December 23, 2007
Volume XXVI - Number 51  
Neither Scrooge nor Santa
JOE SLATER

Your concept of God determines your approach to religion. Unfortunately, not everyone's concept of God is Biblical. As with most other matters, people tend to go to extremes here.

Some have portrayed God as an angry tyrant, comparable to Ebenezer Scrooge. In 1741, Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon, "Sinners in the hands of an angry God," depicted God as vindictive, harsh, merciless, and even sadistic. Such distorted teaching inspired extreme fear – worshipers fainted, foamed at the mouth, rolled in the aisles, and went into convulsions. Tragically, Edwards told them no Biblical way to receive God's mercy and forgiveness.

Today, the popular view of God resembles Santa rather than Scrooge. Perverting God's love, it practically ignores His justice and wrath. Yes, He knows whether you've been naughty or nice, but it makes no real difference. Unless you're notoriously naughty (serial murderer, devil-worshiper), He will still give you the presents– He loves you, right? All that stuff about Hell was just to scare you into being good.

This garbled image of God produces careless Christianity. Sloppy philosophies like "don't sweat the small stuff" spring from the Santa concept. Folks think that as long as they believe in God and don't do anything outrageously wicked, eternal bliss is theirs.

In truth, God is neither Scrooge nor Santa. He is no vindictive tyrant, nor is he a jolly, laid-back "good time Charlie." Rather, He is the infinitely holy, totally loving, absolutely righteous creator. He is both loving Father and righteous Judge. "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God" (Romans 11:22). Faithful Christians have complete confidence in His grace and mercy. However, those who have not obeyed the gospel or are not walking in the light should not deceive themselves with false hope. Let us cultivate a Biblical understanding of God, serving Him acceptably with reverence and godly fear.



AM SERMON:
Immanuel: God With Us
( Isaiah 7:14)
PM SERMON:
What Keeps You Going?
(1 Peter 1:3-5)
David Stearsman


Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:20)

The Pantry
Food items needed for the food distribution program this week are:

• Canned Meat
• Powdered Milk
• Canned Fruit

Please help out if you are able.

Wednesday Devo
This coming Wednesday evening we will have a devotional service instead of our regular classes. Plan to attend and participate.

FSOP Lectureship Book
The hardcover edition of the 2008 Florida School of Preaching Lecturship book is now available for purchase in the foyer. This years lectureship is scheduled for January 21-24 at the South Florida Avenue church of Christ in Lakeland. The theme for the 33rd Annual Lectureship is "Do You Understand the Biblical View of Man?" All proceeds go to help fund the yearly lectureship series. Make plans to attend and support the school.

January Class Schedule
Auditorium - Jackie Stearsman - Understanding True Spirituality
Classroom 3 -- Eddie Hurn -- New Testament Church
Auditorium B -- Bob Bauer -- Ethics -- Teens and Young Adults will be in this class as well as any others who are interested

FSOP extension class -- Beginning January 10, 2008, Topical Studies. 7-9:30 pm in the annex. This will be a study of various Biblical subjects such as the nature of Christ, Bible interpretation, New Testament church, etc. Time will also be allotted to study topics proposed by the class.

2008 Duty Schedule
Time is running out in order to check the schedule posted in the foyer to see if the proposed duty assignments are compatible with your plans for the coming year. If need be - make any changes on the posted 2007 schedule. Cross out your name if you are scheduled to do a task that you do not want to do. Please don't just ignore it when that time comes. If your name is not on the list and you would like to participate - add your name anywhere on the list. If during the year, you are unable to keep your assignment, please let someone know so that other arrangements can be made. The list will be posted until next Sunday.

  

James Huggins, Ann Johnson,
Zach Mathis, Jeff Copeland,
Wanda Greene, Frances Kidwell,
Jane Sutterfield, Juanita Hilborn,
Cindy Chambers, Luther Pendergrass,
Wilda Cox, Brian Green,
Pete Peeples, Pansy Sims,
Brice Oliver, Gina Dupree
– Shut Ins –
Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
Frances Black, Jason Powell,
Mattie Hughs
– In The Nursing Homes –
Robert Pearson (Tandem)