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Vol. 46, No.
34 SOUTHSIDE ORACLE November 7, 2003
Maintaining Our
Focus (2)
In the Written Word
Probably no Christian ever had a sharper
spiritual focus than Paul. He expressed it when he wrote, “When I came to
you brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in
lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except
Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:1, 2). For Paul, God’s whole
redemptive plan is summed up in Christ.
The story of Jesus and how it relates to us is
found in the Spirit-inspired New Testament writings. As a people committed
to the recovery of the primitive Christian faith in our day, we have placed
much emphasis on studying God’s word in order to replicate its principles in
our lives. It is true, however, that sincere people don’t always reach the
same conclusions in their study. What’s the reason? Surely the problem is
not in the revealed word. It must be the way we examine the divine
message. Though many factors are involved, I’d like to suggest a primary
reason – our tendency to be so intent on seeing the trees that we don’t
see the forest.
If you have flown over a forest you know
that the view from above is different from your view when you stand among
the trees. In the forest you can examine the trees, but only from above do
you see the vast expanse of the forest itself.
Similarly in our Bible study we often focus on
the trees – the details if you please: the meaning of words, the cultural
background, and our contemporary application. We are fortunate to have vast
resources available to help us understand the Scriptures. That is good.
Still, we can be so taken by the details that we
fail to appreciate the overall picture. Christians have often disagreed,
and sometimes divided, over details because they could not see the forest.
A hundred years ago a church in Central Wisconsin divided over the issue of
whether it is a sin to shake hands! You see, Paul once wrote, “Greet one
another with a holy kiss” (Rom. 16:16) and therefore shaking hands is
sinful. They studied the details, but did not put them into the context of
the overall message.
The details of Scripture are important and
should be carefully examined. To fail to do so can cause us to miss the
message. Yet we must always remember that the details are secondary. The
heart of our faith is Jesus Christ. Paul declared that the facts of the
death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are matters of “first importance”
(1 Cor. 15:3-5). Every facet of our faith relates to Jesus. The teachings
of the Word are significant only as they relate to him. So as we look at
the beautiful frame that we call the Bible, let us not forget that the
picture is that of Jesus. __Monroe Hawley
The Bulletin Board
Our Condolences – We extend our sympathy
to the Capitonoff family in the death of Jim’s mother, Eunice Capitonoff, on
Monday. The funeral was scheduled for the Alstadt-Tyborski Funeral Home at
3801 S. Howell on Thursday with visitation from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., and the
funeral at 7:00 p.m. with Bobby Valentine speaking.
The Sick – Pearl Molla entered St. Luke’s
Hospital Monday with heart related problems….Cheryl Morgan is recuperating
following her neck surgery a week ago.
Address Change – Maria Mims, (contact
us for the details).
Senior Dinner – Every year our
teens host our seniors in a Thanksgiving dinner. It will be Saturday,
November 15th, at noon. Those who plan to attend should respond
to the invitation to Laurie Giombi by November 8th. Those adults
who would like to assist should also contact Laurie.
Blood Drive – Trevona Parker is
arranging a blood drive to be offered at Southside on January 17th.
It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In order to host the drive we
must have at least 35 donors. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin
board. If you would be willing to donate blood, please sign up. For
further information contact Trevona at (262) 862-1992.
The elders and deacons meeting will
be Sunday at 4:30 p.m. and the budget will be discussed. The deacons are
asked to bring their financial proposals.
ATTENDANCE
RECORD
Two years ago Last year
Last week Goal
Bible
classes 145 144
144 170
Morning worship
237 228 *210 250
Evening worship
76 85 68 80
Contribution
$4886.63 $4626.90 $7221.83 $4200.00
Couples Connect Night will be
hosted by the Alexanders at the church building Saturday from 6:00 – 9:00
p.m.
Praise and Palate will be Sunday at
6:00 p.m. Bring finger food. Cathy Ribar and Jan Alexander will be
hostesses.
Calendar of Events
November 8 – Couples Connect Night, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
November 9 – Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.
November 9 – Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.
November 15 – Senior Thanksgiving dinner, 12:30 p.m.
November 18 – Christian Workers’ Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
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