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An Amazing Bridge

9/29/2018

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A LIVING BRIDGE 
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all…”  (1 Tim 2:3-6)
 
Hundreds of years ago, an enormous tree fell across a deep gorge in Arizona. Instead of rotting and falling into the chasm, it eventually hardened like granite. Ultimately, it became a “bridge” that thousands of people have used to cross the gorge. Although a fallen tree might appear to be useless, that tree has benefited countless people.
 
Over 19 centuries ago Jesus of Nazareth appeared on earth. His teachings, miracles and compassion convinced many that He might be the long-awaited Messiah. However, he was eventually rejected, betrayed, tried, beaten, scourged, and crucified. Following six agonizing hours on the cross, he breathed his last. His battered, pierced body was taken away and buried. His followers could hardly believe that their beloved Leader had fallen. Perhaps they had been deceived.
 
Three days later, however, the fallen Carpenter returned to life, emerged from the tomb, appeared to hundreds, and later ascended to His heavenly Father. He became the Living Bridge over which we can safely cross the gorge of death and join Him in Heaven.
 
Do YOU believe in Jesus Christ? He is the only WAY to heaven.  Believe in Him.  Obey Him. Follow Him to the end and never look back!
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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An Interesting Message

9/23/2018

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A UNIQUE MESSAGE
Greetings. I rarely express my feelings publicly; in fact this is one of the few times I’ve done so. And although I hate to complain, I now feel compelled to say something.
Most of you know me well; you typically see me at every service on Sunday and Wednesday night. And that is part of the problem; regardless of my presence, I am typically ignored. Even when many of you see me, you typically pass by without a word.
I realize that I’m not the outgoing type, nor do I attempt to draw attention to myself. But that does not mean I like being overlooked. And although I do not possess the ability to teach, preach, lead singing or pray publicly, I am almost always ready and willing to serve in anyway way I can.
And that is my issue – I really WANT to serve the Lord’s church. In fact, I feel that I was created for that very purpose! Not just annually, monthly or weekly, but every day, if possible. But therein lies the “rub” – I’m used very sparingly. Even though I show up ready and willing to work, few even notice me.
That’s the reason for this message. I don’t think it is right for a willing servant to be overlooked. Admittedly, I do not have a higher education, money or connections, but I can help the church if you will only let me.
Won’t you help? All you have to do is talk to others about Jesus Christ and their need to be ready for His return. If you will do that, I’ll be ready to do my part. Please, please put me to work…soon!
Sincerely,
The Baptistery-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“...those who were scattered went everywhere PREACHING THE WORD.” Acts 8:4
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

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For Bible Class Teachers

9/16/2018

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A Prayer for 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)





Loving Father in heaven,


Because all wisdom, knowledge and truth reside with you, grant our teachers a deep thirst for Your word. As You have guided men and women from the beginning, enable our teachers to guide the minds and hearts of our children according to Your will. 


As our teachers look daily to the example of Jesus Christ for the right path to follow, may they by word and action show the same path to the precious souls they teach. Help them to manifest the love, patience and compassion of Jesus at all times. Remind them that they teach as much by their actions as with their words.


Instill within our teachers the firm belief that they are making a difference in this world. Grant them renewed passion and enthusiasm for sharing Your priceless word. Give them patience and endurance when the going gets hard and they are tempted to quit.


Open the minds and hearts of the students to pay attention as Your timeless truths are taught. Help their lives to be changed by Your words and the gospel of Jesus Christ.


Help everyone in Your church to appreciate, support and  encourage our teachers. Help us to realize that, without our teachers, the church would be in dire trouble.


Finally, let your love, grace and mercy always be with our teachers. May they one day occupy an elevated position in heaven as they adore You forever!


In Jesus name, amen.
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Who Comes First?

9/8/2018

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Who Comes First?


You may remember the classic Abbott and Costello routine, "Who's on First?" But a far more important question is, Who COMES first?


As Christians, the correct answer is unmistakable. Jesus said, “...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mt. 6:33). When asked about the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus replied, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment." (Mt. 22:37-38)


God and Christ must come first in everything. Nothing should come before serving our God and Savior. Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).


In addition, we must avoid allowing family or friends to come before serving or worshiping God and Christ. Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Mt. 10:37-38).


Putting God first is not easy in a world that constantly competes for our attention, time and energy. Therefore we must begin each day setting our "minds on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2).


Remember that God rewards those who diligently seek him - Heb. 11:6. You will never regret putting Him first!


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis
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Sin By Any Other Name

9/1/2018

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Sin By Another Name?
 
Many years ago a courageous minister preached a scathing sermon on the subject of sin. During his lesson he named dozens of sins, showing how each clearly violates God's laws. Moreover, he did not miss the opportunity to underscore the eternal consequences of such transgressions.
 
Immediately following the potent lesson, a concerned member took him aside and said, “Please don’t talk so plainly about sin. It might give our young ones the wrong idea. Call them  ‘mistakes’ if you will.”
 
Taking the concerned member to his office, the preacher located a bottle of strychnine that was labeled, “Poison” and showed it to the member. He said, “If I understand correctly, you want me to change my label for sin. Well, suppose I remove the label from this bottle of strychnine and substitute one that reads, 'Bitter Drink' or something less threatening than ‘poison'. Can’t you see the danger in what you are asking? The milder the label, the more dangerous the poison.”
 
***********************************************************************************************
 
The world hardly recognizes sin anymore. Many prefer to substitute politically correct names or descriptions for wrongdoings. For example, homosexuality is labeled “gay lifestyle”, abortion is called “choice", pornography is referred to as “art," and living in fornication is called“partnering”.
 
Although the world may prefer less threatening labels, sin by any other name is always sin!
 
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather EXPOSE THEM. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret." (Eph 5:11-12)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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