Collinsville-Troy CHURCH OF CHRIST

GOSPEL MEETING

Friday April 10, 7:00 PM

Saturday April 11, 7:00 PM

Sunday April 12, 9:30 AM

with Jeff Phillips

Jeff Phillips has been the Associate Minister at the Covington church of Christ since 2009.

He has driven a school bus for the last eight years and is in his fourth year coaching the Covington High School archery team. An avid outdoorsman, Jeff enjoys literally everything outside, but his favorite thing in the world is a rocking chair, recliner, couch, or even a spot on the floor with his grandchildren.

He is a professional baby holder. He is most proud of his wife, his sons and their wives, and the fact they are all active in the Lord's church and the spreading of the Gospel.

Jeff is married to the love of his life, Jennifer. They have been married for 33 years and have three married sons and four grandchildren. Beau and Hanna have the very much prayed about Bear. Austin and Kensliegh have Caroline, the youngest granddaughter and Jedidiah and Chasse have the twins, Alice and Lucy.

My Yoke Is Easy

Renn Ferguson

In Matthew 11:28-30 our Lord extended this invitation,

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

First, notice the recipients of this invitation those "who labor and are heavy laden". In context, this would be those burdened by the Law and especially the traditions imposed on them by the religious leaders of the day. This would also be all those burdened by the weight and guilt of their sin. This is more applicable to us today. For the contentious heart, sin brings with it great grief. Jesus had earlier stated, "blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). The weight that accompanies sin can destroy one mentally, emotionally, and ultimately spiritual. It is those who experience this that Jesus invites to be with Him. Not the worldly person who has no conscientiousness of sin or the self-righteous who likewise does not feel the weight of his own imperfection.

Second, notice the promise of the invitation, rest. While those who desire to be pleasing to God often experience this burden Jesus promises relief. We do not have to be weighed down by our sin any longer. It is because of this relief that we can have certainty of our standing before God (1 John 5:13) and have confidence going into the day of judgment. We can live a life that is free from the guilt and weariness of sin. That is the promise and comfort of Jesus.

Third, notice the response to this invitation, we must take Jesus' yoke upon us. Initially this may seem contrary to the promise of relief. Yet it reminds us that though Jesus promises freedom there are certain responsibilities that come with that freedom. We must live for and serve Him all the days of our lives. Another aspect of this response to learn of Jesus. He is to be our master, and we are to be like Him (Matthew 10:25). On this occasion the two qualities that Jesus wants us to learn are His meekness and humility. He is not an overbearing master. That is why He can then say that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. There is nothing that Jesus requires that is too difficult for us to do.

Let us praise God that we serve such a gracious and merciful Master!