Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
October 7, 2018

Our “Instant Gratification” Generation
by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.
We are an “instant gratification” generation. “Instant” is perhaps the most popular label on today’s foods. The most popular restaurants serve “fast food.” “Wait” has become a four letter dirty word we don’t want to hear. Listen to daily conversations that average people have and listen for their complaints. Having to “wait” has to be near the top of the list. The range is wide. There are complaints about having to wait in:
The doctor’s office.
The restaurant.
The drive through line.
The morning or afternoon traffic.
And the beat goes on.
Then there are the more serious matters. Like young people not wanting to wait until marriage for sexual gratification. Parents not wanting to wait for children to grow up to put them into grown up situations.
This mind-set has affected the church in more ways than one. The majority of the “ministries” of churches are geared to addressing “hear and now” needs and wants. In many congregations the thrust has shifted from a faith that “is the substance of things hoped for...” (Hebrews 11:1) to addressing the present “felt needs” and “hurts” of the members and prospective members. Instead of a group of redeemed people, “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Read Titus 2:12-14), helping each other prepare for that event and our entrance into heaven, we are spending the bulk of our effort and time trying to give people “instant gratification” for whatever ails them now.
If teaching is not addressing our immediate “needs” and “hurts” it is not considered relevant. Rather than a gospel that grounds us in Bible knowledge and teaches us how to bear life’s burdens as we wait for the Lord to come bringing relief, we want the gospel tailored to attempt to relieve all burdens now. Emphasis has subtly shifted the reason for “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” and living “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” from “looking for that blessed hope” to almost exclusively looking for immediate benefits of godliness. While godliness does indeed have “promise of the life that now is,” the bulk of its promise has to do with “that which is to come” (cf. 1 Timothy 4:8) for which we must learn to wait patiently.
“On Fire” For the Lord
by Bryan Gibson
Phinehas was an Old Testament character, of whom the Lord said this: “he was zealous with My zeal” (Numbers 25:11); “he was zealous for his God” (Numbers 25:13). Could the Lord say the same about us?
To be zealous is to be “on fire”—to show great interest and concern for the Lord’s cause; to show eagerness and enthusiasm in our work for Him. We don’t have to have a dynamic personality, just a willingness to put Him and His cause before everything else, a willingness to work.
Perhaps we had it at one time only to see in wane. Maybe you or I have become lukewarm, like the brethren in Laodicea. His admonition to them (and us): “Be zealous and repent” (Rev. 3:19).
Remember, Jesus “gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship……….10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.