Venus

Church of Christ

Sunday

Bible School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00

Morning Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11:00

Evening Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:00

Wednesday

Elders

Dale Brawner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (972) 435-4201

Deacons

 Roy Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  (972) 435-2525

Minister

Preston Reynolds, Ken’s father, continues to improve at little at a time.

Cordell Kiefer continues to improve.

Alice Wallace is doing better.

Gail Evans is doing very well after her liver transplant, but still has to be sure to take care of herself.  As always, Gail never complains.

Roy Harris now surgery scheduled for November 28^th.  He is not looking forward to it.   Keep Roy in your prayers.

Joy Brawner continues to improve after breaking her knee cap.  She is able to get around pretty well with the aid of her walker.

As you know, we have a long list of those we need to continue to remember because of various long term problems:

Albert and Edith Anthony, Annie Burgess and Virginia Stephens are all experiencing difficulty getting around, but we are thankful that all of our older citizens are still able to make it to some of the services; some are able to be here more than others.    

Keep all of these in your prayers. 

Don’t forget to pray for the Church.  Please pray for me as your preacher, Dale and me as your elders, Glenn and Roy as your deacons, and Ken and Elisha Reynolds as our teachers.

Don’t forget to pray for America.  Thank God for keeping us safe from our enemies.   Remember to pray for our troupes.  I’m sure most of you are aware that Ryan Ellis has joined the Marines and is in boot camp.  Pray for our President that he will have courage to stand for what is right and that his life will be protected.  Pray that good men will be elected to office next year. 

            Most of you will remember that Kojo spoke to us three weeks ago this evening.  He really did not come to ask for money, but Dale and I talked with him and Clifford Yeldell after our meal that evening.  The church there is wanting to establish more congregations in nearby cities.  They need about $2,000 for a building, and then $100 per month for a native preacher.  Last Sunday morning, Dale and I talked with Clifford Yeldell and Kojo  as to how they wanted the money.  They wanted the $2,000 as soon as we could give it to them, and then they wanted the monthly support quarterly as it cost less to convert our money to their money when they do it that way.  As a result, we wrote a check to them for $2,300.

            As you probably know, we have been supporting Felix for several years.  The agreement that Jim Corner wanted was that we would give Felix $100 per month, but reduce his support $10 per month/year as the Ghana brethren took over more and more of his support.  Felix support is down to about $30 per month, so we decided to begin supporting another preacher in the mission field.

            As Jim Corner would be quick to point out, that’s only possible because of the support of all of you.  We do appreciate the generosity of all of you.   

     Each Sunday evening a group get together to practice singing.  This is similar to what we did a few years back.  I’m still working to work it into my schedule, but I know those who come would be happy to have a few more, so if you can come an hour earlier for the Sunday evening service, you can join those who are here..

            My webpage is now being served by a new web service.  It has been a “bumpy road,” but I hope to experience fewer disruptions of service, and no more Chinese.  I have posted an article: What about Halloween.  It consists mainly of two links to some very informative articles.  With the exception of the disclaimer which I placed in the article, I think the articles are very good.

Dear All:

             I am later than usual in getting this email out.  I will be headed for the airport in about 15 hours. .

            Please keep Kerry Roberts and I in prayer as well as the churches and prospects we will be working with.

 Love,

Jim

Why Do I Need to Attend Church?

I.        I need to be in church because it's a family reunion.

A.     Jesus asked, "Who is My family-- Mark 3:33-35  

B.     We are a family rejoicing with one another.

1.        We need each other's support.  (Rom 12:15 NKJV) 

II.     I need church to learn the word of God and to know God.

1. Learning was a part of the life of the early church. (Acts 2:42)  .

1.       Knowledge of God is part of our Christian life. (Hosea 4:6) 

2.       Knowing God is essential to being ready to meet Him at the last day.  (2 Th 1:7-8 NKJV)

3.       Knowing God does involve our obedience. (1 John 2:3-6)

2. Our Bible study classes on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening give us opportunity to ask questions and share ideas.

1.       The first century church evidently had some classes similar to ours. 1 Corinthians 14:29-31.

2.       When we assemble we encourage each other.

III.   I need to be in church because it's a refuge.

1. It is a place to get away from the busyness of the world.

·               It's a mini retreat.

·               It's a place to focus my thoughts on things above,

·               It’s a place to worship God. – I owe that to Him.

·               Some have failed to honor God   Romans 1:21 -24

IV.  I need to attend church because it's like a billboard.

1. As my neighbors can tell what is important in my life.

·         Some early Christians were subjected to persecution.

·        People do notice us whether we are aware of it or not.

2. We are not to forsake the assembly.  (Heb 10:24-25 NKJV) 

V.     I need to be in church because it's a memorial service.

         A.     I honor Christ when I remember His death 1 Cor 11:23-29  

2. I need to be in church because it's a victory celebration.

·         We can celebrate His resurrection together.

·         At least one day a week we should remember Jesus' triumph.

VI.  Finally, I need church because it's a time to spend with my Father.

1. Our presence is one way of honoring for God. (Mal 1:6) 

VII.            I'm a child of God.

·         As my Father, He's not cold and aloof He delights in spending time with me, and I want to be with Him.

·         God wants to reveal His plans to me

·         But He's not only my Father; He's our Father. 

·         And Christ is not just my Savior; He's our Savior.

Conclusion

Note:  The full notes with all scriptures written out may always be found by going to my sermons listed elsewhere on my website, or the homepage of the Venus Church of Christ.  The link to this sermon is Why Do I Need to Attend Church?