Here are excepts from two letters we received last week:
 

Recently at Benin City, I came across some tracts with a friend which I found very inspiring.  I borrowed them and came home to show them to my wife.  We took a decision to join the church of Christ.  As it is not in my community I got in touch with a branch at Benin City.

On the 12th of November, 1999, four elders came to baptize us and advised us to write.  My place is a Moslem community with nine villages with primary schools.  I have provided a hall for worship, where we also study the word of God.  I am a pensioner and have decided to do the work of God for the remaining part of my life.
       Alidu Isegen
       Afuze, Edo State
       Nigeria
 

The carton of assorted tracts you sent on the 29th July, 1999, was received on the 13th January, 2000, with very many thanks.  They arrived at the time of its need.  It was the time I do not have any tracts they arrived.

Let me not forget the main point.  I want more tracts, also include tracts concerning Moslem religion.  I am now having a new church in a Moslem area of Edo State.  We need very many Moslem tracts.

In the year 1999 I had 44 baptisms, and two new churches established in Edo State.  Your tracts helped this achievement.  Please do not relent on your effort.  I know that you spent so much to print and post.

       John I. Ephimiyein
       Benin City, Edo State
       Nigeria

Psalm 47:  Sing Praises to Our God and King 
“Sing praises—sing praises—sing praises—sing praises—with understanding”

Let us sing praises, for God is the King of the earth! Four times in one verse, and five times overall, the writer of this poem encourages his readers to sing praises. His motivation for these exclamations comes from the points he makes in the nine short verses of this song of praise. The  psalm can be studied by asking the questions “What?”, “Why?”, “When?”, “How?”, “Where?”, and “Who?” The answers to these questions will provide us with the same motivation to praise Jehovah today—HE IS KING OF THE EARTH!

Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
 (v. 1)
Verse one serves as the answer to the “What?” question: What should we do? In typical Old Testament fashion, the writer speaks of clapping and shouting. These expressions certainly were not parallel with the outrageous antics that are so common in denominational circles today, where there is nothing but confusion in many “worship” assemblies. The clapping and shouting were mere expressions of joy that were authorized under the Mosaic system. The “worship” that is so predominant in such events as seen on the programs of many TV “evangelists” has never been pleasing to God (in any age!).  For a person to clap (as an object lesson) or shout (for the same reason), is not the same thing that is currently so popular.  So, let us always approach the God of heaven with proper actions; even when it is while we are thinking of His great power to provide victory for His name and for His people.

For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. He will subdue the peoples under us, And the nations under our feet. He will choose our inheritance for us, The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah (vv. 2-4)

Verses two through four serve as the answer to the “Why?” question: Why should we do it?” We should praise Him for the following reasons:

Because He IS: awesome, a great king, and He is over all the earth.
Because He WILL: subdue the nations, and choose and exalt us. 

Let us view the character of God in harmony with the revelation of Him in the scriptures. This will inspire in us the same kind of reverence and awe that we see in so many Bible stories.

God has gone up with a shout, The LORD with the sound of a trumpet. 
Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
 (vv. 5,6)

Verses five and six serve as the answer to the “When?” question: When should it be done? We should sing His praises “straightway”: IMMEDIATELY!  And we should keep on singing His praises for the rest of our lives, for there will never be a time when He is not deserving of the praise that comes from our hearts through our lips as we pray, speak, and sing.

For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.  (v. 7)

Verse seven serves as the answer to the “How?” question: How should we do it? We should do this singing with understanding. The New Testament commands that songs offered to God should always be sung on the basis of understanding His will (Ephesians 5:17-19; I Corinthians 14:15). The word “understanding” in this verse means to act prudently, carefully, and on the basis of using our intelligence properly. 

God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.  (v. 8)

Verse eight serves as the answer to the “Where?” question: Where is He? The God Who deserves our exuberant praise, Who is most high and awe-inspiring, Who is a great “over all the earth” King, Who shall subdue all people, Who shall provide for His “pride and joy” (Jacob), and Who goes where ever He goes with great glory and power—this God—this Jehovah of Hosts is on His throne, reigning over all of His creation. Let us look up; let us lift Him up in our mind, spirit, heart, and might; let us resolve to be where He is (by keeping the commandments of His Son so that we can be saved by His grace; John 14:15-23; Ephesians 2:8-10).

The princes of the people have gathered together, The people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.  (v. 9)

Verse nine serves as the answer to the “Who?” question: Who is included? All of His people are included in the instructions to offer Him this praise. Additionally, all who are not His people are invited to become His people so that they too can offer Him “glory and honour and power” for He has created all things, and He did it for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11).

Will you not look into this writer’s plea for you to offer praise to God in His Own appointed way? Will you not learn of His way to salvation? Will you not do these things without delay?

(Please read these passages.  If you have any questions, please call and let us study these eternal principles with you at your convenience. 

Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Revelation 22:14-19; Acts 2:37,38; 9:6; 22:16; I John 2:3-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

    — Skip Andrews

SICK LIST:  Nell McClain fell and has a hairline fracture in her pelvis.  She is in Room 226 at Life Care of Gwinnett, 3850 Safehaven Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30044.    Daryl Callender is doing well following cataract surgery.  Katherine Barclay’s aunt recently had surgery.  Wayne Kendrick’s brother has throat cancer.  Priscilla Hunt who is suffering from cancer continues to need our prayers.  April Meacham is scheduled for sinus surgery next Thursday.  Helen Andrews’ father, Frank Burch, has pneumonia and is in the hospital in West Virginia.  Jan Shifley is having a lot of back pain and her recent treatment was not successful.  Electa Wilson has not been able to be with us for a couple of weeks. 
RESTORED:  Elizabeth Adams asked for the prayers of the church last Sunday.  We appreciate her willingness to turn again to Christ’s way.
GROUP ONE:  Group 1 is in charge of the service at Plantation South at 1:30 Sunday.  Also, please see your group leaders following evening services for visitation assignments.
CHILDREN’S CLASS:  5:30 Sunday. 
LADIES’ CLASS:  Tuesday at 10:00. 

FOR THE RECORD: 
Bible Class                                         127
AM Worship                                      141
PM Worship                                       116
Wednesday Bible Class                         98
Contribution                                     $6799
Budget                                             $6500

SEEKING THE LOST:  Groups 1 will meet 3/9; Group 2 will meet 3/16; Groups 3 and 4 will meet 3/23.
UKRAINE:  Jimmie Hill left Monday for a month to teach in the preachers’ training school in Kiev.
MOVING:  The Grubbs closed on their house Monday and will be moving Thursday from Indiana.  Welcome!  If any can help them move in Thursday, please volunteer!