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HIGHLAND DRIVE CHURCH OF CHRIST

March 7, 2010

Article from the Minister

Spiritual Manna

We are familiar with the manna the children of Israel were fed in the wilderness. The people needed food and God provided. In the region where they were, there is a secretion from trees which when strained and cooked is sweet, similar to honey.

The manna which God sent was like coriander seeds. The people would grind it and make it into bread. The manna was on the ground after the dew left. The people were to gather enough for that day only, except on Friday they were to gather enough to supply them through Saturday. God did not send manna on the Sabbath. If extra was gathered the other days of the week, it did not keep.

Spiritual manna is food supplied by God for his people. It is given in abundance. There is no day which we are forbidden to partake of the spiritual manna. God’s word is food for the soul. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:12-14.  In this passage we are taught about the milk of the word and the solid food.

Paul warned the Christians in Corinth about not growing in the word of the Lord. “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Jesus refers to himself as manna. “As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven--not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.” John 6:57-58.

Many have forgotten that Jesus is the “word”. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 When we read and learn the word of God (the Bible) we are learning Jesus. We are getting that spiritual manna from heaven so that we will live forever.

How are your eating habits? When we look at one another’s physical bodies we can tell something about our habits of eating physical foods! How is your spiritual life? Are you eating a balanced diet of the word? We must eat lest we become weak and die. Just as our physical bodies need food, our soul also needs food. We need to eat daily to have good physical health. How often should we eat spiritual food? “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 2-4

So many people read the labels on the food in the grocery stores. Many of those same people read books, but do not read the labels on those books. You must read the Bible and study it with all diligence. This is the only book with the answers to all the spiritual questions we need to know. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."

                                                                           Love, Vernon

Guest Article

Jesus Christ as a Servant --

Jesus was a self-confessed servant. In Mark 10:45 He said, "The Son of Man has come, not to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many."

These words are so familiar to us that we often miss the punch line. In Jesus' day, the phrase "Son of Man" was frequently discussed. It was a messianic title. The Jews were expecting the Son of Man to come at any moment. There was considerable speculation about the details, but on one thing everyone agreed -- the Son of Man was coming to receive homage from the nations, particularly of course, the Romans, whom the Jews loathed. Had not Daniel, in 7:14, prophesied that to the Son of Man was to be given "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages would serve him"?

But Jesus changed the whole thing around and caused consternation! "No," Jesus said, in effect, "You're looking in the wrong direction. The Son of Man has come to serve, not to be served."

On another occasion, Jesus did something just as bold. He linked the phrase "Son of Man" with suffering and rejection (Mark 8:31). The "Son of Man" represents the highest conceivable declaration of exaltation in Judaism; the servant of the Lord is the expression of the deepest humiliation. His uniting these two apparently contradictory tasks was unheard of. Yet, He expressed that union in His life and teaching.

Jesus had no time for status seekers. He publicly condemned those who "love the place of honor at feasts, and the best seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men" (Matthew 23:6,7). He forbade the pursuit of titles and honors. "You are not to be called Rabbi," He said, "for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your Father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called Masters for you have one Master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant" (verses 8-11).

Had Jesus wished to rely on status and title, He had the greatest. But to Him, service was more important than honors and rewards. Would to God that every Christian would follow His example today!

                                 -- Tom Kelton, (article taken from "The Voice of Truth International")

IN OUR PRAYERS...

Please continue to remember the following in your prayers: Del Roach, Herb Warren, Pat Ivy, Roy Phares, Alice Webb, Joan Cook, Bobby McIntosh, Debbie Boyd, Dathel Webber, Mescal West, and Daaron Sarver.

Boyd "Buzz" Vandermark, brother-in-law to JoAnn Kelly, had a stroke and is in the local hospital.

Nadine Barton is still sick with a virus.

Alvoy Richardson is doing some better and hopes to be back at worship soon.

Jean Reitenbach is having a health problem, and she was scheduled for a test on Thursday.  Previous tests have been negative.

Loretta Tompkins' uncle passed away last Sunday evening. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Alice Rogers has asked for the prayers of the church to be more patient.

Bobby Miller has also asked for prayers to have a better attitude.

Loyd Sullivan recently had eye surgery to repair a detached retina.

Don Magill recently had tests run with good results, for which we are thankful.

Dorothy Bass' knee surgery has been postponed.

Robert McKee, nephew of Dorothy Bass and Patsy Myers, is in the hospital in Joplin in critical condition.

Roxie Miller, Bobby Miller's grandmother, is dealing with health problems. Please keep her in your prayers.

Floyd Howe is dealing with health issues at this time. He and Marvella would appreciate phone calls, visits, and prayers.

Carlee Vancil, daughter of Robin Vancil and granddaughter of Clella and Jack Whiteside, recently broke her leg and underwent surgery. Please pray for a speedy recovery.

Warren Kaufhold, father of Gail Magill, fell and broke his collar bone and damaged his shoulder. Please pray for Mr. Kaufhold.

Billie Lowe had surgery recently. Please continue to pray for Billie as she recovers.

Marilyn Dodge is experiencing health problems and requests the prayers of the church.

"Please keep my daughter Deloris in your prayers. We're waiting to see what the next MRI shows." In Christian love, Cleo Crofford

NURSING HOMES: Wanda Ashby (Room C-1) – River Mist Care Center; Mary Dover – Oakdale; and Elsie Coleman is in Assisted Living at Oakdale.

FAMILY NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reminder: Daylight Savings Time will start on Sunday, March 14. Spring forward one hour.

Vernon will make a presentation on the recent India Trip on March 14 during the evening service.

There will be a Birthday Party for Myrtle Willeford today in the church building basement following evening service. (Note: There will not be a full meal at the birthday party, but rather cake and ice cream will be served.) No gifts please -- your presence is the only gift requested. Thank you.

The Tuesday Morning Bible Study will resume on March 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Thank you note: Dear Church Family, I want to thank all of you for the prayers, visits to the hospital and home, for the cards, phone calls, and flowers. May God bless you. With Christian love, Mescal (Mac) and Marion West

Thank you note: We wish to thank all of you who have helped to see us through this time of grief with the passing of our mother and grandmother. There are so many who have done so much for us at this difficult time with your prayers, phone calls, visits, and the food prepared for us. We will forever appreciate all you have done. Even more, we thank you for your many calls and visits to Mom during the last year when she was unable to leave her home. You brightened her days. In Christian love, Jan and Ed Kinworthy, and Kim and Steve Higginbotham

Monthly Preachers' Meeting, March 9, at the Shady Acres Church of Christ at Sikeston.

Gospel Meeting, Naylor Church of Christ, March 11-14, with speaker, Larry Mathis of Nashville, Tennessee.

Gospel Meeting, Essex Church of Christ, March 26-28, with speaker Ron Bryant of Gadsden, Alabama.

Children's Homes - the next food/supply run will be April 5, 2010.

Six State Gospel Singing, Friday, April 16, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., Southwind Church of Christ, 8220 East Shelby Drive, Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Week of February 28, 2010

Sunday Bible Class ..….....…....  97

Sunday Morning Worship ....... 154

Sunday Evening Worship …....  79

Wednesday Bible Study …....... 84

Sunday Contribution …........... $3,400.00

 

TV Programs Now Available

www.Gospelbroadcastingnetwork.com is available on the Internet. It is also now available on digital TV.

"Bible Answers" Channel 9, 8:00-8:30 a.m., Sunday on Direct TV.

 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Sunday:

Bible Study ….…….. 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship….10:00 a.m.

Evening Worship ….. 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday:

Bible Study …………9:30 a.m.

Wednesday:

Bible Study ……..…..7:00 p.m.

___________________________________________________________


Tune in Wednesday for:

“Key to The Kingdom” – Ch. 17 @ 5 p.m.

“In Search of The Lord’s Way” – Ch. 17 @ 5:30 p.m.

 

SERVICES OFFERED:

  • Bible Correspondence Courses

  • In-home Bible video series

  • In-home Bible studies

  • Bible literature on variety of subjects

  • Transportation to our services

  • Food Pantry

  • Clothing Room

 

Elders

Mark Allen ………....……........….. 712-5880

Tom Carter ………....…........……. 785-7455

Charles Lancaster …....…….......... 785-8748

Deacons

Mark North ………....….........…… 686-2230

Lorenzo Sandlin ……....….........…. 785-4118

Bill Thornberry ……....….........….. 785-4195

Stacey Ward ………....….........……785-3495

Minister

Vernon Curry …...……….........…. 714-8240

 

 

Highland Drive Church of Christ

1601 Highland Drive

Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

 

 

 



   

   

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