Hohenwald Church of Christ Family News Vol. 72, Issue 8, February 19, 2017 Shepherds Darrell Hinson 931-209-5146 Rick Jones 796-4377 Ronnie Riley 796-4251 Deacons Chad Brewer Charlie Brewer Rick Brewer John Eglinton John Ellis Tom Gosser Billy Don Jackson Jon Jones Jeff Peery Steve Selby Honored to Serve in February: Announcements: Jason Fite Song Leader: Hayden Bass Preside at Lord’s Table: R. E. McDonald Lord’s Table: Main: Steve Scott/Dempsy Goodman/ Billy Don Jackson/C.W. Carroll/Chad Seiber/Lain Hinson Wing: Aaron Brewer & Cameron Troutman Prepare Communion: Madelyn Tharp/Kathy Pipkins Deliver Communion: Darrell Hinson & Jeff Peery Sunday, February 19: Opening Prayer: Jon Jones Closing Prayer: Rick Jones Minister: Greg Smith 931-306-7089 Check out our website: hohenwaldchurchofchrist.com Sun AM Bible Study: 9:30 a.m./Worship: 10:30 Sun PM: 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m. Wonderful, Merciful Savior This past Monday I was contacted by Greg Amacher to do a devotional for the boys basketball team prior to the start of the district tournament. Greg had asked me to do a devotional for his team four years ago so I immediately accepted thinking I would know what to expect. He replied with appreciation for my accepting his invitation and then proceeded to explain that because he regretted that they had to play on a church night, he would invite parents, students, members of the community, etc. I was immediately less at ease with the task at hand. I began to pray for guidance about what I could talk about that would have some kind of positive impact on this audience. Mercy is what came to mind. I preached on this some time ago here at the HCoC: how we talk a lot about grace but not nearly as much about mercy. Grace is getting something good that we did nothing to earn. Mercy, on the other hand, occurs when we know we did something wrong and deserve to pay some type of penalty, but are allowed to proceed without being punished. That is one reason I like the song Wonderful, Merciful Savior. It has become one of my favorites when we gather for worship in our 90-year-old auditorium. The song speaks of Jesus’ mercy in his willingness to be an atoning sacrifice. Make no mistake, church family, the penalty for humanity’s sin did have to be paid. It’s just that someone else was willing to pay the price on our behalf. Jesus was merciful toward us. As we enter the final phase of our Believe series, we begin discussing what we have to do to be more like Jesus. Jesus himself quoted from the Old Testament prophet Hosea when he said, “But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13) Jesus is saying he is less concerned with rules and regulations and more concerned that his followers show mercy to others—just as his followers have been shown mercy. Someone has wronged you? Show them mercy. Someone has cheated you out of something? Show them mercy. Someone has stolen from you? Show them mercy. In this way you will be more like Jesus. Keep the faith, Greg