WHOSE SIDE ARE WE ON?  
   
After Joshua took over the leadership of Israel and prepared to enter the promised land, he encountered a man with a drawn sword. Joshua cautiously approached him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" (Josh. 5:13). Joshua needed to determine whether the man was friend or foe. It turned out that the “man” was the Captain of the Lord's host, and was on the side of Israel.
   
Sometime later, when the Israelites gave up on Moses due to his extended stay on the mountain, they compelled Aaron to make them a golden calf to worship. Moses, descending the mountain, suddenly appeared. Initially it was not easy for him to distinguish between the people that were loyal to Jehovah and those that worshipped the idol. Thus he asked, “Who is on the Lord's side? Let him come to me" (Exo. 32:26). Moses needed to determine whom he could count on to stand up for the Lord.
   
Whose side are we on? The Lord desires for all Christians to stand unequivocally with Him. Unfortunately, some Christians have acquired some of the behavior and habits of the worldly. As a consequence, the distinction between them and the world is increasingly blurred.
   
For instance, some Christians talk like the world. They frequently take God's name in vain (“Oh my God!”); some even use profanity on occasion. And others routinely tell “white lies” – which are lies all the same. Whose side are they on?
   
Other Christians dress like the world. They frequently wear clothing that is too short, too low or too tight. It is not unusual to see some Christians attend church services wearing such attire, especially in the summer. Based on their appearance, whose side are they on?  
   
What about Christians that frequent the world's favorite haunts - casinos, bars, nightclubs, dance halls, even strip clubs? It is not hard to guess whose side these folks are on.
   
God wants His people to be decidedly different from the world. Sadly, Christians that routinely “blend in” with the world become just like the world…and essentially useless to the Lord.
   
Whose side are you and I on?  
   
Jesus, Always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

Avoid the Road to Rome


Twenty centuries ago a commonly heard saying was, "All roads lead to Rome." Although it was essentially true, it was not necessarily appreciated. And neither should it be today.

In describing the decline of the Roman Empire, author Edward Gibbon cited five contributing factors.


1. Deterioration of the traditional home and escalating rates of divorce. Tragically, America is going down that same road. Not only do 50% of marriages end in divorce, millions of couples forgo marriage entirely, choosing instead to live in fornication.


2. Escalating taxes and the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace. Although Christians are morally obligated to pay taxes (Rom. 13:6-7), it is tragic that billions of our tax dollars subsidize abortions, the promotion of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and pornographic media expression. Rome would be proud.


3. The mad craze for erotic pleasures, and sports becoming increasingly brutal. Millions of Americans regularly watch (and create) pornographic videos, patronize businesses specializing in exotic entertainment, consume alcoholic beverages, use illicit drugs or gamble. Millions more are hooked on savage cage fighting, featuring plenty of blood. Rome had nothing on us.


4. The building of gigantic armaments to protect from enemies without, while the real enemy was the decadence within. America spends more money on weapons and ammunition daily than it's annual expenditures on programs to support traditional families and Christian liberties. A world leader once predicted that America, like Rome, will fall without a single shot being fired from an outside enemy. He may be right.


5. The decay of religion—faith fading into tradition and form, becoming impotent to warn and guide the people. Paul spoke of the “last days”, in which people will possess a form of godliness but deny its power - 2 Tim. 3:4-5. Many religious groups currently specialize in fun and entertainment as opposed to the comprehensive study and application of God’s word.


America is increasingly following the road to Rome, while moving farther from God. Some of our leaders are trying to remove “In God We Trust” from our currency, and "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. As Christians, this is the time to fervently pray for our country, leaders and homes - 1 Tim. 2:1-2.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis

A New Year Passes Quickly  
   
Although this is the first Sunday of 2021, believe me, the New Year will grow “old” before we know it.
   
As a young child, it seemed as though a year was an interminable period of time. The school year seemed as though it would never end. Christmas seemed to take forever to arrive. Even in my teen years, time seemed to drag. At age 15, I thought age 18 would never come. And at 18, it seemed that age 21 would require ages to arrive.
   
But then something curious happened. Time appeared to speed up, and the years seemed to click off more quickly. Today, the expression “time flies” seems like an understatement. Moreover, during the past few years I have become keenly aware that my time on earth is limited, and my life will likely soon be over. At some point I will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ and give an account of my life.
   
As we enter this New Year, remember what is truly important. It is not how many tasks we accomplish, promotions we receive or how much money we earn or possessions we accumulate. What really matters is our relationship with God. Getting to heaven and taking others with us must be our priority. As a church we must focus on attending every service possible. We need to reach out to brothers and sisters in Christ that no longer attend or do so sporadically. And let’s not forget about the lost; we need to reach out and get them to our services.
   
Time is passing, and there is much to do. Let’s use our time wisely, squeezing out as much good as we can for the cause of Christ.
   
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful..." 1 Pet. 4:7
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

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HOLIDAY VERSION OF 1 COR. 13(Although this should not be confused with scripture, it is an interesting adaptation. DRS)
Though I sing carols with the same passion displayed by the angels at Jesus’ birth, but do not speak kindly to my enemies, I’m just making noise.
Though I buy expensive gifts for family and close friends, but give pocket change to the poor, I’m just a show-off.
Though I realize that Jesus’ was most likely born in the spring, and that His birth is meaningless apart from His death, but do not share His gospel with the lost, I’m useless.
Though I possess sufficient faith in Jesus to repent of my sins, confess His name and be baptized, but do not put Jesus first in my life, I’m fooling myself.
Though I slave away in the kitchen, preparing a sumptuous Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, but fail to invite a lonely soul, it profits me nothing.
And though I decorate my home with wreaths, bows and an ornate tree with blinking bulbs, but fail to be a living light for Jesus, what’s the point?
Love leaves the cooking long enough to hold a child.
Love sets aside the decorating long enough to embrace my spouse.
Love is kind, even when harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s house that displays the latest, greatest holiday lights.
Love doesn’t scream at the kids to keep out of the way, but thanks God that they are present to be in the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who reciprocate, but gives even more to those who can’t.
Love bears grumpy relatives, believes in Jesus, hopes for heaven, and endures dark days.
Love never quits.
Toys will break, new garments will wear out and golf clubs will rust, but showing love will always make a difference.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis

​First Things First
Revised, by Luke Bower

A man was teaching a class about time management.

He brought out a gallon-size jar and a bunch of rocks. One by one he placed the rocks into the jar. Then he asked the group if the jar was full. They all exclaimed that it was.

The man then pulled out a bucket of gravel and poured it into the jar, shaking the jar as he poured so the gravel would settle between the rocks. He again asked the class if the jar was full. Catching on, most said no.

Then the man pulled out a bucket of sand and poured it into the jar, filling the small cracks between the gravel. He yet again asked if the jar was full. Most said "Yes", but a few students weren't sure.

“Good,” said the teacher as he pulled out a pitcher of water and filled the holes left by the sand.

When he was through, he asked, “What is the point of this illustration?” One student spoke up: “No matter how full your schedule is, you can still do more!”

The teacher replied: “No, the point is that if you fail to put in the big rocks first, they will never fit.”

It is important to make sure we first fit the “big rocks” of life into our schedules. If we don’t make time for things like family and friends, we will inevitably neglect them. But more importantly, as Christians we need to make plenty of time for God. If we wait until all the work, daily tasks, and chores are done, God will be short-changed.

Are you making plenty time for the "big rocks", especially the Rock of Ages (1 Pet. 2:6)?

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

THE U IN JESUS
A Christian poem by Laketa
   
Before U were born or time had even begun,  
God placed U in the name of His Son.  
   
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,  
You can't say JesUs and not include U.  
   
U are a big part of His wonderful name,  
For U He was born; U are why He came.  
   
His great love for U is the reason He died.  
It even takes U to spell crUcified.  
   
Isn't it thrilling and incredibly grand,  
He rose from the grave with U in His plan?  
   
Stones split open; some graves did too,  
Even the word resUrrection is spelled with a U.  
   
Before JesUs left for His upward ascension,  
One thing remained for Him to mention.  
   
Go into the world and assure them its true,  
God so loved the world - Just as I love U.  
   
Many great names are spelled with a U,  
And every last one needs JesUs too!  
   
It all depends now on what U will do,  
The world needs JesUs, and it all starts with U.  
   
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” Romans 10:14  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis  

​A Few Reasons to Thank God...

Despite the worldwide ramifications of the pandemic, the uncertainty surrounding the recent election, and other day-to-day issues, there is a great deal to thank God these days. Below are 5 examples.

1. Our salvation. Romans 8:1 assures us that, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." Knowing that we possess an eternal home with God, Christ, and countless saints is our greatest blessing. Since nothing (covid-19 included) can separate us from the love of God - Romans 8:39, we should be especially thankful.

2. Our families. Although many families have been negatively impacted by covid-19, the majority of us still have our families intact and healthy. That is a blessing that is hard to beat!

3. Our church family. Although our Sunday School classes are not meeting, most of our of other services continue. Worshipping and studying with beloved brothers and sisters in Christ is a tremendous blessing.

4. Frontline workers. Thank God for the paramedics, nurses, doctors, personal support workers, and others that continue to put everything on the line to help us and protect our health.

5. The internet. Although not everything on the internet is true or Godly, what would we do without it? We communicate, shop, stay informed, look up information, receive education and much more via the World Wide Web. Many are able to work at home via the internet.

The aforementioned things barely scratch the surface of our blessings. Whatever you do during these trying days, make certain to thank God!

Jesus, always Jesus! 

Dennis

Tribute to Bible Class Teachers  

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and TEACHERS,  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” (Eph. 4:11-12)
Beatitudes for Bible Class Teachers
   
Blessed are the Bible Class teachers -
Who reveal Jesus and His word to children,
For they will be called, “Teachers of God.”

Blessed are the Bible Class teachers -
Who help, hug and hold our children,
For they will be embraced by God forever.

Blessed are the Bible Class teachers -
Who endure talkative children and screaming infants,
For God sees their struggles and hears their prayers.

Blessed are the Bible Class teachers -
Who laugh and draw and play with children in class,
For they will be forever young in heaven.

Blessed are the Bible Class teachers -
Who patiently listen to the queries of children,
For God will one day answer all of their questions.

Blessed are the Bible Class teachers -
Who teach our children to sing and pray and give,
For they will sing around God’s throne forever.

Blessed are the Bible Class teachers -
Who continually ask God for strength, wisdom and patience,
For He will grant them all three, and much more!

Blessed are the Bible Class teachers -
Who lead our children to accept and obey Jesus Christ,
For they will be with these children in heaven.  

Bible Class teachers are crucial to the spiritual welfare of the church. Even though we have been unable to offer many Bible classes lately, take time to thank your teacher, or that of your child.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

FINAL INSPECTION  
(This adaptation of a well-known poem is dedicated to all veterans, living and dead.)  
   
The soldier stood at attention, facing his God at last,  
He hoped his shoes were shining as brightly as his brass.  
“Step forward now young soldier; how shall I deal with you?  
Although you were a Christian; to Me have you been true?"  
   
The soldier bowed his head and spoke, "Lord, I guess I ain't.  
Those of us that carried guns, rarely looked like saints.  
I've had to fight on Sundays; at times my dress was rough.  
I've aimed my gun at other men; war is mighty tough.  
   
But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep.  
I volunteered for overtime, when bills became too steep.  
I never left a helpless child that shook or cried from fear.  
And sometimes when I held them, I shed unmanly tears.  
   
I know I am unworthy of any house up there;  
Many folks deserve it more, and that is only fair.  
But if you've got a room for me, it needn't be so grand.  
I'll take anything that’s left; but if not I'll understand.”  
   
There was a silence all around the throne, where angels often trod.  
While the soldier waited nervously for the judgment of his God.  
“March straight in, young soldier, you've borne your cross so well.  
Now live in peace on golden streets, you’re forever done with hell.”  
   
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“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matt. 25:21)
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

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