CASH FOR CLUNKERS

 

I received a bulletin recently that talked about this particular program.  You recall that the government decided it would be a good idea to get some of the older vehicles off the road, thus they offered a very nice trade in value for that old car or truck on a new one.  This would help the environment and stimulate the economy for carmakers.  The program had numerous problems from the very beginning.  It ran out of money much sooner than anticipated, prompting the government to inject billions more into it to keep it going for a short period of time.  Three of the top four vehicles traded for were from foreign automakers.  I also read recently that most of the trucks that were traded in were traded for newer trucks that only improved gas consumption by a small margin.  I also know from visiting used car lots that it hurt that business significantly because they did not have many cars or trucks that they could now sell.  The ones traded in for cash for clunkers had to have the motor locked up and send to the junkyard to be crushed.

When you stop to think about it, God has always had a program that is better than cash for clunkers.  When we render obedience to the gospel, He expected us to turn in our old lives and start with new ones.  With this program there is no hassle, no bureaucracy, no huge stack of paperwork.  The apostle Paul stated in Romans 6:6,7  ÒKnowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.Ó Notice what is written to the Colossians in chapter 3, beginning in verse 5. ÒMortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which thingsÕ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:Ó This plan was provided by the precious blood of Jesus. GodÕs plan is much better!

 

 

 

IS THE YOUNG MAN SAFE?

 

  When we read 2 Samuel 18 we read the question of this title twice, specifically addressed with regard to the SAFETY of ABSALOM (vv., 29, 32).  David is the one doing the inquiring in this context.  He had given strict orders to his commanding generals that they were to Òdeal gently for my sake with the young manÓ (v. 5).  DavidÕs woes have been compounded by the rebellion of this son, yet he loves him dearly and evidently feels partly responsible for the sad state of affairs that now exist between the two of them.  David is finding out, day by day, about the burden of sinÕs consequences.  He had committed terrible sins and was reaping the whirlwind, but he desperately wanted his son spared from death.  Thus, the major news that David sought when two messengers came back from the fighting lines was: IS THE YOUNG MAN SAFE?

   As with many great questions asked in the Bible, this question also is an interesting one to apply to others besides that single one mentioned in the text.  What of young men today?  What about our young people today?  How is it with them?  Are they safe?  Time spent contemplating these questions surely is time well spent, both for the young and for those who love them.

Temptations of Satan are strong in every phase of life on this planet.  Yet, who would argue with the fact that life as a young person has its particular and powerful threats to true safety?  In this instance we are not so interested in physical safety (as David was about his son Absalom), but rather safety in the long run.  Solomon talks about the LONG HOME or the eternal home in Ecclesiastes 12:5.  For Bible-believing and wise people any thought of SAFETY for young people would involve the spiritual aspect of their lives.

   Satan is so successful in implanting into the minds of young people the idea that they have plenty of time to settle down SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE.  The concept used to be expressed: ÒGo ahead and sow a few wild oats; then pray for a crop failure.Ó

   This concept is one that will endanger the young peopleÐKEEP THEM FROM SAFETYÐand one that will give Satan great glee as they accept it in great numbers.  The Apostle Paul teaches us plainly that this concept is dangerous and can only be accepted by those who are DECEIVED.  We will reap what we sowÐÓBe not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlastingÓ (Gal 6:7-8).

   So then, what shall those of us who are older do to help our young people be SAFE and to help them avoid the common idea that there are yet many years ahead for settling down and living a life which involves preparation for eternity?  Let me propose a list of items that should be useful in seeking that worthy goal.

  1. Let us show interest in their lives and the things that are important to them.  You might be surprised just how much such interest from an older member of the LordÕs church might encourage them to do what is right.  They may begin to think of you as someone to whom they might turn for a different perspective from that which they receive daily from their peers.

  2. Let us set the right example before them.  So many poor examples are out there from among those who are older that it is no wonder they often follow those poor examples.  We have a great responsibility as older Christians properly to model the Christian life before those younger in the faith.     Let us say to them as Paul said to the Corinthian saints: ÒBe ye followers of me, even as I also am of ChristÓ (1 Cor 11:1).

  3.  Let us speak freely and often to them of the heavenly reward toward which we are headed.  As Christians grow older we tend to think more about heaven.  We love to sing the songs about the eternal reward.  We love to read the passages, which attempt to picture heaven for us.  The world is telling our young people that they must JUST DO IT.  Grab all the gusto of this life.  The emphasis they hear from others is get all the pleasure there is in life.  That emphasis is upon THIS LIFE and totally absent is any mention of life after death.  What if we can help the young man or young lady see the beauty of heaven?     Will that not make a strong contribution toward securing the SAFETY of the young man or woman?

   Yes, this short list is only a starter and I know that YOU can continue it for a few more pages without any great effort.  Is it not a worthy effort to contemplate the question: IS THE YOUNG MAN SAFE? Whenever we begin to do more of this kind of thinking, as those who are older, then we will see a great impact on young lives!  Of that I am extremely confident.

--David Lemmons, www.lemmonsaid.wordpress.com

 

Teach Your Children

   Perhaps the most foolish statement I have heard from parents of young children goes like this, "I do not believe in forcing religion on children. We are going to let them grow up and make their own decisions about God, Jesus and what "church" they want to be a part of." How silly, and indeed a dangerous and sinful attitude to have in regard to another person's soul!

   Usually my response is, "Upon what then will they base their decision?" Decisions about eternity cannot be flippant, nor based upon ignorance! The garden cannot make up its own mind as to what crop it will yield. I have heard some say, "When my child gets to be 15 or 16 and can show himself to be responsible, I will let him decide if or when he comes to Bible class or worship." More foolishness!

   Consider, do we guide them to eat properly? Do we teach them to abstain from certain drinks, activities dangerous to their health? How many parents with this attitude will say, "Well, you are snorting cocaine. Be careful"? What is the difference between that and overlooking their drinking of alcohol? Do you know the number one drug upon which teens are dependent? Alcohol! Do we see to it that they get enough sleep, take baths, put medicine on their hurts? Of course! But what about that which will last for eternity? Why are these kind of people more concerned about their children's physical well-being than their spiritual well-being?

   Their reasoning sounds good at first, but in the light of these other matters, it loses its soundness. They reason that by "forcing" their children to attend class and assembly, they will grow up resenting it, their parents, and rebel and leave the church. But, if this is true, why do they not grow up resenting good food when they are hungry, medicine when they are sick, a bath when they are dirty, or a bed when they are sleepy? It just does not wash! There are many, many times more people faithful to the Lord who were "forced" to attend when young, than there are those who were left to decide on their own.

   Let us hear the end of such talk. Parents, take your children to Bible class and worship! "Nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4 ASV). Do not give them a choice. They are too young to make the best one anyway. That is why you do not read of "child converts" in the Bible. "Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6 ASV). Let us show our children the privilege and pleasure of serving God. Let us teach them to love and obey Him.

--Robin W. Haley, gospelpreceptor.com

 

 

MONTROSE FAMILY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nov 15, 2009

 

THOSE PRIVILEGED TO SERVE

WORSHIP----SUNDAY---9:00 AM

Co-Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . .  .  . . . . Glen Reece

Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . .  . Billy Halliburton

Scriptures Reading...Gal. 3:26-29..Addison Halliburton

Song Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  ..Harold Smith

Opening Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  . Jacky Carver Sr

 

LordÕs Supper-Preside: Mitchell Brooks

Serve: Jimmy Smith, Ricky Kirby, 

            Brian Smith,

Closing Prayer............................. Brian Harville

 

Greeter- Jimmy & Melanie Smith

Greeter-  Ricky & Janie Kirby

 

Count Offering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Jacky Carver, Sr.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         .  . . . . . . . .  .  Kaleb Bush

AM Sermon- .  Children of the Spiritual Family

PM  SermonÑHumility

 

WORSHIP---SUNDAY---6:00 PM

Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billy Halliburton

Song Leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacky Carver Sr.

Scripture Reading..  Gal.4:1-5É  Addison Halliburton

Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Jimmy Smith

 

LordÕs Supper  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  . .Robert Hackett

Serve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . .   Kaleb Bush

Closing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .   Harold Smith

 

BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAY---7:00 PM

Song Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   . . . .Jimmy Smith

First Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .   . . . Ricky Kirby

Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mitchell Brooks

Closing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  .    Jacky Carver Sr.

 

Prepare Communion for Nov.

Linda Hackett & Teresa Hommrich

 

Note: If you are not able to fulfill your assignment listed above, please notify the coordinator so that he can find a replacement.

MONTROSE BULLETIN BOARD

NURSING HOME: Lucille Smith,

Those on the sick list:

Donald Chaffin (Zion) Lou GehrigÕs disease

Kathy Harville

Vaughn Allen

Barry Wayne Kemp

Webb Craighead

Matthew Martin

Robin Underwood

Marietta McCaleb

Marie Castleman

Rick & Debbie SlagleÑKarnÕs congregation

 

OUR RECORD OF LOVE FOR CHRIST 11/08/09

Wednesday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   49

Worship Sunday AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     94

Bible Study Sunday AM .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     74

Daily Bible Readers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      44

Worship Sunday PM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      63

Offering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .    2,452.00

 

We are asking each family to bring items for the pantry to be used for needs in the community as they arise: Items for week: Bars of Soap.

 

BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR. NOV

01 John 2-4

02 John 5-7

03 John 8-10

04 John 11-15

05 John 16-18   

06 John 19-21

07 Acts 1-3

08 Acts 4-6

09 Acts 7-9

10 Acts 10-12

11 Acts 13-17

12 Acts 18-20

13 Acts 21-23

14 Acts 24-26

15 Acts 27-28

     Rom. 1

16 Rom. 2-4 

17 Rom. 5-7

18 Rom. 8-12

19 Rom. 13-15

20 Rom. 16;

     I Cor. 1-2

21 I Cor. 3-5

22 I Cor. 6-8

23 I Cor. 9-11

24 I Cor. 12-14

25 I Cor. 15-16

     II Cor. 1-3

26 II Cor. 4-6

27 II Cor. 7-9

28 II Cor. 10-12  

29 II Cor. 13;

      Gal. 1-2

30 Gal. 3-5

 

 

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