“Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes.  They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.  He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white.  I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:4-6)
         Jesus came to this earth as “Emmanuel,” God with us.  Throughout his lifetime and his ministry he called people to repent-to turn away from sin and lifestyles that were self-centered and destructive.  In repentance, he also called them to turn towards God and seek a quality of life that sought to serve others.  But during his ministry, Jesus warned of those who were so inebriated with the pleasures of this world that they were 'asleep' and insensitive to the things of God.  Jesus warned on a number of occasions that this life would end “like a thief in the night.”  He spoke about the end of this world and the beginning of the next as one that would take people by surprise who were not ready (Luke 12:35-40 and Matthew 25:1-13).
          The early church at Sardis was a church that was not ready for Jesus' return.  Many of the church at Sardis were not ready because they were resting confidently in “past glory” and their great reputation as citizens of a great city.  Sardis was known for being the home of the famed King Croesus in antiquity.  It was also a city known for its fine clothing and civic pride.  But the city of Sardis had experience destruction, not because of any wars, but because or being “caught by surprise.”  In 17AD the city was suddenly struck by an earthquake that ravaged the city.    In addition, the city had fallen twice due to sneak attacks by neighboring enemies.  They simply were not vigilant about what was going around them economically or politically.
         In a city known for its great reputation, fine clothing, the letter to Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6 is particularly poignant.  The letter uses images they would have understood.  Jesus says they have a reputation of being “alive” but they are in fact dead.  They are not alert.  And they have not completed the work Jesus had for them to do, which is pictured as having “soiled garments.” His message is simple and direct, “Wake up! Strengthen what you have left!” Because they do not know at what time he will come, they need to get ready and not simply rest in the false security of their reputation.  If they are ready, they will be clothed in “white garments.”  In other words, they will be found complete and pure in God's sight and worthy of Christ's recognition before the Father and the angels in heaven.
         We, too, need to take this message into account.  During a time when we celebrate Jesus coming into the world to save us from sin, we need to realize that Jesus is coming into the world again!  But this time, Jesus is coming not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for us (Hebrews 9:28).  We must be vigilant and complete the work Jesus has for us to do.  Spiritual laziness is an ever-present trap. Just as the church in Sardis could be, lulled to sleep by their own previous successes, so can we.
         The Lord wanted that church, just like he wants us, to persevere to the end, not give up in our work, and press on towards the goal.  We must remain faith-filled and not be lulled into a spiritual sleep thinking that since we have become a Christian, made our confession, and have been baptized, there is nothing more for us to do.  We a life to live for God, and work to do in the kingdom of God.  For example, just because we have at one time “loved one another” in the past, we can't fall into the trap of thinking that we are “through with the requirement to love.”  We must persevere in love for one another.  Or, just because we have served God once in our life-time we cannot conclude that we are through with serving.  We must persevere in our service. Or, just because we know something about the Bible, have been to a few Bible classes, we cannot conclude that we “know enough” about the Bible and are through studying.  We must continue to complete the work of seeking God's deeper truths.
        Let us “Wake up!” and understand that the Lord wants us to complete the work, service, ministry-and above all love-that he began in us.      

                                                                                    Charles

Remember in Prayer ...

• Please continue to pray the Kondrup &  DiAngelo Families during the holiday season.
• Please pray for Bobbie & Walter Imlay. 
• Please continue to pray for Gerri Schleyer,   John Kondrup, Patricia Pierson, Valerie Mathews, and Franz Crane as they continues to work with their doctors.
• Please pray for all those who are in between employment as a result of the economic down turn, and who are now seeking jobs. 

Sunday School Winter Adult Quarter

“Our Common Beliefs”

Our new Sunday School Winter Quarter begins on December 7th.  We will have one adult class entitled “Our Common Beliefs.”  A statement about our common beliefs was developed several years ago as a means of setting down the common convictions of those attending the Monmouth Church of Christ.    You may find this statement on our web site under “Common Beliefs.”

We recognized then, as we do now, that in attempting to set down our beliefs, individual Christians might differ in what should be included in such a summary.  However, the Elders are committed to maintain the unity of the Spirit through our common faith in Jesus Christ and are committed to God's Word as the only reliable source through which we can come to and maintain, a unity of understanding.

This class will examine the Biblical authority behind these common beliefs.   The Elders encourage everyone in the congregation to attend and to revisit the scriptural foundation for our believes.  Our hope is that this will not only be encouraging but equipping as you seek to share your faith with friends and neighbors.

                                                                     Charles

Children and Youth Bible Classes

Ages 2, 3, & 4- “Jesus is God's Son” - What does Jesus teach us about God's love?
Teachers: Lynne Ciliento & Natasha Vazquez

Age 5-1st Grade -”Stories in the New Land” - How is God's love and character expressed in His salvation of Israel and of us?
Teachers:  Hannah Bruno & Theresa Kendle

Grades 2nd- 5th - “Stories of Freedom”  What does God's actions teach us about his character? Teachers: Fiona Greatorex & Gabby Cutts

Junior High - “Studying the essentials of becoming and living as a Christian through Christian Basics”
Teacher: Lorna Breiter

Senior High - “Core Truth”
Teachers: Fred & CeCee Venchenko

Attention Brothers and Sisters:

 Would you like to help The Ladies Steering Committee in 2009?  The Ladies Steering Committee is beginning to make plans for the coming year.  Would you like to help with the Hostess and Host of The Month program as well as food preparers.  Perhaps you would like to serve on the Shower and Funeral Committees.  Please pray about these vital ministries at Monmouth.  If God puts it on your heart, please sign up with Donna Brady, Betsy Tango, Cristina Serban or Lynne Ciliento.

December Hostess of the Month: Ladies Steering Committee

Mark Your  Calendars!

• December 14th, 5 PM, TONIGHT-The Echo Lake Congregation will be hosting their annual singing fellowship We will have finger foods/snacks will be served afterwards.
  
• December 20th, 2 PM, Christmas Caroling.  We will be caroling to our shut-ins on Saturday afternoon.  Come join the teens in putting smiles on those we love so dearly.
  
• December 21st, 5 PM-Our annual Christmas Worship Program and Family Dinner.  Join us in sharing this special evening together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 

 Cost of the dinner: 
 Adults-$13 
 Ages 13 to 17-$6
 Ages 3 to 12-$3
 Under 3-Free

Please sign up and pay by Sunday, Dec 14th to Donna Brady, Cristina Serban, Lynne Ciliento, or the Church Office.  Please feel free to contact Donna or Cristina if the cost for your family or friend is a concern.  Donations will be accepted to sponsor families and individuals. 

• January 11th, 6PM-Annual Congregational Meeting.  Details to follow.