God made man a creature of choice. Some great moments in Bible history have been those when people have exercised this privilege. Joshua is an outstanding example: "And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve, whether the gods which fathers served... or the god of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). He took the lead and many followed. This is one of the great decisions of the Bible.

In giving His followers a picture of His kingdom, Jesus stressed the right of choice: "Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat. For straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth to life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14)

With this responsibility of choice, there are consequences. Paul taught that there is no way to fool God and that a man will reap what he sows: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked. for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap " (Galatians 6:7).

Some call Romans 12 a kind of constitution for Christian living. Verse 9 gives us this principle: "Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good ."

1. Find out What God States Specifically Is Wrong and What God Places on the Side of Right in the New Testament. For example, adultery is wrong (Galatians 5: 10-11). When one makes the choice to fulfill sexual desires with someone other than his rightful partner, this is always wrong. Therefore, when a person is sexually permissive before or after marriage, this practice of fornication is always wrong.

On the other side, marriage according to God's plan is right. "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh" (Matthew 19:4-5).

The fruits of the spirit described in Galatians 5 are right; the works of the flesh are wrong. These me specifics.

2. Be Careful in the Choice of Companions. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (I Corinthians 15:33). In years of working with the young, I saw so many pulled away from the training of Christian homes by evil communications exerted through companions. A marriage may succeed or fail because of the wrong choice of life partners.

3. Just a Step in the Wrong Direction May Lead to Ultimate Sorrow. While visiting an alcohol rehabilitation center recently, I stepped into a room area well filled with teenagers. They had been corrupted with drugs which included alcohol. I was stunned at the number and the ages of these young people. A social drink is a step in the wrong direction. Only a taste of a drug is a step that may lead to ruin.

We are creatures of choice. Remember that all men have the privilege of choice but we create the consequences which we face in life and eternity. Remember the words of Joshua!

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ervin Eubanks who passed away this past Wednesday. Funeral services were held yesterday at Lakeland Memorial Gardens Chapel in Lakeland. Brother Eubanks was a long time member here at Orange Street and was the song leader for many many years. Keep Betty, Danny and the entire family in your daily prayers.

Personal Work Meeting
Visitation Group “A” is scheduled meet today after the morning services.

Home Devo
The monthly home devo will be hosted this coming Saturday evening (17th) at 6 pm in the home of Jackie and Joyce Stearsman. Sign-up on the sheet in the foyer if you plan to attend.

Ladies’ Day
Ladies’ Day is planned for Saturday (April 24th) here at Orange Street. The theme this year is “How Does Your Garden Grow”. All of our ladies are encouraged to attend.

Have a Safe and Happy Easter

We must realize the importance of prayer in our Christian life. Without God's help, forgiveness, and strength we can never be successful Christians. In short, be faithful to God in all things He has instructed us to do so He can say, "Well done" instead of "depart".