April, May, & June 2015

Quarterly Newsletter
th
12 Year Issue No. 2
817-738-6854 5434 Fletcher Ave., Ft. Wt. Texas 76107
April – June 2015
WILL THE REAL MAN STAN-UP?
1 Corinthians 13:11…. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a
child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
 When the Apostle Paul used this phrase, “When I became a man,” he seemed
to consider it an event (because it was). The Jewish ceremony making this
public recognition as an adult “Son of the Law”. We to must make a mark in
our lives that declare our “rite of passage” into manhood and purposes of
God.
 Jesus told His disciples, “Let us pass over unto the other side (Mark 4:35).”
It is when we attempt to cross that the storms arise. The one thing the enemy
doesn’t want us to do is change. If we are going to have peace in the process
of change and during the stress of the storm, we must guard our heart and
mind with prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7… “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to
God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Continue on page 2)
Page 2, April – June 2015
Will The Real Man Stand-Up? – Continuation from page 1
 Our development as men is shaped by the things we encounter as children.
Our masculinity is defined by our fathers and relationships. Our
dysfunctions in adulthood are also shaped by the presence – or absence – of
the men who fathered us. Our fathers are our first definition and
demonstration of masculinity. Unfortunately, our fathers model has caused
many of us to equate masculinity with absence, irresponsibility, sullen
silence, or violence.
 Ephesians 6:4… Paul warns us “And ye fathers provoke not your children to
wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Have
we so abused our children that now they rise in wrath to kill us?
 Men we are somebody an well able to take the position in which God has
appointed us: I remember in the psalmist it say’s… Psalm 139:14 “I will
praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are your
works; and that my soul knows you well.”
David did not rely on his own strength, (I Samuel 17:33-34; 45,47) ability; or
claim to be a mighty warrior or great tactician. He just claimed to serve a mighty
God. David told Goliath the Philistine “you come to me with a sword, spear and a
shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts”.
….BROTHERS LETS, LET THE REAL MAN STAND-UP….
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PRAYER
Dear Jesus, we want to grow in our relationship with You. As we pray, forgive,
love, act justly, and live Your Word, the stronger we are standing against the devil.
Help us to know You and obey Your will in our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray.
Amen
April – June 2015, Page 3
LESSONS:
4-5-15 – Resurrection Guarantee – Bible Basis: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 20-22
4-12-15 – Love One Another – Bible Basis: 1 John 3:11-24
4-19-15 – Believe God’s Love – Bible Basis: 1 John4:13-5:5
4-26-15 – Watch Out For Deceivers! – Bible Basis: 2 John
5-3-15 – Coworkers With The Truth – Bible Basis: 3 John
5-10-15 – Gifts Of The Spirit – Bible Basis: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
5-17-15 – The Spirit Creates One Body – Bible Basis: 1 Corinthians 12:14-31
5-24-15 – Gift Of Languages – Bible Basis: Acts 2:1-7, 12; 1 Corinthians 14:13-19
5-31-15 – The Greatest Gift Is Love – Bible Basis: 1 Corinthians 13
6-7-15 – Judgment On Israel And Judah – Bible Basis: Amos 2:4-8
6-14-15 – God Is Not Fooled – Bible Basis: Amos 5:14-15, 18-27
6-21-15 – Rebuked For Selfishness – Bible Basis: Amos 6:4-8, 11-14
6-28-15 – God Will Never Forget – Bible Basis: Amos 8:1-6, 9-10
Bible Truth
Taken from the COGIC Annual Commentary 2014
April 2015
April 5th – Jesus’ resurrection provided tangible evidence of the possibility of resurrection for
those whose identity is formed by Christ Jesus.
April 12th – John’s letter indicates that the measure of people’s lives is calculated by their faith in
Christ and their love for one another.
April 19th – Believers are made complete when as a community they abide in God’s love and the
Spirit of God’s love abides in them.
April 26th – Believers who remain faithful in their belief in Christ will have eternal life; and
beware of deceivers who will corrupt the community of believers
May 2015
May 3rd – Hospitality is one way that Christians express their faith in Christ to others, making
them faithful coworkers with the truth.
May 10th – One person does not possess all of the spiritual gifts; therefore, believers must work
together for the church’s common good.
May 17th – The church needs all the spiritual gifts to work together to function effectively and
efficiently.
May 24th – The need for finding a common understanding is necessary whether people are
speaking in different native languages as in Acts 2 or unknown languages as in 1 Corinthians 14.
May 31st – Love is needed to fully achieve the benefit of all spiritual gifts.
(Continue on page 19)
Page 4, April – June 2015
PROVERBS 13:1-12
1. A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
2. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat
violence.
3. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have
destruction.
4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be
made fat.
5. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
6. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the
sinner.
7. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet
hath great riches.
8. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labor shall increase.
12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Word Meaning
Fruit of his mouth (13:2) the fruit of their words
Keepeth his mouth (13:3) guards his words
Read and React
-
Verse 1: This is an abbreviated introduction. Its purpose is to urge the hearers to pay
attention to the contents of this chapter – to attend to wisdom. The rest of the passage
doesn’t retain the father-son allusion as the writer has done in previous passages. As
we progress into this chapter and beyond, you will discover that discussions of
righteousness and wickedness decrease, and God’s involvement disappears, though in
following chapters it comes back into prominence.
-
Verses 4-12: There is another proverb, one that Solomon never heard: “Them that has
get!” A bit cynical, perhaps, but often true. Imagine the lazybone of a sluggard you
meet in verse 4. He sits up from his chaise lounge long enough to see his diligent
neighbor pruning and feeding his rose garden. “Man,” says the sluggard. “I wish I
could grow roses like that.” Then he flops back down on his lounge chair and
continues his snooze.
A desire for roses is one thing, but obtaining them is something else.
(Continue on page 5)
April – June 2015, Page 5
Proverbs 13:1-1 – Continued from page 4
-
Verse 12: “Hope deferred” is a heartbreaking phrase that describes too many of the
world’s people. Solomon is letting us know that hoping for a hotel stay is one thing,
but the hope of abundant life is something else. From his perspective here in chapter
13, wealth is secondary to life, and life is dependent upon wisdom.
Take Inventory

What are your hopes? List them from most anticipated to least. Now ask yourself how
the Father relates to them. What are according to His will, and for which do you keep
your fingers crossed? Instant gratification seems to have become our greatest desire.
What’s yours?
STUDY THE “WORD” FOR YOURSELF
Taken from a Christian site on Internet
With the rise of social media, the spread of biblical sounding phrases has—well—gone viral.
Beautiful images filled with inspirational phrases slowly take on the status of being “somewhere
in the Bible.” But when you take a closer look, you’ll have a great deal of trouble finding them.
That’s because they aren’t really there—and sometimes they’re even contrary to what God
actually says.
There’s so much wisdom in Scripture that these false verses can often lead us down the
wrong road. So, here are two “verses” to watch out for:
“God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!” Limnentations 3:16
Years ago, this phrase became a staple of evangelism, and since then, it’s taken on an aura of
something biblical. The problem, though, is that it suggests an idea that’s not biblical at all.
How? Let’s break it down.
We can be sure that God loves us, the first part of this phrase. After all, the most famous verse in
the Bible assures us of God’s love (John 3:16), and He sent His Son to prove that love (Romans
5:8). So, there’s nothing amiss there. God sent Jesus to save us, and that’s solid ground for
evangelism.
But the trouble starts when we add to that the idea that once we’re saved, everything will
suddenly be awesome. Despite what it may have meant at one time, that “wonderful plan for
your life” part sounds an awful lot like “He’ll fix all your problems.” The truth is that following
Jesus may actually cause problems for the believer.
Jeremiah obeyed God’s call, and he ended up at the bottom of a cistern. David trusted God, and
he spent years running for his life and dodging spears. Paul surrendered to Christ, and he
forfeited prestige for prison. And this apostle wasn’t one to hide what following Christ means:
(Continue on page 11)
Page 6, April – June 2015
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
By Editor Sister Harriet Simpson
Women have had an important role in this world since the beginning of time. Eve was
created from a rib out of Adam’s side because God knew he would need the help of a woman.
The rib was transformed by God into a woman not into a man. And she was transformed from
the rib not from clay as the man had been, my thinking was so that they would be a part of each
other, have that close bond, etc. (I did say my thinking, and we all know that don’t carry much
weight!)
Anyway, to all you wonderful mothers in the world doing what you do best, I hope that
you are shown appreciation on the day that was set aside for you from the rest! You give all you
have and never seem to be bothered by it. You give until you can’t give anymore and never want
anything in return. You give and hope it’s appreciated because you gave it to help out. You give
even what was given to you and you ask to not let that out! You give to those who don’t seem to
care that you just gave them your last. But you give to show how blessed you are to be able to
give at all.
You are a true hero to the family because you’re like glue. You keep us together as much
as you can while the world tries to pull us apart. There is no greater love than that love that you
give because it comes straight from your heart. You have wiped our nose and our behinds and
turned our frowns upside down. You were there when we thought we didn’t have a friend and we
know that you will be there until the very end.
Mothers are special people they carry you from the very beginning, they nurture you and
watch you grow, they teach you (or at least they try) to be a responsible, viable adult who can
take care of themselves and others who are in your care.
But not all mothers carry you in their womb (I am such a mother) but they care for you
and care about you from the time that you were placed in their care.
Then there are those who you meet in life (even after you are grown and have a mother of
your own) who show you those mother qualities that let you know they care for you out of pure
mother instincts because they too want to guide you or help you when they see that you need
help. It’s what they do.
Finally, there is that mother who raised your mother who seems to know everything but is
quick to let you know that she doesn’t – but she is willing to teach you what she does know and
we call her Grand Mother, Nana, Momo, Sugar, G-Mama, Big Mama, etc. This woman here is a
trooper, she has learned so many things over the years, by trial and error and by making her own
mistakes, which is why her advice is so special and so important. She shares her opinion with
you in the hope that you will listen and not make the same mistakes or errors in life that she did,
for she knows that there are plenty that you will make on your own.
To all you wonderful mothers, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY from one mother to another. You
were there in the beginning and without you the world would end…. For all of man’s
inventions his technology…. They still have not and will not be able to create what God has
done and that is to give life to another with all its abilities, uniqueness all by the womb of a
MOTHER!
April – June 2015, Page 7
THEOLOGICALLY DRIVEN
by John Aloisi
The problem of professing Christians who neglect church involvement is sadly not
a myth. There are a number of excuses that such professing believers give for their
lack of church involvement. Here are three that I’ve heard:
1. “I’ve been hurt by a previous church (or church leader).”
Sadly, this reason is often grounded in reality. Many people have been emotionally
torn up by the actions of other people. Churches are full of sinners—hopefully,
redeemed sinners, but sinners nonetheless. It should come as no surprise that
sinners sin, and although all sin is ultimately against God, human sin often has
harmful consequences in the lives of people who have been sinned against. But
someone’s sin against you is not a good excuse for you to sin against God by
ignoring his plan for this dispensation which is for his people to identify with a
local church.
2. “The church is full of hypocrites.”
Yes, local churches contain people who live hypocritically. To some extent, every
person that acknowledges the lordship of Christ but continues to sin is acting
hypocritically. This was a problem in the first century, and it remains a problem in
the twenty-first as well. As long as believers possess a sin nature, they will sin
against their Lord and Savior, and such sin runs contrary to their profession.
However, this isn’t a good reason for avoiding the church, for few things could be
more hypocritical than professing to love Christ while refusing to identify with his
people in a local expression of the body of Christ.
3. “I can worship God better on my own.”
Some professing believers speak of being “church free” or “satellite Christians.”
They feel that because they can approach God directly through Christ, they do not
need to be connected to a local church. In fact, some profess that their relationship
with God has actually improved by walking away from the church. But if God’s
plan for this age involves his people assembling together for worship, fellowship,
and mutual accountability, then it doesn’t ultimately matter how one feels. The
quality of one’s worship is not completely separate from affections or “feelings,”
but feelings cannot override commands. One cannot worship God better by
ignoring his instructions and the model that is pretty clearly laid out in the NT.
(Continue on page 16)
Page 8, April – June 2015
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
Taken from: 1500 Inspirational Quotes and Illustrations
HYMNODY
Christianity is a singing faith
 Isaiah’s vision was inspired by the chanting of 400 Levites. The return from captivity
inspired the writing of the one hundred thirty-sixth psalm, sung antiphonally, “His merch
endureth for ever.”
 Song is the natural speech of the emotions. When the heart is stirred, it sings. Music not
only expresses, but intensifies, the feelings.
 From the days of the apostles to the last church revival, it is true that when the Spirit of
God moves mightily the people burst into song.
 Music is a form of power which may be used for the creation of an atmosphere in which
the Christian finds delight.
 The wise young man in the Book of Job spoke of God, “who giveth songs in the night”
(Job 35:10); and the Psalmist said of the Lord that even “in the night his song shall be
with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8).
 Praise and thanksgiving in worship expressed through music help unite worshipers in
spite of the things which tend to divide them.
 Praise expressed through music helps the worshiper to march triumphantly over his own
doubts.
 Hymns of praise and adoration can prepare one for a glimpse of God’s glory.
 Adoration is an essential element of true worship and is frequently best expressed
through music.
 Keep a song in your heart despite circumstances. “This too shall pass.”
 The soul cannot adore God adequately in “me-centered” songs. There is some place in
worship for songs which talk about me, my feelings, and my experience; but when the
worshiper wishes to adore his Creator and Redeemer, the hymns must focus upon Him
and thank Him. – Paul M. Miller
April – June 2015, Page 9
THE PSALMS
Psalm 11
Psalm 11 King James Version (KJV)
In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
2
For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may
privily shoot at the upright in heart.
3
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try,
the children of men.
5
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
6
Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be
the portion of their cup.
7
For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
Note:
Despite the attacks of enemies, David will not hide in a mountain stronghold; his defense is His
Lord. In these verses, whether he describes a military or spiritual enemy, the King’s hope lies in
God.
Though others claim the world is falling apart, the psalmist continues to trust in God,
who still sees everything that happens. His children, who believe in Him, may face trials, but
God loves them. The wicked receive His hatred and punishment. Ultimately God’s justice will
prevail. Because He is faithful to His people, He will save them, while the wicked are destroyed.
 What could David trust in that would be better than God? What could be greater and
more powerful than He? Even if the world were falling apart, what could he trust in?
 Is trust in a powerful Lord better than despair and doubt? If God does not
immediately give you an answer to a problem, does it mean He will not answer?
(Continue on page 13)
Page 10, April – June 2015
_
__
SALVATION
1 Chronicles 16:23 – Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his
salvation.
2 Chronicles 20:17 – Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and
see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to
morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
Psalm 25:5 – Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee
do I wait all the day.
Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the
strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 51:12 – Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalm 62:2 – He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly
moved.
Psalm 62:6 – He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
Isaiah 12:2 – Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD
JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Isaiah 61:10 – I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath
clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as
a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Lamentations 3:26 – It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of
the LORD.
Luke 3:6 – And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
2 Corinthians 6:2 – (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of
salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Ephesians 6:17 – And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word
of God.
Philippians 2:12 – Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
2 Timothy 3:15 – And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 2:3 – How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to
be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Hebrews 9:28 – So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for
him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
1 Peter 1:5 – Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time.
May the Lord add a blessing to the readers, hearers and doers of His Word.
April – June 2015, Page 11
STUDY THE “WORD” FOR YOURSELF- Continued from page 5
“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with
me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8)
God loves us and has a wonderful future in store for those who love Him:
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we
share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)
But in the present age? Not necessarily. The road will likely be very hard.
“God won’t give you more than you can handle.” 1 Memes 7:77
When some difficulty arises in the life a believer (or anyone else), this supposed
verse gets tossed out there like a Scripture bomb. Sure, it sounds compelling, and it
does remind us of God’s care and concern for each of us. After all, He knows
exactly the number of follicles growing out of your cranium:
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7)
But it’s because God loves us and knows us that He must give us more than we can
handle. After all, we humans have a tendency to think that we can do everything on
our own. Our pride has a way of dragging us down:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs
16:18)
To keep us grounded in the reality of our need for a Savior, God graciously allows
us to see just how much we can’t handle. He put the prophet Elijah’s back against
the wall and made him depend upon birds, He gave Moses 600,000 impossible-toplease travelers, He tasked the 11 apostles with spreading the gospel all over the
world, and He’ll give you way more than you can handle, too.
Now, the Bible does say that God won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your
limits:
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is
faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when
you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up
under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
And that is certainly great news. We all need the assurance. But temptation is not
usually what people mean when they say this supposed verse.
Page 12, April – June 2015
THE BIBLICAL GREENHOUSE
1. What plant sprang up miraculously to give shade to the prophet Jonah? Jonah 4:6
2. What woman used mandrakes to gain a night in bed with Jacob? Genesis 30:14-16
3. Who used rods of poplar, hazel, and chestnut trees to make genetic changes in his sheep?
Genesis 30:37-39
4. What kind of tree did the weary Elijah sit under? 1 Kings 19:4
5. What plant had such a bitter taste that it became a symbol for sorrow and disaster?
Proverbs 5:4; Amos 5:7
6. What, according to the New Testament, produces the smallest seed of any plant?
Matthew 13:31
7. Which book mentions the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley? ??
8. What mythical creature eats grass – according to the book of Job? Job 40:15-22
9. What is the only book of the Bible to mention the apple tree? ??
10. What kind of tree did Zacchaeus climb in order to see Jesus? Luke 19:1-4
11. What tree was a symbol of grace, elegance, and uprightness? Psalm 92:12; Jeremiah 10:5
12. What kind of wood was Noah’s ark made of? Genesis 6:14
13. What miraculous event was the eating of bitter herbs supposed to commemorate?
Exodus 12:8
14. What unusual food was said to have resembled Exodus 16:3
15. What tree’s spice was used in making oil for anointing? Exodus 30:24
16. What grain did not suffer from the plague of hail in Egypt? Exodus 9:32
17. What did Jacob send as a gift to Joseph in Egypt? Genesis 43:11
18. What massive trees were brought to make the beams and pillars in the Jerusalem temple?
1 King 5:6
19. What expensive wood is mentioned in the book of Revelation? Revelation 18:12
20. What vine is mentioned in the Old Testament as bearing poisonous berries? Deuteronomy
32:32
April – June 2015, Page 13
THE PSALMS – Continuation from page 9
Psalm 12 King James Version (KJV)
12 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
2
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do
they speak.
3
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
4
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
5
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I
will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven
times.
7
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
8
The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
Note:
When even God’s people seem to fail in faith, discouragement follows for David. How believers
speak is important, because they influence others, and the psalmist obviously feels tired of being
discouraged by the unbelieving words of self-reliant people. So he calls out to God, who will
punish those who speak wrongly.
In comparison to those worthless human words, God responds with a valuable reassurance that
encourages and blesses the psalmist – who then returns to praise as the psalm ends.

Have the words or actions of people who claim to be Christians discouraged you?
What did you conclude? How can you avoid this mistake in your own life?

When people fail you, have you turned to God? How did that help?
Page 14, April – June 2015
THE GIVER OF GIFTS
Excerpts from Charles Stanley’s “The Wonderfully Spirit Filled Life”
Everybody Is Somebody In The Body
You are a part of a living organism called the body of Christ – or the church. You are not
the entire organism, you are only one part. In spiritual as well as biological terms, your survival
hinges on the health and well-being of the other members of the organism. Conversely, their
health and well-being rest on yours. You are not an independent operator.
If any member of your physical body began functioning independently of the others or
stopped functioning at all, you would take immediate action to correct the problem. You
wouldn’t dream of saying, “well, it’s just my lung. After all, I do have two.” Or “I’ve got nine
other fingers. I’ll just work around this broken one.” The members of your physical body are so
interdependent that they make it a priority to care for one another.
1 Corinthians 12:21 – And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of
you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
What is true for the physical body is true for the body of Christ as well. I cannot say of
any member, “I don’t need you. I don’t need to restore my relationship with you. I can do just
fine without you. I can go my way, and it will have no impact on me whatsoever.” To do so is to
deceive myself. Paul said,
1 Corinthians 12:25-27 – There should be no division in the body, but that the
members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers,
all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice
with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.
Did you get that? There should be NO division in the body. On the contrary, we should
make a priority of caring for one another. Why? Because when one member suffers, we all suffer
– just like the physical body.
Headquarters
Now in the physical body if a member that acts independently (or not at all), the problem usually
stems from the body part’s inability to receive the proper signal from the brain. There are a
variety of causes. But generally, the solution involves reestablishing proper contact.
Dysfunctional members in the body of Christ suffer from a similar ailment. The
difference is that instead of being unable to receive the proper signal from the brain, they are
unwilling to follow through with the order. It’s not a problem of ability as much as it is
availability.
(Continue on page 15)
April – June 2015, Page 15
THE GIVER OF GIFTS – Continuation from page 14
The Head of the body is Christ (see Ephesians 5:23). He functions as mission control for
the church. We are to take our cues from Him corporately as well as individually. He has a plan
and a purpose for His church just as He has a personal will for your life. In fact, the two overlap.
As a member of His body, what you do or refuse to do as an individual affects the whole body.
Your participation counts. God’s will for your life include (1) discovering your niche in the body
and (2) fulfilling your corresponding responsibility.
We resist this kind of accountability. Most of us would rather free-lance our way through
the Christian life. Being accountable to Christ is one thing. Having to answer to the whole body
of Christ is something else.
Regardless of how far you advance in your personal holiness, you will always need other
believers. Not because you are weak. Not because God isn’t sufficient for you. On the contrary,
God planned it that way. It is by His design. Walking in the Spirit is not a solo mission. It is not
an excuse for you to become detached and isolated from other Christians. A believer who pulls
away from the pack to do his or her own “spiritual” thing cannot be walking in the Spirit.
You cannot walk in the Spirit apart from functioning in the body of Christ. You can’t. It
won’t work. It has never worked. It wasn’t designed to work that way. Spirit-controlled
Christians do not function as Lone Rangers. They don’t buy into the “me and God are a
majority” bit. Instead, they actively pursue relationships with other believers. They look for ways
to be involved. They don’t sit back and let others do the work. Spirit-filled men and women jump
at the opportunity to carry their fair share of the load.
Dividing Up The Work Load
A person’s role in the body of Christ is determined by his or her spiritual gift(s). A
spiritual gift is a special ability.
Through the distribution and networking of spiritual gifts, God has created a system
ensuring (1) that every believer has a significant role in the body of Christ and (2) that bel ievers
work together to accomplish His overall purpose.
The Holy Spirit distributes gifts according to His will. And His will is in accordance with the
Father’s plan for the church.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 – Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… But
to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to
one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of
knowledge according to the same Spirit… But one and the same Spirit works all
these things, distributing to each one individually just as He will..
(Continue on page 17)
Page 16, April – June 2015
Theologically Driven – Continuation from page 7
Sometimes these three excuses are used together, as if one could build a
cumulative case for why he or she doesn’t need to be connected to a local church
body. I’ve provided only the simplest replies to these excuses. Here are a few NT
passages so-called unchurched Christians must wrestle with if they wish to
continue excusing their lack of local church involvement:
 Acts 16:5: “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in
numbers.”
 1 Corinthians 5:2, 4–5, and 12–13: “Shouldn’t you rather have gone into
mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing
this?… So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the
power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan…. What
business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge
those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked person from
among you.’”
 1 Timothy 3:14–15: “Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you
these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought
to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
 Hebrews 10:24–25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in
the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see
the Day approaching.”
 Hebrews 13:7, 17, and 24: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of
God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their
faith…. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority,
because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account….
Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people.”
 See also Acts 15:41; 1 Cor 1:2; 1 Cor 4:17; 1 Cor 7:17; 2 Cor 8:1–24; Gal
1:2; 1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:5–9; Jas 5:14; and 1 Pet 5:1–4 among others.
April – June 2015, Page 17
THE GIVER OF GIFTS – Continuation from page 15
The following are three truths from these verses that need to be emphasized.
1. Spiritual gifts are manifestations of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7)
When a believer exercises his or her gift, it is and exhibition of the Spirit’s power through
that person. It is not simply a matter of a person doing something he or she is good at.
Spiritual gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
2. Spiritual gifts are for the common good of the body (1 Corinthians 12:7)
The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is the building up of the body – not the personal
gratification of the individual member. Your nose is worthless apart from its service to
the body. And the same holds true of any particular spiritual gift. It’s worth is determined
by its usefulness to the body.
The more spiritual men and women are, the more involved they will be with the body of
Christ. Why? Because as they give free reign to the Holy Spirit, He will continually lead
them to exercise their spiritual gifts for the common good of the body. And the
necessitates involvement.
3. Spiritual gifts are distributed as the Holy Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Paul’s comments on spiritual gifts is that the Holy Spirit decides who gets which gifts.
There is much discussion these days about getting certain gifts. But we would do well to
leave the administering of the gifts to the Holy Spirit. Paul said
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one
individually just as He wills – 1 Corinthians 12:11.
And a few verses later, he added
But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just
as He desired. 1- Corinthians 12:18
Page 18, April – June 2015
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
The Christening
After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home
in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally the boy
replied, “That pastor said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I want to stay with
you guys!”
********
“God Tells Me”
Churchman Bill Keane, creator of the popular “Family Circus” comic strip, tells of a time
when he was penciling-in one of his cartoons and his son Jeffy asked, “Daddy how do you know
what to draw?”
Kean answered, “God tells me.”
Then Jeffy innocently responded,”Then why do you keep erasing parts of it?”
********
Afraid Of The Dark
One of Tommy’s favorite games was to ride his mother’s broom around the yard like a horse.
When it started to get dark, Tommy went into the house, leaving the broom in the yard. In
cleaning up after dinner, Tommy’s mother asked the boy to bring in her broom.
“But I’m scared to go out in the dark, Mama.”
Mothered answered, “The Lord is out there, honey. Don’t be afraid.”
So Tommy opemed the back door a crack and called out, “Lord, if you’re out there, hand
me the broom!”
********
Quite
Six-year-old Lisa and her four-year-old brother Tim were sitting together with their parents in
church, when Tim started giggling and talking out loud. “You’re not supposed to talk loud in
church” said Lisa.
“Why? Who’s going to stop me?” Tim asked.
Lisa pointed to the back of the church and said, “See those two men standing by the
door? They’re hushers.”
April – June 2015, Page 19
Sunday School Lessons – Continuation from page 3
June 2015
June 7th – God will not overlook injustice, but will punish the unjust.
June 14th – Amos declared to the people that God will not be fooled by insincere offerings and
will severely punish all sinners.
June 21st – God will dispossess the greedy and selfish and thus demonstrate God’s justice.
June 28th – Amos says that God will no longer overlook their misdeeds and will
destroy them for all time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The following is taken from God’s Little Instruction Book for Men
Inspiration and Wisdom for Men on How to Live a Happy and
Fulfilled Life
Perseverance is a great element of success; if you only knock long enough and
loud enough at the gate you are sure to wake up somebody.
*
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you. Luke 11:9
-------------------The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.
*
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is
wise. Proverbs 10:19
-------------------If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.
*
Righteousness guards the man of integrity. Proverbs 13:6 NIV
Page 20, April – June 2015
BIRTHDAYS
APRIL
2 – Randie Boyd
2nd – Joshalyn Nichols
2nd – Althea Watson
5th – Regina Traylor
14th – Elliott Lawson
19th – Nevaeh Simpson
nd
MAY
13 – Ruby Loving
17th – Tiffany Pearson
21st – Drayden Hicks
22nd – Deontae Harper
th
JUNE
4 – Eugene Nichols
9th – Gloria Nolen
9th – Keshuna Boyd
14th – F.S. Diggs
15th – Rodney Jefferson
17th – Eliza Murphy
20th – John Simpson II
20th – April Carter
21st – Angelica Simpson
28th – Evelyn Roberts
30th – Ashley Pearson
th
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
April 6th – Michael and Sherie Johnson’s 2nd Wedding Anniversary
April 14th – David and Victoria Hicks’s 14th Anniversary
Come and join us for Sunday school at 9:30 am and plan to worship with us during
our Sunday service at 10:45 am. Join us on Wednesday for Prayer at 6:30 pm and
Bible Study at 7:00 pm. Choir rehearsal is held every Wednesday night following
Bible Study. The first Thursday night of the month is reserved for Intercessory
Prayer at 7:00 pm. The second and fourth Sunday of each month is reserved for
Pastoral Teaching at 6:00 pm. Come let us hear together what God has to say!
If you are in need of transportation to church please contact Brother Alvin Davis at
817-992-7499 or Brother Quadtaye Boyd at 817-692-5140.