A Friendly Church With a Vital Message Proclaiming the Unsearchable Riches of the Lord Jesus.The Messenger is published weekly by the South Florida Ave. Church of Christ meeting at 1807 South Florida Ave - Lakeland, FL 33803 Vol. 76 No. 45 01-07-2020

MESSENGER The South Florida Avenue The South Florida Avenue

ELDERSDavid AndersonKenny French

Bobby Sheumaker

DEACONSJohn McShane Stacey Paulin

Jimmy Sweeney

MINISTERHiram Kemp

(386) 405-5372

ASSOCIATE MINISTERVince Daugherty(740) 801-1106

SECRETARIESMichelle Paulin / Dee Parramore

OFFICE PHONE(863) 682-4702

SUNDAY SERVICES Bible Study...............9:30 a.m. Worship...................10:30 a.m. Evening Worship........6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Ladies Class...........10:00 a.m. Bible Study................7:00 p.m.

HOME OFFlorida School of Preaching

since 1969

MISSION FIELDSDub Hill.......................RussiaDon Iverson...................IndiaMarc Veary.....Malawi, AfricaGraham McDonald..ScotlandJ. Paguaga....Honduras, C.A. Joey Treat......Pacific IslandsTed Wheeler......Ghana, W.A.

EMAILSFA.church@gmail.com

WEB PAGEwww.southfloridaavenuechurchofchrist.com

YOUTUBE.comSouthFloridaAvenueChurchOfChrist

in

of the lord’s wayS E A R C H

Sundays @ 7:00 a.m. Ch. 18 7:30 a.m. on Ch. 4

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Honoring Secretaries in Scripture Hiram Kemp

Do the names Baruch or Tertius mean anything to you? How about Jeremiah, Paul, or Peter? We are all probably more familiar with the work of Jeremiah, Paul, and Peter as they are known for their preaching and writing. However, as is true with all faithful and fruitful people, these men did not get their work done alone. Kingdom work has never been done in isolation. Instead, God uses various people with various talents working together for his glory. Jeremiah preached doom and captivity to Judah for several centuries but not without the help of Baruch who was a friend, scribe, and secretary for the prophet (Jer. 36:4). Baruch did the things Jeremiah asked him to do and helped him to fulfill the task God had given him as a prophet (Jer. 36:8).

Likewise, Paul had individuals who worked for and with him. The fancy name for this office is an amanuensis. The word amanuensis is of Latin origin and referred specifically to one who took dictation or copied manuscripts. The Book of Romans is rightly credited to the apostle Paul as he wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 1:1; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Still, careful readers of Romans know that at the end of the letter we learn a man named Tertius actually penned the letter for Paul (Rom. 16:22). This letter was probably dictated to Tertius by Paul by inspiration and therefore were Paul’s words, but we should not overlook Tertius’ contribution to the New Testament. He served as a secretary (amanuensis) for Paul and wrote the great epistle to the Romans. Peter had help in writing his letters too, Silas helped Peter in the writing of First Peter to the Christians in Asia Minor (1 Pet. 5:12).

The point of giving all of this information is to show that preachers have always needed help, and God has blessed them with faithful secretaries to get their work done. This has not changed. At SFA we have been blessed with many great secretaries (most recently Michelle Paulin and Dee Parramore) who greatly assist and help serve the church in many notable ways. Michelle Paulin will be retiring from full-time work as the secretary as she devotes her time to being a full-time Grandma. Michelle will still fill-in as needed when Dee is out of town or whenever she is called upon. Michelle has served as the secretary at SFA in years passed for a number of years. Most recently she served from 2015 until 2020. With a smile on her face and joy in her heart she has been a great servant and help to me especially (Phil. 4:4). Everyone who called the church building or stopped by when she was present received a warm welcome and she was always willing to go above and beyond to help anyone in any way that she could. Michelle did not do these things

Join Us for This Important Study!

T. Brownlow-DindyForest Antemesaris Stephen Atnip James Barnes George F. Beals Brooks Boyd Rico BrownJohn Allan

Jimmy Clark

C. J. Grimes

Will Hanstein

Chris Kidwell

Ty Rhymes

S. Brownlow-Dindy

Ben Giselbach

Hannah Gislebach

Hiram Kemp

Ben Radford, Sr.

Thomas WiseDavid Stearsman Daniel Stearsman Chad Tagtow Allen Webster Wade Webster Sam Willcut

The Promise of RedemptionFlorida School of Preaching 45th Annual Lectureship1807 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803 ♦ (863) 683-4043 ♦ fsop.net ♦ fsop@fsop.net

Monday9:00 The Concept of Redemption Will Hanstein9:40 The Curse of Sin Terrance Brownlow-Dindy10:20 BREAK10:50 Redemptive Events: The Flood Sam Willcut

Forum: Rooted in Redemption1:30 Implications of Being “Bought with Price” Thomas Wise2:00 “Redeeming the Time” Forest Stone Antemesaris2:30 Protecting Self from Believing in Vain Hiram Kemp3:30 Ladies Class: Eve and Redemption Shenia Brownlow-Dindy3:30 Questions and Answers 0n Forum Topic4:30 DINNER6:30 Congregational Singing7:00 Great Redemption Texts: Psalm 22 David Myers7:45 Christ: Manifestation of Redemption Jeff A. Jenkins

Tuesday9:00 Why Is Blood Required? Stephen Atnip9:40 OT Sacrifices and Redemption Brooks Boyd10:20 BREAK10:50 Redemptive Events: The Exodus Jeff A. Jenkins

Forum: Deity’s Role in Redemption1:30 The Father’s Role John Allan2:00 The Son’s Role Scott Pfettscher2:30 The Holy Spirit’s Role David Stearsman3:00 BREAK3:30 Questions and Answers on Forum Topic4:30 DINNER6:30 Congregational Singing7:00 Great Redemption Texts: Isaiah 53 Rico Brown7:45 The “Redemption of the Body” Jimmy Clark

Wednesday9:00 Types of Redemption in Genesis Timothy Kidwell9:40 Substitutionary Atonement Chad Tagtow10:20 BREAK10:50 Redemptive Events: Israel’s Captivity & Return J. Clark

Forum: Metaphors of Redemption1:30 Justification: Acquittal from Sin Daniel Stearsman2:00 Forgiveness: Removal of Sin’s Debt James Barnes2:30 Adoption: Acceptance as Family Chris Kidwell3:30 Ladies Class: Rahab and Redemption Hannah Giselbach3:30 Questions and Answers on Forum Topic4:30 DINNER6:30 Congregational Singing7:00 Great Redemption Texts: 2 Cor. 5:17-21 Ben L. Radford, Sr.7:45 Rejecting Redemption Ty Rhymes

Thursday9:00 Connecting Redemption & Evangelism Wade Webster9:40 Connecting Redemption & Edification Allen Webster10:20 BREAK10:50 Redemptive Events: Christ’s Crucifixion Melvin L. Otey

Forum: TULIP’s Twist of Redemption1:30 “Total Hereditary Depravity” Ben Giselbach2:00 “Limited Atonement” C. J. Grimes2:30 “Perseverance of the Saints” George F. Beals3:30 Ladies Class: Mary, Elizabeth, and Redemption H. Giselbach3:30 Questions and Answers on Forum Topic4:30 DINNER6:30 Congregational Singing7:00 Great Redemption Texts: Hebrews 9:13-15 Hiram Kemp7:45 Victorious Redemption Melvin L. Otey

Broadcast live at fsop.net ♦ Lectureship books available $16Jeff A. Jenkins’

Timothy Kidwell Scott PfettscherDavid Myers Melvin L. OteyPlan To Be Here!

January20-23, 2020

Communion to Shut-InsJanuary 12th ............................................................ DealJanuary 19th .................................................... Van AllenJanuary 26th ............................................... Youth GroupFebruary 2nd ........................................................... Deal

Please meet in the library. If you cannot serve, please call Stacey Paulin so he can get a replacement - (863) 838-8911

SCHEDULED TO SERVE

John McShane ....................Table ....................Fred StricklandDavid Williams ...................Assist ................... Charles Paulin

JanuaryDesignated Elder During Services - Bobby Sheumaker

Open/Close Building - Jason Hendrix

SFA FAMILY MATTERS

Sunday, January 12, 20209:30 A.M.

Song at Bible Class ........................................ Rick KenyonPrayer ............................................................ David AndersonSound Booth ...................................................... Alex ParramoreAnnouncements ......................................... Wayne ShearerSong Leader ..................................................Jason HendrixOpening Prayer .............................................. Alan GrimesSermon ............................................................ Hiram KempClosing Prayer ............................................ Dustin WallingGreeters ....................................................... Nona W./ Jeanelle T.Cards ............................................................. Calen/Cam’ron

6:00 P.M.Song Leader............................................. Tucker SweeneyOpening Prayer............................................. Frank HambySermon............................................................. Hiram KempClosing Prayer............................................. Jimmy Sweeney

Wednesday, January 15, 2020Song Leader............................................... Vince DaughertyOpening Prayer.......................................... Tucker SweeneyClosing Prayer............................................ Alex Parramore

Sunday, January 19, 20209:30 A.M.

Song at Bible Class ............................................. Jim TurnerPrayer......................................................... Bobby SheumakerSound Booth........................................................ Phil FifeAnnouncements............................................... Wayne ShearerSong Leader...................................................... Jason HendrixOpening Prayer..................................................... John McShaneSermon................................................................. Hiram KempClosing Prayer..................................................... Wadi KhouryGreeters........................................................ bettye/Melissa C.Cards.................................................................... Colby / Sawyer

6:00 P.M.Song Leader........................................................ Tucker SweeneyOpening Prayer.................................................... Fred StricklandSermon.......................................................... Hiram KempClosing Prayer........................................................ Phil Fife

Wednesday, January 22, 2020Song Leader .................................................... Tucker Sweeney Opening Prayer...................................................... David DealClosing Prayer .................................................... Jeff Bingle

~ HOW ARE WE GIVING ~ . Dec. 15 ............................................ $6,704.75Dec. 22 ................................................ $6,666.95Dec. 29 ............................................ $8,243.93Jan. 5 ................................................ $7,177.77Contribution Average ........................... $7,198.35

VisitorsRobert & Gail Jackson, DaQuan Salmon, Sherman Williams, Eric Bunch, Margaret Khoury, Andre & Nasheka Medley, Terrance & Kevontre Dindy, Zachary Hackney, Mike & Liz Bosley, Tiffany Hash, and David & Carole Cox.

January Clean-up team: John McShane (A-D)

Prayer ListOur Members: Tonya Anderson (shoulder surgery). Melody Baxter, Carol

Pace, Ginny Hamby, Cierra Edwards, Margaret Coone, Ellen Shearer, Ray Naschick, Ron Ford, Chuck & Evelyn Wyatt, Debbie Bush, Ginny Johnson, Brian Smith (upcoming tests for his heart) and Sharon Washington.

Shut In Members: Faith West, Carol Eason, Virginia Plumlee, Joyce Burbage and Cheryl Barker.

Others: Andre & Nasheka Medley and baby Nya, Kate, baby Nya’s NICU nurse, Tonya Mathis (hospice care), Larry Laster, Chrissi Fuesner, Chip Bolding, Tony Seibert, Neil Entwistle Sr., Tanya Irizarry, Trevor & Sandy Hutchins, Patricia Hewitt (member of church in Georgia) undergoing cancer surgery, Derick Jordan, Peggy Nabors (Kim Faneuf’s mother), Keijuan Callaway (Sharon Washington’s son), Mary Grow (pneumonia) and Anna Bess (Margaret Coone’s mother), Jerry Green, Mary Ankcrom (recently in hospital).

Upcoming EventsSunday, January 12th: Elders & deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.Saturday, January 18th: Ladies Day at Orange St. with Susan Stearsman.

There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.Saturday, January 18th: Men’s Breakfast at the (Northside) Golden Corral

restaurant in Lakeland at 8:00 a.m.Saturday, January 18th: Ladies’ Day at Orange Street, 8:30 a.m.Sunday, January 26th: Parents & Youth lunch/meeting after morning

service. Add your name to sign-up sheet if you plan to attend.Sunday, January 20-23rd: Florida School of Preaching LectureshipTuesday, January 28th: Senior Saints meeting, 9:30 a.m. Please check

bulletin board for supplies for the blessings bags.Saturday, February 1st: Ladies’ Day at Sebring, last day to RSVP is Jan. 25.

Welcome to the familyWe want to extend a warm welcome to three families that have met with our elders and placed membership here with us: Jeff & Ingrid Stewart, Antoine & Marcella Swain, and Earl & Charlene Smith. We are glad you are here with us!

Podcast We invite you to listen to our new podcast (recorded radio broadcast) that is hosted by members of our congregation and features topics that are spiritually relevant. It is posted on our website and on our YouTube channel. It is called:

The Modern Day Christian Podcast

Thank youWords cannot express how grateful we are for the tremendous support during this challenging time. We are truly thankful for your out pour of prayers, kindness, and love. Nya is doing extremely well, and we will keep you abreast of her continual progress. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. With love, Andre’, Nasheka, and Nya.

Thank youI am very thankful for the cards and prayers for me that you have so graciously provided. I love and enjoy my brothers & sisters in Christ here at S. Florida Ave. congregation. Sharon Mathis-Washington

that subject, the first of which began January 22. John Calvin (1509-1564) was a French theologian and Reformer. He was not the first to teach the major tenants of his doctrine, but he certainly popularized them. He had (and has) a tremendous, but erroneous influence upon the religious world from his day until now. The basic doctrines of “Calvinism” are given by a five point acrostic (T-U-L-I-P). The T stands for “total hereditary depravity” (also known as “original sin”). The U stands for “unconditional predestination.” The T stands for “limited atonement.” The “I” stands for “irresistible grace.” The “P” stands for “perseverance of the saints” (also known as “once saved, always saved”). “Calvinism” must be recognized, understood, and refuted. In the next five bulletins, we will examine

South Florida AvenueCHURCH OF CHRIST

1807 South Florida AvenueLakeland, FL 33803-2653

Return Service Requested

The End of Your Search for a Friendly Church . . .

Let Us Sow the Gospel Seedeverywhere we go by inviting those with whom we come in contact to church services, church events, and/or Bible studies!

Bringing in the New Year!Thanks to all who came, especially those who prepared chili, to our annual last fellowship meal of the year! All where encouraged in Christ!

Hmm ... two of the judges were related to the winner

New Member Spotlight

Curtis MorelockCurtis was born in Hagons, Virginia, and also lived in other Mid-Western States. As a child, he wanted to be a race car driver. His first job was mowing neighbors’ lawns. He is a retired evangelist. He served ourcountry in Alaska territory. He likes to study Scripture and other history and to write books and articles. His most satisfying accomplishments are building churches and marrying Eve. The best advice he’s been given is “Speak less and listen more.” He has 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Welcome, Curtis!

New Member Spotlight

George DavisGeorge was born in Jamaica, West Indies, and also lived in New York. As a child, he wanted to be a professional cricket player. His first job was working with his father on a farm. He is now retired from secular

work. His favorite book is the Bible. He likes Sprite. He is good at meeting people. In his free time, he enjoys walking and playing dominos. His most satisfying accomplishment is being a chef in his own restaurant. The best advice he’s been given is “Be faithful.” He has 3 children, 7 grand-children, and 1 great grandchild. Welcome, George!

Honoring Secretaries in Scripture (continued from page 1)to be noticed or singled out, but the Bible tells us to honor those who are worthy of honor, and she is most certainly worthy (Rom. 13:7). Whether it involved making copies, running errands, or picking up the auditorium she always had the spirit of Isaiah (Isa. 6:8). Jesus will not forget all of the work Michelle has done for him and we should not either (Matt. 10:42). Michelle will continue to serve as secretary in a limited fashion though not full time. When

you see Michelle remember to say thank you and let her know how much we appreciate her service in the Lord!