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Nothing But.........????

9/15/2023

Nothing But Jesus!

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).

In our hectic society, we sometimes experience "information overload". And no wonder - our TVs, phones, tablet, laptop and desktop computers provide us with as much information in 12 hours as some of our great-grandparents were exposed to in 12 years. Moreover, there seems to be no end to our desire to obtain more information. The current fascination with A.I. (artificial intelligence) is just one indication.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with being "informed", we must beware of allowing our faith and commitment to Jesus Christ to get "lost in the shuffle."

The Apostle Paul reminded Christians in Corinth that he was determined to know nothing among them "except Jesus Christ and Him crucified". I admire that mindset and believe that all Christians should adopt it. Although Paul also expressed concern about other issues within the church in Corinth, his #1 focus was Jesus Christ. He was obsessed with proclaiming Jesus to a lost and dying world. His overriding passion was spreading the gospel so that everyone might have the opportunity to be saved through Jesus Christ.

What about us? Are we as concerned with promoting the gospel of Christ as we are with hearing about and discussing politics, the economy, immigration, weather or our favorite sports team? Are we more focused on the latest headlines than with teaching lost souls about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

It’s time that we make Jesus Christ the CENTER of our attention. It’s time we make our Lord THE reason for everything we do. It is only then that we have a real chance of winning lost souls to Christ.

“…that in all things HE may have the preeminence” (Col 3:18).

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

Storms

9/15/2023

Storms

At various times we will encounter the “storms of life" - disappointments, unpleasant events, and setbacks. These may come in the form of illness, injuries, financial issues, job or school problems, marriage difficulties, and even the loss of our beloved pets. One look at our sick list confirms that the “storms of life" abound.

Such trials will always be a part of living in an imperfect world, brought on by the sin of Adam and Eve. Unless we are careful, we might find ourselves counting our problems instead of our blessings.

In a world beset by natural catastrophes, disease, political turmoil, economic upheavals, and the threat of war, we may feel overwhelmed. However, it will help immensely if remember the following.

God did NOT promise to eliminate our troubles in this world. In fact, Jesus alerted His followers that they should expect trials and persecution - John 16:33. He added, however, that His disciples can have peace knowing that HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD.

In addition, God has promised that He will “never leave nor forsake" us (Hebrews 13:5). Moreover, we can obtain comfort and hope through His Word - Romans 15:4. Fellowship with other Christians can also be of immense help. Most of all, we are assured that NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD which is in Jesus Christ - Romans 8:35-39.

When the storms of life approach, apply the words of the apostle Peter, “...CAST ALL YOUR CARES UPON HIM; for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

Look Carefully Before Leaping...

8/24/2023

LOOK BEFORE LEAPING (TO CONCLUSIONS)

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Mt. 7:1-2).

A Christian friend of mine attended a high school musical. As the play began, he was impressed by the quality of the singing and acting. So was everyone else. The auditorium was filled, and the applause was constant, EXCEPT for a woman sitting nearby. She just sat there, barely acknowledging that the students were acting their hearts out.

My friend then watched her on every occasion in which everyone else applauded. But she barely acknowledged the performances. He thought, "Why did this woman bother attending if she intended only to sit there like a statue? Doesn't she realize that these young people need encouragement when they work so hard to entertain?"

After this my friend became so distracted that he barely paid attention to the last act of the play. "What’s her problem?" he thought, "Perhaps she’s jealous because her children were not selected for the musical. Or maybe she’s just a mean, unappreciative person!”

As the play ended, the audience sprang to their feet and awarded the kids with a standing ovation. It was at that moment that my friend realized why the woman never applauded. As she rose, she raised a solitary hand up to show her approval. It was the only hand she possessed.

My friend felt ashamed. HE had been mean and judgmental. He silently asked God to forgive him, and then approached the woman. “Weren’t the kids great?”, he asked. She replied, "Oh yes! I thoroughly enjoyed the play." It was only then that he could honestly say the same.

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

It is easy to judge, but unless we know all the facts, we must avoid “leaping” to conclusions. It is far better to give others the benefit of the doubt, which is precisely what we desire from others.

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis**

Support Your Local VBS

8/24/2023

REASONS TO SUPPORT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

1. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS AIMED PRIMARILY AT THOSE WHO ARE THE MOST RECEPTIVE TO THE GOSPEL – CHILDREN. According to a Barna Research Study, approximately 50% of all those that obey the gospel do so by the age of 15.
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them…” Mark 10:14.

2. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS A WONDERFUL OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY. On average, 25% of the children that attend come from unchurched homes. These youngsters (and their parents) deserve an opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ. Vacation Bible School provides such an opportunity.
“…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Rom. 10:17.

3. CHILDREN GET EXCITED ABOUT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. They eagerly anticipate the singing, games, prizes, classes, crafts, snacks and friends. At the same time, they learn more about God’s word, famous kings and more.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” Prov. 22:6

4. VBS PERMITS OUR CHILDREN TO SPEND MORE TIME TOGETHER. As our children grow it is vital that they develop close friendships within the church. Their future faithfulness may depend upon such relationships.
“…exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” Heb. 10:25.

5. VBS GIVES ADULTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENCOURAGE OUR CHILDREN. Since our children are the FUTURE of the church, it is imperative that adults provide them with a affection, attention and encouragement thousands of children have been known to return to church services because one or more adults made him or her feel special!

Please pray that our 2023 Vacation Bible School will make an eternal impact on both young and old alike!

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

All Aboard!!

8/6/2023

ALL ABOARD!

Speaking of his impending death, Paul wrote, “…the time of my departure is at hand..." (2 Tim. 4:6). Although our “departure date” is unknown, it may come at any moment. Are you ready to “board”? Studying the “Travel Information" below will help.

BOOKING: Arrangements MUST be made in advance, preferably today (2 Cor. 6:2).

I.D: Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the desired gate unless their names are recorded in the official logbook (Rev. 21:27).

DEPARTURE DATE & TIME: The date of departure is unknown. All passengers are advised to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice (Matt. 25:13).

TICKETS: Jesus paid the entire price when He dies on the cross. However, all prospective passengers must accept a "ticket" by believing in Jesus, repenting of sins, confessing faith in Jesus, and being baptized (Acts 2:38; Matt. 10:32; Acts 22:16). You must also securely hold on to your "ticket" (Heb. 3:6).

LUGGAGE: No luggage is permitted (1 Tim. 6:7). Everything needed (and much more) will be furnished upon arrival (1 Pet. 1:4).

MEANS OF TRAVEL: All passengers will be going by air (1 Thess. 4:17).

VACCINATIONS: None required, as the desired destination will be free of death and disease (Rev. 21:4).

CURRENCY: Only non-perishable assets can be forwarded to await the passenger's arrival. Deposits are made by giving generously and serving others (Luke 6:38; Matt. 6:20-21).

CLOTHING: A glorious and durable wardrobe will be provided upon arrival (2 Cor. 5:2-4).

RESERVATIONS: Tickets may be obtained at any time. However, since the departure day is unknown, everyone should obtain a ticket immediately (See “Tickets” above.).

FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS, consult God’s word (Jam. 1:21).

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

Religious Athiests

8/6/2023

"I Believe in God, But..."

As most of us are aware, atheists do not believe in God. But did you know that there are "religious atheists"? This describes those that claim to believe in God, but their actions tell a different story. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them" (Matt. 7: 20). Below are several examples of “religious atheists”:

"I believe in God, but...Sundays are my only day off." God says, “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching..” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

"I believe in God, but...Bible classes are unimportant." God says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

"I believe in God, but...it’s the preacher’s job (not mine) to visit sick, shut-in and backsliding Christians." God says, “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

"I believe in God, but...I refuse to forgive ______ for what they did!" God says, " If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him" (Luke 17:3-4).

"I believe in God, but...my bills prevent me from giving much to His church." God says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38).

"I believe in God, but...I often lose sleep worrying about how I'll make ends meet.” God says, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on…” “….seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:25, 33).

"I believe in God, but...I don't need to be immersed." God says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized (From the greek word baptizo – "to dip or immerse") in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38).

Although none of us is perfect, may we avoid becoming “religious atheists” by intentionally refusing to obey God’s commands.

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

Parents.....

8/6/2023

PARENTS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!

Max Jukes, a resident of New York many decades ago, rejected the need for Christian training in his home, and married a wife of like mind. From this union, over 1000 descendants have been researched. Approximately 300 were convicted of crimes, serving an average of 13 years in prison. Nearly 200 became prostitutes, and 100 ended up alcoholics. There is no record that even one of their descendants made any notable contribution to society.

Jonathan Edwards, also from New York, firmly believed that Christian training in the home was imperative and married a woman of like conviction. From this union over 700 descendants have been studied. More than 250 became preachers, 65 served as college professors, 13 became university presidents, 60 authored notable books, 3 served as congressman, and one was elected vice-president of the United States.

It is no secret that our country suffers many ills, as evidenced by the proliferation of immoral, ungodly and violent people. Conversely, we are blessed with a substantial number of committed Christians that make a positive difference. What is the primary factor that determines whether individuals will make good or evil contributions to society? Early training in the home.

Never underestimate the value of teaching God’s word at home. Indeed, no preacher, elder, schoolteacher or coach can begin to approach the influence of parents in terms of instilling values in children. Since your children will only be under your direction for a few years, make the most of them by teaching your children about God every day.

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

God Isn't Done....

7/11/2023

Let God Finish His Work

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all…” Phil. 1:6-7.

God completed His creation in six days. On the seventh day He rested, for "the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished" Gen. 2:1-2.

When we obeyed the gospel and were baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27), we began walking “in newness of life” (Rom 6:4). At that point God began a new work in us (Phil 1:6). It is a work that He fully intends to complete. And He will, as long as we refuse to give up.

The Christian life is not easy. Try as we might to resist temptation, we still give in. We occasionally pass up opportunities to serve others. Our faith sometimes wavers. Our focus tends to gravitate toward things. Our words are not always kind. Our thoughts go to inappropriate places. All in all, our lives are far from perfect. Thus we may wonder, “Does God still desire to finish the work He began in me?”

The answer is a resounding “YES!” In fact, God wants us in heaven even more that we want it for ourselves. After all, God would not have sent His Son to suffer, bleed and die a ghastly death unless our salvation was His top priority. Since we mean that much to God, how can we consider giving up?

God is doing everything in His power to avoid leaving our souls as unfinished symphonies; He is working daily to bring each of us to a grand climax. As long as we persist in our faith, God will put the finishing touch on our souls as we prepare to enter the gates of Heaven.

Thank you, God, for not giving up on us.

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

The Fence...

7/9/2023

Holes in the Fence

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).

How many times have we been guilty of speaking words in anger, only to later regret them? The phrase, “If only I could take it back!” has been repeated countless times. Although we may apologize for callous remarks, the “damage” may not heal for some time. The following story well illustrates this point.

A young boy possessed a bad temper, frequently causing him to say hurtful words to siblings, friends and even his parents. Following many scoldings, spankings and time-outs, his father decided to try something different. Every time his son made a malicious remark, his father gave him a 6-inch spike to hammer into an old fence in the back.

The first day the boy drove eight spikes into the fence. That night, his hands and arms ached terribly. He then realized that it would be easier to hold his tongue rather than continue to drive those spikes into the fence. Within a few days the number of spikes he drove into the fence declined to zero.

His father then commended him and suggested that they go out back and remove a few of the spikes. After doing so, the father said, "You have done well, son, and I am glad that you are now careful with your words. But there’s another lesson to be learned. See the holes in the fence? Although the fence still stands, it's not the same as before. It's the same way when we say something mean. Angry words leave scars, just like the holes in the fence. Even if we ask for forgiveness, the “holes” may remain for some time. So always be careful with your words."

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Proverbs 12:18).

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis

Freedom!

7/9/2023

Independence Day

July 4th holds special significance to our nation. It marks the date, in 1776, in which the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming our independence from England and our determination to be a free and sovereign nation. Accordingly, we celebrate July 4th as Independence Day.

The United States has stood as a symbol of freedom to oppressed peoples around the globe for 247 years. We have repeatedly defended our freedom and independence (and that of other nations) from oppressors.

Unfortunately, many of our citizens take our freedom for granted, not realizing what a precious blessing it is. We should remember that our nation was not always free, that winning and maintaining our independence has cost many lives, and that our continued freedom is NOT guaranteed.

There is a more important Independence Day, however, than July 4th. When a person learns about Jesus Christ, believes and obeys His commands to repent, confess and be baptized, he becomes free from the guilt and condemnation of his sin (Rom. 8:1-2).

Such a person “is a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17), a Christian. He is “delivered…from the power of darkness and conveyed…into the kingdom of the Son” (Col. 1:13).

However, a person who still lives in sin is actually a slave of the devil (Rom. 6:16). But when such a person by faith is baptized into Christ, he is set free from the slavery of sin (Rom 6:6-7). And as long as he remains faithful to the Lord, he has assurance of eternal life in heaven (Rom. 6:22; Rev. 2:10).

The ULTIMATE INDEPENDENCE DAY occurs when a person trusts and obeys Jesus Christ. On that day he is set free from the tyrannical rule of the devil. That is true freedom! Have you experienced the Ultimate Independence Day?

"…if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

A Recommitted Me in 2023!

Dennis