In order for the word of Christ to dwell more richly in your hearts, you can do yourself a favor,

and you can honor God by turning in His word to the text this morning, which will be part of what is the substance for Pastor John's message.

It's Romans chapter 12 verses 9 through 21. Let love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good, love one another

with brotherly affection, outdo one another with brotherly affection.

Outdo one another in showing honor.

Never flag in zeal.

Be a glow with the spirit, serve the Lord.

Rejoise in your hope.

Be patient in tribulation.

Be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the Saints, practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Live in harmony with one another. do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly, never be conceited.

Repay no one for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.

If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it has written,

vengeance is mine. I will repay, says the Lord.

Know if your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If he is thirsty, give him drink, for by so doing,

you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

While I was down at the mid-year board meetings in Madison this week for the Baptist general conference, one pastor confided in me that he gets angry very easily and that he often feels a lot of anger inside that his people don't recognize at all because of his ability to keep up a good front.

And I think he was speaking for a lot of us.

...