Passing through town a few days ago this writer took notice of a bumper sticker which asked: "How much sin can I get away with - and still go to Heaven?" Not a few are confronted with a dilemma: on the one hand there is the temptation to sin and its accompanying pleasures; on the other, the Bible's depiction of the glories of Heaven and the plain teaching that it is reserved only for those who are not slaves of sin, but who are servants of righteousness. Being caught in the middle, some want to have their cake and eat it too.

One's initial impulse might be to reason: "Here is a non-religious person... who else would ask such a question?" But, is this really a question we are above contemplating? Probably not. Regardless of what we may think, there is always going to be a power working within our lives. It is just a question of which one. Either we are in the kingdom of heaven where truth and right reign supreme; or, we are in the kingdom of darkness being suppressed by the stronghold of Satan.

How can we, who are born of God, behave as though we are the children of the devil? How can we, who have the realization Jesus was crucified because of our sins, love and appreciate the practices of sin? How can we, who wear the name of Jesus, crucify him afresh and put him to open shame? "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? " (Romans 6:1-2)

Our affection for the fleeting pleasures of sin must be replaced with a stronger, permanent devotion to God and the Christian life of righteousness! How much sin do you want to get away with?

As For Me and My Family
Author Unknown

A preacher came calling on a man about his soul and was concerned for his salvation. The preacher pleaded with the man to come to Christ, but the man would not budge. The next Lord's day when the invitation song was sung, the man responded. Walking down the aisle and clutching the preacher's hand, the man said, "Preacher, I want to get right with God." He confessed his faith in Christ and was baptized for the remission of sins. After the services the man told the preacher what had made him come to realize the great importance of accepting Christ as Savior. He said, "Preacher, after you left my home the other evening, my little boy climbed on my lap. He said that he had heard what you said to me. He reached out his chubby little arms, hugged me real tightly, put his mouth up to my ear and whispered, ‘Daddy, we don't want to be a Christian do we?’ Preacher, I went upstairs weeping; now realizing the terrible consequences of the example I was setting for my family. That is one reason I obeyed the gospel—to get myself right with God so I can help my family to know Him!" (Psalms 8:2; Matthew 21:16).

Coming This Month

Sunday, August 14th
There is a Christian Youth Fellowship scheduled for next Sunday afternoon at 3:00 pm at the Venice church of Christ. See Chad or Sabrina Tagtow for more info.
Thursday, August 18th
The Florida School of Preaching extension class on “Revelation” is slated to begin on Thursday evening, Aug 18th (a week from this coming Thursday), at 6:30 pm in the annex. Bob Bauer will be the teacher.
Monday, August 22nd
Anyone wishing to donate single bed flat sheets and/or bath towels to the Village of Hope Orphanage in Ghana, need to have those items here at the building by Sunday, Aug. 21st (two weeks from today). The shipping date is Monday, the 22nd. Remember that we do not need fitted sheets, pillow cases, wash cloths or hand towels.

PM Youth Fellowship
The monthly Youth Group Devo and Fellowship is scheduled for tonight after the evening services. See Matt Faneuf for further information.

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Irley Bamberg, the mother of Juanita Murphy, who passed away this past Wednesday (Aug. 3rd). Funeral services were held yesterday (Saturday) at Kersey’s Funeral Home. Keep Juanita and the family in you daily prayers.

On The Road
Remember that many of our number are (or soon will be) traveling this vacation season. Keep them in your prayers that they may have enjoyable and productive trips and that they will return safely to us at the proper times.

A businessman, harassed and discouraged from over work took his problem to a psychiatrist who promptly told him to do less work. "Furthermore", said the doctor, "I want you to spend an hour each week in the cemetery." "What on earth for, what should I do in the cemetery?" "Not much, take it easy and get acquainted with some of the men there, they didn't finish their work either. Nobody does."