The Encourager

Church of Christ

140 West 15th Street

Front Royal Virginia 22630

540 635 2613

FrontRoyalChurchofChrist.com

SimpleBibleLessons.com

We Welcome Our Guest! We are so glad you’ve come for worship today!

Our prayer is you will be blessed by your time with us. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have concerning our worship.

August 26, 2018

Sunday Service’s

Bible class 10:00 am

Worship 11:00 am

Afternoon 2:00 pm

Tuesday Ladies Class

11:00 am

Wednesday Service

7:00 pm

Personal Bible Study

SimpleBibleLessons.com

Online

Correspondence

In Home

RSW Jail Ministry

Correspondence

2nd & 4th In House

Food Pantry

By Appointment

Minister

John Stephen Smith

540-635-2613

ministerfrcoc@gmail.com

Names On This Page Will Periodically be removed.

Please Keep Tenia Informed as to there Condition & or Status

Sharon Derflinger, Rm 103 Heritage Hall

Gloria Kinney, Tenia’s sister

The Martin’s in Fiji

Mary Steele, Deborah’s mother.

Ceann Collier, Cathy’s cousin. Had a stroke.

Ella Sullivan, Linda’s grand-daughter.

Anita Farris, for continue healing of knee.

Cathy Meadows

Hazel Clark

Kelly Clark

Sammy Campbell

Donna Couto, Anita’s mother.

Liddy Brewer, Jane’s niece.

Gloria Van Arsdall, is in hospice care, at Brookside nursing home, her new room #106A.

Rick Steele

Jeff Robbins

Bobby Jo Henderson

Philip (Pop) Funk in Lynn Care, room #221B.

Ray Stelzl

Tim Gunter

Kenny Henderson Jr.

Ruth Brooks

Sharon Jenkins

Jamie Shell

Marty Jones

Jamie James

Scott McCool

Jaden Turner

Doris & Donald Jones

Carol & Doug Ritenour

Dolores Williams

RSW Jail Ministry

Our nation and lawmakers

The Lord’s church

Military men and women

First Responders

Our missionaries

Our Homebound

Audrey Herring

John Woodall

Nancy Barnes

Cancer Diagnosis

Janet Jenkins

Jerry Eubanks

C.R. Newlin

Priscilla L

Philip Funk Jr.

Jackie Barbe

Frank Couto

Ryan Denharat

Sandy Holzhauser

Vita Torres

Jeff Pingley

Wendy Willoughby

Elaine Appleton

Robert Jenkins

The Cracked Acorn

Memories August 26, 2018 c.r. van arsdall

A Post article mentioned an Ethiopian lady who opened her home to Ethiopian orphans. They had lost their parents to aids in their country. I worked there in 1965. We were on a project for precise earth shape studies. This required us to be on certain ground points for several days; our work was at night. We had started northeast of the capitol and was to end at the port city of Assab on the Red Sea. The people everywhere seemed to be content with the worst con-ditions of disease and health.

There was a pair of young girls with their goats. They had discovered us on our hilly desert survey point. I think they were not only curious but had a need for the large ration metal cans. We could not converse in the Tigrigna language but knew that they did not like, peanut butter and left those cans alone. Maybe one of them used the large cans to water the goats of a fellow tribe member and as a result was married into wealth, also, it could be that they are both advocates of women's rights. The ladies of this country could use more freedom. And when she had given him enough to drink she said, I will draw [water] for thy camels also, until they have drunk enough. 2OAnd she heisted and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw [water] ; and she drew for all his camels. And the man was astonished at her, remaining silent, to know whether Jehovah had made his journey prosperous or not. And it came to pass when the camels had drunk enough, that the man took a gold ring, of half a shekel weight., and

two bracelets for her hands, ten [shekels] weight of gold (Genesis 24:19-22)

Ethiopia is a beautiful country with jungle, mountains and desert scenes. I went there on business but the tourist trade is a big part of the economy. Ethiopians are mentioned 40 times in the Bible. "Can an Ethiopian change his skin, or a leopard his spots? [Then] may ye also do good, who are accustomed to do evil. " (Jeremiah 13:23) is one mention. In Acts 8:27, Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, of the court of Candace the queen. The scriptures indicate he was her treasurer. Some scholars think Judaism had already existed in Ethiopia and the eunuch had been to Jerusalem to keep the feast. Tradition likes to think the eunuch went home and later converted the queen to Christianity.

Life expectancy is about 41 years. Disease is on the rise, especially with Aids. Government has changed. I don't know if the Church of Christ umbrella factory is still in Addis Ababa. At the time of my visit, they had a small church and were growing. Unfortunately, Ethiopians trained in the USA usually find a way to stay. Those educated and trained in medicine find it too much a "culture shock" & try to leave the country for greener pastures. It is a country that needs lots of help to become a major player in today's market. Our workers and brethren in Ethiopia definitely need our continuing prayers.

Bible Quiz:

1. Yes or no, did the people of Judah want David back as their king after Absalom’s conspiracy? 2 Samuel 19:14

2. What did Jesus say happens to branches which bear fruit? Branches which do not bear fruit? John 15:2 How did Jesus compare the apostles to vines and branches? John 15:4-7

3. Why did Jesus say that the world would hate His disciples? John 15:18-19

4. The names of those who had overcome sin were written in the book ________. Revelation 3:5

5. Describe the punishment for anyone who attacked their mother or father, or for anyone who cursed their mother or father under the Law of Moses. Exodus 21:15, 17

6. Under what conditions would the angel of God bring the Israelite people into Canaan? How quickly would God drive out the Canaanite people? Why? Exodus 23:20-33

7. Name the book in which Moses wrote down the laws which God gave in the chapters preced-ing chapter 24. Describe the altar Moses built and the offerings made. Exodus 24:4-7

8. When Moses went up to Mount Sinai, how long did the glory of the Lord rest on the mountain before He called Moses? How long was Moses on the mountain top? Exodus 24:16, 18

9. On which piece of tabernacle furniture was the bread placed? Describe the altar of burnt offering. Exodus 25:30; 27:1-8

10. How many lamps were on the lampstand? When were the lamps to burn? Exodus 25:37; 27:21

According to the Dictionary:

1. Moses on Mount Sinai for 40 days—He received the information in Exodus 25-31.

2. All Israelite priest-were descendants of Aaron Exodus 29:9

3. Melchizedek Genesis 14:18 and Jethro Exodus 18:1-were priests mentioned before the official office was established.

4. Priestly functions included—mediate between God and man, lead in securing atonement for sin, discern God’s will, instruct the people in the Law of Moses, and care and ministration of the tabernacle.

5. Sabbath—the seventh day of the week or Saturday was set aside by God for the Jews to rest from their labor Exodus 31:15-17 and to worship God Deuteronomy 5:12 The Sabbath extended from 6 p.m. Friday till 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Questions:

1. Name the first priests. Why was Aaron to have a special garment? Describe the high priest’s garment: (a) a breast plate, (b) an ephod, (c) a robe, (d) a woven tunic, (e) a sash, and (f) undergarments. What were the purpose of the Urim and Thummin? Exodus 28

2. How was Moses to ordain Aaron and his sons as priests? Which part of a peace offering was to be given Aaron and his sons? Exodus 29:1-28

3. What was the daily offering on the altar? Exodus 29:38-41 When was incense to be burned? Exodus 30:7-8

4. For what was the atonement money to be used? Exodus 30:16

5. Describe the basin and its use. Exodus 30:17-21

6. How was the tabernacle and all its furnishings and priests made “most holy”? Exodus 30:22-33

7. What did the Lord give Moses on Mount Sinai? Exodus31:18

Application: on God’s giving people abilities—Exodus 31:6b

BSGFAA Lesson 213

Moses—Exodus 28-31 Instructions for the Priesthood

Exodus 32-34 BSGFAA Lesson 214

The Golden Calf; Moses’ Second Trip Up Mount Sinai

Moses

Bible Quiz:

1. How did a wise woman keep Joab’s army from having to attack the city of Abel to get Sheba? 2 Samuel 20:16-22

2. Because Saul had put the Gibeonites to death, God caused a ____for three years in the days of David. What did the Gibeonites request of David for revenge against Saul? Why did David not turn Mephibosheth over to the Gibeonites? 2 Samuel 21:1-7

3. Why did Jesus say the apostles would grieve over Him, and that their grief would be turned to joy? John 16:19-22

4. Discuss what God said about following the crowd under the Law of Moses. Exodus 23:2

5. Those who went with Moses as he neared Mount Sinai did not include (a) Aaron, (b) Nadab and Abihu, (c) Hur, or (d) the seventy elders of Israel. Exodus 24:9

6. Where was Joshua when Moses first ascended Mount Sinai? Aaron and Hur? Exodus 24:13-14

7. Describe the materials from which the tabernacle was made: (a) curtains, (b) clasps, (c) upright frame boards, (d) bases or sockets, (e) crossbars. Exodus 26

8. The area around the tabernacle was called the _____. Exodus 27:9

9. For what was the atonement money to be used? Exodus 30:16

10. Describe the basin and its use. Exodus 30:17-21

Additional Scriptures:

1. Guarding oneself from idols—1 John 5:21

2. The holy place in the tabernacle was also called the “tent of meeting.” —Exodus 2:21; 29:42

3. Moses wore a veil to keep the people from seeing the fading radiance of his face.—2 Corinthians 3:7-13

According to the Dictionary:

1. The bull—was a principal god of Egypt and later became god of the ten tribes of Israel (1 Kings 12:28).

2. Not wearing ornaments became a permanent custom of Israel.

Questions:

1. Why did the Israelites want Aaron to make them gods? Exodus 32:1

2. Why did God not destroy the Israelites whom He saw worshipping the golden calf? Exodus 32:11-14

3. Describe Moses’ temperament when he saw the people dancing about the golden calf. What did Moses do with the golden calf? Moses had many of the Israelites killed by ____. Exodus 32:19-20, 26-29

4. God told Moses that He would blot the names of what people out of His book? Exodus 32:33

5. What was the “tent of meeting”? Who stayed there? How was it used? Exodus 33:7-11

6. What part of God did Moses see? Exodus 33:22-23

7. Describe Moses’ second trip up Mount Sinai to meet God and his face when he returned. Exodus 34

Application: on worshiping man-made gods—Exodus 32:1

Serving Today David Born

Mike McCool

Eddie Benfit

George Diaz

Song Service

Tim Tewalt

Peter Diaz

Scripture Reading Art Candenquist

Terry Lichliter 10 Tim Tewalt 11 Bill Adams 13

Jacob Lichliter 13 Lauren Diaz 16

Maureen Diaz 18

George & Maureen Diaz 8/22

Chuck & Tabitha Anderson 8/22

September’s

Tabith Anderson 9/2

Nellie Evans 9/6

Madelynn Derflinger 9/23

Eliza Anderson 9/24

Mason Clark 9/28

The Callaways 9/30

Today, Searching for the

Truth Series. Lesson 3

begins at 2:00 pm service.

Dry Cereal and

Microwave

Popcorn

Save this date: October13th

More information to come.

Please, help to enhance the

Bible study and worship

experience, by silencing your

cell phones & pagers upon

entering the auditorium.

Ladies Meeting September 16th

This will be a meeting to discuss planning

out the rest of the year. Plus, what we

want to see happen in the future for

doing things for the community.

The Diaz Family is inviting

all senior members of the

congregation to their

home on Thursday,

August 30th at 6:00 pm. There will

be food, fellowship & entertainment

provided by the Diaz Family.

Please let Maureen know as soon as

possible, check directory for contact

information.

In the front hallway is a tote for: Elements

class at Lord Fairfax Community College.

This is a special needs classroom.

Here is the list of items needed:

7- umbrella’s, 4- sets of ear buds, Lemon

Lime Blossoms Lysol wipes, Command utility

hooks large size, as well as Subway gift cards.

Monetary contribution also welcome.

See Deborah Baleskie if giving money.

A man has just received a kind invitation. It was not an all-expense-paid, deep-sea fishing trip, neither was it free tickets to a basketball game. Rather, it was an urgent, pressing

invitation to attend public worship. He was not annoyed, embarrassed, teased; but pleased, for he said: “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go unto the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122: 1

Unfortunately, this man is unique. Many would say, “Mind your own business,” or “I’m tired after working all week”, or “This is the only day that I . . . .!” This is regrettable, if somewhat understandable, when it comes from a man of the world. It is inconsistent, unthinkable and illogical that such statements should come from a child of God. There are too many Christians who consider church attendance a matter of mood or whim rather than one of principle and conviction; yet the voice of God and of reason demands regular attendance at all services.

COMMAND OF CHRIST

Christ speaks clearly on the virtue of public worship. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18: 20 Private worship is essential, but unless we are with others of like faith we will become like a leaf without a tree. The early Christians “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2: 42 The specific time of their assembly is given for “upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” Acts 20: 7 It was the practice of the New Testament church to assemble on the first day of the week and at other appointed times to worship God. Worship is commanded by Christ. Not the elders, not the preacher, not another member, but by the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

CONCERN FOR OTHERS

Consistent regular church attendance is a logical expression of our concern for other people. When we find something we like, we do not hesitate to recommend it; a book, a new fishing lure, a new recipe, etc. In fact, our pleasure is heightened because we tell others about it. Such expressions are indications of the interest we have in those around us.

You cannot recommend something which you do not consistently do. A failure to attend worship says to the people who know us, the church is unimportant and insignificant. False action, just as false doctrine, will “overthrow the faith of some.” 2 Timothy 2:18

COMMON SENSE

Regular attendance at all church services is enlightened self-interest or plain common sense. Families who have their lives built around the church have a more stable, happier and richer life. As of 1980, the FBI reported only five per cent of the crimes committed can be traced to church people. A nation-wide personality test revealed church-going people have better personalities. Any compilation of statistics will show non-church homes break up three times as often as church homes. These figures are based upon religion in a general sense and if figures could be secured for the Lord’s church they would be most revealing indeed.

Man is a spiritual being with an instinct of faith and a capacity for God. Worship helps us to catch the glory and the grandeur of God. God is not an abstraction, but a divine person who thinks, feels and sees and has commanded worship as a means of our spiritual enrichment. Expressing devotion to him is not a matter of option but of obli-gation. We still need to heed the admonition, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” Hebrew 10: 25

Published in the LORD’S WAY by; —Carroll Ellis 1980

Why Go to Worship? God does not call us

to “church”. He calls

us to worship.

Forgive One Another Colossians 3:12-13 August 26, 2018

F_________________ ONE ANTHER

Galatians 5:22 Ephesians 4:2

F________________ ONE ANOTHER

Mark 11:25 Ephesians 4:32

EVEN AS CHRIST F_______________ YOU

Matthew 18:32

LOVE THE PERFECT BOND OF U__________

Colossians 3:14

Is it True churches of Christ Don’t Have Music?

Bob Prichard No. The dictionary defines music as “the art or science of harmonic sounds; harmony or melody.” Churches of Christ recognize music as a very important part of their worship. The key question is, “What kind of music has God commanded & authorized for the church?” The music found in churches of Christ is a cappella singing. A cappella music is singing without accompaniment by a mechanical or artificial instrument of music. The term a cappella literally means “like the church,” because it is like singing of the early church. Singing a cappella does not mean the church is “without music.” Churches have used instrumental music for years (though not as many years as most would think). Most people readily accept it, & find it strange anyone would exclude the instrument from worship. Those using the instrument in worship are quick to ask where the scriptures forbid the use of the instrument. The burden of proof, however, lies with those who demand the instrument in worship, because every scripture in the New Testament dealing with the music of the church speaks only of singing. Do the scriptures authorize the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship? Some say, “Surely instrumental music in worship is approved, because God approved of the instruments of David.” David did use instruments of music in worship, with God’s authorization. But does this mean they are authorized in worship today?

Paul tells us by His death, Christ was “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” Colossians 2:14. Christ fulfilled the old law and “took it out of the way.” If we can go back to the old law to find authority for the use of mechanical instruments in worship, then every other part of the old covenant worship would also be authorized, including animal sacrifices, & burning incense. If animal sacrifices & burning incense are not included in the doctrine of Christ, then neither is instrumental music. Some say instrumental music is authorized because there will be musical instruments in heaven. We read in Revelation 15:2, “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” Those having the victory over the beast have “the harps of God.” But are these literal harps? Revelation is a book filled with symbols & figurative language. Is there a literal “sea of glass mingled with fire”? If the harps must be literal, then the sea of glass mingled with fire must be literal also. Harps in heaven really have nothing to do with worship which God has specified for the church today, though. Jesus said, “in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” Matthew 22:30. Does no marriage in heaven mean there should be no marriage today? We cannot go back to the old covenant, nor to the future in heaven to authorize instrumental music.