Each of the following statements is followed by 3 possible answers. Underline the one best describing you. Take a look at your answers and see if you need to improve.

1. My conversation indicates that my spiritual level is high:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

2. I swear:
1) often 2) sometimes 3) never

3. Before I pass a story on about another I make sure it is true:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

4. Before I pass a story on about another I make sure it is kind:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

5. Before I pass a story on about another I make sure it is needful:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

6. I search for qualities rather than faults in other people:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

7. I make fun of the way others speak and dress:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

8. I go along with the crowd even when I know they are doing wrong:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

9. I abstain from fleshly lust that war against my soul:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

10. I refuse to participate in questionable activities:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

11. I refrain from activities that would damage my influence:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

12. I am a complainer:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

13. I am a grateful person and show it:
1) always 2) sometimes 3) never

If you have all 1’s - keep up the good work.
If you have all 2’s - there’s a need to evaluate.
If you have all 3’s - this is not so good.

Copied from The Sault Sainte Marie Church of Christ Bulletin

The greatest society the world has ever known is the church, the body of Christ. It came into being on a day the Jews celebrated as Pentecost (also called ‘feast of harvest...feast of weeks...day of the first-fruits). Pentecost was a time of joy, celebration, and thanksgiving as it marked the completion of the barley harvest.

But Pentecost was also a time for sin and peace offerings. These sacrifices, offered in obedience to God’s command, made possible the removal of sin, and celebrated reconciliation with God. Everything about the day was a forceful reminder of being a God-redeemed people out of the bondage of Egypt.

The Pentecost, which followed the resurrection of Christ from the dead, was different from all of those which had gone before in that it marked the entrance into the world of this new society, the church, the body of Christ. It began with the apostles of Christ being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in different languages so that those present from many nations heard in their own tongue “the wonderful works of God.” Convinced that God had raised Jesus from the dead, and had made Him “both Lord and Christ,” about three thousand people received this word, repented, were baptized for the remission of their sins, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. After this they maintained a love for the word of God, enjoyed fellowship with one another, remembered the sacrifice of Jesus in partaking of the Lord’s Supper, and continued in prayers.

It cannot be denied that Christians make a profound impact on those round about them. Note two things: “Fear came upon every soul” (Acts 2:43). There is an awe felt by unbelievers in the presence of people in whom the Spirit of God dwells. And, they were “having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:47). Fear and Favor! What a combination. It is not surprising these early Christians turned the world upside down.

It makes me wonder if we have lost the beauty of Christ revealed through every Christian to such an extent that we have to resort to every means imaginable to attract people? Alan Redpath may be right when he describes us as “Spending our time running after unconverted people who spend their time running away from us.”

What us your take on losing the “fear” and “favor” of the people?

Copied from Central’s Bulletin

I HAVE LEARNED: that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.

I HAVE LEARNED: that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I HAVE LEARNED: that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I HAVE LEARNED: that you can keep going long after you can’t!

I HAVE LEARNED: that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I HAVE LEARNED: that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I HAVE LEARNED: that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

Copied from Central’s Bulletin