OUTHSIDE SCOOP WEEKLY
IT’S FALL YA’LL!
EDITION 43
26 NOVEMBER 2023
BULLETIN
LOVE’S POWER
By Sis. Ricki Fuller
During this month of focusing on ‘restructure’, hopefully we are reflecting on the words of Solomon found in Chapter 12 of the book of Ecclesiastes. The Good News Translation reads: “… There is only one thing to say: Have reverence for GOD, and obey His commands, because this is all that we were created for.” And, the English Standard Version states that “… Fear GOD and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
800 Elmira Avenue Durham, NC 27707 info@sside.org | www.sside.org 919.688.3535 Staff Orlander R. Thomas Senior Minister William A. Stephens Minister Emeritus Wiley Shearin, Jr. Elder Emeritus Ricki Fuller Women’s Counselor Candice P. Blount Church Administrator Quentella Williams Executive Assistant
Those Ecclesiastes words indicate the primary reason for human existence is for us to honor/reverence/respect GOD, and to obey His commands. Since it is pointed out as GOD’s prime directive for His people, then it stands to reason that we determinedly/lovingly follow His commands. Solomon concluded it is the entire “duty of man’” to fear/reverence/adore GOD, and to keep His commands/prime directive. Thus, the question arises: How can humans, who are declared to be sinners according to Romans 3:23, who have all fallen short of GOD’s glory, be expected to fulfill or live up to Solomon’s conclusive statement? Being that all human’s lives are in a constant state of being dismantled, and in need of continual restructuring, we can believe and adhere to the declaration found in Romans 9:23. Simply stated, Apostle Paul declares GOD uses anyone and anything to show the “riches of His glory for vessels of mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory.” That being clarified should make it easier for us to, also, believe it is GOD’s will/purpose for His prized and loving and worshipful children to live as though we truly are His vessels. To support this, it is emphatically stated in I Corinthians 13:16-17, “You are GOD’s temple and … GOD’s Spirit dwells in you … GOD’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” Throughout the Old Testament, we can see various reported accounts of temples in Israel having been destroyed/deconstructed due to the Israelite’s disregard of GOD’s commands. Their heedlessness/disregard was considered as sinning against Him due to their lack of adoration/respect for GOD and His commandments. For the most part, as do we, they went through adversity/misfortune to the point of finally realizing their grievous sins against GOD. And, upon realizing their abject waywardness, they participated with GOD in restructuring their minds and their lives which gave way to the rebuilding of their temples (great hint for us
Deacons John Alcox Anthnoy Green, Sr. Arthur Hackney John Mathis Chester Mayfield, Jr. Roger McDougal Joe Williams Keith Wright
in restructuring). They showed remorse and they praised, worshipped/adored, prayed to, and thanked GOD for His undying love, and for restoring them and the temples (Hallelujah, He does the same for us!). To make it abundantly clear, we see in the New Testament where Jesus shared in Luke 10:27 and in Matthew 22:37-40 that His followers are to Love GOD first …, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This shows congruence with Ecclesiastes 12:14 and with Ephesians 2:1422 wherein we can be (we are) individually and communally disseminators of GOD’s glory! Love truly is the combining/blending/fusing/restructuring power inside us that pleases and glorifies GOD! After all, we are His image and He Is Love! It pleases Him when we allow Him to gloriously shine through us (His temple) as we exude Love to the people around us who need Him also! POWERFUL!
w w w . s s i d e . o r g
1