6745 Margaret St reet / m argarst @bellsout h.net / 850.623.8191www.m argaret st reet churchofchr ist .org

W elcom e! W e'r e glad you ar e h er e!

Su n day - Febr u ar y 3, 20 19

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" - Hebrews 6:19

Three Unm ist akable Dif ferencesby Troy Spradlin

Through many denominational acquaintances I have made from Bible studies, I have been able to identify a noticeable pattern. It seems there are always three specific things that distinctly separate the church of Christ from everyone else. Three points stand out as completely foreign to my religious friends. Of course, things like no musical instruments in worship, men only in church leadership, no central headquarters, or taking the Lord's Supper every Sunday are obviously different from the denominations. But, they all understood those topics and simply proposed arguments to justify their doctrinal positions. When these other topics became part of the discussion, however, it was as if I had began speaking in a foreign language to them. It was clear they were not fully comprehending what I was saying. The three topics were always: sole authority of the New Testament, the Biblical concept of the kingdom, and Scriptural baptism. Our stance on these these doctrines caused a severe disconnect in those religious friends.

Sole Author i ty of the New Testament Almost every Protestant denomination will claim "Sola Scriptura," (Latin: by scripture alone) as their maxim. This is the theological doctrine that scripture is the sole, infallible rule of faith and practice. However, they will then turn right around and have a central headquarters somewhere to whom they answer! They will often also have a creed, discipline, or confession that they follow in addition to the Bible. This completely contradicts sola scriptura. There is also a consistent confusion as to the

separation of the Testaments. Old Testament practices are incorporated into New Testament Christianity which, essentially, ignores Colossians 2:14. This is one major point that separates the church of Christ from all others. We truly believe that the Bible only is our sole authority in all things religious, (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).

Bibl ical Concept of the Kingdom The grand majority of our religious friends have been sold a false bill of goods. They've bought into an idea of a rapture and a second coming of Jesus where He establishes a throne on earth. Basically, it is a doctrine of second chances. We call it Pre-millennialism. Sadly, it completely distorts one's understanding of what the kingdom of God truly is. From what I have witnessed, the church of Christ is the only church that adheres to what the Bible teaches about the kingdom. According to passages like Revelation 1:9; or Mark 9:1 in conjunction with Acts 1:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 4:20, the kingdom has already come. If you consider Matthew 16:18,19; John 3:3, 18:36; and Colossians 1:13 together, then the kingdom is the same thing as the church, just like the church is also called the "body," (Colossians 1:18). This is one of those doctrines that unmistakably separates us from all other religious bodies.

Scr iptural Baptism I cannot tell you how many times I have explained, "Salvation is on the other side of baptism, not on this side of baptism," (Acts 2:38, 22:16; Galatians 3:27). It is simply a difficult truth for many of our religious friends to accept. For some reason, man has always had a problem with obedience (cf. Genesis 3). Baptism has to do with obedience and there's just something about it that causes many religious people to rebel against God's commands. Any small child can easily understand the phrase, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved," (Mark 16:16). But a full grown adult can't quite seem to grasp the concept. This separates us from our religious friends because they have been taught that it is not necessary, that you are saved by just believing. That is not what the Scriptures teach! Space does not allow me to elaborate more on these, but suffice it to say that these are the three biggest "sticking points" for anyone outside of the church of Christ. We need to teach these more and do it with love and humility.

- Parent/Teen Meeting TODAY @ 5 pm in the Teen Room & Super Bowl SNAC tonight after Breakout Connections. Guys bring desserts, girls bring drinks. Hot Dogs & Pizza will be provided. Any other finger foods are welcomed.

- YG Birthday Night @ Tastee Freeze on February 13th @ 5:30 pm. Bring $5 for ice cream.

- Next Area Wide is February 24th @ Scenic Hills.

- Youth Day @ Milestone - March 2nd from 8:30 am - 3 pm. Sign up by February 24th. Details on sign-up.

- 2019 SNAC sign-up is still has one available date for anyone interested in hosting in August.

- Casey would like a copy of any student's spring extra-curricular schedules.

YG INFO & UPCOMING EVENTS

Will You Be Here?

YO U T H & FA M I LY M I N I ST RY

Casey BeardenYou knew you would hear at least one comment about it. You might've already made one yourself. Today is the day that

many church members and preachers joke about canceling or shortening Sunday evening services so everyone can be at home for the Super Bowl. Yes, it's one of the biggest sporting events in America, and so many people invest in the festivities of this day. I, too, love the fellowship that ensues from watching this game together. If you don't have a team, you pick one and rib those who are "pulling against you." Everyone awaits to see if the Halftime Show will be amazing or amazingly awful, and don't forget the commercials, which is really why we watch the Super Bowl, right?

With all of that in mind, we know that the game will begin before our services do, leaving us missing the first half (unless you have DVR). As great as an event as this is, many will make a decision to miss an opportunity with their Christian family, so they don't miss any of the game. Even those who come may be "absent" awaiting the moment we finish so they can rush home to watch. The question is - will you be here... in mind, body and spirit?

Here are a few thoughts to consider for tonight - Quit watching the clock and focus on the Creator. Stop thinking about the GOAT, and focus on GOD. Don?t dwell on the score and meditate on the Savior. See you tonight! Blessings! ~CB

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you haven't paid your $40 registration fee, please do that ASAP.

February 10th: Workshop & Speech Dress Rehearsal

February 17th: PEARLS Test (during Sunday AM Bible Class. Those not testing will be in MS Room.)

February 24th: Bible Bowl Test (Time: TBD)

March 3rd: Workshop

March 3rd, 10th, & 24th: Away SpeechesSee English's, L2L Bulletin Board, or FB page for

questions or information.

Other Family Ministr ies:20's Devo - February 18th @ Hatcher's - 6:30 pm.

SS SNAC - February 24th @ 5 pm in the Fellowship Hall. See Chris Davis for details or questions.

Remind AppWe will continue to use the Remind app as our main source of communication. If you do not have the app, please download it ASAP. Group name is @margaretst.

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER LIST

N EW S & I N FO RM AT IO N

Special - Allen Danley - Brazell's* friend- Darrell Bozeman*-recovery- Brayden Davis*- Rex and Misti Clopton - Richard Elliot - Sarah Lee's* dad- Paislee Enterkin* - recovering- Levi Knob Family- Bobbie,* Eddie Garcia - recovering- Marcia Jones- Kenya's* Friend- Joe King*- surgery, recovering- Norman Marrow Family- Peggy Masoner*- Jed McNatt - coma; signed DNR- Joe Roadcap- Tom Sunder- Paula Turner*-recovery- Don Walker's Family- Jim Wilson - Joe's* dad, recovering- Sandra Wolfe- Victims of Hurricane Florence- Victims of Hurricane Michael

Assisted Living / Shut-Ins - Victoria Manor - Ed Howell*- Forsyth - Stella Prince* - Terrace, Jay - Faye Smith - Shut-in - Louise Savage*- Shut in - Ruth Phillips*

Mission Works- Shanahans* - Mission Italy- The church in Paraguay- Nick Bartell - Vermont- Scott Tominey - Perth, Scottland

Other Requests / Health Issues - John and Gale Broadfoot*- Jim Blazier*- Allen & Diana Brazell* - Winston Burnham*- Sherry Davis*- Dixie Gorham - Josie Locklin*- Eddie Longmire*- Liam Mack- Linda & Beverly Mann*- Mary & Donald McGriff*- Sue Perritt* - in recovery- Jim Pitts*- Sue Preston - P. Turner's* mother- Ted Russell*- Claudia E. Smith- Dwayne Spradlin- Christy Stargell- Edith Sullins - grandma of Blisse*- Caylie Taylor - cystic fibrosis- Troy & Gloria Vonada*- Willie Waitman, Jr. (Pace* family)- Ensley Webster - (West* Family)- Charles Williamson*

Mil i tary- Andrew Atchley ? Ellsworth AFB- John Bartell* - Coronado, CA- Cody Davis ? Ft. Benning, GA- Drayton Hale ? Virginia - Ni Mack*- Missouri- Jimmy Pitts - Japan- Anthony Ramsey- Minot AFB, ND

Cancer - Kenny Bagget - nephew of Russell's- Jim Blazier - stage 4 cancer- Phyllis Blazier*-radiation treatment - Forest Chapman*- Sandi Coppedge - cancer returned- Ok Davis - Jenks Avenue member- Pat Deforest*- Ruben Deir - Elsa Nunes* brother- Margaret DeVore -Spradlin's* friend- Jim Gates - Rhonda Locklin* friend- Ron Jenkins - Broadfoot's* friend- Chris Hendricks - Baxley's* nephew- Vicki (Moon) Mayo - Kenya's* friend- Eduardo Medrano- Cheryl Neal - Barbara Pace's* cousin- Brian Riley - English Family* friend- Melody Samborn - (Burnham's*)- Megan Sanders - Blisse 's* friend- Deidra Sanderson - daughter of Fields- Brooksanne Singley*- David Walther - brain cancer

Students in College- Elizabeth Ames- Haley Bartell- Hannah Brown- Kyle Harter- Emily Lipford- Grant Locklin- Cole Weathersbee- Jack Webb

Expecting Mothers- Lauren (Martin) Kreus - March 16

UPCOMING EVENTSFebruary 9: Sweetheart Banquet

- Sign up at the Information Station. Deadline is February 3rdFebruary 10: Men's Breakfast @ 7:30 am

- Sign up @ information stationFebruary 12: Receiving Food for Pantry @ 9:30 AMFebruary 14: Pantry Distribution Day.

- Boxes prepared @ 9:30 AM, distribution starts @ 2:15 PMFebruary 15 - Ladies Game Night

- @ Jo Locklin's Home, from 6-8 PMFebruary 18: 20 Something's Devo

- Starting @ 6:30. Location @ the Hatcher's HouseMarch 15: Family Camp-Out

We need as many men of the congregation to attend as possible - important topic to discuss

MORNINGOpening Prayer ...................... Rick Bird Song Director ................. Casey Bearden Sermon ............................. Troy Spradlin .................................................... Be Just a ChristianScripture Reading ............... Seth Crider ........................................... Acts 26.19-28 Serving Communion:Comments ........................ Phillip Webb Pat Mense ............................. Jim Loftin Greg Lewis ........................... Joe Bartell Eli Whitney ...................... Jackson Lash ............................................... Bob Locklin Closing Prayer ................. David English

EVENINGOpening Prayer................ Troy Spradlin Song Leading ............... Stephen English Comments ......................... Phillip Webb

Worship Service and Preparation:Secure Building .................... Larry Coen Communion Prep ............... Bird Family Nursery .................. Stacey Weathersbee ..................................... Lily Weathersbee PowerPoint ................... Brooks Singley

WEDNESDAY EVENINGSong Leading ....................... Nick Webb Opening Prayer ................... Larry Coen Devotional ....................... Troy Spradlin

WEEKLY REPORT:Sunday Bible Class ............................ 149 AM Worship ..................................... 192 PM Worship ...................................... 125 Wed. Night Bible Class .................... 130 Contribution ............................... $8,610

ELDER CONTACT FOR FEBRUARY:Primary .................................... Rick Bird Secondary ................................. Joe King

SERVING WITH HONOR

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3

Troy Spradlin ...... Evangelist / Minister .................................... cell: 850-910-2868 ........................ spradlin.troy@gmail.com Casey Bearden .............. Family Minister .................................... cell: 706-889-3222 ........................... caseybearden@live.comBlisse Hatcher ............. Church Secretary .................................... cell: 850-625-8911 .......................... margarst@bellsouth.netScott Shanahan ..................... Missionary .................................... cell: 423-356-0977

ELDERSRick Bird ................................. 994-3148 ................................. bird1plus3@aol.com Joe King ................................... 623-3783 ....................... joejohnking1@yahoo.com Doug Lee .................................. 516-4570 ......................... leedouglash@yahoo.com John Pace ................................. 736-2521 .......................... fphanrang1966@aol.com

Administration .................. Troy Spradlin Benevolence..................... Dennis Maduell Building & Grounds ............. Greg Lewis* Education .......................... Oscar Locklin* Evangelism ......................... Troy Spradlin Fellowship ............................... Jeff Scott* OWLS ......................................................... Involvement ........................... Joe Bartell* Lads to Leaders .................. David English Missions ................................. Mike Scott* Visitation ...... Bob Locklin, Rick Martin* Youth & Family ................ Casey Bearden, ......................... Joe Wilson*, Chris Davis, .......................................... & Blake Hatcher Website ...................................... Jim Pitts* Worship ...................... Darrell Bozeman*

STAFF

DEACONS* & MINISTRIES

TIMES OF SERVICES:Sunday AM Bible Class .............. 9:00 am Sunday AM Worship ............... 10:00 am Sunday PM Classes, Worship ... 6:00 pm Wednesday PM Bible Class ....... 6:30 pm

MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADMINISTRATION

- Deadline for all bulletin items: Thursday, by noon.

- Please turn in your Group Folders on Sunday Night worship so Blisse can update attendance on Monday.

BENEVOLENCE

- Receiving Items: 2/12/19 @ 9:30 AM- Preparing Boxes: 2/14/19 @ 9:30 AM- Distribution: 2/14/19 @ 2:15 PM - Pantry needs : Travel Size Personal

Care Items

EDUCATION

- Bible Class Schedules are available at the Welcome Desk

- Anyone willing to help teach, please see Oscar Locklin.

WORSHIP

- Service Rosters are available on the Welcome Desk and Margaret Street website (listed under "Archives")

- If you are having difficulties hearing the sermon, we have wireless "LISTEN" devices available in the foyer, located in the Armoire, which you can sign out and return after services. *Please remember to clean the headphones with an alcohol wipe when you return them.

WIFI Password: Psalm122.7

Visi t or s: Thank you f or com ing! You are our honored guest ! For more information about the church,

spiritual topics, our classes, and activities,

there is a tract rack at the entrance of the

auditorium for your convenience.

Or, ask any member for assistance.

Please take a moment to fill out a

visitors card, or sign our guest book

so that we might have a record of

your attendance. Thank you!