Sue

You made interesting remarks. Usually, I do use a small “c” in church just to denote (if only in my own mind) that my allegiance is to Christ and not to a college, school, convention, or anything else.

Many will disagree with you in your remarks about Acts 20:7. I have been told that they generally used Roman time rather than reckoning time by the Jewish system. I tend to think more like you, that it was probably Saturday evening when the events in Troas took place. Nonetheless, by the Jewish system it would have been the “first day of the week” since the new day began at 6:00PM.

From my understanding, Sunday was a regular work day in Bible times. It might have even been payday, which explains why Paul cites the first day of the week in 1 Corinthians 16 as the time when Christians should set aside some money so that there would be “no collections when I (Paul) come.”

Truth is vitally important indeed. Buy it and sell it not!

Thank you for your kind remarks.

~Mike

I would even go further than you and call your church the Pine Street church of Christ. I don’t think the church should be in capital letters. I have noticed that many are coming around to my way of thinking over the last twenty years. I agree that we should all search for the early church. I agree with you that many were held in homes, and many still are. I don’t think Paul would have been surprised by all of these divisions. I like the way you think, and I am probably alot like you in some ways, but I would probably go even further than you. For instance, let’s talk about the first day of the week.

Why does the Catholic, Churches of Christ, and most Protestants meet on the day of Sunday? Was it because that the Emperor Constantine declared Sunday to be the “official day of rest” for all Christians, so that he could keep an eye on them much better? If you look in the Good News for Modern Man, you will see that in Acts 20:7-and following verses that they were meeting on Saturday night according to Jewish reckoning. Paul talked until midnight, and then early Sunday morning he took the Supper. He left by daylight Sunday. This could be done today…but…no ministers seem to want to interfer with commercial appeal of Sunday which brings in more money.

I do believe that baptism is for the remission of sins, and is essential to salvation. The church of Christ is divided no doubt, and part of it is because different people tend to compromise its scriptural position because it is much more profitable. I don’t care about money like Paul did in the Bible ,and so I can say what I think without fear of losing anything. The truth is the only thing that matters in the end according to Galatians 1:7, and nothing is more important. What does it gain a man to gain the whole world, and yet loose his soul.

I like your approach to things, and I too don’t claim to know everything, but I will continue to do my best to defend the Gospel. I think Paul would have liked that!

Let me hear from you.

God bless always,

Brother Paul

Shalom,
Bobby Valentine

There’s nothing for me to forgive. After all you have been through you still have a tender heart. That’s the power of God!

In on our telephone conversation the other night, I told you that I was having “forgiveness issues”. Now, I must ask you to forgive me. That was “flesh” talking and believe me I know better! What is impossible for me to do in the “flesh”, God is able to work in my heart by His Holy Spirit. I have repented and I am so thankful that Jesus doesn’t or didn’t have my attitude!

God bless you and I love you!

Pat

p.s. I don’t mind if you show this comment, it’s truth!

At the beginning of the invitation, a couple came forward. They held out their hands to me and whispered, “these hands are ready to work.” We continued singing. By the end of the song, OVER HALF of the assembled congregation had arrived in the front of the building, confessing and turning their hearts over to God for a new vision. I have never seen such a spontaneous outpouring of love before in my life. Truly, the word continues to prick hearts even today.

Thank You, Lord!

God bless,
Theresa (from
Winfield)

I’ve read everything and I like it! Thanks for the pictures and you know I think they are BEAUTIFUL!

Keep on keeping on, it’ll all be worth it one day. I love you and your beautiful family very much.

Pat