[Biblemat] Walking in the Light (4/15/07)

Sun Apr 15 15:04:40 CDT 2007

Walking in the Light

"For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light."
"The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the
simple." 

"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another...."
(Psalm 36:9; 119:130; 1 John 1:7a)

April 15, 2007

www.thetfordcountry.com <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/> 

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INFORMATION: My WEB Site  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/>
www.thetfordcountry.com has just been updated to include the articles and
sermons listed below. All the sermons posted each week to my web site are in
.pdf format.  The PowerPoint charts are also included with ALL the sermons
that are posted to the web site. To access the sermons page, visit the site
and click on "Richard's Page" and then click on "sermons." Please visit the
"Reference Works" links page for updated links to various Bible study
resources. If you are a newcomer to the area or wanting information
concerning the Valley church of Christ here in Grand Junction, Colorado,
then click on the Valley church of Christ Web Site,
<http://www.valleychurchofchrist.net/> www.valleychurchofchrist.net. Thank
you for visiting my web site and as always, your comments are welcome. 

If you know of someone that would like to receive the "Walking in the Light"
electronic bulletin each week, please send an e-mail message to
<mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com  with their
name and e-mail address and I will add them to the list.

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CONTENTS:

"Things To Think On" (Richard Thetford)

"The Call of Christ" (Richard Thetford)

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THINGS TO THINK ON

Richard Thetford

Every waking hour of our life our mind is thinking of something. How good it
is when we can train our mind to think on good things. Paul said "whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things
are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things" (Phil 4:8). A Christian's thoughts should be centered
on godly things, not evil. Some may ask "Can our thoughts be controlled?" In
2 Corinthians 10:5 we read: "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing
that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;". From what Paul said it
is obvious that we can control our thoughts if we work at it.

Why Think On The Good Things?

We should think on good things first of all because we are commanded to do
so. Paul said "if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on
these things" (Phil 4:8). Paul is speaking through the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit, therefore we must treat what he says as a command of God. We
also need to think on good things because we are as we think. Solomon wrote:
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.." (Prov 23:7). If we are
thinking of good things then we won't be defiled (Matt 15:19-20). God knows
our thoughts and knowing that God knows our thoughts should motivate us to
only want to think on the good things (1 Cor 3:20). And if we think on the
good things there will be less chance of us sinning. For when we sin then we
must ask God to forgive us of that sin. In Acts 8:22 we can read where evil
thoughts need to be repented of. "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness,
and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
If we would take Paul's advice (command) and think on the good things then
we would not have to repent of evil thoughts.

What Should We Think On?

We should train our mind to think on the Lord's thoughts. Isaiah said "Let
the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let
him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God,
for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher
than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than
your thoughts" (Isa 55:7-9). We need to remember that God's thoughts are not
like ours. Where man would see no problem in doing something (Instrumental
Music, Fun, Food, Frolic, etc.), God does see a problem with it and has set
forth His way of worshiping Him in His written word, the Bible. We must
ensure that we strive to think as the Lord would think and then so do. We
should think on honorable things (Rom 12:17). We need to think about our
savior Jesus Christ and why He came to this earth. He came and suffered,
bled, and died so that you and I can have forgiveness of sins (Rom 6:3-4).

Our mind will always be thinking of different things as we go about our
daily business. But let us train our mind to think on the good things that
Paul stressed in Philippians 4:8. If we would allow God to direct our every
step in life (Jer 10:23), then it would be so much easier. Let us resolve
now to give our heart and mind over to Jesus and let His example lead us
each day as we strive to be the right influence before others. Won't you be
determined now to set your mind on thinking of good things and to follow the
teachings of Jesus?

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THE CALL OF CHRIST

Richard Thetford

Jesus Christ has called everyone of us to Him. In John 1:43 Jesus called
Philip to follow Him and in the same way He calls us. To follow Jesus is to
be determined to do what He asks of us. We need to be a disciple of Christ,
truly devoted to do His will! Have we determined within ourselves to be
followers of Christ? In Matthew 11:28-29 He offers an invitation to all
mankind when He says: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am
gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." We cannot
find any rest for our souls until we COME to Jesus. It is only when we COME
to Jesus that we can learn about Him. When we follow Him, Come to Him, and
Learn of Him, then we are able to abide in Him for the rest of our lives.
Living for Jesus is something we all can do if we will abide in Him (John
15:4). Have you answered the call of Christ, determined to do His will (Acts
2:38; Mark 16:16; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21)?

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SERMONS

NOTS IN THE DEVIL'S TALE (with PowerPoint Charts)

CHRISTIAN CHARACTERISTICS: LOVE (with PowerPoint Charts)

Sermons can viewed at my web site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/>
www.thetfordcountry.com

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Valley

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Meets at:
491 Sparn Street
Grand Junction, CO   81504
(970) 245-5112

 <http://www.valleychurchofchrist.net/> www.valleychurchofchrist.net

ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE

SUNDAY
Bible Study..................9:45 A.M.
Morning Worship.......10:45 A.M.
Evening Worship.........5:00 P.M.

WEDNESDAY
Bible Study..................7:00 P.M.

Evangelist
Richard Thetford

Building: (970) 245-5112
Home:     (970) 314-7261

E-Mail:  <mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com

Web Site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/> www.thetfordcountry.com

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Richard Thetford

E-Mail:  <mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com

1918 Barberry Court, Grand Junction, CO  81506

Home: (970) 314-7261

Please visit my web site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com>
www.thetfordcountry.com

Evangelist, Valley church of Christ

 <http://www.valleychurchofchrist.net> www.valleychurchofchrist.net

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