Please Help Us!
 
"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, come over to Macedonia and help us. Now after he had seen the vision, immediately, we sought to go to Macedonia concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them." Acts 16:9-10
 
I've often wondered about the identity of the man from Macedonia that appeared to Paul in that vision. Regardless of his identity, however, his plea was urgent. The gospel message of salvation was desperately needed in that region, so God revealed this to the apostle Paul and his companions. They wasted no time in leaving for Macedonia.
 
There is a similar urgent plea from thousands of hurting, struggling, and displaced souls in the South who were affected by hurricane Helene. Many have died, and more are unaccounted for. Fresh water, gasoline,  generators, food, blankets, clothing and first aid supplies are in short supply. The need is as overwhelming as we have seen in recent years.
 
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort (based in Nashville, TN) Is currently involved in coordinating deliveries of the above items and much more. However, the staggering need far outweighs the financial resources currently available.
 
Which is why our help is urgently needed in sending a donation to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort as soon as possible. If you can assist, please give your most generous donation possible to Jim Romans. We hope to send a check very soon.
 
Thank you, and may God bless you for your help during this extraordinary time of need.
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

PULL THEM TO SAFETY!
 
Two young mountain climbers were attempting to negotiate a sheer cliff face on the Teton mountain range in Wyoming. Near disaster occurred, however, when the lead climber placed his hand into a crevasse and felt a sharp, jagged stone cut into his fingers. Losing his grip, he promptly fell to the end of his safety line, but a carabiner (special metal clip) then failed, leaving him dangling upside down, disorientated and helpless. Fortunately, his partner and close friend (“Two ARE better than one” – Ecc. 4:9) swiftly came to his friend’s aid, shouting words of encouragement and reassurance. Although the rescue required hours of careful, grueling work, he finally pulled his grateful companion to safety.
 
****************************************************************************************
 
As Christians, there are times when you and I are needed to pull fellow Christians from the perilous cliffs of willful sin, spiritual stupor or unfaithfulness. At this moment we have struggling brothers and sisters that desperately need our attention, concern and encouragement to restore them to the safety of God’s fold. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that this is an important part of our service to God.
 
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1).
 
“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).
 
God’s word also reminds us to “look out not only for (your) own interests, but also for the interests of others (Php 2:4).
 
So, let’s begin contacting members who have not attended our services for some time (or attend infrequently). They may have lost their spiritual grip, and are helplessly dangling between God and the devil. Remind them that we love them, care for them, and desire to be in regular fellowship again.
 
Who knows what might result if each of us makes just one call, sends one text, or makes one visit of encouragement to those struggling souls who are waiting to be pulled to safety?
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

CHANGING LEAVES & CHRISTIANS
 
As autumn approaches, many of us welcome the cooler temperatures (just ask my wife) and the changing of the seasons. This reminds us of God’s assurance to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, and day and night Shall not cease” (Gen. 8:22).
 
Along with the changing weather comes the stunning magnificence of autumn colors. We marvel at the bright reds, oranges, yellows, and all hues in between as the trees prepare for the approaching winter.
 
As you know, the changing seasons are part of God’s marvelous plan, previously referenced in Genesis 8. During the summer, these same leaves provide oxygen for us to breathe, along with  shade from the heat. But as they progress through their cycle, the leaves change color, fade, fall, and eventually decay back into the earth. Come spring, we anticipate the arrival of countless green buds appearing on the bare trees.
 
Consider how our lives correspond to this cycle. While young, we are typically active, energetic and productive. As the years pass, changes begin to occur in our stamina, productivity and appearance. In time, we arrive at our final days, followed by our bodies being laid to rest in the soil. But not forever. Jesus assured us that “the hour is coming when all that are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth-- those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).


Whatever “season” you find yourself in today, be thankful to God that you are still alive. And when the time comes for the body of a faithful Christian to “fall from the tree”, a glorious, eternal spring awaits in heaven!
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

Demise of Sunday Night Worship?
 
Traditions come and go. One such tradition in American churches is the Sunday evening worship service. It’s unclear when the tradition started, but records indicate that churches have been holding evening services for well over 100 years.
 
Over the past 50 years, however, there has been a steady decline in terms of Sunday evening attendances. Even in strong, thriving churches, the numbers of Christians returning for Sunday night worship are typically less than 50% of those attending morning services. To make matters worse, following the COVID-19 pandemic many congregations have permanently discontinued evening services.
 
Sadly, some Christians are relieved that they no longer need to feel guilty about missing Sunday night worship while enjoying other activities. More than a few parents rejoice that they can relax on Sunday nights while their children play or watch TV.  Some preachers are thankful because their study and lesson preparation has been reduced by 40 to 50%.
 
Meanwhile, Christians that cannot attend Sunday morning services miss out on worshipping God with their brethren. Believers that look forward to attending every service are likewise deprived of worshipping God on Sunday nights. Visitors to the area are dismayed to find vacant parking lots and locked doors.
 
Unless more Christians take Matthew 6:33 seriously (“Seek first the kingdom of God”), Sunday evening services may become the exception, rather than the rule. Or may eventually no longer occur at all.
 
So, what guidance does God give us concerning the “demise” of Sunday evening worship? “…let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much THE MORE as you see the Day approaching (Heb. 10:24-25).
 
Returning to worship God on Sunday nights is not always easy or convenient, but I have never regretted doing so. How about you?
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

SOME SOUNDS (AS WELL AS SILENCE) ARE GOLDEN
 
The old adage, “Silence is golden” comes from a longer proverb believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. In 1831, it was first printed in English by poet Thomas Carlyle. Even the Bible mentions the importance of silence. “A time to keep silent…” (Ecc. 3:7); "…the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him." (Hab 2:20).
 
Yet, at times, sounds can be more valuable than silence. For example, during our worship assembly you may hear gurgling, gooing, whining, fussing, crying and an occasional shriek. These sounds obviously come from our young children. In fact, the church in Milan is EXCEEDINGLY blessed with young children, as well as older ones.
 
Some people might think it strange to consider such sounds as positive. But there are scores of congregations that have few (or no) children, and the resulting silence is deafening. I have spoken with numerous preachers and elders that commented about how blessed the church in Milan is to have an abundance of children. Some much larger churches have fewer children than we possess. We are blessed indeed!
 
Don’t you think that God desires for His church to be filled with children? Children that are learning about Him, His Son, salvation, heaven, and more? On one occasion Jesus took a little child and set him by Him, and said, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me” (Luke 9:47-48).
 
May we embrace and celebrate our children, and continue to grow and thrive as the family of God. “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3).
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

The UNDYING Name of Jesus Christ


"…God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth..." (Phil. 2:9-10)


Most people hope that their name will be remembered long after they pass from this life. Which, incidentally, is one purpose of memorial markers or headstones at gravesites. To some, this is crucial, as if being remembered after death guarantees a way to live on forever. Although a few well-known individuals have been remembered for many centuries (Alexander the Great, Augustus, Nero, Cleopatra), no other human name has been or will be remembered for as long as the name of Jesus Christ.


“Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your fame, O LORD, throughout all generations. For the LORD will judge His people, And He will have compassion on His servants” (Psalm 135:13–14).


“His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed. Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen” (Psalm 72:17–19).


"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Co 2:2).


Let us dedicate ourselves to keeping the name of Jesus Christ going strong for as long as we live (and far beyond)!


Live for the Lord in 2024!


Dennis
​

Are Traditions (in the Church) Always Bad?
 
“For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men-- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." (Jesus) said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition… making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do" (Mark 7:8-9, 13).
 
When it comes to the Lord’s church, the word “tradition” frequently carries a negative connotation. And no wonder. In the above passage, Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees because they used their traditions to make the word of God of no effect.
 
However, before rejecting traditions entirely, we should be aware that the Bible actually endorses traditions that are based on the truth.
 
“Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you” 1 Cor. 11:2.
 
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” 2 Thess. 2:15.
 
“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us” 2 Thess 3:6.
 
Below are a few examples of “traditions” that are based on God’s word:
 
·        Assembling with the church (Acts 2:44-47; Heb. 10:24-25).
·        Praying together (Acts 4:23-31; James 5:16).
·        Partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29).
·        Giving (Luke 6:38; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).
·        Singing Praises to God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
·        Loving one another (John 13:34, Rom 13:8).
·        Forgiving one another (Eph. 4:32, Col. 3:13).
·        Doing Good to Others (Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).
·        Sharing the Gospel (Matt. 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16).


May we continue to observe those traditions that are approved by God!
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

WHY SUPPORT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL?
 
1. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS PRIMARILY AIMED AT THOSE WHO ARE THE MOST RECEPTIVE TO THE GOSPEL – CHILDREN. According to a Barna Research Study, approximately 50% of all those that obey the gospel do so by the age of 15.
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them…”  Mark 10:14.
 
2. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS A GREAT OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY. On average, 25% of the children that attend come from unchurched homes. These youngsters (and their parents) deserve an opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ. Vacation Bible School provides such an opportunity.
“…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Rom. 10:17.
 
3. CHILDREN GET EXCITED ABOUT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. They eagerly anticipate the singing, games, prizes, classes, crafts, snacks and friends. At the same time, they learn more about God’s word, the parables of Jesus, and more.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” Prov. 22:6
 
4. VBS PERMITS OUR CHILDREN TO SPEND MORE TIME TOGETHER. As our children mature it is vital that they develop close friendships within the church. Their future faithfulness may depend upon such relationships.
“…exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”  Heb. 10:25.
 
5. VBS GIVES ADULTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENCOURAGE OUR CHILDREN. Since our children are the FUTURE of the church, it is imperative that adults provide them with attention and encouragement. Nationwide, thousands of children have been known to return to church services because one or more adults made them feel special!
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19:14
 
Please attend our 2024 Vacation Bible School. You will be glad that you did!
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

Be Careful with Your Sword
 
The Garden of Gethsemane was a peaceful place, and Jesus often went to that area to rest (Lk. 22:39). Moreover, on the night of His betrayal, He chose it as the place where he would pray to His Father. In the midst of the garden’s solitude, however, came the sound of a hostile multitude bearing swords and clubs, led by Judas.
 
The scene must have been chaotic as the mob grabbed Jesus and placed Him under arrest. In an act of rash bravery, Simon Peter drew his sword and swung it toward the captors, cutting off the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest (John 18:10).
 
As a bloody fight was about to ensue, Jesus promptly ended it by saying “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). Moreover, Jesus reached out and miraculously healed the injured man’s right ear.
 
Perhaps we can learn a valuable lesson from this narrative.
 
In our defense of the gospel, we sometimes act like Peter. We rashly draw the sword of harsh rebuttal to those that disagree with us. In our well-intentioned attempts to defend the truth, we may inadvertently violate God’s will. The apostle Paul told Timothy, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all and in humility correcting those who are in opposition” (2 Tim. 2:24). Yes, we are to be ready to give an answer and defense to those who oppose God’s word, but we must do so with meekness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15).
 
During Jesus’ trial, He indicated that His Father could have sent twelve legions of angels to save Him (Matt. 26:53). But Jesus did not come to be rescued. In a similar way, God’s truths do not need to be “rescued” by fanatical Christians who denigrate and disparage those that oppose them. Instead, God’s word should be shared with concern and love. Remember - enemies prefer fighting to listening. So be very careful how you use your sword.
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis