BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

If you have a birthday or anniversary in the month of January, you and your family are invited to Tommy and LaRheasa's for lunch on Saturday the 21st at 1 pm. Please let LaRheasa know if you plan to attend so that she can prepare enough food.

DONATIONS ARE NEEDED

A one-time donation is being collected to assist Robert Martin (South Pacific Missionary) with his personal expenses. If you are interested in donating funds, please see Tommy Tidwell or Rob Stroud.

We have a member in need of financial assistance (collected funds will be used to pay for medical expenses) if you are able and willing to help, please see Tommy or Rob.

JAN 29th ~ SOUTH COBB FELLOWSHIP MEAL will be held.

MAR 5th & 6th ~ THE CHILDREN'S HOME FOOD TRUCK will be in our area.

To download the full bulletin, click on the link below.

01 15 2012.pdf

"Be careful for noting; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

"I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies." 2 Samuel 22:4

            Brethren, How often do we sit around and complain about the way our nation is headed.  We talk about what we can do, and outside of writing our congressman (woman) or senator and voting between the lesser of two evils, all we can do is complain.  This we have done and the situation continues to get worse.  As Christians have we forgotten?

            Have we forgotten that we are "One Nation, under God, indivisible".  Our nation is "Under God".  Our government is "Under God". Our citizens are "Under God".  If we don't like the way things are going, why don't we go over their heads by getting on our knees and going straight to God?

 We can go over their heads by going directly to God!!!!!!"

I recently received the above email from the minister of the Luna Lane Church of Christ in Hendersonville, TN., and I thought seriously about the plea that this brother in Christ has made to the church there and to all of us.  We do know that GOD commands us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence., so we have to ask ourselves if we have been doing this persistently enough to make a difference.  Have we been trying to change things according to the world's way of doing things?  How well has that worked out for us as Christians?  WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO VOTE FOR THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS?  Why should Christians have to vote for any evil?

I, for one, am convinced that our only hope is in GOD.  I am also convinced that GOD is waiting for his people to repent, so that our prayers can be heard.  For the good of this nation the best thing Christians can do is repent of sins, seek GOD'S way and live as GOD would have us to live.  In the first century it "turned the world upside down."  I believe in GOD who can make that happen again - if we allow him to work through us.

That is why Sunday I asked that every prayer we pray between now and November be prayers asking GOD to help us be his people, and for the wisdom to choose wisely.  Brethren, we MUST pray for statesmen to be more interested in this country, than their party or themselves.  I do not believe that Christians should pray for a particular party affiliation (this is where a big problem is - this has divided our country) - but pray that God's will be done more than anything else (and vote accordingly). BRETHREN - LET US PRAY DAILY FOR THE CHURCH TO BE WHAT SHE CAN BE - AND FOR OUR COUNTRY!

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HELPED BY BRING FOOD, DRINKS,  SWEETS AND YOURSELVES TO SUPPORT OUR AREA WIDE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL HERE AT SOUTH COBB SUNDAY.  WE HAD 154 FOR SUNDAY NIGHT SERVICES - GOD WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT HAPPEN ALL OF THE TIME ON SUNDAY NIGHTS!  AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO ROB STROUD, DWAYNE WATSON AND CELESTE PETERS IN HELPING ORGANIZE AND MAKE THIS HAPPEN.  THANK YOU!

AND LET'S PRAY FOR AND PLAN GREATER THINGS LIKE THIS IN OUR FUTURE!

Tommy Tidwell

To download the full bulletin, click on the link below.

01 08 2012.pdf

We become discouraged in our souls because of these events, but it is not as bad as those in the book of Hebrews were facing.  The Hebrew writer says in Hebrews 12:3-4 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. (NKJV)  We have not yet shed blood for the cause of Christ, but there are plenty of opportunities to become weary and discouraged in our souls.  So what do we do?  What can we do to maintain our faith, and to grow more like Jesus?

When a team is playing poorly, the coaches often try to get the team back to the basics - whether in football, basketball, baseball or soccer.  Sometimes the team is trying to make big plays, but what has to be learned is that you do the basic things well; not forgetting them, and then work on the other things.  It is consistency that makes a team a winner.

The same is true when it comes to Christianity.  When we hit the low points in our Christian walk we must get back to the basics.

WE NEED TO GET BACK TO THE CROSS.  Jesus' death on the cross, and his subsequent resurrection, is the foundation of Christianity.  When we put Jesus on in baptism, why did we do so?  Did we respond in love to this great love story that shows how much God wants our fellowship?  Or were we motivated by something else?  Beloved, if our motivation for becoming Christians was anything but the cross, we can count on the fact that we will grow discouraged and we will want to quit.  But if our Christian life is founded upon Jesus, and striving to build a relationship with him, then we will work at it.  What does it take to build that relationship?  Love for the Lord that manifests itself in Bible study, prayer, faithful attendance to the assembling of the saints are some of the basic things we need to do and be faithful in when we grow weak and discouraged.

WE NEED TO FOLLOW JESUS.  Jesus set the example for all of us (1 Peter 2:21ff) that we can do the Father's will and serve him.  He did not show us it would be easy; he did show us that it could be done. As Jesus was talking with the disciples before his death, he stated, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:10 NKJV). He set the example - we need to follow him.  Beloved, what would happen if we really followed Jesus, and pointed the way to him?  What difference could we make on the world?

Yes, when we are discouraged and weary we need to get back to the basics.  I am not sure about you, but this will keep me busy for some time! 

WELCOME TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL BE WITH US THIS EVENING FOR WORSHIP!  WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE!

                                                                                                                                                           Tommy Tidwell

JAN 10th ~ Ladies Bible Class will resume @ 10:00 a.m.

TODAY is the last day to have your photo updated for the new directory, if you are interested in doing so, please see Cheryl.

01 01 2012.pdf                                             

By saying this, I am stating as well my value system.  What is important to me I find the time to do, what is not - I don't.  Hence, sometimes what is important to me gets lost in the urgency of the moment, and I fill my life with things that are not really important.  Thinking about this - this last year I planted a garden (something I love to do) but as time went on, I filled my time with other things and did not have time for the garden.  I rationalized this by saying that the things I filled my time with - teaching at Georgia School of Preaching, camp, Summer series, plus my regular opportunities for service in preaching and teaching Bible class were more important than the garden.  I hope that this does say something about my values and what I deem important.  It also says that I (we) can fill our time with things that are less important and become so busy with other things that we lose sight of what is important, and what we need to do.  By writing these words I truly see my priorities, and see the need to change some things in my life!

Our beloved brother Paul (through inspiration) stated it this way in Ephesians and Colossians - letters he wrote at the same time while under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28):

Eph 5:15-16 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. NKJV

Col 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.  NKJV

If it is the case that we do what we want to do, then we need to make sure first things come first.  God must have first place in my life (Matthew 6:33).  Family is vital; I need to work on the relationships that will help my family reach their goals and become what God intends for them to become.  The church is family as well; I must do what I can to help every member of the church at South Cobb reach their full potential in Christ and become the church Jesus intends for us to be.  I must take time to teach the gospel to anyone and everyone that I can, for eternity hangs in the balance.  I need to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to make time and take time for God.  After all, we will do exactly what we want to do.

In light of today being January 1^st, may I plead with you to make a resolution this year to live up to the calling God has called us to?  To live our lives more like Jesus; to put him and his kingdom first; to open our eyes to opportunities to do good EVERY DAY; to defend his cause and way.  After all, we will do what we want to do.

And please, let us encourage one another daily as the Hebrew writer tells us to do:

Heb 3:12-13 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. NKJV  Pray for me - encourage one another - let us show the world who is the most important person in our lives - JESUS CHRIST!  After all . . . 

                                                                                                                                                          Tommy Tidwell

JAN 10th ~ Ladies Bible Class will resume @ 10:00 a.m.

2012 DIRECTORIES ~ the last opportunity to have your photo updated (or included) in the new directory will be Jan 1st; the new directories will be available on Jan 8th. Unfortunately the process has taken longer than anticipated; thank you for your patience and cooperation.

To download the full bulletin, click on the link below.

12 25 2011.pdf 

DEC 23rd ~ The Tidwell's are hosting a holiday dinner in their home, please see LaRheasa for additional information.

JAN 10th ~ Ladies Bible Class will resume @ 10:00 a.m.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's Holiday Community Outreach programs, we are so grateful for your generous hearts. We really made a difference in the lives of so many families. A great congregation showing love!

A big "thank you" to everyone that donated gifts to Mi'Cal and Nia Jackson of Raintree Village. Once again, South Cobb Church of Christ rose to the challenge with open hearts.

To download the full bulletin, click on the link below.

12 18 2011.pdf

Those called Christians in I Peter 4:16 were souls who had met the Bible conditions that entitled them to that name. They were souls "purified ... in obeying the truth", and "born again ... by the word of God" (1 Peter 1:22, 23). The Lord saved them when they were baptized in water (1 Peter 3:21). They were the "spiritual house"; the people of God", who worshipped God according to the testament governing God's present priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:5, 9, 10). They were trying their best to live holy lives; to resist the lust of the flesh, and to endure faithfully under severe persecution (I Peter 4:1-18). So living, they could "commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator" (I Peter 4:19). Bible Christians (those with the above characteristics) have a "living hope", "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (I Peter 1:3, 4). But those who are guilty of bringing shame and dishonor in the use of the name Christian will not be spared the punishment of God who gave the name to grace those born into His family (II Peter 2:9).

King Agrippa recognized Paul to be a Christian (Acts 26:28). The name was given by God in fulfillment to prophecy to those born into his spiritual family, the Church (Isaiah 62:2; Isaiah 56:5; Acts 11:26; I Timothy 3:15). The name Christian was used to identify the followers of Christ so much so that Agrippa knew who was entitled to wear the name. When Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who would hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am" (Acts 26:29). He knew and they knew, that certain gospel conditions had to be obeyed for them to be called Christians. Paul tells the conditions he met to be entitled to this God given name in Acts 22:16. Paul knew, and Agrippa knew, that just being religious was not enough to be entitled Christian (Acts 26:5). The final condition of the gospel Paul met to be saved (Acts 2:38, 47; I Timothy 3:15). To be baptized into Christ is to be baptized into His body, the Church (Romans 6:3; I Corinthians 12:13). Paul knew, and Agrippa knew, (AND EVERYONE TODAY SHOULD KNOW), THAT ALL WHO ARE UNWILLING TO MEET THE CONDITIONS OF THE GOSPEL ARE NOT ENTITLED TO WEAR THE NAME CHRISTIAN. HAVE YOU MET THE CONDITIONS?

Robert H. Martin

DEC 14th ~ Susan Jackson will be hosting a holiday luncheon for the Ladies Bible Class @ 11:00 a.m. Please see Susan for details.

SOUTH COBB HOLIDAY

COMMUNITY OUT REACH

· DEC 14th ~ Is the last day to drop off the wrapped gifts for the children, please place the child's name on the gift but do not include your name as the giver.

· DEC 16th ~ Christmas baskets will be assembled @ 7:00 p.m.

· DEC 17th ~ Christmas baskets and gifts will be delivered @ 9:00 a.m.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES ARE POSTED ON THE BULLETIN BOARD.

To download the full bulletin, click on the link below.

12 11 2011.pdf

TRUST - Our entire relationship with God is built upon trusting faith.  It is a trusting faith built upon the fact that we can know what God's words are; we can understand those words, and we trust God to keep up his part of the covenant.  When we hear the gospel and respond in faith, we believe that God will forgive us if we submit to his commands to be saved.  These include repentance (Acts 2:38; 17:31), confession (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-34) and baptism in Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).  If we don't trust God, we will not respond to him in love and obey his word.

It is interesting that Satan does all he can to place doubt in the mind of the world, and as Christians watch, hear and see the same things the world does, doubts are raised in the minds of Christians as well.  Can we trust God?  Do we trust God?  Has God ever reneged on a promise made to man?  The answers to these questions should be self answering, yet doubts still arise and the faith of many have grown cold or ceased to exist altogether.  This is so evident in the failure of some brethren to obey the simplest commands of reading Scripture, praying daily and attending the services of the Lord's church.  Let us be honest - these are the simplest commands to obey. Yet faith has been weakened because we fail in these matters.  My beloved, if we can' trust God, who can we trust?

Trust implies that we believe if we keep our end of the bargain, we will be rewarded.  Beloved, we must believe that if God promises something, he will carry through!  So this question comes before us again - Do we trust God?  If we don't, then it will show in our failures to obey

OBEY - I obey because I trust God.  He asks me to do something, and I do it because I love him and I trust him.  Jesus states to us that we show that we love him and God by our obedience to his commands (John 14:15).  Might I suggest that this is too simple to misunderstand, yet so many do.  Just saying we love God is no proof.  It must show in our lives.

The need for all of us in the church today is to TRUST GOD with our future, knowing that he has already told us that we have won the war.  Our futures are in his hand - all he asks of us is obedience.  And friend, beloved brethren, we cannot obey unless we know what he wants us to do.  It is found in the word of God.  Don't take man's word for it (not even mine) - read and know for yourself what God wants.  THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO BE THE CHRISTIAN THAT GOD WANTS US TO BE!

                                                                                                                                               Tommy Tidwell

DEC 8th ~ Senior's Luncheon here at the building @ 12:00 p.m.

LADIES BIBLE CLASS SCHEDULE ~

Due to the holidays our last Bible Class for 2011 will be Dec. 6.  Then on Wednesday, Dec 14, we will meet at 11:00 a.m. at Susan Jackson's home for our holiday luncheon. Next year the Ladies Bible Class will resume on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.

RAINTREE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS ~ South Cobb has the pleasure of sponsoring two young residents, Nia Jackson and Mi'Cal Jackson. If you are interested in donating gifts to Nia and Mi'Cal, there are signup sheets and additional information located on the bulletin board. The gifts will need to be wrapped with the child's name placed on it. Also, include your name as the donor so that the children will know who to thank.

SOUTH COBB HOLIDAY NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH PROGRAM is fast approaching, this year we have a request to assist 57 children. The children are in need of shoes, coats, clothes, etc. If you are interested in helping with this important project, please see Dwayne Watson. Also, we continue to receive calls of gratitude for our Thanksgiving Community Outreach program.

FYI ~ There is new Bible Correspondence Courses located in the foyer, as well as new tracts (located on the tract board).

OPEN INVITATION ~ Cherlanda Florival has cordially invited us all to the South Cobb's High School Holiday Spectacular, Dec 16-17, the doors will open @ 7:00 p.m. and the event will begin @ 7:30 p.m., the concert will be held in the old gym. This is an opportunity for us to support one of our own.

1. Our Language. While the world takes the name of the Lord in vain, tells dirty and suggestive stories, and gossips and maligns, the Christian is to shun all this and use the tongue to glorify God and edify people. (Mathew 12:36, 37; Romans 1:29, 30; 1 Timothy 4:12)

2. Where We Go. While the world is at a place of drinking, dancing, gambling, or elicit activities, the Christian is concerned about good morals and a good example. 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil"

3. How We Dress. While the world sees how little it can wear, the Christian is concerned about modesty at all times, and is aware of the Bible's emphasis upon lust and the shame of nakedness. (1 Timothy 2:9, 10, Revelation 3:18).

4. Our View of the Sanctity of Life. While the world seeks abortions, in many instances to hide their sins, the Christian stands against murder and for natural affection, and the sacredness of life. (II Timothy 3:1-5; I Corinthians 6:19, 20; Romans 13:9)

5. Our thinking. While the world is filling its mind with trash, lust, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, the Christian is trying to think on that which is honorable, clean, and pure. Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

6. What Is Most Important? While the world regards self as the most important, and that which is to be satisfied, the Christian is trying to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Mathew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

7. Our Homes. While the world is attacking the home and bringing every imaginable pressure upon it to tear it down, Christians look upon it as a divine institution and a part of God's plan to meet the needs of man for his happiness. (Mathew 19:1-19; Ephesians 5:23-28)

8. Our Benevolence. While others only think of self, Christians are concerned about the needs of others. James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

9. Our Worship. While others are lured and enamored by the "gods" of this world, Christians worship the true God. (John 4:24; Matthew 4:8-11)

Need more be said to prove the point that Christians are to be different? Those Christians who teach that we ought to just fall in with the crowd (just so we do not appear different) betray their depth of spirituality and faith. There is not enough faith yet to keep them from being ashamed of this Christian life that calls for all who follow the Lord to be different. Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."               

                                                                                                                                          Max Patterson, Neosho, MO