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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 2 Issue 15 April 14, 2013 An Untamable Beast For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison (James 3:7-8). In years past I read those statements by James as hyperbole, that is, I thought James was overstating the case for sake of emphasis. I thought that the human tongue was not impossible to tame otherwise the Bible would not give us admonition as to its proper use. After more study and reflection, I now think that what James says in verse 8 can be taken quite literally. Consider the following. Generally speaking, man is able to tame beasts. A tamed beast needs no restraints, as dogs, cats, horses, etc. One of God’s first directives was for man to “subdue” and “rule over” nature (Gen 1:2728; 9:22). There are “beasts” however that cannot be domesticated. They must be kept in a cage! Why else put lions, tigers, poisonous reptiles in cages? They will not be tamed and many who have tried have paid the price with their life. The tongue, being untamable, must be restrained - Proverbs 10:19. As an untamable beast is kept caged, God has given us pearly white bars to cage the tongue! Clench the teeth, close the lips, and restrain the tongue. Set a guard O Lord over my mouth - Ps 141:3. An unrestrained tongue can do more harm than a room full of rattle snakes! The poison of a viper is under their lips - Ps 140:3. How can we restrain the tongue? First, acknowledge the need to do so – I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue, Psalm 39:1. Second, be careful what we say to and about others – Prov. 11:13. Then, Purify our minds – Matt. 23:25-26; 12:33; Rom 12:1-2. From little ones still in their single digits to older saints in their 80’s and 90’s, we sometimes hear tongues expressing words that are inappropriate for one reason or another. Let none of us think we have so tamed our tongues that we will never regret words spoken in anger, frustration, from pride or immoral thoughts. Also remember that water cooler gossip is not confined to the water cooler! Be careful little tongue what you say. God hears your every word (Matt. 12:36-37). dlf BIBLE CLASSES: Prayers C. V. Alexander – Confined to home. Eddie Goff – At Westminster, Alzheimer's center. David Evors – Baptist South – kidney dialysis. Darlene Jessup – Recovering from hip replacement at home. Ina Putnal – In rehab at Westminster; Room 2A. NEW MEMBER: Sharon Tice would like to be a member at Julington Creek. 14951 Walden Springs Way Apt. 130 Jacksonville, FL 32258 Phone: 309-838-9453. [email protected]. BAPTIZED: Eight men were baptized into Christ last Sunday at Lawtey C.I. Recent program changes at LCI are giving us access to even more men in our Bible classes and worship services. WEDNESDAY NITE BIBLE CLASS: Different topics and teachers. SUNDAY AM CLASS: Romans 14. Teacher: Steve McCain. CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Posted in the hallway. MEN: The next quarter of classes on Wednesday nites will deal with the “Flesh and the Spirit.” A list will be posted; please help by signing up. SUNDAY SERMONS: AM – The Lord’s Fisherman Reading: Luke 22:31-34 PM – Isaiah 53 (part 3) PowerPoint slides are available for viewing/download on church website. CONTACT US LADIES BIBLE CLASS: Thursday mornings at 10:30 . 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!