The Durango Disciple

October 5, 2014







































The
Durango Disciple
Vol. 26, No. 39 October 5, 2014
Open-Minded & Discerning
In 1940, Professor Walter Kotschnig delivered a speech to a
group of college students. He admonished them:
Let us keep our minds open by all means, as long as that
means keeping our sense of perspective and seeking an
understanding of the forces which mold the world. But
dont keep your minds so open that your brains fall
out! There are still things in this world which are true and
things which are false; acts which are right and acts which
are wrong, even if there are statesmen who hide their
designs under the cloak of high-sounding phrases.
I also like the way G.K. Chesterton expressed the same advice,
The point of having an open mind, like having an open
mouth, is to close it on something solid. We do well to heed
this advice regarding our understanding of Gods will.
Being truth-seekers means we must be willing to question
everything: every doctrine, every practice, every attitude and
every tradition. Theres always a possibility we may have
gotten it wrong. God is pleased when we, like the noble-
minded Bereans, examine everything we hear to see if it
conforms to Gods holy Scriptures (Acts 17:11).
Yet, some have taken open-mindedness beyond the bounds
of reason in Christianity. Theyre unwilling to take a stand for
(or against) anything, because there are so many different ideas
offered by religious people. God says thats how children
think. God wants us to stand firm in His doctrine given by His
apostles and prophets (Ephesians 4:11-15).
Jess Simpson
Durango, CO
Study & Worship
Schedule
Sunday
Bible Study 9:30 a.m.
Worship 10:20 a.m.
Afternoon Worship 1:30 pm.

Wednesday
Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
The church of Christ meets at:
2100 West 3
rd
Avenue
P.O. Box 633 Durango, CO 81302
(970) 247-0865
Preachers
Jess Simpson
email: jess_e_simpson@hotmail.com
Guy Orbison, Jr.
email: guy_o_jr@frontier.net
Mind Protein
Find us online at http://www.churchofchristdurango.com
Too often we underestimate the
power of a touch, a smile, a kind
word, a listening ear, an honest
compliment, or the smallest act of
caring, all of which have the
potential to turn a life around.
~ Leo Buscaglia
Let us hold fast the confession of
our hope without wavering, for He
who promised is faithful; and let
us consider how to stimulate one
another to love and good deeds.
~ Hebrews 10:2324

Weekly Bible Reading
Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11

Monday: Philippians 2 Isaiah 26-27
Tuesday: Philippians 3 Isaiah 28-29
Wednesday: Philippians 4 Isaiah 30-31
Thursday: Colossians 1 Isaiah 32-33
Friday: Colossians 2 Isaiah 34-36
Saturday: Colossians 3 Isaiah 37-38
Sunday: Colossians 4 Isaiah 39-40
Know Your Bible Answer:
It was NOT apostles, or financially supported evangelists. Acts
11:19-21 tells us this congregation began through the efforts of
the Jewish men & women who had been scattered from Jerusalem
(cf. Acts 8:1-4). Its amazing what God can do through us!
The Durango Disciple
October 5, 2014




































Whos Influencing Who?
One of the struggles facing our ancient Colossian brethren
was the constant barrage of negative influence from the non-
Christians who lived around them. Perhaps you understand
their plight and you know how difficult it can be to come to a
new life in Christ while your family members, friends,
neighbors, and co-workers choose to remain in the world. From
the tone of Pauls letter, it appears the Colossians were
allowing these negative influences to shake them in their faith.
Certain doubts had crept in through what the non-Christians
had been saying to them:
Seemingly persuasive human philosophies were having an
impact on their faith (Colossians 2:4-8).
Jews were making them feel guilty for not holding to the
Law of Moses (2:16-17).
Pagans were making them feel insufficient by bragging
about their alleged spiritual experiences (2:18-23).
It was evident from their behavior this was affecting their
ability to live the life Christ wanted for them (3:1-11).
Its clear the Colossians were being influenced by the world.
Paul wants them to see this differently. Not only should these
Christians not allow the world to influence them, but they had
great power and responsibility to change the worldso do we.
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making
the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with
grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know
how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:56)

Calendar

October

9-13Guy to speak at
Linder Road Lectures
14Preachers meeting
22-25Guy to preach
in Durant, OK
26POT LUCK today

November

11Preachers meeting
26Singing Night

December

9Preachers meeting
11-15Guy to speak in
West Yellowstone, MT

2014 Theme:
No Ordinary Family
Prayer List
Robert Watson Koben
Puckett (paralyzed cousin of Joe
& Jerry) ... Ruth Sutherlin
Bob & Duane Green (Pat
Bardins nephews) Pat
Kennington (Marjories niece)
Val (Arlindas sister; in chemo)
Larry McKesson Sr. (chemo)
Ruth Mortimer RosaLee
Cundiff (degenerative disk)
Laurie (Ray & Marys daughter;
struggling in her faith) Jen
Gustin (Jodis friend; thyroid)
Mike Maner (Jons dad)
Brothers in the military:
Michael Ogle, Andrew Kays,
Nathanael Harris

Family Happenings
Please remember Dorothy Dees
and Pat Bardin as they travel
abroad: Dorothy in her physical
health, and Pat as her travel
plans have changed.
God has opened several doors
for evangelism, both locally
and with souls who live out of
state. What a blessing that God
chooses to use us to reach the
lost. Your daily prayers for
these souls are greatly
appreciated, as well as your
encouragement and hospitality.
What a privilege we all have to
introduce people to Christ!
Jess Simpson
Durango, CO

Know Your Bible
Who established the strong church in Antioch (Syrian), which later
sent Paul on all his missionary journeys? Answer on back cover

Sunday Morning Auditorium Class
2 Corinthians 7
Sunday Morning Sermon
Dont Believe Everything You Hear
Sunday Afternoon Sermon
Speaking the Utterances of God Witness/Testify
Wednesday Evening Auditorium Class
Powerful Prayer Lives What Do We Pray For? (Part 4)