Himself, but Adam and Eve violated God’s command. The fallout from their first transgression was a resounding sense of shame (Genesis 3:7), overwhelming guilt before God (Genesis 3:8), and

an isolating separation from His presence (Genesis 3:22-24). It is important that we stay serious about sin, because it is the very thing that marred God’s intent for our lives. Sin warps our thinking. The

ways of evil have a devastating effect on human mental schemas. Its accompanying pride and guilt have a way of deluding our thought processes. In Romans Paul speaks of the depraved, saying, “For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:22). Sometimes I am amazed at the level of depravity which is portrayed in TV shows, movies, and news reports. Indeed, it seems that we are living in an age described by the prophet Isaiah, an age in which many call evil good and good

evil (Isaiah 5:20). How is it that society has slidden so far down a slippery slope of sin and foolhardy immorality? I believe we are simply reaping what we have sown. Sin sidetracks people from the plain paths of common sense. It warps our thinking and blinds us from the real facts of life (2 Corinthians 4:4). Sin hurts our fellowship with

God. Though no sin can snatch the believer from the grasp of God, it can hurt a believer’s communion with God (1 John 1:7-9). Some mistakingly believe that a believer can lose his or her salvation. Such teaching is in contradiction to that of Jesus (John 10:26-28) and the apostles (Ephesians 1:13). Once a person is born-again, that person is forever a part of the family of God (Romans 8:28-30). However, sin can still spin its evil web and entangle a believer. It is for this reason that the author of Hebrews encouraged us to “lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1). In order to walk in a close and clean relationship with God we should “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and…” not “…make plans to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:14).

3 Effects of SinSin is an unpopular concept in

modern society. Even preachers shy away from it. I recall a talk show host who once conducted a primetime television interview of one of America’s most famous pulpiteers. The non-Christian television personality found it peculiar that the preacher was known for not making mention of the three letter word. Ironically, humankind can never be lifted out of its misery until it comes to grips with the nature of sin. The Bible says, “If we say, ‘We have not sin,’ we are deceiving ourselves” (1 John 1:8). If we want real joy and liberty, we have to be factual concerning man’s error. Consider three Bible consequences of sin. Sin separates us from God. The

most basic result of human transgression is the way in which it alienates us from our Creator. God made man and woman to live in perfect communion with Him. They walked with God “in the garden at the time of the evening breeze” (Genesis 3:8). They enjoyed unbroken and unadulterated interaction with Yahweh. Because He is holy, He established rules to govern man’s relationship with

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Financial giving at FBC has remained strong throughout the summer months which has allowed your staff to continue their ministries to the community and our members. As you are aware many of our facilities, some of which have not been updated in 15-20 years, are in need of repairs and updating.Recently, some improvements such

as new classrooms, lighting, roofs, flooring, chairs and various other projects have been completed. Floor covering and remodel of the new K4C room in the Children’s Building have greatly transformed the entire building. Great things are happening because we are blessed with many church members stepping up financially when they see

a need and feel led to improve an area. On Sept 9, a new opportunity will be presented, making members aware of specific areas needing to be updated or improved. Pick-A-Project is a list of projects from different ministry areas.Many guests flow through our Family

Life Center for events such as AWANA and Upward Sports programs. Improving this building will help us put our best foot forward on making a good first impression. Together we have an opportunity to make improvements and updates to our facilities that would not be financially possible with only budget money. As projects are completed, other items may be added. I would ask

that as you review the list of projects, p r a y f u l l y consider if the Lord would lead you to financially support one of these projects above your normal tithe. If you are unable to make a monetary gift, we would covet your prayers as we continue to work and strive to be good stewards of God’s money. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns. May God continue to bless our church and your family.

Sunday School 336 Morning Worship 381 Evening Worship NA Wednesday Ministries 252

Weekly Required $ 25,000.00 Weekly Received $ NA YTD Required $ 575,000.00 YTD Received $ 523,011.87 YTD Percentage 90.95%

Sunday School Leadership LuncheonSunday School Leadership Training/Luncheon will be held on Sun, Sep 9 following morning worship at 12:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Deacon’s MeetingDeacon’s will meet on Sun, Sep 9 at 4:00 pm in Room 209.

Children’s ChoirChildren’s Choir resumes on Sun, Sep 9 at 5:30 pm. Kingdom Kids, grades 1-5, meet in the K4C Room and Heaven’s Kids, ages 4-5, meet in Room 141.

Discipleship UniversityDiscipleship University Kick Off will be on Sun, Sep 9 at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Class information online at https://fbclawton.org/ministries/du.

Silver SaintsSilver Saints will meet on Mon, Sep 10 at 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.

PrimeTime ChoirPrimeTime Choir will resume Thu, Sep 13 at 10:00 am in the Choir Room.

Lord’s SupperWe will observe the Lord’s Supper during morning worship on Sun, Sep 16.

LCT Preview PartyLCT Preview party will be Mon, Sep 24 at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will provide the brisket, bread, and drinks. Please bring a side dish. Open to all LCT participants. RSVP for childcare.

Big Daddy Weave & Brandon Heath ConcertBig Daddy Weave Concert featuring Brandon Heath will be on Thu, Oct 4 at 7:00 pm at McMahon Auditorium. Doors open at 6:00 pm. For ticket information visit our website at http://fbclawton.org.

#LoveLawtonJoin us on Wed evenings for #LoveLawton. This month we will “Light up Lawton with the love of the Lord.” Contact Tony Christie for first time volunteers or for more information.

Ladies LifeLine Bible StudyLadies LifeLine Bible Study sessions continues on Tue from 9:30 am-11:45 am in Room 210. Childcare is provided.

Wednesday Fellowship MealsMenu for September 12

Beef tips over noodles, veggies, rolls, salad bar, and dessert. Adults $5.00, Kids (5-12) $3.00, (under 5 free) $20.00 Family Max (5 or more people)