Good morning on this Saturday, July 9th. High profile court cases frequently capture people's attention as the courtroom drama plays out day-by-day. Such a case was Casey Anthony's, who was accused of killing her two-year old daughter, Caylee, and was acquitted of murder charges this week in Florida. When members of the jury were interviewed after the trial, several reported that they wept in agony over the not-guilty verdict. Some jurors said they felt she did it, but voted not guilty because they decided there was not enough evidence to convict her; they agonized over the outcome because they felt they had to set a guilty person free. When discussing the evidence presented, they opined that it was not enough to pass the "beyond-a-reasonable-doubt" test. The debate over the verdict has raged in the press and among the public with some holding that members of the jury confused "beyond-a-reasonable-doubt" with "beyond-a-shadow-of-a-doubt." in their conclusion.

I once preached a sermon entitled, If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you. If people testified as to our attitudes, actions, activities, words, relationships, witness, and lifestyle, would they conclude that we are a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ? Would the evidence presented lead others to conclude there is "reasonable doubt" or "beyond-a-shadow-of-a-doubt indication?" Since we (our lives) are the only bible some people will ever read, may God help us to live our lives in such a way that the evidence of our faith is conclusive beyond all doubt!

Tomorrow's sermon is entitled, The Devil Is In The Details. I hope you can make it.

Mel Brown