Diamonds in the Rough
Diamonds In The Rough
Valentine Day is just a few days away. The countdown has been very obvious. We are receiving numerous notices in the mail urging us (me) to visit the local jewelers. Their quest is to get me to purchase a diamond for my “Valentine”.
I have never really been able to understand the diamond business. It does not seem logical that a diamond can carry a price ticket of $1000.00 and be on sale for $200.00. But then, I guess I do not need to understand. Admittedly, I am a better preacher than I am a businessman.
I recall a few years ago that there was a fake diamond manufactured called “Cubic Zirconia.” Women became quite upset when their boyfriends tried to fool them with a fake diamond. I have now been told that in some society circles, the fashion is to wear uncut diamonds. How do you set a value on these stones? How do you know if you are looking at a precious stone or just a pretty rock?
Paul asks the same type of question as he considered the saints at Ephesus. This was a Gentile city. But within this city were some Christians with a Gentile heritage. They have a lot to learn about their relationship with God. They were diamonds in the rough. But through the death of Jesus Christ, they were being shaped into precious gems. Paul believes that they have real value in the eyes of God, and are precious to Him.
How does this transformation take place? It means to walk as children of light. That means that there will need to be some “putting away;” “giving up;” “stripping away;” “giving up” and etc. The thing that we need to do is rid ourselves of baggage that weighs us down and holds us back and understand that we are free in Jesus, and that we can walk or live the way that He wants us to live. That is what it means to walk as children of light.
When we do this, then God will take this diamond in the rough, and we will have opportunity to sparkle, shine and transmit God’s light like a cut, shaped, disciplined and perfected gem. Dennis
************************************
PRAISE AT THE END OF THE DAY
Each day of the Pepperdine Bible Lectures closes with wonderful opportunities for worship, inspiration, and holy instruction. The evening’s main lecture and devotion concludes, but then there are many late evening events – classes, praise services, drama and choral presentations – that beckon us to climb higher in our faith. To receive a beautiful booklet that outlines these and all the lecture events, call Church Relations at 310.406.4270
OR visit www.pepperdine.edu/biblelectures.
*************************************
TODAY:
4 PM - The baby shower for the expected baby boy of Richard and Darlene Westfall is this afternoon at 4 PM. This is a co-ed shower so both the MEN AND WOMEN of the congregation are invited.
6 PM - Sunday evening class for the children. Give your children the opportunity for some spiritual fun and activities while you enjoy the service.
6 PM – Evening Worship Service
NEXT SUNDAY – Education Meeting following morning worship service
**********************************
Have you noticed the new look in the nursery? Jessica Hoff has been applying her artistic skills to make the nursery look so nice, warm and inviting. Take a moment and thank her for her work.
**********************************
Ladies Bible Class
Do you know what relevancy the books of the Old Testament have for 21st Century Christians? Would you like to join with others who have the same questions?
Join the Ladies Bible Class every Thursday morning from 10:30 – 11:30. Need a ride? That can be arranged.
Call 937-3845
**********************************
In Our Prayers…
Waneen Wolff is recuperating at home following her surgery last week..
Don Gardner – Health
Larry Dotsons’ uncle in Arkansas is in the hospital with serious health problems.
The Dotson’s have requested prayer for their friend’s grand daughter, Kaleigh Ann. Kaleigh was born last week and weighed only 1 lb. 14 oz.
**********************************
CONTINUE TO REMEMBER –
Cavanaugh Hoff- Sharon Zdrojewski - Michelle Garrett - Waneen Wolf - Paul/Jean Maynard- Howard Dunn - Carol Strutz - Linda Ross – Dana Barbarick – Janet Kliest’s father - Austin (Neighbor of the Dunns) –Cameron Reilly (autism) – Pearl Keith John/Edie Sterrett
***********************************
FOR THE RECORD – LAST WEEK
ATTTENDANCE:
Sunday AM: 116 Class: 47 PM: 28 Weds: 48
FINANCE
Budget:..................................................$2,927.56
Contribution:..........................................$2,433.48
YTD Budget:........................................$14,637.80
YTD Contribution:...............................$13,159.31
Over/Under (+/-):..................................-$1,478.49
Building Loan Balance:......................$226,927.38
Please make checks payable to Church Of Christ
*********************************
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: 06/ Bobby Thomas – 9/Dillon Senior - 10/Rex Gardner – 14/Jose Montes – 15/Shelly Morris – 15/Jacob Ward – 18/David Carroll – 18/Julie Montes – 18/Anthony Hernandez – 25/Sheree Gardner
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES:
12/Jim& Phyllis Roberts
20/Jim & Cleta Gardner
*********************************
WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL MENU
(Serving time 5:45-6:15 PM)
Tacos – Beans – Rice - Beverage – Dessert
Pantry Item – February
Canned Meat/Chicken or Fish
*********************************
***In order for your notice to be in the bulletin please have your information in the secretary’s slot (in the copy room) no later than Wednesday evening(8 PM) or e-mailed to gardcart @aol.com no later than Thursday Evening.***
Valentine Day is just a few days away. The countdown has been very obvious. We are receiving numerous notices in the mail urging us (me) to visit the local jewelers. Their quest is to get me to purchase a diamond for my “Valentine”.
I have never really been able to understand the diamond business. It does not seem logical that a diamond can carry a price ticket of $1000.00 and be on sale for $200.00. But then, I guess I do not need to understand. Admittedly, I am a better preacher than I am a businessman.
I recall a few years ago that there was a fake diamond manufactured called “Cubic Zirconia.” Women became quite upset when their boyfriends tried to fool them with a fake diamond. I have now been told that in some society circles, the fashion is to wear uncut diamonds. How do you set a value on these stones? How do you know if you are looking at a precious stone or just a pretty rock?
Paul asks the same type of question as he considered the saints at Ephesus. This was a Gentile city. But within this city were some Christians with a Gentile heritage. They have a lot to learn about their relationship with God. They were diamonds in the rough. But through the death of Jesus Christ, they were being shaped into precious gems. Paul believes that they have real value in the eyes of God, and are precious to Him.
How does this transformation take place? It means to walk as children of light. That means that there will need to be some “putting away;” “giving up;” “stripping away;” “giving up” and etc. The thing that we need to do is rid ourselves of baggage that weighs us down and holds us back and understand that we are free in Jesus, and that we can walk or live the way that He wants us to live. That is what it means to walk as children of light.
When we do this, then God will take this diamond in the rough, and we will have opportunity to sparkle, shine and transmit God’s light like a cut, shaped, disciplined and perfected gem. Dennis
************************************
PRAISE AT THE END OF THE DAY
Each day of the Pepperdine Bible Lectures closes with wonderful opportunities for worship, inspiration, and holy instruction. The evening’s main lecture and devotion concludes, but then there are many late evening events – classes, praise services, drama and choral presentations – that beckon us to climb higher in our faith. To receive a beautiful booklet that outlines these and all the lecture events, call Church Relations at 310.406.4270
OR visit www.pepperdine.edu/biblelectures.
*************************************
TODAY:
4 PM - The baby shower for the expected baby boy of Richard and Darlene Westfall is this afternoon at 4 PM. This is a co-ed shower so both the MEN AND WOMEN of the congregation are invited.
6 PM - Sunday evening class for the children. Give your children the opportunity for some spiritual fun and activities while you enjoy the service.
6 PM – Evening Worship Service
NEXT SUNDAY – Education Meeting following morning worship service
**********************************
Have you noticed the new look in the nursery? Jessica Hoff has been applying her artistic skills to make the nursery look so nice, warm and inviting. Take a moment and thank her for her work.
**********************************
Ladies Bible Class
Do you know what relevancy the books of the Old Testament have for 21st Century Christians? Would you like to join with others who have the same questions?
Join the Ladies Bible Class every Thursday morning from 10:30 – 11:30. Need a ride? That can be arranged.
Call 937-3845
**********************************
In Our Prayers…
Waneen Wolff is recuperating at home following her surgery last week..
Don Gardner – Health
Larry Dotsons’ uncle in Arkansas is in the hospital with serious health problems.
The Dotson’s have requested prayer for their friend’s grand daughter, Kaleigh Ann. Kaleigh was born last week and weighed only 1 lb. 14 oz.
**********************************
CONTINUE TO REMEMBER –
Cavanaugh Hoff- Sharon Zdrojewski - Michelle Garrett - Waneen Wolf - Paul/Jean Maynard- Howard Dunn - Carol Strutz - Linda Ross – Dana Barbarick – Janet Kliest’s father - Austin (Neighbor of the Dunns) –Cameron Reilly (autism) – Pearl Keith John/Edie Sterrett
***********************************
FOR THE RECORD – LAST WEEK
ATTTENDANCE:
Sunday AM: 116 Class: 47 PM: 28 Weds: 48
FINANCE
Budget:..................................................$2,927.56
Contribution:..........................................$2,433.48
YTD Budget:........................................$14,637.80
YTD Contribution:...............................$13,159.31
Over/Under (+/-):..................................-$1,478.49
Building Loan Balance:......................$226,927.38
Please make checks payable to Church Of Christ
*********************************
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: 06/ Bobby Thomas – 9/Dillon Senior - 10/Rex Gardner – 14/Jose Montes – 15/Shelly Morris – 15/Jacob Ward – 18/David Carroll – 18/Julie Montes – 18/Anthony Hernandez – 25/Sheree Gardner
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES:
12/Jim& Phyllis Roberts
20/Jim & Cleta Gardner
*********************************
WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL MENU
(Serving time 5:45-6:15 PM)
Tacos – Beans – Rice - Beverage – Dessert
Pantry Item – February
Canned Meat/Chicken or Fish
*********************************
***In order for your notice to be in the bulletin please have your information in the secretary’s slot (in the copy room) no later than Wednesday evening(8 PM) or e-mailed to gardcart @aol.com no later than Thursday Evening.***
posted by Megan B at 12:26 PM
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