http://www.mtjuliet.org/ en Copyright 2012 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:28:53 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss by John Michael Kennedy "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God..." 1 Corinthians 6:11 If Bible verses were cars, 1 Corinthians 6:11 would be pushing 300,000 miles, gurgling high mileage oil, making funny noises every time you turned left, missing a shifter knob, and sporting old cheerios and receipts between the seats. People have ridden this verse hundreds of thousands of miles (in life's rain, sleet, snow, and slush). Why do people love it so much? It is because this verse embodies the gospel of Jesus Christ; because no matter how worn the gospel becomes, it is still the only way taking us from sin to grace, from A to B. I want to focus on one word in this verse today. Of the three great verbs present in 1 Corinthians 6:11 (washed, sanctified, justified), one catches my attention. While reading an entry on the verb justified, I found an interesting definition: "to cause someone to be released from personal or institutional claims that are no longer to be considered pertinent or valid, 'make free/pure.'" Three lines of thought occur in my head when I think of God's justification: First, I think of what had to be done for justification. Jesus, Son of God, had to be slaughtered by stubborn, selfish, self-righteous people (people much like myself). He had to endure the pain and shame of crucifixion, even though He was innocent. Second, I think of the implications that follow God's work through Jesus. Because Jesus died that death, I do not have to die eternally. Because Jesus Christ took on my sinful status, I was given instead His perfect status. Third (This is where that interesting definition fits), I think of the new life I'm allowed to live because of what God's work through Jesus means. I was set free from the invalid claims that sprung from the world AND myself! What a wonderful freedom Christians experience! Sometimes a Christian's worst enemy is himself. Many Christians are plagued not by the world's judgment, but by their own judgment! If you are a Christian and you judge yourself with remarks such as, "I'm not worthy, I'm of no value, I'm unloved," here me out in a quick, closing paraphrase of 1 Cor. 6:11 - YOU USED TO BE THOSE THINGS, YOU ARE NOT ANY MORE BECAUSE OF CHRIST. YOU ARE LOVED, VALUABLE AND FREE. FREE FROM THE WORLD, AND YOURSELF. GO LIVE YOUR FREEDOM. Go ahead... climb back in that vehicle, it'll get you there every time. http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003592.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003592.html From JM to MJ Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:28:53 -0600 It seems impossible to believe it, but God created man in His image and likeness as it says in Genesis 1:27. Man is capable of solving his problems any time and any day. A man without God solves his problems looking out for his own good instead of the good of his household. But in a Christian marriage, the couple always receives support or help from their fellow brethren. -Speaking of the church - this is good, for this reason God created church and fellowship. But a man of God, in thinking only of his own life, may bring his wife into the "strange world of darkness." This is unfathomable and is not the best solution for the marriage. Note in Genesis 12:10-20. Reason #1 Remember when Abraham was thinking about his own life, instead of the life of his wife. Remember, what he said to his wife Sarai when they entered Egypt in Genesis 12:12. (I understand that the wife will do anything for the love of her husband). It seems that here Abraham had less of a sacrifice being the head of the home, because he was thinking of his own good and his own life, rather than giving his own life for his wife. Paul says that Christ did that in Ephesians 5:25. A man of God prefers to give his own life for his wife, rather than bring her to a "strange world" like Abraham did to Sarai. Reason #2 Think about the circumstances of them both in this moment. They were afraid in Egypt. They were thinking about the promise of God that had still not been completed to make many nations and what if he died before he was able to complete it. Sarai made a deal with him to agree that she was in fact his sister. Note in Genesis 12:14-16. There is not a doubt that Abraham would have been living well after he made the decision to not lead his wife into sin. But, I don't think that Abraham would have been able to live or sleep well knowing his wife was a slave to Pharaoh. Biblical Solutions or Applications Note that in neither of these situations did Abraham remember the power, glory, majesty, supremacy, hope, and trust that he had in God or more so the promise that was made to him in Genesis 12:2-3. It seems that there was doubt in this moment that God would save them from Egypt. Thinking about their marriage, they tried to take matters into their own hands instead of asking for advice and help from God. A. God did not welcome the poor choice of Abraham and Sarai so He sent Sarai back to Abraham (Genesis 12:17). B. The Pharaoh reasons and rejects the thinking and solutions that were made to save Abraham's life and not the life of his wife (Genesis 12:19-20). C. With a famine problem they went to Egypt, giving his wife to the 'darkness' (Genesis 12:10). In reality, marriages exist that have problems: matrimonial, economical, personality differences, behavior, disrespect, love, spiritual, and selfishness. Many forget to trust in God and confide in Him. They bring their wives into the world, separating them from God by divorcing for wrong reasons, loosing the salvation of their children, wives and husbands, destroying the pact they made in front of God. Remember to meditate, listen to God and remember that you and a lawyer alone cannot break a marriage, only God can separate a marriage for His reasons (Matthew 19:6). http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003591.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003591.html Featured Roque Articles Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:27:11 -0600 CALLING ALL CHURCH MEMBERS! You are needed at the Ministry Fair SUNDAY EVENING FEBRUARY 12 *We ask that all families make plans to attend, as we have all been called to serve. 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. ]]> http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/001810.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/001810.html Back Page Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/001819.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/001819.html Full Bulletins Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 MEMBERS / MEMBERS FAMILY / FRIENDS PRAYER LIST SYMPATHY: We express our sympathy to these families: Angela Hamock on the death of her father, Charles Freeman. His funeral was Tuesday in Mt. Juliet. Don Collins on the passing of his sister, Patricia Collins. Her funeral was Wednesday in Jackson, TN. Stephen & Judy Alexander, Macy & Louise Beard, Christian Taylor Buchanan, Shirley Clegg, Ethan Crisp, Shelley Garlow, Cecil Davis, Paul & Christine Garton, Frank Hazelwood, Jr., Carol Keopf, Bill Kibbe, Judy McDaniel, Elaine Mingle, Donna Romine, Jimmy Tate, Donovan Walden, James Whiteaker, Elizabeth Willis, Tom Womack, Hui Cai Zheng. SHUT-INS: Wayne Cantrell, Jean Clark, Margrette George, Rable Vaden, Elsie Tharp. HEALTH/ASSISTED CARE: Opal Ebest-Providence Pl.-207; Grace Hackney-Lebanon HC, 103-B; Bess McDaniel-MJ Health Care-301; Shamiran Prater-McKendree Manor-279-E2; Thomas Rice-Providence Pl.-407; Aline Spurlock-Providence Pl.-111; Carol Thomas-Quality HC; Deane Williamson-Providence Pl.-309. Members Family: Nina Bain, Doyle & Mary Boucher, Cora Cobb, Mabel Conner, Geraldine Dorris, Jean Gulley, Janice Reagan, Frances Young. SICK: Zac Anderson, HS freshman & friend of the Waltons, has an inoperable cancerous tumor on his spine. Sara Baker suffered a stroke and was in the hospital for a few days. She is now at McFarland Rehab, in room 251. Matt Fisher is scheduled for outpatient surgery Thursday. He will be home for a couple of weeks to recover. Danielle Hays, daughter-in-law of Michael & Janet Hays, had brain surgery and is doing well. She is expected to return home this week or next. Stephanie Mooningham, 24 y/o friend of Joan McKenzie, was rescheduled for surgery this week at Vanderbilt. Donna Moore, mother of Renee Burton, had major complications following open-heart surgery. Doctors had to amputate her foot and later another portion of her leg up to her knee. She is vey weak . She is in ICU at Cookeville Regional Med. Ctr. Lana Randall, sis of Myrna McKinley, is in the hospital (ICU) in Birmingham. Prayers appreciated. Fred Townsend, uncle of Sherry Harris, is in need of a liver transplant. He lives in OH and has gone to Memphis for tests. Alli Tipton, student at Wilson Central and niece of Rhonda Robinson, has been diagnosed with brain cancer and is in Vanderbilt. Wava Williams is scheduled for back surgery Feb. 3 at St. Thomas. She has two slipped disc pinching a nerve. Viva Witcher, sis of Marion Conner, had surgery Tues. to remove a skin cancer from her face which required plastic surgery. AT HOME: Debbie Batts had outpatient surgery and a biopsy Mon. and will have follow up treatments for the next 2 mo. James Cauthen had surgery for colon cancer. He is now at home and feeling much better. Bobbie Chandler is scheduled to begin radiation Feb. 7 and will have 25-28 treatments. Randell Farrell has been diagnosed with lymphadema. He will be wearing compressions on his legs to help reduce the swelling and pain. Elsie Montgomery, infant daughter of Kevin & Jenni, has RSV and had to spend a few days in Vanderbilt. Estelle Pirtle received a very good report; she will be able to take treatments. Norma Rose was in the hospital earlier this week for diverticulitis. OUTREACH: Teams #1, #2, & #3 TBA. CONGRATULATIONS: To Skip & Abbey McCord on the birth of their daughter, Tayte Valentine. She was born Jan 25, weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz. She joins big sister, Ella Reese at home. YOUTH: 6th-8th Grade Devo-Feb. 12. HS Devo-Feb. 19. CYC-Feb. 24-26. 4th-5th Grade Devo-Feb. 26. YOUNG SOLDIERS/LADIES: 6th-8th grade will meet each Wednesday night during the Winter Quarter. Soldiers-Rm L4; Ladies-Rm L12. Also, 2nd-5th grade Young Soldiers & Ladies will be meeting Sundays at 4:30. Soldiers-Rm 208; Ladies-Rm L12. 2nd-5th grade Young Ladies Banquet-Feb. 23. 2nd-5th grade Young Soldiers Banquet-Feb. 27. 6th-8th grade Young Ladies Banquet-Feb. 28. REACHING THE TOP: Fun Night-Feb. 3; Outing-Feb. 16. MJ HEALTH CARE: Each first Sun. of the month at 3:00. Everyone is welcome. INVOLVEMENT SUNDAY/MINISTRY FAIR: Feb. 12. The Ministry Fair will be an opportunity to talk to the elders/deacons/staff on various ministries of the church. Ministry Fair times: 7:30 a.m. (before early service). 5:30 p.m. (before evening service). 7:00-7:30 p.m. (30 min. after evening service). SCHOLARSHIP SUNDAY: Feb. 19. WIDOWS/WIDOWERS: Luncheon, Feb. 12. Young Ladies Serving Christ will host. NEWCOMERS MIXER: Feb. 12. 20'S RETREAT: Feb. 24-26. JAIL MINISTRY SERVICE: Feb. 19.  A mandatory certification class for those interested in participating in the jail ministry will be Tues., Feb. 28, 7:00 p.m. at the Full Gospel Tabernacle, 1027 Carthage Hwy. in Lebanon. If you are interested or have questions, contact Tim Martin at the church office or e-mail.(tim.martin@mtjuliet.org). MEN'S BREAKFAST: Feb. 18, 8 a.m.; Speaker: Andy Connelly. Sign up at Welcome Central. CAREGIVERS: Feb. 27. WIDOWS SUPPORT GROUP: Feb. 28. CLOTHING DONATIONS: For the Rivergate church of Christ benevolence center may be dropped off in the connecting hallway between the education wing and where the Hispanic Ministry meets on the lower level. Receipts for tax purposes are available at the drop off location. If you have any questions, please see Jerry Sircy. FOOD COMMITTEE: Jan. 29-Feb. 5: Jill Moles. HOSPITAL SNACKS: Feb. 5: Karen Fulford; Feb. 12: Jimmy Harris; Feb. 26: Sherry Harris. If you're unable to supply snacks for your week, please call Linda Fly 406-3734. MEALS ON WHEELS: Feb. 9: Joan Huddleston; Feb. 16: Doylene Lasater; Feb. 23: George & Vonnie Purnell. FOOD PANTRY: Cooking Oil, Cereal, Pancake Mix, Pancake Syrup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Vegetable Soup, Sugar, Flour, Corn Meal, Crackers, Tuna, Salmon, Spam, Spaghetti Sauce, Spaghetti, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Jelly / Jam, Oats, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Dry Pinto Beans, Dry White Beans, Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap. THANK YOU: Notes received from: Mike Donoho; Myrna McKinley.

---

February 5, 2012 Speakers for Sunday A.M. - David Shannon P.M. - David Shannon Sunday A.M. Early / Late Services Announcements Alan Smith Elders Prayer Albert England / Dennis Nosal Song Leader Philip Jenkins Opening Prayer Daniel Kirby / Ricky Banks Scripture Reading Tony Flueallen / Mitch Poskevich Closing Prayer Jeff Whittle / Galen Romine Lord's Supper Early P. Kevin Hines P. Rob Lyles Chris Haynes Clint McCulloch Matthew Cauthen Tim Burgess Late P. Ben Dennis P. Marc Rinks Tucker Worley Justin Buchanan Don Collins Raburn Barron Steve Boshers Troy Hudson Ushers Early L Glen Black R Gene Smith LC Kirk Nelson RC Tim Smith Late L Joseph Mills R Joe Powers LC Chad McBroom RC John Durham Count Attendance Early Tim Burgess Late Karson Alford Nursery Early: Shayne Miller/Jamie Stallworth Late: Annie Earhart / Abbie Earhart Sunday P.M. Opening Prayer Walt Williams Closing Prayer Mark Crisp Nursery Lindsay Macpherson / Sheri Kibbe Wednesday P.M. Song Leader TBA Closing Prayer TBA Elder on Call for February Albert England Baptismal Garments Jill Moles If you are unable to serve, please contact: Brandon Whitlock @ 615-943-0741 ]]> http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/001800.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/001800.html Family News Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 This past week our governor issued a proclamation declaring January 22 as "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday" in Tennessee. A couple of weeks back in David's sermon about the sanctity of life, we were all presented with some practical ways that we could contribute to a few good causes that are going on right now (and by the way, thank you for the ways that you all were moved and inspired to give). By and large as a society we've had abortion shoved down our throats as a viable choice for expectant mothers. Agape wants people to know that there are other options. You probably know that this past week we held a baby shower for Agape, an organization associated with churches of Christ, that do a lot of good for expectant mothers and unborn/newborn babies. by Philip Jenkins You might know of their work in foster care, adoption, and maternity/pregnancy crisis counseling but what you might not know is just how valuable of a resource that Agape is in so many other areas. We all know people, scratch that, we all are people who have at one time or another needed help. Agape exists to be a resource for people who want help. Whether you're a single-parent looking for support, or someone grieving a recent or not-so-recent loss, if you're depressed, at the end of your rope, or lonely and in need of a connection, if you are the parent of a rebellious child, or a child whose parents are going through a divorce, whether you struggle with addiction, or if you want to learn how to better help a friend struggling through an addiction, Agape is a place where you can turn. Over the years, countless numbers have benefited from the use of their services, and I urge you to pass this resource on to others in your life that might be looking for help. Visit www.agapenashville.org for more info. http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003590.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003590.html Jenkins Articles Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:52:47 -0600 This past weekend we held our annual leadership retreat at Whispering Pines. This was a time for all of us to get to know each other a little better. This was also an occasion for planning the different ministries for 2012. The Lord's church at Mt. Juliet is very blessed to have 11 elders, 44 deacons, and 6 ministers to do this work. Each session was very informative and well thought-out. Also, each session was begun with a short devotional by an elder or a minister. The lesson text for each devotional came from I Thess. 5:12-24. Some of the thoughts from these devotionals are given in the following paragraphs: God is the real source of our peace. He brought peace to earth through His Son. God wants us to have peace. He wants us to be completely sanctified. We begin our sanctification at our conversion, but the process must continue throughout our lives. We must continue to set ourselves apart from the world. We are to be prayerful, joyful, and grateful for the blessings that are in Christ Jesus. Also, God wants us to be totally blameless. We are to be without accusation, looking forward to Christ's second coming. We are to live in such a way that our spirit, soul, and body may be preserved...that is our complete being, not just a part, must be involved. Knowing that our "outward man" may be perishing, but the "inward man" is being renewed day by day. He who called us is faithful. We can depend on God. We can say along with the apostle Paul: "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day" (II Tim. 1:12). So we need not worry about our salvation, God will bring it to pass if we uphold our part. Yes, this was a wonderful weekend. The food was great hanks to Ronnie Travis. The fellowship was even better. Let each of us help the church grow in 2012 by: "the effective working in which every part does its share causing growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. 4:16). http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003589.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003589.html From Shepherd to Sheep Hackney Articles Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:49:51 -0600 Mrs. Ellen Arb was a vibrant member of the Mt Juliet congregation since December 1, 1950. She always offered big smiles, kind words, and good deeds. Isn't it amazing to describe her in this way, yet she knew the deepest of pain. She had buried a son, daughter, grandson, two husbands, and an uncle that she took care of. She truly found strength in her Lord. She proved that life is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens. Her response was Christ-like! Ellen Arb loved life. We have so many great memories. Many times she told of her years in elementary school, riding her little pony to and from school. She lived on the same farm just off Beckwith on Vivrett Lane almost all her life. The Mt. Juliet school during those days was located on the piece of ground that is now the parking lot between our building and Senior Citizens. The ride was several miles each way for this little girl, and she loved to tell it. I loved to hear it! She loved her animals. She fried eggs every morning for her cats. But much more than this, she loved her family more than words could express. In recent years one of her dreams came true. She wanted her granddaughters , Casey Adams and Nicole Velazquez to become a part of the Lord's church. They have! To God be the glory. The power of Mrs. Ellen's influence was great! We are so grateful they are here at MJ! She was energetic, always being on the go. As one of our members wrote, "Just wanted to share a little smile about Ms. Ellen.....several years ago I had a tumor removed and came home with a drainage apparatus and lots of pain....she called...'You feel like a visit today?'  I said 'no, Ms. Ellen, I am miserable'.  She said "I'll be there in a few minutes anyway'.  She brought a pie and only stayed a few minutes....she was a "to the point" person who did lots and lots for others." Another wonderful memory the office staff shares was the delivery every spring of a large beautiful bouquet of daffodils. Another love of Mrs. Ellen was MJ basketball. She went to games for probably more than 50 years and not just to home games either. She and Kathryn McCrary along with several other friends would travel to every away game and did this for many decades. Mrs. Ellen enjoyed the community of MJ. She loved playing cards at the MJ Senior Citizen Center. She loved worshiping and being a part of the MJ church of Christ. She was active in the MJ Ladies Home Demonstration Club. From a little girl she attended MJ school, later worked there, and all her adult life followed MJ athletics. There is no way for us to know the number of miles she drove in all her running around MJ. She loved to be on the go! And by faith we believe she has departed to a wonderful destination! Rejoice! She was loved deeply and will be missed. http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003588.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003588.html Obituaries Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:47:51 -0600 by Dewayne Griffin For some time now, I have wanted to write a bulletin article that sends a message of love and concern to those who are prevented from attending the worship services. You are aware that each Sunday, one of our elders leads a public prayer where the names of those who are bereaved, sick and unable to be in attendance are remembered. Some of these may be fortunate enough to join us via the internet where our services are streamed, however most cannot do this. At Mt. Juliet, each member is important. We want those who are unable to attend the services to know they are missed, loved, and appreciated. Each Sunday the church has a group of young men who go to the residences of these members to conduct a brief worship service. This effort gives the young men an opportunity to grow spiritually, but more importantly, it lets our members know they have not been forgotten. The epistle of James, chapter 1 and verse 27 tells us that, "pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003587.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003587.html From Shepherd to Sheep Griffin Articles Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:51:50 -0600 by John Michael Kennedy "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:7-11, NKJV) It is difficult for me to understand God's love. I understand God loves me. I understand how he demonstrates that love. I understand the "what" and the "how" of God's love, but I cannot understand the "why." Why did God give salvation unto us? We cannot comprehend God's love from a human standpoint (a.k.a. - the world's standpoint). The world says that to love or be loved you have to be good-looking, smart, strong, rich, and so on. To love something by the world's standards means to put value upon it because it gives us something in return (benefits, identity, pleasure, etc...). God had nothing to gain from us in loving us - he didn't need anything from us. He doesn't need pleasure, benefits, or identity from us. In fact, God receives the opposite of those things when loving us - pain, loss, and suffering. Why does God love us and demonstrate His love for us; because His nature is love (simple, I know, but profound). God is love, and God initiates love toward us. We cannot understand love or initiate love towards someone else until we experience God's initial love. God's initial love is not based on performance, standards, benefits, or anything else the world uses to define love. It is unconditional. God loves us because God is love. God loves us not because we deserve it or earn it. God loves us not because we are good. We are valuable not because we gave God a reason to love us, but because we were first loved by God. As sinners, we were given a value beyond measure when God paid for us with the blood of Jesus. That's right. We are worth the blood of God's Son because God (out of His love) decided that's what we were worth, and that's what He ended up paying for us. God's love is not based on us or our standards - God's love is based on God's nature, which is love. I invite you to struggle along with me in understanding the amazing, not-of-this-world love of God. http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003586.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003586.html From JM to MJ Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:25:56 -0600 by Tim Martin In Romans 14:19, the Holy Spirit instructs us to pursue things which edify one another. Edification means the act of building up and adding to existing structure. The job of building up the Lord's church is a project that has no completion date, save that of the second coming of Jesus Christ. The Scripture says we are to pursue these things. Pursuit requires effort and determination. We would not run after something we didn't desire. Therefore, we should desire and crave what God asks us to pursue: edification of the church. This task is not solely the responsibility of church leadership. Paul is not directly nor exclusively addressing the leadership of the congregation in Rome. It is direction from the Spirit of God Almighty to the entire brotherhood in Rome. It still applies today to the brotherhood right here in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. We all must pitch in and supply the work necessary to strengthen the congregation and make it ready to do the work of God. Paul tells the congregation in Ephesus that the Lord has assigned members in the church to do the work of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Why? "For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (NKJV). The leaders and teachers of the congregation are there to equip the saints to do the work of ministry. Ministry is defined as works of service for the Lord. Deacons are to oversee and organize ministries, providing avenues to serve. The elders minister by providing guidance, protection, and nourishment to the flock. The staff is responsible for certain areas of ministry and providing opportunities for work. Teachers use the Bible to explain the duties God expects of His servants. That is not the end all-be all of the work of the Lord. The entire membership is responsible for performing acts of service to edify the local congregation, the church as a whole. Don't fall into Satan's trap of complacency and laziness and ignore the building work needed here in Mt. Juliet. There are nearly 1,100 people that gather to worship on a regular basis each week. Is it logical to think that in a group that size, the Lord's work is going to be accomplished by just about 60 people? The structure already exists, so our building work entails enlargement, reinforcement, repair, modification, and improvement. Cultivate a desire to pursue building up our family here and the entire church. The project managers, superintendents, and foremen have work assignments and materials. The Architect has given us the design and plans. Let's get to work. http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003585.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003585.html Body Building Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:24:14 -0600 With Ben Dennis Psalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way........................................................ For many years, I was privileged and proud to know Jim Cross, a truly good and honorable man.  That goodness and honor were evident in so many ways to all who were fortunate enough to know him and call him friend and brother.............................  First, he was honorable in his relationships with his family.  He loved and adored his Pearl of great price, his daughters, as well as all of his extended family.  It was always obvious as to how much they all meant to him.  He was there for them, neither complaining nor finding excuses not to be involved in their lives when they needed him.... Second, he was honorable in service to his country.  A career military man, Jim served his country with pride and distinction and all of his friends knew how much he loved America and how proud he was to have served. He, along with countless others who have done so through the centuries, paid the price for our freedom and it is incumbent upon us to remember with gratitude theirs and Jim's sacrifices. He had great admiration for those with whom he served, and he maintained close ties with many of his fellow sailors after his retirement........ Third, and most importantly, Jim Cross was honorable in his relationship to his God.  He worshipped his Creator with zeal and with a firm belief in the certainty of God's promises for him and for all of God's faithful children. In short, he loved his God with all of his heart, soul, and mind as commanded by Jesus Himself............................... In my many years of calling Jim Cross friend, I found him to be a man possessed with a great sense of humor as well as one who always wanted to be active and involved in good works.  He made everyone around him better because of his character and personality.  He fought through several years of  illnesses and pain, never complaining but always expressing that admirable and fine attitude. He was in worship services even when he was in pain because he put a priority upon the time spent honoring his Master. There are great lessons all of us can glean from Jim as to Christian living, loving God, and being the type person who brings honor to mankind, his country, and to his God.  I am richer as a person and a Christian, as are so many others, for having known this truly good man.  We will miss him greatly and we extend to his precious Pearl, daughters Fran and Lynn, and all of his family the deepest sympathy and love of this congregation. One of my favorite secular passages is one from Shakespeare's great masterpiece, Hamlet, and one that succinctly describes the man I proudly knew as Jim Cross.   "he was a man take him for all and all I shall not look upon his like again."   http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003584.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003584.html Obituaries Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:38:33 -0600 What a special evening we had Sunday night, from the appointment of two new elders to a night of celebration and vision within our youth program! A couple of highlights from the meeting you might like to hear: We had a ton of people there!!! I don't think it was a preacher count when I say that we had probably around 150 people stay after worship for the meeting! I believe every seat in the fellowship hall was filled, and some even stood around. I can't tell you how encouraging it is to see that many people attend a youth meeting. I even met a visiting family that stayed for the meeting, adding "We wanted to see what the youth program was all about here." I hope (and I believe) they were able to see something special. What people see when they look at our youth program is not anything of our own doing, but hopefully they see Jesus Christ, a God deserving of all praise. James Moore redeems himself at Quiz Busters. If you get a chance to ask James about his recent TV appearance on the game show "Quiz Busters," please, please let him tell you about it. We reenacted it at the meeting and his team beat out the youth workers! We have a lot to be thankful for, and a lot to be excited about! A lot of great food, ideas, and laughs were shared as we brainstormed and cast vision together about the things that we want to do in 2012. Please continue to pray for our youth program, and more importantly, for the individuals who make up the program. To God be the glory! http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/001781.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/001781.html Youth News Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 by John Michael Kennedy "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV) If you said to me, "Strength is an essential attribute of Christians - Christians are supposed to be strong," I would agree with you. The strongest people I know are Christians. What does it mean to be strong though? Over the past few years my own perspective of strength has yielded to God's perspective of strength as revealed in His word. My own perspective on "being strong" was borrowed from the world's perspective. I thought as a Christian, "I am supposed to be strong at all times," which translated to, "I am supposed to get through this on my own strength. I will not rely on anyone else. I can do this on my own. I'm not supposed to ask God for help, not even in the smaller things." This worldly view disguised itself in my thoughts. Soon, that view of strength began to create all kinds of new problems for me. Relying on my own strength quickly proved how weak I was. Getting by on my own adequacy promptly revealed my inadequacy, even in the smaller things. By my own definition of strength I was convinced I could be a strong Christian and child of God, all the while not needing strength from anyone else. Praise God for Eph. 6:10-18. This verse has transformed my mind. We are supposed to be strong as Christians, BUT the source of our strength does not reside in us. We borrow strength, might, and the ability to protect ourselves - we receive these things from God. Ephesians 6:10 plainly reveals strength as an attribute of the Christian, and God as the source of that strength - "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." The following verses only reinforce this God-based perspective on strength: Be strong (and able to stand) because you wear His armor, His truth, His righteousness, His gospel, His faith, His salvation, and His word. Saying we must be strong (and at that, strong in ourselves) will lead us into sin quicker than anything else! As a matter of fact, trying to be strong in ourselves IS weakness (and foolishness). Being strong in ourselves will force us to think, "I don't need the church, I can handle this," or, "I am worthy and sufficient in myself." May we daily learn to be weak in ourselves, so that we may then be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003583.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003583.html From JM to MJ Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:58:28 -0600 by Albert England "Blessed is the man ... his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." Psalms 1:1, 2. "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keeps those things which are written in it..." Rev. 1:3. As we begin a new year, one of the greatest resolutions we can make is to be a greater student of God's word. Recently we had a young woman in our home from Trinidad. She had a longing or hunger for God's word. She recognized the importance of God speaking to her through His word. This longing should be a desire in the heart of each of us. We realize the importance of eating a proper balanced meal for our physical bodies. Do we realize the importance of a healthy spiritual diet and do we feed our souls daily? A new born baby must have the proper food to grow and develop into a strong and healthy person. As a baby grows, the diet changes. We must evaluate our spiritual needs or maturity and choose to continue to grow as Christians. A baby does not continue to grow without proper nourishment. Neither does a Christian continue to grow and develop without the proper spiritual nourishment. Let's resolve to grow strong in the Lord this year.  Eph. 6:10 "...be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." We are to continually long for His word and advance in the knowledge of the Lord. In Hebrews 5:12- 14 are words that present a challenge to each of us. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." We all need to evaluate our spiritual maturity and desire to be skilful in the word - fully mature. This year I hope everyone will resolve to be a daily Bible reader. http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003582.html http://www.mtjuliet.org/sermons/archives/003582.html England Articles From Shepherd to Sheep Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:55:27 -0600