The Correspon

Schedule of ServicesSunday

Bible Study 9:30 AMWorship 10:30 AMWorship 6:00 PM

WednesdayBible Study 1:30 PM

7:00 PMwww.collinsvillecoc.org

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth... in every place. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)Vol. 47, No. 2 Collinsville Church of Christ January 13, 2019

hat a privilege it is to be part of the family of God! If you have obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ,

and have been washed in the blood of His dear son, then our Father places us within His family.

WBeing part of the family of God comes

with benefits. First, we have a Father who is Sovereign. Our Father controls all and He is powerful enough to do whatever He pleases. This should bring a sense of security to us as His children, knowing that our Father can do anything. Sometimes small children will have arguments about who has the best dad. As children of God, we will always win that argument, because there is no one greater than our Heavenly Father.

Being part of the family of God also expands our relationships. Everyone who has obeyed the gospel and practicing the commandments of truth are related to us. Not only do we have brothers and sisters at this local congregation, but we have them throughout the entire world. Jesus once asked the questions, “Who is my mother and who are my brethren?” He answered by saying, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matt. 12:48,50).

Being part of the family of God means we have a support system to help us achieve our ultimate goal. As members of

God’s family, our ultimate goal is to spend eternity with our Father and elder brother Jesus Christ. It should be the purpose of each member of God’s family to do whatever it takes to help the other make it to heaven. We must edify and encourage one another and provoke each other to love and good works (Heb. 10:24). We must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). We must grow closer to God, Christ, and His word so that we can draw closer to one another(Eph. 3:17-19).

 –K.A. Pugh*******

I realize I am a little late, but Happy New Year! The old year has gone. A new year is here. You cannot erase the mistakes of 2018, but you can work hard to have a better year in 2019. A new year is always a time that many resolve to make changes and improvements in their lives. Even though past mistakes cannot be erased, one can begin here to make improvements. 

Becoming a Christian is different than beginning a new year. Past mistakes are wiped clean from the slate by God. When one is baptized into Christ, his sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). He starts over fresh and new. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Cor 5:17 ESV 

Be thankful that we serve a gracious and merciful God. He has provided for your salvation through the blood of Christ, and He provided the way for you to

The Family of God

take advantage of that blood that was shed for your sins (Romans 6:3-4). To Him be the glory. 

Have a blessed day and a wonderful New Year. Resolve to make it a year of faithful service to God. 

TLM

Collinsville Church of Christ1400 Troy RoadCollinsville, IL 62234Phone: (618) 667-6708Email: collinsvillecoc@att.net