Life In The Body

News and Notes for the :

Shelbyville

Church of Christ

 

June 28,  2009

The Threefold Witness of Good Character

In 3 John 12, we have reference made to a fine Christian individual. In fact, this short verse is all that is said of this man of God - but what is said of him and the standard he sets is truly amazing.  The verse begins by saying of him, “Demetrius has a good testimony...” What this is stating is that he possessed the good character that all of us are to have as Christians. He wore the name of Christ well.

But in this verse are also the threefold witnesses of his character. Here is the whole verse: “Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself.  And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.” These three attributes still testify today of just who we really are, as well.

1) Society bears witness of our character. Demetrius had a good testimony “from all.”  The same should be true of us. If there was to be a survey of everyone that we came into contact with in a given week, what would be said of us? Would we be noted as gruff or friendly, dishonest or above board, inattentive or helpful, uncaring or loving, worldly or spiritual? We must always realize that the world is watching us and will testify of our true

character.   ( 1 Pet. 2: 11-12 )

2) Scripture bears witness of our character. Demetrius had a good testimony “from the truth itself.” The gospel is the standard of truth, and it bore witness that Demetrius walked in it.  How about us -- are we living, walking Bibles? We must trust its words, follow its truths, and proclaim its message. The Bible is still the standard by which we all will be judged. ( John 12:48 ) If it could speak, what would it say about our true character?  Would it say that we read, know, love, and live it? ( cf. Luke 4:4 )

3) Saints bear witness of our character. Demetrius also had a good testimony from the apostle, for John wrote, “and we also bear witness.” His fellow Christians had much good to say about Demetrius. What a testament of an active, helpful, harmonious, loving brother in Christ. If the saints here were interviewed about you, would they use words like “fellow worker,” “beloved,” “approved in Christ,” etc. like Paul used of some faithful brethren in Rom. 16:1-16? Be reminded that our true character comes out in our attitude and actions in the church.

Paul said that Timothy’s character had been “proven” in Phil. 2:22. What has your character “proven” according to society, Scripture, and the saints of God? Do you have a “good testimony” as Demetrius did?

- Edd Sterchi

Is It Important To You

The story is told of two men who had been business partners for over twenty years. They met one Sunday morning as they were leaving a restaurant. One of them asked, "Where are you going this morning?" "I'm going to play golf. What about you?" The first man responded rather apologetically, "I'm going to church." The other man said, "Why don't you give up that church stuff?" The man asked, "What do you mean?" "Well, we have been partners for twenty years. We have worked together, attended board meetings together, and had lunch together, and all of these twenty years you have never asked me about going to church. You have never invited me to go with you. Obviously, it doesn't mean that much to you."

How much does the Lord's church mean to you? To our Lord, it meant enough that shed His blood in its purchase. ( Acts 20:28 ) Does your attendance of worship and Bible study show how important the church is to you? Do you tell others how important the church is to you? Are you showing the Lord how important His church is to you?

T. Moore

Preacher Exchange :   

This being the forth Sunday of the month, I will be exchanging with Curtis Graves, the preacher at Effingham.  See you this evening for the singing.  PLEASE COME !!

Monthly Singing :   

This being the forth Sunday evening of the month we will        sing this evening.  Some will be out of town and a couple have raspy voices, so YOU are especially needed tonight.

Vacation Bible School   VBS  

The date for our VBS has been finalized.  It will be on July 25  from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  The theme will be “God Keeps His Promises.”  As you invite people to send their children, please assure them that lunch will be provided for the kids and also invite the parents to come for the closing exercise which begins at 3:30. 

Last year our VBS was a successful event because you all pitched in to help and because you all helped recruit students, so by pitching in again we can make this year’s VBS even better. We’re seeking to enroll as many children as we can who are between the ages of 4 & 12.

Footnote :  Last year I distributed flyers in a 30 block area by myself.  Due to my knee injury, I will need help this year.   Pete will help, but we need you to help as well.

Bible Quiz Next Week  :   

Our bible quiz turned into quite a good competition last week.  Greg won, but not by much.  The scores were generally higher last week and four were in contention for the lead.  Please be sure to be here next week when our questions will be taken from Acts 14 & 15.  I’m already reading the text seeking questions. May I suggest you do the same.  All questions come directly from the text, but are worded so as to make one think. 

Prayer List :          

Jason’s Little Sister : Sara has a deteriorating bone disease.  This week she had a treatment for it which is similar to chemo. 

Sue Norton : We have been praying for Jason’s aunt Sue who was in a very serious car accident.  Her husband was killed in the accident, but it looks like she will recover. However, they had to remove her right leg this week.  

MIA :   1) The Wright family is working the Western Kentucky Christian youth camp this week.  2) Tim & Susan are in St. Louis.  2) Marge is on vacation. 

Those in need of ongoing special prayer :   

Clara Hopkins :   C.O.P.D.  and heart issues

Kenny Hopkins :    Mobility and heart issues

John Robert Moore :   Shelby Manor  Rm. 100

Forrest and Louise Price :  Age related maladies

Don Reynolds  :    Mobility issues .. painful knee

Harold Smith :    Respiratory problems

Today’s Scripture Reading :   ???