Is Sin Really Avoidable?
One of the easiest things to do as humans is to make excuses. It seems as though one of the first things we learn growing up is how to turn something that we messed up into the misdeed of another. For example, someone compiled a list of excuses that were offered to police officers relative to automobile accidents in which the excuse-makers were involved. Consider these: "An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my car and vanished." "I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment." "The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran over him." "the guy was all over the road; I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him." "Suddenly a tree grew up in front of me where no tree had been before."
We do that with God sometimes, too. There are occasions when we find that we have committed a sin and we try to make out like it wasn't our fault. "The temptation was just too strong." "If I had obeyed God, it would have alienated my friends." "I would have been ridiculed." "Everyone else was doing it. You couldn't expect me to go against my friends." Translation? "I should not be held accountable for my own actions."
In the first few verses of 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reminded his readers of the many times that Israel had succumbed to temptation in centuries past. They lusted after evil things, worshipped idols, committed fornication, tested God, and complained (10:6-10). In verses 11 and 12, the apostle exhorts his readers to consider those events as examples, and to learn from them- the major lesson being summed up in these words, "If any man thinks he stand, beware, lest he fall" (10:12). And if you do fall, it's your own fault. There is simply no legitimate excuse for sinning. Verse 13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
We can take comfort in knowing that God has placed Satan under certain restrictions. He is not allowed to tempt us beyond what we are able to endure. Our big problem is generally this-we don't look hard enough for the way of escape. We give up too easily. But just because we may give up too easily does not make the sin any less avoidable. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3). "Come to Me, all of you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30).
First, we must want to avoid it. There are many people who just love to sin (2 Thess. 2:11-12). The simple truth is this: if you don't want to avoid sin, you won't. And no excuse you make will change that.
Second, we should encourage each other. "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called 'Today,' lest any of you be hardened though the deceitfulness of sin" (Heb. 3:12-13).
Third, diligently study the Bible (Psa. 119:11). One of the reasons sin runs rampant in the lives of some Christians is they have quit studying the Bible. We need to make sure that our homes, Bible classes and pulpits are filled to overflowing with "sound words" (2 Tim. 1:13) and with those things "which befit sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1).
Are you avoiding sin? If not, why not?
-Eddie Parrish
We express our sympathy to the family of Mela Martinez, sister-in-law of Dolores Sanchez and aunt of Kristal and Barbara Martinez. Funeral services were on Wednesday, November 22, in Waco, TX.
We express our sympathy to the family of Gene Calbert, friend of Julie Driver. Gene passed away on Wednesday, November 15. Funeral services were on Saturday, November 18.
Current Concerns
Harvey Garvin had an angiogram done on Monday, November 20.
Krystian Chacon had laser surgery on Tuesday, November 21.
Prayer List
Alvie Adams; Mark Brewer; Darwin Carroll; Toni DeCristofaro; Ruth Davis; RuLonna Edwards; Marion Lee; Kayli Martell;
Justine McCollum; Wilma Mitchell; Elizabeth Ann Newbold; Ruth Norman; Bessie Peevy; Jackie Rex; Jim Reyna; Montrella Ruffner;
David Ryan; Janelle Shirley; Delora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Ruby Brown; Mary Dunn; Sharon Fisher; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Lela Jo McElroy; Virgie Price;
Alma Stallard; Charles and Pearl Tucker; Nell O Beth Willoughby
FYI
Odessa Christian is having their Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, December 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Booths are available for
$25.00. More information is posted on the bulletin board in the east foyer.
Events
Jean Grenier will be here on Wednesday, November 29 to report on his efforts in Canada.
Allen Weakland will be conducting a meeting here on Sunday, December 3, through Tuesday, December 5. Begin inviting your friends.
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. On Sunday, November 26, the lesson will be titled "The Holy Spirit and Miracles."
The New Mexico Christian's Home will be having their Needs Drive. Their truck will be here Wednesday, December 13. All items are appreciated. Some suggestions items are muffin mixes, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of November are Mary Bayless, and Cindy Crain.
The Truth For Today Commentary on "Psalms 51-89" are available in the office ($28.50). The following books are also available in the
office: Some Questions About Worship ($12); Truth for Today Commentary on "Ezekiel," and "Psalms 1-50" ($28.50); Fishing For Men :
The Art of Personal Evangelism ($9); The Word Became Flesh: A Study of Christ and His Work ($11); and Some Questions About Bible
Authority ($10).
| November 26, 2006 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Announcements | Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
| Song Leader | David Easlon | Steve Horton |
| Sermon | Bert Groves | Bert Groves |
| Opening Prayer | Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
| Scripture | Jack Wright | Larry Crain |
| Second Prayer | John Bethune | Richard Siler |
| Closing Prayer | Charles Watson | Mike Roemisch |
| Lord's Supper | ||
| West | Jr. Munoz Jeff Wesson Jesus Herrera Bill Bayless |
Marcus Crain Jeff Wood |
| East | Charles Wood Johnny Warren Ronnie Lane Tony Marrs |
Trini Wood |
Pulpit - Scot Straw ~ Table - Jeff Wesson ~ Song Leaders - Ronnie Lane
Our Records
Bible Class...117
Morning Worship...153
Evening Worship...104
Wednesday...110
Contribution...$4409.29