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What About Christmas?

12/27/2023

CHRISTIANS & CHRISTMAS

For centuries there has been an ongoing debate about whether Christians should celebrate the Christmas holiday. Although the majority of Christians decorate trees, give gifts and send cards, some have nothing to do with Christmas due to its Catholic roots. The following condensed article by the late defender of the faith, Gus Nichols, may shed some light on the question.

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FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS:

There is no proof that Christ was born on December 25th. But He was born…He came down from Heaven to seek and save the lost. (Luke 2:8-12).

We can rejoice in Christ on December 25th just as on the other 364 days of the year. We [should not] cease to be happy in Jesus at Christmas just to be different from others. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). This [means] Christmas [and] all other days.

Instead of revealing the date of Christ’s [birth], God has revealed the day on which He was raised from the dead — the first day of the week (Mark 16:8-9, Luke 24:1-47).  God…wants us to celebrate this day. It is…called the “Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10; I Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7).

There is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday…called Christmas. We may give and receive gifts…on December 25th or any other day of the year. In fact, we should “rejoice with them that…rejoice” (Rom. 12:15) at Christmas or any other time.  There is not enough happiness in the world anyway.

Finally, it is proof of the divinity of Christ to find…2000 years after [the fact] that the…world [continues] to celebrate His birth.

Thank God for our Lord and His coming into the world, regardless of the exact date of His arrival by virgin birth.  We shall, therefore, go on teaching His truths [every day, including] December 25.

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Personally, I am thankful that over 2 billion people from 160 countries turn their thoughts to Jesus Christ on the 25th of December. Moreover, I enjoy the lights, songs, cards and gifts. Regardless of your feelings about the Christmas holiday, avoid judging or condemning others if they treat the holiday differently than you.

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

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Are Elders Required?

12/11/2023

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IS A CHURCH "UNSCRIPTURAL" WITHOUT ELDERS?

According to the New Testament, God intends for every congregation of His church to possess elders.
· "So when [Paul and Barnabas] had appointed elders in every church, and
prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed" (Acts 14:23).
· "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that
are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I had commanded you" (Titus 1:5).

However, hundreds of congregations of the Lord's church lack elders. Some Christians ask, "Aren't such churches unscriptural and displeasing to God?"

The answer to the aforementioned questions might be "YES" if not for one important detail – God provides strict qualifications for the office of elder –1 Tim. 3:1-7, Tit. 1:6-9. Due to the importance of this position, God intends that each congregation be very selective about the men that are appointed as elders.

Before judging a congregation that lacks elders as being unscriptural, one should ask, "Does this church possess at least two willing, qualified men to serve?" If it does, but the congregation prevents them from serving, such a church is unscriptural in terms of organization.

But what if less than two qualified men are willing to serve as elders at a congregation? In that case, the church simply cannot have a scriptural eldership.

To put it another way, every church is in one of the four following states (in terms of biblical organization):
1. Scripturally organized – possessing biblically qualified elders (and deacons).
2. Unscripturally organized – possessing an unbiblical organizational structure, i.e. unqualified elders (or deacons), i.e. one elder, female elders, etc.
3. Scripturally unorganized – not possessing at least two willing, qualified men to serve as elders.
4. Unscripturally unorganized – refusing to allow qualified men to serve as elders (or deacons).

The fact is that many congregations of the Lord’s church do not have at least two qualified men who desire to be elders. Compelling such churches to appoint elders regardless would be a flagrant violation of God's will.

Please pray that the church in Milan will one day have two or more qualified men that desire the office of elder (as well as deacons).

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

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To Our Teachers

12/1/2023

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Thank God For Bible Class Teachers!

“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…" (1 Cor. 12:28)

One of the most important parts of the body of Christ are a collection of unsung heroes that pour their hearts and souls into their labors. To our Bible Class Teachers, we thank God for you!

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they teach our children (and adults) the BIBLE! Various people in the world try to teach our kids (and adults) a variety of things, but only a select, special group teach them the Bible!

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they teach our children (and adults) the Bible ONLY! In some churches, more time is spent entertaining and playing games than in teaching God’s word. Our teachers make teaching the Bible their #1 priority!

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they are among our hardest working members! They typically spend hours studying, organizing and preparing their lessons, not to mention the time they spend teaching. Moreover, some work additional hours arranging and decorating classrooms.

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they have volunteered to take on a difficult task. Can you think of a more challenging assignment than teaching children (and adults)? The level of commitment required leads to few volunteers, resulting in teachers that frequently serve for long periods without breaks. (HINT: We need more teachers, even if to fill-in for a month or two!)

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they make a difference in children’s (and adults) lives! Many of us fondly remember the Bible class teachers we had when we were young. Today’s teachers are also making life long impressions on our children (and adults), often with eternal rewards!

To our Bible class teachers: we rarely show you the appreciation you deserve for your time, effort, headaches, patience and love for our children and adults. Today, however, we remind you that we not only appreciate you, but we cannot do without you!

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

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Thank God!

12/1/2023

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I THANK GOD…FOR YOU!

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy…; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart…” (Phil.1:3-6)

No words could convey my affection for our Milan church family any better than those penned by the Apostle Paul to his brethren in Philippi. Since my arrival 15 years ago, many of you have gone the 2nd mile to make me feel welcome, wanted and needed. Despite my mistakes, failings and omissions, you still make me feel that I make a difference.

Below is a small sampling of the things you do to make this preacher feel wanted and needed:
·    Your support and encouragement to my wife, Brenda.
·        Your prayers for my marriage, ministry and health.
·        Your complements on my lessons and Bible classes.
·        Your concern and prayers for my son, my brother Bo (& Carma) and my sister, Kathy.
·    Your prayers for our safety when traveling.
·        Your countless gifts, as well as treats such as candy bars, fresh corn, homemade jams, meatloaf, pumpkin & zucchini bread, diet Mt. Dew and much more.
·        Your encouraging notes & cards and text messages.
·        Your warm handshakes & hugs.
·    Your invitations to join you or your family for special occasions.
·        Your tolerating my deficiencies.
·    Your inspirational singing at our services.
·        Your patience while listening to my lessons.

As the minister for the Milan church of Christ, I am the most blessed preacher on earth. Which is why I constantly thank God for you.

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

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10 Reasons.......

12/1/2023

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10 Reasons I Do Not Drink.
(Revised, from "50 Reasons I Don't Drink", written by a Christian & former drinker.)

The Bible tells Christians to avoid all appearances of evil – 1 Thess 5:22. (FYI - I have NEVER appeared righteous with an alcoholic beverage in hand.)

Who can seriously talk to others about Jesus while sipping an alcoholic drink?

The Bible states that drunkards will not inherit God's kingdom – 1 Cor. 6:10. (FYI - Drunkenness always begins with ONE drink.)

Purchasing alcoholic beverages does not demonstrate wise stewardship of my money.

It is virtually impossible for me to carefully study my Bible while drinking an alcoholic beverage.

It is unconscionable for me to attempt a fervent prayer while drinking an alcoholic beverage.

Alcohol has destroyed well over one million marriages and continues to destroy hundreds weekly. (Not to mention the loss of thousands of lives in alcohol related traffic accidents every year.)

My children will likely drink if I drink. Some of them may become alcoholics.

If I am shopping and have beer, wine or stronger drinks in my cart, I'd be genuinely embarrassed if another Christian should spot me and come over to chat.

Alcohol is more addictive than most drinkers care to admit.

(I will add an 11th reason - DRS)

I would feel extremely nervous if Jesus returned at the very moment that I was lifting an alcoholic drink to my lips. (See Lk 12:40)

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

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What About Christmas?

Are Elders Required?

To Our Teachers

Thank God!

10 Reasons.......

Preacher's Corner

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