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.”  
   
************************************************************  
   
“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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A Little-Known Fact About Baptism
   
Many people that attend various religious groups are taught erroneous ideas about baptism. One of the most common errors is that baptism is wholly unconnected with salvation. But what does the Bible say?  
   
Galatians 3:27 states, "For as many of you as were BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have put on Christ." (See also Romans 6:3) The preposition “into” indicates a change of position or relationship. In other words, we get "into Christ" by the act of baptism. (You likely won’t hear THAT stressed in some churches.) Moreover, search your Bible for any other action that will get you or me into Christ.  
   
Is it really that important to get "into Christ"? Ephesians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING in heavenly places IN CHRIST."  Did you catch that? Paul declared us that every spiritual blessing is found IN CHRIST. (Just try searching the New Testament for spiritual blessings found OUTSIDE of Jesus Christ.)  
   
Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore if anyone is IN CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATION: old things have passed away; behold, all things have BECOME NEW."  Not only does describe the new life we experience IN CHRIST, what sincere believer would want to pass up the new life and retain the old one?  
   
Paul also declares in 2 Timothy 2:10, "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the SALVATION which is IN CHRIST JESUS..."  Paul could not make it any plainer - salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Which means that we must be IN CHRIST in order to be saved.  
   
And in 1 John 5:11 we read, "And this is the testimony, that God has given us ETERNAL LIFE, and this life is IN HIS SON."  
   
Based on these inspired scriptures, I want to be IN CHRIST! Don’t you? And if we believe God's word, we get into Christ by being baptized. (I find nothing optional about that.)  
   
It is tragic that millions of sincere people are misled concerning the act of baptism. Sincere as they may be, they need to believe the words of Jesus, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis