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ormer CNN talk show legend Larry King recently suggested a rather unique and radical solution to the ratings woes of his former employer. Cartoons, he says. Run SpongeBob around the clock until something major breaks. Cover the news adequately, then put SpongeBob back on. I didnt catch the rationalization for his plan, but I think I can guess. America, simply put, is sick of news. Most of it is bad, anyway, so it doesnt take much to fill us up. And we are forcefed gobs and gobs of it. And then the amount of attention being paid to a story becomes a story in and of itself. Networks literally invent news to justify their own existence. We reached the saturation point long ago, and now further efforts to make the news more interesting or relevant only compound the problem. The sponge can only hold so much water. Some Christians seem to think Jesus works the same way. Theyve had their fill, theyve reached their saturation point, and so they want to cut off the flow of living water (John 4:10). What they dont realize is, Satan is on the other end of our spiritual sponge 24/7 with a Wet Vac, trying to suck us dry. Romans 15:13 says God will fill you with all joy and peace in believing. But its not a onetime fill-up. We must continue accessing the God of all glory. The earth is

K, Johnny Weir. Youre homosexual. We get it. We got it back in your Olympic days. (The confluence of male figure skating and homosexuality is not unprecedented. But this is the man who took the Olympic ice wearing a pink feathered boa, remember.) Now you feel compelled to remove all doubt with the makeup, outfits and gaudy jewelry. You cant remember where the closet is, let alone when you were still in it. Message received. I couldnt be more in favor of free expression. But the free expression highway only appears to run in one direction. People of my bent have clearly put in extensive time and energy coming up with terminology that expressed their feelings on the subject without being hateful. About the best I can come up with is this: I love homosexuals, just like I love all other people; but I use the Bible as my moral guide, and anyone who think the Bible doesnt condemn homosexuality is either uninformed or delusional. Am I free to present that position on NBC? No, I am not. Am I free to present that position in a newspaper editorial? I very well may not. Am I free to present that position in the pulpit? For now, yes; in years to come, we shall see. What happened to agree to disagree? I have no issue with having homosexual friends; I treat them with compassion and dignity as I do all those made in Gods image (Genesis 1:27). Yes, I oppose their sin, but its not personal; I make sure its not by speaking Gods words of judgment, not mine (1 Peter 4:11). I dont expect to change Johnny Weirs outlook on life and eyeliner. Im just trying to live like a Christian and encourage others to do the same. No judgment but God s judgment (Romans 2:5-6). HH
A publication of

full of the lovingkindness of the Lord

(Psalm 33:5) not just because of what He did in the creation, but also because of how He continues to shower His blessings upon it. We can never get enough; we should not fool ourselves into thinking we can. HH

East Hill church of Christ 2078 East Nine Mile Road Pensacola, Florida 32514 (850) 479-2130 Easthillchurchofchrist.org Hal Hammons, preacher and editor Hardy Eubanks, Andy Goodson and Larry Smith, elders

Vol. 3, No.7 February16, 2014

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21

You cannot _________ the _________

You cannot embrace _____________ ____________ and not embrace ______________ (_______) Honesty demands we ___________ __________ for who He is (_____________________________) You cannot embrace _____________ and not embrace _____________ ____________ (_______) ____________ must have __________ (__________________________)

peaking of Johnny Weir, the former Olympian is making far more headlines in Sochi for his fashion sense You than for his commentary on ice skating. And by fashion sense I mean wordless proclamations of his homosexuality. Mind you, Im not saying a man must be homosexual if he braids what you his hair into a tiara or wears more makeup than his female counterpart. I am saying though, that such behavior is going to be interpreted that way by most. In fact, its tough to imagine what sort of verbal or nonverbal message might be loud and clear enough to cancel it out. In short, hes out and proud. The thing I find remarkable is the overwhelming adulation being heaped upon him for his fashion choices. Clearly they are applauding his lifestyle, not his appearance. He doesnt look trendy. He doesnt look like a runway model or department store mannequin. He just looks homosexual. And thats what they are applauding. I will not take the space to defend the Bibles position on homosexuality; you know Romans 1:26-27 and related passages as well as I do. My point is, you are what you wear. Short of wearing a T-shirt with John 3:16 on it, theres not much a Christian can do to put Galatians 3:28 to literal and practical use. But the opportunities for negative messages abound. Does giving the world the impression you are a tease, or a braggart or a drinker or a druggie promote the cause of Christ? And if not, why do it? Quit applauding sin, brethren. Burn your Bob Marley shirts. Read Isaiah 5:20-21 and be warned. The world is watching. Be a sin-hater. Out and proud. HH

________________ Him or __________________Him

Jesus does not tolerate _____________________ discipleship (__________________________) Jesus does not tolerate ______________________ discipleship (_________________________) Jesus says ____________ the _______ , then ______________ if you are willing (__________________) Have you ______________________ Him?

ARE

WEAR

_______________ or _________________
You are either part of the _________________ (_______________) or part of the ________________ We must help Gods people gather a __________ __________________ (______________________) We must gather the ___________ of the _____________ in our own lives (_____________________) Are you ___________________ with Him?

____________________________ has a ____________

The kingdom cannot _____________ _____________________ (_______) _________________________ will be___________________ (________) Bad ____________________ become _______________ (___________) How long will you _____________________ between _____ _______________? (_________________)