Years ago a boat was wrecked in a storm on Lake Michigan. Students from Northwestern University formed rescue teams and did all they could to save people from drowning. One student named Edward Spencer saved 17 people before he fell exhausted to the ground.

Years later R.A. Torrey referred to this incident while speaking in Los Angeles, CA, when a man in the audience called out, "Edward Spencer is here!" Torrey asked Spencer to come forward and asked him if anything in particular stood out in his memory from that momentous occasion. Spencer replied, "Only this sir - of the
17 people I rescued, not one of them thanked me."

Another great rescue operation has been performed. And you may not realize it, but YOU were involved. You, I, and every other person are drowning in a condition called SIN. “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because of His love for us, God sent His Son to OUR rescue. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son in to the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved [rescued]" (John 3:16-17). Edward Spencer gave all of his energy to save 17 people from drowning, but the Son of God gave his life to save – to rescue – us from our sins (Romans 5:8-10, Matthew 1:21)

Through the cross of Christ, God has extended His saving hand to rescue us from our sins. HE WILL save us - IF - WE WILL reach out and grasp His hand.

BUT- just how do I grasp God’s saving hand? What must I do to be saved -- to be rescued from my sins? Thankfully, God has given us the answer through His Word!

We must BELIEVE in Jesus (Acts 16:31), REPENT of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:10), CONFESS Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), BE BAPTIZED for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), AND continue to cling to His hand through our faithful obedience to His will (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Due to our sin, the storms rage about us, but do not despair. Gratefully reach up to the saving hand of God in trusting obedience, and He WILL rescue you. Then, having been rescued, let us CONTINUE to express our gratitude by honoring our Savior through the lives that we live. For the best way to GIVE thanks is to LIVE thanks!
Have you been rescued? Is your Thanks-giving  expressed by your Thanks-living?

David Sargent

Grace & Providence

Almighty King! whose wondrous hand
Supports the weight of sea and land;
Whose grace is such a boundless store,
No heart shall break that sighs for more;

Thy providence supplies my food,
And ‘tis Thy blessing makes it good;
My soul is by Thy Word,
Let soul and body praise the Lord!

My streams of outward comfort came
From Him who built this earthly frame;
Whate’er I want His bounty gives,
By whom my soul for ever lives.

Either His hand preserves from pain,
Or, if I feel it, heals again;
From Satan’s malice shields my breast,
Or overrules it for the best.

Forgive the song that falls so low
Beneath the gratitude I owe!
It means Thy praise, however poor,
An angel’s song can do no more.

William Cowper

Fellowship Meal

We will have our regular monthly fellowship meal following services Sunday morning, December 1st.

Holiday Party

December 7th, 2002
Time: 5:00 PM
Place: the Wheelers

The food theme for this occasion is finger foods and appetizers.

At our party we are having a Gift Exchange, If you wish to participate please bring a wrapped present with a maximum cost of $5.00.

R.S.V.P. by November 30th.
Sign-up Sheet in the foyer.

If directions are needed please let us know. Hope to see you there.

"It may be true that there are two sides to every question,

but it is also true that there are two sides to a sheet of flypaper,

and it makes

a BIG DIFFERENCE

to the fly

which side he chooses."