The Visitor » 2005 » June » 29

It was great to be back with you for worship Sunday. We never fail to say after visiting other places; it’s always good to be back in our own spiritual family. Thank you for missing us.

We have enjoyed several anniversaries over these past few days and others lie ahead of us. Of course you remembered our anniversary on June 16th and on Sunday, we celebrated the beginning of our 15th year in the pulpit at Sunset/Jefferson Boulevard. This coming Sunday, the first of July, I will mark my 43rd year in full time ministry. And it’s kind of nice that my wife and I visited back in the city of that beginning, Lubbock, where I served as the Associate Director of the Bible Chair. How wonderfully the Lord has blessed our lives and these past 14 years have been among the most memorable among people who love us dearly and who permit us to love you. Thank you for being this overflow in our lives.

One additional anniversary (using Wesley Taylor’s expression) comes up this week on July 1. Oh well, that’s another story.

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We learned on Sunday morning that Mamie Maarschalk spent a few days in the hospital without anyone at church knowing about it. She says she is fine now and we are thankful for that. I expressed our concern about not knowing so we could be a source of encouragement and apologized for our lack of attention.

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On Sunday, August 7, the Highland Oaks Church of Christ will mark its 150 years of service to the people of Dallas. All you who trace your roots through this church will want to join them in celebration on that day. It is to be recalled that, among other places, this church met in a log cabin downtown near Ross and Market streets, at the corner of Pearl and Bryan streets and Garland Road at Centerville Road and now on LBJ Freeway at Kingsley.

The celebration will begin on Saturday, August 6, and details of that day can be found on our bulletin board in the foyer. For more information, you may call 214-342-6099.

Please mark your calendars for our annual visit to the White Rock Church for their lecture on
“Undenominational Christianity III, Where Are We Now�. It is set for Saturday, September 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Many of you no doubt have received invitations to this event, but we will post a copy of the program on the bulletin board to remind you as that day approaches. I hope the whole congregation will be able to attend. It will be well worth your time and effort. Great speakers will challenge us with timely messages about the church’s state of affairs and inform us to how we are to fit into the scheme of things as this century moves forward.

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Sunday, July 3rd, will be a day of remembering, not only for the sake of the saints and the Lord’s Supper, but also the day preceding our nation’s birthday. Our message on Sunday morning will highlight that significant event and remind us of the special responsibility we have as Christians living in a time of great need for the message of the gospel to be preached and lived in our own lives.

Let’s get the holiday started off with a large turnout for the afternoon assembly and all bring a sack supper so we can enjoy some pre-4th of July celebration after the worship is concluded. Bring a sandwich or two for yourself and an extra one so we can invite our guests to enjoy it with us. We’ll have tea and coffee ready for you.

Wes Price

Is America in trouble? There’s abortion, AIDS, a skyrocketing divorce rate, etc. What’s going to happen next? Is there a solution? Prophets of Doom proclaim, “the END is near!� Honestly, the “End� could be TODAY, couldn’t it?

On the other hand, we must be about our Father’s business as long as it’s called “Today� (John 9:4). The “night� comes when none can work. The Lord’s work is our work . . . “seek and save the lost� (Luke 19:10).

Christians should realize all nations need the Gospel (go preach it to ALL nations, Matthew 28:19). Souls perish “for lack of knowledge� (Hosea 4:6). The nation’s need is identical to that of the individual. Without Christ, we are powerless (John 15:5). In Christ, we possess all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) and we can do ALL things (Philippians 4:13).

Is the church in trouble? What’s going to happen next? Is there a solution?

God’s answer to Solomon was: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land� (II Chronicles 7:14).

Did you note that the process begins with humility? Everything is not “OK� and we must “cry out� to God. Yes, we have to lose our composure. Peter cried out to Jesus as he sunk into the sea (Matthew 14:30). “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know� (Jeremiah 33:3). The Lord spots humble hearts and immediately reaches out to save!

God is not limited by hearing our spoken words …God looks right at the heart. As we are healed from the inside, our personal wellness is reflected outwardly – increasing the quality and power of God’s church. Individuals, marriages, families, communities, nations and the whole world becomes healthier and stronger.

A better world begins with me! See you Sunday… humble, praying, seeking God’s face, and turning from our checkered past.

Buck Gifffith