This article discusses the importance of remembering in our lives and in history. It argues that if we study history and the past, we can learn from mistakes and successes. The same is true for spiritual history in the Bible - it was written so that we may learn and find hope. The main question posed is "Do we remember?" It discusses remembering what sin is according to the Bible, facing temptations, and Daniel as an example of remembering not to sin. It also discusses remembering what sin does by separating us from God and having death as a consequence if we choose a life of sin.

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Vol. 45 September 1, 2020 Number 35
DO WE REMEMBER?
Barry Kennedy
Memories are such an important part of our lives. Just think about how
many times we “just think.” Memories have a special way of motivating people to
make certain decisions in both small and large matters of life. For example, one
who touches a hot pan and badly burns his hand is more apt to grab a potholder
before touching another pan or at least check to make sure it is not hot before he
handles it. Contrariwise, some people have burned themselves so badly that they
have lost their sense of feeling and do not realize the danger in picking up the hot
pan until more damage has been inflicted. Had they taken the time to remember
they could have saved themselves a lot of hardship. History should be viewed in
somewhat the same way. If we study history, then we can remember what has
been done in the past that works or that fails. If we fail to study history, then we
are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. The same can be said about
spiritual history. Paul said, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were
written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Reading the word of God is a good practice,
but we must consider the question: “Do we remember?”
Do we remember what sin is? For one to remember what sin is, he must
define sin. Sin is defined in many different ways by many different people. Since
God is the one who matters the most, it is only fair to say that there is really only
one way to define sin, His way. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also
the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). The problem many
people face is that we often fail to “think” when it comes to sin. Too often, people
find themselves going with the flow. It does not take long to recognize the fact
that sin is all around us. Temptations come and go, but it seems that they come
more often than they go. We must prepare ourselves to face all the temptations
that come our way (Psalm 119:11). Daniel is an example of planned preparation.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the
portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he
requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel
1:8). For Daniel to eat and drink the items of the king would have been a
transgression of the law of Moses (Leviticus 11). Therefore, when he was made a
slave in the king of Babylon’s court, Daniel purposed to remember what sin is and
in result, stands as an extraordinary example for us today. The question is will we,
as Daniel, remember what sin is?
--article continued page 2—
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
Worship....................... 9:00 a.m.
Bible Classes............. 10:15 a.m.
Worship..................... 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)

2. --article continued from page 1—
Do we remember what sin does?
Consequence is defined as something that follows as a
result. When one transgresses the law of God, he sins,
and when he sins, he reaps the consequences. What
are those consequences? Isaiah described it this way.
“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it
cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot
hear: But your iniquities have separated between you
and your God, and your sins have hid his face from
you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). God has
the ability in His hands to lift us up, but when we
choose a life of sin, we bind His hands. God has the
ability to hear our prayers, but when we choose a life
of sin, we close the ears of our Lord. When we are
tempted to sin will we remember what sin does? Paul
told the Roman congregation that sin brings about a
payment of death. “For the wages of sin is death; but
the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord” (Romans 6:23). Sin’s separating power must
not to be taken lightly. Without God in our lives
where would we be? “That at that time ye were
without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth
of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of
promise, having no hope, and without God in the
world:” (Ephesians 2:12). Realizing the seriousness
of sin, will we remember what sin does? To be
continued....
Bible Classes
Don’t forget that several of our
Bible classes are streamed each
week online. [Sunday adult
class--Jeff Mansel (Facebook/
YouTube); Wednesday adult
class--Barry Kennedy (Facebook/
YouTube); College class (Sun. & Wed.)--Roger
Sanderson/Tim Davis (Face-book); Young married
class (Wed.)--Mark Hitt (Zoom); High school class
(Wed.)--Alex Blackwelder (Zoom)]. We urge every-
one while in these unprecedented times to take as
many opportunities as possible to study God’s word in
the privacy of your homes.
Gospel Meeting
Our Gospel Meeting with David Lipe is
scheduled for September 13th
-16th
. Sunday services
will be the same as now, 8:30 a.m. for those with a
compromised immune system and 10:00 a.m. for
everyone else. Services Monday-Wednesday will
be at 7:00 p.m. There will be NO fellowship meals
during the week this time or on Sunday.
Thank You Notes
Dear East Main Family,
Thank you all so much for the calls, cards, texts,
food, gifts and especially the prayers, during my
recent surgery. I appreciate it so much! Love,
Barbara Bishop
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
East Main Church of Christ,
Thank you so much for the school supplies you
provided for our staff and students. Your kind gesture
is greatly appreciated. Thanks again for thinking of
those that might be in need. Love,
Mooreville Elementary Staff & Dr. Cates
John Duke stationed in Gulfport, MS
Caleb Williams stationed in Quantico, VA
Rob Cross & family stationed in South Korea
Ty Nichols stationed in Germany

3. Daily Bible Reading
September 2 ..................................................Hosea 4
September 3 .............................................. Hosea 5-6
September 4 .............................................. Hosea 7-8
September 5 ............................................ Hosea 9-10
September 6 .......................................... Hosea 11-12
September 7 .......................................... Hosea 13-14
September 8 ........................................................Joel
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Birthdays: Remi Kate Kingsley (Sept. 7),
Robert Kingsley (Sept. 8).
Anniversaries: None this week.
Our Sick
Susan Reed is home with the COVID-19. Natalie
Mansel & Sydney McMickin, Scotty & Wanda
Bishop’s granddaughter, are home recuperating
from surgeries. Evelyn Thompson is home from the
hospital and will be undergoing therapy for some
heart issues. Barbara Bishop is undergoing therapy
at Cedars following surgery. Wilma Underwood,
Hunter & Haley’s grandmother, is on hospice at
NMMC. Jill Rice, Debbie Vines’ mother, is in
NMMC with pneumonia. Gail Geno is home having
problems with diabetes. Tommy Goff, Patsy
Nichols’ brother, is undergoing cancer treatments
again at MD Anderson.
On-Going Illnesses
Pete Barber, Jean Mounce, Mary Lou Walden,
Steve Kelly, Bettye Davis, Linda Hand, Frankie
Estes, Jennie Cox, Donny Dulaney, Adam
McCurley, Mary Jordan, James Goddard, Bill Goff,
Leroy Brown, Jadon Parish, Jerry Smith, Mitch
Maclean, Mary Starz, Sheba Tuggers, Homer
Smith, Shirley Roberts, Merlene Johnson, Thomas
Lloyd, Brian Carver, Steve Higginbotham
Nursing Homes
Evelyn Willis, Nancy Haywood, Randy Attaway,
Shirley McCarthy, Veona Harris, Bob & Clara
McClure
EMYG News
Have you ever been to a third world country
or seen on TV kids who had big bellies, but you could
still see their ribs? These kids are suffering from
malnutrition. Sadly, those kids are not getting the
vitamins and protein that their body needs to help
itself grow to be a strong young adult. Their hunger
exists even when the food doesn’t. Spiritually
speaking, I can’t help but to wonder if we have the
opposite problem? Just think about it. We are served
this “spiritual buffet” of sermons, worship, daily
devotionals, daily videos of encouragement, Zoom
classes, and so much more.
Throughout this pandemic, we have seen the
Church nationwide step up and provide an abundance
of spiritual food on social media. But now, I fear that
we’re “used” to that method or “type of food” that
we’re tired of it. In fact, I fear that the church
nationwide right now is suffering from “spiritual
malnutrition.” Not because of the lack of spiritual
food being provided, but the lack of spiritual hunger
needed to keep the soul healthy and alive. And so
many are wondering why they are struggling
spiritually. How do we create that spiritual hunger that
will produce the growth that our hearts, minds, and
souls need?
Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God
and his righteousness, and all these things will be
added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV). We must seek
first the place in which we can be spiritually filled.
The Hebrews writer says, “And let us consider how to
stir up one another to love and good works, not
neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another, and all the more as you
see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24). When we
come together, some of us have had a great week,
other have not. Some are happy and some are sad.
And when we come together we stir up one another.
We carry each other burdens (Galatians 6:2). We get
involved in the lives of others rather than seeking your
own. We come together to love (John 13:34-35).
We must also be purposeful in our personal
Bible studies. Reading to learn rather than reading to
just say you read it. Praying to God for personal help
and growth in specific areas of your life. Praying for
opportunities to help mankind develop a right
relationship with Jesus. If you’re truly honest with
yourself and allow yourself to become more
spiritually disciplined, you will start to find your
hunger once again.
If I can be of service for you, please let me know.
Have a great week! Alex

4. Men to Serve Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020 a.m.
Announcements...........................Bobby Joe Lindley
Bible Reading.....................................Ricky Lindsey
Opening Prayer .......................................Jeff Mansel
Lord’s Supper
Alex Blackwelder
Lead Singing..................................Jonathan Nichols
Closing Prayer...................................... Kent Nichols
Ushers .................................Tim Davis & Joe Minor
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)
College class.....Roger Sanderson/Tim Davis (Facebook)
Young married class............................ Mark Hitt (Zoom)
High School class ................... Alex Blackwelder (Zoom)
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 8-26-20 ................................................... N/A
Sunday 1st
Worship, 8-30-20 ........................................ 32
Sunday Bible Class.................................................... N/A
Sunday 2nd
Worship.................................................. 120*
Contribution (budget $7,900) ................................ $8,315
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item.........................................................Jelly
Mark Your Calendars!
Gospel Meeting – September 13th-16th
Fall Family Retreat – November 13th-14th
Services will be livestreamed this Sunday at
10:00 a.m. if you do not feel safe attending the
service in person.