Julington Creek NEWSLETTER News about the collective work at the Julington Creek church of Christ and updates on individuals and families. Volume 2 Issue 9March 3, Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. NIV, James 1: James uses a wonderful little example from life to illustrate the principle of hearing AND doing God’s word. Like the picture above, the Bible serves as a mirror to all who look into its pages. It never fails to show our true reflection, that is, who we are in the eyes of our God. A physical mirror will show us our true physical self. It will reflect all of our good qualities, and, those qualities that are, well, not so good. All our blemishes and shortcomings will be clearly seen (so that we can try to cover them up, of course!). Sometimes the best way to deal with what we do not like seeing in the mirror is to take just a glimpse, then go on our way. We will soon forget the less- than-perfect image we saw and enjoy a care-free day anyway. James is warning us not to treat the Bible mirror in the way we might treat a cosmetic mirror. In God’s eyes, it is far more important to be beautiful on the inside than the outside (1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Pet. 3:3-6). We all might pause to ask ourselves how much time through the week we spend on beautifying our spirits as opposed to time spent on the body. One returns to the dust (Job 34:15) while the other lives for eternity (2 Cor. 4:18). Again James says that the one who takes only a glimpse at his spiritual image goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. That is dangerous. Looking intently into the word and putting it into practice is what saves us from self-deception and gives us the assurance that our lives please our God and Redeemer. This brings about true self-esteem, confidence and happiness. An occasional reading of the Bible with little or no action will eventually cause guilt and shame, and, in the end, bring unhappiness and bitterness. God’s assessment of such a life is: This man’s religion is worthless (v26). However, the true Christian who hears and practices the word will be blessed in what he does (v25).dlf DOERS OF THE WORD Part 2

CONTACT US Julington Creek Church Of Christ 1630 State Road 13 N. St. Johns, FL Phone: Or, Denny Website: julingtoncreekchurchofchrist.net GATHERING TIMES SUNDAY Bible Classes :30 AM Morning Worship :30 AM Evening Worship :00 PM WEDNESDAY Bible Classes :00 PM We love visitors! C. V. Alexander – Confined to home. Susan Bryant – Sick with a bug and allergies. Eddie Goff – At Westminster, Alzheimer's center. Darlene Jessup – Hip surgery scheduled for this week. Paul & Angie will be in town. Ina Putnal – Shingles. James Taylor – Took some falls at home. Prayers WEDNESDAY NITE BIBLE CLASS: Different topics and teachers. SUNDAY SERMONS: AM – The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper Reading: Matthew 26:26-29 PM – The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached (2) LADIES BIBLE CLASS: Thursday mornings at 10:30 at Ina Putnal’s. PowerPoint slides are available for viewing/download on church website. SUNDAY AM CLASS: Romans 12. Teacher: Steve McCain. CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Posted in the hallway. BIBLE CLASSES: To update information, please contact Denny MEN: There are still a few empty spots on the Wednesday night class sign-up sheet in foyer. Please help out. ORDER OF AM SERVICE will be a little different today; we will have the sermon before the Lord’s supper. Do this in remembrance of Me