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Julington Creek NEWSLETTER News about the collective work at the Julington Creek church of Christ and updates on individuals and families. Volume 1 Issue 4 LIGHTS IN THE WORLD Philippians 2:15 Greg Whipple, an American preacher, and his family recently relocated from Belize to NE Florida. While their adopted Belizean daughter was in detainment in Atlanta (unpleasant experience), she had Bible studies with other detainees. How many of us, being frightened and uncomfortable, would even think about doing that? Daniel 12:3. OUR SHEPHERDS: Pete Martindale & Steve McCain EVANGELIST: Denny Freeman July 15, 2012 Leaving Our First Love Rev. 2:1-4, "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: …I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles … But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember from where you have fallen and repent…” What could a truth-upholding church possibly have to repent of? God’s answer is: LEAVING YOUR FIRST LOVE. In one generation these folks went from “On Fire” to “Ho-Hum.” The church’s name was no doubt listed in the “right” directory. Brethren may have talked about the “sound church” in Ephesus, but Jesus Christ said they were FALLEN. Think about that. I doubt that their falling away was due to immorality or worldliness. Other churches were judged for that (Rev. 2:20). Something had replaced excitement and fervency with apathy and ritual. A deep understanding of God’s word was exchanged for rote learning. Their service to God became meaningless (Matt. 13:14-14; 15:9). Sometimes we as God’s people can get in a rut and forget why we are doing what we are doing. “We’ve always done things this way” doesn’t lend itself to “becoming all things to all men” so that we can save people living in a 21st century modern world (1 Cor. 9:21f). One thing about traditionalism – you can serve God in your sleep. There’s one problem with that however - God will not accept your service (Isa. 29:13-14). “You’ve left your first love” means the honeymoon is long over and the excitement of the relationship has turned to boredom. It needn’t be that way. We simply need to keep our mission in sharp focus, using God’s word to help us realign our motives and practices whenever we get out of kilter. dlf NEWS Prayers WEDNESDAY NITE SUMMER BIBLE CLASS: Our church: Men: Please sign up to teach one Wednesday night class during the summer. Sign-up sheet is in the foyer waiting for your commitment! C. V. Alexander – Currently confined to home. Eddie Goff – Doing better; is at the Health Care Center at Westminister. Cindy Lindsey – Chemo treatments. Carol Martindale – Had final chemo treatment last week. Ellie Taylor – Will have surgery after further consultations. James Taylor – Recovering from broken hip due to fall. Betty Toohey – recovering from surgery. Relatives & Friends: • Martha Harris – Nita McCain’s sister in Memphis, TN. • Eleanor Hale, our Shelly’s friend, that God will help her marriage. • Peggy Kennedy, David Evors’ sister, suffered a stroke and is in Baptist Hospital. A memorial service for our sister Myrtle Culver was held here yesterday. Our condolences are with the Culvers at the passing of Ed’s mother and a sister in Christ to all of us. SUNDAY SERMONS: AM – Soldiers Of Christ Arise! PM – For What Are You Most Thankful? CONTACT US GATHERING TIMES 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: [email protected] Website: julingtoncreekchurchofchrist.net 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!