ARE YOU IN CHRIST?  
   
The Bible associates salvation with numerous things – redemption (1 Cor. 1:30), sanctification (1 Cor. 1:30), forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7), eternal life (Rom. 6:23) and being in Christ.
   
That importance is the latter is repeatedly stressed in the scriptures.
   
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). Only those in Christ possess these spiritual blessings.
   
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). Only those that are in Christ are truly a new creation.
   
"Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus..." (2 Tim 2:10). Only those that are in Christ have obtained salvation.
   
"And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son"  (1 Jn. 5:11). Only those that are in Christ possess eternal life.
   
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Most of the religious people with whom I have conversed agree with these points. However, when I ask them what the Bible tells us to do to get into Christ, many of them are stumped. Moreover, some of them are truly amazed when shown what the Bible says. “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Rom 6:3) "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Gal. 3:27)
   
According to the Bible, baptism is the only way to get into Christ. A person can search from the front to the back of the Bible, but will find no other way. Why is it, then, that many religious groups underrate or minimize the importance or need for baptism?
   
Moreover, some religious groups appear to have a “love/hate” relationship with baptism. Although they may practice it in some form, they minimize its importance, assuming that any emphasis on baptism is tantamount to believing in salvation by works. But baptism is NOT a work. Think about it - If you've been baptized, how much WORK did YOU DO when you were immersed in water?  
   
Ironically, most of the religious groups that minimize baptism insist that repentance and confession are necessary for salvation, despite the fact that changing and speaking do  require work. Why is that?
   
Desiring to be in Christ, I was baptized into Christ years ago. Are you in Christ?
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

Dads – What are You Preaching?
   
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (EPH 6:4).
   
Preachers are not the only ones that should be declaring spiritual truths. According to the apostle Paul, Christian fathers are to train their children in the admonition of the Lord. This means telling and showing. Edgar Guest conveys this truth in his well-known poem.
   
I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one any day;  
I’d rather one should walk with me, than merely tell the way.  
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,  
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;  
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,  
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.  
   
I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done;  
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.  
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,  
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;  
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,  
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.  
   
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.  
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stays behind.  
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me;  
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that man to be.  
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today,  
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.  
   
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;  
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.  
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,  
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear  
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence I say,  
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day!   
Dads – do your best to preach Godly sermons…every day.
   
Jesus, always Jesus!     
Dennis  

DON'T BET ON TOMORROW  
   
“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Jam. 4:14). Did you know that, on average, over 150,000 people die every day? Tomorrow will never come for countless thousands. Moreover, the majority of these have no clue that their earthly life is about to end. What if tomorrow never comes for you or me? Are we READY for that possibility?
    
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, WE MUST BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE SAVED. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Moreover He commanded us to believe in Him – John 8:24, repent of our sins - Luke 13:3,5, confess His name before others – Matt. 10:32, and be baptized – Mark 16:16. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus and obeyed the gospel?  
   
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, WE MUST BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE TRULY FAITHFUL TO CHRIST. Revelation 2:10 states, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” “Faithful” means to be persistent, steadfast and obedient 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). Are you truly faithful to Jesus Christ?  
   
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, WE MUST BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE 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) Are you serving the Lord in some way today?  
   
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES, WE MUST BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE A LIGHT TO OUR 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). Are you living the type of life that you would want your spouse, children or other loved ones to imitate?  
    
We MUST be prepared for the possibility that tomorrow may never come. If you are not prepared, do something about it TODAY. You will never regret doing so.  
    
Jesus, always Jesus!  
    
Dennis

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PREACHING THE TRUTH  
   
Two Christians, a preacher and a taxi driver, died and went to heaven. An angel met them at the pearly gates. "Follow me", he told the taxi driver. He then led the man to a spacious mansion, furnished with priceless treasures. “I'm overwhelmed!" exclaimed the humble cabbie.  
   
Returning to the preacher, the angel led him to a small, modestly furnished structure. "Hold on", protested the preacher. "There’s been a mistake. Shouldn't I have received the mansion? After all, I preached for over 50 years!"  
   
"Yes", replied the angel. "But many of those in your assemblies fell asleep." "Granted", retorted the preacher, "But what entitles the taxi driver to a superior reward?" The angel said, "Because the passengers in his cab not only stayed awake, most of them PRAYED for the duration of the trip."
   
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It’s been said, “A faithful preacher should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” The apostle Paul wrote, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28).  When preachers boldly speak the truth, even sleeping saints frequently awaken.  
 
Unfortunately, preachers are tempted soften or dilute their messages in order to avoid offending anyone. After all, preachers who “make waves” or “rock the boat” tend to have the shortest tenures. On the other hand, preachers that “preach to please” invariably fail to help a congregation in any meaningful way.
   
Although the apostle Paul preached the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), he never diluted his messages in order to please men. “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16)  Moreover, he exhorted Timothy to “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2-3).  
   
It has been said that, “A faithful preacher always aims to please God. If he aims to please men, he will miss the Divine Mark.”  Paul expressed it this way, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10).  
   
Please pray that I will lovingly but courageously preach the TRUTH, regardless of consequence.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis