May 30, 2004 #2422

"Modest Apparel"

Due to the approaching season, we deemed this article most

appropriate.
--the Elders

Despite the fact that the Bible says we are to clothes ourselves in
"modest apparel" (I Timothy 2:9), there are still those who view this issue as
subjective. In other words, what is immodest to you is not necessarily immodest to me. The
subjective view of modesty allows society, culture and conscience to set the standard. This makes
God's command on the subject of wearing "modest apparel" nothing more than a judgment issue.
Can this be right? As my very soul hangs in the eternal balance, can I allow man to dictate what is
modest, or shall I follow what the Bible has to say on the matter of "modest apparel"? Let's notice a
few verses together:
First, there is the need for dressing modestly. Paul wrote, "In like manner also, that women
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or
gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good
works" (I Timothy 2:9, 10). In order for me (women in the immediate context) to profess godliness
with good works, I must adorn myself in modest apparel. The word "adorn" means to arrange. The
word "modest" is from the Greek, kosmios, meaning: orderly, well arranged, decent, modest,
harmonious arrangement, adornment (Strong's Dictionary, Power Bible CD). Webster defines
modest as "observing the proprieties of sex, chaste, decent." So modesty has to do with action,
speech and dress.
Second, Adam and Eve realized they were not dressed modestly. Read Genesis 3:6-10.
Following their sin, Adam and Eve discovered that they were naked, or immodest. They tried to
clothe themselves with a fig leaf--apron. These aprons, from the Hebrew word chagora, were
loincloths or hip clothing comparable to the modern swimsuit (the lower part). Though they had a
portion of material on their bodies, Adam still referred to himself as being "naked". God shared this
sentiment. God said, "Who told you that you were naked?" (Genesis 3:11). So what would be
comparable to a modern-day swimsuit is still naked, or immodest, in the eyes of God.
Third, God dressed Adam and Eve modestly. "Unto Adam and to his wife did the LORD God
make coats of skins, and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). The coat, according to the Hebrew word
kethoneth, that God made for them was a long shirt-like garment, generally with sleeves, that
covered Adam and Eve from their shoulders to their knees (Wilson's Old Testament Word
Studies).
One immediately asks the question, "Why clothe Adam and Eve in this way when there was
no one else around to look at them?" Is it not possible that God was setting a moral standard for
man with regard to "modest apparel"? Remember that God's moral law never changes. It is quite
obvious that God's standard for "modest apparel" exceeds man's. Someone may say, "It seems a
little radical to say that I ought to wear a garment that covers my shoulders to my knees." Friends,
God wants us to be pure. He tells us what we should do, say, think and wear because He loves us.
Will we love Him enough to listen to what He says on this vital subject? Neil Richey

"No Prospect Left Behind"

The current administration in charge in the White House has instituted an

educational enhancement program called "No Child Left Behind". Personally, I do
not know enough about this program to be either opposed to or in favor of it. Like all
programs, however, it is an attempt to benefit and enhance. In this case it is an
attempt to benefit the educational system in general and every individual child in
particular. Whether it is successful or even beneficial is a subject for another forum
and another day.
Soon we will be engaged in our "Light the Fire" Campaign for which we have
labored many hours already. Through this effort we hope to contact as many
individuals in Salem as possible in a direct way. This is our effort to benefit and
enhance. It is our goal to see that there is "no prospect left behind". We want every
individual in our city to know of this effort and have the opportunity to hear and come to an
understanding of the gospel of Christ. Someone has stated that every individual has the right to
hear the gospel once before anyone has the right to hear it twice. It is our goal to make that
opportunity available to each resident in our fair town.
If you have not done so already, begin praying in earnest for this effort. Pray for it
personally. Pray for it collectively with your family as you pray together. "The effectual fervent
prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). Pray for success of the effort in reaching
every prospect. Pray for our Brother Jerry Jenkins in his efforts to proclaim the Word. Pray for the
safety of all those workers who will be traveling our way shortly. Pray for those of our own number
who will be actively involved in this effort.
This has the potential to be one of the greatest things in which West Side has ever
engaged. More importantly, it has the potential to reach lost souls and bring them to the truth. If
you have committed to assist in this effort, do all you can to keep your commitments. If you have
not volunteered to assist, it is not too late to do so. Surely, if we involve each member to his or her
potential, pray diligently for the effort, give of our time and energies in a concentrated way during
these five days in June and give God the glory and honor for all that is done, there will be "no
prospect left behind". Eddy

The Difference is Fellowship!

Why do so many criminals return to prison sooner or later after their release? The answer is
fellowship! They go right back to the friends and into the lifestyle that led them into crime in the first
place. Paul said it very well in I Corinthians 15:33: "Be not deceived: evil companionships corrupt
good morals." Try as we might, there is no way we can rise above the people who are our
constant companions. They help to form (or deform) our morals and convictions.
Why do some criminals leave prison to become happy and productive citizens? The answer
is fellowship! Instead of returning to their old friends and environment, they develop new
friendships and surround themselves with good people who will exert a positive and wholesome
influence on them. With the help of good friends in an environment on a higher plane, they develop
new habits, a new lifestyle and a whole new way of thinking.
Why do some Christians leave the faith and return to their former lifestyle? The answer is
fellowship! They never really made a break with their former way of life and did not wean
themselves away from the influence of non-Christian friends. It is true that just because they are
not Christian friends does not mean they lead immoral lives, but if they are not Christians, they do
not live by the same standard God has given His people, and they cannot help us to achieve the
standard of life God demands of us. Instead of elevating us to a higher plane, they pull us down to
their level.
In Acts 2:42 Luke tells us the early church "continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching
and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and prayers." There were only a few thousand
Christians in the midst of millions of Jews. Soon they would be undergoing persecution from every
side. What did they need to keep them strong in the faith? The teachings of the apostles,
fellowship with other devout Christians, assembling with the faithful saints to partake of the Lord's
Supper and the prayers of dedicated men of God. (1) They assembled with the apostles and other
Christians to learn the Word of God. (2) They assembled with Christians for
fellowship. (3) They assembled with Christians to observe the Lord's Supper and (4) in those
assemblies, they prayed. The difference in remaining faithful to God and falling away is fellowship!
Bobby Bates

The Legend of the Cap and Gown

Long ago, in ancient Greece, when formal education was for the very rich or the very
determined, a wise old teacher was approached by a group of noblemen. "Our sons have
completed their studies, and it is time for them to return to their homes and live in the style befitting
their station. On the morrow, we will hold a great banquet in their honor and expect them to be
dressed in the finest garments."
The old man smilingly answered, "They will be there," and he added, "appropriately
dressed."
The following day, the banquet hall was filled with royalty and nobility dressed in dazzling
jewels and costly finery. Then came the great moment when the students entered with their
beloved teacher.
A startled cry arose from the crowd. For here were their young men dressed, not in the
garments of the noble, but in simple sackcloth robes, each carrying a mortar board--the sign of the
common workman.
"Let me explain," spoke the teacher as he raised his hands for silence. "Your sons are
dressed in the clothing of the mason for their destiny is to build. Some will build cities, some will
build lives--perhaps, one of them may even build an empire. But all will be builders on the solid
foundation of knowledge."
And thus, over the years, the cap and gown have become a traditional part of graduation,
symbolizing the fact that our young men and women are builders--of their own future--and the
future of the world. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the
heaven: A time to be born and... a time to build up" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3).
via Forest Park c/C "Heart to Heart"
PRAYER REQUESTS
SICK: at home: Tom Duff (stomach
virus), Mickie Janney (reaction to poison oak medicine). Glenna Manning (Luetta's sister) is ill.
Amanda Spencer, Glenna's niece, being treated for severe anemia; will have a hysterectomy in
late June/early July when they get her iron level regulated. John Furrow, Marguerite's brother, back
surgery. Continue to remember: Mike Allen, Charles Baker, Herbert Baker, Jacob Bradford,
Jessica Caldwell, Alice Crotts, Jim & Addie Dorsett, Kim Dorsett, Mrs. Gearhart, Cory Glass, Levi &
Essie Graves, Luetta Gregory, Dorothy Grimsley, Steve Harrah, Dee House, Dan Hudgins, A.C.
Janney, Metabelle Jarrells, Betty Jenkins, Gloria Kinney, Jack Lamb, Jo Musgrove, Ronald
Ogburn, Carol Osborn, Glen Petersen, Keith Prewitt, Lacy Rowe, Gary Sartain, Murphy Scott,
Annette Shrader, Ruth Stanton, Evelyn White, Kelly Williams, Dot Willink, Effie Wimmer (vertigo),
W.J. Wood. Names will remain on this list for four weeks without an update. Please give all
updates to Glenna.
SYMPATHY: We extend our sympathy Lendy Reader, co-worker of Terri Perkins, who lost her dad
last week.
OTHER: Remember our missionaries the Staffords and the Pearsons; Steve & Cindy Hall, the
300,000+ armed service personnel serving the world over. Please pray for the following that they
will become more faithful: Nick Charles, Valarie Faw, Kelsey MacIntosh, Paul Mays.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD!

Logan Marshall Allen (7 lbs. 6-3/4 ozs., 20-1/2") was born to Colby & Holley on Friday, May 21.
Mother and baby are at home, doing well; Colby's beaming.

THIS WEEK AT WEST SIDE:

Today: Dinner to honor high school graduates after morning services. Everyone is welcome. HtH
labeling party, 4:30pm. Southside gospel meeting w/Tim Canup begins; continues through
Wednesday.
Monday: Evangelism class for "LtF', 7:30pm
Wednesday: Bible study, 7pm. Bus Escorts will meet in college classroom during study time.
Happy birthday to Andy Duran (18), Steve Harrah &
Crawford
Thursday: Happy birthday to Shree Lowe!
Saturday: Team 3 (Brown) picnic at the Dixons, 4-7pm. Happy birthday to Charlene Guard!
Sunday, 6/6: New teaching quarter begins. EDP meeting, 4pm. Bridal shower, 4:30pm. LtF
committees meet, 5pm. Happy anniversary to Randy & Charmaine Bush and Charlie & Jessie
Puckett!

JUNE ITEMS FOR STAFFORDS

poppy seeds, Smarties candy, envelopes/taco seasoning mix

NEW DIRECTORY SHEETS

David Wilcox, the Kinneys; available on the table in the foyer.

BRIDAL SHOWER
There will be a bridal shower to honor Tosha Dunnaville on Sunday, June 6, 4:30pm in the
fellowship room. A "wish list" will be posted soon. Color choices are blue and burgundy. Hostesses
are Gloria Kinney, Dorothy Mays, Amanda Pelfrey, Glenna Richardson & Lisa Valentine.
ALL "LIGHT THE FIRE" COMMITTEES
Will meet Sunday, June 6, 5pm in the college classroom. This meeting is very important to finalize
details for the campaign. Everyone was given a calendar of events last Sunday evening for the
schedule for this campaign. See Jerry Anderson if you need one.

BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR FOOD/DRINKS FOR THE "LIGHT THE FIRE" CAMPAIGN.

THANK YOU!
We wish to express our appreciation for their hard work to our Spring quarter primary Bible class
teachers: Kim Brown, Melissa Rogers, Susan Duff, Jeanny Gilpin, Kristie Jearls, Shree Lowe &
Gloria White. Thank you, ladies!
The newly redecorated ladies' restroom is beautiful! Our thanks to Jeanny Gilpin and Gloria
Kinney for a terrific facelift to this facility. -the Elders

ITEM NEEDED FOR VCC

We appreciate all your help in the
past. This year we need 16-oz squeezable jars of mayonnaise. See me if you have questions.
Thank you. -Velda Gearhart

CONSTRUCTION
Due to construction in the preacher's office, we ask that you not be in the basement unless you
have business there. We don't want anyone to get hurt. Thank you.
-the Elders

Barry Dixon is now worshipping at Dale Ridge.

June 2004
Announcements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don Pettit
Reader (PM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kirk Gilpin
Preside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Dixon
Serve. . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Black, Mike Christian, Jim Harrington, Tom Rogers
(PM) Adam House, Squeaky Valentine (to help AM on 6/13 also)
Opening Prayer
6/6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Richardson, (PM) Collin Gregory
6/13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry White, (PM) Jerry Anderson
6/20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Durham, (PM) Ed Mickens
6/27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny Guard, (PM) Bobby Martin
Closing Prayer
6/6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bob Garby, (PM) Tom Duff
6/13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Kinney, (PM) Grat Tucker
6/20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Anderson, (PM) Kyle Gilpin
6/27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Murphy Scott, (PM) Caleb Guard
Pick Up Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Seth Perkins, Weston Rogers
Greeters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gregorys, Pettits
Open/Close Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Durham
Care of Communion. . . .Charmaine Bush, April Harrah; alternate, Peggy Grubb
Song Leaders
Sunday. . . . . (AM) J. Durham (PM) C. Gwaltney. . . . Wednesday , C. Harrah
Care of Baptismal Garments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy Durham
Usher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred Altizer, David Brown
Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Brown, Rosemary Bush; (PM) Shirley Bake
Alternates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aaron Anderson, Andy Duran
Sermon Outlines.. . . . . . . .James Cooke, Chris Harrah, Tom & Weston Rogers
OUR RECORD. . . 5/19, 23/04
Wednesday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Sunday Bible Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Sunday Morning Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196
Sunday Evening Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..148
Contribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,069.00
Volume XXV, Number 22 May 30, 2004

BE SURE TO FILL OUT YOUR ATTENDANCE CARD.

Also mark whether you were present for Bible study this morning. For the evening service, fill out
one card for the family, indicating which members are in attendance. Thank you for your
cooperation in helping us "watch for your souls"
(Hebrews 13:17). -the Elders

Truth & Trivia

Interesting Trivia
The world's first speed
regulation was in England in 1903.
It was 20 mph.

Powerful Truth
"Therefore is the anger of the LORD
kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten
them: ... And he will lift up
an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold,
they shall come with speed swiftly."
(Isaiah 5:25a, 26)

Truth & Trivia

Interesting Trivia
Dolphins jump out of the water
to conserve energy.

Powerful Truth

"Rejoice ye in that day, and

leap for joy: for, behold, your
reward is great in heaven:
Luke 6:23