Thank you for such a great response to the Stewardship Banquets last week.  Each evening there was an air of excitement and expectancy from our church family.  These were memorable nights for our church.  Speaking of memorable items, let me share with you a report from our Missions Conference.  This year our Faith Promise Commitment to reaching the world for Christ is $158,870.  This is the largest amount ever committed  in the history of our church.  As we give to missions, we will show the Lord our commitment to His plan.
 I am disturbed at the way  people today attempt to redefine words so as to make themselves seem better or prove that there are no absolutes.  In 1945 George Orwell wrote a book entitled Animal Farm.  One of the characters in the book was a pig by the name of “Squealer” (fitting name).  Squealer would arbitrarily redefine words so that they would mean what he wanted them to mean.  Orwell explained that Squealer “could turn black into white” in order to get the other animals to accept his message.
 Here are some words that should never be defined apart from the Word of God:
“Sin” - any act, word, or thought that separates us from God.
“Hell” - a literal place where those who die without Christ spend eternity.
“Heaven” - God’s eternal home prepared for His children who are saved.
“Salvation” - Forgiveness of sins only through Jesus Christ as you place your trust in Him.  It is a gift of God.
“Bible” - Holy, inspired, inerrant Word of God.
“Church” - God’s local body of believers whom He is using to share His story of love and grace.