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Page 4B - THE CHARLOTTE POST - Thursday, March 2, 1989 The Sunday ScHooC Lesson By Bessie WUbon The Condition Of The Deceived Heart INTRODUCTION; We all need acceptance. We have a buUt-ln craving for It. This desire leads us to try to please our friends. This Is great If our friends are people of good morals and high values. It mo tivates us to discipline and Improve ourselves. The problem Is that we all make mistakes and have faults, and sometimes people of good morals and high valves are very Intolerant of mistakes and faults. EX^en Christians can be this way. As Christians we must accept each other In spite of our er rors and weaknesses. We must be forgiving and remember that God accepted us in spite of our stns; therefor we must ac cept each other. Imperfect as we are. LESSON BACKGROUND: The letter to PhUemon was written by the apostle Paul whUe he was In prison In Rome. PhUemon lived In Colossae, a city In Western Asia Minor. Philemon became a Christian through the teaching of Paul, perhaps whUe Paul was In Ephe sus. This letter has to do with a slave named Oneslmus. Onesl- mus belonged to PhUemon, but he had run away and made his way to Rome. Somehow, he came Into contact with Paul and Paul led him to believe In Jesus. Oneslmus remained asso ciated with Paul for sometime and was very helpful to him. Accepting Paul's advice, Oneslmus determined to return to PhUemon. Paul wrote this brief letter to PhUemon to urge him to receive Oneslmus as a Christian brother. THE LESSON: "Brother PhUemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. For I hear of your love for aU of God's people and the faith you have In the Lord Jesus. My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers wUl bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have In our life In union with Christ. Your love, dear brother, has brought me great Joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all God's people. For this reason I could be bold enough, as your brother In Christ, to order you to do what should be done. But because I love you, I make a request In stead. I do this even though I am Paul, the ambassador of Christ Jesus, and at present also a prisoner for his sake. So I make a request to you on behalf of Oneslmus, who Is my own son In Christ: for while in prison I have become his spiritual father. At one time he was of no use to you, but now be is use ful both to you and to me. I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart. I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me In your place. However, I do not want to force you to help me rather, 1 would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree. It may be that Oneslmus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. And now, he Is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother In Christ. So If you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge It to my account. (Read for yourself the book of Phllemon-It's only one chap ter.) Paul's letter to Philemon teaches us who are Christians the Importance of forgiving and accepting one another. We do not have Christ's spirit unless we are willing to forgive as He for- ' gave. We shatter the unity of the church If we refuse to accept each other. We alienate ourselves from Christ If we refuse to ■ accept those whom He accepts. Faith caimot be separated ; from love, forgiveness and acceptance. • The Lord is our pattern for forgiveness. He does not Insist • that we make full payment for our sins before He forgives us. We could not do this anyway. He gives forgiveness as a free gift to all who have, as David said, "a broken and a contrite heart." Can we insist on more? Forgiveness has no limit. Jesus said, "If your brother sins,' ■ rebuke him, and if he repients, forgive him. If he sins against ' you seven times In a day, and seven times comes back to you (and says 'I repent', forgive him. (Luke 17: 3-4). This sounds ' Impossible, and perhaps ridiculous, but It Is exactly how we ; desire God to act toward us. Who of us doesn't have some ' weakness, some sin which we commit time and again, for i which we seek God's forgiveness. Christians do not have the option of refusing to forgive the repentant brother. Jesus made It very clear that we will not be forgiven unless we are willing to forgive. "For If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father whl not forgive your sins. And when you stand pray ing, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. ■ In this one historical event of Paul, Oneslmus, and Phlle- , mon, we see the place of brotherly love, forgiveness, reconcili ation, honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility In the ; Christian life. When Oneslmus became a Christian he began to live up to , his name, which means "profitable." Paul urged Philemon to live up to his name, which means "loving". Let us live up to the name Christian by loving, forgiving and accepting others as Christ accepts us. Amen. Malcolm X Conference WINSTON-SALEM, NC - The Institute for Islamic Involve ment In Winston-Salem an nounces the second annual Conference in honor of Malcolm X (A1 HajJ Malik Shabazz) to be held Saturday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Winston- Salem State University Student Union Building, Winston-Salem, N.C. The conference will Inform the general public about Malcolm X one of the most Important black figures of the 20th century, with special focus on the last year of his life—Malcolm's acceptance of Islam. The public Is Invited to come and hear national and local ' speakers: Khalid Abdul-Fattah Origgs, attorney Larry Little, By J. M. LltUe We left oi in our last message seeing how God broke a proud king and saved him. In this cen tury 1 have yet to read the testi mony, or hear the testimony, of a government official who has been brought down In repen tance emd Christ revealed to his heart. You almost have to go back to the time of the apostles to find a case where a govern ment official was brought to Christ. I realize that over the last several years many have come out saying they are bom- agaln. Well, you have to be born- again before you can be saved. But the tragedy Is that the multi tudes of you who say you are bom-agaln know absolutely nothing about being a lost sin ner. Once, our former President Carter said he was a lost sinner. But he knows nothing about what It means to be a lost sln- nert The Lord said in Luke 19:10; "For the Son of man Is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Just because you say you are born-again doesn't mean that you are saved. When the Holy Spirit gives you the New Birth In embryo form (Eph. 2:1) you see that you eue a lost sinner. You can say you are saved all you want to, If you can not go back to the time you took your place as a lost sinner be fore God, you know absolutely nothing about the Lord Jesus ChrlstI I'm just stating facts. The unsaved heart says, "I don't see It like that." I resize you don't. One day 1 couldn't see It like that. I don't get mad with folks who disagree with the truth I set forth. I realize why you can't agree with it A man said to my late pastor, L. R Shelton, years ago, "When you are preaching I Just jump up and click my heels and laugh." Now, he was making a mockery of the truth. Scmie years later Ire went to the pastor crying. And when the pastor asked him what was wrong, the man said, "I want what you have." I know the. sad and tragical state of everyone of you who is taking Issue with the truth. Some of you are In high places, but your high position won't shield you from the wrath of God. I'll give you another truth In passing: "A &)m-again believ er will not fight anc^er bom- agaln believer, and a bom-agaln believer will always take sides with another bom-agaln bellev- Community Breakfast Planned The Second Annual Communi ty Prayer Breakfast, hosted by ■ the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, ’>'111 be held on March 21, 7:30 ; -(Lm. at the Charlotte Convention ; center. ' Dr. Leighton Ford, well-known ; -area evangelist, will deliver the ^message to 2,200 ministers, 1 YMCA members and the general - ,'pubte. Let me give you another tmth: "AN UNSAVED HEART ALWAYS TAKES SIDES WITH AN UN SAVED HEART." As an unsaved heart you don't know me, you have to go against me. You'd give ten million worlds to know and understand the Christ I know. I was In New Orleans one time .and I was a lost sinner. I told some of the folks there how folks back In North Carolina were making fun of me. A godly woman from Mississippi spoke up and said: 'They'd give ten thousand worlds to know what you know." And I was just an awakened sinner. You see, she knew what I was going through. You who are criti cizing and rearing up In pride like that man who was In my of fice In the post office don't have the slightest Idea what this Is all about. But one day soon you are going to appear before the JUDGE, not some earthly Judge, THE JUDGE OF THE UNI VERSE. And HE will have the BOOKS opened, according to Revelation 20 (as we printed In our book, "THE GOSPEL IN THE LAST DAYS"), and you will see your entire life on this earth pa raded before you, all your hatred and rebellion against the Lord, His Word, His servants, and everything that was true and right. The JUDGE OF ALL THE UNIVERSE Is going to ask you what you did with His Word and His message. You, In your hell ish pride, (ton't believe that now. But you'll be there that day with outstretched hands begging for another chance: but you will not get another chance. You'd give ten million worlds that day, man, just to know ChiistI You'll see every opportunity the Lord gave you on earth to repent. When you come close to a bom- agaln believer you come close to the kingdom of God. God the Fa ther, God the Son, and God the HoV Spirit all abide In the heart of the believer by faith. You'll see the very time you turned the Gospel down. Some poor, de- spls^ believer gave you a mes sage. or book. You poked fun and laughed. You didn't know then that every thought, word, and deed were being recorded by heavenly messengers. Some of you here go behind closed doors and slander this servant of the Lord. You can't see that heavenly messenger recording your slan der. If you knew what you are do ing, you'd rather have your tongue, hands and feet cut off rather tham do It. You are going to give account to God. Now, I'm less than the least of the saints. If you are a Christian at all, you are a far better Chris tian than I am. If I had my dues, what I deserve. I'd be In Hell kicking and screaming today. But I thank the Lord He had mercy on me and redeemed me by His precious Blood. Are you redeemed? Yes, It would be good to sec men and women In government service saved. Some of our gra cious folks down In New Orleans said they were going to send the messages to our government of ficials In Washington. Now wouldn't It be grace If all our ml- Ing officials were saved? All the White House saved, all the Con gress saved, all the Supreme Court saved, all the officials of the State Houses saved, and the local ofticlals saved, all just re joicing In the Lord. Now you can make fun of me all you want to. When my Lord comes back to rule and reign on this earth for a thousand years (Rev. 20) all the government officials will be saved. I don't know what place or reign of authority He will give me, but I'd be satisfied Just to be the janitor there when He sits on David's Throne In Jerusalem. Just to be there to adore Him! My Lord who died for me. Will you be there? I will. All because Christ died for me. How Is It between you and the Lord? If you don't know the Lord, If you are taking issue with these truths, you have a deceived heart. You caimot go on like you are going. If you do you'll go to Hell. Turn to Christ. And please continue to listen to our late Pastor L. R. Shelton with THE VOICE OF TRUTH BROADCAST each Sunday morning at 7:30 over WAGI-FM and at 8:00 over WAGL-AM The Prophet's Column Is a paid advertisement. CPCC LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT JOB? FREE Morning Classes include FREE resume. Identify your skills and learn how to sell them. Easy In-class registration. 6969 WANT TO CHANGE JOBS? Learn to sell yourself. Brush up job seeking skills. FREE evening classes. Easy in-class registration. Call Now. Seating limited. 342-6969 POST OBirUARIES Benjamin Kareem who Intro duced Malcolm In New York on the day Malcolm was assassi nated, Adlb Rashad, writer and lecturer, Sister Muneerah Aflfa, and others talk about Malcolm's life and times. A special Invita tion Is given to all students to participate In this black history experience. Special highlight of the con ference will be a Third World Bazaar and live entertainment, featuring books, jewelry, food and apparel from around the world; and reggae and rap art ists. The community Is Invited to come out and enjoy the day on the WSSU campus. DonaUons will be accepted at the door. For further Information, please call 919-724-5564. The Prayer Breakfast concept began in Washington, DC, and Is spreiuling throu^out the coun try as an Ecumenical celebra tion of prayer nd fellowship. The 1988 community prayer breakfast served 750 people in Its Inaugural year. Call 339-0379 or any Char lotte neighborhood YMCA for more Information. BEASLEY'S FUNERAL HOME Mr. John WiUleham, of 609 Concordia Ave. died In Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Funeral ser vice was held at Beasley's Chap el. Burial was In Beaslqr Memo rial Garden. Survivor Is his nephew, Bobby King of Kings Mountain, NC. Mr. Jimmy Ellison, of 516 A. Arrowhawk Dr. died in Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Fhneral ser vice was held In Beasley's Chap el. Burial was In Beasley Memo rial Garden. Survivors are his children, Mr. James Monroe Ellison, Ms. Glo ria Juonne Ellison, Mr. Nathinal Ellison, Mr. Dwight Ellison, Ms. Sylvia Ellison, Ms. Cordelia Har ris; sister, Ms. Queen Harris. Ms. Brenda GUlispi, of 2121 Rozzell Ferry Rd. died in Char lotte Memorial Hospital. Funer al service was held In Beasley's Chapel. Burial was in Beasley Memorial Garden. Survivors are her husband, Mr. Nathaniel GlIUspl; mother, Flor ence Daniel Black; brothers, Mr. Michael Black, Mr. Richard Black. Mr. Solomon Ledbetter, of 2824 Zublon Ave. died in Char lotte Memorial Hospital. Survivors are his cousins, Mr. Willie Givens and Ms. Maggie Givens. Mr. Mack McArthur Cald well, of 3212 Boyd St. died at his place of residence. Funeral ser vice was held at Beasley's Chap el. Burial was In Beasley Memo rial Garden. Survivor Is his niece, Mrs. Shir ley Ann Hart. Mr, David Shannon, of Rte. a Box 1211, Mt Holly died at his place of residence. His body was cremated. LONG & SON MORTUARY Mr. Ulsses Watkins, Sr„ of 2415 Newland Rd. Charlotte, died Feb. 14, 1989 - died In Mer cy Hospital. Funeral service was held Feb. 18 at Memorial Pres byterian Church. Burial was In Beatties Ford Memorial Gar dens. Survivors are his sons, Mr. Dwight Wayne Watkins of Atlan ta, GA, Mr. Ulysses Watkins. Jr., and Mr. Daniel Eugene Watkins both of Charlotte; daughters, Mrs. Brenda Watkins Goodman and Ms. Marilyn Watkins Able both of Charlotte; brother, Mr. Julius Watkins of Baltimore, MD; sister, Mrs. Eleanor Artis of Greensboro, NC; 6 grandchil dren. Mrs. Etmlce Brown, of 2814 Toomey Ave., died Feb. 13, 1989 - In Mercy Hospital. Funeral ser vice was held Feb. 18 at Long & Son Mortuary Chapel. Burial was in York Memorial Cemetery. Survivors are her daughter, Mrs. Mary McDonald of Char lotte; sisters, Mrs. Lula Burrell of Columbia, SC and Mrs. Zora Smith of Charlotte; step sons, Mr. David Brovra of Baltimore, MD, Mr. Henry Brovm, and Mr. Dark Brown both of Charlotte; step daughters, Mrs. Isabell McKee and Mrs. Daisy West brook both of Charlotte; grand son, Mr. Robert Mack, Jr.; grand daughters, Ms. Linda McDonald, Ms. Brenda Mack, and Ms. San dra Mack all of Charlotte; 6 great-grandchildren; 5 nephews; 5 nieces. Curry’s Auto Body Shop Major & Minor Auto Repairs Free Estimates! 394-9789 2316 Beatties Ford Road Mon.-Fri. 8-5 NEVER FORGET YOUR Charlotte NEWSPAPER! THE PROVIDER OF GREAT INFORMATION! mi W0N;T Y.OUR BE SURPRISED... If YOUR letter describing "Why My Mother Should Be MOTHER OF THE YEAR?" is the winning letter! The Post "Mother of the Year" will receive a new outfit from one of Charlotte's leading boutiques and a makeover from one of Charlotte's finest styling salons. SEND IN YOUR LETTER TODAY!! Mail to; "Mother's Day" P.O. BOX 30144 Charlotte, NC 28230 All letters should be received no later than May 1, 1989. Winners will be announced in our "MOTHER'S DAY" special edition!
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
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March 2, 1989, edition 1
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