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            I have a good friend named Elizabeth (I don’t think she’ll mind me using her name).  I met her about six years ago and we’ve been good friends ever since.  Let me tell you a little about Elizabeth.  First of all, she doesn’t drink alcohol or abuse her body with tobacco, and she’s never taken drugs.  In all the time I’ve known her, I’ve never heart her tell a dirty joke, swear, gossip about someone, or tell a lie.  Many people would call my friend a “good Christian.”  And yet, I’ve been describing my dog, Elizabeth.

            Friends, we need to learn that being a Christian involves more than merely refraining from evil.  Being a Christian involves an active pursuit of doing that which is good.  And furthermore, regardless of how “good” one may be, one is not a Christian until he comes to Christ and obeys the gospel.

            Just remember, there’s a world of difference between my dog, Elizabeth and a good Christian!

Steve Higginbotham E-mail, 4-24-01