Hohenwald Church of Christ Family News Vol. 71, Issue 51, December 18, 2016

Shepherds

Darrell Hinson 931-209-5146

Rick Jones 796-4377

Ronnie Riley 796-4251

Deacons Chad Brewer Charlie Brewer

Rick Brewer John Eglinton

John Ellis Tom Gosser

Billy Don Jackson Jon Jones

Jeff Peery Steve Selby

Honored to Serve in December: Announcements:

Jon Jones

Song Leader: Rick Brewer

Preside at Lord’s Table:

Tom Gosser

Lord’s Table:

Main: Lucas Clayton/Dempsy Goodman/R.E. McDonald/

C.W. Carroll/Chad Seiber/Lain Hinson

Wing: Billy Don Jackson &

Noah Cotham

Prepare Communion:

Darrell & Jackie Hinson

Deliver Communion:

Paul Brown & Charlie Brewer

Sunday, December 18:

Opening Prayer: Scottie Bass

Closing Prayer: Jason Fite

Minister: Greg Smith

931-306-7089

Check out our website:

hohenwaldchurchofchrist.com

Sun AM Bible Study: 9:30 a.m./Worship: 10:30 Sun PM: 6 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m.

Let’s All Be Sheep

When Jesus associated with people, there were often the outcasts of society. Numerous times in the gospels Jesus is said to be in the company of sinners and tax collectors. Jesus wanted to send a clear message to the church leaders of the day: the people you look down on are very important to the Heavenly Father. I believe one of the worst things a Christian can do is look down on another person or make them feel “less than.” This includes insulting a fellow Christian’s choice of friends, their family, or who they choose to date. The Bible clearly tells us that sometimes God’s people will be wolves who only appear to be one of God’s people. A wolf is someone with an evil heart. Consider the following scriptures:

"I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people.

You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not.

You have discovered they are liars.” Revelation 2:2

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's

clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15

Scripture is clear that people can worship as God’s children but not possess a changed heart. In a future article, I will go into more detail about signs of an evil heart. This is important if for no other reason each of us can take a long look in the mirror to determine whether we exhibit any of the warning signs of evil existing within us. The church leaders of Jesus’ day thought they were good and righteous and looked down on other people. I would encourage you to read Matthew, Mark, or Luke and notice the number of times the church people are guilty of looking down on others. The church people of Jesus’ day were the Jews and Pharisees. If you want to see how the teachings of Jesus apply to us today, every time you see the words Jews or Pharisees just pretend that it says “members of the Hohenwald Church of Christ.” Jesus had serious words for the church people who made others feel like they weren’t good enough or didn’t belong. In the letter James wrote, he warns against showing favoritism. We need to be careful of how we treat outsiders, but also how we treat our own church family members. Let’s be sheep—loving, caring, welcoming, and considerate members of the flock God so graciously allows us to be a part of. Keep the faith, Greg

Prayer Requests: We extend our sympathy to Lara Brewer, on the

passing of her uncle, Danny Johnston. Donna Collier will have a lumpectomy on

December 21 at Vanderbilt.

Continue to remember in prayer: Raylan Carroll, Linda Edwards, Lila Blackburn, Terri Baker, Bobby Galya, Emerie Mitchell, Ronnie Belew, Dana Shanes

Lynch, Susan Campbell, Kay Starling, Ruth Lentz, Matthew Jones, Austin Duncan, Beverly Malone, Iva DePriest,

Steve Hopper, Debbie Durham, Glen Garrison, Jim Webb, Darrell Potts, Connye Karpel, Louise Tatum, Earlene Berry,

Rabon Pipkins, Janie Ellis, Waylin Spears, Jane West, Richard Tate, Mary Lou Morton, Doris Gildersleeve,

Jimmy Griner, Barbara Nixon, Carolyn Armstrong, Evelyn Peery, Stephanie Fielder, Buster Sharp

Unlock/Lock Building for December:

Darrell Hinson

Volunteers Needed Today

We need volunteers to deliver Christmas cards and sing Christmas carols at the

Lewis County Nursing & Rehab today at 1:00 p.m. Please see or contact Kristin King Holley if you have any questions.

Hohenwald Church of Christ

Holiday Worship Schedule Sunday, December 25:

Worship at 10:30 a.m.

No classes & no evening service

Wednesday, December 28: Regular classes at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 1: Regular morning schedule

No evening worship

TODAY’S MESSAGE

How do I keep my focus on Jesus amidst distractions?

Key Idea:

I focus on God and his priorities for my life.

Key Verse:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

Sunday Evening Worship Leaders:

Song Leader: Steve Selby

Prayers: Jason Fite/Scotty Duncan

Congratulations to Tori Davis. Tori graduated from the University of Tennessee at

Chattanooga on December 17, 2016. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and

will be attending medical school.

DONATIONS

The Youth Group is requesting furniture donations (couch, chairs, end tables, etc.) for their class room. If anyone gets new furniture from Santa and would like to

donate their old, we would gladly accept it.