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Baby Steps....

3/10/2023

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BABY STEPS TO WINNING SOULS
   
Jesus commanded His followers to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Obeying our Lord's command means sharing the gospel with people around us.  
   
Over the past 75 years, many methods of sharing the Good News have been used with success. Filmstrips, tracts, videos, mass brochure mailings, Bible Correspondence Courses, online Bible studies and other tools have been effectively employed.
   
At the same time, many Christians feel inadequate when it comes to sharing Jesus with others. The following questions frequently arise: How do I begin a conversation about salvation?   What should I say?   What if the other person is not interested?   What if I say something offensive?   What if I make a mistake?  
   
First, we need to realize that it is the devil who plants doubts in our minds. (He does everything possible to keep us from talking to others about Jesus!)  
   
Second, we also need to remember that not saying anything is perhaps the biggest mistake we can make.  
   
Third, focus on taking baby steps. In teaching a person about salvation, it is not necessary to explain the whole Bible or everything about the church and Christian living. (This will come in time.) The first baby step might be to ask someone if they go to church. If they do, ask them about their church. Then mention that you attend the church of Christ, and would love to have them visit.  
   
With God's help, that first baby step will lead to additional conversations in which you can share more about the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.  
   
It's been said that the most effective method of soul winning is person-to-person, friend-to-friend. So don’t hesitate to take that first baby step in pointing someone towards heaven!
   
A Recommitted Me In 2023!  
   
Dennis  
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What Love Looks Like

3/3/2023

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WHAT DOES LOVE LOOK LIKE?  
   
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).
  
God did not just SAY that He loves us. As Paul stated above, God demonstrated (proved, revealed) His love for mankind by allowing Jesus to be crucified and to bear our sins on the cross.
  
After demonstrating us His amazing love for us, God commands us to love one another. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1 John 4:11). Moreover, Jesus said that loving others as we love ourselves is the second greatest commandment - Mark 12:29-31.
  
Do we take these commands seriously? It is relatively easy to shake hands or hug others and say, “I love you.” However, the love that God requires is much more than verbal acknowledgment. It must be demonstrated. Below are several Bible examples of manifesting love for others.
  
  • Doing good and showing kindness to those who hurt, insult or oppose us (Luke 6:35-36
  • Being patient with the imperfections and weaknesses of others (Eph. 4:2, Col. 3:13).
  • Being ready and willing to forgive others (Matt, 6:14-15).
  • Being willing to confess wrongs to one another (Jam. 5:16).
  • Praying for each other (Jam. 5:16).
  • Serving each another (Galatians 5:13).
  • Being ready to meet the needs of others (Titus 3:14).
  • Encouraging one another to do good and remain faithful to God (Heb 10:24).

      
    Demonstrating love is not always easy or convenient, but God asks nothing of us that we cannot perform. And the reward for obeying will be more than worth it – Gal. 6:9.
      

    A Recommitted Me in 2023! 

     Dennis
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Family!

3/3/2023

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GOD’S FAMILY     
“Were part of the family that's been born again; part of the family whose love knows no end;  
for Jesus has saved us, and made as His own, now were part of the family that's on its way home.  
And sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry; sometimes we share together, heartaches and sighs; sometimes we dream together of how it will be, when we all get to heaven – God's family!  (Lanny Wolf)
   
Those lyrics should describe the Lord’s church. The apostle Paul wrote, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but FELLOW CITIZENS with the saints and members of the household of God…" (Eph. 2:19). Moreover, in 1 Tim. 3:15 he added, "I write so that you may know how you ought to CONDUCT yourself in the house of God…"  
   
Conducting ourselves properly as God’s family includes nine obligations we have to one another.  
   
1. We must love one another – 1 Pet. 2:17. (Genuine love must be demonstrated – 1 John 3:18.)  
2. We must forgive one another – Eph. 4:32.  
3. We must comfort and edify one another – 1 Thess. 5:11.  
4. We must provide material assistance to one another when needed – Gal. 6:10, 5:13.  
5. We must visit one another – especially widows, shut-ins, the sick and those that require encouragement – Jam. 1 27, Mt. 25:36.  
6. We must pray for one another – 1 Tim. 2:1.  
7. We must try to rescue those that are going astray – Gal. 6:1; Jam. 5:19-20.  
8. We must discipline those that refuse to repent of sin – 2 Thess. 3:6, 14; Rom. 16:17.  
9. We must assemble frequently in order to encourage and motivate one another  – Heb. 10:24-25.  
   
Remember – we must demonstrate to the world that we are above the petty quarrels, clashes and disputes that frequently divide and alienate people. If we fail to behave like God's family, we do the world a disservice, not to mention disobeying God’s clear commands.
   
 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins." (1 Pet. 4:8)  
   
A Recommitted Me in 2023!  
   
Dennis
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Commitment

2/14/2023

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How Important is Commitment?  
   
Ask any coach, supervisor or manager if commitment is important for success, and you’ll hear a unanimous “Yes!” To be committed means to be fully or completely dedicated to a task, endeavor or goal. It means to remain engaged, despite setbacks and distractions.  
   
Commitment requires that one carry out a sustained effort over the long haul. But this rarely comes easily. In order to be truly committed to anything, one must develop routines and habits that keep one focused on the objective or goal. This might include repeating the goal aloud daily, visualizing success, and recording progress on paper.  
   
For Christians, commitment is essential to pleasing God and following Christ. Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Lk. 9:62). It will help if we strive to be committed in the eight spiritual areas listed below.  
   
1. Be committed in your FAITH in Jesus Christ (Col. 2:5).  
   
2. Be committed in your BIBLE STUDY (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15).  
   
3. Be committed in your PRAYERS (1 Thess. 5:17).  
   
4. Be committed in your WORSHIP ATTENDANCE (Heb. 10:24-25).  
   
5. Be committed in your GIVING (2 Cor. 9:6-8).  
   
6. Be committed in your SERVICE TO OTHERS (Gal. 6:10)  
   
7. Be committed in your LOVE FOR OTHERS (1 Pet. 4:8; 1 John 4:11).  
   
8. Be committed in SHARING YOUR FAITH (Mark 16:15, 1 Tim. 3:15).  
   
It’s easy to see that commitment is very important to the Christian. Endeavor to become even more committed in your service to God, and He will richly bless you for doing so!  
   
A Recommitted Me in 2023
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To WAIT or Not To Wait.....

2/9/2023

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PERILS OF PROCRASTINATION 
  
Mark Twain once quipped, “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done the day after tomorrow...” Although that is taking procrastination to an extreme, most of us occasionally struggle with putting things off. Examples include cleaning the house, garage or attic, making a doctor or dentist appointment, doing homework, paying a bill, filling our vehicle with gas, eating healthier,  or something as simple as getting ready for work or church.
  
Although putting things off may not seem to be a serious issue, most of us would agree that we’d be better off if we handled things in a timely manner. In fact, the Bible contains numerous examples of procrastinators that paid a steep price for putting things off.  
  
Consider the rich man in the parable Jesus told in Luke 16:19-21. He essentially thought only of himself, while ignoring a starving beggar at his gate – Lazarus. While he may have planned to help Lazarus at some point, his life ended before he got around to it. After opening his eyes in flaming torment, he likely wished countless times that he’d helped Lazarus when he’d the chance.
  
In Acts 24:25 the apostle Paul stood before the governor Felix and taught him concerning Jesus Christ. Felix was then given a opportunity that few rulers of his day received. “Now as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” What a wasted opportunity! As far as we know, Felix never obeyed the gospel.
  
Remember Jesus' parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13? The five foolish virgins refused to take the opportunity to obtain extra oil for their lamps in case the bridegroom was delayed. It turned out that he was delayed, and the five foolish virgins ran out of oil. Although they made a last minute effort to obtain oil for their lamps, it was too late. The door to the wedding was closed, and they were left in the darkness.
  
If we procrastinate when it comes to doing God’s will, we may end up in serious trouble ourselves.
  Have you putt off reading your bible daily?
  • Have you put off improving your church or Bible class attendance?
  • Have you put off increasing your giving?
  • Have you put off contacting our shut-ins or those who’ve been missing services?
  • Have you put off forgiving someone that hurt you?
  • Have you put off talking to your neighbor about salvation?
      
    “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
      

    A Recommitted Me in 2023!
Dennis
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IF Quiz

2/9/2023

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Quiz - Important If’s in the Bible(How many can you answer correctly?)  
   
1. “IF you ______ Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
   
2. “IF you abide in My word, you are My __________ indeed” (John 8:31).
   
3. “…IF they fall away, to renew them again to _____________” (Heb. 6:6).
   
4. “IF you ___________ with all your heart, you may [be baptized]" (Acts 8:37).
   
5. “IF you _________ with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom 10:9).
   
6. “IF we _______ with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” (Rom. 6:8).
   
7. “IF I then, your Lord and Teacher, have _______ your feet, you also ought to _______ one another’s feet” (John 13:14).
   
8. “IF God so _______ us, we also ought to ______ one another (1 John 4:11).
   
9. “IF you have anything against anyone, _________ him, that your Father in heaven may also _________ you..." (Mark 11:25).
   
10. "IF any of you lacks __________, let him ask of God..." (Jam. 1:5).
   
11. "IF one member _________, all the members _________ with it; or if one member is __________, all the members _________ with it” (1 Cor. 12:26).
   
12. “IF our earthly house [body], is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the ___________ (2 Cor. 5:1).
   
A Recommitted Me in 2023!  
   
Dennis   
Answers:  
1. Love                  2. Disciples               3. Repentance          4. Believe  
5. Confess             6. Died                  7. Washed/wash      8. Loved/love  
9.Forgive/forgive    10. Wisdom               11. Suffer/suffer, honored/rejoice  
12. Heavens

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Jesus and Temptation

1/27/2023

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Satan’s Top 3 Weapons   
In Luke’s version of the wilderness temptations of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13), Satan tempted our Lord in three ways. But don’t let the small number fool you. Virtually every conceivable temptation has its roots in those three enticements. John summarizes them as follows, “...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).
  
Below is a breakdown of the three temptations Jesus faced, followed by a correlation to our temptations.
  
1. The Lust of the Flesh 
  • After fasting 40 days in the wilderness Jesus was on the verge of starvation. Satan challenged Him to demonstrate His divinity by turning stones to bread and satisfying His hunger. But Jesus refused, citing a greater need for His Father's word (Luke 4:3-4). 
  • Satan is keenly familiar with our fleshly appetites, and would have us seek to satisfy them first and foremost. Although certain physical needs should be met, none compares to our need for God’s word.
      

    2. The Lust of the Eyes 
  • In a moment of time, Satan showed Jesus all the world’s kingdoms and offered Him full control in exchange for worshipping the tempter. It must have been genuinely tempting, for Jesus could have literally ruled the world! But worshipping Satan was out of the question!

  • Although our eyes are crucial for safely navigating this world, Satan temps us to look at things that hinder spiritual growth or pollute our souls. But we must control what we see, regardless of Satan's allurements and enticing promises.
      

    3. The Pride of Life 
  • Satan dared Jesus to jump from the pinnacle of the temple to prove His identity and substantiate God’s promise to protect Him. Pride could have prompted Jesus to jump, but He refused. Testing God’s promises would violate His Father's will - Deut. 6:16.

  • Pride has caused countless problems for people, including Christians. Sometimes we are tempted to believe that we are a “bit better than others”. Such feelings, however, inevitably lead to haughtiness, a judgmental spirit, anger, bitter words and grudges. Remember - “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).
      

     Jesus forever proved that temptations can be overcome by using God's word. In fact, He was "in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). It all began when He resisted the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life.
      
    May God help us to follow in His steps – 1 Pet. 2:21.
      
    A Recommitted Me in 2023! 

      Dennis

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God's Enduring Word!

1/18/2023

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God's Enduring Word! 
  
Things that endure and stand the test of time are impressive. Examples include life-long marriages or friendships, well-constructed houses or furniture, long-lasting vehicles, appliances, tools or clothing. 
  
As impressive as these might be, nothing compares with the enduring words of God as recorded in the Bible. Written over a period 1600 years and completed some 2,000 years ago, it continues to flourish despite countless attempts to discredit it. Some of the world’s brightest (so-called) intellectuals claimed that the Bible would obsolete by the end of the 19th century. Yet in the 21st century it continues to be the world's #1 bestseller.  
  
Moreover, the Bible itself repeatedly affirms that God’s word will endure forever. 
  • “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever" (Isa.  40:8).
  •  “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psa. 119:89). 
  • "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away"   (Matt. 24:35, Mark 13:31).
  • “...the Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35). 
  • “…the word of God which lives and abides forever... (1 Pet. 1:23). 
  • “The grass withers, And its flower falls away,  But the word of the LORD endures forever" (1 Peter 1:24-25).

       
    Hammer and the Anvil (Author unknown) 
  • Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith's door and heard the anvil ring the vesper chime:
  • Then looking in, I saw upon the floor old hammers, worn with beating years of time.
  • "How many anvils have you had," said I, "To wear and batter all these hammers so?"
  • "Just one," said he, and then, with twinkling eye, "The anvil wears the hammers out, you know." 
  • And so, thought I, the anvil of God's word, for ages skeptic blows have beat upon;
  • Yet though the noise of falling blows was heard, the anvil is unharmed; the hammers gone. 
  Praise God for His enduring word!

 A Recommitted Me in 2023! 
  
Dennis
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Great New Year (Part 2)

1/9/2023

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10 TIPS FOR A GREAT NEW YEAR (Part 2) 
  
As indicated in my previous article, SMALL changes can have a BIG IMPACT on our lives in 2023. Below are 5 additional tips that will help ensure that we have the best 2023 possible. 
  
6. Begin each day by listening to God!  Do so by reading or listening to the Bible. Nothing will so effectively help us to cope with the challenges of life as God's word. Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12b). Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4). 
  
7. Take time to meditate on God’s words. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;  but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa. 1:1-2). After hearing or reading from the Bible, take a few minutes to let the words sink in. Better yet, discuss them with family members. Don’t be like the masses that “read & run”. 
  
8. Spend more time with Christians. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another DAILY, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Heb 3:12-13). The more time we spend with other Christians the easier it will be for us to  “recommit” to God in 2023. 
  
9. Pray for one lost soul daily. The apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom 10:1-2). Paul could not help but pray for lost souls of which he was aware. Determine to do the same. Ask God to use you in some way to help direct lost souls to Christ! 
  
10. Increase your giving. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom (Luke 6:38). Paul added, “…he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). Increasing your weekly contribution by even a dollar or two will help the church and bring you a return from God! 
  
A Recommitted Me in 2023! 
  
Dennis
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Great New Year (Part 1)

1/9/2023

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10 TIPS FOR A GREAT NEW YEAR (Part 1) 
  
As we begin 2023, don’t overlook the fact that SMALL changes can have a BIG IMPACT on the New Year. Below are 10 small things you can do every day that will help ensure a blessed 2023. 
  
1. Thank God daily! David wrote, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits” (Psa. 69:18). The apostle Paul added, “…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father...” (Eph. 5:20). Thanking God does not take long, but brings a special perk - in every society the most thankful people are invariably the happiest! 
  
2. Lift up (at least) one person daily! Virtually everyone we encounter - postal workers, delivery drivers, receptionists, waitresses, cashiers (not to mention relatives) receive far less encouragement that they deserve. Say something nice; it will give both of you a lift! "…a word spoken in due season, how good it is”  (Prov. 15:23). 
  
3. Think before speaking!  Millions of marriages, family relationships, friendships and church relationships have been damaged and even ruined by angry or bitter words. James wrote, “…the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:5-6). Although sticks and stones may break our bones, cutting remarks can terminate precious relationships.  
  
4. Be the first to apologize!  The biggest obstacle to forgiving others is pride. Never allow your pride to keep you from saying, “I'm sorry", even if the other person is partly at fault. And if an offender apologizes you, be QUICK to forgive. Jesus taught us to pray, “…forgive us our debts, AS WE FORGIVE our debtors” (Mt. 6:12). 
  
5. Gradually decrease your possessions. A popular bumper sticker reads, “He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins!" Sadly, countless Americans believe it. Millions measure their success by the number of things they own. But Jesus warned, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15).  Paul added that becoming obsessed with money or things can cause us to “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Tim. 6:9). Begin shedding some of your material baggage. You will end up richer toward God! 
  
To be continued! 
  
A Recommitted Me in 2023! 
  
Dennis 
  
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