We’re having a busy week in beautiful Columbia, South Carolina!  The Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting went well on Tuesday.  Brother Jon Mitchell from the  Duncan congregation did an outstanding job with our program.  We will take a break for the summer and meet again on August 19th.  On Tuesday evening we had a big group to attend the gospel meeting at Clinton.  Brother James Watkins preached the gospel of Jesus Christ simply and powerfully.  It is always a great privilege to encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ at other places.  On Wednesday evening the adults are studying about “Restoration.”   This week we focused on restoring personal evangelism.  Our teens and our children, also, have classes available to them for their spiritual growth in Christ.  On Thursday evening the men enjoyed a great “Men’ s Night Out” at Texas Roadhouse Grill.     On Friday we honor our graduating seniors with a special celebration at California Dreaming restaurant downtown.  Our high school seniors have spent the past thirteen years preparing for this time in life.   They have made many sacrifices.  They have fought hard.  They have kept the faith.  They have finished their course in high school.  Some will continue their education in college.  Others will choose other paths in life.  It is our prayer that our graduating seniors will follow the Lord’s will in every decision, putting His kingdom and His righteousness first in their lives.  Jesus promised us that when we put “first things first,” He will provide all that we need to make our mark in society.  Congratulations to our class of 2008!          Young Adults:  Don’t forget our cook-out and family night at Saluda Shoals Park on Saturday,         May 24th, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided.  Bring any side item and join us for an evening of fellowship together.     Monday is Memorial Day!  We have set aside this day to honor our men and women who have died  in battle for our country.  Many of us will have the day off from work.  While we are off duty, may we remember that our family and friends in the armed forces are on duty for the cause of liberty!  Let us pray for peace.     In May we have been studying a series of lessons on “Decisions.”  Every day we make decisions.  Some decisions are minor.  Other decisions are life-changing.  Every decision makes us who we are.  Let us look beyond the moment and know that the each of us must make our own personal, individual decisions.     This Sunday we will conclude this series with a lesson entitled, “Decisions – Looking Back – Looking Ahead – Deciding Now.”  Our past experiences, both positive and negative, can help us tremendously in making decisions today for tomorrow.  It is foolish to keep making the same, poor decisions that cause so much pain and suffering.  It is wise to learn from every decision.     On Sunday evening we will once again look at God’s omnipotence.  God alone in Jesus Christ is able to judge.  As Christians, we have the privilege and the responsibility to know and do God’s will through a diligent study and meditation in His word, the Bible.  We are, also, called to help others to know and do God’s will.  The Great Commission calls every Christian to “Go and teach…” (Mark 16:15-16).  We are called to help others, not to judge others.  Only God in Jesus Christ is able to judge.  You and I cannot save anyone.  Only God can save. Are you a Christian?  Do you believe in Jesus Christ?  Have you repented of your sin?  Have you confessed Jesus as the Son of God?  Have you been baptized into Jesus Christ?  If you have not yet followed His commands, do so now.  Please call me and let me know what I can do to help you.