with Robert Prater

As most have probably been made aware, this past week, the Lord's church appeared in nationwide headlines in an extremely tragic and unfortunate incident. Last Wednesday, Matthew Winkler, minister of the Fourth Street Church of Christ in Selmer, Tennessee was found shot dead in his home. His wife and mother of their three young children has allegedly confessed to the murder and will face criminal charges. (Matthew Winkler was the son of Dan Winkler of Freed-Hardeman University and the grandson of the late Wendell Winkler) Truly the name of Christ and the Lord's church has been tarnished and soiled.

One gospel preacher has well written, "The hearts of humanity can carry dark secrets. Any person, no mater how well they are known by spouse, children, parents, or anyone else, may conceal (consciously or not) facets of their psyche that seem incongruent with what is known. This is no less true of children of God than of anyone else."

We should all be praying for the family involved in this case, and for the Lord's church as a whole. The world doesn't need another reason to reject Christ. It is a time of somber reflection.

On a more encouraging note, this Sunday morning I will begin a series of lessons during the month of April on the subject of "An Examination of Undenominational Christianity." Is it possible to just be a Christian only without any denominational baggage?" Is it possible to just truly be the church that Jesus established? I believe the Bible teaches us that we can simply be New Testament Christians only and members of the Lord's one church, which is undenominational in nature. I also believe the restoration concept. i.e., the appeal for a complete return to Christianity as taught and found from in New Testament has a tremendous attraction to many truth seekers today.

What an opportune time to invite your friends, neighbors and relatives. This series of lessons will also help those younger in the faith to have a firm foundation to stand and know the difference between the New Testament church and the various modern denominations with their many unscriptural doctrines and practices. We must be convinced of the truths of God's Word. Friends, I hope this series of lessons will be a blessing to you.

SERMONS FOR SUNDAY

AM - The Truth about Denominationalism

PM - Bible Question Series - Soul security, Cain's wife, and the unforgivable sin

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday. Be sure to set your clocks forward Saturday evening.

It is almost time for LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) again. We will go to Tulsa April 14 and 15. Anyone who would like to help can bring canned pop or bottled water to the kitchen by April 9, or you can see Rita Romberg for more details. Thanks for your help.

There are older members of our church family who often have needs that go unmet simply because they don't want to ask or bother anyone. It may be nothing more than getting a light bulb changed or moving a piece of furniture. We are placing a new box in the foyer that will be labeled "Help Needed." If you have a need that we could help with, we have deacons (and others) who want to know about it. The deacons overseeing this area of ministry are Buddy Truesdell, Glendon Combs, and Herman Guin. Also, please note that currently we do not have a deacon working with the Bible school program, but should in the near future. In the meantime, any teachers with any needs should let Steve Kelly know. All deacon responsibilities will be published in next week's Gospel Guide.

To the best of our knowledge there were no Central members in the hospital at the time of preparing The Gospel Guide.
Sarah Smith was discharged from Baptist Medical Center on Thursday of last week.
Barbara Tucker's great nephew, 12 year old Samuel Campbell, has been discharged from St. Francis Children's Hospital in Tulsa. His severe illness turned out to be a reaction to medication.
Carol Mahnke is returning to M.D. Anderson in Houston to consult with her doctor on Friday.

Melba Boston's email address has changed to kris1137@sbcglobal.net
Louise Dixson's email address has changed to jldixson4@sbcglobal.net