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THREE THINGS TO SHARE WITH YOU First, most of you are aware that the church basement was flooded on Wednesday, June 17th because of the heavy rain and the failure of some of the drains. Also, our main vestibule had water in over half of it. We were fortunate that this severe storm came at the time of Wednesday Bible Study. I want to personally thank all who worked so hard and kept the water from entering the main auditorium and for scooping and clearing water from the basement. We did have professionals come in and dry the carpets in the basement and the vestibule on Friday so things were ready for Sunday and VBS. I do want to give a special thanks to our young people, from grade school to college age. You were a great help! What a fine group of workers you were. You helped save the day! I cannot brag on you enough. Thanks again. Art ________________________________________ Second, I want to say something about the all too often cry for unity. Biblical unity is not achieved because a large number of people gather together in a large room or hall. Biblical unity is a natural result when people believe and teach the same thing. One does not have to coax it or coerce it. Unity is the natural by-product when all people involved submit to the scripture on all major doctrines, when all make the Bible the only rule of faith and practice. As has been said before, union and unity are two different things. One may tie two cat’s tails together and throw them over a clothesline and you’ll have union but not unity. Sitting together in a room may be a form of union, but I know of cases where the occupants of such certainly did not have unity. In fact, they had one goal and that was to cause division or disunity. I don’t always have to agree with you and you don’t always have to agree with me, but we both must agree with the One who has all authority, Jesus. Then and only then will we have unity, true unity, Biblical unity. In matters of opinion, we must permit freedom but in matters of faith or a “thus saith the Lord, we must be in unity. Some have attempted to make things of faith, opinion and things opinion, faith. Let me illustrate the difference between matters of opinion and matters of faith. Baptism is a matter of faith, but a baptistry is a matter of opinion. The Lord’s Church is a matter of faith, church camp or Bible colleges is a matter of opinion. Strangely many people have a problem in this matter. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together is a matter of faith, the church building where we assemble is a matter of opinion. Studying the Bible is a matter of faith, the material upon which it is written or the cover of it is a matter of opinion. I could go on but I think you’ve got the point. For some reason, many who cry for unity have a false concept and often want everyone to kneel to their opinions, their plans, or their programs. To them unity is only attained when everyone agrees to do things their way and bow to their whims and wishes. Those who refuse to submit are finally ostracized. Paul says it best when some ostracized him and began to judge him, “It is a small thing that I be examined by you, the one Who examines me is the Lord.” (I Cor 4:3,4) Let’s have unity, the unity for which the Bible pleads, unity in matters of faith. Sure it’s easier to go with flow so as not to face any opposition, but that’s the way of the mindless and spineless. Third, there is a trend that is very troubling to the family of God. Many of our young people are not faithful in attending BS, AM Worship and PM Worship. Dad and Mom, it is important that you set the priorities, you must emphasize that Christ, and His Church are to have first place. God holds you responsible. Parents must teach by example. It’s important to be aware that young people will use excuses like, “it’s boring”, “no one talks to me”, etc. Parents, and only parents, can address this. Children are often smarter than we give them credit. They know we can’t be too serious when we say or teach one thing, then do another. They also know what works on us to manipulate us one way or another. Without any intention on my part to offend grown-ups, but in many cases children may be smarter than we are. It takes effort, it takes work, and it takes time just to keep up with them. However, this one fact remains, we are the parents. We are the adults and it is our responsibility to bring our children up in the teaching of the Bible. Once they leave the home we can no longer enforce the correct teaching and each child must then learn for good or bad by experience just as we did. Mom & Dad, now is the time to teach by word and example while your children are under your roof. I compliment each of you parents and grandparents who set a good example and put your faith into action. Keep it up – you are important to your family and the Lord’s Kingdom. Love you, Art
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