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Home Email About Us Services Articles Bulletin From God's Word Area Events Announcements Calendar Prayer Requests Plan of Salvation Audio Sermon Library Photographs	The Cart Before the Horse November 9, 2003 Do you believe that you can reach sinless perfection? Some claim that do. However, do they actually reach it? Absolutely not! But some folks believing such have formulated a teaching that says they can and do reach sinless perfection. How? Spiritually, they say, they are perfect. Physically they are sinners. In explanation, they suggest that "spiritually" they do not sin and are perfectly sinless but physically, they say, they are sinners. The body sins, they say, but not the spirit. Actually, it is the spirit (heart, attitude) that directs the body and not the other way around. What these folks have done is put the *"cart before the horse."* However, our spirit can give into the ways of the flesh through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Paul recognized this and stated that it was Jesus who gave him the victory (Romans 7:24-25). It is Jesus who puts us into a right relationship with God, not ourselves. It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7), not our own strength. It His blood that covers our sins, not ours. It is Jesus who has reconciled us back to the Father, not our own imagined perfection. It is Jesus who is our Savior, not ourselves! By accepting this fact, we will have a greater appreciation for what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans. [Doug Post]
	Adversity By Doug Post 1. Is Relative. Our worst day is better than the best day for the majority in most countries of this world. Our biggest health problem is but a blip on the radar screen for the critically and chronically ill. Our worst trials would be welcomed as such for some suffering things we cannot fathom. 2. Is Refining. We can always be strengthened by adversity, should we choose to learn from it. It can sometimes heal our spiritual sickness, pushing us closer to God. It can improve our character. There is no adversity out of which we, as Christians, should not be made stronger. 3. Is Recurring. David had more than one Philistine giant to fight in his lifetime. We have record of one instance of Satan tempting Christ (Mt.4), but we know there were many other occasions (Heb.4:15). You will face formidable foes as long as you live. How did you do last time? That will help you know how you'll handle the next time. 4. Is Restricted. It cannot overtake the soul, separate us from God's love (Rom.8:38-39), destroy our faith (Job 13:15), destroy the Bible (Mt.24:35) or the church (Dan.2:44), or be more than we can handle (1 Cor.10:13). It may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to destroy us . It may be terrifying, but it need not be terminal. Take heart. God is bigger than any adversity we might face. Realizing this is vital to our being equipped to handle our difficulties
	Bit I Didn't Kathryn Thorne Bowsher Do you ever think at close of day Of kindly words you meant to say-- But didn't? Do you ever think when day is done Of errands kind you could have run-- But didn't? Do you ever think at daytime's leave Of flowers gay you meant to give-- But didn't? Do you ever think when skies are red Of hungry mouths you could have fed-- But didn't? Do you ever think at dawn of night Of letters kind you meant to write-- But didn't? Friend, do you think at life's set of sun You'll think of deeds you could have done-- But didn't?
	Envy Edgar A. Guest I wonder if the poppy shows The slightest envy of the rose? Or if the pansy wastes its time Regretting that it cannot climb? Do blossoms of a yellow hue Complain because they are not blue? Do birds which God designed to sing Envy the wild ducks' fleeter wing? And does the sparrow sadly mourn Because he was not goldfinch born? I cannot say, but fancy not. Each seems contented with his lot. 'Tis only man who thinks that he Some other man would rather be.
	What Did You Say? By Doug Post The figures are staggering: 3,300 homes, 30 businesses, and 700 structures lost. Estimates exceed $2 billion. 22 people perished. Over 100,000 people were displaced; thousands were without electricity. At one time, roughly 15,600 firefighters were on the scene trying to control the chaos. More than $9 million was spent each day in fire-fighting efforts. 1,900 fire engines, 203 water trucks, 43 air tankers and 105 helicopters. 800,000 acres destroyed. The effort stretched over 180 miles in six counties. Entire forests and towns were engulfed in flames. Just think, a tiny match caused so much destruction! The tongue is capable of this kind of ruin and more! The Bible says, "...See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell" (Jas.3:5-6). Despite its relative size, an uncontrolled tongue can wreak unimaginable havoc in our lives. Imagine: how many relationships have been destroyed because of tactless speech!; how many friendships have ended due to gossip!; how many marriages have been "seared" by hot-tempers!; how many congregations of God's people have split because of lies caused by envy!; how many have lost their influence due to rumor and slander!; how many new converts have been led from the faith by deceitful talk!; how many young women have sacrificed their virginity on the altar of empty flattery!; how many once-valuable leaders in the Kingdom have been brought low because of arrogant boasting!; how many Christians have invalidated their example by foolish and course jesting!; how many tender hearts have been crushed by mockery and ridicule! *Yes, "the tongue is a fire."* Each of us needs to pause and reflect on the harm our tongue can inflict. Our words are powerful (Prov.18:21). They can help (Prov.12:18), or they can consume. "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife" (Prov.26:20-21;Matt. 12:34-37). "An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire" (Prov. 16:27). Let me close with an admonition from that esteemed theologian, Smokey Bear, "*Only YOU can prevent forest fires." Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking guile*" (Psa. 34:12-13; cf. 1 Pet. 3:10).