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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