church of Christ at 26th and Connecticut
Joplin, Missouri

Phone
417-781-2326

1819 E 26th
Jopin, MO  64804

   Worship Schedule

Sunday
    Bible Class              9 am
    Morning Worship    10 am
    Evening Worship      6 pm

Wednesday
     Devotional & Class   7 pm

Upcoming Activities

         In our Sunday morning auditorium class, we recently considered the account in which Jesus healed the man with a withered hand (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11).  Unfortunately, the Jewish leaders who were present at the time of the miracle displayed no concern whatsoever for the man.  They were only focused on whether Jesus would heal on the Sabbath day or not.  If He did, they would once again cast accusations against Him.  When Jesus confronted them with the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" (Mark 3:4), they simply remained silent.  In response to their silence – marking a complete lack of compassion for the man with the withered hand – Jesus “…looked around at them with anger, grieved at the hardness of their heart…” (Mark 3:5).  Their poor attitudes had angered our Lord.

     Consider the teachings of Jesus found in the opening to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:3-11).  We commonly refer to these verses as the Beatitudes.  I’ve heard them described as “the Beautiful Attitudes” that are to be found within the faithful Christian.  Notice some of the characteristics that Jesus included:  “poor in spirit” (vs 3), “meek” (vs 5); “merciful” (vs 7); “pure in heart” (vs 8); “peacemakers” (vs 9); “rejoice and be glad” (vs 11).  Each of these statements is reflective of attitude. 

Following the Beatitudes, Jesus made reference to being the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-14).  Obviously, these statements are indicative of our influence as Christians.  However, one’s influence can be greatly hindered if he/she exhibits a poor attitude.  One might say the right words; but, if they are said with the wrong attitude they simply loose their good impact.  The same concept can be applied to our actions.  It’s not just our actions but the attitude with which we carry them out.

     Now, take a close look at the word “attitude.”  Interestingly, the letter “t” occurs three times.  Think of those letters in terms of their shape – a cross – therefore three crosses.  “There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them” (John 19:18) - three crosses.  During the early portion of the crucifixion, both of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus spoke bitterly against our Savior (see Matt. 27:44).  Yet, during the proceedings, there was a change in the attitude of one of those men.  As one criminal continued to speak out against Jesus,“…the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:40).  Although each of these men hung beside our Lord, they were now miles apart in regards to their attitudes.  And now they forever stand in great contrast within the inspired record. 

     Yet, when we think of attitude and the scene of the crucifixion, we see the perfect example in the middle – the cross of our Lord.  Although they despised Him and with

hate-filled hearts looked at Him upon the cross, He thought compassionately about their souls and said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

A Word of Commendation

     Recently, I received a couple of phone calls from area businesses – businesses which had received some of the dolls and pillows made by the ladies of this congregation.  They were extremely appreciative, had many kind things to say andwere hopeful about receiving more dolls and pillows in the future.  So, good job ladies!  Keep up the good work!  And, if you would like to be involved in this good work, I’m sure there is plenty to do.  Simply see Kristy or Angela for details.

Answer to Last Week’s “Exercising the Mind” – Festus (Acts 24-26); Felix (Acts                                                                          23-25); Fortunatus (1 Cor. 16:17)

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For, low, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come....   –Song of Solomon 2:11-12

SPRING WILL SOON BE HERE!!  REMEMBER TO  TURN YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR SATURDAY NIGHT!