Bulletins


NEWS NOTES May 10, 2026
 
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:1-2 ESV
 
Welcome to our service this morning.  We were delighted to have several last week. 
 
Blessings: Mothers! Since 1914, the second Sunday in May has been set aside in our country as a day to honor mothers and other maternal figures.  This idea of “honor” is often expressed with gifts such as flowers, cards, candy, and meals.  Gifts can be a nice expression of love and honor, but the Bible links “honor” with care and “obedience in the Lord” to father and mother: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”(this is the first commandment with a promise),“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV.
 
Even while dying on the cross for our sins Jesus showed tender concern and provision for his own earthly mother:  but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. John 19:25-27
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • May 23-24 Murray Rd church of Christ Memorial Day meeting
  • May 24 Jay Graham will be our guest speaker and we will have potluck.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out. Camp Edison has sent out confirmations.
  • June 28 Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
As A Hen Gathers Her Chicks
Adapted from a lesson by Emery Wright 1/21/2018
 
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34)
 
Both Matthew and Luke record Jesus’ words describing his concern for and sorrow over the hard hearts of the Jews, especially in Jerusalem.
 
The behavior of a mother hen presents a strong image of our Savior’s love for the rebellious people of Jerusalem and us as well.
 
Chickens are not known for being very smart, but a hen makes an excellent mother.  A hen who has decided to brood will at the expense of regular food and water sit on a clutch of up to 14 eggs until they hatch.  And a hen will happily set on any egg in her nest, whether she or another hen laid it.  After they hatch she will not abandon the chicks even when confronted with a predator.  She clucks to have them gather round her and lets them snuggle under her outspread wings when they are cold, sleep on top of them to protect them at night, and shows them food and water.
 
In the same way Christ called to the Jews of Jerusalem, and he calls to us.  To first hear him, and then to follow him such as the chicks gather round the mother hen.  The chicks follow the hen and imitate her actions.  They want to be like her.  Being a “Christian” means being like “Christ”.
 
Part of the mark of a Christian is changing – changing whatever made us captive to sin before we were baptized:  “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.  That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17-24)


NEWS NOTES May 3, 2026
 
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. II Corinthians 12:14 KJV
 
Welcome to our service this morning.  We missed several last week, but expect them to be here today.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • May 23-24 Murray Rd church of Christ Memorial Day meeting
  • May 24  Jay Graham will be our guest speaker and we will have a potluck lunch.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned and Camp Edison has sent out confirmations.
  • June 28 Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Mother’s Day
Adapted from an article in the Norwalk Church bulletin by Chryste Evans 5/2/1976
 
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3 KJV
 
Next week is Mother’s Day, a day set aside by our nation to honor mothers.  This year Mother’s Day will have a very special meaning to me, because, for the first time, I am a mother.  In addition to being a woman and a wife, I now have an added responsibility, a gift from God. This wonderful gift has made me want to search out what God has to say about a mother’s job.
 
Notice, I called being a mother a “job”.  I feel God has employed me to watch over the development of a new soul.  It is rather awesome to consider that what I teach, or fail to teach my child may determine whether she gains heaven or not!  Jeremiah 9:13-15 contains a very sad lesson, because of the teachings of the fathers, the children were punished.  I don’t want my child to be punished because of what I teach.
 
My teaching must be fruitful (Matthew 3:10).  I could have 60 children, but if they were not of God’s kingdom I could still be unfruitful.  How can I be fruitful? II Peter 1:5-8 tells me if I have faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity, I will not be barren or unfruitful.  These are the things I must teach my child.
 
II Corinthians 12:14 says parents should lay up for their children.  What does this include?  Christian teaching and training are critical gifts parents give to their child.  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 KJV. 
 
Proverbs 29:15 is a verse I have never heard quoted, but it places a great responsibility on the shoulders of a mother: The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.  Do we too often leave our children to be “raised” by baby sitters or the schools?  God says that is the mother’s job.  If I fail, God will not fire me.  He could, though, damn my soul to Hell!  Does that sound drastic?  We women of the Church sometimes complain that we do not have very important jobs.  I think we need to reconsider Motherhood.
 
I personally want to be able to say, like John, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. III John 4


NEWS NOTES April 26, 2026
 
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19 ESV.   Jesus reading from Isaiah 61:1
 
 Welcome to our service this morning.  This is the last week in April.  Time to get a garden going and see first-hand the wonder and blessing of God’s creation.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • May 23-24 Murray Rd church of Christ Memorial Day meeting
  • May 24  Jay Graham will be our guest speaker and we will have a potluck lunch.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned and Camp Edison has sent out confirmations.
  • June 28 Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
“More Noble”
Adapted from a message by Rick Moody 5/25/2025
 
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.  Acts 17:10-12 ESV
 
Located in modern-day northern Greece, Berea was far from Jerusalem, but Paul and Silas found a synagogue there - a place to study the scriptures with other worshipers of God.  As was his custom, Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath (Luke 4:14-22) and read from Isaiah.  Everyone who can read, can do just what Jesus did - read God’s Word and come to conclusions about the meaning.
 
Paul was thankful for the Bereans because they eagerly read the scriptures and applied it to their lives.  They understood the Bible was the “gold standard” - God’s letter to us.  Even though they only had the Old Testament, that was enough to trace the promise of the Messiah and what he would be like.
 
The scriptures are like building blue prints.  We need to build to the specs in the plans for the building and change our life if we are not living according to the specs: you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. I Peter 2:5 ESV.   The critical points are understandable to the average person (Acts 2:38).
 
Or think of the Bible like a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle.  Most people start with the outside straight edge pieces and work their way in.  The Old Testament is a good place to start to get the framework that leads us to Christ as the Lamb of God (John 1:29-34)
 
We can also look at the Bible like a map that leads us not to New York or some place far away, but to heaven.  We are heading to our home in heaven.
 
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. I Thessalonians 2:13 ESV


NEWS NOTES April 19, 2026
 
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:57-58 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning.  It has been a year since our building was damaged from a fire that started on a neighboring property.  While much work was necessary to restore it, we are mindful of how much worse it could have been.  God has been gracious to us.  The vast majority of people losing their homes in the Palisades and Easton fires of January 2025 are still displaced.  We continue to pray for their circumstances.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • May 23-24 Murry Rd church of Christ Memorial Day meeting
  • May 24  Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned; but individuals may still be able to arrange to share a site with someone else
  • June 28 Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
The Power of Steadfastness to Influence
Adapted from 1974 sermon outline by C. R. Turner
 
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. I Thessalonians 3:6-8 ESV
 
Influence is a personal and unofficial capacity or power to affect or change someone or something in an indirect but usually important way.
 
We often think of the apostle Paul and those who traveled with him as so strong they could bear anything.  But they also could become discouraged with feelings of aloneness.  Timothy’s report about the steadfastness of the Thessalonian church (I Thessalonians 2:17-3:8) seemed to fill Paul and the others with new life and encouragement.
 
Being firmly grounded and immovable in faith, love, and obedience to God, regardless of circumstances is a powerful influencer.  Such steadfastness attracts the attention of others and draws them to the one God who is real and steadfast in His love.  It encourages others to be bold and steadfast in their Christianity. 
 
Paul likely wrote the letter to the Philippian Christians from Rome where he was in prison/under household arrest.  Prison or isolating house arrest would seem poor places for spreading the gospel, yet Paul did.  Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he wrote letters, received visitors, encountered run away slaves, and became known in Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22).  Paul’s steadfast devotion to God in trying circumstances changed people for the better.
 
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me [being in prison] has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:12-13 ESV
 
Similarly we can encourage each other to be steadfast by what we say (Acts 13:15) publicly and private, what we do to help those who are down physically or mentally (James 2:14-17), and by praying to God for strength,
 
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12-13 ESV


NEWS NOTES April 12, 2026
 
O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
 2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 8:1-2 NKJV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning. 
 
Prayers and Blessings:  Improvements in the health conditions of several we have been praying for.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • May 24  Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned; but individuals may still be able to arrange to share a site with someone else
  • June 28 Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
O LORD, Our Lord
Psalm 8
 
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels,  And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen—Even the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:6-9 NKJV
 
Last week the four Artemis II astronauts traveled farther from Earth than anyone in our recording of history, breaking the 1970 record set by Apollo 13.  We are grateful for their safe trip and return.  On a lighter note, you might think of it as a very long road trip where no one stops.  They just look out the window and hurry on.  In this case, their attention was focused on both the moon and the earth. 
 
Psalm 8 speaks to a larger understanding.  The opening and closing are bookends that recognize both the covenant name of God (LORD - Yahweh) and His omnipotence (Lord) as creator of all heaven and earth, including mankind.  We are awed by the vastness of space, but God easily created it all - “the work of his fingers” says the psalmist in verse 3. 
 
In comparison, we are tempted to think of mankind as small and insignificant as though science and our ability to harness it are more important.  Not so, starting with tiny babies, man is the crowning glory of God’s creation.  We are made in the “image of God” (Genesis 1:27).  And He sent His one and only son Jesus Christ to redeem us (Hebrews 2:1-9).
 
Just as Adam was put in the Garden of Eden to take care of it (Genesis 2:15), we have a duty to care for God’s physical creation.  But our duty to God and are fellow man is much greater:
 
35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
 
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40)


NEWS NOTES April 5, 2026
 
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”
Luke 24:1-6 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning.  As near as can be calculated, this is the time of the Jewish Passover (Exodus 12), when the Jews remember how God delivered them from Egyptian slavery.  It was also symbolic of Jesus Christ our Passover Lamb (I Corinthians 5:7).  We also are grateful for, and celebrate Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection today and every first day of the week (Acts 20:7). 
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • May 24  Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned; but individuals may still be able to arrange to share a site with someone else
  • June 28 Jay Graham will be our guest speaker
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Camp-out in Eminence, MO
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
On the Road to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35 (ESV)
 
13That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
 
And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”
 
And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
 
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
 
And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.


NEWS NOTES March 29, 2026
 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 NKJV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning.  Next Sunday we will have a potluck lunch after morning services. 
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned; but individuals may still be able to arrange to share a site with someone else.
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO.
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
“SEEK,  AND  YOU  WILL  FIND”
Adapted from a message from Jay Graham
 
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
 
I used part of  the quote as the title of this article, “Seek, and you will find.” Jesus spoke these words. This promise not only applies to seeking, but it certain applies to the words asking and knocking. Jesus, in particular, is speaking to the promise of asking, seeking and knocking for things of great spiritual value that He provides to those who are interested in them. He compares the spiritual value of the “kingdom of heaven” to a pearl in the parable of the “Pearl of Great Price” (Matthew 13:45-46).  Another thing of great value is the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23).  The apostle Paul says it another way,   If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Colossians 3:1.  “Things above” refers to spiritual values and priorities that reflect God’s kingdom.
 
There is certainly another truth Jesus may be referring to as well. This is the principle that whatever we are looking for, we usually will find it. If we are seeking earthly riches as our priority, we will generally find them. If we are seeking earthly comfort, we will usually find it. If we are seeking the praise of men, indeed, we will find it. We will usually find what we put our energy toward. We will find what we work for! The fact that we are seeking something does not necessarily mean it is a good thing for us or our lives. It just means that what we search for, is a priority to us. It is of value to us. Whether it is good or bad for us depends on whomever offers it and where it comes from.
 
The things of the Lord are always for our betterment. The Lord never offers us things that are to our detriment. He only wants what is to our benefit. Just consider the term, “The Lord is good” or gracious, which is what the word “good” means. Because the Lord is indeed, “good”, He only wants to give us things that are a positive for our lives such as those things already mentioned. Because these things are good for us, we should ask for, seek for and knock for them, and they WILL be supplied by Him for us.
 
Satan wants just the opposite. He wants us to ask for, seek for and knock for things that are not for our good or benefit. So he deceives and lies to us through our flesh. He knows our flesh is vulnerable and thirsty for things that only feed it and not our spirits. Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Our flesh is prone to believing Satan’s deceptions rather than our Creator’s Truths. This is why sin is a problem for us all. The apostle John describes sin as in 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” These are things that cause our lives and our spirits harm, and ultimately, they will lead to and bring death.
 
Jesus also spoke of these opposing motives comparing what He desires for us with what Satan (the thief) desires for us in John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Satan wants us to seek after things that are harmful to us, while Jesus wants us to seek after things that are beneficial to us. They both know the truism, that whatever we seek we will generally find.
 
Let us be determined to seek after good things for our spirits and for our lives as well. For we will certainly find what we seek.

 



NEWS NOTES March 22, 2026
 
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15 NKJV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning.  Even though it felt like summer last week, Friday was the vernal equinox - the official first day of Spring.  This week should return to more normal temperatures. 
New yard signs with our website and email address are available in the patio classroom.
 
Sunday April 5th (Easter) we will have a potluck lunch after morning services.  That’s two weeks from today.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned; but individuals may still be able to arrange to share a site with someone else.
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO.
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Are You Ready? Or What Must Hell Be Like?
Adapted from a message by Andre Bowling 1/26/2025
 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 13:47-50 NJKV
 
In January 2025, 14 historically destructive wildfires ravaged southern California. I could see smoke and massive balls of fire all around my place.  Because of the media coverage, people called me from all over the country to see if I was okay.  I had to reassure my daughter several times.  As I looked at the hills around me and smelled the burning tinder, I wondered, “what must hell be like?”
 
Then I got a phone call - 10 minutes to evacuate.  I had two dogs and stuff that I was scrambling to get together.  But I stopped to pray, needing His Spirit to go also.  Again, I thought, “what must hell be like - being forever?”  Ten minutes later the evacuation was rescinded.  Thank God.
 
Just one little decision can change so much.  We are always being watched.  Not just by those around us, but by God.  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15 NKJV
 
This little mist of time (James 4:14) we have here on earth is precious.  If you can live to be 156 years old, it would still be short.  Most people get 70-80 years.  Some a lot less.  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, Hebrews 9:27.  There are no breaks in Heaven or Hell.
 
The Bible gives lots of analogies to help us image Hell.  The parable of the dragnet (Matthew 13:47-50) says the bad catch were thrown into a furnace of fire.  Revelation 20:10 calls it “the lake of fire and brimstone.”  Despite the intense fire it is “full of darkness” where “they gnawed their tongues because of the pain” (Revelation 16:10).  God created light Day 1 by his presence.  The solar system of orderly light and dark he didn’t create until Day 4 (Genesis 1:1-19).  God will not be in Hell so there won’t be light from any source - created or otherwise.
 
We have to be prepared all the time - no scrambling with a 10 minute warning.  Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7.  I don’t want to get any closer to a fire storm.  Let us encourage and edify one another.


NEWS NOTES March 15, 2026
 
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning.  Our back hall was filled yesterday with the warmth and fellowship of sisters-in-Christ.  Those of us who attended are grateful, encouraged, and edified by the time spend together in God’s Word.  Several stayed over and our with us today.
 
LaVerne Congregation is hosting a potluck and songfest today.  Charles Fry is their morning and afternoon speaker.  We will broadcast his afternoon message on GoTo.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned; but individuals may still be able to arrange to share a site with someone else.
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO.
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Vignette: Singing Silas
 
About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened, 26 there was suddenly such a severe earthquake that the foundations of the jail shook; all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose. Acts 16:25-26 HCSB
 
Silas, also known as Silvanus, was a prominent Gospel spreader in the New Testament and helper to Paul, Peter, and the other apostles and elders in Jerusalem.  Likely of Jewish ancestry,  Silas was also a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37).  Even though we don’t have any direct Silas quotes or inspired penned letters, he was anything but Silent Silas!
 
First mentioned in Acts 15:22-35, Silas and Judas Barsabbas were leaders in the Jerusalem church where they had risked their lives for the sake of Christ.  The apostles and elders in Jerusalem showed their confidence in them when they sent them with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to communicate the Mosaic Law requirements that applied to Gentile Christians. 
 
Silas must have favorably impressed Paul, because Paul took him along on his second journey (Acts 15:40-41).  Silas wasn’t Paul’s first choice. Paul and Barnabas intended to go together until they could not agree on what to do with John Mark. So Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus while Paul chose Silas and went to Syria and Cilicia.  The benefit was more churches were strengthened, and Mark and Silas were given opportunity to mature in their faith. Timothy joined Paul and Silas in Lystra and they went through Phrygia, Galatia, and Troas.
 
While in Philippi Paul and Silas were dragged before the city leaders, beaten, and eventually imprisoned (Acts 16:19-24, I Thessalonians 2:2).  Where most men would have been moaning from their wounds or fretfully trying to sleep despite having their feet secured to a stake, Paul and Silas chose to pray and sing hymns to God - that attracted the attention of the other prisoners.  They listened while the jailer slept.  God was listening too as evidenced by the earthquake that caused no human injuries but loosened prisoners’ chains and opened the cell doors. 
 
Silas then traveled with Paul to Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth (Acts 18) where he “preached” (II Corinthians 1:19) and also was part of Paul’s Thessalonian correspondence. This letter was written while they were in Corinth. Corinth is the last mention of Silas in Acts.
 
The name Silvanus appears in the letters, while Silas is used in the Acts of the Apostles.  Silvanus is the Latinized form of Silas.  Perhaps like Paul this indicates Silas’ transition from a Jewish Christian in Jerusalem to an encourager of Gentile Christians (2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1).
 
Silas was also helped Peter in spreading the Gospel.  Called Silvanus in (I Peter 5:12), Peter writes: “with the help of Silvanus…I have written you briefly.” This could mean Silas delivered the letter or that he had a part in scribing the letter.  Most favor that Silas delivered Peter’s first letter to Christians in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (I Peter 1:1).  Silas had been with Peter in the Jerusalem church and with his Roman citizenship and experience traveling with Paul, he was an ideal candidate for delivering the letter.


NEWS NOTES March 8, 2026
 
The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.   I Samuel 3:1-5 NIV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning and the first day of Daylight Savings Time 2026. Critics of the time change says it causes temporary “social jetlag” by misaligning the body’s internal cloak with the sun.  On the plus side, the increased evening daylight encourages outdoor living where we can directly appreciate God’s creation.
 
Prayers:  for those mentioned in our announces who are in cancer treatment.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • Next Saturday March 14. Ladies Bible Study “Choosing the Good Portion.” Breakfast starts at 8:15 AM with the study from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
  • Next Sunday March 15 LaVerne Congregation is hosting a potluck and songfest.  Charles Fry is their morning and afternoon speaker.  See Michael if you want a ride to La Verne.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned; but individuals may still be able to arrange to share a site with someone else.
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO.
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Hear the Word of the Lord
Adapted from a message by Douglas McKenzie 1/31/2016
 
6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” I Samuel 3:6-10 NIV
 
Early in American history, it wasn’t unusual for kids to learn to read by reading the Bible.  Often the only book in a home was the Bible.
 
A prophet and last Judge of Israel, Samuel went to life at the Tabernacle with the high priest Eli when he was just a very young boy.  He was still a lad when the voice of God called to him.  The child Samuel didn’t understand what was happening.  It took the old priest Eli a while to understand too.
 
“Hear the word of the LORD” a common phrase in many of the Old Testament prophecy books.  What does it mean?
 
We find God’s word in the Bible, but we have to open it, read it, study it, and do something with it in our lives.  It’s important not to just hear or rely on someone else’s interpretation.  We must read it for our self.
 
The writers of the Bible were inspired (II Timothy 3:16).  But they weren’t like court reporters just taking word-for-word dictation.  They were more like a good news reporter - retelling it in their own style.
 
We have an “on” and “off” switch when it comes to our ears.  We can hear, but not listen.  Jesus encourage the seekers coming to him, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”  (Matthew 13:43; Mark 4:9, Luke 8:8).
 
We have to open our Bibles and open our minds in order to hear the word of Gods. 
 
The Bible is “news” about and from God, written down over a long time period.  Each inspired writer speaks of God from their perspective and experience.  It shows us God’s character, His will, and gives us the spiritual nourishment we crave.