The Correspon

Schedule of ServicesSunday

Worship 9:30 AMBible Study 10:30 AMWorship 6:00 PM

WednesdayBible Study 1:30 PM

7:00 PM

www.collinsvillecoc.org

Friday, April 15 - 7:00 p.m.Do the Bible and Science Have to Be in Conflict?

Saturday, April 16 - 9:30 a.m.Collapse of the Icons

Saturday, April 16 - 11:00 a.m.Positive Case for Creation

Saturday, April 16 - 1:00 p.m.Youth Q&A Session

Sunday, April 17 - 9:30 p.m. Bible ClassCreation and the Flood According to Scripture

Sunday, April 17 - 10:30 a.m. WorshipHelping Our Youth Find Their Purpose in the Kingdom

Joe Deweese, PhD is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences for Lipscomb University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from FreedHardeman University and a PhD in biochemistry from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He has been with the College of Pharmacy since 2009 where he teaches biomedical science and anticancer pharmacology to pharmacy students. He is engaged in research focusing on an enzyme that is a cancer drug target, and his lab also explores new compounds that have the potential to be anticancer agents. His research has been published in several scientific journals. In addition, he has spent over 15 years studying Christian apologetics and evidences. Joe is a native of Troy, IL, but lives near Nashville, TN with his wife, Liz and their two children. He is a deacon and Bible class teacher for Walnut Street

church of Christ in Dickson, TN. He has articles published in Reason & Revelation and Think Magazine. Also, over the last 10 years, he has spoken on Christian evidences to congregations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama.

Reinterpreting the Evidence:Compatibility between the Bible and Science

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth... in every place. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

Vol. 44, No. 07 Collinsville Church of Christ February 17, 2016

Page 2 The Correspondent

February 17, 2016The preaching of Jesus caused Him to be

ultimately killed. The night of His arrest and trial was especially sad because He was abandoned by His disciples. The Bible says, “Then all the disciples forsook him and fled” (Matthew 25:56). They failed to stand fast when trouble showed its face. The Lord could have used their support. They had formerly affirmed that they would never leave their Lord even if it meant their death (Matthew 26:35). Their courage, however, would not measure up to their aspirations. This was not the last dangerous moment for these

famous disciples. The book of Acts records many other perilous moments for them. But after the resurrection of Christ they changed. With newfound courage they donned their spiritual armor and faithfully fought one spiritual battle after another. They stood firm though threatened, beaten, imprisoned and ultimately put to death. Their firm stand resulted in a fantastic growth for the church of Christ in those early years (Acts 5:14; 6:7). It shows us that growth occurs when disciples make a stand for the truth of God’s word.

In all of those dangerous situations they never compromised the truth – not even once. It made no difference if they faced the sword, they taught the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They did not budge when false teachers came to their area. Paul said,

And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage; to whom we gave place by subjection, no not for an hour that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Galatians 2:5-6 emp. mine RM)Even now, the church of Christ is encountering

genuine threats to our existence. Change agents are transforming congregations by the hundreds. The churches fashioned by these modernists does not resemble, at all, the church we read of in the Bible (with their entertainment for worship, praise teams, women leading in worship assemblies, drama presentations, etc.).False teachers have also risen in the universities embracing denominational dogmas and influencing many others to do the same. Those who once stood for the truth have given place to compromise and change. What was once a small hole in the dam has eroded into a huge flood. It is a critical hour for the church.

It is not time to “chicken out.” Intimidation is a strategy of the devil. The Lord needs you to do your part and do it NOW! Let’s make our stand and let’s do it

together. Encourage one another. Support our elders when pressure arises. Write letters of concern to those who are making changes or are being influenced to change, or send emails. Never forget – it is only truth thatwill save (John 8:32).

Via the Bulletin of the 39th Street church of ChristIndependence, MO

November 29, 2015

******* I have heard more than one person declare that time

seems to be passing so quickly. It is true that years seem to be passing by more rapidly, months seem fleeting, and weeks seem to pass in a blink the older one gets. Since I am so young, I wouldn’t know that had someone not told me.

The words of James seem to be more vivid every day. Life is but a vapor that appears for a short time and then vanishes away (James 4:14). As a result, every one of us should heed the words of Paul.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time... Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV

Use your time wisely today. Every day is precious and should be used to the glory of the One who gave you life and all things. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

*******If one sees barren land, often erosion can be seen from

the elements. However, growth and grass, shrubs, vegetation and more holds the land in place so that there is little or no erosion of the soil.

Too often we see those who have experienced erosion of the heart. The reason for that is the same as the erosion of the soil. There has not been enough planted within the soil of the heart to grow and develop so as to hold the soil (heart) in place. Plant the seed of God’s word in your heart. Allow it to grow and bear the fruit of the Spirit. Let us not be barren spiritually.

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation. 1 Peter 2:2 ESV

Satisfy your longing today for God’s word. Allow it to take root in your heart that there be no spiritual erosion.

TLM

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

Stand Fast in the FaithBy Richard Massey