Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
July 25, 2021

Two Men Attend Worship Services
by Bill Hall
Two men attend worship services. The first man attends wholly out of a sense of duty. He understands the teaching of Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,” and is determined to obey faithfully that teaching. He will not allow anything within his power to stand in the way of his attending the worship periods of the church.
The second man recognizes his duty in this matter, too, but his primary motivation in attendance is his love for the Lord and his joy in blending his voice and heart with other Christians in praise and adoration to the Lord. He delights in worship and the spiritual strength he derives through worship.
The first man is mentally passive throughout the worship service. If the words of the song happen to catch his attention, he observes and appreciates them; otherwise, he just sings along with little concern for what he is singing. If the sermon is interesting, he listens; otherwise, he just relaxes, and hopes the time won’t drag too badly. He does meditate briefly concerning Christ’s suffering and death as he partakes of the supper, for somehow the importance of the memorial feast has been impressed upon his mind.
The second man comes mentally prepared to worship. He pays close attention to the words of each song and makes the sentiment of the songs his own sentiment. In fact, he sometimes studies the words of frequently used songs so he will be sure he understands their meaning. Depth of meaning is of greater importance to him than a catchy tune or rhythmic beat. He listens to each phrase of the prayer that is led, and if he can approve the petitions of the prayer, he unites with the one who leads with his “Amen.” He discerns the Lord’s body as he breaks bread, and he listens carefully to the sermon, volunteering his attention, hiding the word in his heart, that he might not sin against God (Psalm 119:11). If his mind wanders occasionally, he brings it back to the worship. He worships with a consciousness of God as the object of his worship, the One toward whom these expressions of adoration are directed.
The first man reduces his service to a mere code of external rites, while the second man obeys “from the heart,” combining the outward with the inward. The first man is more likely to be satisfied with his service to the Lord, for he has accepted the easier standard, but it is the second man who enjoys God’s approval. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
We ask the reader: “In which of these two men do you see a reflection of yourself?” The need is obvious! We must cast off our laziness and indifference, revitalize our spirits, and bring ourselves to worship God acceptably. There is a considerable difference between mere attendance of a worship service and truly acceptable worship.

Town Fool Worship
by Robert Turner, slightly edited
We have heard of a man who says he would attend church services Sunday morning, even if the town fool should preach. He thinks it disgraceful that some are preacher-crazy and attend or stay home, depending upon who occupies the pulpit. Before you commend the man, read the next line.
He is equally provoked when some one urges him to be present on Wednesday night for Bible study, for he says the scriptures do not command the Wednesday night assembly.
Seems to me the poor fellow has missed the point concerning assembling with the saints, Sunday or Wednesday. It is true, we should not be wed to the preacher; but it is equally true that we should not be wed to a certain “assembly.” We must be wed to Christ (2 Cor. 11:1-4). The “assembly” is not an end within itself—just “being there” or “doing five items” will accomplish little. One should not “go to church” because he wants to “go to church” but because he wants to study God’s word, praise God in song, in prayer, and in every way in keeping with His will. He loves his brethren and is anxious to join with them in the worship and work of the Lord. He eagerly, joyfully, freely gives of his means—joining hands with his brethren—to further the Lord’s work. The Lord’s Supper, on the Lord’s Day, is a memorial gratefully shared with all the saints. In other words, his attendance grows out of his basic character—his hunger for spiritual nourishment, his desire to work and worship together with his brethren, and his desire to honor and glorify the Lord. This person will seek more opportunities to do what he truly loves to do.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.