ARE WE CONVINCING?  
   
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).  
   
Nothing is more important for Christian parents than to know that their children are headed for heaven. After all, if a child eventually dies unprepared to face God, all earthly accomplishments will be pointless. Realizing that our children learn more from our behavior than our words, what kind of example are we setting at home?  
   
Are we convincing our children that worshipping God is crucial (John 4:23) if we sometimes put sports, picnics or household projects ahead of church services?  
   
Are we convincing our children that Bible study is vital (1 Tim 4:13) if we allow them to skip Bible class because they stayed up late on Saturday night?  
   
Are we convincing our children that swearing and/or taking God’s name in vain is wrong (Matt. 5:34) if we occasionally blurt out “damn”, “Oh my God” or worse?
   
Are we convincing our children that modest appearance is important (1 Tim. 2:9) if we sometimes wear revealing attire or allow them to do so?  
   
Are we convincing our children that pornography is evil (Eph. 5:3) if we periodically watch movies that depict partial nudity or couples ostensibly having sex?  
   
Are we convincing our children that lying is wrong (Col. 3:9) if we occasionally tell “white lies” or withhold the truth?  
   
Are we convincing our children that Jesus is our Savior, Lord and King (1 Tim. 6:15) if we rarely mention His name at home (or anywhere else)?  
   
Are we convincing our children that the most important goal in this life is to be prepared for eternity(Matt. 16:26) if we are not ready ourselves?  
   
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Children learn from our example every day. Are we teaching them the things that please God and Christ? Let’s make certain that they have the best possibility of reaching heaven by showing them THE WAY at home.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis  

AN ODD MARRIAGE  
   
Following their wedding and reception, a young man and his new bride eagerly jumped into their vehicle. But as they pulled away, the bride spoke up, "Honey, would you mind just taking me home." "Home?",  the startled man exclaimed. "Don't you remember that we have a plane to catch, a honeymoon to begin and a new life ahead of us?"  
   
"Oh, about that," she replied, "I’ll admit that the ceremony was beautiful and the reception memorable. Moreover, I’ll take your name and wear your ring, but…” “But what?” Jim interjected. She continued, “But I miss my small apartment, job, friends, and diversions. I really want to get back to them. But don’t worry; we can still get together once or twice a week.”  
   
The young man was speechless as she continued. “Please don’t take this personally. I love you and accept you as my husband, but I also love my old life. Understand? Tell you what, if it will make you feel better, I’ll call once or twice a day. In the meantime, let’s make the most of this. Okay? Okay???”  
   
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You may be thinking, “That’s no marriage!” And you are right. A nightmare would be a more apt description. But before you dismiss the story as fiction, it actually depicts some “spiritual” marriages.  
   
In Romans 7 the apostle Paul uses marriage to illustrate the commitment involved when we became Christians. “You (are) married to another -- to Him who was raised from the dead” (Rom. 7:4). When we obeyed the gospel, we committed our lives to Christ, just as a new husband and wife commit to one another. Everything else is secondary.  
   
Yet some folks that claim to be Christians have an attitude akin to the wife in the aforementioned story. Although they repented, confessed Jesus and were baptized, they eventually returned to their old ways. And although they may still attend services of the church, and pray to God when in trouble, they otherwise live as they did before they obeyed the gospel.   
   
One cannot be truly be joined to the Lord, and hold on to one's former life. Attempting to do so is not a marriage, but a nightmare…with eternal repercussions. “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning” (2 Pet. 2:20).  
   
Are you married to Christ? Then remain faithful to Him, no matter what.  
   
Jesus, always, Jesus!  
   
Dennis

ONE-WAY STREET  
   
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)  
   
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Many of us have heard horror stories about the driving habits of some New Yorkers. One oft-repeated tale is about a man that was pulled over after driving the WRONG WAY on Madison Avenue, one of the busiest one-way streets in the city. When the pursuing officer approached the stopped driver, he asked, “Where do you think you are going?”  The intoxicated driver replied, “Wherever it is, I must be late! Everyone else is coming back."  
   
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Apart from the aforementioned example, going against the tide (or in the opposite direction of the crowd) is not always wrong. Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).  
   
It has been said that the widest lane to hell is labeled, “Everybody’s doing it!”  John describes it this way, “…the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19).  
   
I heard about a t-shirt that pictured a solitary fish swimming in the opposite direction of a school of fish that were hurrying toward a baited hook. The caption read, "Smart Fish Go Against the Flow." Spiritually speaking, that is accurate. Luke 13:23-24 records, “Then one said to Him, "Lord, are there few who are saved?" And (Jesus) said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”  
   
Although narrow, difficult roads are rarely popular, may we remain on the less-traveled path that will lead us to heaven.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

For Millions, Doing Nothing is the Worst Option     
Charles Swindoll relates the story of an isolated tribe in South America whose people were dying prematurely from an unknown cause. Medical specialists were eventually sent to the area in an effort to ascertain the cause and offer possible solutions. 
  
Following a painstaking investigation, the cause of premature death was determined. A disease was being 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 viable options. 

1. They could move to another area where the offending insects did not thrive. 
2. They could burn down their homes and rebuild them with materials that would not be 
   
   favorable for the insects. 
3.  They could utilize modern insecticides to rid their homes of the deadly insects. 
   
   Surprisingly, the tribe decided to do nothing, and continue to die prematurely as they had done for generations. 

  
  
Unfortunately, this tragic example is not unique. For instance, many of us are aware of people that persist in self-destructive habits like drinking or abusing drugs, despite the fact that they perpetually struggle with health, emotional, family, job or legal issues.
  
Even more tragic are the multitudes that continue to be LOST. I’m not just referring to those that have never heard about Jesus, but to those that have been repeatedly exposed to the gospel, and do nothing. Or to those that previously obeyed the gospel, but are no longer faithful to Christ. And what of those Christians that maintain the "appearance of Christianity”, but lead a “double life”?
   
In the aforementioned examples, DOING NOTHING is the worst option possible. “…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 - James 4:14. If you are not right with God, DO SOMETHING today.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANS  
   
Are certain Christians indispensable to the Lord’s church? Not unless you find a perfect one. According to 1 John 1:8, such Christians do not exist. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”  
  
On the other hand, virtually every congregation possesses a number of  “essential Christians”. These committed saints make up the backbone of the local church, insuring that she continues to serve the Lord. Who are these “essential Christians”? The following fruits typically identify them. 
  
Essential Christians are usually present at all church assemblies. Unless they are sick, they make it a point to attend every service. Despite the fact that they sometimes suffer inconvenience or miss other activities, they do so because they are committed to being present whenever the “doors are open” (See Heb. 10:24-25). 
  
Essential Christians look for opportunities to serve. If volunteers are needed to lead in worship, teach or help in a Bible class, call missing members or visit sick folks, they step up and help out. They rarely wait to be asked; they search for a need and then meet it (See 1 Cor. 15:58). 
  
Essential Christians strive to be pure. They don’t make “excuses” to justify questionable behavior. Rather, they strive to make certain that no “appearance of evil” is present in their lives (1 Thess. 5:22). Whether it involves their relationships, clothing, language, the places they go or the movies they watch, they are determined to set a Godly example for others to follow (See 1 Cor. 11:1). 
  
  
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It has been said that 80% of the work of the church is done by 20% of the members. If so,  “essential Christians” make up that 20%. Without them a congregation will invariably decline. Are you and I “essential Christians”? 
  
Jesus, always Jesus! 
  
Dennis

ARE YOU IN CHRIST?  
   
The Bible associates salvation with numerous things – redemption (1 Cor. 1:30), sanctification (1 Cor. 1:30), forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7), eternal life (Rom. 6:23) and being in Christ.
   
That importance is the latter is repeatedly stressed in the scriptures.
   
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). Only those in Christ possess these spiritual blessings.
   
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). Only those that are in Christ are truly a new creation.
   
"Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus..." (2 Tim 2:10). Only those that are in Christ have obtained salvation.
   
"And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son"  (1 Jn. 5:11). Only those that are in Christ possess eternal life.
   
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Most of the religious people with whom I have conversed agree with these points. However, when I ask them what the Bible tells us to do to get into Christ, many of them are stumped. Moreover, some of them are truly amazed when shown what the Bible says. “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Rom 6:3) "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Gal. 3:27)
   
According to the Bible, baptism is the only way to get into Christ. A person can search from the front to the back of the Bible, but will find no other way. Why is it, then, that many religious groups underrate or minimize the importance or need for baptism?
   
Moreover, some religious groups appear to have a “love/hate” relationship with baptism. Although they may practice it in some form, they minimize its importance, assuming that any emphasis on baptism is tantamount to believing in salvation by works. But baptism is NOT a work. Think about it - If you've been baptized, how much WORK did YOU DO when you were immersed in water?  
   
Ironically, most of the religious groups that minimize baptism insist that repentance and confession are necessary for salvation, despite the fact that changing and speaking do  require work. Why is that?
   
Desiring to be in Christ, I was baptized into Christ years ago. Are you in Christ?
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

Dads – What are You Preaching?
   
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (EPH 6:4).
   
Preachers are not the only ones that should be declaring spiritual truths. According to the apostle Paul, Christian fathers are to train their children in the admonition of the Lord. This means telling and showing. Edgar Guest conveys this truth in his well-known poem.
   
I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one any day;  
I’d rather one should walk with me, than merely tell the way.  
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,  
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;  
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,  
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.  
   
I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done;  
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.  
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,  
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;  
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,  
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.  
   
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.  
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stays behind.  
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me;  
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that man to be.  
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today,  
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.  
   
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;  
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.  
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,  
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear  
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence I say,  
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day!   
Dads – do your best to preach Godly sermons…every day.
   
Jesus, always Jesus!     
Dennis  

DON'T BET ON TOMORROW  
   
“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Jam. 4:14). Did you know that, on average, over 150,000 people die every day? Tomorrow will never come for countless thousands. Moreover, the majority of these have no clue that their earthly life is about to end. What if tomorrow never comes for you or me? Are we READY for that possibility?
    
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, WE MUST BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE SAVED. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Moreover He commanded us to believe in Him – John 8:24, repent of our sins - Luke 13:3,5, confess His name before others – Matt. 10:32, and be baptized – Mark 16:16. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus and obeyed the gospel?  
   
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, WE MUST BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE TRULY FAITHFUL TO CHRIST. Revelation 2:10 states, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” “Faithful” means to be persistent, steadfast and obedient to the end. Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Are you truly faithful to Jesus Christ?  
   
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, WE MUST BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE BUSY SERVING THE LORD. The apostle Paul urged, “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). He added, “…let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal. 6:9) Are you serving the Lord in some way today?  
   
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, WE MUST BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE A LIGHT TO OUR FAMILY & FRIENDS. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Paul added, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). Are you living the type of life that you would want your spouse, children or other loved ones to imitate?  
    
We MUST be prepared for the possibility that tomorrow may never come. If you are not prepared, do something about it TODAY. You will never regret doing so.  
    
Jesus, always Jesus!  
    
Dennis

​

PREACHING THE TRUTH  
   
Two Christians, a preacher and a taxi driver, died and went to heaven. An angel met them at the pearly gates. "Follow me", he told the taxi driver. He then led the man to a spacious mansion, furnished with priceless treasures. “I'm overwhelmed!" exclaimed the humble cabbie.  
   
Returning to the preacher, the angel led him to a small, modestly furnished structure. "Hold on", protested the preacher. "There’s been a mistake. Shouldn't I have received the mansion? After all, I preached for over 50 years!"  
   
"Yes", replied the angel. "But many of those in your assemblies fell asleep." "Granted", retorted the preacher, "But what entitles the taxi driver to a superior reward?" The angel said, "Because the passengers in his cab not only stayed awake, most of them PRAYED for the duration of the trip."
   
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It’s been said, “A faithful preacher should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” The apostle Paul wrote, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28).  When preachers boldly speak the truth, even sleeping saints frequently awaken.  
 
Unfortunately, preachers are tempted soften or dilute their messages in order to avoid offending anyone. After all, preachers who “make waves” or “rock the boat” tend to have the shortest tenures. On the other hand, preachers that “preach to please” invariably fail to help a congregation in any meaningful way.
   
Although the apostle Paul preached the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), he never diluted his messages in order to please men. “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16)  Moreover, he exhorted Timothy to “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2-3).  
   
It has been said that, “A faithful preacher always aims to please God. If he aims to please men, he will miss the Divine Mark.”  Paul expressed it this way, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10).  
   
Please pray that I will lovingly but courageously preach the TRUTH, regardless of consequence.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis