The Visitor » The Visitor – January 25, 2009

Here and There by Wes Price will resume when Wes returns from back surgery. Let us all pray that he has a speedy recuperation period.
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THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

Everyone loves a mystery; at least, there’s a saying to that effect. Certainly many people enjoy mysteries, as is evidenced in the number of novels written in that genre, television programs that employ this technique to keep our interest, and of course all the movies that depend on keeping certain details vague or unknown until the end. Perhaps the appeal of the mystery theme is the suspense it creates, of our desire to solve and understand that which is unknown.

The word mystery is used in the New Testament, as well, but in quite a different sense than the popular usage today. A mystery in Scripture is that which was once unknown, but now has been fully revealed. The term generally applies to the gospel, for it was once unknown to people, but has now been fully revealed through Jesus. The fulfillment of God’s purposes for our salvation and how it was all to be accomplished is seen in His death on the cross, the shedding of His blood, foreshadowed in all the animal sacrifices in times past. The assurance we have that this mystery of salvation is fulfilled in Christ, is given in His resurrection from death, the power of God testifying that He truly is His Son. Of this Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith – to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen” (Romans 16:25-27).

Because of what God has accomplished through Christ, another mystery has been revealed, how everyone is welcome into God’s family in Christ. “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6). God desires all to come to the obedience of faith (Rom. 1:5), to repentance and salvation (2 Pet. 3:9). The opportunity is available to all; we decide whether to accept and obey, or not.

I suppose there are still some mysteries left today, but they have been created by humanity, not God. Why do so many alter the clear message of Scripture to something else, keeping salvation from taking place? Why do some just ignore it all together? Why do those who have obeyed the gospel not live for it? These are mysteries that come from sin, not from the will of God. We should keep the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Tim. 3:9). By living faithfully for God, the greatest mystery of all will one day be revealed, when faith becomes sight, and we live in the presence of our Lord for all eternity!
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness” (1 Tim. 3:16).

Robert Johnson
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(continued from “Reflections” by Jack Armstrong)
and that you will have a complete recovery. It’s our fervent prayer that 2009 will bring much better health and circumstanes for all of our shut-ins, those in the nursing homes and the rehab centers.
See ya next time, the Good Lord willing, and may he keep you in His loving arms.
Remember Our Goal…
When Duty Becomes Desire”
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THANK YOU
Thank you for the prayers, visits, cards, gifts, and love that was hown while Wes was in the hospital. Wes and his wife appreciate it so much.
Love,
Wes and Alma Faye Price

The Grace Of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Be With You All

Prayer List
Wes Price went home this past Thursday. Wes said to continue praying for them and cards can be mailed to their home.
David Calvert – Methodist Central – Room 6030.
Grady Theobalt’s daughter-in-law has been moved to a nursing home and is under Hospice Care.
Carmen McMillion – Grace Presbyterian Village – Room 121.
Urbanelle Cox – Charlton Meth Rehab- 3020 W. Wheatland, RM 123 Dallas 75237
Catherine Coronado is home.
Bill Hinton – DeSoto Nursing & Rehab 1101 N. Hampton Road, DeSoto, 75115
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Mary Dunn, Mary Ruth Percival, Tom Dipprey’s brother-in-law; Marie Works, Ed Horn, Estell Lee, Vernon Swanson, Henrietta Pummill, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Larry Reynolds, Jimmy Mooney, Dorothy Mooney, Ada Couch, Dorothy Jackson, Tommy & Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Grady Theobalt, Doris Henry, Roger Schrum, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Nancy Spurgeon, Vertie Lee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez,Weldon Siler, Holly Lee, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr.J & Dorothy Coats.
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SYMPATHY
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the unexpected death of Charloise (Baby) Jones. We offer our love and sympathy to her family. Baby was a wonderful Christian lady that enjoyed life to the fullest. She will be missed by all as she was loved so much. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.
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Schedule for Sunday, February 1, 2009:
Roger Owens will conduct Wes’ Bible Class and preach both services.
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The Tuesday Morning Bible Classes will meet Tuesday, 02/03/09 @ 10:30 a.m.
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at
jeffersonblvd.org
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VITAL SIGNS: Jan 18
Bible Study 48 Offering $ 2,918.00
Morning Worship 98 Budget $ 3,410.46
Afternoon Worship 44 Wed. Jan. 14 40
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Church of Christ Area-Wide Programs
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sundays 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52
“In Search of the Lord’s Way Sundays 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV) Channel 27
“The Truth In Love: Sundays 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong

If you don’t mind we would like to veer off a little in our column and talk about our 44th president, and how he must feel just before being sworn in as the first African American President of the United States of America. We know some are happy and others are not too pleased, but we should all come together and do what we can to help out in any way we can, to get our grand country back on it’s feet and in good working order again. We as Christians should set the example and show the world that we are going to accept things as they are, and do the best we can to help him to turn things around, and pray that the new regime will take the Good Lord into their conferences and rule according to His will! President Elect Obama is making a good start to my way of thinking by taking the ‘ol train to town as Abraham Lincoln did.
Oleta and I went to see Bro. Wes and David Calvert on Friday, 1/16/09. They both seemed to be holding their own. Wes’ operation went well and he was in his usual good spirits. David was also upbeat. It is our fervent prayer they will both be up and around real soon. It was good the Thompson sisters could take care of Mary Jean for a while and now Jo Morris is staying with Mary Jean while David is down. Let’s not forget to keep Alma Faye in our prayers as she takes care of our preacher. Let’s all remember when we go by for a visit to keep it short and not linger too long.
Our grandson, Josh is hanging in there, and seems to be doing well. He has a good attitudeand thanks all of you for your prayers and cards of encouragement. We love you all for caring.
Please remember our dear friend, Jean LaPine and her daughter, Nancy Ramsey in your prayers as Nancy is fighting cancer.
It is so good to see Mildred Head amongst us once again. She was sorely missed.
Bro. Lewis G. Hale had a great article in the 1/11/09 Visitor, “The Joy of Service.” If you didn’t read it, go back and do so because it is an eye opener. He told the story about a city boy asking a farm boy “What time do you go to work?” The farm boy replied, “I do not go to work, I wake up surrounded by it”! We may not realize it but we too wake up each morning surrounded by work which needs to be done!
We pray things are going well for Ed Horn and Mary Taylor in their new place of abode. We miss you two and love you! The same goes for Bill Hinton, and we pray he will be back with us real soon.
I want to say that we miss those who have jobs that sometimes require Sunday work, such as our fireman, Rick Ramsey. Also, Lesa Houston’s temporary job includes Sundays. She will soon be through with it and back with us.
We wish Bro. Wes pain free days and a speedy recovery and for Alma Faye we pray she can get some much needed rest, relaxation and peace of mind. David we pray your health problem will be a one time thing, and by now you are back with us. Jean LaPine and Nancy Ramsey we pray the chemo will do the job,