The Correspon

Schedule of ServicesSunday

Bible Study 9:30 AMWorship 10:30 AMWorship 6:00 PM

WednesdayBible Study 1:30 PM

7:00 PMwww.collinsvillecoc.org

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth... in every place. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)Vol. 47 No. 3 Collinsville Church of Christ January 13, 2019

s worship began Sunday, December 2, things really began to click in my mind. We began singing, “On

Jordan’s Stormy Banks.” As we sang I thought, “What a great song with which I can encourage others about the that we have of the eternal rest.” Next, we sang, “Majesty.” We lifted up the name of Jesus, giving Him glory, honor and praise. It was during the prayer that my mind was drawn to the glory of God and the privilege we have of approaching His throne. The prayer was quite uplifting and encouraging, and God was glorified. Once the prayer was completed, I made a couple of notes. Before communion, we sang, “In Gethsemane Alone,” singing of the wonderful love of Jesus as He anguished over the task before Him. It caused me to meditate upon that tremendous love that sent Him to the cross for my sake. The one presiding at the table referred to Romans 5:8ff. I jotted a few more notes. I thought of how unworthy I am and of the great love God and Christ has for me to provide for my salvation. As the bread and fruit of the vine was passed and shared, I meditated upon what Jesus did for me and for all mankind. His innocent life given. His innocent blood shed. A very sobering thought, the innocent dying for the guilty.

A Honestly, I cannot comment about the remarks prior to the collection. I listened. I just did not make a note. But I always realize that my contribution is a pleasing sacrifice to God (Philippians 4:18). Later, As Psalm 89:7 was read, I opened my paper to the morning outline and saw for the first time (I seldom look at the title on page one). “Cultivating an Atmosphere of Reverence in Worship.” What a fitting lesson. To that point, even with happenings throughout the assembly, we have been involved in reverently worshiping God. Kelvin had a great lesson on preparing prior to assembling, as well as participating and self-examination during the assembly. That day I prepared, participate, and looked within as I was edified, as I sang songs of praise and exhortation, as I prayed along with the prayer leader, as I communed with my Lord and my brothers and sisters at the table, and as I pleased my God as I placed my gift in the plate as a sacrifice acceptable to Him. Let us prepare, participate and meditate weekly as we come together in the assembly. May He be glorified.

--Terry L. Mabery

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From the Shepherd’s Pen

Tattoos have become very popular in our society, but sometimes an individual wants them removed. I saw the following advertisement for doing so. “Tattoos Erased. It is affordable. There is minimal discomfort. Tattoos scar the human body for life.” 

Sin scars the soul of man. Though sin may cause scars that affect us, the consequences of sin can be removed, but at great cost. It cost our Lord and Savior His life. To us, however, it is free, because He paid the cost, which we could not pay ourselves.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Ps 103:11-12 ESV 

You were forgiven when you were baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38). Rejoice that God does not continually bring your sins to your attention, but has blotted out those transgressions, leaving you a clean slate. --TLM

Collinsville Church of Christ1400 Troy RoadCollinsville, IL 62234Phone: (618) 667-6708Email: collinsvillecoc@att.net