LEBANON ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST

2307 Lebanon Road

Nashville, TN 37214
Non-Profit Org
US Postal Paid
Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN
Permit 2464
Church of Christ
2307 Lebanon Road; Nashville, TN, 37214 * (615) 883-6918
www.lebanonroadchurchofchrist.org

Current Resident or Volume 57, No.32 August 9, 2009

But It’s SO Long! Adam Faughn

Worship With Us
Sunday: Worship 9 AM & 6 PM * Bible Classes 10:20 AM
Wednesday: Bible Classes 7 PM
The Sanitized Bible
Thomas Jefferson was a deist. He
believed that God created the world,
but he did not believe that God was/
is involved in the affairs of men. He
and other deists rejected Jesus as
God’s Son. To illustrate his beliefs,
he produced a New Testament that
was devoid of any miracles. He also
deleted any reference to Jesus’ deity.
The result was a very thin New Testa-
ment…and a very distorted view of
God’s word.
The idea of editing the Bible is
blasphemous to Christians. We are
familiar with Revelation 22:19: “…and
if anyone takes away from the words
of the book of this prophecy, God
will take away his part from the tree
of life and from the holy city, which
are written in this book.” We hold
up the Bible as the infallible word of
God. God’s will is not contained in
the Bible; it is the Bible. “All scrip-
ture is inspired by God and profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correc-
tion, for training in righteousness” (II
Timothy 3:16).
Although we maintain a deep rev-
erence for God’s word, it is easy for
the Bible student to edit His word,
nonetheless. There are many forms
of editing. One might use certain
passages to his or her favor in order
to avoid responsibility. That person
is quick to say, “Judge not lest you
be judged,” but he or she will ignore
other passages that deal with the
stain of sin. Another Bible student
might categorize passages as “The
Ones That Matter” and “The Ones
That Do Not Matter.” John 3:16
matters because it connects belief
and salvation, but other verses that
discuss baptism, the organization of
the church, and hell are insignifi-
cant. God decided what was impor-
tant so we would not have to. He
does not need us to be editors.
The most pervasive form of Bible
editing is the kind that happens in
our minds as we envision Bible ac-
counts. I am afraid that we often
The Bible is the greatest
book ever written. Even if
one considers it as noth-
ing more than “another
book,” it is the greatest
piece of literature ever
penned.
But it is far more.
The Bible is
God’s breathed
out Word (cf.
Second Timothy
James Hayes 3:16), and the
sanitize the Bible. Read the Old Tes- “power” to save
tament. Put a dot beside every verse (Romans 1:16). It is
that describes a war, a murder or an where we learn about
execution. Then put a dot beside
every verse that describes a sexual God, Christ, the Holy
sin. Finally, note the verses that re- Spirit, the Church, sin,
count a theft, a lie or some sort of salvation, the cross,
treachery. If the Old Testament heaven, hell, and scores of
were filmed as a documentary, it
other life-changing sub-
would be rated “R.” But that is not
jects.
how we see it in our mind’s eye. We
see it through a children’s story book. Some, though, don’t read
We see clean, freshly groomed peo-
the Bible. They might
ple who speak in KJV, NASB or say, “It’s so long! I can’t
NKJV. We do not see blood or dis- find anything in it.” Oth-
ease or famine. We do not see the
violence. But it’s there—right in front ers might say, “I just read
of us. It is as if God is saying, “Look a few favorite passages,
how disgusting sin is.”
Read the Bible for all it is worth. Do
not just read the edited, sanitized
version.
—Joelton, TN AM: Beatitudes of Revelation #1: “Blessed Are Those Who Read” (Adam Faughn)
PM: Report from Beech Island, South Carolina (J.D. Buckner)
Elders
Joe Adams
because I’m familiar can come from doing 773-2331
with them.” We can this.
do better, and we Johny Baker
Let’s think about it this 758-7654
should.
morning.
Ralph Brewer
This morning, we are
going to begin a series ∞ 871-4849
from the book We were so pleased to
Wayne Davidson
of Revelation. welcome Joel and Carol
758-2705
Seven times in Green to the Lebanon
that final book, Road family last Sunday. Earl Flynn
there are They have been with us 889-1659
“beatitudes”
listed. Seven
for some time, but we’re
glad they decided to
Ted Fox
“blessed’s” are 754-7607
make this their church
there, and we want to home. Steve Ledbetter
see what they are. The
Monday night, Chris 889-8614
first is “Blessed are
Presson came by my of- Charles Myers
they that read.”
fice and desired to be 883-6837
Think of that! If we are restored to faithfulness.
blessed by reading that After studying and think- Jim Schroeder
difficult book, how ing together, we prayed 754-8990
blessed will we be if we that God would forgive
Cliff Wilson
take the time to read his sins. Chris wants this
889-6477
the entirety of God’s to be known so we all
Word! Many of you can bring his name be- Pulpit Minister
are taking that chal- fore God’s throne in Adam Faughn
lenge this year, but oth- prayers of encourage- 973-4483
ers need to see what ment and help.
Outreach Minister
Harry Middleton
Sunday Sermon Preview 292-3164
Youth Minister
JD Buckner
(731) 336-4768
The Sick
David Adams, husband of Emily Adams, is at Centennial
in room 5121.
Sarah Adcox is at Trevecca Health & Rehab, room 307A.
Juanita Bradley is at McKendree room 287N.
Felix Gower is at Donelson Place in room 229.
Mary Catherine Thompson had knee surgery on Tuesday.
Thank You
I want to thank everyone for the calls, cards, deli-
cious food, and the many prayers that have been
worded on my behalf during my recent back sur-
gery. Your kindness and concern is most encourag-
ing and greatly appreciated. In Christian Love,
Linda Brewer
Many thanks to the brethren here at Lebanon Road
for your cards, calls, and food. Especially thank you
for your concern for me while I am trying to recu-
perate. Eunice Petty
Dear Friends, The past months have been very diffi-
cult ones for our family, but your love and concern
have helped us through. Thank you for the many
cards, visits, prayers, and every act of kindness
shown to us during Jimmy's surgeries and at the
passing of my Mom. You are truly a loving and
caring church family. In Christian Love, Ruth and
Jimmy Owen
Give Away Day
Saturday, August 8th
11:00A.M.-1:00A.M.
Time Saver Supper
Wednesday, August 12th
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Chicken tetrazzini, cucumber salad, glazed
carrots, rolls & dessert
$4 per person/$15 family max
RSVP on your attendance card
Golf Scramble
Saturday, August 15th
Ravenwood
Country Club
12:00 noon
Page 2
Worship Leaders by Harry Middleton Chris’ Summer Column
Sunday Morning (Contact: Ralph 871-4849) I RESOLVE WITH ALL MY HEART: I think the sounds of school bells are starting to ring in
Opening Prayer: Bill Myers To be about my Father’s business. everybody’s ears. Whether we want to hear it or not, all
the students have started, or are getting ready to start,
Closing Prayer: Ricky Biggs To keep a pure heart, a clear head, and a classes. But even when classes get into full swing there is
Read Scripture: Steve Ledbetter hand willing to do good work. still plenty to do at church. There’s a devotional this eve-
Sermon: Adam Faughn To set my affections on things above, not on ning, I hope that all the youth can come and be a part of
Song Leader: Philip Autry things of the earth. that and escape from the world for a little while to fellow-
Serving Lord’s Supper: (Contact: David 754-7085) To keep myself from idols---those things ship and praise God. We also have meltdown on Wednes-
day for anyone who wants to head to church early after-
Shane Williams 1 which hinder me in serving the Lord. school.
Bill Wolfe 2 To be considerate of the rights, privileges, We all have different paths we walk. Whether we’re
Lynn Wright 3 and the feelings of others. spending the hours of the week in a classroom, at a desk,
Paul Tramel 4 To fear nothing but sin and the danger of on a job site, at home working, or wherever else God puts
Tim Roberts 5 falling short of that which my Heavenly us, we need to ensure that we are constantly striving to
represent Christ in it all. Paul writes,
Austin Nichols 6 Father requires at my hand.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies
Cliff Wilson 7 To forget and forgive all the injuries ren- of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
Tim Ledbetter 8 dered me. holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual
Sunday Evening (Contact: Cary 883-5909) To be more interested on finding good than worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be
Opening Prayer: Lon Keele evil in the lives of those I meet day by transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by
Closing Prayer: Alan Witt day. testing you may discern what is the will of God, what
is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2
Read Scripture: Wes Carnahan To refrain my tongue from evil---the evil of ESV).
Sermon: JD Buckner gossip, of slander, or unjust criticism--- We are to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Song Leader: Lynn Wright and my lips that they speak no guile. We are to be the salt and the light of the world (Matthew
Serving Lord’s Supper (Room) To be my brother’s keeper, lifting him when 5:13, 14). Christians aren’t to just check in to work for 2
Bill Ross 1 he falls, supporting him when he is weak hours on Sunday and 1 hour on Wednesday. Christians
are called to live a lifestyle that glorifies God. Sure we all
Steve Ledbetter 2 and restoring him when he strays from mess up but we know God is faithful to forgive (1 John
duty’s path. 1:9). Let us all continue the good fight and be as Peter
Wednesday, August 12th (Contact: Billy 642-6817) To the end that I may have strength to do writes,
Read Scripture: Jarrod Barefoot these things, I will look unto God con- “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men
Opening Prayer: Cary Clay tinually. He is my refuge and strength, a but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you
yourselves like living stones are being built up as a
Speaker: JD Buckner very present help in trouble.
VISITATION TEAM #2 AND LETTER
spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer
Song Leader: Song Service spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus
WRITERS WILL MEET AFTER WORSHIP Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV).
Announcements: —-Chris
SUNDAY EVENING!!!
Harry Middleton - Johny Baker
Nursery Attendants
Mark Your Calendar...
LeAnn Fitzgerald & Amy Mullican
Monday: Elders, Deacons and Preachers Meeting at 7PM
The Record August 12: Time Saver Supper Returns!
Sunday Morning Worship: 335 August 15: Golf Scramble at Ravenwood
Sunday Evening Worship: —- August 22: Blood Drive in fellowship hall 9:00-1:-00. Sign up to donate!
Sunday Bible Study: 257
Wednesday Night: 207
Contribution: $14,548.00
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