[Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume II, Number 44: November 04, 2007

Sat Nov 3 20:31:10 CDT 2007

Good News for Norwalk

For I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for 
salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16)

A publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio
Volume II, Number 44: November 04, 2007

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Unplanned Consequences

The girl heard the news and began to sob. She could feel all of her dreams 
and expectations for life changed on account of the unplanned consequences 
of her fornication.

When the drunk finally regained consciousness and the news of his actions 
and upcoming trial were brought to him, he was dumbfounded. He could never 
have imagined the unplanned consequences of his drunk driving.

The children were no longer the same. Happy and bright young boys and girls 
were now moody, depressed, and restless teenagers. The parents mourned the 
unplanned consequences of their divorce.

Such stories, while heartbreaking, represent common themes in our current 
society. How many people, had they recognized the unplanned consequences of 
their deeds, would have acted differently? How often is the old adage 
repeated, "Hindsight is 20/20?" Such, however, represents the nature of sin: 
sin seduces with fleeting pleasure without betraying its terrible 
consequences (Hebrews 3:12-14, 11:25).

Christians understand that sin has unplanned consequences, and such is part 
of the reason we must so strongly proclaim God's truth so that more can be 
delivered from the darkness of sin and be transferred to the Kingdom 
(Colossians 1:13). We sympathize with people living with unplanned 
consequences for sin, having once been sinful and without hope ourselves 
(Titus 3:1-8).

Do we deceive ourselves, however, into thinking that unplanned consequences 
only come upon people in such situations? Should we also not consider how 
our own actions and attitudes may have unplanned consequences?

What if, as Christians, we choose to spend more time with worldly associates 
and less time with fellow Christians? Sure, there is nothing intrinsically 
wrong with spending time with people of the world, and if we are to promote 
the Gospel in this world, we must have such association at times (1 
Corinthians 5:9-10, Matthew 5:13-16). Yet we are told to prefer one another 
and to consider fellow believers as brothers and sisters, as dear or more 
dear than physical family (Romans 12:10, Matthew 12:46-50). The unplanned 
consequences could involve one falling away on account of the bad influence 
(1 Corinthians 15:33), a spiritual weakening for the same reason, or seeing 
the same trend in one's children who are never as faithful as they ought to 
be.

What if, as Christians, we frequently choose social or sporting events, 
television shows, minor ailments, or any other reason over assembling with 
the saints? While we may not be violating the letter of Hebrews 10:24-25, we 
certainly violate its spirit. The unplanned consequences of such preferences 
could include a lack of encouragement or even discouragement of other 
Christians, spiritual laxity and weakening, and a negative pattern 
established for our children.

What if, as Christians, we can only complain and speak negatively of 
Christians and the church? Such is against Philippians 4:8 and James 5:9. 
Furthermore, the negative consequences can include further sliding into 
spiritual weakness, discouraging those with whom you communicate to the 
point of spiritual weakness and apostasy, and children who understandably 
want little to nothing to do with such a source of negativity in the lives 
of their parents.

While unplanned consequences of sin in life can often be endured, we must 
always be sober minded and strive to avoid difficulties when possible. Why 
should we even flirt with the possibility of becoming spiritually 
discouraged, impacting others negatively for their faith, or even being a 
reason for the eventual unfaithfulness of children? Let us determine to do 
away with unplanned consequences and follow God today!

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist at norwalkchurch.org

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Scriptures to Consider

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that 
which is good. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to 
another; in honor preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent 
in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; 
continuing stedfastly in prayer; communicating to the necessities of the 
saints; given to hospitality (Romans 12:9-13).

If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, 
where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the 
things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. For ye 
died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, 
shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory 
(Colossians 3:1-4).

Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at 
hand. Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not judged: 
behold, the judge standeth before the doors. Take, brethren, for an example 
of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spake in the name of the Lord 
(James 5:8-10).

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The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for 
Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk 
area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies!

Our location:
386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city 
limits)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

Our assemblies:
Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm

Our Bible studies:
Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am
Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm

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For More Information

If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or 
desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at 
evangelist at norwalkchurch.org.

Good News for Norwalk is a publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, 
Ohio, for the promotion of God's truth in our world. For more information 
about the church of Christ in Norwalk, please visit our website at 
norwalkchurch.org.

Ethan R. Longhenry/ disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio
 (http://www.norwalkchurch.org)
Website: http://www.deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ#: 28317056
MSN Messenger ID: deusvitae at hotmail.com
Yahoo! Messenger ID: discipuliiesus

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