Crazy Words
Perry D. Hall _____________

Have you ever "peated?" All of us have "repeated" something, so if the second time we say something we "REpeated" it, then why isn't the first time we say it, "peating" it?

How come when we move a car rearwards, we are "backing up," and yet if we move the same car forwards, why aren't we "forwarding down?"

Speaking of cars, why do we park in driveways and drive on parkways?

And if the airlines are trying to make us feel safe, why do they call the area where we board, terminals. It sounds so…permanent. Maybe if our tickets were all just one way…then it might make sense!

And finally, why are apartments, not apart, but all together? Shouldn't apartments describe single-family homes?

Yes, life is filled with peculiarities, especially where the English language is concerned. As Americans, we have a language that often makes no logical sense. Hamburgers have no ham. Guinea Pigs are neither from Guinea nor are they pigs. And I refuse to trust anyone with my money whose responsibility it is to manage money, and yet they call themselves a brokerage. I guess when they lose our money and we are broke, somebody is suppose to be in a rage!

People tend to make up words too, such as the latest suggestion that ex-husband, sounds too harsh, therefore someone coined the word, Wasband. Or should that be Wusband?

Well, Americans are not the only ones who have taken words and convoluted them beyond recognition. However, when it happens in religion, no one should think it funny. Take baptism as an example. How can religionists take a word which by its very definition means “immersion;” which by application needs much water (Jn.3:23); when speaking by analogy is compared to a burial (Rom.6:4); and when used metaphorically means to be overwhelmed (Mk.10:38-39; Lk.12:50) – and yet ignorantly, these religionists change it to mean a "sprinkling?" Do you sprinkle with much water? Do you bury by sprinkling? Is one overwhelmed with just a few drops? This makes about as much sense as a parent telling a child to behave and the child responding, "I am being have" (pronounced with a long “a” vowel sound).

Baptism is not the only word people have changed to ridiculous definitions. If a young Mormon, dressed in a white shirt knocks on your door, get ready for this teenager, or young adult to introduce himself as an…elder. He is not an elder. If anything, he is a…younger!

While human language often changes to the point of being ridiculous, God's definitions must remain constant. God chooses His words for a purpose. If God defines baptism as “immersion,” who am I to change it?! If God’s elder is a mature man, why shouldn’t I respect His definition?

We might be able to play with the English language, making wry observations, because people know we are not serious. Yet, people playing with God’s words, making Him say things He did not, cause the ignorant to not know the difference. This is serious!

Jesus said, "He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day (John 12:48). Do any of us want to stand on judgment day and not know what Jesus is talking about?

We would like to wish each and every one of our brothers and sisters here at Orange Street a very safe and happy Holiday Season.
“We give thanks to God always for you all.” (1 Thess. 1:2)

LITTLETON, Greg & Julie (click here for new address)

FSOP Extension Class
The Florida School of Preaching extension class offered here at Orange Street begins a new semester January 9, 2003? The topic will be Denominational Doctrines and will be taught by Bob Bauer. Classes are Thursday evenings from 7-9:30. See Bob for registration forms or print one online at FSOP.net. There is a $5 registration fee.

Elders Meeting
The elders have requested a meeting with the congregation, next Sunday evening before the pm worship service. All members should plan to be here if possible.

It is clear that the Lord is satisfied with nothing less than top priority in our lives. (Matt 6:33) To put him first means simply that if we have two places to go - one involving our interest, the other, His - we must make the Lord's trip first.

UPCOMING 2003 EVENTS:

• Jan 18-19 - Springhead coC, Plant City
50^th Homecoming Celebration

• Jan 20-23 - Fla. School of Preaching
28th Annual Lecturship.
"Do You Understand Fellowship"
Complete schedules are posted online

• Feb 15 - Sebring Parkway coC
Ladies’ Day - “Keeping Your Balance”

• February 21, 22 - Orange Street coC
“Marriage Seminar” w/Garry Colley -

• Mar 14, 15 - “Relay For Life”
See Wanda or Ora Lee for details