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I am afraid that unwittingly, we have been a party to lessening the impact of sin in the lives of other people.  How so?  Through the use of euphemisms.  Our society seems to want to dress up nearly every undesirable concept with “soft,” and “friendly” words.

For instance, getting fired is called a “career change opportunity.”  Students no longer fail in school, they “acheive a deficiency” (almost sounds like something to be proud of).  Our under-appreciated garbage men are now called, “Sanitation Engineers.”  Actually, I don’t mind euphemisms being used in certain contexts, but I do mind it when we use them in reference to sin.

When we lessen the impact of one’s sinful choice by referring to it euphemistically, we are contributing to the sinner’s escape from the reality of their sin.  When we employ words that carry less guilt, we aid people in their attempt to escape facing what they don’t want to face, or that of which they are ashamed.  Are we guilty of doing that?  Really?  Well, run through this checklist and see how you fair.

When referring to the following sins, do you say…

• “Fib,” “stretching the truth,” “white lie,” or do you call it a lie?
• “Affair,” “fling,” or do you call it adultery?
• “Living together,” “in a relationship” or do you call it fornication?
• “Gay” or do you call it homosexual?
• “News,” or do you call it gossip?
• “Risque,” or do you call it immodest?
• “Off color” or do you call it evil speaking or course jesting?
• “Colorful language” or do you call it cursing?
• “A little too much” or do you call it drunkenness”

This is just a quick sampling of how we lessen the force of sin through the use of euphemisms.  Do you know of others frequently employed?

I know this will date me a little, but I remember watching the Phil Donahue show several years ago and he had on a guest who had been divorced 7 times.  Donahue, trying to be funny, asked her, “So are you committing fornication with anyone right now?”  She looked at him with a confused look and said, “Fornication?  What’s fornication?”  Donahue replied, “You know, like in the Bible.”  Then with a look of recognition, she smiled and said, “Oh, I see what you’re saying now, but I don’t like to call it that.”  Well I don’t suppose she did, and for that matter, neither does any sinner.

I’m just suggesting that we shouldn’t be a party to removing the guilt a sinner should feel for his sinful actions.  We can still speak the truth in love without removing the guilt or shame a person should feel.  It’s that guilt and shame that aids one in repenting.  Friends, let’s do our best not to clutter up our nomenclature with post-consumer secondary materials…uh, I’m sorry.  What I meant to say is let’s do our bst not to clutter up our language with garbage.

Last week, I spent the morning with the group of young men pictured to the left. The Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, TN hosted a “Future Church Leaders” camp. There were approximately 30 young men who attended. I spoke to these 7th through 12 graders for three consecutive 45 minute sessions on evangelism on Monday morning.

I must admit that I was stressing over this event. How was I going to talk to this age group and keep their attention for three consecutive sessions? But to my pleasant surprise, these young men were with me all the way. There were none who were dosing, passing notes, bored with their head in their hands, etc. Rather, they were engaged, cooperative, communicative, asking and answering questions. Needless to say, I was impressed! These young men were serious, and were making good use of their week.

Some parents, grandparents, Bible class teachers, preachers, youth ministers, and elders need to be proud of these young men. Furthermore, I would encourage more congregations to provide such training. And finally, I wish to thank the Walnut Street congregation for this good work.

Tonight is the last night of our Vacation Bible School.  The attendance this year has been the best attendance we’ve had in the 20 years I have been in Glasgow.  It’s great to see so many children who are excited to learn more about Jesus.  My hat’s off to all those teachers who teach these children in a way that they find exciting, interesting, and informative.  My hat’s also off to all the people who were involved in building the “set” for this year’s VBS.  As you can see, a lot of work went into it.

When this week is over, the set will be broken down, loaded up, and taken to Grant County Kentucky where several of our members will be conducting VBS for the new congregatin that was established there.  I really appreicate the dedication and sacrifice of our teachers.

I recently read a book by Joshua Harris entitled, “Stop Dating the Church: Fall In Love With The Family Of God.”  In this book Harris affirmed that there are many people who “date” the church, but who are unwilling to fall in love with and be committed to the church. And you know, I think he’s right. How many people do you know who are “believers” but they’re not “belongers.” They believe in Jesus, but don’t want to be tied down. They “date” the church, but want to remain independent and free of commitment and responsibility.

Friends, instead of seeing the church for all its flaws and foibles, why not see it as the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:9-11), and the beautiful bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32). Committing to the church doesn’t tie one down, rather it anchors one through the storms of life. And it’s flaws? It’s flaws provide us with an opportunity to love, serve, practice patience, and grow more like our Savior.

Listen friends, don’t allow yourself to use the excuse that the church is too messed up to commit to it. Jesus is the only one who has the right to disown or give up on the church, but he never has and never will.

Therefore, let me leave you with this challenge. Many people are fond of saying that we need to develop a heart for the poor or a heart for the lost, and these are good desires. But may I challenge you to also develop a heart for the church? Get involved. Get committed. Take on responsibility.  Invest yourself. After all, if Jesus loves the church, shouldn’t we?

For most families, Mother’s Day involves time spent with one’s mother (going to church together, going out to eat together, and time spent visiting together), but not for me.  You see, I’m the one preaching so that you can sit with your mother and listen to a “Mother’s Day” sermon.  In fact, I got to thinking and I discovered that I haven’t been with my Mother on Mother’s Day for 29 years (four years of college, and 25 years of preaching).  So while I am willing to make this concession, I would ask that you bear with me as I share a few of my Mother’s Day thoughts.  You’ll probably find that many of my thoughts could equally apply to you and your mother.

When I think of my Mother, I think of a clean house (and I mean a clean house!  Well, except for my sister’s room.  We kind of gave up on that, but we did keep the door closed).  I think of countless trips up and down the basement stairs with loads of laundry.  I think of dusting, vacuuming, and perfectly made beds (the Marines would be proud!).  I think hand washing and drying all the dishes, and I think of scrubbing the copper bottom of pots and pans with an S.O.S. pad (every time the pans were used!)

When I think of my Mother, I think of food.  I think of hardly ever going out to eat.  I think of big Sunday meals.  I think of being awakened to the pounding sound of steak or roast being tenderized on a Sunday morning.  I think of Sunday evenings after church, when all the food was drug out, and re-heated on the stove (no microwaves).  I think of homemade noodles, chicken so tender it falls off the bone, homemade rolls, cold apple sauce (my sister liked it hot), and cookies, pies, and cakes.  I also think of being forced to at least try whatever it was on my plate that was green.

When I think of my Mother, I think of a “neighborhood mother.”  I think of how she allowed our house to be the neighborhood gathering place.  I think of hot Summer days when 15 boys would dirty 15 glasses 15 times a day!  I remember “no wrestling in the living room!”  I remember an extra place setting at our table for some friends who were never sent home, but ate with us all the time.  I think of hot chocolate awaiting myself and my friends after several hours of sledding in the snow.

When I think of my Mother, I think of a Christian.  I think of how many times our basement was used by the church to conduct meetings of various sorts (the church building didn’t have a meeting area, but we lived next door to the building, and had a big, finished basement.  So meetings were held at our house, which meant work for my mom; cleaning, laundry put away, chairs to set up and take down, etc., and just having your home “invaded” on a regular basis).  I think of a neighborhood Bible class my mom tried to conduct for the kids in the neighborhood.  I think of sitting beside her as she read from a red book that had Bible stories illustrated by stick figures.  I think of being asked if I was ready for Bible class and if I had completed my lesson.  I think of her helping me to memorize the 12th chapter of Romans.  I think of attending gospel meetings as a family.  I think of sitting beside her in church and using her shoulder and lap as a pillow.  I think of her being my 1&2 grade Bible class teacher.

Most of all, when I think of my Mother, I am thankful.  How could I have been more blessed?  How different could my life have been if I had not had a mother like I have?  I know that there are a lot of people who think they had the best mother in the world, but I happen to know that they are mistaken. Thanks for everything, Mom!

I just wanted to take a minute and share a few thoughts with you about the work at South Green Street.  In the past five weeks, we have witnessed 17 restorations and 5 baptisms.  This is atypical for us.  During the past 10 years, we have averaged a total of 13 baptisms and 18 responses a year.  Now then, in a five week span, we have witnessed 5 baptisms and 17 restorations.

What’s behind this “revival?”  I’d like to tell you it’s the preaching, but it’s not.  I haven’t done anything different in my preaching during the past five weeks than I have done during the past five years.  It’s not the preaching, but it is a simple, but profound change in procedure that apparently has made all the difference in the world.

A couple months ago, my elders and I heard Keith Parker preach one night in a gospel meeting.  At the end of the service, a lady responded to be baptized.  She did what you have seen repeated throughout the years.  While everyone was standing, she came forward, shook hands with the preacher and sat down, all alone on the front pew.  It was at this point that Keith stopped the invitation song and said the following…

“Where I preach, we have made it a practice that no one ever responds alone.  There is a young lady who has responded to the invitation tonight, and who is sitting up here by herself.  If there is anyone in this congregation who loves her, then make your way up to the front to show her so.”

As the congregation began to sing again, several individuals walked to the front, hugged her, and expressed their love for her.  Well, I thought that was a wonderful display of love.  And so the following Sunday, I shared this with the congregation at South Green Street, and I told them that beginning today, no one will ever respond alone.

That was five weeks, 5 baptisms, and 17 restorations ago.  It’s like the proverbial lid has been lifted.  The first response we had took a little encouragement.  I too, stopped the invitation song, and made an appeal to the congregation, and they responded, and have been ever since.  I’m proud of those who have responded to the invitation, and I am just as proud of those who have responded with them, showing them support, and making that often difficult and lonely event something that isn’t as fearful.  In my twenty years of working with this congregation, I have never seen such an outpouring of love by so many during and following services toward those who have responded to the invitation.  I have been amazed at the power of love and encouragement.

Friends, the key to spiritual growth isn’t in gimmicks, but it is in genuine demonstrations of love.  “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

I challenge you to implement this simple, but profound change in your congregation and see what happens.  “Let no one respond alone.”