Luke 23:32-43 tells of three men on three crosses. The center cross was redemptive. The right-hand cross was repentant. The left-hand cross was rebellious. The center cross was unique. No other man ever lived or died as did Jesus. The thieves on either side illustrate all the rest of responsible humanity.

The one on the center cross is the central theme of the gospel. He was dying for sin (1 Corinthians 15:3). Every Christian should be familiar with the great texts, such as Isaiah 53:4-12, which tell of the passion of our Lord. Every sinner should long to know more of the sweet redemption story.

The repentant thief was dying to sin. Matthew tells how at first he had joined in the derision of Jesus (27:44). By his own admission he had lived in sin. But a change of heart was evident. Isaiah 55:6-7 sets forth the eternal principle of divine mercy toward penitent people. He had lived in sin, but he did not have to die in sin. While there was still time, he had a change of heart. Jesus promised him paradise. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord" (Revelation 14:13).

The rebellious thief persisted in sin to the last. Every day of his life had afforded opportunity to change, but stubbornness prevailed. Even his plea for help scorned the Savior (Luke 23:39). He would have been glad to have been saved from where he was, but he was not willing to be saved from who he was. Some people are "past feeling" (Ephesians 4:19).

Their days are treasuring up wrath (Romans 2:5). Some people will not repent regardless of the warnings (Revelation 9:20-2 1). Thus, this thief was dying in sin. Jesus explains plainly that those who die in sin can never join Him in heaven (John 8:21). The tragedy of the man on the third cross, indeed all other examples of people dying in sin, should warn the lost (Luke 13:2-5).

All responsible people are sinners (Romans 3:23). All die and come to judgment (Hebrews 9:27). The repentant thief represents those who are crucified with Christ. This means dying to the life of sin and living by faith (Galatians 2:20). In this gospel age, it includes baptism into death that one might live in newness of life (Romans 6:1-6).

The thief on the left was crucified without Christ. Crucifixion was probably the most painful death the Romans could devise. Still there are other death experiences that must be excruciating. The ultimate horror, however, the most dreadful of all deaths, is to die anywhere, at any time, in any manner, without Christ. For to be without Christ is to be without hope (Ephesians 2:12).

Our hearts go out in sympathy to sister Mary Garrett in the passing of her brother, Wilbert Kerr, last Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee. May God provide His peace in this time of sorrow and loss.

Fellowship Tonight!

We are all reminded that a fellowship is planned for tonight (Sunday) after the evening services. All members and visitors are invited to attend. In addition to honoring our birthdays and anniversaries this month, we will also be having a baby shower for sister Louis, who is due in November. Members should bring snacks, finger foods and a gift for baby girl Louis.

November Calendars

T

Y2K Sign-up Sheets

Stop by the bulletin board in the foyer and see if the current duty schedules for the year 2000 are satisfactory or if changes need to be made. Adjust the current listing as is neccesary. Remember to check with the other person if you need to trade places with someone.

"Heaven is a bargain...
however great the cost!"