Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
March 22, 2020

Surrounded by Faithful Christians
by Bryan Gibson
Timothy was a strong Christian, and here is the evidence: “For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord…” (1 Timothy 4:17). Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do” (1 Corinthians 16:10). “But I trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to send Timothy to you shortly…for I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state” (Philippians 2:19-20).
To whom should we give credit for the kind of man Timothy became? First and foremost, the praise should go to God, something which Paul acknowledged in 2 Timothy 1:3-5. But how about the people God used to help Timothy? Let’s start with his upbringing. Timothy’s father was not a Christian (Acts 16:1), but his mother and grandmother were, and they made sure he knew the Scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15). There were also the good brethren from the area in which he grew up (Acts 16:2). And look at the good influences he had on those preaching journeys, men like Paul and Silas and Luke, not to mention the countless brethren he came in contact with on those same journeys. Throughout his life, Timothy was surrounded by faithful Christians, and together they helped him become the kind of man he was. Could he have been faithful without them? Sure he could, but who thinks he would like to start over without them?
I’m not yet the man Timothy was, but I can certainly relate to what it means to be surrounded by faithful Christians. Both my parents were faithful Christians, and they raised me accordingly. I grew up in a church where obedience to the Lord was more than just talk; it was exemplified. I was surrounded by “brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers” (Mark 10:28-30)—faithful Christians who took a personal interest in my spiritual welfare. I received the sound, Scriptural teaching I needed, both by word and by example. I was encouraged, warned, comforted, corrected—all the things necessary to help someone be faithful to the Lord. And what’s more—I’ve had this same blessing all my life, and it continues till today. I’ve been laboring with the brethren of the Prattmont Church of Christ for 36+ years, and it’s quite possible that I’ve received more good from them than they’ve received from me. Some have passed on, but their example still speaks loudly and clearly (Hebrews 11:4). And on top of that, I’ve been married to a faithful Christian for 35+ years, and I now have four faithful children (and their spouses) who offer still more encouragement. Where would I be today without all these good influences in my life? It’s hard to say, and quite frankly, it scares me to even think about it. I’ve known some good brethren who have been faithful to the Lord without the many good influences I’ve had, and I thank God for them. That being the case, I still feel compelled to offer this prayer: “Thank you, God, for surrounding me with faithful Christians from the first day until now, and help me to take full advantage of this wonderful blessing.”
“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
A Safe Haven
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...” (Hebrews 12:28).
If you have come to the Lord; if you are a member of His body, or His church; if you are a stone in His spiritual temple, then you are a citizen of this great city.
And if you are a citizen of this great city, this holy city, you have no reason to fear, even in the midst of a pandemic. No, this alone doesn't grant you immunity from every disease. You may still contract the virus, and you may even die from it, but the Lord is with you and He will take care of you.
Read carefully these words from the prophet Zephaniah, as he looked ahead to the time of Christ, to the time when this new Jerusalem, this spiritual city would be established.
“Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: ‘Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing’” (Zephaniah 3:14-17).
Looking for a “safe place”? Move to this city.

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.