim. 3:2,12)
A woman cannot meet that
qualification.
Though some translations may
use the word deaconess in
conjunction with some women, they
have transliterated that from
DIAKONOS which means “servant”
and should be translated so when
it is not speaking of an official office
of the church. Both men and women
have important duties in service to
the Lord Jesus Christ, but men are
to be the leaders and women are
not to teach or have authority over
a man in the church (I Tim. 2:12).
Under the Patriarchal Age, no
woman was ever known to preside
over a man in any religious matter.
Under the Mosaic Age, no woman
ever officiated in any religious rites.
At least one woman, Deborah,
Judge of Israel, held authority over
men in political and military affairs.
But by context, it seems that this
was only by default since no man
would take the lead in these matters
(Judges 4-5). Only priests of the
tribe of Levi officiated in any
religious matters under Moses’
Law. These were all males between
30 and 50 years of age (Num. 4:34).
Despite this, at least one very
Page 13
prominent contemporary female
writer uses a passage from Ezekiel
which says absolutely nothing
about women presiding in religious
services as an excuse to preach to
men as well as women in large
assemblies.
Under the law of Christ, women
are very directly and emphatically
told not “to teach or to have authority
over a man” (I Tim. 2:12). Why do
women insist on exercising
authority where God has given them
none, and why do men relinquish
their duties to the women?
Remember, we will be judged by
God’s word.
For years people have paid little
attention to God’s word in many
matters. One such digression has
been the leadership of women in
many churches since the “Women’s
Lib Movement.” There is a common
practice today for women being
accepted as preachers. This is a
direct transgression of such
passages as I Cor.14:34. Christians
should not question the Lord
forbidding women to assume
certain roles in the church. Even if
no reasons were given by God, we
should accept by faith what God
has revealed.
But the truth is, God has given
some reasons. In the first place
Adam was formed first and Eve
was then made as a helpmeet for
him (I Tim. 2:13). Another reason
given is that it was the woman who
was first deceived by Satan and fell
into sin (Gen.3:16; I Tim. 2:14).
The woman’s role in the church is
closely connected to her unique
role in the home. Woman alone
can give birth to children (I
Tim.2:15). The man must provide
for his wife and love her as Christ
loved the church (Eph.5:25). The
woman’s willing submission to her
husband will most likely bring forth
his best care for his wife (Eph.5:22,
33). In order for there to be the
greatest amount of happiness in
the home, God has established
different roles for men and women.
This difference should likewise be
reflected in the church.
Daniel Guy, 114 E. 6th St., Alliance,
NE 69301, [email protected]
Assistance from: Baird, James O.,
“Role For Women In the Church.”
Introducing the Church of Christ. Fort
Worth: Star Bible Publications, Inc.,
1981.
Thanks for Reading the MM
ACKERMAN
On Wednesday night, July 20,
we traveled from Kosciusko up
Highway 12 to Ackerman, Mississippi to attend a Gospel Meeting at
the Ackerman Church of Christ.
Upon our arrrival we were told that
Don McWhorter had become ill
and would not be able to preach
that night. We were disappointed
and sad that brother McWhorter
was ill and had to return home.
However, Ackerman’s regular minister, Ed Casteel, filled in and
brought a good lesson. The Eupora
congregation had dismissed their
services to enable their members
to attend the meeting. The lesson,
prayers, singing and the fellowship
with so many other Christians made
for an enjoyable evening. (JF)
EUPORA
Les Ferguson was preaching
in a Gospel Meeting at the Eupora
Church. We decided to drive up for
services on the last night, July 27th.
We had made plans to stop at
Wendy’s for a meal; however, we
happened to remember that
Eupora’s preacher, Don Green,
had told us the congregation would
be eating together before services.
Thankfully, we arrived in time to join
the Eupora brethren for a delicious
meal.We were blessed to hear
brother Les preach and to be associated with him, his wife; also with
Don Green and his wife. Several
congregations were represented
for the evening services. We were
encouraged to see the wonderful
cooperation between brethren.(JF)
An Example
of
How We Are
Privileged to Publish
the
Magnolia Messenger
An Unsolicited
Personal Check
to the
Magnolia Messenger
for
$500.00
We walked up to the entrance
door of the church building. Of
course, being a gentleman, I
opened the door for my June, so
she could be the first to enter. A
brother, standing just inside the
door, reached out and shook
hands with my wife, and in so
doing, he placed a check in her
hand. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity of having
fellowship with us in our evangelistic efforts.
Be assured, we are grateful
for his five hundred dollar check.
We are also grateful for $5.00,
$10.00 or any amount. When it
comes to thankfulness, it really
doesn't matter how much! True,
we can travel more miles and
send out more messengers with
larger amounts. But, please be
assured, we appreciate all who
help us, regardless of the amount.
Thanks to you -- to every congregation and individual.
Al & June Franks
Magnolia Messenger
Page 14
Churches Seeking Preachers
Notice: We are pleased to run ads for congregations seeking to
find preachers to work with them. There is no charge for this
service. Please call or mail your request to: 662-289-3559 or
601-668-3344; "Magnolia Messenger"; P.O. Box 1578; Kosciusko, MS 39090. You may e-mail us by addressing:
[email protected]. Thank you. (ALF, Editor)
Cleveland, MS
The Cleveland Church of
Christ, located in Cleveland,
Mississippi, has an opening for
a minister. The congregation
has a Sunday morning
attendance of approximately
160-170. The church seeks a
mature individual, preferably
with a degree, who is well versed
in the scripture and who can
preach, teach, and work in a
positive manner in the
community. Applicants should
send a well-developed resume
with references and phone
numbers to the following
address:
Cleveland Church of Christ
P. O. Box 1566
Cleveland, Mississippi
Attention: Lowell Kirkbride.
Blytheville, Arkansas
I am writting to you from the Church of
Christ at Southside, in Blytheville,
Arkansas. We are in need of a full time,
strong minister, in the Gospel, and we
would very much appreciate if you
would place an ad in your paper for
us. We are a small congregation with
about 70 to 80 members and no elders.
We offer weekly salary, the brethren
are requesting a resume and a cassette
or video tape of a few of your sermons.
For more information, please contact:
Leroy Tate
112 Roselawn Dr.
Osceola, Ar.72370
(870-563-1203)
Cedric Johnson
625 David Lane
Blytheville, Ar. 72315
(870-762-0986)
James Hoy
504 Sawyer St
Blytheville, Ar. 72315
(870-763-0372)
Southside Church of Christ
1213 South Franklin St.
Blytheville, Ar. 72315
(870-762-1916)
7-25-05
Preacher Needed
Indianola, MS
*Attendance: About 60
*Elders: Two
*House: 3 bedrooms; 2 baths
Church Work Includes:
*Prison Work
*World Bible School
*MDCC Student Center
for information, please call
elders Gary Free
at 662-887-1370 or
Jimmy Steward
at 662-887-6839.
Present Preacher,
Paul Sparks, plans to retire.
Leesville Looking
For a Preacher
We are in need of a true preacher
to lead a small congregation to its
potential in a community where
there is a world of opportunity
because of the families of soldiers
stationed at Fort Polk.
We only have about twenty
regular adult members now. We
would consider a military retired
person. We have a good parsonage
and the utilities will be paid. The
advantages of Fort Polk are better
than the city can give.
You can call me (John H.
Moore) at 318-565-8592 or
Alexander Wied at 337-239-3047.
Church of Christ
1410 S. 11th St.
Leesville, LA 71446-4899
Full-Time
Minister Needed
Memphis Church
Searching for Preacher
Attendance: "About 150"
Elders: Four
Salary: "Moderate"
House: 3 bedrooms; 2 baths
Contact:
John Dempsey
5926 Benjestown Road
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 353-4970
Forestview
Church of Christ
5425 North Watkins
Memphis, TN 38127
1-5-05
Word is Living & Powerful
Panama City, FL
Looking for Preacher
(maybe, simi-retired?)
Church - 5 Years Old
20 Members
"Very Friendly"
contact
Tom Skipper
850-763-8027
(7/24/05)
"How beautiful are the feet of them
that bring glad tidings of good things."
Brother Al,
Hope this note finds things going
well for June and yourself. We have
received a lot of response in our
search for a minister here at the
Gonzales congregation. We have not
filled the position yet, but feel very
close in doing so. At this time we
would like to stop the ad in the
Messenger while we continue to
process the many applicants that we
have. Thanks to you and the
Messenger for the great service you
do. God Bless (Mike Krieger,
Gonzales, LA; Church of Christ)
St Louis, MO
The Berkeley Heights Church of
Christ located in St. Louis, Missouri is
seeking a full-time minister of the Word
of GOD with: strong family values
(married, preferably with children);
firm preaching and teaching skills; a
passion for soul-winning/evangelizing
the community; and who is able to
equip the church in ministries and by
ordaining elders and deacons
(counseling background a plus).
Interested applicants should submit the
following: 1) a copy of their minister
perspective; 2) a resume; and 3) a
vocal and/or visual presentation to:
Berkeley Heights Church of Christ
Minister Search Committee, 4800 N.
Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63134.
"Preach the word."
(2 Tim. 4:2)
July/Aug., 05
Leader
(Continued from page 5)
Spiritual leaders need to be
men of the book. Men that know
more than just the words, but what
they mean and have applied them
to their lives.
4. He was a man of faith
(1:9). “Have I not commanded
you?” This statement is a
rhetorical question. It is just
another way of God reminding
Joshua that He had commanded
him and he had obeyed. God
assured him of His help and
presence. When Joshua would ask
himself, “Is this God’s will?” he
was assured by God that what he
was doing was commanded him
of God. He would act without
fear. Also, this assurance is to let
him know that he had no
alternative but to obey God’s
command.
“Be not afraid” is a familiar
phrase in scripture. Adam and
Eve were told not to be afraid, but
their fear came from their
disobedience to God (Genesis 3:
10). The shepherds were told not
to be afraid when the angelic host
sang their praise to God and His
glory at the birth of Jesus (Luke
2:9).
I believe it is natural for man
to be afraid, especially in the
presence of God. We see our
sinfulness and weaknesses, but
when we yield our will to the will
A Special Thanks
From the Franks
For Receiving & Reading
The Magnolia Messenger
of the Father and trust Him, God
brings peace to our hearts. Joshua
overcame his fears because he
knew that God was with him.
The passengers on a train were
uneasy as they sped along through
the dark, stormy night. Lightning
was flashing; black clouds were
rolling in as the train sped along.
The fear and tension among the
passengers was evident.
One young boy,however,
sitting by himself, seemed utterly
unaware of the storm or the speed
of the train. He was amusing
himself with a few toys. One of
the passengers spoke to him. “Son,
I see you are alone on the train.
Aren’t you afraid to travel alone
on such a stormy night?” The boy
looked up with a smile and
answered, “No, ma’am, I’m not
afraid. My daddy’s the engineer.”
When we know that God is in
control, we have the assurance of
His love and help no matter what
the circumstance, we have peace.
Joshua had trust and faith in God.
It made him a great leader. It will
make us great leaders also.
Brother Lewis is associate
minister of the church of Christ
in Germantown, TN. His home
address:
Eddie Lewis
7416 Fox Glen
Olive Branch, MS 38654
GREENWOOD
Brent Smith is scheduled to preach
in a Gospel Meeting at the Greenwood Church of Christ on August
14-17, 2005. Alex Bayes is the local minister for the Greenwood congregation on West President St.
Heritage Christian University
(Florence, Alabama)
34th Annual Evangelism Workshop
Position Available
September 20-24, 2005
Family Life Missions
++++++
Job Title
"Corporate Accountant"
"Lift Up Your Eyes"
Job Description: The Corporate
Accountant is expected to handle the
matters related to financial and
management reporting. In addition to
this, the individual will be required to
help around the office with other nonaccounting related tasks. This will be
a full-time salary based position and
we participate in a Simple IRA
program. A background in Spanish
would be a plus but is not required.
Any questions please call:
Terry L Rikard
Executive Director
Family Life Missions
Office Phone: 662-324-8472
Cell Phone: 662-312-3104
Email: [email protected]
Sowing and Growing Healthy Churches
+++++
*How we are baptizing 200+ each year
*Why our children are leaving the faith
*Dynamic church planting
*What we can learn from our unchurched neighbor
*Renewing the plateaued church
*Reaching the church dropout
for more information
call 800.367.3565
or go to www.hcu.edu
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
WANTED (In Booneville)
Northeast Christians on Campus
The Northeast Christians on
Campus group is a student
organization sponsored by the
churches of Christ on the campus
of
Northeast
Mississippi
Community College. It’s purpose
is to provide a Christian atmosphere
for Northeast students who are
looking for spiritual fellowship
away from home.
To kick off the new school year,
the Booneville Church of Christ
will host a “Welcome Northeast
Students” fellowship meal on
Sunday, August 21, 2005 following
the evening worship service which
begins at 6:00 P.M. All Northeast
students, along with their families
and friends, are invited to attend.
Following the evening worship
service all Northeast faculty and
staff who are present will be
introduced to the students.
Reader's Response
Dear Brother Franks:
The stance you’ve taken with publishing a paper that will advance the
Cause of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ is admirable, and I extend to you
my support.
This issue has received tremendous
attention. From what I see, the changeagents are continuing to undermine
sound Gospel. Recent evidence of the
efforts by some to introduce the use of
instrumental music in services clearly
indicate the need for more Christians
to take a stance, such as yours, to Bible
study.
Thank you for your consistent,
hard-line stance on this issue. In spite
of the financial strength these changeagents can bring to bear, many Christians like me will continue to support
the ministry like you, who consistently
stands up for what is right. May God
Bless You, Philip Carter
The Northeast Christians on
Campus group is designed for that
student who is looking for an
opportunity to strengthen his belief
in Christ. Interested students are
invited to attend Tuesday night
devotionals at 8:00 P.M. at the
Activity Center of the Booneville
Church of Christ as well as weekly
Bible discussion sessions on
Wednesday nights at 7:00 P.M.
with a home-cooked meal to follow
at 8pm.
For further information contact
Tommy Baragona, Youth/
Involvement Minister, at (662)7285544 or email him at
[email protected]. If
you are on campus you may also
contact Lynn Baragona at the
NEMCC Library at (662) 720-7583
or
email
her
at
[email protected]. (Report
by Lynn Baragona)
MM Circulation
25,000
Thank you. Thank the Lord!
Read/Study
the
"Question Box"
on Page 20
The Bible is Central at
Magnolia BIBLE College
BRANSON, Missouri
Vacation in the Beautiful
Ozark Mountains
2 Condominiums Available
(Each Sleeps Six)
(1 mile west of Silver Dollar City)
Stay 3 nights
(4th night - FREE)
Stay 5 nights
(6th & 7th nights - FREE!)
Only $100.00 per night
Owned and Operated
By the FulghamFamily
in Yazoo City, Mississippi
Information or Reservation
662-746-5865
Page 15
Pardon The Inspiration!
A Book Review by John Dobbs
I want to recommend a new book
that has just been published called
“Pardon the Inspiration”. This excellent
book is by my friend Al Sturgeon,
preaching minister for the Ocean Springs
(MS) Church of Christ.
Pardon The Inspiration is a book of
devotionals that carry the common theme
of sports. If you love sports, you will
enjoy this book. (I am
not a sports fan, but I
still love the book!)
The book carries
endorsements
by
several sports notables
including
Bailey
Howell who is a former
NBA star and now an
elder in the Starkville,
MS church.
The devotionals in
this book are short and
easy to read, yet they
challenge
our
spirituality and bring
us closer to the Christ
by using stories about
sports. Laughter and
tears will be a part of
your experience as you glance through
these verbal snapshots over and again. I
predict you will keep this book and reread it from time to time. It is that good.
The book is 181 pages and published
by Centerfield Publishing. The author,
Al Sturgeon, is a native of Paragould,
Arkansas. He is the founder of the West
Jackson County chapter of the Habitat
for Humanity. Al can frequently be found
teaching his Tuesday morning ladies
Bible class, meeting with the Mayor of
Ocean Springs, doing color commentary
for baseball games on
WOSM 103.1 FM
alongside Noah Britt,
or sharing lunch each
Thursday with me in a
local eatery.
I encourage you to
buy one for yourself,
one for the church
library, one for a
sports fan you would
like to reach for Jesus,
one for your brother,
your husband, your
son, your buddies, and
one for your dad for
Father’s Day!
Order from Centerfield Publishing, PO
Box 272, Ocean Springs, MS 39566.
The price is $13.95 plus $4 shipping/
handling. For more details visit http:/
/www. centerfieldpublishing.com.
Magnolia Messenger
Page 16
July/Aug., 05
“Reaching the Lost”
7th Street
Church of Christ
Columbus, Mississippi
Report by
Bill Brumley
The Columbus Church has
strived over the years to reach the
lost not only in this country but
throughout the world. This church
has been a benevolent church in
times of distress. Through the
efforts of sister Kathy Cadden,
brother Joe Thompson and other
shipping in the Ukraine. What we
are asking from those of you that
can, send a check of $10.00 per
month, above your contribution, or
more if you can, to the:
Columbus Church of Christ
2401 7th Street North
Columbus, MS 39705
ATTN.: Bill Brumley, Ukraine
This is something you can do
also. We need the following articles:
clothing (new or used) for children
and teenagers, wheelchairs,
walkers, canes, crutches, and potty
chairs, hotel
soap or regular
s o a p ,
toothpaste and
q u a l i t y
toothbrushes,
shampoo, new
towels
and
wash clothes,
new twin bed
sheets, first aid
equipment, and
boxes
of
w a s h i n g
powders. If you
can provide any
of these and
cannot ship to
above address,
please
call
Kathy Cadden
at 662-5492416.
Joe Thompson, Columbus Church
We suggest
members of the church, several to you that you or someone in your
thousand dollars of medical congregation, check with your
supplies, children’s clothes, etc. hospital, doctors’ offices and others
have been shipped to Donetsk, to call you if they are discarding
Ukraine and delivered to children’s anything. If you do, and have some
hospitals, homes and adult material, we will be happy to pick it
hospitals by members of the church up. I feel that this is a golden
through the program “Operation opportunity to reach the lost in a
country that has been governed by
Provide Hope”.
Our Federal Government communists.
We would like to send three
provides the containers and the
freight to the Ukraine. We sent a containers this year. We have
container in June, 2005 worth enough material now for three
$68,000. The weight was ten tons. containers. With your help, along
Baptist Memorial Hospital here in with others, we can send more
containers. A one-time contribution,
Columbus, just finished a new tower
will be welcomed, if that is most
of rooms and furnished the rooms
convenient for you. If your
congregation would like to fill a
...need more information, container, or need more
please call Bill Brumley at information, please call Bill
Brumley at 662-328-8083 or Kathy
662-328-8083 or Kathy Cadden at 662-549-2416. We will
Cadden at 662-549-2416. be glad to come and talk with you.
James 1 :27 -”Religion that God
We will be glad to come and
our Father accepts as pure and
talk with you.
faultless is this: to look after orphans
and widows in their distress and to
with new furniture. They gave us keep oneself from being polluted
the old beds, chairs, dressers and by the world.” (NIV) The Lord has
furniture. Some of that was in the provided us a way and we must use
June container and some will be in every means to reach the lost. I
container two, which is waiting on pray that we will hear from you
soon.
paperwork from the Ukraine.
In Him,
The Columbus Church is not
Bill
Brumley
able financially to support this work
100%. We need support in buying
repair parts, paying the building
utilities, rent on the warehouse
(here in Columbus), and cost of
- Mission -
Kensington Wood
Church of Christ
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
We Welcome
News Reports
Arusha Church of Christ - Home of Arusha Bible School
"Probably the largest congregation of the Lord's people in East Africa"
TZ 2000
A Dream, a Vision, a Reality
To the Glory of God
Report Sent to MM
By Ken Upchurch
Deacon - Missions
TZ 2000 began in the mind of
Andrew Connally many years ago
when he labored in Chimala with
Hospital Evangelism. Andrew knew,
way back then, that the church in
Tanzania would never be self
supporting unless it was planted in
the major cities, and was able to
convert the middle class. So in the
early ‘70’s Andrew came to Arusha,
raised the money to build a building
and started preaching and teaching
the gospel. Unfortunately, Andrew
died in 1992 and his dream to
evangelize Northern Tanzania
seemed to die with him.
Enter one Cy Stafford, recruited
to work at Chimala by Andrew
Connally, where Cy served with his
family for three years in the early
‘90’s. Returning to Seagoville, Texas,
(then the overseeing congregation
for the Chimala work), to go to
preaching school, have his children
finish their schooling and then return
to Chimala to work full time once
again.
As God’s providence proved, Cy’s
return to Chimala was not to be.
Andrew had shared his dream with
Cy and that seed had been planted.
Cy took Andrew’s idea and formulated
a vision for evangelizing Northern
Tanzania. He saw bible schools in
the two major cities of the region,
Arusha and Moshi, with the bible
schools
serving
the
local
congregation to accelerate the
maturity and knowledge of the local
congregations. In addition, Cy
incorporated the idea of Safari For
Souls, an idea borrowed from his
past experience in the mission field
and then, finally, a Preacher Training
School to train Africans to teach the
gospel to Africans in Africa.
This was a dream even bigger
than Andrew’s, and Cy knew it would
take 20 years to see it through.
Seagoville was already involved in a
major work in Chimala, being the
overseeing congregation for that great
work. Cy needed to find a
congregation with the will and
resources for the long term - he found
it in the brethren of the Kensington
Woods church of Christ, in
Hattiesburg, MS -- a congregation
that had longed to support it’s own
missionary. Cy laid out his vision for
the work and, as they say, the rest is
history.
The congregation was totally
unified and embraced the vision for
the work, and Cy set about laying the
foundation for the effort.
Land was purchased for the first
bible school to be built in Arusha,
funds were allocated and work began.
On or about 2000, a fellow named
David Hamrick, a man associated
with Bear Valley Bible Institute of
Denver, who was also involved in a
great visionary work, that of putting
an extension school in every country
of the world to train preachers in their
own countries.
They had learned through
experience that bringing foreign
students to train in the preaching of
the gospel in America was not the
best situation as many of these
students when they graduated did
not want to return to their own
countries. Thus the idea was born to
train men to preach the gospel in
their own home lands.. To do this,
training schools would be needed in
these countries. So BVBI determined
to plant Extension Schools in every
country in the world - a higher vision
to be sure.
David Hamrick was selected by
BVBI to be the Director of Extension
Schools. KWCOC had a long standing
One of
over 40
new
congregations
that
have
been
established
since
the
beginning of
TZ 2000
in 1997.
friendship and fellowship with David
when he was a gospel preacher at
the Tylertown, Mississippi church of
Christ. Cy knew David and they were
friends. It was a natural sequence
when KWCOC and BVBI discovered
that we were all trying to do the same
type of work -- Save souls and train
preachers in their own country. Thus
began a wonderful partnership in the
first foreign Extension School of BVBI
and KWCOC in Tanzania.
KWCOC has overseen and been
responsible for the financing and
building of the facilities and BVBI has
provided the curriculum and the
certification for the programs of study
for the two bible schools that have
been built and the Andrew Connally
School of Preaching that opened in
March of 2005.
In the process two classes of
students have been graduated with
Bachelor Degrees in bible and are
now out preaching the gospel in
Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and other
countries on the continent of Africa.
KWCOC is starting its seventh
year in a twenty year program of
work, to make the church selfsufficient and self propagating in the
cities of Arusha and Moshi. The
congregations in the cities are
growing in a spectacular way, and in
addition, through the yearly
campaigns, Safari For Souls, tract
ministry, BCC program, bible schools
and the work of local evangelists and
members of the church there in
Tanzania, they have been responsible
for planting an additional 40 new
congregations.
No good work can be done alone
and no work for God can be done
without His blessings. We are
confident the Lord has just begun to
bless TZ 2000. As our faith and
sacrificial giving of our time, talent
and treasure mature, we know and
believe that the dream of Andrew
Connally, the vision of Cy Stafford,
and the collective faith of thousands
of God’s people will, at last, make
God’s will a reality in Tanzania and all
of Africa -- that all men might hear
and obey the truth, and that we might
all be after one more soul for the
Master and all to his glory. When we
dream God’s dreams, and work His
will they always come true.
The King'ori Congregation in their "Building Without Walls"
(Two Hattiesburg elders are in the above picture)
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
A Changing World -- An Unchanging Gospel
- Ron Deaton We live in a world that is vastly
different from what our ancestors
experienced. Medicine, science,
transportation, communication, education,
business, etc., all have changed
dramatically over the last 100 years, yes,
even in our life time. You and I have
changed. Age has taken care of that.
Even though these times, as an old
song said, “they are a changing,” there is
one thing that has not changed.
God has not changed? Mal 3:6 states,
“For I am the Lord, I do not change.” God
has not changed His attitude toward sin,
and the fact that man is lost because of sin.
He has given us an unchanging Gospel in
order to bring man out of sin through
Christ.
Some would have us believe that the
Gospel is a forever changing message in
order to make it “relevant and appealing.”
What does the Word of God, the Bible,
say?
In Acts 17, Paul travels to
Thessalonica (vs 1), and there he preaches
Jesus as the Christ (vs 3). Some were
converted (vs 4), while others caused an
“uproar” because of their jealousy (vs 59). Paul and Silas had to escape by night,
after which they traveled to Berea (vs 10),
where they immediately went into the
synagogue and preached the same message
they had preached in Thessalonica. There
is no indication that they changed their
message to make it more appealing! Same
message with better results because the
people in Berea were “more fair minded
than those in Thesalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness, and
searched the Scriptures daily to find out
whether these things were so.” (vs 11).
Again, the message was the same, it was
(more)... Readers'
I enjoy your paper tremendously. There are some
of the best articles I have ever read. Thank you
so much for such fine reading. Please accept my
donation and as I can I will send more. (Elton
Jackson, Hohenwald, TN)
...Thanks so much for the wonderful work that
you do with the Magnolia Messenger. May God
continue to bless you with many years in his service. Thanks again! (Nelia Chapman, Mangham,
LA)
Keep up the good work. (Ronney & Charlotte
Hoffman, Atmore, AL)
Just a note to say we truly enjoy “The Magnolia
Messenger.” I especially enjoy June’s articles.
It was nice to see our son-in-law’s picture, Alan
Judd, in this issue. We are proud of his and Amy’s
work at Meridian. It was also nice to see their
new sign in front of their church building in your
paper. We recently were able to visit them and
see it in person. Thanks for all your good work.
Here is small contribution. (Mrs. Linda Anderson, Gainesboro, TN)
I really enjoyed this one! It really made me work
on the ones I didn’t know. Keep up the good work!
(Angie Mask, Tupelo, MS)
relevant. The people there in Berea were
more receptive to the message and, as a
result, “many of them believed.” (vs 12).
Why is the Gospel unchanging?
First, it is suited for all men
everywhere (Acts 10:34-35).
Second, it has the power to save
(Rom 1:16).
Third, it makes man perfect or
complete (2 Tim 3:16-17).
Fourth, it is our guide to Christian
living (2 Pet 1:3).
Since it is suited for all men, has the
power to save, makes man complete and
guides us in our everyday life, why would
we change it?
How do we prevent change?
We need to heed the Word of God.
Heb 2:1 declares, “...we must give the
more earnest heed to the things we have
heard, lest we drift away.” Therefore, we
must remain “grounded and steadfast” in
the faith which is founded in the
unchanging Gospel (Col 1:23).
Paul warns those who teach false
doctrine (1 Tim 4:1-3) and cautions
Christians to "no longer be tossed to and
fro with every wind of doctrine” (Eph
4:14-15). In Galatians, Paul places a curse
on those who would change the Gospel,
(1:8-9). It is the Word of God, the Gospel,
that keeps us from “drifting away.”
Psalms 145:17 states, “The LORD is
righteous in all His ways.” The Lord gave
us His message, therefore, we ought to
preach and teach the simple message of
the Gospel -- without change -- in order to
save man -- just as it was preached in the
first century.
Article by Ron Deaton, minister, Liberty
Church of Christ. (Sent to MM by the church
secretary.) Brother Ron's home address: 307
County Road 864; Dennis, MS 38838-9727
Response... (more)
God bless Garvis Semore. He used to preach at
Chapel Hill where my family went at White Bluff,
Tennessee. (Nancy Taylor, Ashland City, TN)
...We both enjoy the Messenger which comes to
our home... We’re happy to learn that Garvis is
working with you there. We loved him when he worshipped with us at Verona, then later when he and
Teresa married. They are a special couple... (Rivers M. Wills, Shannon, MS)
Your praiseworthy paper, “Magnolia Messenger,”
is apparently being read by unbelievers of God’s
truth. I’ve been studying God’s Word seriously
since baptism into Christ in 1944, and your paper
tells me you are doing a marvelous job of proclaiming the truth... Keep up the good soul winning news offered in this commendable paper. (F.
Joel Freeman, Junction City, OR)
The Messenger is a great paper. I enjoy it very
much. All so true. Thanks. (Joyce Reich Gray,
Amory, MS)
Caution, CAUTION!
Please do not think you HAVE to contribute
to the MM in order to be on our mailing list
and to receive each issue. Such is not REQUIRED! (A. L. Franks, editor)
Page 17
Magnolia Messenger
Page 18
(See Question Box)
1. Louise McLeod
2. Ouida Gentry
3. Dorthy Ford
4. Stacey McDaniel
5. Roger King
6. William Hickey
7. Ruby Jefferson
8. Otis & Linda Baker
9. Millie A. Goode
10. Brenda Thrower
11. James R. Brooks
12. Modean Edwards
13. Jean E. Johnson
14. Ann Kimble
15. Sherry Gordon
16. Lisa Dettor
17. Brenda Burlison
18. Bea Basford
19. Mrs. Eunice M. Kirkwood
20. Janice Vaughan
21. Ray Ann Woodruff
22. Steve & Shirley Kelly
23. Brenda Wilson
24. Nannie Fay Wilson
25. Margie Smith
26. Lisa Benson
27. Esther Williams
28. Ruth Christian
29. Wilda Pounds
30. Barbara Beard
31. Evelyn Little
32. WM. & Atlean Snow
33. Kerry Deaton
34. Kay Shiers
35. Linda Keirn
36. Linda Joyce Laird
37. Pauline King
38. Mrs. Emmett LaGrone
39. Juanita LeBouef
40. George Ellington
41. Guyla J. Hubble
42. Debbie Shull
43. Pauline Craft
44. Mary Ella Webster
45. Christine Gray
46. Bettye Ohren
47. Sandra Welch
48. Gaynell Doughty
49. Nancy I. Switzer
50. Patsy Sexton
51. Gladys M. Vines
52. Clara Carter
53. Fran Williford
54. Lora Joy Box
55. Ruby Beard
56. M/M Bowden Grisham
57. Carole Shelby
58. Minnie Sonnier
59. Melvin R. Banks
60. Corinne Murray
61. Geneva Brooks
62. Jeannie Stanley
63. Marie Green
64. Shellie Hancock
65. Annie L. Cummings
66. Mildred B. Isom
67. Ruby Wright
68. Melba Ogg
69. Ima Jean Fogus
70. Billy Willingham
71. Ms. Jean Bohanan
72. Linda Anderson
73. Mamie Guinn
74. Pierce Flatt
75. Betty Standard
76. Ruth N. Blazer
77. Julius Lee Morris
78. Myrle Thurman
79. Ben Hightower
80. Olen Roden, Jr.
81. Margaret Gaskin
82. Don Clair
83. James Kennedy
84. Shirley Pearce
85. Dathol Camp
86. Ellene Vaughan
87. Lorne Lindsey
88. Evelyn Faulkenburry
89. Mary Keener
90. Irma Lucas
91. Patricia D. McClure
92. Mrs. Sharon Freeman
93. Elizabeth Jackson
94. Vic & Ruth Hawn
95. Mrs. J. R. Gray
96. Carol Bonner
97. Jennifer F. Gray
98. Linda T. Shirley
99. Chestley & Helen Nash
100. Cynthia Guy
101. Melba Sewell
102. Simone M. Boler
103. Morgan Wilson
104. Terry Newkirk
105. Rosie Lee Odoms
106. Eileen Williford
107. Ruby Dilmore
108. Elvis Dilmore
109. Betty Parker
110. Charlene Williams
111. Joseph & Bobbie Priddy
112. Paul Gaunt
113. Irene M. Wright
114. Margaret Johnson
115. Rosie Mae Felton
116. Betty A. Skinner
117. Cecil Perdue
118. Alma Maddox
119. Mima R. Vines
120. Catherine G. Cathey
121. Linda Peterson
122. Carolyn T. Taylor
123. Willa Fox
124. Carolyn Harvill
125. Bobbie Saxton
126. Linda Paden
127. Annie Ruth Perry
128. Olen Lee Moore
129. Mary Lois Moore
130. Patricia Thornton
131. Velva Dykes
132. Genie Henning
133. Opal Sappington
134. Ann McDonald
135. Mrs. Ruby Gideon
136. Shirley Graves
137. Faye Cottrell
138. Donnita Ginn
139. Leonard Young
140. Dee Kepler
141. Jane Walker
142. Mildred A. Doss
143. Myra D. Reaves
144. Katie Wyrick
145. Peggy Wroten
146. Betty Jo Stewart
147. Hazel Cook
148. Betty VanBuren
149. Shelia Hall
150. Emily Hall
151. Marce & Joe Kellum
152. Bea Estes
153. Peggy S. Walker
154. Exie Motes
155. Mildred Carroll
156. Mrs. Carolyn P. Olson
157. Mrs. Cassie Pirani
July/Aug., 05
These Sent In Answers
191. Garry Gooch
192. Jeremy McFarlin
193. Glen Brady
194. Donna Gulley
195. Billie Jane Davis
196. Ray Parham
197. Ella Darnell
198. Freeman Gray
199. Frances Harrell
200. Evelyn McArthur
201. Billy C. & Lucille Smith
202. Rick Bishop
203. Ron Webb
204. Elizabeth Hines
205. Mrs. L. C. Stewart
206. Grace M. Cooley
207. Lester Cooley
208. Dorothy Alexander
209. Michael Coleman
210. Osteen & Era Hinson
211. Robert Coleman
212. Jane S. Bell
213. Miriam Styers
214. Teresa Williams
215. Otis L. Ransom, Jr.
216. Oscar F. Yates
217. Hazel M. Brown
218. F. Joel Brown
219. Diane Dunaway
220. Mrs. Clay Hopkins
221. Mrs. B. H. Darby
222. W. E. Walker
223. Florence Ashmore
224. Cathy Missildine
225. Clifford Crowder
226. Paul & Marcella Black
227. Nikki Alford
228. Mrs. Doris Laird
229. Nola H. Balentine
230. Lou Smith
231. Jack L. Falls, Sr.
232. Taylor S. McCullough
233. Nancy L. Taylor
234. Ed Istre
235. Gail Herring
236. Betty Clark
237. Kathy Wheeler
238. Wilma J. Branch
239. Penny Clanton
240. Corine Ross
241. Linda Walton
242. Janita Smart
243. Shirley Meche
244. Montrelle Netterville
245. Willie N. Netterville
246. Angie Mask
247. Ralph & Doris Gillespie
248. Maurice Graves
249. Verna Spake
250. Anne Litchford
251. Ruby Matejka
252. Gene M. Lewis
158. Princess & Johnny Watson
253. Sandra Grisham
159. Imogene Blair
254. Dorthy Laws
160. Barbara S. Yates
255. Imogene Kirk
161. Louise H. Butler
256. Audrey Pope
162. Jim Vermillion
257. Travis Hamilton
163. Eddie Vermillion
258. Hazel Lewis
164. Ruby McCrory
259. Evelyn Page
165. Bill & Miriam Moore
260. Jim Nowell
166. Grace Potts
261. Sheri Glazier
167. Jackie L. Hester
262. Mrs. Louella Whitehead
168. Nancy Thayer
263. Norma Inman
169. Shelia Grant
264. Sondra Williams
170. Wanda Lampley
265. Glenda Jefcoat
171. Cory Collins
266. Peggy Cooper
172. Patricia Wright
267. Luella Nelsen
173. Dezarie Ashby
268. Vera Winfrey
174. Patsy Pounders
269. Mrs. J. W. Cooper
175. Mary M. McDonald
270. Mark Hudson
176. Matt & Leigh-Annah Simmons 271. Dorothy Brunson
177. Iris Casteel
272. Annie Copeland
178. Marie Sykes
273. Mrs. Dorothy L. Thornton
179. Ollye Rush
274. Rusty Lambert
180. Sue McDaniel
275. Robert Y. Hudson
181. Dorothy Winslett
276. Evonne Hudson
182. Dwight E. Hester
277. Aron Nielsen
183. Estelle McDonald
278. Gloria Nielsen
184. Bonnie B. Glass
279. Debra Gallaher
185. June Faulkner
280. JoAnn Glenn
186. Charlane Stanfield
281. Otis Whitehurst
187. Mrs. Mary Faulconer
282. Pam Richardson
188. Taldena Zacharias
283. William Richardson
189. Mavis Sanders
284. JoAnn Mayer
190. Ruth G. Reeves
285. Madge Beal
286. Geri Spears
287. Tabitha Strickland
288. Kristy Pipes
289. Jean Cearley
290. Marie Harrell
291. M/M T. N/. Lollar
292. Louise Holcomb
293. Robert Blackburn
294. Mrs. V. E. Buffington
295. Jerry & Jean Lewis
296. Betty Shackelford
297. Edna Thornton
298. Stacy Rogers
299. Shelia Foster
300. Wayne Crum
301. Ruby Pounds
302. June Brents
303. Mary Adams Warren
304. Alice Dempsey
305. Dolores Whatley
306. Roy Gambrell
307. Jewel Lyle
308. Josie Isaacs
309. Josephine Edwards
310. Rose Glaude
311. Mary C. Glaude
312. Tommy & Peggy Shull
313. Mary Jacobs
314. Imogene Grayson
315. Minnie L. James
316. Mary A. Bowers
317. Mary Dennis
318. Bettie Brown
319. James Hudley
320. Wardie Parks
321. Bernice Hauck
322. Angela B. Robinson
323. Linda Crochet
324. Gloria Seabury
325. Bodean Collum
326. Pearl Hitt
327. Spencer Furby
328. Tommy Wall
329. Clara Davis
330. Carol Pipes
331. Walter Bellard
332. Maggie Bohannon
333. Kathie Bordelon
334. Paulette Boudreaux
335. Charles Brittain
336. Doreen Brittain
337. Ruby Brown
338. Dortha Carlile
339. Joe Carlile
340. Neal Claborn
341. Suzan Clayton
342. Natalie Cole
343. Patricia Cole
344. Tommy Cole Sr.
345. Alice Cooper
346. Vester Cooper
347. Janice Crowell
348. Kara Crowell
349. Kasey Crowell
350. Kobe Crowell
351. Jackie Decareaux
352. Erline Elkins
353. Judith Elkins
354. Walter L. Elkins, Jr.
355. Louis Estes
356. Marilyn Estes
357. Vicky Estes
358. Chris Franks
359. Ena Franks
360. Glen Franks
361. Paul Franks
362. Robyn Franks
363. Randall Gandy
364. Barbara Gayle
365. Aubri Geurin
366. Jeremy Geurin
367. Chris Green
368. Craig D. Green
369. Crystal Green
370. Cynthia D. Green
371. Dell Griffin
372. Jack H. Griffin
373. Margaret Griffin
374. Shannon Griffin
375. Steve Griffin
376. Patricia Hanney
377. Angel Harris
378. Jeannine Harris
379. Hunter Hewitt
380. Kenny Hewitt
(Turn to Page 20)
Joycelyn Thornton
West, Mississippi
Recent Bible Winner
381.
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Melinda Hewitt
Debbie Kineman
Gerry Lambert
Lauren Landry
Cole Law
Marlene McCartney
Ken & Janet McReynolds
Lydia McReynolds
Pat Sue McReynolds
Tim McReynolds
Susie Morgan
Tola Morgan
Rachelle Neblett
Sterling Neblett
John Patterson
Christine Poynter
Jason Poynter
David Sigmund
Debra Sigmund
Evelyn Sigmund
John Sigmund
Kenneth Sigmund
Bill Slocum
Vivian Slocum
Jean Smith
Lauren Smith
Sarah Timpa
Dustin Treme
Renee’ Treme
Grady Ward
Wanda Ward
Gloria Watson
Leora White
April & Ethan Williams
Denise Williams
Margaret N. Freeman
M/M Arthur Burnett
Sommer Burnett
Hattie M. Hooper
Greg Mullinicks
Mrs. C. W. Wells
Carolyn Garrett
Rubye S. Miller
Sarah Hill
Marie Lively
Linda Hogue
Loney Sykes
Doris W. Durr
Cindy Simmons
Delores Martin
Gladys Bryant
Lisa Dearman
Admiral Tidwell
Kay Bramlett
Maggie Fain
Elsie M. Moore
437. Ms. Tommie Jean Floate
438. Susan Tankersley
439. Minnie Gwyne
440. Glenda Rhodus
441. Christine Holiday
442. Sandra Morris
443. Rusty Lovejoy
444. Chasten Blackmon
445. Abram Hare
446. Wes & Rhoda Jeans
447. Missy Blackmon
448. Carter Blackmon
449. Helen Franks
450. Vernie Cornes
451. Reid & Frieda Thompson
452. Earl Franks
453. Dorothy Franks
454. Johnny Blackmon
455. Caleb Blackmon
456. Keitha Hare
457. Anna Hernandez
458. Ben Hare
459. Bonnie Mobley
460. Jesse W. Moore
461. Mildred Herrington
462. Beulah Rupert
463. Debbie Wilson
464. Faye Stanford
465. Elethia Garrett
466. Mrs. Dean Howe
467. Norma Barnes
468. Mary Evelyn Barnes
469. Joyce Sullivan
470. Jeremiah Woodard
471. Jimmy Woodard
472. Jeremiah Woodard, Jr.
473. Earl C. Woodard
474. Patrick Woodard
475. Kemeikia Bullock
476. Initra Buckley
477. Joe Buckley, II
478. Darren Buckley
479. Kennedy Woodard
480. Betty L. Woodard
481. Inez Buckley
482. Shelia Woodard
483. Joe Randall Potts
484. Bobbie Walker
485. Vera Spencer
486. Peggy Engel
487. Louisa W. Ganier
488. Bonnie Howell
If answers are received after
July 31, you will be recognized
in our next edition, Lord willing.
Magnolia Messenger
July/Aug., 05
Page 19
Not 109, But 110
And the Lord made 110!
Minister Middleton
Outside
&
Inside
N
Fayette
Church
Making
Progress
"Auditorium for "New"Congregation: Organized 10/04
The Church in
Fayette, Mississippi
- Report by June Franks -
With renewed efforts and support from the Booneville Church of
Christ in Booneville, Mississippi, the
church is meeting once again in
Fayette, Mississippi. (A few years
ago, for a short time, services were
conducted in Fayette, but were discontinued.)
Fayette is located in Jefferson
county and is one of three counties
70th Anniversary
And Reunion
All former members of the
Wooddale/Southwind
congregation in Memphis
are invited to a reunion
in celebration of
the 70th anniversary of
the congregation’s beginning
and 10th anniversary
of its move to
the Southwind community
Gospel Meeting
August 19-21, 2005
Stafford North, speaker
Reunion Sunday,
August 21
Please RSVP
Church of Christ
at Southwind
8220 East Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN 38125
901-755-6699
Email: [email protected]
www.southwindcoc.com
in the state where no church of
Christ was meeting on a regular
basis.
Kennie Middleton, a Chancery
Judge since 1995, preaches for the
congregation which began meeting
in October of 2004. Average Sunday attendance is running in the
20s. Eight souls have been baptized since the beginning of the
work. (Remember Noah? "Eight
souls")
The church meets in a vacated
store or office building in downtown
Fayette. One will be pleasantly
surprised, after seeing the meeting
place on the outside, to enter the
building and to see how nice it is
on the inside. It offers, to the one
entering, an attractive and pleasant
place to worship.
God has blessed the small
church in many ways. One is to
have brother Middleton and his
family working with the congregation. Another is to have the support
of the Booneville church. Also, the
church was blessed when an outof-state congregation heard of their
needs for pews and supplied them
with just the right number, the right
length and just the right padding
color for the existing building.
We are thankful to be able to
report that once again the Church
of Christ is meeting in Fayette, Mississippi. Our prayers are that the
Fayette church will continue to grow
and will be able to reach many more
than eight souls with the Gospel of
Christ in the town of Fayette and in
all of Jefferson county.
BOONEVILLE
According to the July 24, 2005
church bulletin from the Booneville
Church, Lloyd Beard, one of the
members of the Booneville congregation and Jerry Davidson,
Booneville’s missionary to Guyana,
report there have been 28 baptisms
so far in their mission endeavors.
Steven Guy is the local minister for
the Booneville congregation.
Prayers, Please. For the MM.
- Report by Lynn Baragona The Booneville Church of Christ
Teen Mission Team traveled to
Fayette, Mississippi on June 25, 2005
to help the Church of Christ at Fayette
conduct a Vacation Bible School
during the week of June 26 -29.
The Booneville Teen Mission
Team was made up of the following
Christians: Tommy Baragona, Lynn
Baragona, Jordan Guy, Tommy
Palmer, Angela Duncan, Andy
Duncan, Aaron Duncan, Jordan
Coats, Keenan Thompson, Jon
Timbes, Jon Palmer Green, Kenita
Kearns, Mary Barton, Crystal Snyder,
Paige West, Becca Wanner, Jennifer
Allen, Chelsea Tittle, and Kiri Beard.
The Church of Christ at Fayette
is a newly established congregation
of around twenty souls who meet in
a renovated storefront building on
Main Street in Fayette, Mississippi.
The Fayette brethren warmly greeted
the Teen Mission Team on Sunday
morning as they arrived to worship
with the saints at Fayette. After a
very uplifting service and a quick
lunch the Teen Mission Team got to
work decorating classrooms and
began door knocking with the
assistance of the brothers and sisters
at Fayette.
Brother and Sister Kennie
Middleton, Sr. were able to secure
the use of Jefferson County High
School for Vacation Bible School
classroom space. And what a blessing
that proved to be! Due to the intense
door knocking Sunday afternoon and
the efforts of members like Cedric
Doss who filled up the bed of his
pickup truck with young people, the
VBS began with a bang! On the first
night of VBS there were 73 in
attendance and that number climbed
each night.
In fact, the teens were so excited;
they got their youth minister, Tommy
Baragona, to agree to shave his head
if the number reached 110. By
Wednesday, the enthusiastic group
had knocked on every door possible
in the city of Fayette and their hard
work paid off!
On the final night of VBS, 109
heads were counted but alas they
were one short. However, as we read
in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or
three are gathered together in My
name, I am there in the midst of
them.” Therefore, the Lord made
110 and Tommy Baragona got his
head shaved! As exhibited by this
joint effort of the brethren at
Booneville and the brethren at
Fayette, much good can be done when
congregations work together for a
common goal. (Lynn Baragona)
See Picture to the Right
Booneville Workers Conduct VBS in Tylertown
Several members from the
Booneville Church of Christ, located
in the north eastern part of the Magnolia state, traveled south to
Tylertown, Mississippi where they
spent several days conducting a Vacation Bible School.
Others from the Booneville congregation went a few days before Vacation Bible School began and door
knocked, inviting others to attend.
Leaflets/tracts were handed out to
hundreds in the Tylertown area.
We were privileged to visit the
VBS on Tuesday, June 28, 2005.
Jerry Davidson from Fairhope, AL
assisted in the mission effort and was
the teacher of an adult class. Brother
Jerry, who is a missionary to Guyana
and is partially supported by the
Booneville church, presented a very
good lesson on“The One True
Church”.
Others who came to help with the
VBS and were present at the time of
our visit included Lloyd & Barbara
Beard, Billy & Virginia Moorman,
Joe & Mary Ellen Johnson, Jane
Allen, Ashley Carter, and the
Moorman’s grandson, Ethan Brown.
It was interesting and encouraging to see those who were so willing
to help even though they might not
be as young as they once were. Being in unfamiliar territory at night and
in very heavy rain, one of the men
who took kids home after VBS was
heard to say after he returned, “I’m
really glad to be back, I couldn’t see
and I didn’t know where I was going. I’m so tired.” His wife just patted him on the shoulder and said,
“You can make it one more night.”
Even though the attendance was
not what the workers had hoped it
would be, those in attendance seemed
eager to learn. Refreshments were
prepared by the local congregation
and were enjoyed by all.
Shaun Evans, who lives near Raleigh and is a student at Magnolia
Bible College, preaches for the
Tylertown congregation and, from all
reports, is doing a good job. (report
by June Franks)
Tommy Lost the Little Hair He Had
Tommy Baragona, Youth Leader of the Booneville church, surrounded by
excited teens who Insisted that he keep his "shaved head" commitment.
Comments Invited
Magnolia Messenger
THANK YOU
For Answering
The Question Box
See Page 20
Your Financial Support
Needed, Requested, Appreciated
Magnolia Messenger
Page 20
V
KJ
se ing
u
d
ase or g.
Ple e to w ellin
du nd sp
a
The Question Box
Fear
Fear is a natural part of life. It is another of
the blessings given to us by our loving Creator.
Under control, used properly and directed toward the right objects, fear can serve us well. It
protects. It empowers. It motivates. And, all of
this can be good.
On the other hand, fear can be bad. Instead
of us controlling fear, fear can control us. Many
things, we all fear. Rightly so. All around us,
there's danger, destruction, death. Then, there
are the "terrorists"!? God's help is needed.
Our study for this issue of the QB asks you
July/Aug., 05
Pl
e
du ase
e t us
an o w e K
d s or JV
pe din
llin g
g.
to ponder some of the many interesting and
practical Bible teachings concerning fear. Please
fill in or complete each of the sections in the
following lesson. Please send your answers to
us. By so doing you will encourage others (see
page 19). You also become eligible by having
your name in the list from which we randomly
select our New Bible Winner. (We award a
beautiful Study Bible to one student who sends
in answers. This time, you just may be the one.)
Thank you for your continued interest in the
Bible and for answering "The Question Box".
Who Commanded, "Fear Not....?" (An Angel or Jesus?)
References: Luke 2; Matt. 10; Luke 5; Matt. 28; Rev. 1
______ 1. "...Ye are of more value than many sparrows."
______ 2. "... for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified."
______ 3. "...from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
______ 4. "...I am the first and the last."
______ 5. "...I bring you good tidings of great joy."
Godly People Who Feared
In the blank before each point, write in the name of the person who experienced fear.
Answers: Moses, Paul, Noah
_______ 1. "I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling." (I Cor. 2:3)
_______ 2. "...moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house...." (Heb. 11:7)
_______ 3 "... said, I exceedingly fear and quake." (Heb. 12:21)
Fear Not
Fill in the Missing Words and Complete the Bible reference.
(1) "And fear not ______ which _____ the ______, but are not _______ to _____the
________: but rather fear him which is _____to_______both _____ and ______ in _____."
(Matthew ___:28)
(2) "So that ____ may _______ say, The ______ is my ________ and I will not fear what
______ shall ___ unto ____." (______ 13:6)
(3) "There is no fear in ______; but ________ love _______ out fear: because fear hath
_______. He that feareth is _____ made _________ in _______." (I John ___:___)
Ray and Sharon Paseur Leave MBC; Move to LA
After 24 years of dedicated
work with MBC, Ray Paseur and
his family have moved to West
Monroe, Louisiana, where he has
accepted the challenge of serving
as a full-time preacher for the
West Ouachita congregation. In
an advertisement received by MM
from the Louisiana church, the
following is quoted. "We are a
small congregation with lots of
wonderful, loving members. We
need a minister who wants to help
us meet the potential that God
desires. Minister must be
grounded in Biblical truths. We
have in attendance between 5070 people."
Ray and Sharon decided, in
view of their age and present
circumstances, it was time for
them to "move on". Ray expressed
a strong desire to go back into
preaching full-time. We bid them
God's-speed and want them to
know that those of us associated
with the Bible college, will be
forever grateful for their valuable
service to MBC. (alf)
Gospel Meeting
1. One who believes Jesus
is the Son of God. (Acts 8:37)
2. One who has and continues to repent of his sins.
(Acts 2:38)
3. One who has been baptized into Christ. (Gal.3:27)
4. One who is "Christ-like".
with MM editor
A. L. Franks
Jackson Chapel Church
Leesville, LA
September 11-16, 2005
(Sunday thru Thursday)
Area Wide Singing
Fear Commanded
Passages which require fear. Find the missing number/book in the Bible reference.
1. "Be not highminded, but fear." (Romans 11:___)
2. "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Ephesians ___:21)
3. "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:___)
4. "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God...." (I _______ 2:17)
5. "...fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew ___:28)
SEND YOUR ANSWERS TO US
Name: ________________________________
Address: ______________________________
City: ____________________ State: ________
Zip:__________Telephone: ________________
Notice: Each person who sends in answers will
be recognized in the next issue of the "MM" (see
page 18). Also the name of one student will be
selected, at random, to be awarded a beautiful
New Study Bible. You may be the one. Send
your answers to:
The Question Box
P. O. Box 1578
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Friday - Sept. 17
New Bible Winner
Bobbie Saxton
(Yazoo City, Mississippi)
Congratulations!
W H O
IS A CHRISTIAN?
ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?
From Mississippi, Watching the Sun Set in Louisiana