Are You Reading the Right Book For the Wrong Reasons? · Kelsey Cannington, Joy & Norma’s cousin...
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December 07, 2014 Are You Reading the Right Book For the Wrong Reasons? By: Shane Robinson History tells us the Pharisees, a Jewish group popular during the time of Jesus, were well respected in their communities. They took their faith seriously. They were concerned with remaining ritually pure before God. They knew the Book, and were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in. With all these positive qualities, why did they have such an issue with Jesus? Why is it many of the Pharisees missed their Messiah? Could it be they studied the right book for the wrong reasons? They were closed-minded and went out looking for a fight instead of looking for the truth (Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26). Why search for truth when you’ve arrived? Why listen to a “false teacher” like Jesus - unless it was to use his words against him? (So they thought.) They were so busy pointing out everybody else's sin they overlooked their own (Matthew 7:1-5; 23:25-28; John 8:1-11). Why focus on your own issues when people out there were worse sinners than you? Can they get an amen? They were so blinded by their traditions they failed to understand the "heart" of God's Law (Matthew 9:1-13; 15:1-9; 23:23). It was as if they lived in their own self-righteous box, dismissing anyone who did not keep the their man-made tradition-infused law perfectly. So what? What’s the point? When we study the Bible, let’s make sure we are open to the truth, read it to make changes in our own life, and don’t get so caught up with tradition that we miss the bigger picture - Jesus and His mission (Luke 19:1-10).
Transcript of Are You Reading the Right Book For the Wrong Reasons? · Kelsey Cannington, Joy & Norma’s cousin...
December 07, 2014
Are You Reading the Right Book For
the Wrong Reasons? By: Shane Robinson
History tells us the Pharisees, a Jewish group popular during the time of Jesus, were well respected in
their communities. They took their faith seriously. They were concerned with remaining ritually pure
before God. They knew the Book, and were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in.
With all these positive qualities, why did they have such an issue with Jesus? Why is it many of the
Pharisees missed their Messiah? Could it be they studied the right book for the wrong reasons?
They were closed-minded and went out looking for a fight instead of looking for the truth
(Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26). Why search for truth when you’ve arrived? Why listen to a
“false teacher” like Jesus - unless it was to use his words against him? (So they thought.)
They were so busy pointing out everybody else's sin they overlooked their own (Matthew 7:1-5;
23:25-28; John 8:1-11). Why focus on your own issues when people out there were worse sinners
than you? Can they get an amen?
They were so blinded by their traditions they failed to understand the "heart" of God's Law
(Matthew 9:1-13; 15:1-9; 23:23). It was as if they lived in their own self-righteous box, dismissing
anyone who did not keep the their man-made tradition-infused
law perfectly.
So what? What’s the point? When we study the Bible, let’s make sure
we are open to the truth, read it to make changes in our own life, and
don’t get so caught up with tradition that we miss the bigger picture
- Jesus and His mission (Luke 19:1-10).
December
12/7 Debbie Cole
12/11 Barbara Littleton; Andrew Wooten
12/13 Matthew Holland; Haley Koger
12/15 George Wallace
12/18 John & Linda Weaver
12/21 Alfred & Sue Thomas
12/21 Alfred Thomas
12/24 Jenny Williams
That’s W hy I Never Eat Everybody has an excuse for not attending worship services. If we take those excuses and apply them to something else we do or don’t do, they might look like this list:
I don’t eat anymore because . . .
•I was forced to eat as a child.
• People who eat all the time are hypocrites; they aren’t really hungry.
• There are so many different kinds of food, I can’t decide what to eat.
• I used to eat, but I got bored.
• None of my friends will eat with me.
• I only eat on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter.
• I’ll start eating when I get older.
• I’m too busy working.
• I don’t really have the time.
• I don’t believe that eating does any good. It’s just a crutch.
• Restaurants and grocery stores are only after your money.
Laughable, isn’t it? Regular attendance for worship to God is vital for a healthy soul (Hebrews 10:25). Our relationship with God is far more important than regular, balanced meals. Without spiritual food, we will die (1 Peter 2:2).
You are invited to come and worship with us at the church of Christ. In fact, we’ll save you a seat! Unknown
Laundry Detergent Dish Liquid
Personal Items
This Week’s Pantry Items
PRAYER REQUESTS
OUR SICK
Alfred Thomas, recovering from shoulder surgery
Vivian Compton, suffering severe back issues
Jimmie Ann Brown, moved to Lifecare of E. Ridge
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Barbara Frei, relative of Chris Young
Ed Sitton, member at Lookout Hall
Debbie Cameron, Jimmie Cameron’s daughter
Clint Dodd; member at Mountain View
Kelsey Cannington, Joy & Norma’s cousin
Rick Taylor, friend of Jimmie Cameron
Michael Allmond, friend of Walter Jackson
Davey Sentell, Mike Sentell’s son
Stan Bettis, Walter Jackson’s brother
UPCOMING EVENTS Dec. 7 First Sunday Fellowship Meal;
after morning worship
Dec. 7 TRIPLE R Meeting; immediately
following 1:30 PM service
Dec. 7 Ladies’ Annual Ornament Swap;
4 PM; Amanda Hamala’s home
Please Note:
Dorcas will not meet in December, but will resume in January.
Ladies Devotional Breakfast will not meet in December, but will resume in January.
Men’s Study and Monthly Devo will not meet in December, but will also resume in January.
Lesson NotesDecember 07, 2014
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THE SIGNS OF THE TIMESUnder the authority of the Roman government, Herod was a puppet king who neither loved God nor His people. At this time in history, Israel had not heard from God for some 400 years. Some remembered God’s promises, but many became victims of society.THE RIGHTEOUS REMNANTZachariah (God remembers) was married to Elizabeth (The oath of God). This couple dedicated their lives to belonging to God and serving Him. They were very unusual.THE PRESSURE TO BREAKIts possible Zachariah had to work into his retirement years just to make ends meet. By having no children, this couple experienced disappointment and humiliation (cp. 1:25).THE GOD WHO REMEMBERS HIS OATHAlthough society used this couple as an example of what not to be, God used this couple as an example of what to be. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this couple would go down in history as producing the greatest human to ever live (cp. 7:25).
• They were odd because they worshipped God and resisted the urge to chase the American dream.
• They were odd because they worshipped God and accepted His provi-dence in their life.
GET INVOLVED //going on this week
Today //Fellowship meal following AM service // 1:30 PM Singing Service // Ladies Annual Ornament Swap @ Hamala’s 4 PM Tuesday // Hospital LunchWednesday // Tips For Better Bible Study
Word SearchLuke 1
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982. Print.
Scripture ReadingLuke 1:5–10
