"THE OBITUARY OF A DEAR FRIEND"

July 6   “The Obituary of a Dear Friend”  Isaiah 5:20-21

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21)

As I think about all that is going on in our world and the decisions that people are making and the, seemingly, insane actions and expressions of anger, despair and displays of ignorance that are evident in every level of our society, I am convinced that “Common Sense” has been sacrificed on the altar of “Political Correctness!”  My mother used to say to me that, “THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH AND IT WILL STAND WHEN THE WORLD IS ON FIRE!!”  Amazingly, Evil has a firm grip on our nation and those who view, good as evil and evil as good, seem to be the loudest voices being heard.  Satan is pleased with this present condition, and God is displeased with His Church for being silent in the midst of this calamity that is being called “awareness!”  Now, there are some real problems within our society and there are some things that really do need to change, however, Satan has seized this opportunity and he is stirring up the minds of those who are following him, whether conscience or not!  I read an article, yesterday, that sums up our present dilemma and I would like to share it with you, for your consideration!  It is entitled, THE OBITUARY OF A DEAR FRIEND.  “Today, we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend.  You may have heard of him.  You may have actually known him.  I’m sure you would never forget him had you met him.  His Name? ...Mr. Common Sense!  Mr. Sense had been with us for many years.  No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and life isn’t always fair.  Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).  His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.  Reports of a six year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate on the cheek, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition.  Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.  Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims.  Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot.  She spilled a little in her lap and was awarded a huge financial settlement.  Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.  He is survived by two step brothers: My Rights and Ima Whiner.  Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.  If you still remember him, pass this on.  If not, join the majority and do nothing. (David Bailey)  I truly do not expect this sinful world to even be concerned about Common Sense, because it would get in the way of being able to justify their twisted actions, however, I fully believe that a “Born Again,” “Blood Bought” Child of God ought to recognize Common Sense and to exercise it in all of our dealings.  Listen again to Isaiah 5:20-21, as it speaks clearly, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!”  Remember, we are not controlled by this world and the whims of the popular prevailing political and social thoughts of the day; we operate and answer to a greater and higher authority: ALMIGHTY GOD!  Please do not try to appease the world and its evil! Please do not compromise your faith, for this world’s folly!  Believer, remember that God has promised to sustain us as we walk in HIM!  Regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the “Popular Thought,” we are to remain obedient to God’s call and embrace the fact that we are “JUST PASSING THROUGH!”  TO GOD BE THE GLORY!  What God does with you, depends upon what you do!  It Always has; It Always will!! Be sure, be productive and continue to share the Love of God with others!   Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!