August 12, 2007
Volume XXVI - Number 32  

A Seldom-Heard Phrase
Phil Grear


It must be contrary to human nature. It can be humiliating to say it. It means admitting we are wrong, and we don't like to do that. "I have sinned." Even in the Bible only nine different people had the honesty and courage to say it.

It's more common to hear someone say, "You have sinned." We like to point out the faults of others. That makes us feel better. I don't seem so bad if I think you have done worse. But Jesus warns us about removing the plank from our own eye before attempting to remove the speck from our brother's eye (Matt. 7:5).

Sometimes we will say, "We have sinned." It's not so bad to admit it if you can get lost in the crowd. Shared guilt doesn't hurt so much. As a matter of fact, some even feel good about themselves if they can hear a sermon that rakes the whole church over the coals. "Church-bashing" can take the emphasis off me personally, salve my conscience, and allow me to ignore my own sins.

Some will say, "I have sinned, but ..," and then offer some excuse that supposedly justifies their behavior. "I have sinned, but I was provoked beyond what I could stand." "I have sinned, but it was your fault." "I have sinned, but society drove me to it." This tactic dates all the way back to Genesis 3. Adam said he had sinned, but it was Eve's fault. Eve sinned, but the Devil made her do it.

We must understand that sin is our personal responsibility. We must be willing to admit, "I have sinned." No excuses and no rationalizing! I am responsible for what I have done. I am guilty and accountable for my actions. This is not "self-bashing," but just facing the facts. Only then, can I know the forgiveness that comes from God. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (l John 1:9).


AM SERMON:
"Righteous and Sinful Judgments"
(John 7:10-24)
PM SERMON:
"Seeking after Happiness"
(Psalm 1)

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of brother Johnny White (the father of Fay Wells and Joyce Mathis) who passed away on Friday morning at Auburndale Oaks. No arrangements are known at this time. Additional information will be announced when known. Please keep the family in your prayers during this time of sadness and loss.

Contact Updates
Make the following change in your directory:

PINCKERT, Jack & Gina
Tiffani Jackson
[click here]

FSOP Extension Class
The FSOP Extension Class, "Ethics", will begin here at Orange Street, in the annex, next Thursday, August 16th from 7 to 9:30 pm. Bob Bauer will be the instructor. There is a $5 registration fee for the term.

Men’s Breakfast
The monthly Men’s Breakfast will be hosted by the men at the Central church in Haines City, this coming Saturday morning (18th) at 8 a.m..

Personal Work Meeting
There will be a Personal Work Meeting after the PM services NEXT Sunday (19th) evening in the annex. Fried chicken will be provided afterwards and members who can provide side dishes should see Libbie Littleton.

You Are Invited . . .
... to the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of James and Dot Thornhill on Saturday, August 25th, 4:30 p.m. at the Women's Civic League Building, 215 W Lake Avenue, Eagle Lake, Florida. It will be a covered dish - each family should bring their favorite covered dish to share. Also, bring any photographs you might have of the couple from the last 50 years so an album can be compiled as a gift from all attending.

Our Pantry
Anyone interested in helping with the distribution of food on Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., please see Wanda Greene as soon as possible. We need to set up a rotation schedule so the same one or two people are not there every week.

"Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path." (Proverbs 2:9) The world searches for this ability, it is sad indeed that only a few will choose to look to the law book of life "the Bible".
 

Jackie Hyde’s father (in Jamaica),
Katherine Moses,
Jason Powell,
Wilda Cox, Pete Peeples,
Carl Chambers, Bill Guy,
Minnie Lee Stout,
Zach Mathis, Pansy Sims,
Mona Howard,
Brice Oliver, Lindsay Jo Holt,
Frances Kidwell, Gina Dupree

– Shut Ins –
Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
Frances Black, Cliff Powell, Mattie Hughs

– In The Nursing Homes –
Elsie Chambers (Auburndale Oaks #242)
Robert Pearson (Tandem)
Jewell White (Auburndale Oaks)