Eastland eBulletin 7-9-06

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Area Meetings

. July 9-13 - High School Road Lectures (Indianapolis)
. July 10-14 - Harrodsburg VBS
. July 17-21 - Overland VBS (Lawrenceburg)
. July 21-23 - Hodgenville
. July 28-29 - Young People's Lectures, Charlestown Road (New Albany, IN)

Potpourri
. Remember the kid's bulletin in the foyer.
. Today's speaker is Reggie Robarts.
. The monthly kid's singing is this afternoon at 4:25.
. The June Financial Statement is now available.
. The flower fund is depleted. If you would like to contribute, see Janis
Robarts.

Monthly Duties
. Transportation: Mindel, Sutton
. Lord's Supper: K Mindel, L Shields
. Meals: H Boatright, S Durbin, J Robarts
. Deacon: J Crowder
. Ushers: G Shields
. Sound: J Norris

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The Least Confessed Sin
By Joe R Barnett

A fly landed on a nice strip of gooey, sweet-smelling flypaper. Quickly
surveying the situation, and not seeing a challenger in sight, he happily
announced, "My fly-paper!" Sinking his nose in the syrupy stuff he dined
sumptuously. Then, he blissfully snoozed in an "after-dinner" siesta.
Afterward, deciding to leave, he began hopelessly beating his wings against
the air - and the paper announced, "My fly!"

That's often the way it is with a man and his possessions. Man surveys his
accumulations and proudly says; "My possessions!" The possessions knowingly
wink at each other and whisper, "Our man."

Francis de Sales, reputed to have heard more confessions than any other
Catholic priest, said that the sin of covetousness was never one time
confessed to him. We wonder how often it is confessed to God! This is the
problem with covetousness: it is seldom even recognized by the victim. Yet,
thousands submit to its dictates.

Covetousness says: "You have opportunity to make extra money Sunday. You
need it. Don't go to church! Man replies: "Yes, Master."

Covetousness says: "You'll have to compromise your convictions and be a
shade dishonest in this business transaction. But that's business.
Everyone's doing it these days!" Man replies: "Yes, Master."

Covetousness says: "Living expenses are high. You deserve a nice vacation.
You'll have to cut your contributions to the church!" Man replies. "Yes,
Master."

Covetousness is easily camouflaged. Most of those who are guilty refuse to
face it. Jesus preached about it. "And the Pharisees also, who were
covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him" (Luke 16:14). Lovers
of money scoff (or at least "shut out") the preacher who warns them of their
sin. They need to hear the words Jesus addressed to the Pharisees: "Ye are
they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for
that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God"
(Luke 16: 15). Covetousness always carries one away from God. The psalmist
wisely prayed:

"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away
mine eyes from beholding vanity: and quicken thou me in thy way" (Psalm
119:36. 37).

Covetousness is Satan's "home field." In this park he has won many of his
most stunning victories. Covetousness is to the soul what cancer is to the
body. No wonder Jesus said: "Take heed, and beware of covetousness" (Luke
12:15).

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The Event That Has Had the Most Influence in My Life
By Tim Wadlington

(Editor's Note: This essay was written in the spring of 1989 as part of the
entrance requirements to Florida College. Tim was the son of Rick and Andrea
Wadlington who lived in Suwanee, Kentucky at the time. Tim died not long
after this was written, and was never attended FC. As a result of his
dedication, several high school classmates were converted to Christ, many of
whom are faithful to this day. His father and two brothers went on to become
preachers.)

Because of my ordeal with cancer, I strongly believe I am a better person.

During the personal battle that I have undergone, I have learned many
valuable lessons; lessons that would take most people a lifetime to learn. I
have learned, with the help of the Bible, what is truly most important in
life, and that material possessions are of little or no meaning. Therefore,
I have set my sights on those things of importance, realizing that it is
vain to strive for worldly gain.

Being a Christian is truly what life is all about. Serving God to the best
of our ability and placing everything else second is the only answer to
man's question "why am I here?" After all, God did create us. Being
creatures of His it is only righteous for us to serve Him. Not just three
hours a week, but everyday of our lives, striving to lay up treasures in
heaven for ourselves. That is what I plan to do with the rest of my life, by
devoting myself to preaching the word of God.

Because of my illness, I have developed several qualities that a servant
should possess: an attitude of humility, a spirit of patience, a deep love
for my fellow man, and a strong faith in God and His promises. These
qualities, along with a few others, have helped me to better wear the name
of Christ. Consequently, I have deemed these things most valuable.

Prayer is another aspect that I have learned much about. Over the course of
the last four years, numerous prayers have been offered on my behalf by many
faithful saints. Those prayers, coupled with God's will, are responsible for
my very survival. Realizing this has taught me the power in effective,
fervent prayer. All these things have caused me to develop a better and more
frequent prayer life with God.

Another important lesson I have learned is that of Christian fellowship.
Before my illness, the only Christian fellowship I had was with the local
congregation, which was comprised mostly of family. Even in school the only
Christian fellowship I encountered were my relatives. Now, because of the
traveling I must do to receive treatment, I have made many new Christian
friendships. These wonderful new friends have shown an abundance of love,
strength, and encouragement which has lightened my burden tremendously. I am
thankful for the opportunity to know these people. I am certain their,
friendships will be forever lasting. Next Spring, Lord willing, when I
enroll at Florida College, I will be looking forward to creating more of
these friendships.

I cannot help but feel that I would not have learned these great lessons at
this early of an age if I had not developed cancer. I am thankful for
learning them, yet I regret the fact that it took this experience to gain
them.

Through an, examination of my life, I came to realize its fragility, the
direction in which I wanted it to go, and the importance of Jesus Christ in
it.

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