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Tomorrow?

2/25/2018

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Jam. 4:14).

Are you aware that (on average) more than 150,000 people die EACH DAY? Tomorrow will never come for multiplied thousands. Unfortunately most have no clue that their earthly life is about to end, thus they die unprepared. What if tomorrow never comes for you or me?

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES I want to make certain that I AM IN CHRIST. The apostle Paul wrote, "…be FOUND IN HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Phil. 3:9). Since the apostle Paul also declared that we are“baptized into Christ” (Rom. 6:3, Gal. 3:27) I’d make SURE about that.

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES I want to make certain that I am BUSY SERVING THE LORD. The apostle Paul urged, “…be steadfast, immovable, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). He added, “…let us not grow weary while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal. 6:9)

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES I want to make certain that I am a LIGHT TO MY FAMILY & FRIENDS. Jesus said, "Let your LIGHT SO SHINE before men, that they may SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Paul added, "Imitate me, just as I also IMITATE CHRIST" (1 Cor. 11:1). My light may lead my loved ones to Jesus and to heaven itself!

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES I want to make certain that I am FAITHFUL TO CHRIST. Revelation 2:10 states, “Be FAITHFUL until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” “Faithful” denotes “steadfastness, persistence; remaining loyal to the end”. Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and LOOKING BACK, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Thus I mist be determined to be FAITHFUL TO THE END.

Since no one is promised tomorrow, we ALL need to be PREPARED for the possibility that tomorrow will never come. "…you also BE READY, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matt. 24:34)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Some Things Remain

2/21/2018

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SOME THINGS REMAIN

A woodcutter obtained a very old tree that had been removed from a nearby farm. Before stripping the bark, he noticed, high up on the trunk, curious marks on the bark that resembled the letters J L, along with an unusual design. Curious, the woodcutter cut into the wood and was surprised to find the initials J.L. and a ship anchor clearly carved near the core. Based on the number of rings between the original carving and the outer bark, the woodcutter estimated that the letters were originally carved approximately one hundred and ten years earlier.

After making inquiries, he discovered that a sailor named John Leland had visited the very farm from which the tree was cut in the year 1853. Little did Mr. Leland realize that his “art work” would still be visible over a century later!

This incident conveys a valuable message for all Christian parents. While our children are still young and impressionable, it is vital that we take time to acquaint them with the Bible, Jesus Christ, salvation and the Lord’s church. Although this will not guarantee that they will eventually obey the gospel and remain faithful to Christ, it will impact their lives as they grow and mature. More often than not, these early "carvings on the soul" will remain visible for as long as they live.

In a society that is teeming with temptation, immorality, dishonesty and materialism, our children need all the spiritual training possible. Never assume that an hour or two in Bible class each week will suffice. Teach them something about Jesus or the Bible EVERY DAY. It will make a difference for a long time to come!

"From a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise toward salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ." (2 Tim. 3:15)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Why Sing?

2/9/2018

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8 REASONS TO SING!

1. WHEN YOU SING, YOU OBEY GOD.

Singing isn’t an option in Scripture; it’s a command:
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…” (Eph. 5:18-19)

2. WHEN YOU SING, YOU STAY ROOTED IN THE WORD.

“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” (Col. 3:16)

The Apostle Paul declared that we sing that which dwells in us – the Word of Christ.

3. WHEN YOU SING, YOU TEACH OTHERS.

“…teaching…one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” (Col. 3:16)

Most hymns contain messages from God’s word. When we sing, we teach!

4. WHEN YOU SING, YOU WARN UP OTHERS.

“…admonishing one another…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” (Col. 3:16)

Admonish means to caution, warn or reprimand. When we sing we urge others to stay on the right path.

5. WHEN YOU SING, YOU INFURIATE SATAN.

“…singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…” (Eph. 5:19)
The devil is incensed when God and Christ are praised in song.

6. WHEN YOU SING, IT IS EASIER TO ENDURE TRIALS.

What did Paul and Silas do while unjustly imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel in Philippi?

They prayed and sang hymns to God - Acts 16:25.

7. WHEN YOU SING, YOU TAKE THE EXPRESSWAY TO JOY.

“Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.” (Psa. 5:11)

“I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” (Psa. 9:2)

8. WHEN YOU SING, YOU GLORIFY GOD!

“Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.” (Psa 81:1)
This is the best reason of all to sing!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Do We Want What God Wants?

2/3/2018

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DESIRING WHAT GOD DESIRES

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:3-4).

Here the Apostle Paul reveals God's deep desire that all men be saved, which can only occur when they learn the truth. But how will they learn it? Although some may come to know the truth as a result of personal study, the majority will only do so when they HEAR the gospel. "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?" (Rom. 10:14)

Which is why Jesus instructed His disciples to “Go into all the world and PREACH the gospel to every creature." (Mk. 16:15) If His followers fail to comply, few of the lost will hear the truth and be saved. Thus God's deep desire will be frustrated.

Don't misunderstand; God is aware that the majority will be lost due to their reluctance to accept the gospel. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matt. 7:13-14

On the other hand, what about those who never have the opportunity to hear? To repeat Paul, "...how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14) Like it or not, part of the responsibly lies with you and me.

"But I'm not trained to share the gospel!", you may say. Granted, but an opportunity to receive vital training will occur on Saturday, Feb. 10(God willing). (Details provided elsewhere in the bulletin.)

DO YOU DESIRE what God desires? If not, you need to take a long, hard look at your heart - 2 Cor. 13:5.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Tomorrow?

Some Things Remain

Why Sing?

Do We Want What God Wants?

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