Ml H M HH
Allurements of Sin
t'le ways ?f every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away
the life of the owners thereof." (Proverbs 1:19)
' The word sin has been dropped from most preachers' vocabulary today.
The word sin has become inappropriate.
Notice with me in Hebrews 3:13 where Brother Paul wrote "Lest any of
you be hardened through deceitfulness of sin."
? If any things goes wrong, Paul names it deceitfulness of sin. That is the
author of it. Paul lays cBim here that there is a danger of being hardened
by the deceitfulness of sin. When you think of sin you are reminded
of missing the mark- error from right to wrong, that which is substantive,
you have overlooked who it is that is hphinH sin Paul w>?ni M t0 say
"For such are fals&apostles. deceitful workers, transforming themselves
into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed
into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers
also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end
shall be according to their works." (II Corinthians 13:15)
Lucifer means shining one. He was not always a devil. He became a
devil. He filled by his merchandise and violence and because of this
God said thou hast sinned. (Ezekiel 28:16)
Hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. A young girl said to her church. "I
came home one day and I found a note telling me that my husband was
leaving me. I really thought after all those years he really loved me."
Paul warned us, the preacher may not say it but "lest any of you be
hardened by deceitfulness of sin." A lady*some years ago said to me,
"Brother Brooks, for years I sit by her husband's side in church not know ing
that my husband had a mistress."
We have used a text in both places which were addresses to the people of
God- to beware of deceitfulness and becoming hardened.
Like most Of you who will read this message, who can remember our
first music, our childhood days, songs in the sanctuary, we were fascinated
by Bible stories which were taught to us of our mothers. We know
the things of God. You and I need to be reminded here is a warning, a
message from God, "Lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of
sin."
When sin is not kept stirred and preached out from behind the pulpit, it
becomes like concrete once poured it cannot be lifted, quickly it will
form in whatever position it is left and when it is hardened it is left with
that shape.
In my experience as a pastor there was this man who once attended the
church I pastored. Before I went to the church, he once attended he had
left and had stopped coming and I would see him in different places. For
over twenty years I would see him and try to get him back into fellowship
with God. For over twenty years he would say, "Preacher, one of,
these days I'm going to visit your church." As he said so many times
before, one day I happened to stop at this place who was there sitting in
his stnick was this man. Again I encouraged him to go to church, to get
back in fellowship with God. Once again he said one day preachier I
may just come. Friend, that was on a Monday and that following Thursday
moming his wife went to her bed to awaken him and she discovered
he was dead.
My friend, there are those who have no intention of ever coming to church.
There are those who wonder about today, nothing but talk, but what you
really don't know is that they have been hardened by deceitfulness of
sin. Satan has them fooled, telling them that they are as good as the
church folk. The preacher failed to recognize that there is a real prevalence
in our midst and it is called deceitfulness of sin.
There has never been a more solemn warning uttered by any apostolic
writer. No words to which he ought to pay close attention and which to
give more earnest heed. (Hardened) It seems we are nnt afraid of being
hardened. Eolks hope and pray they never become a drunkard or a thief
but my friend to become hardened of deceitfulness of sin is far worse.
It is better to be a drunkard than hardened. There is more chance for a
person who is in the grip of some vice of sin who still holds or retains a
heart of conscience, than .to be a person .of hydgped ofdecejtfulness of
My friend, you show me a person who has hardened his heart and I will
show you a person who was familiar with the Gospel. My friend, if we
are not startled by the word, if it produces no blush or shame, no blanch
of fear, the danger is that we are already becoming hardened. Folks will
gather around the church altar and speak of being concerned about a
neighbor who never attends church, but what about those who do attend
and make light of his word. What about those who are aware of church
hours and yet do not attend.
Let us consider the peril of being hardened. It means a change, a process
and reveals a condition from soft tn hardened- tn harrier When children
are hardened in earlier years from abusive families, street fights, sometimes
they are placed in orphanage homes. Yet with some tender care
and love they begin to dream again. But they are worried of what it was
that brought them to the point of hardened.
My friend, you take a person who is hard and fast in his or her hardness,
they were not always like this.
If you could get a hardened person to admit it, he could take you back
when as a child there was a period of tenderness,, a moment when they
were soft arid if you could get them to remember their precious sweet
mother, they would weep again. But there are those who can't weep
because they have become a victim of hardness (deceitfulness) of sin.
Here are the symptoms of deceitfulness of sin. When you fight against
tenderness. When you begin to question the unseen things of God. There
was a time you could weep over a little dead bird, now human souls are
lost and fountains of tears are now dried up. A time when a lie was told
we blush now we grin.
Hardness of heart has stiffening of our tears, refusal to listen to our
conscience. No faith that hard is equal to dealing with a business problem,
but not equal to the commerce of eternity.
Quite equal to touching and handling forces which are merely the affairs
of this life, but not equal to paying hard on eternal life. Quite equal in a
word to dust and the things of dust but not equal to deity and fellowship
with God. You say well if I don't bring in the money we will starve. So
what we all have to die. So what if 1 don't fellowship more often with
God, I've got to clean house, cook supper...
The question is this deceitfulness of sin. So what belongs to Ceasar, give
to Ceasar, but what belongs to God, render to God.
Well let us close. There was a time when the story of Christ brought tears
to our eyes. When the story is read of the Garden of Gethsemane, we can
listen without the thrill of emotion. Those who know it best are unmoved
by tears. America, my friend, has become hardened of deceitfulness of
sin. (All those years I thought you loved me). Remember, a thief can
repent and weep, a drunkard and a fornicator seeks forgiveness. Yet a
hardened person will go on hating. We are told to exhort today while it
is today, lest any of you be hardened by deceitfulness of sin. Can I ask
you a question? How is your relationship with your family? How do you
address the Ten Commandments? Do you honor the Sabbath Day? Commit
no murder? Do not steal? Do you honor thy father and mother? The
last time you left the church were you angry? Beware of sin. Deceitfulness.
LIFESTYLE FITNESS CENTER
OFFERS SWIM LESSONS
Swim lessons will be offered at Southeastern Lifestyle Center for Fitness
and Rehabilitation, 4895 Fayetteville Rd. in Lumberton beginning
Monday, April 30, 2001. Lessons will be available for infant/toddler,
beginner, intermediate, and adult beginner. Cost is S25 for members of
the Center and S45 for nonmembers. Call 738-5433 for more information.
. .
The University Theatre
Presents Noises Off
The University Theatre at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
presents the hilarious comedy Noises Off April 18-20 at 8:00 pm
at the Givens Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3
for children and students. UNCP faculty, staff and students are free with
ID.
?Noises Off is the hit comedy farce, play-within-a-play, that takes audiences
backstage during the run of a show and reminds everyone that the
show most go on, even when it falls apart! Mixing mockery and homage,
a hysterical melee of characters and situations.
"As side spitting a farce as I have ever seen. Ever? Ever." -NY Magazine
! l?y Alta Ny? Oxendln*
. . NEW m/?.?
Someone on TV said he had left his clocks on DST ( daylight saving
time) all winter. He pointed out that we spend seven months on THAT
time, only FIVE months on regular time. In spite of two reminders from
my daughter. I wen$p bed Saturday night with out changing my clocks.
All at once on Sunday morning it hit me: "it's 9:00 instead of 8:00!"
I took time to change the clicks, but had no idea what to do about the
computer timepiece. ( For the past month or two I've been learning to
use different software, Microsoft 98 instead of Microsoft 3.1. And I never
managed to really master the 3.1!)
When 1 got home from church I was shocked to see that the computer
was already nn rtaylipht time' U/anHa Kay. who taught me (at age 60) 10
use a computer, is now working in one of the university-computer labs,
in place of her former job in the Accounts Receivable office. She explained
that all you have to do is tell the software what time zone you
live in, and it will automatically change to (or from) daylight time on the
correct date twice a year, It boggles the mind what computers can do
these da\'s'
HAVING A STROKE
Just as I finished reading a newspaper article about "silent strokes" a
program on strokes came on the TV. And then I saw another one on the
S.C. PBS channel.
The second program pointed out that more strokes take place in the
southeastern states than anywhere else in the country. And that younger
people can have strokes, as well as senior citizens. Since both my parents
had strokes before they died, I've decided to add aspirin to my
medication. That means III be taking at least four pills a day, even though
my blood pressure usually runs low instead of high.
TWO LONGTIME FRIENDS
Two women 1 met in 1956, shortly after coming to Pembroke, have
left us. In earlier years I wrote something about each of their families.
They are "Miss Myrtle" Lowiy and Miss Elma" Ransom, who lived within
a couple of miles of each other. I have deeply appreciated the opportunity
to get to know each of them, and other members of their respective
families. The Lowrys welcomed me into their home when I was a newcomer.
Mrs.. Ransom and I both faced the decision of whether or not to
cross racial lines and marry into the Indian community in this area. Both
of us came to love, not just oneindividual, but the entire community.
And I believe both of us, at different times, were welcomed into vour
midst. Thank you so very much!
Let's keep in our prayers these families, and all others who have lost
loved ones, including the family who recently lost a father and son in the
same accident.
I've been working an article, "What Is Salvation?"? as I have come
to understand it over the years. But this column will be shorter than
sometimes. I am getting ready to have a spot checked to find out whether
or not it is a developing melanoma. My mother had lots of skin cancers
in her 80s and 90s, including one melanoma. Most cancers, I believe,
including skin cancers, can now be cured if treated early. I wish every
person who suspects cancer would hurry to the doctor to learn the truth.
I've found that it's easier for me to handle the truth than my wild imagination.
I got a good report from the dermatologist. He thinks he caught that
irregular skin formation in time, before it had a chance to develop into
anything serious. It does pay to have things checked out as soon as possible!
I'm thankful!
These last few days I've been enjoying the blossoms on the campus.
My trip to Lumberton gave me a chance to see the colored flowers and
trees in that town as well.
Isn't Spring a glnrinus time of the year, when God's nature comes ta.
life once more, decorating the countryside for-alLof us to see and enjoy!!
Purnell Swett High News
The Purnell Swett Living History_Club held its 6th annual "Remember
The 60's" show, on January 13th. Director John Hodges worked
veiy closely with students from Purnell Swett, Lumberton Senior High
and other students in the Robeson County area to maintain a great show.
Highlights of "Remember The 60's." included acts from Mik Jagger,
Ray Charles, Dusty Springfield, Jim Morrison , Edda James, and Little
Egypt. Special scenes were performed by former and present Purnell
students. All benefits from the show will go to the Living History Club
Scholarship that has reached up to $800.00 this year.
Brandy Buckley was selected as the regional finalist for the Teaching
Fellows Program from Purnell Swett High School. Brandy maintains a
3.7 GPA and ranks tenth among ?08 seniors.
Students under the direction of Patty Ledwell attended Southeastern
Regional Medical Center in Lumberton for orientation of February
20,2001. The following students attended: Stancey Brayboy, Desiree
Chavis, Tiffany Chavis, Crystal Demery, Jamie Flanagan, Deidre
Henderson, Beth Locklear, Kasurry Locklear, Robin Locklear, Tabetha
Revels, Holly Sampson, and Emily Wethington.
The journalism class, under the direction of Yvonne Dial, sponsored a
book drive to provide books for remedial programs in the county.
The African American Student Organization (AASO) of Purnell Swett
held its annual Black History program on Wednesday February 21,2001
at 1:35 pm.
The program started out with an introduction from the mistress of
ceremonies, Ashley McArthur. Afterwards, Sheena Pankey and April
Malloy sang the Negro National Anthem-"Lift Every Voice" and the
invocation was given by a member of the band.
Amber Diaz-Pellot, the president of the AASO club, gave a wonderful
welcome that made the sfjdents feel welcomed. A talent portion was
performed by students ofPSHS and they were members of the club. The
boys did a dance from the mid-80's called the "pop". The Gospel Choir
of UNC-Pembroke sang a spiritual. Then another talent portion was performed
by the South Robesons Step Team. They danced in some parts
and stepped in other parts.
Pervis Ross and Amber Diaz-Pellot read the poem, "They Call Me
Black". The poem depicts the positive and negative views on being a
black person.
Mr. Kevin Buie, the PSHS AASO advisor, introduced the keynote
speaker, Dr. Lawerence Dowdy, pastor from Antioch Baptist Church in
Scotland County. His topic was: 'Make A Difference for the Future;
Show Me What You're Working With". He emphasized that kids today
are the hip-hop generation. He basically got the idea topic of his speech
from a rap song called "Shake it Fast" by Mystikal. He also talked about
how kids today do not need to be tied down and it is okay to have their
parties. He also encouraged students to not glorify Eminem, rap artist,
and his lyrics which demean women and promote violence. Rev. Dowdy
encouraged the students to be truthful and to demonstrate good morals
and values.
Purnell Swett High School held its open house on February 5,2001. PTSA
President Mr. Jennings Bullard welcomed everyone. Parents, students, and
teachers were able to hear Mrs. Jackson's chorus class sing "The Lord is my
Shepard". The attendants received information from Mr. John Carlsncr about
a college safety plan and parents were given information on how to save for
children's education. Purnell Swett High School principal Wesley Revels
stressed the importance of learning centers, and Saturday academy. He also
spoke on the importance of parents makeing sure their children have the classes
they need to graduate high school.
Pumell Swett High School students attended the Southern Far Show in
Raleigh at the State Fairgrounds Thursday, February I, 2001. PSHS students
made the trip under the direction of Agriculture Department teachers Dixon
Britt and Kevin Buie.
Pumell Swett High School participated in the "Showcase of Schools"
sponsored by the Public Schools of Robeson County. Parents, communitites,
and students were all invited to attend. The event was held at Biggs Park Mall
on February 3,2001, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Students under the direction
of Patty Ledwell attended Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton
fjjr orientation on february 20,2001. the following students attended: Stancey
Brayboy, Desiree Chavis, Tiffany Chavis, Crystal Demery, Jamie Flanagan,
Deidre Henderson, Beth Locklear, Kasurry Locklear, Robin Locklear. T abetha
Revels, Holly Sampson, and Emily Wethington.
The FFA Chapter attended the Southeast Region FFA Leadership at White
Lake and participated in the Robeson County Fair. Members constructed an
educational booth that won first place. James A. Locklear won first place in the
individual tractor driving contest and also the team competition with Donovan
Locklear and Leon Jones. The truck team with Leon Jones and Ryan K. Jacobs
also won first place.
The Are VII Environthon was held in October at Lumberton River State
Park at Orrum. This competition has members completing questions and
quizzes on soils, environmental issues, wildlife, aquatics, and forestry. It is an
integrated contest with FFA Chapters, science clubs, Ecology classes, and AP
Biology competing. PSHS won first place with team members Ryan K. Jacobs,
Jeremy Lowry, Brad Lowery, Ryan F. Locklear, and Matthew Pavlovich. They
advance to state competition in April, in Burlington. The soils team placed fifth
in area competition and the tool identification team of Ricardo Chavis, Jared
Chavis, Patrick Smith and Harold Locklear participated.
The chapter was recognized at the National FFA Convention held in
Louisville, Kentucky. There were 46,000 FFA members from across the
country in attendance. They received a National Gold Emblem award and wdre
ranked ninth among NC FFA Chapters. Ryan K. Jacobs and Jeremy Lowry
received the award for our chapter.
Greg Sampson worked with students to create a book of poetry. Students
enter their poetry in a contest sponsored by Montel Williams and International
Library of Poetiy. Kahesha Ricard, Bryan Howington, James Epps, Mitchell
Locklear, Whitney Locklear, and Megan Clark's poems were chosen to be
included in an upcoming anthology of poetry by high school students.
The Faculty and Staff of Pumell Swett participated in a workshop at Sea
Trials Conference Center at Sunset Beach. The workshop included topics such
as: teaching in a 90 minute block schedule, cooperative learning, learning
styles, and team building. Presenters included: Dr. Linda Emanuel, Jean West,
Vickie Taylor, Caroline Williamson, Debra Stuckey, and Olivia Oxendine.
The JROTC Department has been very busy. The Ram Drill Team Color
Guard participated in the Scotland County Drill. The Raider Team participated
in. the N.C. drill and placed eleventh out of 28 teams. The department is
planning their 29th JROTC Military Ball to be held at the National Guard
Armory in Lumberton on March 24.
The following students participated in the annual All County Band Clinic:
Ashley Strickland, Crystal Champman, Laura Kay Oxendine, Amber Woods,
Abigail Barton, Andrew Barton, Tabatha Woods and Davis Mason.
The journalism class under the direction of Yvonne Dial, sponsored a book
drive to provide books for remedial programs throughout the county.
A poetry reading and art show is scheduled March 8 at the Public Schools
of Robeson County Indian resource Center at 7:00 P.M. Yvonne Barnes Dial,
Greg Sampson, and Delora Cummings will sponsor the event.
The Pumell Swett girls and boys varsity basketball teams advanced to the
state playoffs. They will be playing against Garinger High School in Charlotte,
N.C. The girls will play February 19 and the boys will play on February 20.
National Honor Society held their annual spaghetti dinner February 5.
Indee Smith won title of Ms. Sweetheart at Pumell Swett's annual Sweet
Heart Dance on February 16.
, 1
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