Dennis' Articles

Does It Make A Difference?

6/5/2025

Does it Make Any Difference?

“He (King Jeroboam) went up to the altar that he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, in the month that he had devised from his own heart. And he instituted a feast for the people of Israel and went up to the altar to make offerings” (1 Kings 12:33).

It appears that King Jeroboam’s plan was to make the worship at Bethel similar (but not identical) to God’s pattern for worship in Jerusalem. For instance, the location of Jeroboam’s worship was similar - Bethel was only 10 miles from Jerusalem. The time of worship was not too different. The Feast of Booths was on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. Jeroboam’s feast was just a month later on the fifteenth day of the eighth month.

Jeroboam, however, made numerous modifications to God’s pattern for worship. He made these changes in spite of plain warnings in the Law. Consider Deut. 12:8-11, “You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes… But when you go over the Jordan and live in the land that the Lord your God is giving you… you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution that you present, and all your finest vow offerings that you vow to the Lord.

Tragically, Jeroboam disregarded God’s warning. He chose to do what was right in his own eyes. He built a calf idol for the people to worship. That was just the beginning.” Was he so deluded that he believed that God would be pleased with that kind of worship?

Yet the same thing occurs constantly throughout today’s religious world. If you ask the “Worship Leader” (in many churches) as to where he/she gets the authority to feature in worship:
·         A highly regarded Christian band…
·         A “Top 10” recording artist, backed by his personal band and vocalists…
·         A “remarkable” stringed quartet…
·         An internationally acclaimed magician…
·         An unconventional artist displaying his unique talent…

You will not likely hear an answer based on New Testament teachings. But you may hear one the following, “Our Worship Committee decides those things” Or “We like to try things to draw young people” Or “As long as we are sincere, God must approve of what we feature in worship.” Or “Does it make any difference as long as we are worshipping God?” (Some of these answers could have come straight from Jeroboam’s worship playbook.)

If it matters enough to God to reveal a pattern for worship in the New Testament, we should love and respect Him enough to learn what He has revealed for us, then follow that pattern as best we can.

Be a Light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

Don't Ignore The Warnings

6/1/2025

Heed the Warning

At 8:30 p.m. on May 22, 1960, tsunami sirens sounded in Hilo, Hawaii. They sounded for five and a half hours, but many people paid no heed. They assumed that it was a false alarm. What they did not know, however, was that the night before, a 9.5 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Chile. This generated a tremendous wave that was aimed directly at Hilo. At 1:30 a.m. on May 23, the tsunami impacted the island. Sixty-one people lost their lives, not to mention hundreds that were seriously injured, along with considerable property damage. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that all of the residents had plenty of warning. Despite that, many of them chose to disregard the sirens.

Perhaps part of the blame lies with human nature. It’s all-to-easy to disregard important warnings. Our doctor may tell us to lose weight and eat healthier, yet we head straight for Dairy Queen, Dunkin Doughnuts or Little Ceasars. We may be advised to get more exercise, yet the couch or recliner typically wins out. We know that cigarettes permanently damage our lungs, yet we purchase another package or carton. We know that we should save money for an emergency, but we prefer to spend our money on more things. Despite receiving plenty of warnings, by the time we realize our mistake(s) it may be too late.

These things, however, pale in comparison with the crucial warning that millions of people are disregarding – “…the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Pe 3:10). One day the Lord WILL return and we will ALL stand before the judgement seat of Christ, ready or not.

Jesus may come any moment. If you are not prepared, don’t delay. If you have not already obeyed the gospel, do so today. If you have wandered away from Jesus, return to Him today. Don’t be among those who will say, “Almost…. but lost!”

Be a Light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

Memorial Day....

5/21/2025

Tomorrow, May 26th, we observe Memorial Day.

While many Americans use the day to kick off summer with outdoor cookouts and relaxation, memorial Day clearly has a more solemn purpose.

It was intended for us to take time to remember those that gave their lives to preserve and protect our country. It reminds us that freedom is not free; it cost the blood and lives of millions of men and women. That being the case, it is only right that we take time to honor those who have fallen.

While we enjoy physical well-being and freedom because of the sacrifices of others, our spiritual well-being and freedom are far more important. One may be physically free, but spiritually sick and enslaved. Praise God for the One who willingly suffered and died so that we might be spiritually free. His name was Jesus Christ, and we memorialize Him every first day of the week when we partake of the Lord’s Supper.

When we put our faith in Jesus and obey His plan of salvation, He grants us peace, hope, joy, goodness, mercy, grace and eternal life in heaven.

While physical freedom is important, nothing compares with freedom from the consequences of sin. Jesus said, “...if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
May we never forget the price that Jesus paid for our freedom!
Be a light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

10 Little.....

5/18/2025

Ten Little Christians

Ten little Christians assembled in a line.
One disliked the preacher, then there were nine.

Nine little Christians stayed up very late.
One overslept on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians marching on to Heaven.
One took a detour, then there were seven.

Seven little Christians singing out like chicks.
One disliked the song leader, then there were six.

Six little Christians were very much alive.
One soon lost interest, then there were five.

Five little Christians heading for Heaven's Shore.
One stopped to unwind, then there were four.

Four little Christians were busy as a bee.
One got his feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three little Christians praying in a pew.
One lost his faith, then there were two.

Two little Christians were barely hanging on.
Argued with each other, then there was one.

One little Christian can't do much 'tis true,
Brought his friend to worship, now there were two.

Two earnest Christians, each won one more.
That doubled the number, soon there were four.

Four sincere Christians worked hard and very late.
Each won another, then there were eight.

Eight splendid Christians, if they doubled as before,
In just a few months would number 1,024!

In this little jingle there is a lesson that is true --
We work for the building committee… or for the wrecking crew.

…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us… (Heb. 12:1)

Be a Light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

Mother's Day

5/18/2025

What is Mother’s Day?

Faithful Christian mothers make it a priority to guide their children toward heaven. Such mothers virtually ensure that the Lord’s church will continue and that heaven will be fuller. As we honor our mothers today, please notice some things that Mother’s Day should be.

Mother’s Day is:

A Day of Joy. The day of giving birth to new life is a great day of joy and gladness (Jno. 16:21). Although being a mother sometimes produces concern and apprehension, no one is happier than a Christian mom as she watches her children grow up to be faithful saints and productive members of the Lord’s church.

A Day of Love. A Godly mother constantly pursues the physical and spiritual welfare of her children. She “watches over the ways of her household” with love (Prov. 31:27). Blessed is the family whose mother wraps her children in the security of genuine affection and unconditional love (Titus 2:4).

A Day of Instruction. Godly mothers are Bible teachers and spiritual examples to their children. Her Christian values, wise words, and Christ-like attributes become instilled in the hearts and lives of her children (Prov. 31:26). Such Children are blessed indeed!

A Day of Devotion. Hannah devoted herself to giving her son Samuel for the service of the Lord (1 Sam. 1:11, 22, 27-28). Should it be any different for Christian mothers? Children do not become Christians by accident. Godly mothers play a crucial role in the faith of their children. If they are not completely devoted to God, it is unlikely that their children will be any different. Set a godly example every day. One day, your children will “rise up and call (you) blessed” (Prov. 31:28).

Be a Light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

Where are the Children??

4/29/2025

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE?

Some of you are old enough to remember the riots that occurred during the summer of 1967. During and immediately following the riots, many U.S. cities enacted a youth curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Moreover, a nightly televised public service announcement was initiated which said, “It’s 10:00. Do you know where your children are?”

Perhaps this announcement should be reinstated. After all, studies indicate that children born from the late 80’s onward comprise the most under-parented and under-supervised young people in U.S. history. Designations such as “Latchkey Generation" describe millions of children left to their own devices after school and even during weekends. Moreover, unsupervised access to computers and smartphones has exposed children as young as age 5 to pornography, graphic violence and other sordid activities. There has been a corresponding upsurge in the number of internet predators who specialize in beguiling children ages 6 to 15.

Moreover, Christian parents need to be reminded, "Do you know where your children are… SPIRITUALLY?” Are they learning by YOUR example to put God first on Sunday and Wednesday night, as well as every other day of the week (Heb. 10:25)? Are they learning by YOUR example to pray daily (1 Thess. 5:17)? Are they learning by YOUR example to read from their Bible daily or listen as the Bible is read to them (Mat. 4:4)? Are they learning by YOUR example to give generously to the Lord’s church (2 Cor. 9:6ff)? Are they learning by YOUR example to serve the Lord by helping others (Gal. 6:10)?

Remember, where your children are at this moment will influence where they will be 25 years from now. “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).

Be a Light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

Christian Gardening...

4/24/2025

Spiritual Gardens?

Many of you have begun working in your garden. This worthwhile (but laborious) process will consume much of your attention over the next 5 months.

There is another "garden" that also requires daily attention and effort - the GARDEN OF LIFE. The following guidelines are essential.

PLANT 3 ROWS OF “PEAS”:

1. “Peas” with God. (Col. 3:15)

2. “Peas” with others. (Rom. 12:18)

3. “Peas” of mind. (Phil 4:7)

PLANT 4 ROWS OF SQUASH:

1. Squash gossip! (1 Tim. 5:13)

2. Squash hatred! (1 Jn. 2:9)

3. Squash complaining! (1 Pet. 4:9)

4. Squash lies! (Col. 3:9)

PLANT 4 ROWS OF LETTUCE:

1. Lettuce be faithful! (Rev. 2:10b)

2. Lettuce be kind! (Eph. 4:32)

3. Lettuce be patient! (Jam. 5:8)

4. Lettuce be forgiving! (Eph. 4:32)

DON’T FORGET THE TURNIPS:

1. Turnip for Bible class! (2 Tim. 3:15)

2. Turnip for worship! (Heb. 10:23-25)

3. Turnip to serve! (Gal. 6:10)

THE VERY BEST GARDENS INCLUDE THYME:

1. Thyme for prayer! (1 Thess. 5:17)

2. Thyme for Bible reading! (Acts 17:11)

3. Thyme for family! (Eph 6:4)

REMEMBER - WE REAP WHAT WE SOW (Gal. 6:7).

Be a light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

Do You Believe??

4/24/2025

JESUS’ RESURRECTION – MYTH OR...?

“…if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1Co 15:17)

Two prominent Englishmen, Gilbert West and Lord Littleton, had two things in common. Both men insisted that Jesus Christ was an imposter, and that Christianity was harmful and should be refuted. After discussing strategies to eradicate Christianity, they decided to focus on the resurrection of Jesus and the conversion of the apostle Paul. West agreed to disprove Jesus’ resurrection, while Littleton labored to debunk Paul’s conversion.

About a year later, the two men met again. To their astonishment, they had not only failed in their objectives, but each had become a staunch believer. The overwhelming evidence of Christ’s resurrection and Paul’s conversion had withstood their hostile intentions and turned skeptics into advocates.

This was not the first time that overpowering evidence compelled skeptics to become believers. Are you aware that virtually all of Jesus’ disciples were initially skeptical of His resurrection? Despite the fact that Jesus had repeatedly predicted that He would rise again, it seemed like an empty promise to His followers. After rising from His tomb on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared to a group of women. Had they come to congratulate Him on His resurrection? No, but to anoint His assumed LIFELESS body (Luke 24:1). When these ladies hurried to inform the apostles, they thought the women were telling tales, refusing to believe (Luke 24: 10-11). It was not until they saw the empty tomb, heard Jesus speak, noticed His scars and watched Him eat did they finally believe that He had risen (Luke 24:36-49).

What about you? Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? If not, examine the evidence, as did West and Littleton. The result will astound you and may change your life. If you do believe, keep living for Jesus!

Be a Light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

Suggestions for Dealing With Serious Illness

4/11/2025

Suggestions for Dealing with Serious or Extended Illness
(From my sermon last Sunday)

JOE CAMPBELL
Bad things can happen to good people. (Think of Job)
Have a good support group. I’m blessed with an amazing family…
Kathy is a great partner.
My kids, grandkids & great grandkids are always checking in & looking after me.
I have many friends that send cards & call about me.

Don’t look back, look to the future.
          God is in charge. God knows my last steps. I can’t change that.
          I have a lot of days that I don’t feel well. I just tell myself it will go away.
          Read Psalms 23
          Be ready to meet God. (Amos 4:12)

CYNDI JONES:
          Lots of prayers, both mine, yours and others.
          Be thankful in all things (1 THESS 5:18)
          I ask God to use my struggles to His glory, knowing I can't understand the why's.
          Remember that things are always changing so never give up.
          Ask for help, whether from the doctor, friends, church family, or immediate family,
and accept the help.
          Avoid becoming dependent on help. I challenge myself to do whatever I can do.
          Be kind to yourself. If I need to rest, I rest.
          I think about the example of God creating the earth, & everything on it. He chose to do
some each day and then rested. That’s how I get things done.

DON JONES
          Faith & prayer: I pray for God to take control of the issue, then to have
faith to leave it up to Him.
          Other Christians praying for me: it is a comfort to know that they are doing so.
          I cannot change it, and worrying will only make the situation worse. So, I keep
a positive attitude and let God's will be done.

Be a Light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis

How Much???????

4/1/2025

How Much Is Jesus Worth to You?

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44).

Few things are as effective in enticing us to open our wallets as store bargains or special sales. When we hear about incredible deals or “once-in-a-lifetime” clearances, it is hard to pass up the opportunity to buy (I know that all-too-well).

It goes without saying that we should feel far more enticed by God’s offer of eternal life. When we understand the priceless value of salvation, when we get a glimpse of the unfathomable riches of God’s grace, how can we not take advantage of this genuine opportunity of a lifetime.

God makes no high-pressured sales pitch. He includes no hidden charges in the fine print. He offers eternal life to all who will accept His Son in obedient faith. There is nothing we can do to deserve it. There is nothing we can do to purchase it. Jesus paid the price with His own blood – Rom. 5:8-9. We accept God’s gift by faith by obeying the gospel, and manifest our appreciation through a life of faithful service (Eph. 2:8-9).

How much does eternal life mean to you? Does it overwhelmingly outweigh the pleasures the devil offers you in this life? Do you love Jesus more than anything or anyone else in the world? Jesus once asked, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).

Just how much is Jesus worth to you?

Be a Light for Christ in 2025!

Dennis