We are not trying to excuse Peter or lessen his guilt, but the fact is that Peter could have simply said, "I hope to fall over dead if I know him. I swear I do not know him." The curse of the Jews in Acts 23 was "We will not eat or drink until we kill Paul." In other words, "I hope to die if I do not kill Paul." This was a curse they wished upon themselves, and Peter could have done likewise. When Jesus cursed the fig tree (Mark 11:21), he simply said, "Let no fruit grow on thee forever" (Matthew 21:19).

About 50 years ago a Unitarian told me, "I like Jesus. He was a human just like we are. When he got mad and cussed out the fig tree, I appreciated him more." I tried to show him that Jesus did not "get mad and cuss out the fig tree," but it did not then occur to me that neither did Peter get mad and "cuss out" anybody when he began to curse (anathematizein) and to swear that he did not know Jesus.

(via Firm Foundation)

RECEPTION
The elders, deacons and their wives will host a reception for our newly appointed deacons and their wives, this afternoon (Sunday) from 4:00 - 5:30, in the annex. All are invited.

The four new deacons who were installed this past Wednesday evening are: Greg Littleton, Carlton Hyde, James Hall and Carl Chambers.

TONIGHT
There is a young people's devotional scheduled for tonight after services in the annex. Ages 11-22 are encouraged to attend.

We meet for a prayer session each Sunday evening at 5:30 in room #3.

Our youngsters meet in the front of the auditorium at 5:40 for stories and songs.

IN THE FOYER
We encourage you to check the table in the foyer for copies of the "Christian Courier", a monthly publication by Wayne Jackson. This publication is an excellent source of articles and commentary on many of the issues facing the church today. This and several other publications are provided there for your edification and learning.

RESPONDED
Sister Crossie Tidwell (a visitor from Tennessee) came forward last Sunday morning confessing sinful negligence and asking forgiveness and the prayers of the congregation.

HOMECOMING 2001
Be sure to invite friends, neighbors, and former members to "Homecoming", next Sunday, here at Orange Street. There will be a dinner-on-the-grounds after the morning worship at approximately noon.

The little boy said, "I would like to live like the rich man, but be like Lazarus after I die". This is the choice that millions of us think we can make, but this is impossible. We cannot have worldly things while alive and Godly things when we die. This doesn't mean that we can't possess the things of the world but rather we must not love those things which are sinful. (John 2:15-16)