thing. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change our ways. “The blue-ness of a wound cleanseth away evil” (Prov. 20:30).

2. God uses problems to INSPECT us. People are sometimes like tea bags. To know who they are inside, it’s necessary to drop them into hot wa-ter! If God has ever tested your faith with a prob-lem, then what did it reveal about you? "My breth-ren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temp-tations: knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3).

3. God uses problems to CORRECT us. Some lessons we learn only through pain and fail-ure. It's likely that as a children, our parents told us to not touch a hot stove, but we probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of some things in our lives (health, money, a relationship, etc.) by losing it. "My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught mc thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy com-mandments are righteousness" (Psalm 119:71-72).

4. God uses problems to PROTECT us. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents us from being harmed by something more serious. Consider the trials and hardships endured by Jo-seph as a result of his being sold by his jealous brothers and by his time he spent in prison, alt-hough he was innocent. Over time, God’s deliver-ance was evident. Joseph said, “...for God did send me before you to preserve life...And God sent me

Bulletin #1532 October 7, 2018

From The Minister’s Pen

P roblems are common to everyone —male and female —rich and poor —educated and

uneducated —Christian and non-Christian. Prob-lems also come in many types —health, financial, family issues, etc. No one can escape them. To the Christian, Paul says: ”Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecu-tions.” (2 Tim. 3:12).

There also is suffering “as a Christian”. Peter said, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4:16).

Problems can be created by ourselves or by others. There also are situations in which God allows certain problems. Such problems are for our benefit. Often through problems, He has a lesson to teach us.

What is God telling us with the problems that He permits in our lives? The problems we face will either defeat or develop us, depending upon how we respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to con-sider what benefit they might bring.

There are five ways God uses problems in our lives.

1. God uses problems to DIRECT us. There are times in which God must light a fire under-neath us to stimulate us to move or to do some-

Life’s Problems

Page 2

before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth” (Gen. 45:5-7. Late Joseph said "...ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good , to bring to pass, as it is t his day, to save much people alive” (Gen. 50:20).

5. God uses problems to PERFECT us. Problems, when responded to correctly, are char-acter builders. God is far more interested in your character and the condition of your sour than your comfort. Your relationship with God, your faith and your character are the only things you're go-ing to take with you into eternity. "And not only so. but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience: and patience, expe-rience: and experience, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).

For certain, there will be problems, storms and despair in your life. If you are Christ’s servant, then do not fret when you encounter problems and storms. If you didn’t bring it upon yourself, then God may be at work in your life —even when you do not recognize it or understand it. However, it is much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him through patience and faithfulness. Keep the faith. If He has brought you to it, know that He is loving and able enough to take you through it. In the end, you will be a better person.

THERE’S A CHURCH

YOU OUGHT TO KNOW This church pleads for the restoration of the New Testament church; practices the unity of all Christians on the basis of God’s Word; has

no creed but Christ; and preaches no “Isms.”

This church seeks to present Christianity as in-telligent as science, as appealing as art, as vital as the day’s work, as intimate as home,

and as inspiring as love.

Our Foundation—“Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus

Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).

Our Creed—“Thou art the Christ, the Son of

the living God” (Matt. 16:16).

Our Rule of Faith and Practice—“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profita-ble for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto

all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Our Name—“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). “The

churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16).

Our Worship—“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”. (Acts

2:42).

Our Mission—“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Fa-ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Amen” (Matt. 28:19-20).

Our Prayer—That the disciples of Christ may all be one that the world may believe God

sent Him (John 17:21).

Our Invitation—We invite those who are not members of the Lord’s church to earnestly in-vestigate and seek to be added (Acts 2:38, 47)

Bulletin #1532 October 7, 2018

Chu r c h N ews a nd Vi ew s

Markenson Jeanny (Baptized: September 30, 2018)

COME and HELP distribute materials for the

cause of Christ and the saving of souls.

You think you don’t know what to do??

COME, WATCH and LEARN!!

A gospel preacher never gets to say “I’m off duty”. He never

gets to punch out at 5. Never gets to have a normal schedule. We don’t know how many sleepless nights he spends on his knees praying for the congregation. How much opposition he faces. How many family opportunities he misses to meet with hurting people. We can’t carry his burden for him, but we can do what the Bible tells us to do: Pray for him. Encour-age him. Support him. By blessing him, we will only be blessed in return!

We are pleased to introduce today’s guest speaker, Elijah

Bush, Sr., minister emeritus at Avondale Church of Christ (Birmingham, AL). Bro. Bush is well known throughout the Brotherhood his biblically sound preaching as well as his out-standing singing. We look forward to his lessons in the AM and PM worship services and in both adult Bible study classes. We look forward to hearing and engaging in both. Please return this afternoon at 4:00PM.

Dr. S. T. W. Gibbs III (Dallas, TX)

Page 4

“Lord, He Whom Thou Lovest Is Sick” (John 11:3)

Shut-In: Charles Davis, Camille Ewers, Paul Frances, Martha Moore, Ermine Mullins, Joyce Parrish, Lillie Jackson

Prayer Requests: Barbara Adams, Annie Albritton, Louise Bowman, Raf Campbell, Arnetta Cross, Thelma Daise, Brooklyn Delancy, Aletha Denmark, Kristin Dicks, Felisha Downer, Donna Eacho, Sharon Eason, Nelzene Edwards, Loerine Ellis, Destiny Eugene., Daniel Eugene, Bessie Everitt, Phillip Everett, Linda Frazier, Hanley Freeman, John-Billy Glover, Linda Green, Cora Hargrett, Dudley Hill, Joe Holland, Vernon Holland, Brad Johnson, Becky Johnson, Catie Johnson, Gloria Johnson, Louis Johnson, Chicago Jones, Brenda King, Annie Lee, Kevin Larkins, Nancy Logan, Mary Lyons, Isaac McDowell, Elouise Mash, Suzanna Middleton, Sidney Molines, Sharon Monroe, Willie Mae Morris, Rosie Newson, Dianjalo Parrish, Patricia Reeves, Shay Roache, Akiko Robinson, Peggy Rogers, Rachel Scoggins, Richard & Jean Sherman, Maxine Smith, Yvonne Stokes, Linda Stokes, Brandi Stroman, Morris Strong, Joe Sutton, Samantha Tobias, Rolinne Trompe, Roosevelt Tukes, Lewis & Jean Truttling, Johnnie P. Walker, Lucille Walker, Ray Watson, Joshua Webb, Marie Webb, Ranspord Webley, Annie Williams, Betty Williams, Harold Winley, Jackie Williams

Bible Study (4:00PM) ........................... TODAY

Sick Ministry (6:00PM) ......................... Oct. 8

Midweek Bible Study (6:30PM) ......... Oct. 10

Word on the Street (9:30AM) ............ Oct. 13

Florida Voter Registration Deadline

This Tuesday October 9, 2018

It’s time to begin bringing the following items for Thanksgiving food donations:

Canned corn Canned green beans

Jellied cranberry sauce Packaged macaroni and cheese

Jiffy corn bread mix

Place your donation in one of the food barrels located in the rear hallway.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout this month, mem-

bers are asked to wear something pink (a flower, ribbon, shirt, etc.) in support of individ-uals who are fighting breast cancer, to cele-brate the survivors, to remember the lost and to remind women to take annual mammo-grams . About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Men, however, also are victims of this cancer. So increase awareness —WEAR PINK!

-BRING- Canned corn

Canned green beans Cranberry sauce

Jiffy cornbread mix Packaged macaroni & cheese

Month of OCTOBER

MORNING EVENING

Announcements Reginald Johnson Reginald Johnson

Song Leader

Prayer Glenn Barbee Willie Hamilton

Scripture (Reading Raymond Thompson Raymond Thompson

Song

Sermons Elijah Bush, Sr. Elijah Bush, Sr.

Call To Obedience Counselors: K. Hutchison / C. Jean / W. Hamilton Confessions /Prayer Petitions Keith Hutchison (Officiating) Keith Hutchison (Officiating)

Offering (1 Cor. 16:1,2) AM —Officiating: Keith Hutchison / Raymond Thompson

Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) (1) Left, J. Franklin (2) Left, D. Stokes

(3) Left, T. Harris (4) Left, L. Frazier

(1) Right, B. Byrd (2) Right, E. Holcombe

(3) Right, M. Hughes (4) Right, D. Edwards

Alternates: G. Barbee, M. Strong

PM —Officiating: Keith Hutchison / Raymond Thompson

E. Thompson C. Jean J. Franklin

B. Davis D. Stokes T. Harris

Alternates: G. Barbee, M. Strong

Ministerial Announcements

Doxology Dr. W. F. Washington Dr. W. F. Washington

Dismissal Willie Hamilton Willie Hamilton

Worship and Praise Leaders Keith Hutchison, Reginald Johnson

Ushers Head Ushers: Tony Hugley, Booker Bess

Auditorium: Bros. T. Hugley, B. Bess, F. Williams, D. Adams, E. Thompson, R. Johnson, J. Outler, M. Jeanty, D. Gray, S. Wilson, D. Freeman, R. Rouse, C. Rouse

Lobby: I. Johnson, H. Penn Back Hall: D. Brooks

Hospitality Desk / Concierge Alice George, Sharon Evans

Bulletin #1532 October 7, 2018

“We Come Into This House To Worship Him” (John 4:24)

Page 6

GOAL ACTUAL 9/30/2018

Wednesday PM Bible Study 300 107 Bible School 300 172

Baptisms (2018) 100 35 Placed Membership 2 Visitors 8

The

Record

Speaks

CLASS ATTENDANCE COLLECTION

GOAL NUMBER GOAL AMOUNT

Church Nursery 4

Nursery Class(2 & 3) 10 3 $ 12.00 $ 10.50

Kindergarten (4 & 5) 10 4 12.00 10.00

Grades 1 and 2 10 5 25.00 9.00

Grades 3 and 4 15 3 25.00 6.00

Grades 5 and 6 15 9 30.00 10.00

Grades 7 and 8 15 7 30.00 22.00

Grades 9 & 10 15 - 30.00 -

Grades 11 & 12 15 13 30.00 32.00*

General Adult Class 175 121 500.00 248.50

*GOAL MET Total: 169 $ 348.00

Bible School At tendance Report FROM: The Education Department Sept. 30, 2018

#1 CLASSES OF THE WEEK

ATTENDANCE

ADULT: General Adult

YOUTH: Grades 11 & 12

COLLECTION

ADULT: General Adult YOUTH: Grades 11 & 12

SERMON NOTES