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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 21 December 9, 2012 Wearing Too Many Hats! In a seminary classroom years ago, I listened to an instructor repudiate the idea that Christ is the focus and center of the Old Testament. Well, I have always believed that Christ is the golden strand that weaves its way through the tapestry of the Bible – the whole Bible from start to finish. In the Old Testament we see Christ “concealed,” while in the New we see Christ “revealed.” This PhD rejected such an interpretation because it would preclude the possibility of his preaching to and having fellowship with those in the Jewish community. In fact, he placed all people into three categories: those who are Christians, those who don’t give a hoot about the Bible, and those who are Jews. He said his job necessitated his working with all these people in a way that would not offend anyone. I thought to myself, “now that would be hard!” But then who says that the job of a Bible teacher is to work with people in a way that never offends anyone? Certainly God did not say that. Why, even the Son of God offended some people (Matt. 15:12-14). The truth offends all who refuse to embrace it. As this instructor brought the class to a close one thought kept recurring to me: This poor man’s problem is that he’s trying to wear too many hats. He’s got one for the Jews, one for those who “don’t give a hoot about the Bible,” and one for those he considers as Christians. He’s trying to please everybody, tell them what they want to hear, and, at the same time, be a Bible teacher and preacher. This PhD didn’t have the smarts to know that is an impossible job. One cannot preach the Book and tell people what they want to hear. It cannot be done. The apostle Paul spoke of those who “wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires” (2 Tim. 4:3). Indeed, those teachers are forced to wear many different hats in order for their message to appeal to all “different faiths” so that the “world-wide community of believers” can be “brought into a fellowship of God’s grace and love.” God sees such compromise only for what it is: a rejection of His saving word. Bible teachers (so-called) need to stop changing the message and preach what the true message says – people need to change their thinking and their lives to comport with God’s infallible, unchangeable message of salvation (Acts 3:19). This man, and so many others, need to discard their hats and gird their loins with truth. dlf BIBLE CLASSES: Prayers for the SICK C. V. Alexander – Confined to home. Eddie Goff – At Westminster. Cindy Lindsey – cancer treatments. Darlene Jessup – Scheduling her for hip replacement this month. Steve McCain – flu bug. Dianne Bolger – flu bug – also, her sister-in-law, Kathy Eikhoff is diagnosed with cancer in Denver. Maxine Evors requests prayer for their daughter-in-law, Sandra. Karen Patterson’s mom, Vivian, released from hospital. LADIES BIBLE CLASS: Thursday mornings at 10:30 at Ina Putnal’s. WEDNESDAY NITE BIBLE CLASS: The Parables of Christ – Denny F. SUNDAY AM CLASS: Romans 8. Teacher: Steve McCain. CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Posted in the hallway. QUOTEABLES God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity. SUNDAY SERMONS: AM – Reasons To Go To Heaven (part2) Reading: Revelation 22:1-5 It's hard to stumble when you're down on your knees. PM – Reasons To Go To Heaven (part 3) A clear conscience makes a soft pillow. PowerPoint slides are available for viewing/download on church website. 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!