The High Price of . . .
Terry L. Mabery

The price of gasoline has skyrocketed, and people are feeling the crunch. Many are taking advantage of car pools, commuter buses, and trains. Others are looking for more efficient vehicles. Driving habits are changing. High prices have brought change.

If people were more aware of the high price of sin, there might be more important life changes.

Drugs and alcohol destroy families and result in increased business and health care costs. Adultery also destroys families resulting in emotional and financial suffering to children and others. Fornication can result in sexually transmitted disease and unwed mothers.

Time and space will not penult the multitudes of examples of the high cost of sin. Yet, there is one cost that must be considered. That is the loss of one's soul. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). That is the greatest cost of all. Nothing is as valuable as one's soul. It is greater than all the riches of the world (Matthew 16:26). To lose it eternally due to sin is a tragedy.

If people would reflect upon the high price of sin, there would be far more drastic changes than those made due to the high price of gasoline. Lives would be changed before God. The unbeliever would seek the truth of God's Word and become obedient to God. He would repent (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

What changes have you made due to the high cost of gasoline? What changes do you need to make due to the high cost of sin? ?

GIVING THANKS
Joe Barnett

A little boy defined salt this way "Salt is what always spoils the potatoes when it is left out." Using the same negative approach we can say, "Ingratitude is what always spoils life when it is left out." A thankful spirit enables one to praise God when circumstances are difficult.

Alexander Whyte, the Scottish preacher, always began his prayers with an expression of gratitude. One cold, miserable day his people wondered what he would say. He prayed, "We thank Thee, O Lord, that it is not always like this."

The most grateful man I've ever known has been financially poor all his life. Yet, he never ceases to count his blessings, and often says, "The Lord has been partial to me."

Riches can be a handicap. A wealthy woman told her doctor that she was frustrated by a restless desire for more and more things. He replied, "These are the usual symptoms of too much ease in the home and too little gratitude in the heart."

The man was wise who prayed over a heavy Thanksgiving table: "God, please grant us one more blessing ... a thankful heart."

Heed these words, "When thou... art full ... beware that thou forget not the Lord" (Deut. 8: 10,11).

Men's Breakfast
All the men of the congregation are invited to the Men’s Breakfast scheduled for this coming Saturday morning (Dec. 17) in the annex. There is a sign-up sheet, for those who plan to attend, posted on the bulletin board in the foyer.

The Pantry
Please help us keep the pantry stocked during this holiday season. Leave canned items in the annex so that we may be prepared when a need arises.

Directory Photos
We will be taking photos for the Orange Street Directory in the annex after the Sunday AM services for the rest of this year. If you do not have a current photo in the directory, please come to annex after the Sunday morning worship and have your photo made.

Gospel Broadcasting Network
The Gospel Broadcasting Network is now on the air. While our local cable service does not currently carry this channel, it can be viewed online. Be sure to check it out. [click here to view]