2013 - University Church of Christ

Bulletin Articles - 2013

For Better, For Worse

Neal A. Thurman
3 Nov 2013

Last weekend, I had the privilege to officiating the wedding of a young couple. I first met the groom as a nine-year-old camper in my cabin at church camp. He now serves on our staff as a counselor and has for the last several years. I think a lot of the young man and am very happy for him. As he and his new bride walked up the aisle and into their first moments as man and wife, I pondered what I might pray for the two of them. Yes, we all want them to be happy. We want them to remember their vows and be faithful to one another. Yet, I wanted to reach further into the depths of prayer. Thus, I pray that in the most difficult and trying times (they will have them) these two will be one. I pray they draw one another closer in support and never give place to the devil by blaming one another for hardship. I know that when Genesis 2:24 says, “and the two shall become one flesh,” that there is a sense of physical completion, as well as, a bond that is before God. Yet, I believe there is more. God said, “It is not good that man should be alone,” (Gen. 2:18). Man needed something, someone, to complete him. God gave him woman. If these two newlyweds will always stand together and stay close to God, they can overcome any obstacle this world or Satan has available to afflict them. I pray that God’s plan for marriage will be good enough for them. I hope they will simply follow His plan. God intended a man to be the head of his household, (1 Cor 11:3). The husband is responsible for the care of his wife, (Eph. 5:28-29). The wife is to be in subjection to her own husband, (Eph. 5:22-24). I pray that these two will fill the roles that God has appointed for them. This is by no means a detraction from anyone’s abilities or talents, but it is God’s plan and He knows better than I do what will make for a successful and godly marriage. I pray these two can accept and fulfill this by faith. Finally, I pray that this bride and groom cherish each moment they have together. Whether it be a romantic walk in the moonlight or bringing a child into the world, whether it be leaning one another in times of sadness or sitting in a car in the middle of a traffic jam, each moment together should be cherished. Life is too short to lose these moments by sweating the small stuff. Being together in love is a great gift in and of itself! This is my prayer. Amen.

Not Alone

Neal A. Thurman
13 Oct 2013

I am always moved within my heart when I consider the cross of Jesus. When I think of the suffering that He was forced to endure in order to pay the ransom price for my soul, it stirs my very being. I cringe at the thought of his back being ripped, torn, and bruised by the scourging whip and then being forced against the rough hued wood of the cross. I find a sting of indignation when thinking of those common fools who stood around mocking this perfect being as He bled and died even for them. Yet, it seems another aspect of my Lord’s suffering moves me most. I often get a lump in my throat and an ache is felt in my chest when I remember that He was all alone. He had been abandoned by His followers and denied by His friend. And then most of all, “Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34) With the sins of all mankind being born in His flesh (2 Corinthians 5:21), even His loving Father turned away, unable to fellowship such vile reproach. My precious Savior hung on that cruel cross, in physical agony and spiritual sorrow, all alone. No one was there to comfort Him or figuratively hold His hand. He was truly alone, doing what only He could do. While these thought regularly bring tears to my eyes, I also receive a sense of joy. For since Jesus suffered all alone, you or I never have to be alone. Only by our own choosing would we ever be alone. For with the Savior’s solitary sacrifice, we can have constant and continual contact with the Father. “Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mark 15:38). “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) And thus we can take solace in the words of God, Himself: “for He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6) Because of Jesus suffering alone, I never ever have to do so!

Tighten the Lug Nuts?

Neal A. Thurman
6 Oct 2013

One day last week, while driving toward Troup, I noticed, as two vehicles approached in the opposite lane, that the second vehicle suddenly swerved to the right, bounced over a driveway, swerved back onto the shoulder, before plowing into the ditch. The excitement seized my attention as I wondered what the driver could possibly be thinking to do such a thing. My understanding was quickly clarified when the first vehicle passed by closely followed by the front left wheel of the wrecked SUV. The wheel continued to roll for another two hundred yards or so. I stopped to check for possible injuries, but the driver proclaimed everyone to be fine. He then began to draw colorfully worded conclusions regarding his own personal stupidity, and I did not dispute his deductions. So, I went on my way. Driving away, I pondered the fact that this accident did not just happen in that moment. No suspension piece was still attached to the wheel. The wheel simply came off of its lug bolts. So, when did the wreck start happening? Were the lug nuts not properly tightened? Was the vehicle operating without the prescribed number of lug nuts? Was one or more of the lug bolts already broken? I do not know, but all of these things would be avoided by proper preparatory action. The driver's self-deprecation would suggest that he recognized this to be the case. Life altering acts of wickedness are often similar in nature. Able's un-timely death did not start with a murderous brother luring him into a field of death. It started with a sacrifice offered in disobedience (Genesis 4:3-8). The murder of Uriah did not begin with a charge toward the enemy on a contested battlefield. It started on the rooftop of an unsettled king with longing, lustful eyes, (2 Samuel 1 1:2-22). The betrayal of the Son of the living God did not begin with a kiss in the garden. It began with the greed that resided in the heart of a thief, (John 12:6). The same is true for us. If we will do the preparatory work to correct disobedience, lust, and greed, maybe we will never have to deal with murder and betrayal. If we tighten the lug nuts, we will not lose a wheel while speeding down life's road!

The Lamb of God

Mike Vestal
11 Aug 2013

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world’” (John 1:29). It’s so easy to get caught up in our busy, hectic lives and fail to really see Jesus. Further, we can get so busy in “church work” and “spiritual activities” that somehow Jesus becomes secondary. John the Baptizer beautifully lived up to his purpose and his ministry. In all of his earthly activities, Jesus was THE focus. John the forerunner was simply a lamp who made it easier for others to see the Light – Jesus. Think about his words in John 1:29 – “Behold” – CONSIDER CHRIST’S GREATNESS. This expression is deliberately intended to arrest one’s attention. It’s as though John were saying, “STOP, LOOK & LISTEN! HE’S THE ONE I’VE BEEN TELLING YOU ABOUT!” Jesus is the promised Messiah. “The Lamb” – CONSIDER CHRIST’S NATURE. Jesus is the Lamb – He is the embodiment of innocence, gentleness and submissiveness. Surely, the idea of sacrifice and atonement are involved in this statement (cf. Isaiah 53:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:21-25). “Of God” – CONSIDER CHRIST’S DEITY. This Lamb comes from God, but more – Jesus is the “Son of God” (John 1:34). It is an incredible thought. God came down to this world, and His name is Jesus (cf. John 20:28; Acts 20:28). To reject Jesus is to reject the One Who sent Him – the Father. “Who Takes Away the Sin of the World!” – CONSIDER CHRIST’S PURPOSE. Jesus the Lamb has dealt with the problem of sin. He is the remedy so desperately needed to deal with the guilt and power of sin. Assurance, security and victory are to be found in Christ. When caught up in the busyness of life, how we need to focus on the Lord’s greatness, nature, deity and purpose.

Place and Time for a Purpose

Neal A. Thurman
31 Jul 2013

Do you ever wonder why you are where you are at this time? Is it just happen stance or coincidence? Or is there a higher purpose for presence in this place and time? I do not know the answer to these questions. I do believe that God the Father intends for us to utilize opportunities we are afforded by our location and time. The purpose of some biblical characters are easily determined. Noah was directly instructed by God to build an ark for the saving of his household (Genesis 6). Abraham was called by God to go to a land of promise where he would become the father of a nation (Genesis 12). Moses was called to deliver Israel from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 3). The Holy Spirit sent Philip to the eunuch for the purpose of teaching him of Jesus (Acts 8). Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9). Of course, Jesus was sent to earth to be the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of man. The placement and purpose for others is not as clear. Did God place Joseph in Egypt to save the house of Israel (Genesis 37) or did Joseph's faithfulness allow for him to become the hand of God? Did God send David to the armies of Israel as Goliath defied Saul and his army (l Samuel 17) or did the courage and faith of David allow him to use the might of God? Regardless of whether God acted directly to bring a person to a place and time or used them being there, each one's purpose was to serve God. Consider what Mordecai said to Esther, "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father 's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:13-14. Mordecai called for Esther to utilize the opportunity offered to her by place, position, and time. The call is no different for you and I. Whether God sent us here at this time or is willing to use us where we are, we are called to serve God's will when and where we are. Esther took this motivation and saved her people from a terrible assault. What might you and I do if we utilize God power in such a time as this?

No Time To Pose

Neal A. Thurman
21 Jul 2013

Following our week of church camp each year, I look forward to receiving the picture CD from the latest week. I, of course, like to see pictures of the family and the church kids, as well as, getting a jump on images of myself that might leave me vulnerable to ribbing. The photos also bring to memory events or occasions that made the particular week of camp unique or memorable. Still, one of my favorite things about these pictures is seeing the expressions on the faces of people who had no idea that this moment was being frozen for all time by a camera. Many of them bring a smile to my face because a person may look a little silly. Some show signs of being later in the week, for fatigue can be seen on their unsuspecting faces. A few are rather solemn or even sad, the camera catching the expression of one whose feelings were hurt or was homesick. The one thing all these impromptu freeze framed moments have in common is, they would have been quite different if the photographer had given them time and opportunity to pose. For then, each subject would have appeared as they wanted to be seen, whether it spoke to their reality or not. Given time to pose, pictures express a desired image, not necessarily a true one. Our image in life is often very much like these pictures. If given the time to pose, we present lives of commitment, righteousness, loyalty, and contentment. Yet, when we do not have time to pose, sometimes things like selfishness, pride, and immaturity are exposed to the lens of perception. Consider the lives of biblical characters. If posing for a never-to-be-forgotten moment, would Moses have taken the same action he did in Numbers 20:10-11? Or would David have allowed himself to appear in the starring role of the tragedy that is 2 Samuel 11? Given opportunity, Noah would most likely have change his recorded image from Genesis 9:21. And Peter most definitely would have manipulated the frozen moment of him cursing and swearing that he had no relationship or knowledge of Jesus Christ. Yet, like the searching eyes of a camera, all of these godly men had ungodly moments frozen in time to be known by all. Brethren, we will not always be given time to pose. Sometimes the images of life are seen without warning. Knowing that life’s camera is searching, how should we live our lives?

Those Who Stand In The Way

Neal A. Thurman
30 Jun 2013

We learn from the scriptures that the Israelites who were rescued out of the land of Egypt were indeed a “stiff-necked” people. This prevailing character brought them to the brink of utter destruction on more than one occasion. We can particularly consider Exodus 32:10 “Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them.” These are words from God after His anger had been aroused by the sins of Israel. A similar occurrence take place in Numbers 14:12. In fact, in Numbers 14:22, God said that Israel had tested Him ten times. Fortunately, Israel had someone to stand between them and God. His name was Moses. It is not that Moses could stop or put off the wrath of God, but the scriptures tell us that Moses pleaded with the Lord (Exodus 32:11). Moses was able to sooth the anger of God Almighty. The people were still punished for their defiance (Numbers 14:26-35), but they were not consumed by God. Moses delivered them from Egypt, led them with a loving kindness, and stood in the way of their destruction. Yet, as we peruse through the pages of holy writ, it does not seem as though Israel ever thanked Moses for defending and saving them. They never appreciated what Moses had really done for them. This coming week, our nation will celebrate her independence. With that independence has come remarkable success and prosperity. Yet, we should all remember that such independence is neither gained nor maintained without a cost, a high cost. Much blood has been shed and many lives lost for this cause. I believe we should be appreciative. Yet, last week I saw a new report of a man (who has made himself rich by tapping into the prosperity of this land by spewing profanity and vulgarity and calling it music) walking and wiping his feet on the flag that is the symbol of freedom and independence for this great nation. At first, I was angry and appalled that people cheered him on, but my anger melted into a deep sorrow. For I remembered that the American soldier will stand in harms way and even give his life, so that even a fool, who mocks and disparages everything the soldier stands for, can be free. And the fool will never contemplate the idea of saying, “Thank you,” because he is fool. Maybe the fool doesn’t even realize that when wipes his feet on that flag, he wipes his feet on all those who died for it. But like Moses, that is not why the deed was done in the first place first. As we celebrate our nation’s of independence, let us each remember that somewhere a young soldier stares death in the face and stands his post. Say a prayer for him and be thankful!

Have To Do It This Way

Neal A. Thurman
23 Jun 2013

During our week of church camp, we had a group of counselors with us who are working together in an effort to lose weight. They are achieving good success and having one another for encouragement, support, and even inspiration seems to be highly effective. We were all happy for their success and encouraged their continued pursuits. Yet, our slimming club did not come without any thrones. For, some particularly zealous members of the club took it upon themselves to offer unsolicited lectures to others in regard to dietary choices. The recipients of these pontifications included folks who were themselves following a weight loss program, but different from the original group. I learned that these uninvited admonitions were not terribly appreciated. In fact, one recipient mentioned it being rather discouraging. Brethren, we need to recognize that there are usually multiple ways to accomplish a common goal. We must guard against becoming judgmental or dismissive of ways and manners that are different from our own. For in so doing, we may turn someone away from what they need and what we want them to have. We should accept, without debate, that God’s word is truth and is the only standard of truth. Everyone needs what the word of God has to offer, and everyone should bring themselves into accord with it teaching. Yet with this said and accepted, please recognize that there is not only one way to teach the truth of God’s word. I realize that we live in a time where man is ever seeking new inventions in religious matters. I also recognize the efforts to diminish the weight of God’s holy word in work and worship. But brethren, let us not become so dogmatic as to reject those who teach the truth based on their methods differing from our own. We certainly want to speak where the Bible speaks, but it is in like manner that we remain silent where the Bible is silent. For if we are not careful, we can find sin in our attitude even when our teaching is sound. Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.” Luke 9:49-50

Fathers the Lord Wants

Neal A. Thurman
9 Jun 2013

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 Christian fathers must realize that the Lord has expectations. Fathers certainly have the primary personal responsibility of being faithful and obedient to the Lord. Just like everyone else, the first priority must be living a life pleasing to the Lord. If the father fails to fulfill this responsibility, he will not be of spiritual help or encouragement to anyone. Yet, Christian fathers have additional responsibilities, they are called to be spiritual leaders of their families. They are to be husbands that love their wives with a love that is learned from the Lord. This selfless love will not only allow a godly man to be an encouragement to his wife, but in so doing he will be teaching his children. The father is actively teaching his sons of how a man of God walks before his family with humility and dedication. In like manner, the father teaches his daughters what sort of man she should choose to marry. One that will treat her with respect and honor and give her all of himself. One that will be the leader of her family. This good example of family life is not the extent of a father’s responsibility. Father’s are to train and admonish. This will require both teaching and correction. A father cannot assume that his children will pick up on the way of Lord simply by watching his life. Though this is vitally important, the father must also be an active teacher (Proverbs 22:6). His children need to know the word and way of the Lord, and their teaching is a father’s God-given obligation. In addition to teaching, children need loving correction (Proverbs 13:24). Leaving children without correction is a devastating mistake (Proverbs 29:15). Remember the failure of Eli as a father, (1 Samuel 3:12-13). In the end, the Lord desires fathers’ who walk faithfully before Him while leading their families to heaven.

Must Wash It All Out

Neal A. Thurman
9 Jun 2013

While digging around my office stuff looking for an article from one of the brotherhood periodicals, I ran across a bowl that was sealed by a lid. Upon quick inspection, I recognized it as one the wife’s storage bowls that I had used to bring leftover soup to the office for lunch. This became significant only because it has been three or four weeks since we had that soup. Upon examination, I could tell that the bowl was basically empty, but it obviously had not been washed. Obviously, I had intended to take the bowl home the day I ate the soup but failed to do so. Though in hindsight it seems foolish, I opened the lid to look inside. There much not much in the bowl except for a very rank and pungent odor. A very small amount of what was once edible had created an environment of foul and nauseating putrescence. All because I failed to wash all the contents out the bowl. Now, I was left to deal with the consequences. Sadly, some of us treat spiritual lives this way. We get rid of most of that which could cause decay of our souls. Yet, whether by failure, negligence, or selfishness, we leave a little bit in the bowl. We try to put the lid on tight and maybe we even attempt to keep it out of sight where no one will notice our little secret. But all the while that it is left uncheck and unwashed, it begins to spoil, rot, and putrefy. Until one day, the lid is open and the vile, disgusting product introduces itself to the world. In Acts 8:13, Simon believed on Jesus and was baptized for the remission of his sins. We have no reason to believe that his faith was less that genuine, but was his repentance full and complete. Had he washed all the residue from his former self out of his life? When he saw the apostle pass on miraculous gift, a residue of greed reared its ugly head. In fact, Peter makes it clear in Acts 8:20-23, that Simon’s soul was in danger, and he was in need of repentance. Let’s make sure we truly wash out our lives so nothing foul will grow within us!

Modern Attacks Against God’s Moral System

Joshua R. Rodriguez
2 Jun 2013

The Bible, which is the word of God, has served to guide the nations of the world in discerning between good and evil. It is designed to teach, reprove, correct, and instruct the mind, by which our lives are governed, to live righteously (2 Timothy 3:16). Though this was the Lord’s intention, generations have come and gone who reached the heights of ethical living and others who ruined themselves in uncontrollable passions (cf. Judges 2:7; 17:6). Every generation is faced with moral decisions. Both modern and ancient history has presented to us the difficult questions of humanity––what their answers were at the time and how they resulted. The moral crisis we face in modern society rehashes the same issues of our existence since the beginning of time. Is murder acceptable and violence a way of life (Genesis 6:11-13; 9:6)? Should adultery and polygamy become a social norm (Genesis 4:19,23-24)? Is homosexuality a natural occurrence or a sexual perversion (Genesis 19:4-11)? Can a nation thrive in a polytheistic culture and agree on moral values (Matthew 12:25)? As Solomon wrote, “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, ‘See, this is new?’ It has already been in ancient times before us” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). The modern attacks against God’s moral system have already been answered in God’s inspired, infallible, and eternal word (1 Peter 1:24-25). His knowledge of good and evil will lead humanity to peace, righteousness, and eternal bliss! Our God He is alive!

Conviction vs Progressive Environment

Neal A. Thurman
12 May 2013

It certainly does not take a perceptive genius to recognize that the current cultural environment is quite hostile toward religion in general and Christianity in particular. Never before in our nation’s history has the leadership of the country expended so much energy to not only disregard but discredit people of faith. In fact, progressive elites have gone so far as to proclaim that Christians and other religious fanatics are the real problem in our society. Basically stating that if it were not for all the oppressive and discriminatory attitudes of religion, society would be a peaceful, loving, and kind utopia. And this situation does not seem to be improving in the near future. So, what are we as Christians to do now? Much discussion is offered about Christians becoming more politically active to affect change in the make up of the government. Others may think that Christians should go about their business quietly and pray for improvement. Sadly, some may even begin to hide their Christianity as though it were something of which to be ashamed. I cannot say that I know what it will take for our culture and society to repent and embrace Christianity, but I do know what Christians ought to do. As Christians, children of the Most High God, we ought to live our faith with boldness and conviction! This is true regardless of the societal environment. Paul exhorted young Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season,” (2 Timothy 4:2). Understand that Paul followed this exhortation with a warning that many were going to reject that same preaching, but Timothy was to “endure...work...fulfill” (2 Timothy 4:5). Honestly, we may not be able to curb the progressive movement to minimize God in our nation, but we can extend the light of faith and righteousness on a lamp post of conviction in the midst of the darkness of this crooked and perverse generation. We can be an example to believers and lead others to salvation. Beloved, we can “stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong,” (1 Corinthians 16:13). With a passion for Christ, we can make a difference! True conviction will win!

Will It All Be Better In The Morning?

Neal A. Thurman
17 Mar 2013

Will it all be better in the morning? Well, that would seem to depend on the immediate circumstance. Perhaps, we can all remember a time in our childhood when we were troubled or afraid, and a parent or loved one encouraged, “Just go to sleep, everything will be okay in the morning.” Often, such was the case. I have also learned that a person, whose focus is plagued by dementia so that his mind is overwhelmed with confusion, can sometimes press the reset button by going to bed and sleeping through the night. When our physical bodies ache and feel poorly, a good night’s sleep is often the cure for what ails us. In our spiritual lives, we can certainly face difficulties and persecution that can drag us down if we are not careful and vigilant. Yet, if we will holdfast to our faith, we can take solace in the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” In these cases, it will be better in the morning. Yet, with all this considered, there are things that do not improve with a good night’s sleep or the passing of time. That big pile of laundry or the dirty dishes in the sink will not magically disappear during the soothing slumber of a good nap. The leaky facet will not cease to drip when the door is close to isolate the sound from one’s snoozing. And more importantly, broken relationships will be mended by the breaking of dawn (Matthew 5:23-24 & 15:18ff). Still more critical to our understanding, sin is not taken away waiting until morning. All of these things, and many more, call for action and effort. We may not like doing laundry or washing dishes, but having clean clothes to wear and sanitary dining equipment requires someone to take cleaning action. It may be uncomfortable to reach out to one we have hurt or has hurt us, but those wounds will not heal themselves. Someone must take the first action for the relationship to recover. Furthermore, sin is a disease that requires a remedy. The blood of Jesus is that cure (Hebrews 9:11-22). Yet, the cure calls for action from the recipient. Jesus, the Word (John 1:1) said, “...if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24; “...but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3; “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:33; “...unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5. According to Jesus our Lord, as well as, His apostles, the removal or covering of sin require deliberate action on the part of the sinner. Is the sinner earning forgiveness or salvation? Not in the least. Yet, he will be obeying the commands of the Lord who purchased that forgiveness and the Father who graced him with salvation. Will your circumstance be better by morning?

I Don’t Want to Get Sick

Neal A. Thurman
24 Feb 2013

Imagine with me for a moment. A dear friend invites your family to join his/her family for dinner and an evening of fun and games. You very much enjoy the company of this friend and your two families get along quite well, in fact such an invitation is in no way unique. Looking forward to the pleasurable event, you are ready to accept the invitation. Yet, before you can speak a word of acceptance, your friend points out that both of their children have been suffering with the flu for the last three days. They are each still running a high fever, but the vomiting seems to have subsided. Your friend assures you that the kids will stay in their rooms and is sure that everything will be alright, and says, “So, will you come?” “Thank you, but no.” Right? But why” Because we do not want to get sick. When we can, we avoid sick people, or at least those who may be contagious. We wear gloves, or try not to touch things, or we use anti-bacterial soap and hand sanitizer. All in an effort to avoid the germs that cause physical illness. I believe we are wise to do so. Because I do not want to be sick! Yet, do we take such precautions in all facets of our lives. I do not believe that to be the case for some of us. For a friend can invite us to a gathering where drunkenness is not only accepted but expected, lewdness and lasciviousness is promoted and celebrated, and debauchery generates shouts of joy. And sadly, some Christians will tear down the door to get inside to partake of whatever is floating in the air. Even more troubling is that fact that some Christian parents will fight for their children’s right to share in all that the host is offering, while defying anyone who might suggest that their kids should do otherwise. So, what is the difference? Why do we take such precaution to avoid a potential illness that most likely will only last a little while, but will happily wallow in the devil own seed-sack, which can cause eternal damage to our souls? Maybe because the symptoms are not as obvious and immediately painful, (Hebrews 11:25). Yet, the danger remains very real. Let’s learn to stay away. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. (1Peter 4:3). I have been sick in sin, but I don’t want to be sick any more! How about you?