Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: May 29, 2005
FOR ONE INDULGENT MOMENT
What some will pay for a moment’s reckless folly is recorded again and again in the
Book of Ages. Look at the following. Do you think for a moment that these people
got their “Money’s Worth?”
1.) ADAM & AVE, for one bite of luscious fruit when they were not even hungry,
brought sin, shame, and death upon themselves and the human race (Genesis 3).
2.) LOT’S WIFE, revealing her longing for the things that pertain to earth, took
one look back at Sodom and became a pillar of salt (Gen. 19).
3.) ESAU, to satisfy one day’s fleshly appetite, lightly esteemed his birthright and
sold it for a morsel of food (Genesis 25).
4.) ACHAN, for a garment he could wear silver and gold which he could not spend,
paid with all his possessions, his family, and his life (Jos. 7).
5.) SAMSON, for the cares of a hypocritical woman, lost his eyes and finally his life
(Judges 16).
6.) DAVID, to enjoy another’ man’s wife, leaves a record of adultery, shame, and
tears, boldly written for all to read (2 Sam. 11).
7.) AHAB, coveting another’s little vineyard, permitted his wife to have its owner
called, claimed it for his own, and heard his own funeral preacher in these words,
“In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood,
even yours” (I Kings 21:19).
Could it be that today many are guilty of the same mistakes. Just for ONE
INDULGENT MOMENT — someone involves themselves in the folly of sin that may
upset their whole life . . . the life of others . . . and may cost them and even others
their soul . . . THINK ABOUT IT!! — SELECTED
THE PREACHER WHO WOULDN'T’T DO
A church was in need of a preacher. One of the elders was interested in finding out
just what of a preacher the church wanted. In order to do this he composed a
letter as though it had been received from a preacher and read it to the committee
selecting a new preacher. This is what the letter said:
Gentlemen:
Understanding that you need a preacher, I would like to apply for the position. I have
many qualifications that I think you would appreciate. I have been blessed to preach with
power and have some success as a writer. Some say I am a good organizer. I have been
a leader in most places I have gone.
Some folks, however, have some things against me. I am over fifty years of age. I have
never preached in one place for more than three years at a time. In some places I have left
town after my work caused riots and disturbances. I have to admit that I have been in jail
three or four times, but not because of any wrong doing. My health is not too good,
though I still get a good deal done. I have had to work at my trade to help pay my way.
The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities. I
have not gotten along too well with the religious leaders in different towns where I have
preached, and I am sure that they will not recommend me. In fact, some of them have
threatened me, taken me to court, and even attacked me personally. I am not too good at
keeping records. I have been known even to forget whom I have baptized. However, if
you can use me, I shall do my best for you, even if I have to work to help with my support.
The elder read this letter to the committee, and asked if they were interested in
the applicant. They replied that he would not do for their church. They were not
interested in any unhealthy, trouble-making, contentious, ex-convict, and were
insulted that his application had even been presented! But one of them did ask
the preacher’s named, and the elder replied, “THE APOSTLE PAUL.”
—author unknown; widely circulated in church bulletins in the 1950’s
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[NOTE: I once heard a preacher say that wherever Paul preached, he caused
either a riot or a revival. The nature of Bible preaching is such that these things
will inevitably happen. Truth and error, light and darkness do not mix. It is truly
unfortunate that many who still have “church of Christ” on the sign would not have
Paul, Peter, or Jesus himself to preach for them. They just wouldn't’t do. Unless
preachers get back to the pure, unadulterated preaching of the whole counsel of
God, the church will continue down the spiral path of digression and apostasy.
May we never settle for less than the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth. Sure, it may hit us from time to time, but, with an honest and good heart,
let us receive it, for James said, “receive with meekness, the engrafted word, which
is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).]
WOULD I BE CALLED A CHRISTIAN?
Would I be called a “Christian”
If everybody knew
My secret thoughts and feelings
And everything I do?
Oh, could they see the likeness
Of Christ in me, each day?
Oh, could they hear Him speaking
In every word I say
Would I be called a “Christian”
If any one could know
That I am found in place
Where Jesus would not go?
Oh, could they hear his echo
In every song I sing?
In eating, drinking, dressing
Could they see Christ my King?
Would I be called a “Christian”
If judged by what I read?
By all my recreations,
And every thought and deed?
Could I be counted Christ-like,
As I now work and pray?
Unselfish, kind, forgiving
To others every day? — AUTHOR UNKNOWN