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I'm Thankful For

11/27/2017

I THANK GOD...

“…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:18

Whenever I count my blessings, I thank God for my ministry at the Milan church of Christ. Below are a few things for which I’ve been thankful since arriving here nine years ago.

I thank God for the wonderful, eternal relationships I have acquired over the last nine years.

I thank God for the words of encouragement I have received from the majority of you.

I thank God for your amazing patience with my mistakes and miscues.

I thank God for the countless embraces Brenda and I have received.

I thank God for the hospitality of those who have invited Brenda and me into their homes for special occasions.

I thank God for our ever-growing number of babies and toddlers.

I thank God for our godly parents that are doing everything possible to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

I thank God for our adolescents, teenagers and young adults.

I thank God for elderly members who attend services even when they don’t feel as well as the rest of us.

I thank God for the men that will one day serve as elders and deacons.

I thank God for our hardworking members that are constantly serving the Lord’s church in various ways.

I thank God every time a believing, penitent soul is baptized into Christ.

I thank God for those in attendance who have yet to be immersed into Christ, but I pray that they will soon make the BEST decision of their lives.

I thank God for allowing Brenda and I to serve here!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Radicals in the Church

11/7/2017

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Radical Groups Operating in Churches
(Revised, from Don Boice)

Rumor has it that four radical groups have been operating in our congregations for decades. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin. Their leader, Bin Satan, has effectively trained these groups to discourage, disrupt and even destroy the Body of Christ. Members of each group blatantly ignore God’s prohibitions against their respective behaviors:
·         Bin Sleepin: “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and
be sober” (1 Thess. 5:6).
·         Bin Arguin: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be
put away from you, with all malice.” (Eph. 4:31).
·         Bin Complainin: “Do all things without complaining and disputing” (Phil 2:14)
·         Bin Missin: “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the
manner of some” (Heb. 10:25)

However, three productive and beneficial groups have been working hard to correct the issues caused by the aforementioned radicals. These Christ-centered cells are referred to as, Bin Studyin – Acts 17:11, Bin Prayin - 1 Thess. 5:17, and Bin Servin - 1 Cor. 15:58.

These latter groups have done wonders to encourage and strengthen the body of Christ. In addition to their fervent study, prayer and service, they have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ, to return.

To which group do you belong?

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Wanted: Dependable Servents

11/7/2017

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“WANTED: DEPENDABLE PEOPLE”

In virtually every “Help Wanted” section of our newspapers, employers stress the need for “dependable workers” to apply. What do they mean by dependable? Employees who:

Show up for work...
Show up on time…
Call ahead if an emergency interferes with showing up or arriving on time…
Do what is expected after arriving for work...

Although the aforementioned items may not seem too demanding, most companies and business owners confess that finding dependable employees is their number one problem. Inconsiderate, lazy or irresponsible employees are a detriment to any company, severely hindering production, morale and effectiveness.

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In a similar way, local congregations of the Lord’s church need dependable members. Christians who:

Show up for services and other activities...
Show up on time…
Call ahead if an emergency interferes with showing up or arriving on time…
Do what is expected after arriving for Bible study, worship, or service activities...

While the Bible does not use the word “dependable,” it does use equivalent terms such as “steadfast”, “faithful”, “trustworthy”, “loyal”, “constant” and “zealous” (see 1 Corinthians 15:58; Titus 2:14, etc.). Every Christian should strive to be characterized by these terms. He or she should be sufficiently dependable so as to be “counted on” at services and whenever needed.

Unfortunately, many congregations have a percentage of members who prove to be less than dependable, as they:

Attend sporadically...
Rarely attend Bible classes....
Frequently show up late…
Rarely assist with service activities…
Give only what they have left over at the end of the week, if anything at all.

Please don’t misunderstand. There are dedicated Christians who, for reasons beyond their control, cannot attend every service, volunteer, show up on time, or have much to give. Contrariwise, there are some who CAN be more dependable, yet do not choose to be so.

The church of our Lord desperately needs members that are dependable in attendance, serving, giving, and shouldering responsibility. Are you? “Therefore, my beloved brethren, 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).

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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America's #1 Enemy

11/7/2017

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PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE

What did the following people have in common - Al Capone, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson, Clyde Barrow, Bonnie Parker and Machine Gun Kelly? They each held the title of PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE. Their malevolent criminal activity, often punctuated by merciless slayings, was responsible for their infamous ranking as America’s worst enemies.

Yet the Bible divulges an infinitely worse villain who is behind all lawless activity – the DEVIL. He is described as a MURDERER – John 8:44; LIAR - John 8:44; RULER OF THIS WORLD – John 16:11; GOD OF THIS AGE – 2 Cor. 4:4; PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR– Eph. 2:2; TEMPTER – 1 Thess. 3:5; and THE WICKED ONE – 1 John 2:13, 5:18.

Although he is an expert at tempting people to do wrong, his main objective is to CAUSE US TO BE LOST and BURN IN HELL. Since he is already destined for hell – Rev. 20:10, his only consolation is to take billions of souls with him. Thus he relentlessly plots and schemes to dupe, deceive and doom souls. And he is VERY good at doing so; Rev. 12:9 says that he DECEIVES THE WHOLE WORLD!

Satan is not a fictitious character sporting a red suit, horns, tail and carrying a pitchfork. He is real. Peter warned, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). Thus we must watch out for him EVERY WAKING HOUR!

His main weapon is the lie. Jesus said, "When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a LIAR and the FATHER of it"(John 8:44). His lies invariably contradict God’s commands. He typically tries to convince us that certain sins are not truly sinful, or that doing right can wait.

Satan is also a master of disguise. "For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14). He and his confederates appear sincere, even religious. Yet countless Christians have been led astray by “innocuous” spouses, relatives, and friends.

Satan is Public Enemy Number One. Don’t be an easy target. Be aware, be prepared, and be careful. "Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jam 4:7-8).

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Is Bible School Important?

11/7/2017

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THE VALUE OF BIBLE CLASS

Thank God for our Bible school teachers who study, prepare and instruct us weekly. We are especially indebted to those who lovingly teach our children. We often comment, “Our children are the future of the church.” But this may NOT apply to all of our children. Only those who REMAIN TRUE TO GOD and HIS WORD are the future of the church. As it stands, less that 40% of children reared in the church will be faithful Christians by the age of 30.

Moreover, we are only one generation away from apostasy. “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose…who did NOT KNOW THE LORD…” [Jud 2:10]. Which helps explain why Bible classes are VITAL to the future of the church. If we fail to thoroughly and consistently teach our children the word of God, most will stray from the truth as they grow older.

The Bible repeatedly instructs us to teach our children God’s word. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…" [Deut. 6:6-7]. “…bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” [Eph. 6:4]. Timothy became a committed Christian, preacher and assistant to the Apostle Paul. What led him to do so? "From CHILDHOOD you have KNOWN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, which are able to make you wise for salvation" [2 Tim. 3:15].

Why do so many children forsake the Lord as adults? "Beware brethren, lest there be in any of you an EVIL HEART of UNBELIEF in DEPARTING from the living God" [Heb. 3:12]. Unbelief typically occurs when Christians spend less time studying the Bible, and more time with worldly influences.

Romans 10:17 says, "…FAITH comes by hearing and hearing by THE WORD OF GOD." James 1:21 adds, "Receive with meekness the IMPLANTED WORD, which is ABLE TO SAVE your souls." Only by acquiring and maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of God’s word can we hope to remain faithful to God. Bible classes definitely help. Please take advantage of them.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Whose Name?

11/7/2017

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ASHAMED OF JESUS?

"…whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 10:32-33

Although public prayer has not YET been eliminated in the United States, I’m disturbed by a growing trend in public invocations. Many chaplains or “ministers” commonly conclude their prayers with, "In your name, Amen." Although some people see nothing wrong with concluding a prayer that way, I always wonder, "Whose name?" God the Father? Jesus Christ? Muhammad? Buddha?

Jesus specifically instructed His disciples to ask in HIS name (JN 14:13-14), and Paul commands Christians to do everything in HIS name (Col 3:17). Which is only reasonable, since Jesus is the Mediator between God and man - 1 TIM 2:5. Therefore, it is appropriate to end our prayers by saying, "in Jesus name" or "in the name of Jesus Christ".

When a minister has occasion to pray before a huge audience, he has a unique opportunity to publicly confess the name of Jesus Christ. So why end such a prayer a generic, "In Your name, amen"? Some might argue that it is "politically correct" to omit the name of Jesus in public prayer. Others assert that such endings avoid the possibility of offending Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. But if omitting Jesus’ name from prayer avoids giving offense, why don’t we eliminate His name from our signs, advertisements, bulletins, tracts and church stationery?

Because omitting the name of our Lord would definitely offend HIM. Jesus said, "…whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father..." (Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26). In other words, omitting the name of Jesus Christ will cost us our salvation.

When it comes to the name of our Lord, we should never shrink away from any offense, penalty, or violence that His glorious name might evoke. Perhaps we should initiate a "Put Christ Back into Prayer!" movement.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Church of the Communion

11/7/2017

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CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION?

With the plethora of religions and denominations in the world, I suppose that the "Church of the Communion" was inevitable. As its name suggests, this church focuses exclusively on the Lord's Supper. In fact, that is the ONLY act of worship practiced in the "Church of the Communion". Attendees are rarely late, because, if you miss communion, you miss everything.

Active members of the "Church of the Communion" cite several reasons for attending. First and foremost, services are short and sweet. While services at some churches tie up half a day, a service at the "Church of the Communion" requires only about as much time as a coffee break. Attendees also claim that the Lord's Supper is the only vital act of worship, anyway. They maintain that other acts of worship, such as singing, giving, praying and hearing God’s word are “elective”. So why waste time with the "preliminaries" when the "Church of the Communion" focuses exclusively on the "main event".

Before continuing, I confess that the "Church of the Communion" does not yet exist to my knowledge (although a “Communion Church”exists in England). The reason I fabricated such a church is because I fear that many “so-called Christians” might eagerly attend one. Tragically, this might include some from the Lord's church.

I say this because I have known of members that habitually leave services at the conclusion of communion. (I’m not referring to those who are compelled to leave because of work, illness or emergencies.) It seems as if these individuals consider the Lord's Supper to be the “main event” of worship, and that the other acts are optional. I believe that such an attitude is not only unscriptural, but demonstrates impertinence towards God and His word.

While the communion service is important, nothing in the Bible indicates that singing, praying, giving and listening to God's word are “elective” or secondary. Worship is not a matter of doing the least possible for God; it is giving God our very best!

“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” (Acts 20:7) Other than a young lad falling asleep, there is no indication that anyone left early.

Jesus, Always Jesus!

Dennis

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I'm Thankful For

Radicals in the Church

Wanted: Dependable Servents

America's #1 Enemy

Is Bible School Important?

Whose Name?

Church of the Communion

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