PREACHER DILLION

Bill Dillion is a good preacher who lived and worked with the College Church in Mt. Home for many years. For the past four or five years he has been with the church in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas. Recently Bill has written a short article on forgiveness. Read it.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness means “to pardon”; “to let go of resentment and anger”; “to cancel a debt.” Forgiveness is the perfume of Heaven. When the Lord perished on the cross He could have died with various words and sayings on His lips but His actual dying words were, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). How often do we need to reflect on these words from the Crucified Christ! It is easy to desire forgiveness from God but many find it hard to forgive others. If God has forgiven us—we must forgive others. Revenge and getting even are not as sweet as the world would have you believe. Psalm 130:3,4 says, “If thou, O Lord, keep a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with thee is forgiveness.”

WORLD

Something else about Hickory Ridge, today the church will have its Century Celebration. Shirley and I are with them. While a student in college, we worked with the church in the mid 1960’s. In preparing something to say, I have thought about America and the world of 1909. Theodore Roosevelt had been president and in 1909 William H. Taft had become the twenty-seventh president. At that time most people in America lived in rural sections and there were many small farmers in this part of the country. Communication and travel were limited but people started congregations in many different places and they did much in spreading the gospel of salvation.

THANKS-THINK

I want to thank R. A. Pendergrass and Bob Spencer for preaching today. Also a thanks to Mike Pace for teaching the Bible class. The Central church is blessed with some good and talented people who will humbly serve where there is a need. At this point I want you to remember the major things I said in the sermon Sunday morning, September 20th. One, we can do better in being a friendly church. Two, we can do better in our weekly offering. Three, we can do better in more faithful Sunday morning attendance. Four, we can do better in inviting people to “church.” Five, we can do better in ministering to the sick in the home and in the hospital. Six, we can do better in preparing food for funerals, singings, second Sunday meals and for those who are in need at home. Seven, we can do better in encouraging others.

SPECIAL TIME

For Christians every First Day of the Week should be a special time. A time to sing, pray, preach, commune and give of our means. Prepare and plan for worship every week. Always remember the Lord designed and planned the assembly for His people. Everybody can get something that will help during the week. Come with a Bible in your hand and a smile on your face and a spring in your step. I’ll look for you.

-Pat Casey