June 9, 2009

Number23

VIEWPOINT

In 1982, “ABC Evening News” reported on an unusual work of modern art — a chair affixed to a shotgun.  It was to be viewed by sitting in the chair and looking directly into the gun barrel. The gun was loaded and set on a timer to fire at an undetermined moment within the next hundred years.  The amazing thing was that people waited in lines to sit and stare into the shell’s path!  They all knew the gun could go off at point-blank range at any moment, but they were gambling that the fatal blast wouldn’t happen during “their” minute in the chair. 

Obviously that behavior was the height of reckless foolishness.  Yet many people who wouldn’t dream of sitting in that chair live a lifetime gambling that they can get away with sin.  Thoughtlessly they ignore the risk of impenitence until the inevitable self-destruction arrives. 

Consider these comments about the nature of sin:

§         Sin is like a rotten egg we try to cover up with spices.

§         Sin is like a cancer with a 0% survival rate.

§         Sin is like weeds in a garden; if not rooted out, they will soon overrun it.

§         Sin is like having cataracts.  It slowly adds a layer over our eyes, until sooner or later we can’t see clearly at all.

§         Sin is like a spider web. You get trapped in it.

§         Sin is like the bee, with honey in its month but a sting in its tail.

§         Sin is like gravity. It is an ever-present force. You can’t see it – only its effects.

§          Sin is like a snake, full of deadly poison.

§         Sin is like a little spark that can burn up a great forest.

§         Sin is like an anesthetic; it has a numbing affect.

§         Sin is like a bullet in the body. There can be no strength and healing until the bullet is removed.

Little wonder that the Scripture reminds us, “You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God” (Heb. 3:13)

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I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word. RA

Cedar Grove VBS

June 14-18

Crocodile Dock

"Where Fearless Kids Shine God's Light"

Ø    Sunday

5:00 – Opening of VBS with assembly for everyone

After assembly, proceed to centers accompanied by       guides.

7:00 – Meal after VBS on Sunday only.

Ø      An adult class will meet in the auditorium on Sunday following the VBS assembly.

Ø    Monday – Thursday

6:00 – Meal each evening.

6:45 – VBS assembly followed by teaching centers.

8:45 – Concluding assembly and dismissal.

Ø      An adult class will meet in the auditorium on Wednesday following the VBS assembly at about 7:30. (No adult class on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday.)

Ø     Lists are posted on the bulletin board for preparing food and helping with daily meals.