March 12, 2000


Volume XX - Number 11  

High Octane Questions
Terry Hightower

Is Elvis really still alive? Should my toilet tissue run down the front or the back of the roller? Will my prize be inside my cereal box? Is Nutra-Sweet harmful? Will the new package of Clearasil work on my ugly pimples? Will Ed McMahon call me today from the sweepstakes headquarters? Will my retirement check allow us to travel? Can I get tickets to the concert? Are reruns the only thing on television this summer? Does this top go with this skirt? Can we afford to take the kids to Disney World this year? Such is the stuff of the momentous, pressing and weighty questions of our day! Tell us, what is the most notable question in your mind of late?

Ann Landers recently gave us her viewpoint on the most sought after subject that has appeared in her column. She stated that she has had more letters on this topic than any other in years. The subject was "how to hang toilet paper in your bathroom"! If this is the most sought after question in our country, we are obviously in acute trouble. Tell me, is this the "high octane question" you roll around inside that fantastic gray thing between your ears? Just what are the significant issues of your life and how often do you communicate these to family members and friends?

The most important question to which any human being can address himself has two parts: 1) Does God exist? and 2) What is His will for man? This two-part question is of paramount importance because, if God does exist, being in the right relationship with Him becomes a supreme obligation of every person. On the other hand, if He does not exist, neither the beliefs nor actions of anyone have any ultimate significance. I am constantly amazed and shocked in encountering individuals who have never let The Supreme Question run through their stream on consciousness, apparently content to dwell on such grave and critical questions as "How Best To Get Chewing Gum Off Shoes" or "Should I Sleep Facing or Facing Away From The Couch?"!

Having initially answered the question of God's existence affirmatively, sometimes even believers get "off the track" and into silly, picayunish trivialities about as "deep" as a sand bar. Peter reminds Christians that: "The heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:7,10). Peter proceeds to draw a rational conclusion: "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness...?" (2 Peter 3:11). In other words, since God exists, what is His will for me so that I may give diligence that I may be found "without spot and blameless in his sight" (2 Peter 3:14)? Brother, that is the "high octane" question! In fact, determining whether the Bible is God's will for mankind is crucial and logically prior to applying it (as Peter urges) to our behavior.

Although the entire Bible deals with transcending issues, perhaps Job 38-39 and the book of Ecclesiastes force one to think on what is ultimately significant in the most powerful fashion that can be found. Job is shown that life is simply incomprehensible without Deity, and Solomon (after saying that he had "seen it all") declares: "...then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it... Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:7,13).

What will you think about: Elvis or the toilet tissue or "In the beginning God..."?


AM SERMON:
"To Be Announced"
PM SERMON:
"To Be Announced"

Ladies' Reminder

Our devotional/luncheon will be in the annex on Monday, March 13. Please plan to attend. Our topic is Positive Attitude. We have at least one more tape to listen to. If you have any suggestions for a new topic come prepared to share them. The devotion will start at approximately 11:30 with lunch at 12:00.

Good Job!

We are happy to announce that the congregation collected a total of $1202.62 in change, in conjunction with the Mount Dora Christian Home & Bible School Change for Children campaign. You are to be congratulated for your generosity.

Add To Your Directory

Please add the following member information to your directories.

McPECK, Lois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ///-////
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Teachers

If you have not yet picked up your classroom supplies -- they are in the library.

Tonight

Don't forget the prayer session at 5:30 in room #3 and the young peoples class at 5:40 in the auditorium.

On The Bulletin Board

There are several items of interest on the bulletin board in the foyer. Sandy Callender has posted a notice about the "Vial of Life" program that may be of interest to you. Take a moment to check this and the other meetings, announcements, and events posted there.

Keely Watkins, Jeff Brooks, B.C. Carr, Robert Cox, Barb Faught, Latanea Sims, Janella Ash, Theresa Chadwick, Sue Church, Norris Clark,
Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Clay Hightower, Brice Oliver, Macon Cox,
James & Dot Thornhill, Travis Thornhill, Robert West, Mary Beaty, Bob Hodgdon, Vannie Dowdy, Vera Willis, Juanita Ashley, Sherry Hobbs,
Frances Austin, Mattie Hughs, Virgie Liles,
Olivia Miner, Alzonio Rhodes,
Frances Black,
James Howell,
Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie, Talmadge Royal