Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 49, No. 21                          SOUTHSIDE ORACLE                             July 21,  2006

Cheapening God's Grace

Recently I picked up a tract that someone had left on the counter at the post office. It is entitled, "How to Get to Heaven in 0 Easy Steps" and is a leaflet describing our salvation by the grace of God.

I have a problem with the tract, not so much with its contents as with its title. I think it cheapens the cost of Christ's death on the cross. It reminds me of a lot of current advertising that we call in question because it's too good to be true. If it costs so little it must not be worth much. What do we read in the fine print, if in fact the print is large enough to read? The implication of the leaflet is that since God has freely given u$ his grace, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, required on our part to go to heaven. We don't have to obey God, we don't have to live a good life. It's all free and that's it!

Doubtless the writer would issue a disclaimer as to these matters, but this is the impression left on the reader. I will make two observations. First, when stating the case for Christ, don't overstate or you lose your credibility. Second, going to heaven involves more than one's initial acceptance of God's grace through the blood of Jesus on the cross. Going to heaven involves a lifelong commitment to serving God. It means that we must live what we profess. We must honestly confess that is not easy. The price we pay does not compare with the blessings we receive, but let's not lead the seeker of spirituality into thinking that eternal life is attained without effort and sacrifice. __Monroe E. Hawley

The Bulletin Board

Baptized - Two of our young people were baptized last week at the middle session of the Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp. They are Dakotah O'Neal and Angelica Hanyard. We pray that God will bless both of them in their Christian lives.

Camp Notes - We understand that ten were baptized at the middle Session at Fallhall Glen. The two-week intermediate session is in great need of three women at least 2l years of age, either to work in the kitchen or as counselors. If you can help, phone Jim Coehoorn or LeRoy Latham at camp as soon as possible at (715) 284­2979.

Service Trip - Our twelve adults and youth who have been on the service trip to the Dominican Republic are scheduled to arrive home this Wednesday. Daryl Miller will give a report on the trip at 6:00 o'clock at the Sunday evening worship.

The Sick - Brolan Frost, who has been in serious condition since his recent birth, is greatly improved but still at Children's Hospital .... Martha Sepulveda is now home from the hospital .... Juan Santana's sister who lives in Mississippi is improved since her recent heart attack.

Elders' Forum - Every fifth Sunday night at 6:00 o'clock the elders address questions from the congregation. On July 3e they will explain the ministerial responsibilities shift for Daryl Miller and how we plan to address the needs of our youth without a full-time youth minister.

See Wayne Alexander ' if you are interested in the Labor Day Encampment at Fallhall Glen.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

(*) first service, 120; second service, 73

Calendar of Events

July 16 - 29 - Intermediate session, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

July 30 - August 12 - Senior session, Wis. Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

July 30 -Elders' Forum, 6:00 p.m.

August 13 - Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.

August 13 - Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.

August 13 - 17 -Quest Family Camp session, Fallhall Glen

September 1- 4 - Labor Day Encampment, Fallhall Glen

The Other Fellow's Side

When you're forming your opinions,

      Do it carefully, then go slow;

Hasty judgments oft are followed

      By regretting - that I know.

And in argument be careful

      Not too quickly to deride;

Try to look upon the subject

      From the other fellow's side.

Keep the path your mind would travel

      Broad and open all the way;

Walk with Wisdom's comrade

      Caution, Heeding all he has to say.

And no matter what arises

      Ere against it you have cried,

Try to look upon the subject

      From the other fellow's side.

Selected

 

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