West-Ark Newsletter, 10 November 2005

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Family Lines Newsletter, November 10, 2005
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A few years ago my attention was directed to a view of Romans that appeared to have merit. Two understandings were the basis of the view. First, Acts 18:2 verifies Roman Emperor Claudius demanded all Jews leave Rome. No distinction was made between Christian Jews and non-Christian Jews. Second, many first century Christian Jews distrusted any non-Jewish person who went directly from ignorance of the living God to Christian existence.

Jewish Christians did not oppose people who were not Jews converting to Christ. Jews led people to the living God before Christianity existed (see Matthew 23:15). That process produced proselytes.

For example, if an idol worshipper (a) underwent careful indoctrination, (b) expressed faith in the teachings by becoming a proselyte, and (c) then became a Christian, that was wonderful. However, such a person must be a proselyte to Judaism before he/she became a Christian (see Acts 11:1-3 and 15:1-5).

When Paul wrote the book of Romans to Christians in the city of Rome, there were Jewish and gentile Christians. The background of each group was distinctly different!

In chapters 1-11 Paul stressed it always was Gods intent to save people who were not Jews (see Genesis 12:3). While that is welcome news to most of us, it was not welcome news to many first century Jewish Christians. One of their chief complaints: How can people who did not know Who the living God was suddenly behave and function as Gods people?

In chapters 12-15, Paul described what a gentile Christian would look and act like in the environment of Rome. Rome was then the seat of power and the center of commerce in the Mediterranean world. How would a Christian man or woman exposed to all Romes influences behave and act?

To me that continues as a relevant question. We often live in corrupt communities in a corrupt nation. Surely there are worse places. However, there are improvements we all would like to see here.

Sometimes Christians look so much like the part of society who does not know God, we cannot tell the Christian from the person who is not a Christian. Aside from the Christian going to church, they often are quite similar in behavior and goals. I am not talking about artificial differences. I am talking about godly dedication to stable marriages and homes, or not being sexually active outside of marriage, or not being greed led or power ruled.

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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
Penny Path (a former West-Ark member) is in St. Edward Hospital. She has veins in her esophagus that have ruptured and is receiving blood. Penny is also on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
Jess Huff may be having gall bladder problems and is scheduled for a CT scan.
Anna Ramsey remains in St. Edward Hospital.
Esther Gunn requests prayers for a 3-year old boy, Colton, who is having heart problems.

**Continued Prayers **
Maile McDonald
Chuck Cunningham Barbara Perkins (Janet Jacksons mother)
Brian Stone (grandson of G.C. & Margaret)
Vicki Varvel (daughter of John and Nadine Hawkins)
Bob Callicott (father of Ann Combs)
Wendell Fenton (father of Natalie Nelson)

**Prayers for Men in Service**
Shane L. Newton, Adam Morrissun, Ronnie Wheat, David Jennen, Jacob Roper, Jackie Luong, Joe Armstrong, Alan Todd, Michael Gooden, Brian Perkins, Cecil Henry and Bob Mason.

**Love and Sympathy**
Our sympathy is extended to Carrie Burress in the recent death of her grandfather in Hope, Arkansas.
We also extend sympathy to Paige Kimbrow in the death of her grandfather, Neil Schultz. Funeral services were Thursday in Oak Ridge, TN.

**Notes of Appreciation**
To the members of the West-Ark Church who were kind enough to send me encouraging notes and offer prayers for me thanks so much. I cant tell you how much it is appreciated. Thanks also for your faithfulness and good works in our community and to others in need as we experienced with Katrina evacuees.
Sincerely,
John Boozman
House of Representatives
3rd District, Arkansas

**LTC Announcements**
LTC coaches will meet in Room 100 at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 20.
LTC sign-up fees of $30 per participating child are due on Sunday, December 4. Please give your fees to Clark Risley, Nancy Smith, or Gary Brown. See Gary if special arrangements are needed.

**Furnishings Needed**
We need household goods for a single mother. This can be furniture kitchen or bath items, towels, sheets, lamps, decorative pieces, etc. Please contact Jack Lewis if you can help.

**Baby Shower for Missionary Family**
We are still collecting funds for the new baby of our missionary family in Vietnam. Please give your donation to Sandy Berger or Meg Canfield. They will pass it on to the Mission Committee.

**Pray With Our Elders**
If you would like a visit in your home from our elders for encouragement-- or just to talk and pray together, call Myra at the church office (452-1240). She will be happy to arrange an appointment for you.

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Dear Meg and Jerry,
We felt very good about praying for West-Ark church to "purpose great things, work for great things and complete great things." Your Missions Sunday was clear evidence that you are "not a worldly church but a world class church!" We just keep thinking about the "LITTLE PEOPLE" --they will hear the life-giving Word, the hungry will be fed, the sick visited by that money moved directly into God's service. You have again excelled in the grace of giving. It is a joy to two aged people, Grace and me, to know the saints at West-Ark!
Love,
Henry and Grace Farrar

**Free Non-Fasting Diabetes Screening**
We will screen anyone, but this is especially for previously diagnosed diabetics.
Wednesday, November 16, 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Room 106 (off of the foyer).
If you have questions, please call Kathy Monk.

November 19
Jim Hall
Paul Shirley
Bill Walker

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*Fall Retreat*
Who: 7th 12th graders
What: Fall Retreat for West-Ark Youth Group
When: Friday Sunday, December 2nd 4th
Where: Camp Caudle just north of Russellville, AR
Why: To figure out the answer to the question everyone is asking Why me? Why now?

Thats right! Were headed back to Camp Caudle for the first time in 7 years. We have so many great memories from the retreats we enjoyed there from 93-98. So its time to go back for a visit.

The cost of $30 per teen will include all meals, lodging, etc. You will need to bring a Bible, notebook/pen, sleeping bag, towels, flashlight, and warm clothes. Be sure to sign the list on the youth board and get your money/release form turned in by Sunday, November 27th.

**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 663
Bible Classes 466
Sunday Evening 289
Life Group 84
Wednesday PM 326
Contribution $19,580
Childrens Home $275
Laotian church combined with West-Ark
Hispanic Contribution $168
Hispanic Attendance 59

Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westark.org
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"Making disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others."
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