One day when two sisters grieved at the loss of their brother, Lazarus, Jesus gave the ultimate understanding of how to live life.  "He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)  Jesus captured the essence of discipleship.  The life of a disciple and the life that endures is one that both believes in him and lives in him.  Actually, we could say that they are not two things but one thing (believe and live).  We are tempted to segment our Christian experiences rather than understand the essential relatedness of everything.

The overcoming-life understands the pervasive nature of faith.  Belief leads to life and life is lived acting out the core values of faith.  We come today to worship because we believe.  Jesus is real to us because of faith.  Our worship is an acknowledgment of that faith.  We also come because our faith is not simply a "head thing" but also a "life thing."  Our worship is a statement of faith and a commitment (again) of our lives to Jesus.  You could say that each worship experience is its own renewal, conversion experience.

Understand Jesus' words in your life.  "Whoever lives and believes in me will never die."  Commit to believe in him and to live in him.  The essence of faith is Jesus because he rescued our souls as he paid the price for our sins on the cross and because his life is a model of how to be a kingdom person.

To be a ball player in any sport, you have to have the game in your head, but also play it.  To be a child of God you must have faith in your head and heart, but also live out this faith.  Celebrate today the eternal life that comes to those who believe and live in him.

Hallelujah!
Sonny

The Education Committee will meet in the Small Auditorium today at 3:30.

Kathy and Karen are still taking ice cream lids for Mission VBS which will take place in Rock Springs on July 24-29.

One of our shut-in members, Janet Reagan, will be 80 years old Wednesday.  Her birthday card address is: Sears Nursing Ctr., 3202 Willis, Abilene, TX 79605

The New Member Reception scheduled for July 31 has been postponed.

Boxes are in the foyer for your donations of canned soup to Medina Children’s Home . . . any kind, any brand, any size.

CHRISTIAN HOMES COINS FOR KIDZ
For over 40 years, Christian Homes has placed over 1,500 babies in Christian homes and cared for hundreds of abused and neglected children in Christian foster homes.  Your participation in Coins for Kidz is greatly appreciated!

There are two cans left for you to take and use for coin deposits.  It doesn’t take much effort and every bit helps.

Note: Mike Bailey remains out of the office on vacation until July 27.

Diaper Shower
The baby crib in the foyer is for your convenience in bringing disposable diapers for Riley Miles Mabry, whose birth is expected around August 24.  His parents are Kris and Misty of Stanton, and he will be the newest grandson of Gary and Dixie Mabry.

STATISTICS FOR JULY 10, 2005