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MINISTER’S MESSAGE
"JOHN 4:50" This royal official was probably an officer in Herod’s service. He had walked 20 miles to see Jesus and addressed him as “Sir,” putting himself under Jesus even though he had legal authority over Jesus. This miracle was more than a favor to one official; it was a sign to all the people. John’s Gospel was written to all mankind to urge faith in Christ. Here’s a government official who had faith that Jesus could do what he claimed. The official believed; then he saw a miraculous sign. This government official not only believed Jesus could heal; he also obeyed Jesus by returning home, thus demonstrating his faith. It isn’t enough for us to say we believe that Jesus can take care of our problems. We need to act as if he can. When you pray about a need or problem, live as though you believe Jesus can do what he says. We, as the body of Christ should be living our lives not only believing in God’s word, but demonstrating our belief through faithful living to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches, “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). Sinclair, we should be encouraged to participate in “CONVICTION: FROM BELIEF TO BEHAVIOR.” The words of Jesus are prevalent today, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2) Remember, you have not truly witnessed the “East Texas Experience” until you have worshipped at the Sinclair Church of Christ! Your Brother in Christ, Ralph Kinnel Ministering Evangelist
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MINISTER’S MESSAGE
"Romans 14:19" It is nothing like being empowered to do great things in the kingdom of God. Every New Testament Christian needs to be empowered to be faithful to the Lord. At the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), the Jewish church in Jerusalem asked the Gentile church in Antioch not to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Paul was at the Jerusalem council, and he accepted this request not because he felt that eating such meat was wrong in itself, but because this practice would deeply offend many Jewish believers. Paul did not think the issue was worth dividing the church over; his desire was to promote unity. So he concludes, “if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.“Paul’s practice was to honor, as far as possible, the convictions of others. Believers are called to accept one another without judging our varied opinions. However, when the situation has to be faced, how should we deal with those who disagree with us? Paul’s response is that all believers should act in love so as to maintain peace in the church. The bottom line is that all believers should strive to promote peace and mutual edification regardless of convictions (Romans 14:19). Sinclair, we should be encouraged to participate in “EMPOWERING THE SAINTS.” The words of Jesus are prevalent today, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)Remember, you have not truly witnessed the “East Texas Experience” until you have worshipped at the Sinclair Church of Christ! Because He Lives, Ralph Kinnel Ministering Evangelist  In the book of Numbers, Moses decided what information was needed before the people could enter the promised land, and he took careful steps to get that information. When you are making decisions or assuming new responsibilities, remember these two important steps. Ask yourself what you need to know about the opportunity, and then obtain that knowledge. Common sense is a valuable aid in accomplishing God’s purposes.
Whenever, people are moving from their comfort zone to the uncomfortable zone there will be “GIANTS’ to face. Some will face the giants of uncertainty, prejudice, racism, fear, lack of information, and etc. However, there is nothing more prevalent than facing the “GIANT” in the mirror and conquering him or her first before attempting to face other giants. The New Testament church has a responsibility in sharing the good news with people in the world. This task can become a “giant” for members of the church without faith, proper training, and etc. However, the Holy Spirit will assist New Testament Christians in facing this “giant” and conquering the mission the Lord has given us. (Matt. 28:18-20) The Sinclair Church of Christ will reach higher ground when each member will be willing to assist in “FACING THE GIANTS.” The family should participate in Bible class, worship training classes, activities, and etc. The brothers should demonstrate initiative in leading the home as well as the congregation. The sisters should be supportive and encouraging in helping us meet our goals. The youth should be encouraged to participate in youth activities, and programs. Sinclair, we should be encouraged to participate in “FACING THE GIANTS.” The words of Jesus are prevalent today, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2) Yes, Sinclair we should focus on restoring every family member in order to reach our goals for this year. Remember, you have not truly witnessed the East Texas Experience until you have worshiped at the Sinclair Church of Christ! Your Brother in Christ, Ralph Kinnel Ministering Evangelist RISE OF CATHOLICISM AND DENOMINATIONALISM By Leroy Brownlow The Lord established his church a little more than 1900 years ago. This sacred institution remained pure and uncorrupted for a time. Then the predicted apostasy began to be fulfilled (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thes. 2:1-4; 1 Tim. 4:1-3). The commandments and inventions of men led to the gradual development of the Roman Catholic Church. At a later date men tried to reform the Catholic Church, but their efforts only resulted in the establishment of more man-made churches. Their efforts gave birth to denominationalism with its hundreds of contradictory doctrines. All historians know that denominationalism is the offspring of Catholicism. However, the church founded by Jesus and the apostles in the first century was neither the Roman Catholic Church nor the Protestant Church, but was Christ's church, the true church. Members were neither Catholics nor Protestants, but were Christians. DENOMINATIONALISM VS. UNDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIANITY
Many bodies or churches One body or church (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 12:20) Founded by men Founded by Christ (Matt. 16:18) Human heads Christ the head (Eph. 1:22, 23) Human creeds Bible as only creed (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Wear human names Wear the name Christian (Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16) Follow men Following men is condemned (1 Cor. 1:10-13) Membership is no salvation Membership in the church essential to salvation (Eph. 5:23) Rewrite creeds every few years Bible remains the same (Matt. 24:35) Many faiths One faith (Eph. 4:5) Many baptisms One baptism (Eph. 4:5) Join churches God adds to the church (Acts 2:47) |
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