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Do God and Politics Mix?

10/26/2018

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DOES GOD CARE ABOUT POLITICS?
Over the years I have heard some Christians remark, “I’m sick of politics with its empty promises and endless political ads. Does God even care?”
 The answer is a resounding YES! God cares about everything that affects our lives—including our leaders and how they govern us. That’s one reason He commands us to pray for our leaders. “I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made…for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
 Admittedly, the profusion of political attack ads and utopian promises can be annoying. But don’t allow them to distract you from the critical importance of elections, or cause you to forfeit the privilege of voting.
The following suggestions will help:
1. Pray daily for the midterm elections. Ask God to help us elect leaders that will humbly seek His will and represent decency and morality. 
2. Determine to vote, even if the choice is not easy. Although no candidate is perfect, some hold positions  that more accurately reflect the laws and will of God. Determine to vote for such candidates, regardless of their political party.
3. Pray that our nation will turn back to God. Also pray that Christians will unite in openly supporting what is Godly and courageously opposing all wickedness.
4. Pray for yourself and your children. Ask God to help you to be a brighter light for Christ, and rear children that will ultimately follow HIM.
Do these things, and our country will have a brighter future, regardless of the election results.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” (Psalm 33:12).
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis

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What Does America Need?

10/19/2018

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The Greatest Need in America(Revised and adapted, by Phil Sanders)
As Christians we are extremely concerned about the state of our nation. Political division not seen since the Civil War, economic concerns, fear of terrorism, natural disasters, and unprecedented spiritual decline weigh heavy on our hearts.
If that were not bad enough, there is evidence that the fastest growing religious group in America are those who claim “no religion.” According to the American Religious Identification Survey taken in 2001, adults that do not subscribe to any religion more than doubled from 14.3 million in 1990 to 29.4 million in 2001. Some estimate that the current figure is approaching 35 million. If correct, then only about 72% of Americans currently believe in God and even less identify themselves as Christians. Incredible! It was not long ago that the overwhelming majority of Americans claimed to be Christians.
Sadly,  many of those who currently identify with Christianity possess beliefs dramatically different from what is taught in the New Testament. For instance, the Pew Forum released a survey indicating that 65 percent of Christians believe that most religions - even those that deny Jesus' resurrection - lead to heaven (which contradicts Jesus’ statement in John 14:6 not to mention Acts 4:12 & Ephesians 4:4-6).
What America needs is the uncompromised gospel, the old story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That divine message will lead many to repent of their sins, confess Jesus as the Son of God, and unite with Him in baptism. The gospel will change their lives and possibly the future of our nation.
Regardless of which direction our country goes, without the Gospel of Jesus all will be for naught.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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What Ever You Do..........

10/11/2018

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Don't Miss Heaven!


An Christian man loved his children dearly and longed for them to be faithful Christians. As they grew older, he did not want to come across as if he was “preaching at them,” so he looked for a way to lovingly encourage them. He eventually came up with the phrase,“Whatever you do, don’t miss heaven!”


When his children reached their teen years and became increasingly exposed to the “pleasures” of the world, he gently implored,“Whatever you do, don’t miss heaven!” When each child graduated and moved out of the house, he lovingly urged, “Whatever you do, don’t miss heaven!” 


Years later, as they were all gathered around his bed as he was taking his final breaths, his last words were, “Whatever you do, don’t miss heaven!”


***********************************************************************************


Wise advice for young and old. Those words should become the motto for every child of God.


When Satan calls, whatever you do, don’t miss heaven! Although momentary pleasures can be found in sin, we must view temptations through the eternal consequences they will bring.


When considering the one whom you will marry, whatever you do, don’t miss heaven! Few people on earth will impact our lives as much the person we marry. Be honest - will this person help or hinder you in getting to Heaven?


When choosing a career, hobby or friends, whatever you do, don’t miss heaven! Virtually every choice we make in life should be evaluated in light of the effect it will have on our soul. Hasty or unwise decisions may cost us everything.


When considering the importance of the Christ's church in your life, whatever you do, don’t miss heaven! The Lord's church must not take a back seat in our lives. Jesus taught that we must “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). The "body of Christ" must be a priority if we desire to please Him.


What is heaven worth to you?  Have you “set your mind on things above” or “on things of the earth” (Col. 3:1-2)?  Whatever you do, don’t miss heaven!




Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis
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Why Try?

10/11/2018

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What's The Use?

Do you ever feel as if some of the good things that you do are pointless? Do you think that your efforts make little or no difference? Do you occasionally get discouraged and wonder, "What's the use?"

An incident from the life of Christ might provide us with needed encouragement. John records an account of Jesus cleansing the temple of the money changing profiteers in John 2, early in His' ministry. Matthew, Mark and Luke  record a similar incident of Jesus cleansing the temple late in His ministry. Thus Jesus apparently cleansed the temple of money changers TWICE. But why did He bother? After initially ridding the temple of money changers, they wasted little time in returning. No doubt Jesus was aware that they would come back, so why chase them away a second time?

Let me suggest three reasons:

1) Because it was the right thing to do. James 4:17 says, "He that knows to do good and does no do it commits sin." Jesus ALWAYS did the right thing. The same is true for us - we must keep doing what is right regardless of the results or lack of such.

2) Because others were watching. Even though Jesus' actions did not deter the profiteers for long, His efforts made a lasting impression on His disciples. John 2:17 says, "...His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house has consumed me.'" In a similar way, when we do what it right others may be watching, and our actions may leave a lasting impression.

3) Because cleansing "God's house" of corruption for one day was worth it. Although it did not remain "clean" for long, it was a "holier" place that day. That is a great lesson for us. Although the good we do may not last long, it makes things better TODAY. And that is INFINITELY better than nothing at all!

Keep doing the right thing, no matter what. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." (Gal. 6:9-10)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis
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