Vansandt to lead Central’s gospel meeting
No difference at all, says Van Vansandt Sr., guest speaker for a gospel meeting starting this Sunday at Central Church of Christ.
‘The places we go, the things we do, the thoughts we have, the choices we make ‘ whether we’re with our church family or away from that family ‘ define our lives as Christians. Jesus is the perfect example, and we want to shape our lives as much as possible according to that sinless pattern,’ said Vansandt, evangelist at Killen, Alabama’s Atlas Church of Christ since 2005.
‘What God Expects of Us’ is the theme for the series which begins with regular Sunday morning Bible study (9:30 a.m.) and worship (10:30 a.m.) Aug. 19 and continues each evening through Wednesday. Evening services will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday. All of the evening programs will be broadcast live on WBMC 960 AM and WCPI 91.3 FM.
Paul, the great apostle to the Greek-speaking, Western-leaning early Christian world, pleads with all Christians ‘to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.’ (Romans 12: 1-2, NAS)
With that scriptural reference and others, Vansandt says he will ‘present a biblical picture of what a Christian looks like. From one lesson to another, we hope to provide a full picture.’
That theme will be continued in a brief inspirational message Vansandt will offer Tuesday, Aug. 21, at noon at Central’s annual Friends and Fellowship Luncheon in the church fellowship hall. The public is invited to enjoy a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on a come-dressed-as-you-are and leave-when-you’re-ready basis.
‘The fellowship luncheon is a great opportunity for people to visit with fellow Warren countians as well as friends and family from elsewhere,’ Central elder Nestor Stewart remarked. ‘It’s a free meal, and we don’t ask for a donation. It’s a gesture of friendship toward and solidarity with our community.’
A 1984 graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, Vansandt has been a full-time preacher for 25 years. He and his wife, the former Maryanne Adcock, have two children ‘ Amber, a high school junior, and Van, a junior majoring in Bible at Freed-Hardeman while serving as preacher for Southside Church of Christ in St. Joseph, Tenn.