Church - God's people are set free from bondage to love one another as God loved them SET FREE TO LOVE (James 2:S-1>; 1 John 4;T-12> "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is per fected in us." (1 John 4:12) The Scripture text given for to day's study is selected passages from the books James and John. Mr. Ed win V. Hayden, writing for the Stan dard Lesson Commentary, Interna tiional Sunday School Lessons, made some noteworthy comments concern ing today's study. Quote, "Today's lesson texts confirm truths that did not come easily to their writers. Faith did not come easily to James, half brother to Jesus; and brotherly love did not come easily to the Apostle John. James, who wrote this treatise bearing his name, was one of four sons of Joseph and Mary, who were One commentarian noted that this law sits oo a throne, and it makes kingly those who obey it. The Scriptures, in both the Old and New Testaments, commands even handed justice to rich and poor alike. Material favortism violates God's commandments, and, in fact runs counter to righteous living. James caught the enormity of this great commandment, and his conscious soared high as he viewed the neces sity of keeping it if one was to have the right relationship with the Lord. In verse 9 he gave this warning (paraphrased) "If you respect peo ple on the basis of their material pos sessions, you commit sin. KNOWING GOD (1 John 4:7-12) Several decades had passed be tween the writing of James epistle and the writing of John's. The aged John was still a "Son of Thunder" when thunder was needed to refute fals e teaching. There were many false teachers n the first century. John had lived long and learned much. He had become known as the Apostle of Love. The gnostics were teaching, among other questionable things, that God's Son could not have lived in a physical body. If Christ had not lived in human form then He could not have suffered and died on the cross, which is the essential of Christian faith. To the gnostics, who had a noticeable lack of compassion for those about them who were suffering and in need, but wbo claimed an inaide special relationship to God, John replied to them point blank. "He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love." (1 John 4:8) (Lesson based on the International Sunday School Lessons) well known in Nazareth. Toward the end of His ministry Jesus' brothers still did not believe in Him, although they were impressed with His mira cles. They seem, however, to have been convinced by His resurrection from the dead, and they were found among His disciples before the great day of Pentecost. Afterward, James continued in the company of the Apostles and became a leader in the church at Jerusalem. The Apostle John, the son of Zebedee and brother of Junes who was killed by Herod, was always "the disciple who Jesus loved," but he was not al ways the Apostle of love. The two brothers were nicknamed "sons of thunder" by Jesus. It was they who suggested that Jesus call down fire on a Samaritan Village be cause it refused them hospitality. Yet, sixty years later the Apostle John could say with utmost sincerity, "My little children, love one an other." (Unquote) ROYAL LALW KEEPING ' (James 2:1-1)) James wrote his epistle about A.D. 50 and thus it was one of the first New Testament books to be circulated in writing. It's theme is the oneness of God and the "Royal Law"? "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Leviticus 19). It is upon these prin ciple truths that the believer is to build his life. James is addressing primarily a problem in the early church, and, do doubt, many churches since. The problem involves treating the rich worshippers better than poor folk in the public meetings of the church. When Jesus was asked which com mandment was greatest, He named first the command to love God with one's whole being. Then He added this one, "Thou shalt love thy neigh bor as thyself." This law is royal, as belonging to a king. It is given by the King of kings. : Arthritis Foundation publishes magazine Americans with arthritis now have a new source for the most up-to-date information about their disease. It's a magazine called "Arthritis To day," which is now published six times a year by the Arthritis Founda tion. The first issue was distributed ; to about 600,000 homes across the country during the first two weeks of January, 1967. "There are almost 40 million Americans who have a form of ar thritis," said Betsey Brewster Case, who serves as national chairman of the Arthritis Foundation and who herself has rheumatoid arthritis. "They and their families want to know the latest about arthritis re search and treatment, and they want to know how to best overcome their disease in everyday living. The Ar thritis Foundation's official new membership magazine gives that and much more." "Arthritis Today" is the best source for the most current informa tion about new research, products, medications and treatments. There are also practical tips for making the person with arthritis more comfort able, independent and productive. "Arthritis Today" replaces the news letter-style publication titled "Na tional Arthritis News," which has been the Arthritis Foundation's offi cial membership publication since 1980. "The tone of our magazine is very upbeat and positive," said Ms. Case. "We want to show people that they don't have to be depressed or give up on life just because they have arthri tis. 'Arthritis Today' allows people with arthritis to regain control over their body and to improve their frame of mind." The magazine deals with the finan cial and emotitional concerns of peo ple who have arthritis, as well as with the physical aspects of having arthritis. For example, upcoming is sues will feature articles about ob taining health insurance, commu nicating with family members and accessibility to public places. Each issue will also provide practical in formation, such as tips on travel, exercise and medications. "Most people who have arthritis must live with it for the rest of their life," said Ms. Case. "We at the Ar thritis Foundation show them how to live in the most pain-free and most productive ways possible." "Arthritis" is the term for a group of about 100 related diseases that in clude rheumatoid arthritis, os teoarthritis, gout, lupus, bursitis and spinal arthritis. For information about "Arthritis Today," write to the Arthritis Foundation, NC Division at 3115 Guess Road, Durham, N.C. 27705. Orchestra to perform The North Carolina Symphony Chamber Orchestra will perform on Thursday, February 19 at 8:00 p.m. > , , in the Earnest A. Swain Auditorium in Edenton under the baton of Asso ciate Conductor, James Ogle. A per formance by the Edenton Choral So , ciety and the John A Holmes Concert - Choir in combination with the Or - , chestra will be the highlight of the concert. The first half of the 1987 program includes Beethoven's Overture to Kin - . Stephen, Op. 117, and Mozart's Sym i " phony No. 36 in C Major, K. 425, ' '("Linz"). Following intermission the - Edenton Choral Society and the ? ^-Holmes High School Concert Choir will assemble with the Orchestra on ' stage, and will perform three vocal - pieces. Hie group of over one hun dred musicians and vocalists will present Mozart's "The Gloria in Ex celsis" from the Twelfth Mass. This will be followed by Randall Thomp son's The Last Words of David, and the final selection, Peter J. Wilhous ky's 'The Battle Hymn of the Repub lic'. The February 19 program will conlude with the Orchestra alone on stage for the contemporary Aaron Copeland's Suite from Appalachain Spring, which promises to round out one of the most balanced programs on the Symphony's long and appre ciated record with Chowan County. Advance tickets for the perfor mance are currently on sale at $7.00 for adults and $4 00 for students and senior citizens. Requests may be di rected to ticket sales chairman, Mrs. Barbara Burroughs, at 482-2624 in Edenton. Tickets will be available the week before the concert at Hollo well & Clount Pharmacy and at Mitchener's Pharmacy on Broad Street in Edenton, Sales will also be made at the door on concert night, but at the price of $8.00. Area church news i First Baptist schedule ? First Baptist Church Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m. with the superintendent, Mrs. R.B. Gibbs, in charge. Morning worship starts at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor J.H. London preaching from the subject "The New Covenant" Luke 22:20. The senior choir will sing and the Holy Communion will be served. You are cordially invited to attend this worship service. \7 ~ Cards of Thanks The family of the late Mrs. Daisy Jackson Downing is very grateful and appreciative to all who extended ex pressions of sympathy and kindness during their hours of sadness. May God Bless you abundantly. Hattie Downing and Family To all who gave help and time at the demise of Murray D. Lane, the family is very grateful. Your expressions of sympathy, your prayers and your gifts were lovingly ac cepted. The Family of Murray D. Lane MV jr., , OBf Pictured left is Tonya Howell. Tonya is Vice President of the District Beta Club. She will be running for State Vice Presi dent of the Beta Club in Greensboro on March 6th and 7th. NOTICE OF BID FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION WORK TOWN OF HERTFORD Notice is hereby given that bid packages may be obtained on or after Thurs day, February 5, 1987, during normal office hours at the Hertford Town Hall for the rehabilitation of approximately seven (7) dwelling units. Bids will be received and opened on Thursday, February 17, 1987, at 3:00 P.M. at the Hertford Town Hall. This work is funded through the State of North Carolina, FY 1984, Small Cities and Community Development Block Grant Program. The Town of Hertford is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages bid ding by Small and Minority Contractors. Inquires should be directed to the Town of Hertford at 426-531 1 . Dear friends. A death in the family may create problems for survivors which may be lessened by discussion and preplanning. Funeral and burial ar rangements are important and should be freely dis cussed. Some people choose to prearrange and prefinance a funeral to assist their survivors after death occurs. Respectfully, i&uitniiell ^Funeral Home, 3nc. 509 Dobbs Street Hertford, N.C. 426-7311 WHERE MERCY IS APPLIED By Raymond C. Needham Hertford Baptist Church Hertford, N.C. Jesus had a lot to say about our personal relationships with others. It matters both in time and eternity how we treat our fellowmen. In Luke 6:36 He says. "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." How can we put this into practice? Where can we show mercy today? First, we can be merciful in our thoughts. Do we tend to think of others harshly, condemnly, or suspiciously? Are we in the habit of always thinking only bad negative thoughts about them? Our Lord would have us show mercy even in our thinking about others. Look for the good in what they do and say. Ask God to give you an eye to see the good. In so doing, you are showing others kindness, and you become an inspiration to those with whom you associate. Secondly, be merciful in word each day. So often we are tempted to use cutting, ill-humored words. Let us pray for groce to hold our peace even though that person may be filled with an unpleasant and obtrusive disposition. Oh, what merciful words from you may mean to them at such a time. They may be the calming balm to that storm-tossed soul. Your merciful words may help them to see the error of their way and seek the Saviour Who can make them a "new creature." Thirdly, be merciful in deed today. Be willing to serve; do some little deed of kindness that you really are not obligated to do. It is the way of mercy ond love to minister good to others. What a happiness it brings to the heart of those in the home and place of work when, by our deeds, we show them thot we care. Fourth, be merciful in your whole being. What do we mean by this? In all the dealings of the entire day, be friendly and kind to others. Every contact of a day is an opportunity to show to others the mercy which we ourselves hove received of the Lord. Through us the Lord con reveal His grace to our fellow men as we're kind and merciful in all our ways. Fifth, be merciful for Jesus' sake. It was because of love and mercy that Jesus came to earth to give His life on the cross for sinners. Is there anything thot He needs more than friends who ore merciful? These are the ones who make His gospel irresistible to those for whom He died. Further, if we ourselves have received of His mercy, shall not we show it to others for His soke? Last, be merciful for your own sake. Jesus said. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Again He said, "With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." There is another principle regarding relationships. "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken to gether, ond running over, shall men give into your bosom." "Be ye, therefore, merciful, as your Father also is merciful." Remember being merciful in word and deed begins with our being merciful in thought. To be merciful in thought is made possible by surrender to Him Who, in mercy, gave His life for us on Colvory's cross, Jesus Christ. People's Bank & Trust Co. MEMBER FDIC Hertford, N.C. Reed Oil Company EXXON PRODUCTS HERTFORD, N.C. HOLLOWELL OIL CO. SUPPLIERS OF OIL PRODUCTS Phone: 426-5745 Quality Clothing Outlet Ward's Shopping Cantor US 17 By Pass The Perquimans Weekly Perquimans County's Only Newspaper For And About Perquimans People Woodard's Pharmacy A 10% Discount On All Proscriptions For all Our Customers Age 60 Or Older. 426-5527 Darden Department Store 109-111 N. Church St. Hertford 426-5464 "D&jtenA "ptvUtt MEMBER FTD HARRIS SHOPPING CENTER MY PHONE 426- 5721 NIGHTS 426-7592 Phillips Furniture Co. FACTORY OUTLET New and Reject Furniture U.S. 17 By-Pass Hertford, N. C ?<3? WINSLOW-BLANCHARD FOR D Your Dealer * WOODLAND Dress Shop ~ 108 S. WOODLAND ST. Hertford 426*5620 ? PHILGAS? Community Got Inc. 215 Edenton Road St. Hertford, NC 426-5246 ? i

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