This article discusses the concept of dead-end paths in life and encourages getting off dead-end roads and onto the path to life through Christ. It notes that many are on the broad road that leads to destruction, though Jesus offers the narrow way to salvation. Those without Christ are described as being dead, while baptism and faith in Christ provide newness of life and hope. The article urges readers to examine which road they are on and to follow God's word to find the path leading to an abundant life in Jesus.
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Vol. 47 October 11, 2022 Number 40
DEAD ENDS
By Barry Kennedy
How many times have we been told you are headed down a dead-end
road? Most likely we were warned of this when we were young and not wanting
to do our homework. Preparation for our future is vitally important. This is not
new to anyone, but how often do we fail to do what we know is right, or needful
for our future. We know that eating too much is a dead end, but to do something
about it is not always easy. We know that being lazy and non-active is a dead
end, but getting exercise is not always easy. Maybe we have the knowledge of
what we need to do spiritually, but it is just too hard. Have we seen the pattern?
Are we seeing the point? We often want things to be easy. The truth is that often
the easy path is nothing more than a dead end.
Jesus said there are only two ways in life (Matthew 7:13, 14). First, there
is the strait and narrow. This path has difficulties and only few will travel this
road. Second, there is the wide gate and broad way. This is the path Jesus said,
“that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” Many,
according to Jesus, are going down that wrong road; a prime example of a dead
end. Those outside of Christ are described as being dead (Matthew 8:22;
Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13). The opposite of this death is a life in Christ.
Paul described the difference so beautifully to the Roman church.
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore, we are buried with
him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from
the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk
in newness of life” (Romans 6:3, 4).
In the same context, Paul described this death as a slavery (bondage). “Know ye
not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to
whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
(Romans 6:16). Paul emphasized the choice that is to be made as to whom we
are going to follow. According to verse seventeen, the Romans followed the
form (pattern) of doctrine delivered to them. They in essence got off the dead-
end road and started travelling the road to life. God making the way of life
available, shows the beauty of what has done for us (John 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12).
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Could we imagine a life without hope? Hopelessness is
defined as “unable to succeed or improve, or unable to be resolved, helped, or
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ELDERS
Mike Childers ............. 397-6453
Dennis Hallmark......... 255-5557
Mark Hitt .................... 322-0917
Bobby Lindley ............ 260-9193
DEACONS
Wade Bryan ................ 419-5552
Ricky Lindsey............. 255-8136
Jeff Mansel.................. 871-0357
Jimmy Spearman ........ 840-8957
Michael Wilson........... 891-0891
MINISTERS
Barry Kennedy....(931)787-7108
Alex Blackwelder ....... 706-1888
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 class..................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—
cured.” sounds a lot like a dead end, doesn’t it? Far
too many are living a dead-end life, with no hope of
any success. God has a plan for all lives to have hope
as Jesus said long ago.
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus wants His creation (mankind) to come unto Him
and take His yoke. A yoke sounds a lot like a burden
to many people. This view is understandable because
of a desire to not be responsible for any action that
they may involve themselves. If Satan can convince
man to believe that he is not accountable to God and
that God will take care of everything, he has led us
down the dead-end road. Jesus came that we might
have life, but not just any life, the abundant life (John
10:10). This life is based upon coming unto Him on
His terms. “It is written in the prophets, and they shall
be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath
heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto
me” (John 6:45).
So, what have we learned? First, many are
going down the dead-end road (Matthew 7:13).
Second, God wants all mankind to get off that road
and get on the strait and narrow (Matthew 7:14).
Third, the knowledge of how is found in God’s Word
(2Timothy 3:16; 17). On which road are we right
now?
~~~~~~~~~
Church Directory Update
We hope to finish updating our church directory
soon! If you have not sent your updated information
or picture to Jean Mounce, please do so ASAP (662-
491-0362 or normamounce@gamil.com). Thanks so
much for your help!
Tuesday Mornings with
the Master
Don’t forget Tuesday Mornings with the
Master every Tuesday in the multipurpose
room from 10-11 am. Anyone who can come
and help is welcomed.
Ladies’ Fellowship
The monthly ladies’ fellowship will be held this
Thurs., Oct. 13 beginning at 6:00 pm in the multipurpose
room. Lauren Lindley will be presenting the devotional
thought this month. We will have soup and refreshments
before the devotional. ALL the ladies are invited!
Visitation Team Meeting
We will begin our monthly visitation team meetings
this Sun., Oct. 16 at 5:30 pm in the multipurpose room
for those who want to make visits and have a fellowship
meal. The menu this month is potluck.
Baby “Girl” Shower
A baby “girl” shower will be held in
honor of Hannah Bland this Sunday, Oct.
16 from 2-4 pm at the home of Debbie
Hallmark. She is registered at Amazon and
Walmart.
Pinevale’s Pantry Drive
Pinevale Children’s Home is having their fall pantry
drive. East Main is responsible for collecting body
wash, 33 gallon or larger trash bags, and pickles (all
kinds). There are boxes in the foyer for your donations.
They will be picking these items up next Monday, Oct.
17. Please help if you are able!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Jeannie & Eddie
Simmons in the birth of their
granddaughter, Maisie Faye, on Oct. 6.
She weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 19
inches long. Ben and Abby Stanley are
the proud parents.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 23rd
--Sr. Youth Devotional @ Kent
& Missy Nichols’ home--5:30 pm
Oct. 30th
—“Trunk or Treat” and Chili
Supper @ building--5:00 pm
More information will follow soon!
3. Daily Bible Reading
October 12.........................................Matthew 27-28
October 13...................................................Mark 1-3
October 14...................................................Mark 4-5
October 15...................................................Mark 6-7
October 16...................................................Mark 8-9
October 17...............................................Mark 10-11
October 18...............................................Mark 12-13
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Birthdays: Beth Reed (Oct. 12), Ian Reed
(Oct. 14), Mary Ann Wallace (Oct. 17),
Brenda Spearman (Oct. 18).
Anniversaries: None this week.
Our Sick
Debbie Duke, Catheryne Santos (Gee’s wife),
Jacy Raburn (Russell Deaton’s great-niece), and
Mary Ann Hitt (Mark Hitt & Lori Sheffield’s aunt)
continue chemo. Michael Wilson’s mother, Rivers
Wills, is home from The Meadows. Barry
Kennedy’s dad, Larry, has an appointment at UAB
Oct. 19 for a shoulder biopsy and other tests. Tish
Clarke is recuperating from a procedure to remove a
brain tumor. She is doing well. Ricky & Lisa
Lindsey were home sick Sunday.
On-Going Illnesses
Mary Lou Walden, Bettye Davis, Betty Long,
Evelyn Thompson, Steve Kelly, Barbara Bishop,
Bob Smith, Doug Wallace, Frankie Estes, Shirley
Lyons, Stella Pittman, Caroline Willis, Carol Hood,
Bill Goff, Sheba Tuggers, Michelle Maclean, Ricky
Britt, Nathan Hale, Dawn Brown, Freida Gardner,
Willie Bob Gates
Nursing Homes
Randy Attaway, Shirley McCarthy, Bob McClure
Don’t forget to check your
mailbox in the foyer!
EMYG News
What a weekend! So many deep and thoughtful lectures,
so many laughs, some tears, and a lot of fun. I am so
thankful to the ones that came to RUSH this year. Loved
being back with my FHU family and seeing so many
other ministers my age serving the Lord in their own
congregations. It’s easy to get discouraged about things,
but God is doing a lot of good through His people. Alex
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he
is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
4. Men to Serve Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 a.m.
Announcements..............................Dennis Hallmark
Bible Reading....................................Jackson Voyles
Opening Prayer .................................Shawn Mounce
Lord’s Supper
Chad Willis
Lead Singing..............................................Mark Hitt
Closing Prayer....................................Ricky Johnson
Ushers .............................Mike Childers & Ian Reed
Please meet in the library by 8:45 a.m.
Sunday 11:15 a.m. service
Opening Prayer .....................................Haden Bland
Closing Prayer.....................................Misha Pannell
Lead Singing.................................Alex Blackwelder
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Opening Prayer ..................................... Wade Bryan
Lead Singing........................................ Greg Hughes
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Contact Michael Wilson (891-0891) if unable to serve.
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 10-5-22 .................................................... 153
Sunday 1st
Worship, 10-9-22 ...................................... 155
Sunday Bible Class..................................................... 149
Sunday 2nd
Worship.................................................... 113
Contribution (budget $9,334) ................................ $5,265
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item........................................... Peanut butter
College Student of the Week
Haley Underwood
FHU, Box 10539
158 East Main St.
Henderson, TN 38340
Haley is currently attending Freed-
Hardeman Univ. in Henderson, TN.
Please be sure to send her a card
of encouragement this week!