It is ironic to consider that Jesus required more than the legalistic Pharisees and yet his way was easier. How could this be? The Pharisees required the performance of certain things without giving consideration to whether these external actions were motivated by hearts given over to God. They were more concerned with external actions than they were with the inner attitude of the heart.

Jesus required more than external actions. He required that these external actions be motivated by changed hearts. Paradoxically, this requires more, but is easier. It is not an oppressive and burdensome thing. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not burdensome" (I Jn. 5:3). Why are his commandments not burdensome? Because we obey them in love. A song from a few years ago entitled "He Ain't Heavy; He's My Brother", comes near to expressing the thought. I've got to carry my fallen brother, but it doesn't seem like such a burden because of the relationship we have. If I were given the choice of carrying around a 10 pound sack of potatoes or my 30 pound son through an amusement park for 6 hours, I would surely choose my son. Although he is heavier and demands more care and attention, he seems lighter because of my love and affection for him.

When we serve Christ out of a sense of legalistic duty, we torment our consciences. But when we serve him out of a "faith that worketh by love" (Gal.5:6), we enjoy the service. The problem of the Pharisees was that they trusted in themselves and not in God. This is precisely what led Christ to give the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Lk.18:9-14). Our righteousness must look beyond the self-righteousness of the Pharisees if we are going to enter the Kingdom of heaven (Mt. 5:20).

God requires service out of faith and heartfelt motivation and not out of meritorious works alone (Deut. 30:12-14; Mt. 22:37; Lk. 11:39-52). The Jews had perverted faith and served the law out of works only. Not only will "faith only" not save; neither will works only. Micah 6:6-8 demonstrates that God requires more than external works of obedience. Works only brings death (Gal. 3:12). To live by faith, obedient faith, brings rest and life. Truly, his yoke is easy and his burden is light because we love him so (Mt. 11:28-30).

New Member
We are pleased that Mirell Johnson has moved back to Auburndale and has expressed a desire to be once again identified with the saints meeting here at Orange St.. Sister Johnson was a long time member here for many years and for the past few years has been a winter visitor. Welcome her back home.

Youth Devotional
The regular first Sunday Youth Fellowship and Devotional is scheduled for tonight after the PM services. See Matt Faneuf for more details.

You Can Help!
The Stefan and Tracy Mathis family are incurring a lot of expense with the problems they are having with their newborn, Zachary. If you would like to help out, see Bill Norton, Bob Bauer or Bob Faneuf.

New Quarter
The bible classes new Fall Quarter begins today. The adult class that meets in the auditorium will continue to study Denominational Dogmas with Bob Bauer teaching, The adult class that meets in classroom “3" will be starting a new study with Bob Faneuf on “Heaven”.

Because of the uncertainty of our economy, people who have money to invest are extremely careful about where they put their money. Solomon, however, said that there is something that gives a better return than money. "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and its profit better than gold. Proverb 3:13-14

Don’t Forget the Weekly Prayer Meeting
in Classroom #3, Sundays at 5:30 p.m.