Julington Creek NEWSLETTER

1. Julington Creek NEWSLETTER News about the collective work at the Julington Creek church of Christ and updates on individuals and families. Volume 2 Issue 4 January 27, 2013 BEHOLD, I THOUGHT … In 2 Kings 5, Naaman, captain of the Syrian army, is badly in need of healing from leprosy. As Naaman came to the door of Elisha’s house a messenger came out and told him to go and wash in the Jordan river and he would be cleansed. Furious, the leper said, “Behold, I thought he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper (v11). Naaman had his own idea how God should operate on that occasion. As God often does though, God had chosen to work in a different way. Until Naaman decided to do what God was commanding, he would receive no healing from his disease. However, when Naaman complied with God’s demands, he found complete restoration. “So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (v14). Naaman had to learn the difference between his thoughts and God’s commands. Some people never do. Many church-going, Bible-totin’ people seem to struggle with the age-old problem of distinguishing between their personal thoughts and feelings and God’s dictates. Many give lip service to the commonly-heard “I’m a Bible-believing Christian,” while at the same time they attempt to worship God according to their “thoughts” rather than God’s clear directions. In a Bible study just today I was pointing out that the kind of music God commands in New Testament worship is acapella singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). One man said he realized that fact but “felt” that if instruments were used today to “praise God” by heartfelt people, it would be acceptable. I asked him for a Bible passage teaching such and he just shrugged and said he didn’t have any. It seems so easy for people to believe in the absolute authority of scripture … until, they find something in the Word that differs with their own “thoughts.” “Behold, I thought” cannot be the rallying cry for people who fear God and honor His word; rather, it is a cry of disbelief and unwillingness to do things God’s way. “I thought” is an exclamation of idolatry, for we put ourselves in the very place of God, elevating our will over His. I may have personal preferences in my worship and service to God, like kinds of music, but my purpose in life is to please my Redeemer, not myself. “Behold, I think?” Never! It is “BEHOLD GOD SAYS.” dlf

2. Prayers BIBLE CLASSES: WEDNESDAY NITE BIBLE CLASS: This Wed is final class on the Parables of Christ – Feb. 6 begins a new quarter. C. V. Alexander – Confined to home. Joe Day’s friend, Red Scott, in Lajolla, CA Eddie Goff – At Westminster, Alzheimer's center. Randy Gorick’sFather, Harry, fell and was hurt. Jason James – recovering from pneumonia. Darlene Jessup. Sonny Lindsey – illness. Cindy McCain – Back pain. Ina Putnal – Admitted to Baptist Downtown, Room 4108 (Phone 202-9408) James Taylor’s brother in Michigan passed away at the age of 96. To update information, please contact Denny SUNDAY AM CLASS: Romans 10. Teacher: Steve McCain. CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Posted in the hallway. TONIGHT: We will worship in song. Jo Ann Hancock will host a Get-Together February 9 @ 6:00 PM until? Bring your favorite food/drink. MEN: There is a sign-up sheet in foyer for anyone who would like to teach a single Wed nite Bible class next quarter. LADIES BIBLE CLASS: Thursday mornings at 10:30 at Ina Putnal’s. SUNDAY SERMONS: AM – What Does The Cross Mean? Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 PM – Singing The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. PowerPoint slides are available for viewing/download on church website. CONTACT US Julington Creek Church Of Christ 1630 State Road 13 N. St. Johns, FL 32259 Phone: 904-230-3332 Or, Denny Freeman @ 904-703-2277 Email: dlf100@aol.com Website: julingtoncreekchurchofchrist.net GATHERING TIMES SUNDAY Bible Classes --------------- 9:30 AM Morning Worship --------- 10:30 AM Evening Worship ---------- 6:00 PM WEDNESDAY Bible Classes --------------- 7:00 PM We love visitors!