THE HEIGHTENER

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you." -James 4:10

VIEWPOINT

“The leading cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, but deny him with their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”

I guess there have always been individuals who participate in all the worldly activities common on Saturday night, but make sure they attend church on Sunday. It isn’t a new problem:

"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, ‘I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. . . . This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6 NIV)

It isn’t about our past, however; it’s about what Christ can do with our future. The point is this: lost people are watching us. They are listening to how we talk, scrutinizing our attitudes, and monitoring our consumption. They are observing our actions to see if we really believe what we profess.

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20).

We are ambassadors for Christ; let's go out and live like it.

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Songs do say a lot: There was a church where the preacher and the song leader were not getting along. As time went by this began to spill over into the worship service. The first week the minister preached on commitment and how we all should dedicate ourselves to the service of God. The song leader led the song “I Shall Not Be Moved.”

The second week the sermon focused on stewardship and how we all should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The song leader led the song “Jesus paid it All.”

The third week the preacher discussed gossip and how we should all watch our tongues. The song leader responded with the song “I Love to Tell the Story.” With all this going on, the preacher became very disgusted over the situation and the following Sunday told the congregation that he was considering resigning. The song leader followed with the song “Why Not Tonight?”

As it came to pass, the preacher did indeed resign. The next week he informed the church that it was Jesus who led him there and it was Jesus that was taking him away. The song leader led the song, “What a Friend we have in Jesus.”

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word! RA

Be Blessed

Blessed are those who live each day with eternity in view,

For in looking back on life there will be no regrets.

Blessed are those who embrace a vision greater than themselves,

For what they give their lives to will endure forever.

Blessed are those who are passionate about the worship to come,

For assembled will be every tribe, nation, people and language.

Blessed are those who store up treasure in heaven,

For there most of the unfinished work of the kingdom remains, but laborers are few.

Blessed are those who commit to faithfulness for the long-term,

For effectiveness in ministry increases with time.

Blessed are those who are committed to prayer and application of God’s word,

For in those disciplines lives are forever changed.

Blessed are those who serve with a vibrant, caring, visionary family of God,

For in the midst of healthy community, results dramatically increase.

Blessed are those who consistently live out the message of grace,

For in doing so the blessings of the Lord will be widely dispersed.

It is time to update and reorganize our Shower Committees. If you would like to be a part of this group, please sign the list posted on the bulletin board. If you have any questions, please see Melanie King.

The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Alyene Baker and her family in the death of her brother. Funeral services were in Arkansas.

The South Cobb church invites you to their Gospel Meeting April 27-30 with guest speaker Steve Blackman. More information is posted on the bulletin board.

The Women’s Ministry of the Douglasville church invites you to a Tea Party on Sunday, May 4 from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Come for fun, refreshments and uplifting words from the speakers. More information is posted on the bulletin board.

Nancy Kirkland’s sister, Donna Bledsoe, had knee replacement surgery on April 21.

Jill Marlow’s sister-in-law, Sandra Eagling, is improving following her car accident and subsequent surgery for the

Paula Anderson, Nancy Kirkland, Bill Moore and Joyce Robbins were sick over the weekend.

Continue to remember Susan Carson, Nell Peters, J. W. Raines, Richard Smith and Geneva White.

THOSE TO SERVE - April 27, 2008
Welcome	Ross Anderson
Song Leader	Bobby Mitchell
Opening Prayer	Chris King
Lord's Table	*Joe Maddox
	*Keith Bearden
	Greg Cannon
	Bill Moore
Scripture Reading	Chris Thompson
	1 Corinthians 2:14-16
Closing Prayer	Jim May
Welcome -PM	Ross Anderson
Song Leader	Bobby Mitchell
Opening Prayer	Jimmy Pulliam
Scripture Reading	Joe Minichowski
	Jeremiah 10:23, 24
Closing Prayer	Bill Moore
Communion Preparation	Peggy Hamby
Nursery Attendant	Melanie King, Paula Anderson

Bible School	94
Worship AM	114
Worship PM	62
Wednesday Bible Study	65
Contribution	$ 2,770.35