OUTHSIDESCOOP

Fresh Dew

BringingItTogether BySis.RickiFuller

800ElmiraAvenue

Durham,NC27707 info@sside.org|www.sside.org

919.688.3535

Staff

OrlanderR.Thomas

SeniorMinister

WilliamA.Stephens

MinisterEmeritus

WileyShearin,Jr.

ElderEmeritus

RickiFuller

Women’sCounselor

CandiceP.Blount

ChurchAdministrator

QuentellaWilliams

ExecutiveAssistant

Deacons

JohnAlcox

AnthnoyGreen,Sr.

ArthurHackney

JohnMathis

ChesterMayfield,Jr.

RogerMcDougal

JoeWilliams

KeithWright

This being the last month of the Second Quarter of 2023, we are being led to ‘Step Forward’ in GOD’s Word, and in our daily lives as followers of Christ. During this month of June, we will be focusing on ‘Restore.’ As prescribed by Leadership, this month’s undertaking is truly spiritual in nature.

Regarding ‘Restore,’ we are being guided to think about and discuss the following postulate all month: “Embrace the restoring ministry of Christ so that we may show forth the life-giving power of Christ.” This month’s chosen Scripture reference is found in Galatians 6:1-2.

“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law.” (The Message Version)

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly [spiritual] should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (New Living Translation)

Do the words in Galatians 6:1-2 remind you, at all, about bringing it together? Paul, the author of the Galatian letter advised Christians to compassionately help one another, and help people everywhere. We have learned from the written Word of GOD that we should treat others like we would have/desire/want them to treat us. Sometimes [perhaps lots of times] we fall short of living in accordance with this passage of scripture.

Some apparent yet subtle reasons we falter at times in fulfilling Christ’s law of Love are a direct result of our minds being flooded with tremendous amounts of data on a daily basis. Television news programs, internet social programs, portable telephones, texting, etcetera serve as influencers to our behaviors and reactions. And, many times, we conclude that what we see and hear through those media is true.

May the Lord help us all to focus on grasping/embracing the real truth that is found in the Bible! We are here to please and praise and honor and love GOD! And, likewise, we are to help ourselves and others to please and praise and honor and love GOD through The Lord Jesus Christ! That, beloved, is true life that we can determinedly accomplish!

ENJOY Stepping Forward this month and “Embracing the restoring ministry of Christ” as we allow The Holy Spirit to guide us in this worthy endeavor! As best we can, let’s Bring It Together through study, worship, prayer, fellowship, honesty, and love in GOD’s Presence and in each other’s presence!

EDITION 19 4 JUNE 2023