¹⁴But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, how to destroy Him. ¹⁵Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed Him, and He healed them all ¹⁶and ordered them not to make Him known. ¹⁷This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ¹⁸"Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved with whom My soul is well pleased. I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. ¹⁹He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets; ²⁰a bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench, until He brings justice to victory; ²¹and in His name the Gentiles will hope."

The first issue, Vol.1, #1, was dated December 19, 2004 so this completes, minus a few issues, three years of the Newsletter and also indicates that we have been here for almost three years.

Clara and I have enjoyed our association with the brethren at Caprock and we have enjoyed and appreciated our stay in Lubbock. When I moved to Florida in 1966, I began having problems with allergy and had to take allergy pills every day and shots periodically. This all changed with our move to Lubbock – I don’t take anything now! (I use a nose spray once in a while.) I just hope the problems do not resurface when, the Lord willing, we move to Fairfield.

As the year draws to a close, we wish the best for everyone and when the time comes for Caprock to close her doors we pray that all will find suitable and scriptural congregations to worship with.

Our December gift-giving family get-together is scheduled for this coming week-end. We will probably leave the morning of the 6^th and return the 13^th.  (We are going to Sherry’s in Fairfield.)

I had planned on not taking any time off until the doors were closed at Caprock, but thought this would be sometime in November. Due to problems encountered by the buyer, it will probably be February before this is done, if everything works out as planned.

We also scheduled (or my son did) a trip to Washington state, leaving February 17^th and returning the 23^rd. If the purchase of Caprock is not done by then, we’ll be gone for 2 Sundays then (17^th and 24^th).

We apologize for the inconvenience these trips might cause, but, again, we thought the plans regarding Caprock would be consummated in November.    --Larry

WHY ATTEND BIBLE CLASSES?

It is very apparent that not all Christians place the same value on attending Bible classes. Some never attend; others are present occasionally, while many almost never miss. What about you? Do you think it is important to be in class where the Bible is taught? Your answer to this question speaks volumes about how spiritually minded you really are. Let me suggest a few reasons why you should be in attendance at every service provided by the church.

We’re commanded to study and know the Bible. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The King James Version uses the word “study” instead of “diligent” in this verse. Thayer defines this word, “diligent” as, “to exert one’s self, endeavor, give diligence.” The only way for one to please God is when he puts forth the effort and energy to know and handle aright the word of truth. Timothy is commended for knowing the Holy Scriptures from his childhood (2 Timothy 3:15). Hosea says that God’s people were destroyed because they lacked knowledge (Hosea 4:6). The Psalmist describes the commands of God as being sweeter than honey (Psalm 19:10). Knowing all this, what better place could we possible be than in a class where individuals are engaged in a serious study of the word of God?

It will help strengthen our souls. Instead of being destroyed like Hosea described, we can build ourselves up so that we can face and deal with the many problems encountered in life. The elders at Ephesus were instructed by Paul, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). We need the strength that comes from God’s word to overcome the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11-18). He is relentless. We can resist and he will flee, but he will also return. Do you think that you would become stronger or weaker by attending Bible class? Be honest!

We can see ourselves as God sees us. The Bible is the mirror of the soul (James 1:21-25). When I look in the mirror in our bathroom, I see some things that I don’t particularly like. Some of those things I can correct and some I cannot. Yet when I look in the mirror of the soul, if there are things that are not just what they are suppose to be, I can make the necessary correction with God’s help and change. There must be a willingness on my part to admit the fault and seek the Lord’s help in correcting the problem. I’m sure that you would also see many commendable traits and characteristics there as well, which should provide encouragement. Bible class provides an excellent opportunity to open up that mirror to see what the Lord sees in me. Hopefully and prayerfully improvement will follow.

The knowledge gained through study can be shared with others. Listen how Paul describes faithful men. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). God fully expects us to share our knowledge of His will with others that are in need of salvation (Matthew 28:19-20). We should reach a point in our spiritual maturity that we ought to be able to teach others (Hebrews 5:12-14). I don’t enjoy trying to carry on a conversation with a person about something of which I have no knowledge. I’m convinced the reason more Christians don’t share their faith with others, is because they have so little comprehension of the truth. Would Bible class be a place that you could recommend to help gain the needed information about the Bible to share with others? Why not be there?

We will be judged by the things written in God’s book. Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). That should strike fear in our hearts. Do you want to be judged by a Book of which you know so little about? The Lord will not accept ignorance as excuse for one’s failures (Acts 17:30). God has blessed us with a mind to think and reason with; given us a Book that we can understand (Ephesians 3:3-4); live in a country that guarantees freedom of religious expression; when obedient to His will we can receive the forgiveness of sin, have an inward peace that surpasses all understanding, and can acquire the joy of knowing that I’m heaven bound. Would Bible class be a place where I could come and help me obtain a better knowledge of this great Book that will be opened in the judgment day and by which I’ll be judged? If so, why are you not attending?

Attending Bible classes does not eliminate the need to study the Scriptures at home, but it will help you to further your knowledge and understanding of the greatest Book that has ever been given to man. It is water to the thirsty; bread to the hungry; milk to the babe; meat to the mature; light to those in darkness; a compass to the mariner; the shepherd’s staff and the carpenter’s rule. We all should have an intense desire to feed upon it at ever opportunity. You’ll never regret the time spend in a study of this Holy Book from God.

--Jim Mickells