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Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 4 November 08, 2009 Number 45
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“BUT, I DON’T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT!”
David A. Bass
In talking with people, I often hear the above statement, “I don’t see anything wrong with it.” This statement is often thrown out as though our “opinion” should forever settle whatever the question or discussion might be addressing. This statement was made by Donald Green, the owner of the Mid-Evil Times Bar in Pulaski, Tennessee concerning nude or topless dancers. Just a few years ago this statement was made by many Alabamians concerning the proposed “state lottery.” This statement is also often made in defense of drinking, drugs and even homosexuality.
I believe that for the most part people are honest when they say they don’t see anything wrong with various sins, because they don’t. The reason for this is simple. In 1 Timothy 4:2, Paul speaks of those who have had “their conscience seared with a hot iron.” In Ephesians 4:18, 19 the Bible speaks of those who have had “their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleaness with greediness.” One whose “conscience has been seared (burned)” whose “understanding has been darkened,” and is “past feeling” surely will not see anything wrong with basically anything - especially sin! We must be careful not to let this happen to us!
Most people do not participate in activities that violate their moral convictions, so Satan “sugarcoats” sin to make it sound less sinful! Seldom do we hear “sin” called “sin” anymore! Homosexuality has become an “alternate lifestyle” while old fashioned adultery is now having an “affair.” Abortion is a woman’s “choice” not murder. Alcoholism and drugaddictions are now referred to as diseases caused by your genetic make up, therefore the user (substance abuser) is not really responsible. Pornography is no longer sin, it is simply an “adult oriented entertainment business” also called “free expression.”
Dear reader, we must wake up! Sin is still sin no matter what you call it and it is still condemned by God. It doesn’t matter if we see anything wrong with it or not. All that matters is what God says! We must open our Bibles and study in order to find out what God says.
Stop and consider the implications of saying that if “I don’t see anything wrong with it” then it must be o.k. Murderers don’t see anything wrong with murder! Rapists don’t see anything wrong with what they do. Child molesters don’t see anything wrong with molestation. Abusive men don’t see anything wrong with beating their wives or girlfriends. Drug dealers don’t see anything wrong witht selling drugs that will maim and destroy. Where will it end? Surely, we can see that this is illogical and utterly opposed to common sense and God’s word. We must remember that the Bible is our standard, not our opinion. Therefore we need to study, study, study!
In the Old Testament their was a period time when every man “did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Jeremiah 10:23 says that “the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Prayer List
Richard Dunphy (Don’s father); Mr. Hyche (David’s father); Barbara Hix (Will’s grand-mother - breast cancer); Family of Tommy Burnham (Sherry’s cousin who passed away last week); Adriane Tharp (friend of Kayla); Mark Bass (India); Larry Carroll (cancer);Carol Nelson; Earlene Davis; Gayle Higginbotham; Colin Chandler; Earl Dean; Martha Eckert; Corey Boothe; Adam Pilling; Scott Pierce; Jesse Spillman; Major Marshall. Christopher Cary & David Miller (Rachel’s dad) in Afghanistan. Natasha Davis (fire); Adam Carskaddon; Jerry Brasher.
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading: Matt. 7:1-12
Gospel Meeting: Nov. 15-18 - Ironaton - Glenn Colley
Ladies Night: Thursday (Nov. 12) at 6:00 at Frances’ classroom.
Responses: Vanessa Hale; Glenn & Lisa Russell and Hanna Hyche.
Youth Devotional: TONIGHT following our afternoon worship. (Grilled cheese & chili).
Men’s Breakfast & Goal Setting: Saturday (Nov.14th) at 7:00 a.m. See the bulletin board for breakfast list.
Discovery Subscriptions: $8.50 for one year. What a great publication for our children. DUE TODAY!!!!
Upcoming Events
2010 Great Smoky Mtn. Marriage Retreat: Feb.10 - 13
Winter Bible School: February 19,20, 2010
Guntersville Family Retreat: March 18-20
NOTE: Please give Chris your updated e-mail addresses!