NO ROOSTERS ALLOWED!

“Then He said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know me’.” (Luke 22:34 – NKJV)

     A “Great Chicken Controversy” is brewing in our state capitol. (I have been waiting and watching for the giant Holsteins to appear on Capitol Hill with their “Eat More Chicken” banners!) Some Metro residents desire to keep pet chickens in their back yards. They enjoy the eggs, as well. Others are objecting, voicing contamination concerns, the noise factor, and declining property values. One chicken defender dismissed such concerns by pointing out that her chickens go to bed early while dogs bark all night. It has been reported that the Metro Council, after conducting hearings, will allow chickens to be kept in resident’s yards in some areas, but not in others.
     It is reported that a “No Roosters Allowed” clause was to be inserted in the provision. Could this be “fowl discrimination”? What’s a chicken yard without a rooster? Having grown up in the country I have a healthy respect for the monarch of the barnyard. Still lingering in my mind is the parental warning: “You had better watch that rooster. He will flog you!” In spite of that fear, fond memories remain of awakening at the crowing of the cock. No alarm clock or cell phone was needed to tell you it was time to arise and face the day!
     Ancient Jerusalem did not have a “No Roosters” ordinance. When Jesus announced his approaching death, Peter confidently asserted he was ready to go “to prison and to death” with the Lord. Jesus assured him, “Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:33-34). While Jesus was in Gethsemane’s Garden praying, Jewish authorities came and led Him away. Peter, we are told, “followed at a distance” (Luke 22:54). In a brief period of time he was asked three times whether he was with and knew Jesus, with Peter issuing a denial each time. Upon his third denial, even “while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed” (Luke 22:60). The rooster’s crow, accompanied by the look of the Lord, was more than Peter could stand: “So Peter went out and wept bitterly” (v. 62).
     The crowing of the rooster reminded Peter that the Lord knew him better than he knew himself. His weakness and humanity were revealed. He was brought face to face with his own sin. He was guilty and he knew it! He went out and wept in penitence and would later become a pillar in the Lord’s work.
     With attempts being made to remove from our land any concept of God, human weakness, personal sin, and individual accountability, there is a great need to tune our ears to the Lord’s words which are always true (John 17:17), instead of listening to the world’s. It is still true that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
     Can you hear the rooster crowing?       

                                                       Edward L. Anderson

                               **********************************************                                                             Worship Services
 
The word worship means "to adore" or "to pay homage." The New Testament describes five specific acts of worship for the Lord's church. These are:  

1. Prayer - The word, which means "a pouring out," is a significant avenue of worship. The early church was a praying church (Acts 2:42). Prayers are to be understandable, fervent, reverent, and with God's Holy Will in mind (I Cor. 14:15). We pray in the name of Jesus (Jn. 14:12; 1 Tim. 2:5) to the Father (Matt. 6:9ff).
 
2. Singing - This singing is to speak, teach, and admonish (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). It is to be done with the whole heart (Eph. 5:19; I Cor. 14:15). The common term of singing, psallo in no way authorizes anything but vocal praise. It is a historical fact that instrumental music was unknown to the church for its first 300 years!  

3. Giving - The early church supported good works through the generous giving of its members every first day of the week (I Cor. 16:1-3). This giving is to be done cheerfully and lovingly (2 Cor. 9:7). We are instructed to give as we have been prospered (I Cor. 16:2).

4. Teach - Imparting the gospel message is an essential part of worship. Paul told young Timothy to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2). This word is never to be compromised (2 Tim. 3:16, 17)

5. The Lord's Supper - Every first day of the week, Christians are to remember the Lord's body and blood through the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7). This is a simple memorial the Lord Himself instituted (I Cor. 11:23-29). We are taught to concentrate on the cross, and our Lord's great sacrifice for us.

You will find all of these items of worship included in our praise to Him at the Carthage church. We strive to be disciplined with our time of praise, and so you can plan on each worship service lasting right at one hour.

Other Activities
In addition to our worship services, we offer many other activities for the whole family. These include, Bible classes, an active youth ministry, missions, a benevolence program and many other activities. More information about these programs can be found here.

You will not be embarrassed. 
When you come to worship with us at Carthage Church of Christ, we promise not to embarrass you, nor harass you in any way. We simply want to share the world's greatest message: God loves us so much that He gave His Son for us on a cruel Roman cross. We all need Him to be saved.

Come and share a simple, but scriptural and loving experience of worship, devotion, and study. Come and see at the Carthage Church of Christ!

                     --Taken from Getting to Know You by Steve Hale--