North Carolina Newspapers

7B RELiGIONAE:i^e C^arlotte'^odt Thursday, May 4, 2006 Trust Grod in order to find meaning for existence Continued from page SB the passage b y many is that since life is full of changes, we simply need to enjoy it as all there is. Most people, even believers, look at this passage without much attention to its context. In truth, Solomon was teach ing something quite diffa:ent fiom what popular under standing would have us believe. The most significant differ ence in understanding is that God, not man, is at the center of Solomon’s teachir^. It is God who orders our lives and brings about changes. The passage is not really a cele bration of life’s variety but a reminder that without God it is just a profitless round of activities (see Ecc. 2;26; 3:9). God has set “the world (eternity)” (Ecc. 3:11) in our hearts. We are to experience what He sends as tokens of His love and as an encour agement to look to Him as the only answer to our longings. God Appoints All That Hap- pens-Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.) 1. What does Ecclesiastes 3:1 teach about all the events that happen in the world? Contrary to the notion that the book of Ecclesiastes sets forth the pessimistic ideas of a man writing “imder the sun,” this verse really declares that there is an imderlying purpose to aU that happens in this world. The key is what our starting point is. Without God we cannot make sense of life. But if we acknowledge Him, then we can interpret all that hap pens throv^ that lens. The psahnist declared, “My times are in Your hand” (Psalms 31:15 NKJV). It is clear from the context of Ecclesiastes 3:1 that there is a proper time for everything that happens in the world because God has made it so. The very assertion of purpose presupposes a Purposer. Believers can take comfort in the fact that a powerful and loving (3od is directing our lives. 2. With what fundamental contrast did Solomon begin in verse 2? Solomon began his list of fourteen pairs of contrasting events that sum up the expe rience of living in this world. He began with the most fun damental contrast of all— between life and death. God determines when we come into the world and when we will leave it as well. He sets the boimdaries of the dura tion of our lives. The realiza tion that death is an irrefutable part of existence in this fallen world should greatly affect our priorities and choices. Because our life wiU. not live forever, we should not live as if it wiU- centeiing all our hopes on this present world. Jesus r^ninds us, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 NKJV). 3. How should we imder- stand the statement that there is “a time to kill” (Ecc. 3:3)? Thm« may be some who reject the notion that there is ever “a time to MU.” Of course, without the presence of sin in the world, there would not be the horrible violence we read about in our newspapers. We also know that God is not the author of sin. On the other hand, we would not want to give up the precious doctrines of God’s sovereignty and prov idence over aU that tran spires. Somehow, aU the activ ities of man, whether con structive or destructive, ulti mately serve to advance His purpose. Many believers would argue that there are some occasions when killing is necessary, whether in self-defense or in the case of executing murder ers or the Mlling of enanies during a goverrunent-sanc- tioned war. It is also impor tant to heal, even in the places of Mlling, perhaps as America sought to do in the coimtries of Germany and Japan after World War 11. 4. What are some of the time when it is appropriate to cry? Most of us would rather never have to cry, unless we are crying tears of joy But in God’s providence. He sees fit to sometimes bring sorrow into our lives. Sometimes the weepit^ wfil involve sorrow over sins-whether oui' own, those of loved ones; or those of the nation. It was for the nation that Jeremiah became known as “the weeping prophet.” Family miracle: Boys remember their harrowing days at sea ADVERTISEMENT THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CHARLESTON, S.C. - One year ago. Deb Fowler made a deal with God to ^ve up her daily nightcap if only he would return her son fiom the Atlantic Ocean. She hasn’t had a nightcap since. Her ex-husband, Tbny Driscoll, prayed for a modern- day miracle. Several days had passed since their te^iage son, Tioy Driscoll, and his best buddy Josh Long, launched a small boat fiom Sufiivans Island and disappeared Out at sea, Troy and Josh looked out into an endless field of cold blue where water and sky meld and made their own deals with God. They sipped rainwater fiom the bow, regretted the loss of their fishing tackle and sung their hymns to the sea. Many people had given up' hope when one of the region’s largest coastal searches turned up nothing. Himdreds of spotters in boats, ships, helicopters and airplanes had scoured more than 1,000 square miles of sea and shore. The teens were nowhere in s^ht. The Coast Guard suspend ed its search after three days, and the droves of people who had stood watch on the beach slowly diminished. Pew believed the young men could survive with no provisions in’a 15-foot boat with no engine or sad. The boys had been swept out to sea before anyone realized they were gone. During interviews then, Tbny Driscoll declared that his 15-year-old son was alive, and that the search should resume. A year later, however, the six-year Navy veteran admits his inner thoughts were much different. ‘T had to look strong for the other parents. I didn’t want to teU people that really deep down inside, I bdieved my son was dead,” he said. ‘T did n’t want the search to end imtil they found something— a piece of clothes, a shoe, a body” Tbny Driscoll unconsciously talks about Troy as tbnngb the teen had returned fiom the dead. Tbny had prayed Greater Providenee Baptist Church 2000 Milton Road, Charlotte, NC 28215 ^ 704-532-6228 704-532-7568fax "Experiencing God Day by Day” St. John 17:3 ; Come Join L's in Worship & Praise! Sunday Worship S:00A.V1 & il:00 AM rai^HjlS Sunday School 9:45 AM )r. Fred Gibson Hour of Power 12 Noon - Wednesdays Senior Minister Spiritual Renewal 7:00 PM • Wednesdays WWW, ereaterprovidence. ore Weeping Willow AME Zion Church “MevtaaFrom Salvati™ To Dfe^eiWp” 2» mb™ R4 • Ctailolle, Nw#i Ci»l*l 3K!5 Morahyt Worsftiij: SjOtl AM IllWAM SwRtay Schoiili 9:3flAM Wed. Prtnsc & Pruyar, ?:((9 PM (104)532-9125 THE CmRCHTHATCiRES'' (greenhille ittenional 9.I51.6. Hiou CI)urcI) “A Teaching Ministry Making Spiritual Disciples” Sunday Worship Service 10A.M. Sunday School 9A.M. Bible Study; Tuesday 7 P.M. & Wednesday 12 Noon Child Development Center 6116 Montieth Dr. Charlotte, NC 28213 (Ph) 704-5964742 (Fax) 704-597-8314 “A Word of Hope” Television Ministry Wednesdays @ 8 p.m. Channell 21 (Public Access TV) Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman, Senior Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church of CHARLOTTE, INC. "A Ministry of Love and Excellence" Dr. John H. Walker, Pastor Minister, Rosie Walker New Sunday lOam Worship Experience “Family First Worship” "Mr For Me and My House We Shall Worship The Lord” SUNDAY ' Physical Food - (serving breakfast.) 8 a m ' Spiritual Food - Christian Education Sdiool 9 am ■ Main Course - "Family First Worship" 10 a.m. WEDNESDAY "Hour of Power" .Midday Worship 12 Noon WO.W - Word On Wednesday Bible Study. 6:30 p.m. TVand RADIO BROADCAST MINISTRY; CMPAC 21 - ’nuc^in- • Rejoice Radio 1370am - Wed. 10:45a 704-392-8496 Hatteras Ave..- wyAv.macedoniaofcharlocte.org that if God would bring his son back, he would turn his life aroxmd and give it to (3od. Josh’s father, Eddie Long, said he prayed for the same mira cle for his 17-year-old; he made his own bargain. On the seventh day Tbny Driscoll answered his cell phone, eoqjecting the call that would inform him of Toy’s death. Instead, he was shocked to hear his son’s voice on the other end. ‘Tt was like God said, Well, here’s that miracle tiiat you asked for,”’ Tbny Driscoll said. ‘Tt was an incredible feeling.” A man on a North Carolina fishing vessel had spotted something floating in the ocean and decided to get a closer look after Josh and Tboy had made their last prayer— they were out of energy to struggle any longer. TTie boys had been rescued after a week at sea. They had drifted 111 miles up the coast. Since then, Tbny has reaf firmed his commitment to God and started Bible study dasses. The Prophet’s Column, Inc. 6183 NC 109 South Wadesboro, NC 28170-9533 J.M. Little, Teacher April, 2006 Newsletter - Last Part For nearly 34 years, by God’s grace, I have been setting forth before you the Way of Righteousness. Many of you, the vast majority, have laughed and made fun. You’ve turned the truth down! There is nothing left for you but God’s judgment, There is the truth if eternal retribution! You are not going to get around dealing with the Lord Jesus Christ. You’ll meet the Lord here, and be broken in repentance, or He’ll fall upon you, and grind you to powder. (Lk. 20:18; Mt. 21:44) You may say you don’t believe the Lord will grind you to powder. You had better go read His Word! Which is it going to be in your case? I praise the Lord He gave me grace to repent. Which way are you in? You are either in the broad way that leads to destruction, or you are in Christ, the narrow way. Which is it? I know many of you will say these things I’m setting forth are hard. Remember this, my friend: no matter how hard I am, I can’t be as hard as God’s Word. You are going to repent or perish! Turn or burn! It is Christ Or Hell! Which will it be in your case? Your Gospel Editor and Teacher, J.M. Little Jfirst Jit. Hion papti^t C1)tirt|) 1515 Remount Rd. • (Tel.)332-8335 {Fax)372-7548 28208 Sunday Morning Worship Services... 8:30 - 9:30 - 11:00am Sunday School 9:45 - 10:45am Singles Minisuies (Mon.) 6:30-7:30pm Senior Citizens (Mon.) 10:30 - 4:00pm Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00am - 4:00pm Dr. C.V. Owens You are cordially invited to worship with us! Greater Gethsemane A.M.E. Zion Church 'T}ieChunii with the Cemnunity at Heart" 531 Campus Street • Chartotte, NC 28216 (rm)375-3900 - Fax 372-0614 Worship Service 11:00AM Sunday School: 9:30AM Bible Study: Wed. 10:30AM £r 7PM Daycare Afterschool Available E-mail: gamez531@bellsouth.net The Reverend CaMn L Miller ■ Pastor Reverend Karen Roberts Miller ■ Spouse SIMPSON-GILLESPIE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1 “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” • Join Us For Service • ^ Sunday Scliool, 9;30am • Sunday Worship, 11am 1^ Wednesday: Bible Study, 7pm T Isi & 3rd Saturday: '‘Coniemporan'Worship,’’ 6pm...'jeans Allowed” Rev. Walter Pegues, Pastor 3545 Beatties Fd Rd, Char., NC 28216 • 704-399-2717 • VanMinistty “We Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Us” Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church “A Church Putting Love Into Action” 700 SUGAR CREEK ROAD, WEST CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28213 Sunday Church School 9;30a.m. Worship Service ILOOa.m, and 6:00p.m. Baptist Training Union 5:00p.m. Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Wednesdays 7:30pm Office (704)596-7935 • Fax (704)596-1204 Residence (704)597-1249 Greater Myers Chapel PENTECOSTAL FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES - You’re Invited to Worship With Us - Intercessory Prayer. 8:30am Victory in The Word 9:15am Worship 10:30am Sunday Evening Total Praise 7:00pm Hour of Power/l\itorial avail.Wed....7:00pm Visit our WebSite: w ww.greatermyersdiapel.org 600 Jordan Place, Charlotte, NC 28205 “WAR Fellowship Ministry Covenant Partner” ' j ^or Van Ministry 704-377-1799 ' His la.st 0t.^die TOiiimandment Is ‘missionary m . BAPTIST CHURCH Olir 111*^1 wvw.Slkiksmbc.org 8SSI^flfll€llt» BfasiOHART Baptist Chotch Sej1i4«y’WorsluB ServKacB.^.....».>■«.,....RsOOaua • flKXhi Sksh^i-.,- . ... m • tklkipia ’Worship Eai.Clif(arAMatthevet,Jr,Pmtar • MM Nom* Aw. • Ch»Tii«*. NC 28209 • FAX; nS-mi PARKWOOD INSTITUTIONAL Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 802 Tom Hunter Road • Charlotte, NC 28213 704-921-4915 (Ph) • 704-921-4917 (Fax) Wedsite: www.parkwoodcme.com Sunday Worship 8:00 & 11:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Bible Study Wednesday 12 Noon Thursday 6:30 PM TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE . Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. Pa.stor To advertise your church, call 704 376 0496 St. Paul Baptist Church Our Purpose: “To convince the unconvinced to be convinced and make disciples” Sunday Worship at 7:30 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. Sunday Morning Breakfast 8:45 A.M. Sunday School at 9:25 A.M. -10:25 A.M. Radio Broadcast Sunday ILOOA.M. (1370 A.M. Dial) Bible Study Wed, 12 Noon - 6:45 P.M, - 8:00 P.M. Youth Church 2nd & 3rd Sunday 10:30 A.M. 1401 North Alien Street. Charlotte, NC 28205 Office: 704-334-5309 ■ Gregoiy K. Moss Sr.