Sunday, January 20, 2013 Elders Ronald Barker Dick Holt Deacons Dan Amar David Close Jim Hubbert Keith Loveless Ryan Miller Osby Riley Jerry Thompson Mark Hillis Charles Mars Mike Barrios Wayne Close Larry Knox Rhea Miller Mark Mitchell Ken Robison James Wilson Minister David South Youth Minister Titus Smith Minister of Songs & Praise Dennis Sangster Ministry Coordinator Philip Slate Missions African Missions -- Randy Judd Baxter Institute Fleming Tarpidu Institute, India Ukraine Missions Lynn Allison Tretiakova Benevolence AGAPE Children’s Homes: Pine Vale Sunnybrook Hope Works E-MAIL/WEB PAGE [email protected] www.woodlandhillschurch.com Bible Classes 9:00 a.m. AM Worship Svc. 10:00 a.m. PM Worship Svc. 5:00 p.m. Wed. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. (Attended Nursery at all svcs.) Phones: 901-755-7709 (office) 901-755-7214 (fax) Volume 57, Number 2 How to Deal with Accusers Peter gave instructions to those who were about to suffer severe persecution for their faith (1 Peter). He gave instructions on how to deal with those who accused them of wrongdoing (3:14-15). This can also help us as we face detractors. Note four steps: 1. Do not be intimidated (14). “But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled...” Never allow those who oppose the truth to intimidate you so that you cower. Rather, live in confidence of your faith. 2. Sanctify Christ in your heart (15). “...but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy...” The phrase “regard as holy” could be translated “sanctify.” The point seems to be that Christ should be “set apart” in your heart. That is, make sure he has the place of honor above all else in your thinking and devotion. 3. Be prepared to answer (15). “...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you...” Know what you believe and why. Knowledge of God's word brings the confidence needed. Put in the required effort to know God's will. 4. Live right (16). “...having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” Make sure that any charge of wrongdoing has to be a lie. See you Sunday, ready to answer... --David 2 Peter: Understanding False Teachers (Chapter 2) David South One step in avoiding the dangers posed by false teachers is to understand them and how they work. That seems to be the intent of 2 Peter chapter 2. The material can be organized into four categories: 1. 2. 3. 4. Their Conduct (1-3) Their Condemnation (4-10a) Their Character (10b-16) Their Claims (17-22) Their conduct (1-3). This appears to be a generic description of the methods used by those who teach error. Not every teacher will use all the methods described. Peter gives six descriptors of those methods. 1. They masquerade of as one us (1). “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you...” Peter had referred to the Old Testament prophets at the end of chapter 1. He pointed out that there were also false prophets back then. In the same way, he warned that there would be false teachers “among” the Christians. The danger for the church is not only from without. (See Acts 20:29-30 and 1 Jn. 2:18-19). One need not panic, but neither should one ignore the threat. The Christian cannot accept the teacher just because he claims to be of us. One must always put the teacher to the test of Scripture (Acts 17:11). 2. They move secretly (1). “...who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them...” The phrase “secretly bring in” comes from a Greek word which literally means “bring in alongside of.” In the movies, the hero sometimes has to sneak into the enemy's territory by hiding alongside the cattle or the delivery truck. False teachers slip error in alongside the truth. This is part of what makes it so dangerous. Just enough truth is usually included so as to make the heresy hard to spot. These teachers were going so far as to deny the Lord who bought them. This does not mean that this is the only error that was being taught; it simply is given as an example of how far they will go. This is the sense of the word “even.” 3. They mislead many (2). “And many will follow their sensuality...” The simply word “many” indicates the extent of their influence. This is not a small problem. The “many” will follow the sensuality advocated by these teachers. The word translated “sensuality” (aselgeia) is sometimes translated “lasciviousness” or “debauchery”(Gal. 5:19; Jude 4). The word is quite broad, meaning the lack of restraint. These teachers were trying to remove restraints. The contexts in which the word is found in the New Testament are usually contexts of sexual sin. Thus, the word is often understood as a lack of restraint when it comes to sexual morality. Some teachers led many astray to a lifestyle that is unacceptable to God – all the while claiming to serve God. MARK YOUR CALENDARS There will be an important meeting for Elders, Deacons and Staff on Sunday, January 27th at 4:00 p.m. OUR PRAYER & SHUT-IN LIST (Please let the church office know of friends and family that you would like to be remembered in this section and please remember to let us know when their names need to be removed.) Our Members who are ill or need prayers: Bill Barfield (moved to Slidell, LA this past Tuesday), Gaythel Fisher, Gayle Forsythe, Mal Mauney, James Sain, Peggy Tines Our Friends/Relatives: Edd Marie Agnew, Max Betts, Scott Borders, Ruth Brandige, Billy Brown, Gilbert Brown, Jan Burks, Patricia Caldwell, Ramona Carter, Todd Collier, Gabbi Cook, Sharon Davis, Jerry Dunaway, Pearl Dunn, Jim Edmonds, Rose Franklin, Helen Gosnell, Mollie Green, JoAnne Gutowsky, Martha Harris, Kristy Hearn, Brooke Henderson, Lori Hodgin, Ray Kelley, Chris Kerstell, Carol Larson, Betty Lusk, Charity Lynn, Pete Meadows, Pearl Miles, Chris Mitchell, Roy Nichols (recent heart attack), Marian Overton, Russell Rast, Waynetta Rodgers, Keith Ricks, Louise Smalley, Sharon Smith, Bill Stewart, Diane Towe, Viktor Tretiakov, Corey Turner, Mary Dean Wages, Abigail Weaver, Eli Williams In Assisted Living: Germantown Plantation, 9293 Poplar Ave., Germantown, TN 38138: Essie Brown (Apt. 315), Janice Doerflein (Apt. 107), – SomerOak Senior Living, 10790 Hwy 64, Somerville, TN 38068-6062 - Madie Hunsucker, Virginia Holland SomerOak Senior Living, 10790 Hwy 64, Somerville, TN 38068-6062, Clemmie Allison, 2782 Star Landing Rd. E, #306B, Southaven, MS 38672, phone 901-297-6175. SERVING TODAY (1/20/13) Song Leader Dennis Sangster Welcome&Announcements David Close Opening Prayer Ron Barker Prepare Communion Bob & Pat King Sermon David South Pick Up Cards: Isaac Amar & Kaeden Whartenby Serve Communion: Don Bennett, Darrell Dacus, Steve Grantham, Ron Hinton, Trey Hughes, Alex Jones, Robert Jones, Max Maxwell AM Closing Prayer Mark Mitchell PM Song Leader Dennis Sangster PM Opening Prayer Larry Knox PM Sermon David South PM Closing Prayer James Wilson AM Nursery: Lisa & Erin Greer PM Nursery Donna Mars WORSHIP/LUNCH/WORSHIP This Sunday will be our regular Third Sunday worship, then a catered luncheon from Leonard's Barbeque, then a brief devotional and then be dismissed for the remainder to the day. We hope that you will plan to stay at the luncheon, then share in a brief message with us. If you have not purchased your tickets yet, please see Larry Knox. Cost of adults is $6 and children 2 – 6 will be $3. SYMPATHY We have just learned of the death of David Miller, the youngest brother of Rhea and Tommy Miller. David passed away due to a heart attack. He and his daughter attended worship at the Millington Church of Christ. Memorial services were last Thursday evening at the Millington church. Our sincere sympathy is extended to this family. The Amar family has lost a loved one back in their home country. Our sincere sympathy is extended to them. Connie has gone back home for two weeks. Be sure to remember her in your prayers. OAKLAND EVENTS You are also cordially invited to the Winter Series at the Oakland Church January 22 – February 12 th. Guest speakers for the remainder of the series are: 22 nd - Jim Palmer, 29th - Raymond Jones, Feb 5 th - Charles Fulbright and Feb. 12th Tim Alsup. Call the church for time of services. April 20th is the date for the Annual Ladies Day at the Oakland Church of Christ. Speakers will be Karen and Sharen Cypress and events will begin at 10 am and close at 2 pm. For further information, call the Oakland Church at 465-4294. BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES 20 - Daniel Jordan 22 - Eudie Freeman 23 - Marvin Allison 23 - Hayden Riley 24 - Eli Kilpi 27 - Kathy Betty 28 - Mark Hillis 29 - Charles Bryson 30 - Heather Moderow 30 - Landon Norris 30 - Pat Slate 31 - Addie Mitchell January Anniversaries: 21 - Jerry & Barbara Mathis 27 - Debra Knight & husband ASSOCIATED WOMEN FOR HARDING On Saturday, February 2, at 6:00 p.m. the Associated Women for Harding invite you to their annual Soup & Chili Supper and Pie Auction. Enjoy the world famous AWH Soup & Chili, bid on pies made by Memphis's finest pie chefs for only $10.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased ahead by calling 901-761-1355 or they will be available at the door. All proceeds, including the cost of your ticket, provide scholarships for Harding University and Harding School of Theology students. 12 YEARS LATER... Recently, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, CO, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommitee. What he said to our nation's leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. The following is a portion of the transcript: “Since the dawn of creation there has been both good and evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers. (continued ...12 Years Later...) “The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used..Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart. “In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA – because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. “I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy – it was an event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that express my feelings best. Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question “Why?” You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need! “Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our makeup, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs – politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacres. The real villain lies within our own hearts. “As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school I defy any law or politician to deny them that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA – I give to you a sincere challenge...Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!” - Darrell Scott-