A young man preached his heart out. He was barely 23 years old and this was his first gospel meeting. How his heart did beat when he received the invitation to come and preach for the small group of brethren in this little community. Visions of huge crowds, high excitement, lots of responses filled his head as he contemplated the coming event. When the time came he was almost out of breath with excitement.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word extra? Maybe as a student, you were able to do some assignments or additional homework for extra credit. Perhaps as an athlete, as punishment, you had to run extra laps. As a parent putting together a toy, have you ever had some extra pieces after you thought you had finished? Extra simply means, “over and above what is usual or normal” (Webster). We live in a world of normality. People want to do just what is required and as little as possible to get by when it comes to work.

Fifty people over the age of 90 were once asked this question: “If you could live your life over again, what would you do differently?” Three answers appeared most frequently: 1. I would reflect more, 2. I would risk more (take more chances), and 3. I would do more things that would live on after I died.

One of the many attractions in Boston, MA is located at Harvard University. In Harvard Yard is a statue of John Harvard, credited with starting the school in 1638. However, the statue is also known by another name, “The statue of three lies.”

Nearly all medicines have a label on them which reads, “use only as directed”. Any rational person has no difficulty understanding and heeding this warning. He understands that the warning is for his own good and that failure to heed it could result in dire consequences.

“Membership has its rewards.” That’s how some companies advertise some special promotional they’re running. I like those kind of programs, the ones where you feel like you’re getting something for nothing. You receive benefits, whether its frequent flyer miles or Marriott points, when nothing extra is really required of you. You don’t have to pay a monthly fee, you don’t have to recruit other people to join the group; membership just has its rewards. It pays.

It’s that time of year again. Just go into your neighborhood Wal-mart or Target and at the front of the store are bins of glue, crayons, folders, pencils, and various other school supplies. You see a mob of people pushing buggies with small children either in the cart or running along side. The adults have the list of items that their kids will need for their classes at school. Other than giving a boost to the economy, have you thought about why the need for all those supplies?

No matter how hard the effort to deny it, attendance is in indication of faithfulness. No matter how many excuses are forthcoming, the lack of attendance is an indication of disinterest. And no matter where the blame is placed, the failure to be at services finally is a matter of one’s own personal choice.

Most people would be amazed (if not entertained!) at some of the excuses given to “explain” a lack of attendance. Actually, a simple statement like, “I didn’t want to come” would very likely be more accurate and state the real truth of the matter.

When I was just a lad we used to get together with our friends and play “follow the leader.” Sometimes whether we wanted to or not. You see, there was a kid on our block that was a bully. He ordered all of us around, and we all did what he wanted to do when he was around. Once in a while he would come along on his bicycle, gather up all the kids from the area, and order us to form a line and follow the leader. Guess who the leader was? You didn’t dare not play. So, we’d mount our bikes and off we’d go, following behind our leader.

Welcome to the 32nd annual Southside Lectures! We have anticipated this week since the closing prayer of last year’s event. The lectures have long been a special time for us, one filled with Scripture-based preaching, spirited congregational singing, and dignified worship. Your presence here encourages us because it indicates your interest in being a part of the same activities.

No matter who you are, the lectures are for you. It is up to you, then, to make the most of them.