COMMITTEED TO EACH OTHER IN CHRIST

COMMITTEED TO EACH OTHER IN CHRIST – Donald and Anita Evens shared their 50th wedding anniversary with their Pape Christian Church Family (Pictured-from left Donald and Anita Evens, photo by Dennis Wallen).

After a wonderful week in colorful Colorado, it was so nice to be home again and gather on Sunday with our church family. We joyfully welcomed first time visitors, Warren and Cindy Couch.

Special prayer requests were made for Karl Schmidt, Eva Hadsall, Wendell Burchett, Terry Nelson, Jack Smith, Ronnie Crowe, Sophie Nunez, for Pat Martin and also for her sister-in-law- Paula and prayers for the family of Kurt Davis. Prayers are always needed for the first responders and emergency personnel; for our travelers; our school children, bus drivers and teachers; and for our nation and leaders.

Brother Dennis used Acts 8:3 for our Call to Worship, and his message was a lesson on Saul of Tarsus. Like Saul, each of us has a “before” and “after.” The person we were before we knew Christ, and the person we became after we accepted Christ as our LORD and Savior.

By today’s standards, Saul of Tarsus would have been considered a religious fanatic. By his own admission he was “…a Hebrew of Hebrews” in regard to the Law he was a Pharisee; as for his zeal – he persecuted the Church; as for legalistic righteousness – he was faultless. (References Galatians, Acts).

Saul was not going to let “this new way” religion run its course. Saul intended to destroy it! He persecuted “followers all the way to death.” Saul was there at the stoning of Stephen and gave his approval for Stephen’s death. Saul planned to wipe out all faith in Jesus. So no one, not even Saul himself, believe there was anything that could win Saul to Jesus. But Jesus was and still is, full of surprises. God had plans for Saul long before he believed in Jesus (Galatians 1:13-15).

Here are five questions to ponder about Saul ‘before’ and ‘after:’ 1) How much of Saul’s heart and life was devoted to God before he became a Christian (Philippians 3:1-7)? 20 What stood in the way of recognizing Jesus as the Christ? 3) What evidence did the LORD supply to convince Saul to change (1 Timothy 13); 4) How much of Saul’s heart and life was devoted to Jesus after Saul’s conversion (Philippians 3:7-8); and 5) How did Saul demonstrate his devotion to Jesus (Galatians 2:20-22)? Now ask yourself these same questions.

Here is a tip for the week: To avoid “sin-burn” use “Son-screen.

Join us at Pape Christian Church and feel the love.