True Independence!
 
July 4th marks the date, in 1776, on which the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, declaring our freedom from England and our determination to be a free and sovereign nation.  Accordingly, we celebrate July 4th as Independence Day.
 
For 244 years the United States of America has stood as a symbol of freedom to oppressed peoples around the globe. Moreover, we have repeatedly defended not only our freedom from oppressors, but that of other nations, as well.
 
Unfortunately, we have experienced freedom for so long that many of us take it for granted. We would be wise to remember that our nation was not always free, that winning (and preserving) our independence has cost the lives of thousands of men and women, and that there are no guarantees that we will always be free.
 
As meaningful as Independence Day is, it pales in comparison with another “Independence Day" that occurs when a sinner hears and believes the gospel of Christ, and submits to Jesus as Lord. By publicly confessing Christ as God's Son (Matt. 10:32), repenting of sin (Acts 17:30) and being baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3), the blood of Jesus cleanses him from the guilt of his sins (Acts 22:16). He is then SET FREE from the condemnation of sin (John 8:32).
 
Moreover, he is no longer the slave of the cruelest, most ruthless tyrant of all - the devil (Rom. 6:16). In fact, he is “delivered…from the power of darkness and conveyed… into the kingdom of the Son” (Col. 1:13). As long as he remains faithful to Christ, he is assured of eternal life in heaven (Romans 6:22; Revelation 2:10).
 
That is independence in the truest sense. Have YOU been set free from your sins by the blood of Jesus? If not, then why not obey the gospel TODAY, and cast off the shackles of sin?
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

LEAVING JESUS OUT OF PRAYER?
 
"…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)
 
For several decades now I have been disturbed by a growing trend in prayers at worship services, weddings, funerals or special events such as Nascar races. Many preachers, chaplains or other religionists currently conclude their prayers by saying, "In your name, Amen." Whenever I hear that, I can’t help but wonder, "Whose name? God the Father? Jesus Christ? The Holy Spirit? Or perhaps some widely worshipped personage like Mohammed or Buddha?”
 
Jesus 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). Since Jesus is the Mediator between God and man - 1 Tim. 2:5, it is always appropriate to end our prayers by saying, "in Jesus name" or "in the name of Jesus Christ".
 
When a Christian has the privilege of praying before others, whether around the dining room table or before an assembly of thousands, he has a unique opportunity to confess Jesus Christ. So why squander that opportunity and conclude with a nonspecific "In your name, amen"? Some argue that it is "politically correct" to omit the name of Jesus in public prayer in order to avoid offending Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. But if the fear of offending others is our main concern, then we may as well as change the name of the church to the “Church of Him”.
 
Perhaps we should be more concerned about offending Jesus! 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..." (Mk. 8:38, Lk. 9:26) Therefore intentionally omitting the name of Jesus Christ may cost us our salvation.
 
Although we should not offend others for the sake of doing so, we should never omit an opportunity to confess Jesus publicly, even when the possibility exists that others will not like it. As one person put it, "Let’s put Christ back into prayer!"
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 Dennis

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Fathers, Preach AND Practice!

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

Sermons are not the exclusive entitlement of preachers. According to the apostle Paul, Christian fathers are to train their children in the admonition of the Lord. This means telling and SHOWING. The well-known poem by Edgar Guest conveys this thought well.

"I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one any day; I’d rather one should walk with me, than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, for to see good put in action is what every student needs.

I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, but I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do.
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give, but there’s no misunderstanding how you act and live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind. When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me; To become as big and thoughtful as I know that man to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today, are not the ones that tell them, but the ones that show the way.

One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold; One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear, for right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence I say, I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day!”

Dads – do your best to “demonstrate” Godly sermons daily.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Come In From the Rain


“Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica -- Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” (2 Tim. 4:10-11)


Do you know someone that lacks the sense to come in out of the rain? That was I as a child (and long after). I can still hear my mother’s voice calling to me whenever I played outside during a downpour, "Dennis Ray, you come in out of that rain RIGHT NOW."


Rain didn’t really bother me back then. Thunder and lightning, however, were a different story. There was one occasion in which I was walking home as a severe thunderstorm approached. I was still 4-5 blocks away when lightning struck nearby and I was shaken by the deafening thunder. From that point my feet barely touched the ground until I arrived safely at home, my “shelter” from the storm.


After the "severe storms" we have experienced as a result of the corona virus, along with recent riots connected with the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minnesota, it’s a genuine relief to be "home" again! We’ve all heard the expression, "There’s no place like home". Assembling again with my church family following an 11-week suspension of services reminds me of HOW TRUE that is.


Although HEAVEN is our permanent home, God intended for the church to be our EARTHLY respite from the storms of life. Early Christians risked imprisonment, torture and even death to assemble regularly with other believers. God repeatedly reminds us of the necessity to do so:
·        “…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.” (Heb. 10:25)
·        “…exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:13)

 Why did the apostle Paul plead with Timothy “to come to me QUICKLY..." (2 Tim. 4:10)? He was practically alone. "Storms" were raging around him, and his days were quickly coming to an end. Paul craved a “shelter” - the companionship and encouragement of other Christians.

 Thank God that we are meeting together again. It feels wonderful to come in out of the rain.

 Jesus, always Jesus!

 Dennis

TRUST GOD, REGARDLESS


"He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" (Psalm 22:8)


Several years ago a troubled young man sat down with his minister and candidly admitted, "I trusted God to provide a way for me to get through college. My finances are gone, and I feel like God let me down." The minister wisely replied, "I understand your disappointment, but God didn't let you down. It may be that He has another plan for your life. God wants us to trust Him, no matter what."


Utilizing a few of his connections, the minister assisted the young man in obtaining a scholarship at a different college. While attending that school he met a committed Christian lady that ultimately became his devoted wife. Some time later he and his wife visited the aforementioned minister. During their conversation, the grateful young man said, "You were right. God didn't let me down. He changed the direction of my life in order to help me find the best possible Christian wife. I have now learned to trust God, no matter what."
 
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Psalm 22 prophetically describes many details of the crucifixion of Jesus. The psalmist's words, "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue him", were spoken a thousand years later by scoffers that watched as Jesus died on the cross. Little did they realize that Jesus indeed trusted His Father, despite His suffering and imminent death. He believed that God had a plan. Therefore Jesus is the pioneer of our faith, teaching us to trust God, no matter what.


We are now living in the most challenging time since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Some doubt God's love, or accuse Him of letting us down. It's easy to trust God when all is well. But trying times challenge our faith. May we meet the challenge by trusting God and His word, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5).


Trust God no matter what. He has a plan.


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis

The Coronavirus and the Church


On Sunday February 16th, much of the evening service of the Milan church of Christ was devoted to praying about the coronavirus (covid 19) - its victims, their souls, their families and the alarming impact of the virus upon China and possibly the rest of the world.


At that point, we had little idea as to how quickly the virus would spread globally, nor its insidious effects on economies, the stock market, people's thinking, habits and decisions. But now that nearly 1500 cases have been confirmed in the United States, the entire climate of our nation is rapidly changing. Cancellations of professional, college and high school sporting events, concerts, parades, commencement exercises, and the progressive quarantining of health and other Facilities may only be the beginning.


Even churches across the country have been drastically affected. Commonly used metallic surfaces such as door handles and communion trays are being covered with fabric or plastic. Multiple tables or stands with hand sanitizer are being placed throughout the buildings. Increasing numbers of congregants avoid shaking hands or embracing others; some are wearing gloves and/or protective masks to services. Thousands are refusing to take communion during the service due to fears of handling the plates. (Many churches are distributing disposable communion kits to alleviate such fears.) In some cases, the evening services, fellowships and even Bible classes are being cancelled until further notice. Many churches are preparing to offer more of their services online.


Although the church of Christ in Milan (along with thousands of other congregations around the world) has not initiated dramatic changes in response to the virus outbreak, the following suggestions are advisable.


1. Pray daily about this pandemic. Pray for the victims, and those who are suffering from the effects, such as loss of jobs, etc.
2. If you are ill, please remain at home until your symptoms disappear.
3. If you are particularly susceptible due to age or other health issues, consider wearing gloves or possibly a protective mask when you attend a service.
4. Carefully observe routine precautions such as keeping your hands washed, using hand sanitizer, avoiding touching your face, and making certain to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
5. If you are uncomfortable shaking hands with others, just smile and say, "I love you!"
6. Trust in God, no matter what. He will get us through this.


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding..." Pro. 3:5


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis

ALL THE WAY!
 
All the way my Savior leads me, What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.
 
All the way my Savior leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.
 
Many of us are familiar with these lyrics, having sung them many times through the years. However, the origin of these inspiring words serves to intensify their meaning.
 
The lyrics are based on a poem that came from the grateful heart of Fanny Crosby after she received an immediate answer to a fervent prayer. One day, she desperately needed $5 (roughly $45 in today’s currency), but had no idea where to obtain it. Following her usual custom, Fanny knelt down and began praying about the matter. A few minutes after beseeching God for help, a stranger appeared at her door and asked if she needed any assistance. He than handed her $5.
 
“I have no way of accounting for this”, she later commented, “Except to believe that God put it into the heart of this good man to bring the money. My first thought was that it is so WONDERFUL THE WAY THE LORD LEADS ME, and I immediately wrote the poem.”
 
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  (Phil. 4:19)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis