Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:47:01 -0400WeeblyThu, 09 Jul 2026 19:59:30 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/do-nothingDoing Nothing - the Worst Option
 
Charles Swindoll relates the story of an isolated tribe in South America whose people were dying at a relatively young age for an unknown reason. Medical specialists were eventually sent to the area in an effort to ascertain the cause. Following a painstaking investigation, the explanation was determined. A dangerous disease was transmitted by the bite of an insect that lived within the walls of their adobe homes. Equipped with this knowledge, the medical authorities presented the tribe with three options:
1)    Move to another area where the offending insects did not thrive.
2)   Burn down their homes and rebuild them with materials that would not attract the insects.
3)    Use powerful insecticides to rid their homes of the deadly insects.
 
Surprisingly, the tribe decided to do nothing, and continue to die prematurely.
 
 
Tragically, this appalling example is not unique. For instance, many of us are aware of people that persist in harmful, self-destructive habits like drinking or abusing drugs, despite the fact that they continually struggle with health, emotional, family, job or legal issues.
 
Far more tragic, however, are the multitudes that continue in a lost condition. This especially applies to those who have been repeatedly exposed to the gospel of Christ, but choose to
do nothing. Or those who previously obeyed the gospel, but are no longer faithful to Christ.
 
In such cases, DOING NOTHING is the worst possible option. The Bible says, “…to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jam. 4:17).
 
Our time on earth is short and uncertain - James 4:14. If you are not right with God, please DO SOMETHING today.
 
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
 
Dennis
]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/independance-dayTrue Independence!
 
July 4th marks the date, in 1776, on which our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, declaring our freedom from England and our determination to be a free and sovereign nation.  Accordingly, we celebrate July 4th as Independence Day.
 
For 250 years the United States of America has stood as a symbol of freedom to oppressed peoples around the globe. Moreover, we have repeatedly defended not only our freedom from oppressors, but that of other nations, as well.
 
Unfortunately, the blessing of freedom is frequently taken for granted. We would be wise to remember that our nation was not always free,and that winning (and preserving) our independence has cost the lives of 1.3 million men and women. Moreover, there are powers both without and within that are determined to see our independence come to an end. We must stand vigilant against such enemies.
 
More importantly, however, our beloved Independence Day pales in comparison with “Independence Day (from the guilt of sin)."  This occurs when a sinner hears and believes the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1), confesses Christ as God's Son (Matt. 10:32), repents of sin (Acts 17:30) and is baptized for the remission of sins (Act 2:38). At that moment the blood of Jesus cleanses him from the guilt of all past sins (Acts 22:16).
 
Moreover, he is “delivered…from the power of darkness and conveyed…into the kingdom of the Son” (Col. 1:13). As long as he remains faithful to Christ, he is assured of eternal life in heaven (Rom. 6:22; Rev. 2:10).
 
No earthly independence even comes close. Have YOU been set free from your sins by the blood of Jesus? If not, then why not throw off the shackles of sin, and obey the gospel TODAY?
 
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
 
Dennis]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:22:36 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/a-debt-beyond-repaymentAn Unpayable Debt
 
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin” (Rom. 4:7-8).
 
It’s been said that the most dreaded four-letter word in the English languish is DEBT. As much as we may dislike the word, most people in our country live much of our lives in financial indebtedness. Surveys indicate that 77% of American households carry an average debt of $105,444. This includes credit cards, student loans, auto loans, and mortgages. In fact, without the ability to borrow, many of us might not be able to afford a house, car and other big-ticket items. Be that as it may, we look forward to the day in which we are debt-free.
 
When it comes to the spiritual, however, we owe God and Christ a debt that is infinitely beyond our ability to repay. How can any mere mortal begin to reimburse the priceless gift that God gave to save us from our sins - His only begotten Son (John 3:16)? Or the unfathomable price that Jesus paid when He was humiliated, mocked, beaten, scourged and crucified in our place (Gal. 1:4)?
 
Fortunately, we never have to worry about repaying that debt, even if we could. As opposed to repayment, G has asked us to place our faith in the risen Christ, obey His commands to repent & be baptized (Act 2:38) and give the remainder of our lives in grateful service to our Lord. While doing so cannot begin to repay what God and Christ have done for us, the Bible reveals that, “He (Jesus) became the author of eternal life to those who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9).
 
As the song goes, "Christ Jesus paid the debt that I can never pay.”
 
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
 
Dennis
]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:15:26 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/what-a-fatherThe Father Who Ran
As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him (Psalm 103:13).
One of the most touching pictures of fatherhood in Scripture is found in Luke 15. We often call it the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but it could just as easily be called the Parable of the Loving Father.
After wasting his inheritance in reckless living, the younger son finally decided to return home. He expected rejection. He deserved punishment. Instead, he found a father that never gave up on him. A father that was still watching, waiting, and hoping.
Jesus tells us that while the son was still a great way off, "his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).
What a beautiful picture of a father's heart! He never approved of his son's rebellion, but he never stopped loving him. He longed for restoration and reconciliation rather than revenge.
Godly fathers understand this balance. They teach truth, establish boundaries, and correct wrongdoing. Yet they also show patience, forgiveness, and grace when repentance occurs.
Our heavenly Father demonstrates this perfectly. As long as this world stands, He longs for His wandering children to come home. He never ceases to watch, wait, and hope. And He is still willing to run to them.
This Father's Day, we honor those fathers who have sought to reflect the love, patience, and compassion of our Heavenly Father. Their influence is one of God's greatest blessings.
Growing Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis
]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:13:05 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/giveaway-dayMore Than Free Items
"What shall we do then?" He answered and said to them, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise" (Luk 3:10-11).


As our Giveaway Day approaches on June 21, hours of preparation will be required to collect, sort, organize, and display the items that will be available to our community. We need as much help as possible to make this event a success.


However, while clothing, household goods, books, toys, and other items are important, they are not the most valuable things we have to offer. The greatest gift we possess is the good news of Jesus Christ.


For that reason, I encourage every member to pray for this event. Pray for favorable weather. Pray for the initiative to help. Most importantly, pray for the souls who will walk through our doors. Some may be searching for assistance. Some may be lonely. Some may be discouraged. Some may be carrying burdens that no one else can see. God knows every heart, and He may use this event to place someone in contact with His people at exactly the right moment.


I also encourage everyone to extend eager hospitality. A warm smile, a friendly greeting, and a kind word can make a lasting impression. Many visitors will form their opinion of the church not from a sermon they hear, but from the way they are treated by the people they meet. Let us strive to make every person feel welcomed and valued.


As visitors leave, we should seek opportunities to place useful materials into their hands. Information about the congregation, invitations to worship services, Bible study opportunities, or other encouraging literature may open doors for future conversations about spiritual matters.


Remember - Giveaway Day is not merely an opportunity to distribute possessions; it is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ. The items we give away may help someone for a short time, but the influence of genuine Christian kindness can last forever.


Let us pray, serve, encourage, and welcome. May God bless our efforts, and may He receive all the glory for any good that comes from this event.


Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!


Dennis]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:12:10 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/will-you-helpWILL YOU HELP?
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16).


A STORY ABOUT EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY, & NOBODY.
 
Volunteers were needed to assist with a special church activity.
 
Everybody assumed that somebody would do it.
 
Although anybody could have done it, nobody did.
 
So, somebody got angry, because it was something that everybody could do!
 
Then everybody got upset because somebody should have done it, but didn’t.
 
Alas, anybody could and should have done it, but nobody ever did.
 
Because everybody assumed that somebody would.

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“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).

I thank God for the members of the church in Milan that can always be counted on to help when assistance is needed at fellowships, bereavement meals and other activities. However, the number of those who unfailingly volunteer is very limited. How about you? Please take a look at the signup sheets on the bulletin board. We really need your help. And don’t forget - God will bless you for doing your part.
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb 6:10).
Building Faith That Sticks in 2026!

Dennis
]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:10:46 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/prayers-for-the-sickFor Whom Did You Pray Today?
 
“The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:15-16).
 
If you look at the contents of most church bulletins, you’ll invariably find a list of people in need of prayer. Many of these folks are sick, battling serious diseases such as cancer or other ailments. Some are hospitalized with illness or injury. Still others may be shut-in or in nursing facilities. Some may need prayers of encouragement as they go through grief or challenging times.
 
Many of these prayer lists are quite long (ours, for instance), with some names remaining on the list for months or possibly years.
 
Do we care about the aforementioned people? Of course! However, if we are not careful, we may become so accustomed to the long list of names that we limit our prayers to certain ones while omitting others.
 
As James stated in the aforementioned passage, Christians should continue to pray for one another, especially those that struggle will sickness (physical & spiritual).
 
That said, I’d like to issue the following challenge. Once a week, commit 20-25 minutes to praying for EVERY person listed. Believe me, this will bless others more than you imagine.
 
What a privilege is to go to God on behalf of others! Remember, we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). For whom did you pray today?
 
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026! 
 
Dennis
]]>Sat, 23 May 2026 22:44:48 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/a-crucial-day-to-rememberA CRUCIAL MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day is intended to honor the sacrifice of the 1.3 million men and women that died while serving in the armed forces of the United States. Early on, Memorial Day evoked considerable solemnity across the United States. Tens of millions of grateful Americans visited cemeteries, stood at attention, saluted, wept, and/or placed wreaths or flags on the graves of those who died while serving our country. In addition, many, if not more Americans faithfully attended Memorial Day parades, saluting as Veterans marched or were wheeled by. It was not considered a celebration, but a time of grateful and respectful remembrance.
Unfortunately, the significance of Memorial Day has declined for many Americans. It is now considered the unofficial start of summer, an excuse for a family trip, spring cleaning or watching the Indianapolis 500. While none of these activities are wrong, it is tragic that fewer and fewer Americans take time to acknowledge the courageous souls who gave their lives to preserve our nation and freedoms.
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Yet there is something considerably more lamentable. Sunday, the first day of the week, features a memorial that far surpasses Monday’s national holiday. This is the day that Christians assemble to worship God and remember the suffering, bleeding and death of Jesus Christ. Sunday is a hallowed day that deserves the earnest attention of every Christian.
Unfortunately, too many Christians have forgotten the significance of the Lord's Day. For them, it is a day to sleep in, work in the yard, campout, play golf, fish or pursue other interests. Disregarding the magnitude of the Lord’s Day by devoting time and attention to less important pursuits displays irreverence towards God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Observing Memorial Day is definitely appropriate, but honoring God and Christ on the first day of each week is crucial for faithful Christians.
“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7).
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis
]]>Mon, 18 May 2026 15:07:58 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/have-you-seen-this-song-bookTHE HONEST HYMNAL
 
Did you hear about the newest hymnal entitled, “The Honest Man’s Hymnal”? Its hymns were modified to reflect the honest attitude of many Christians. Some of the titles include:
 

• I SURRENDER SOME!
• HAVE MINE OWN WAY, LORD.
• O, HOW I LIKE JESUS!
• WHERE HE LEADS, I’LL CONTEMPLATE.
• SEEK YE THIRD THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
• SOME LOVE TO THEE, O CHRIST.
• SOLDIERS OF CHRIST AT EASE!
• STAND UP SOMETIMES FOR JESUS!
• I’LL BE AN ACQUAINTANCE OF JESUS.
• IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE WITH MY SOUL.
• CHRIST, WE SOMETIMES ADORE THEE.
• I STAND AND YAWN IN THE PRESENCE.
• OUR GOD IS HE ALIVE?
• I MIGHT TELL JESUS.
• TAKE MY WILL, AND LET IT BE.
• LEVEL GROUND.
• I LIKE THE LORD.
• FALTERING ON THE PROMISES.
• TAKE TIME TO BE LUKEWARM.

 
Although no such songbook actually exists, the above titles do make us think. The apostle Paul wrote, “I will sing with the SPIRIT, and I will also sing with the UNDERSTANDING” (1 Cor 14:15b). Singing with the spirit means to sing HONESTLY or SINCERELY; singing with the understanding means to UNDERSTAND the words.
 
When we worship God in song, it is imperative that we mean what we sing. If not, we are guilty of “singing in vain” (or lying outright).
 
Don’t ever take the song service for granted. Know what you sing, and mean it!  Remember - God is listening.
 
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
 
Dennis
]]>Mon, 18 May 2026 15:07:00 GMThttp://www.milanchurchofchrist.com/dennis-articles/a-mothers-faithA Mother’s Faith Can Shape a Future
Then (Hannah) made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life…" (1Sa 1:11).
Mother’s Day provides a beautiful opportunity to honor the quiet strength, sacrificial love, and enduring faith of godly mothers. Scripture gives us many such examples, but one that shines brightly is Hannah.
In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah is introduced as a woman burdened with deep sorrow—she was childless. Yet in her distress, she did not turn away from God; she turned toward Him. With tears and sincerity, she prayed for a son and made a remarkable promise: if God granted her request, she would dedicate that child to the Lord’s service throughout his life.
God heard her prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel. True to her word, Hannah brought young Samuel to serve in the house of the Lord under Eli. Imagine the strength that required—to give up daily presence with her child in order to fulfill a promise to God. Her faith was not superficial; it was obedient and sacrificial.
The result? Samuel became one of Israel’s greatest prophets, a man who helped guide a nation. Behind his life of service stood a mother whose faith shaped his future.
Godly mothers today continue to reflect Hannah’s spirit when they pray for their children, teach them God’s Word, and model a life of devotion. Their influence often extends far beyond what they can see.
On this Mother’s Day, we honor not only the love of mothers, but their faith—a faith that shapes hearts, homes, and generations to come.
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis
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