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Vol. 46 February 23, 2021 Number 7
IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH
Barry Kennedy
There are many different psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs used in worship services all
over the world. Singing is one of five avenues of New Testament worship. The other items
of worship include preaching/teaching, partaking the Lord’s supper, prayer,and giving of our
means. Singing is a very inspiring part of our worship to the Lord. Jesus made clear what
constitutes acceptable worship and that is worship offered “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24).
One’s spirit (πνεῦμαpneuma) in this context means: “the efficient source of any power,
affection, emotion, desire, etc” (Thayer), i.e. one’s emotional input. Truth (ἀλήθεια aletheia)
is defined as, “what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and
religious truth” (Thayer), i.e. the Biblical input (Jn. 17:17). One cannot say that singing is
the most important part of worship, but it is one that easily shows the correlation of spirit
and truth. Notice how the following songs appeal to our “spirit” with their scriptural truth.
“COME UNTO ME.” Charles P. Jones and V. E. Howard wrote the words to the classic
hymn, but Jesus gave the inspiration long ago. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This song appeals to the “spirit”
because we are reminded of how our burdensome weight of sin can be lifted. The first verse
of the song says, “Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed, O, ye heavy laden come to
Me and rest; Come no longer tarry I your load will bear, Bring Me every burden bring Me
every care.” The Jews, who were used to having a remembrance of their sins every year
(Hebrews 10:3), would find great consolation realizing that with which they were laboring
and heavy laden was a reference to their sins. Jesus was, and still is, offering total
forgiveness. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their
iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12). Therefore, it is easy to see both the
scriptural truth balanced with the spiritual heart connected in this hymn.
“THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.” Mr. Bennard’s song has touched the hearts of many
people from all walks of life. The reason behind the success of this song is the appeal to the
spirit and truth of the crucifixion. “On a Hill far away, stood an old rugged cross.” The “far
away” hill is Calvary (Lk. 23:33), also known as Golgotha which is interpreted “the place of
the skull (Jn. 19:17). This was a knoll outside of Jerusalem where criminals were crucified.
Thus, the cross was “The emblem of suffering and shame.” “Christ hath redeemed us from
the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that
hangeth on a tree:” (Gal. 3:13). Jesus took our shame upon Himself as He endured the most
despised death known to man. “And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best, for a
world of lost sinners was slain.” Jesus came to this world to “seek and save that which was
lost” (Lk. 19:10). “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suf-
fering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste
death for every man” (Heb. 2:9). When we realize the Savior died for our sins personally,
then we can sing this truthful song in the proper spirit. Now consider the chorus of this song
with the personal pronouns emphasized. “So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till MY
trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a
crown.” Jesus said, “be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
Spirit and truth are not suggestions for feel good worship; they are commands for accep-
--article continued page 3--
ELDERS
Mike Childers ............. 397-6453
Dennis Hallmark......... 255-5557
Mark Hitt .................... 322-0917
Bobby Lindley ............ 260-9193
DEACONS
Wade Bryan ................ 419-5552
William Harris ............ 416-8149
Ricky Lindsey............. 255-8136
Jeff Mansel.................. 871-0357
Jimmy Spearman ........ 840-8957
Michael Wilson........... 891-0891
MINISTERS
Barry Kennedy....(931)787-7108
Alex Blackwelder (731)879-9196
SECRETARY
Renee Childers
Office.......................... 842-6116
Fax .............................. 842-7091
E-MAIL
eastmaincoc38804@gmail.com
WEB PAGE
eastmaincoc.com
SUNDAY SERVICES
Early worship...............8:30 a.m.
Bible class................9:30 a.m.
Main worship.............10:00 a.m.
Bible class.............11:15 a.m.
Singing or Devotional
Last Sunday of the Month
MID-WEEK
SERVICES
Wednesday Classes......7:00 p.m.
1606 East Main Street
P. O. Box 1761
Tupelo, Mississippi 38802
“Thou shalt observe to do all that they inform thee”
(Deut. 17:10)

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--article continued from page 1—
died without receiving the desired land, he won the
big game by finding the Heavenly land.
The one who is the most disciplined. Paul
made mention of how the athletes competing in the
games are temperate in all things (1 Corinthians
9:25). To develop temperance, defined as self-
control, requires discipline. Discipline is very
difficult to both deliver and receive, but self-
discipline is the most difficult of all. Just like the
discipline that the athletes competing in the Super
Bowl need to win, Christians need discipline in
order to win the big game.
The one who is the most focused. A
focused athlete or team may not always win the
competition, but one can rest assured the winner
was focused. Paul said that he ran his race with the
victory in sight (1 Corinthians 9:26). He realized
that in order to achieve he had to maintain his focus
(1 Corinthians 9:27). “For to me to live is Christ,
and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). The one who
is willing to sacrifice all. When facing the finish
line, “All to Jesus I surrender all to Him I freely
give.” The Christian victory requires the greatest
sacrifice. “For if we have been planted together in
the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the
likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our
old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin
might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not
serve sin” (Romans 6:5-6).
Most people will never find themselves in a
big game such as the Super Bowl. However, we are
all in the big game of life, but the question is, are
we winning?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended to Rommie Dilworth in the
loss of his uncle last week due to the Coronavirus.
It Is Not What You Have
A king suffered a terribly painful sickness. His
advisor told him that the only cure was to locate a
contented man and ask for his shirt to wear night and
day.
Immediately messengers were sent through the
kingdom to look for such a man and bring back his
shirt.
Months passed; finally, all the messengers returned
empty-handed. The king was exasperated. “Do you
mean to tell me there is not even a single man in all my
realm who is content?”
A messenger replied, “We found only one such man
in all your realm.”
“Why did you not bring his shirt?”
“Master, the man had no shirt.”
Dr. Dale Robbins writes, “I used to think people
complained because they had a lot of problems. But I
have come to realize that they have problems because
they complain. Complaining does not change anything
or make situations better. It amplifies frustration, spreads
discontent and discord, and can invoke an invitation for
the devil to cause havoc with our lives.” —Anonymous
“Do all things without complaining and
disputing, that you may become blameless and
harmless” (Philippians 2:14-15).
--Via House to House Heart to Heart, (Archive 1227)
John Duke stationed in Gulfport, MS
Caleb Williams stationed in Quantico, VA
Rob Cross & family stationed in South Korea
March 2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Malachi Lindley
Maggie &
Norman
Simineau
Joshua 1-5
2
Joshua 6-8
3
Chase Stanford
Joshua 9-13
4
Joshua 14-16
5
Star Ray
Chevela
Underwood
Joshua 17-21
6
Christine Wilson
Joshua 22-24
7
Judges 1-2
8
Judges 3-5
9
Patsy Nichols
Judges 6-8
10
Judges 9-12
11
Judges 13-16
12
Scarlett Smith
Judges 17-19
13
Judges 20-21
14
Kinsley Floyd
Perry Hand
Madi Harris
Ruth 1-4
15
Andy Clemmer
1 Samuel 1-3
16
1 Samuel 4-8
17
Marlon Geno
1 Samuel 9-12
18
1 Samuel 13-15
19
1 Samuel 16-17
20
Alex
Blackwelder
Jenna Davis
1 Samuel 18-19
21
Alicia Smith
1 Samuel 20-23
22
Hugh & Rachel
Scribner
1 Samuel 24-26
23
1 Samuel 27-31
24
Charles Barber
2 Samuel 1-4
25
2 Samuel 5-7
26
David Bates
2 Samuel 8-10
27
2 Samuel 11-12
28
Erin Moore
Crafton Laney
Mark & Mikki
Gilliland
2 Samuel 13-14
29
Kristie Webb
2 Samuel 15-18
30
2 Samuel 19-20
31
2 Samuel 21-24

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Daily Bible Reading
February 24............................... Deuteronomy 12-16
February 25............................... Deuteronomy 17-20
February 26............................... Deuteronomy 21-26
February 27............................... Deuteronomy 27-30
February 28............................... Deuteronomy 31-34
March 1.................................................... Joshua 1-5
March 2.................................................... Joshua 6-8
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Birthdays: Jenna Harris (Feb. 18), Tanner Hitt
(Feb. 18), Kassi Kingsley (Feb. 19), Heather
DuBois (Feb. 20), Jean Mounce (Feb. 21),
Gary Stanford (Feb. 21), Tim Davis (Feb. 22),
Sherry Kingsley (Feb. 22), Cassie Blackwelder
(Feb. 24), Ben DuBois (Feb. 24), Frankie Estes
(Feb. 25), Joe Minor (Feb. 25), Carrie Hitt (Feb.
27), Aaron Willis (Feb. 28), Malachi Lindley (Mar.
1). Anniversaries: Maggie & Norman Simineau
(Mar. 1).
Our Sick
Kelly Thompson continues in ICU at NMMC
following a stroke. He has developed pneumonia
now. James Simmons is undergoing chemo for non-
Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Ashley Davis is undergoing
chemo for breast cancer. Shauna McMickin has
been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and will
see a doctor at St. Jude this week. Jean Mounce
continues to recuperate at home from surgery.
On-Going Illnesses
Mary Lou Walden, Steve Kelly, Bettye Davis,
Frankie Estes, Sean Koehn, Donny Dulaney, Adam
McCurley, James Goddard, Bill Goff, Tommy Goff,
Mitch Maclean, Mary Starz, Sheba Tuggers, Carol
Hood, Steve Higginbotham, Caroline Willis
Nursing Homes
Nancy Haywood, Randy Attaway, Veona Harris,
Shirley McCarthy, Bob & Clara McClure, Brenda
Dawson
--article continued from page 1—
table worship (John 4:24). If we choose to please God,
we may have the right spirit, but if we choose to please
ourselves, we fail to worship Him in truth. Let’s strive to
balance the spirit and truth in our worship; then we can
have a genuine confidence in our worship.
EMYG News
Do you ever feel like God is distant? At some points
in my life, it seemed that God was very distant from me.
Why do we feel like that? Obviously, we’re living in the
21st
century and Jesus was physically living during the
1st
century. Does being 2,000 years removed from the
cross make it harder to see God at work in our lives?
Here are some things to remember when we feel like
God is distant.
1. God is close to the broken hearted (Psalm 34:18).
Often times when we feel that God is distant, we
have experienced some sort of loss. When every-
thing seems to be going south, where is God when
you need Him? Don’t lose sight of His promise in
verse 18, “He saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
2. God is testing you (James 1:2-4). “Count it all joy,
my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces
steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full
effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
in nothing.” I hate tests, but when I ace a test, I feel
so good about myself and how I performed during it.
Passing tests/trials from God helps you produce a
better foundation for passing even more tests/trials
in the future.
3. God is working behind the scenes (Job 1:6-12). I
am reminded of the book Job. We have this dialog in
chapter one between God and Satan. In verse eight,
God says to Satan, “Have you considered my servant
Job?” Even though Job did not have the knowledge
that God allowed Satan to torment him, God knew
His servant Job and had confidence in his ability to
be faithful. Even when Job’s life was a chaotic mess,
his focus stayed where it needed to stay. And at the
end of all of Job’s trials, God blessed him. And we
too will be blessed IF we are able to withstand the
storms of life with our eyes on God (Hebrews 12:2).
These few passages show us that when we feel distant
from God, God is still present. God does not forsake us
nor will He leave us. Could it be that when we feel
distant from God, it is because we’ve allowed ourselves
to slowly drift further away from Him? God is constant
and consistent. Sometimes our life situations makes it to
where we aren’t always constant and consistent in our
faith. I challenge us that when we feel like God is
distant, to ask ourselves, “how close are we to God?”
I pray you have a safe and blessed week. I love you.
Alex

4.
Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended to Amy Hughes in the loss
of her friend, David Smith, Feb. 12. Funeral services
were held at McNeece Morris Funeral Home in Fulton
Feb. 14.
Also, we extend sympathy to Sarah Phillips in the
loss of her grandmother, Beryl Herren, Feb. 17. Family
graveside services were held in Arkansas.
Our condolences to Barry Kennedy in the loss of his
cousin, Lynn Coates, Feb. 20. Private family services
will be held Feb. 24 at Kesler Funeral Home in
Booneville.
A former elder at the congregation in Crossville, TN
where Barry used to preach, Bill Foland, passed away
last week. Keep this family in your prayers, as well.
Thank You Note
Thank you all for the phone calls, texts, cards, and
gift cards after my knee surgery. It is so wonderful to
have such a great church family. In Christian love,
Ricky Johnson
Men to Serve Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021 a.m.
Announcements...................................Mike Childers
Bible Reading....................................... Kent Nichols
Opening Prayer ..............................Jimmy Spearman
Lord’s Supper
Jonathan Nichols
Lead Singing.................................Alex Blackwelder
Closing Prayer......................................... Larry Long
Ushers ..................Andy Baldwyn & Terry Kingsley
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Contact the church office (842-6116) if unable to
serve.
Bible Classes (streamed each week)
Adult class................Jeff Mansel (Facebook/YouTube)
Adult class.......... Barry Kennedy (Facebook/YouTube)
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 2-17-21 ................................................... n/a*
Sunday 1st
Worship, 2-21-21 ........................................ 13
Sunday Bible Class..................................................... 90*
Sunday 2nd
Worship.................................................. 115*
Contribution (budget $7,900)-2 wks.................... $15,627
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item................................................... crackers
Services will be livestreamed this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. if you do not
feel comfortable attending in person. However, if you do feel
comfortable meeting in person, we will have our 8:30 a.m. worship, our
10:00 a.m. worship and our 11:15 a.m. Bible class this Sunday, Feb. 28.
(Also, in person Bible classes will be held this Wed., Feb. 24.)