We have been studying a series of lessons about “Discipline in the Church” and how that affects our relationships. Our lessons have been looking at the context of five examples in the New Testament that deal specifically with discipline. These lessons may be downloaded from the web page, www.letthebiblespeak.net. You will have the ability to print the text or listen to the audio. Go to Sermons & Lessons and select ESC (Escanaba) from the Media Menu on the Sermon Player.
Our most recent lesson was “Disfellowship Assume Fellowship Exists.” This is an important distinction because it points to the purpose of Disfellowship. As Paul stated it in 1 Corinthians 5, “put out of your fellowship,” would only be possible if someone continues to enjoy the benefit of fellowship in the church while refusing to repent.
I came across an article in the Gospel Minutes[1] in which Clem Thurman answered a question regarding the passage in 2 Thessalonians dealing with a man who will not work. I copy the question and answer here because of its relation to our discussion of Domestic Idleness in our lesson, “Discipline in the Church Part 2.”
“Dear brother Clem: Would you please explain what is meant in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10? Does this mean if your husband won’t work, he should not eat? Or is it talking about any man? -P.M., AL”
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you…For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, if any will not work, neither let him eat” (2 Thess. 3:6-10).
In the context, it is evident that the apostle is discussing spiritual fellowship in the church, and that if some will not work they should not be provided for by the church. If a man cannot work, surely the church can feed him. But if he is able to work, and will not, then don’t feed him. That is the gist of the passage. Specifically, though, the text is speaking of withdrawing from those who will not work, but “sponge” off the church. The apostle Paul addressed a similar situation in writing to Timothy: “But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8).
The point is that a man should work and thus provide for his family. If he refuses to work and tries to sponge off the church or others, he is “worse than an unbeliever.” And the church must not subsidize that kind of behavior by providing for him. The principle is clear: “If any will not work, neither let him eat.” –Clem Thurman [1] Gospel Minutes Publications, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, Clem Thurman-editor.
Sermons & Lessons This Sunday
Marc Sundquist will present our lesson during the Adult Class at 10:00 and Jesse Huff will present our lesson at 11:00. Dave & Bonnie will be attending a Spiritual Growth Workshop in Florida for the weekend.
Escanaba Family Events
Friends & Family Day! August 22, 2010
Bible Study 10:00
Worship 11:00
Lunch & Fellowship 1:00-4:00
Plan to come on this special day of Fellowship! There will be so much to get involved with! Cookout, volleyball, family games/ races, prizes, VBS crafts and much more!! Invite your friends! See you there!If you would like to get involved in any way as we prepare for this outreach, please talk to Cindy. Thanks!
Escanaba Church of Christ
5079 18th Road (Soo Hill Area)P.O Box 751 Escanaba, MI 49829
SUNDAY 10:00AM BIBLE CLASS 11:00AM WORSHIP
WEDNESDAY 6:30PM BIBLE CLASS
Minister: Dave Grant
Traveling
Linda & Jim Hage; Dave & Bonnie Grant
Health Concerns
Barb Ritter having vertigo spells.
Lord's Control
Rosie's jaw surgery denied through the insurance. Guidance for the family.
Travis Albaugh in his final weeks of training in Alabama.
Continued Concerns
Jim Marcus, Carl Mattonen, Mary Beth Williams, Jake Messenger, Steve Clark, Troy Belanger, Cameron Delveaux, Gladys Marcus, Sharon Deneau, Antonetti Family, Lucas Kalishek, Rosie Sundquist, Scott Nault.
A This is our updated prayer list. Please feel free to submit your prayers or update concerns online on the Contact Us page or by calling the church office at 906-233-0065.
Song Leader
Marc Sundquist
Worship Leader
Dave Albaugh
Table Servers
Ron & Bill
Lesson
Jesse Huff
Greeters
Grants
Children's Church
Cindy Albaugh
Nursery Attendant
Erin Davis
POTLUCKS SUSPENDED FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS We’ll begin with our monthly potluck in September.
PAPER TOWEL/TOILET PAPER TUBES Lou Maniaci is still asking that you bring your cardboard paper towel and toilet tissue tubes. She collects these for Lakestate Industries. Thank you for your donations.
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD COLLECTIONS We are still collecting food for some within the congregation and the Salvation Army. The collection basket is located at the rear of the auditorium.
BULLETIN REQUESTS Please have your news notes, prayer requests, and events submitted to Sarah by Wednesday evening each week, so it can be printed in the weekly bulletin. Everyone is welcome to submit information. Thank you!
We have been studying a series of lessons about “Discipline in the Church” and how that affects our relationships. Our lessons have been looking at the context of five examples in the New Testament that deal specifically with discipline. These lessons may be downloaded from the web page, 
Friends & Family Day! August 22, 2010 
A This is our updated prayer list. Please feel free to submit your prayers or update concerns online on the 
