I do not know of a Scripture which tells us to commemorate the resurrection of Christ on a certain day, whether on Sunday or any other day. Most denominations commemorate the Lord's resurrection from the dead in an annual observance called Easter. However, there is no Scriptural authority to do so. None can point to a passage and show either by command, example or implication that the early church ever observed or kept such a day.

Water baptism has the closet connection to the resurrection. It is a likeness of the Lord's death, burial and resurrection as is shown in Romans 6:1-18. Jesus died--a sinner dies to sin. Jesus was buried--a sinner is buried (immersed) in water. Jesus rose from the grave--a new creature (Christian) is raised from the water having been washed from sins (Acts 22:16) by the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7) that he shed in his death. When one is baptized, he is THEN made free from sins (Rom. 6:18) and walks a newness of life (Rom. 6:4,18). A beautiful picture! However, water baptism is not tied to any day of the week or year. Those who believe, repent and confess are baptized with the utmost urgency (Acts 16:23; 22:16), twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year.

The Lord's supper is not a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. It is a memorial of the Lord's suffering and death, not his resurrection (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

The world should be forever grateful for the fact that Jesus rose from the grave. If He had not, there would be no hope for anyone. The resurrection is the focal point of Gospel preaching. But, the Lord never designated a day be kept in its honor.

Several verses authorize the first day of the week as the day on which Christians are to worship. Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9). The church began on the first day of the week (Acts 2). The Lord's supper was eaten on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Saints were to give on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2).

--Garland M. Robinson

Unto the church of my Lord in every locality, I am under solemn obligation to the extent of my ability; but unto my home congregation, I am under special obligation.

I want my home congregation to radiate a wholesome influence in the community. Therefore, I owe it the example of a good life. For I must "live soberly, righteously and godly."

I want the strangers who enter the door of the meeting house to feel at home, to learn to love us, to return from time to time. They are our guests: I must entertain them. I owe it to them, and to the church to show myself friendly. I must not stand back and wait for others to greet them; this I must do (Heb. 13:2).

No congregation can make progress without faithful and efficient leaders. To a certain extent, the members of the church make or break their leaders. To the end that our leaders may be stronger and more efficient, I must give them my support, my prayers. As long as they are true men, I must not embarrass them in the work (1 Tim. 5:19).

My home congregation has financial obligations, which are due at regular intervals. Whether I give or do not give, these obligations must be paid. If it is right for my congregation to pay its obligations each week, it is right for me to give each week. Though circumstances may force me to be absent at times, my contributions should find their way to the treasury of the church (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

I know that the very existence of my congregation depends upon the attendance of its members. In fact, the attendance is the life of the church. For this reason, I must attend the services...all services, if I can. For all that I have, I would not have it said that my congregation perished because I would not attend the meetings (Heb. 10:25).

I want my home congregation to grow, to multiply in members. Therefore, I must set to the noble work of winning souls for Christ. This I can do by preaching and persuading; this I can do by persistent effort; this I can do by bringing them to our assemblies.

--Author Unknown

So often the old Devil seeks to discourage us by hindering the Lord's work. He is a master at discouraging the brethren. He knows every trick and every ploy. So often godly saints want to quit and say... "It is not worth the effort...."

Often Elders grow discouraged because sheep stray and reject all efforts to restore them. Many members could not care less that brethren grow weak and die spiritually, so they become grounds of discouragement by hindering the reclamation and discipline of lost members. Elders often feel... "It is not worth the effort...."

Often Deacons grow discouraged because so few will cooperate with them in getting the job done. Other deacons do not bear their fair share of the load and this discourages, too. They say... "It is not worth the effort...."

Often Bible School Teachers grow discouraged. Students do not study their lessons, and if comments are made, half are wrong or off the point! Many act as if Bible study is an "optional expedient" instead of "growth unto salvation." Then the old expression arises... "It is not worth the effort...."

Often Preachers despair. People often fail to react as they should to the word. Preachers' words and actions are often misunderstood, misrepresented or actually opposed, so he becomes discouraged. After years of study, application and faithful service, a handful of brethren can destroy the preacher's work by getting the ear of the eldership, so the preacher says... "It is not worth the effort...."

All of us have felt this on occasions about something we are doing for the Lord's cause. But through it all we must remember that what we do, we do for God! Many times it takes tremendous effort to persevere in our work in the kingdom. Only those who have been there really understand the unremitting toil, sacrifice, time and effort, and even money it takes to continually achieve for the Master (in any of the above roles). No one else may even notice, much less sympathize or help.

But God notices. God cares. God is concerned and God will ultimately make it right. It may not be worth the effort if it is for money we serve or for favor or popularity or for any of a hundred other reasons. But for God it is worth it! Hang in there! [POWER, August 1992].

--Andrew Connally, deceased

SYMPATHY is extended to the family of Clara North who passed away Thurs., May17th. She will be greatly missed as a faithful member of the East Corinth church of Christ.

SYMPATHY is also extended to the Faye Jackson family on the passing of her cousin, Kenneth Moreland last week.

REQUEST FOR PRAYER: Renae Watkins asked for the prayers of the church to restore her to her first love. We commend Renae on this decision.

ADULTS NIGHT OUT: Luau at Earl and Sue's house, Fri. 25^th at 6:00. Everyone come!

S.T.O.P. LECTURESHIP: July 22-26, Tradition of Men - Vain Religion.

FOOD ITEM: Mayonnaise

r SHUT-INS: Pauline Irvin, Nellie Wallace, Annie Nauman, Faye Jackson, Clydie Morrow, Frances Massengill, Doug Kimbrough, Sula Perry, Harry Prater, Lucille Leatherwood, Dorothy Johnson.

FREE VIDEO TAPES of sermons by Garland Robinson. 76 tapes are available. Send for a complete listing of sermons and/or tapes.

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