Authentic Faith
 
The New Testament has a great deal to say about faith. Unfortunately, millions of people have a flawed concept of faith. They believe that saving faith is simply believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
 
But a close examination of the Scriptures reveals that authentic faith is more than merely believing. The 2nd chapter of James makes it clear that faith must be coupled with obedient acts or works, else, it is dead - James 2:14-26. Moreover, James tells us that the demons believe and tremble, yet their faith is dead because they refuse to obey.
 
That is NOT to say that we can earn our way to heaven by good works - see Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-5. However, the Bible emphatically states that obedient faith is a requisite for salvation – “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Rom 6:17-18). See also Heb. 5:9 & 1 Pet 1:22.
 
Moreover, consider the “Heroes of Faith” listed in Hebrews 11:
·        By faith, Abel “offered to God a more excellent sacrifice” (v. 4).
·        By faith, Noah “prepared an ark” (v. 7).
·        By faith, Abraham “obeyed” God’s voice” (v. 8).
·        By faith, Abraham “offered up Isaac” (v. 17).
·        By faith, Isaac “blessed Jacob & Esau” (v. 20).
·        By faith, Jacob “blessed each of the sons of Joseph & worshiped” (v. 21).
·        By faith, Moses “forsook Egypt…kept the Passover” & more (v. 24-28).
 
James 2:18 states, “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” As you might imagine, it is impossible to “show faith” without a corresponding action. Genuine faith always obeys. And that is the kind of faith by which we are saved.
 
Building Faith That Sticks in 2026!
 
Dennis

CHRISTIANS & CHRISTMAS
 
For centuries there has been an ongoing debate about whether Christians should celebrate Christmas. Many display brightly lit trees, decorate their lawns and give gifts, while others oppose even saying, “Merry Christmas”. The following condensed article, penned by the late Gus Nichols, sheds helpful light on the question.


*********************************************************************************
 
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 season 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 wants 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 truth every day, including Christmas.
 
**********************************************************************************
 
I am thankful that 3.6 billion people around the world turn their thoughts to the birth of Jesus around the 25th of December. I also enjoy the lights, songs, and enhanced spirit of giving. Regardless of your feelings about Christmas, avoid judging others for their feelings unless they promote error - "Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival, or a new moon or sabbaths..." Col 2:16.
 
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
 
Dennis

A Fortune from Poverty


“To me…this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST…” (Eph. 3:8).


Charles Darrow was broke and unemployed during the Depression, yet he kept a positive attitude. After standing in the unemployment line all day he would return home and cheer up his pregnant wife with funny stories. Despite their meager existence, Charles was determined to make his wife happy. He even developed a “game” in order to lift her spirits.


During his younger years Darrow had enjoyed family vacations in Atlantic City, and he later drew on those memories to help him develop his game. Taking a square piece of cardboard, he drew a series of "properties" around the edges, named after the streets and familiar places he had visited as a child. To make the game more interesting he carved tiny houses and hotels out of wood to be used on the game board. As he and his young wife began playing the game they pretended to be rich, buying and selling property and "building" homes and hotels. Before long, their apartment was frequently filled with laughter.


The rest, aa they say, is history. This humble gift ultimately made Charles Darrow wealthy. Parker Brothers “bought” his game (eventually called "Monopoly"), and marketed it around the world. 90 years later, millions of these games (or its many variations) are sold annually. They have brought joy to countless millions. It all began when a poor young man determined to bring joy to someone for whom he loved.


The parallels to our salvation are obvious. Because of HIS LOVE FOR US, God allowed His Son to become POOR by sending Him to earth. Jesus’ objective was to bring JOY by offering Himself as an atoning sacrifice on the cross. Eternal life then became available to everyone choosing to believe and obey His will. Nothing on earth can match the JOY to be found in Jesus and eternal life in heaven. When we share Jesus Christ with others, we offer the same gift that brings JOY WITHOUT END!


Be a Light for Christ in 2025!


Dennis

BETTER THAN THE BEST BLACK FRIDAY DEAL
Every year, millions of people wake up early for Black Friday. They often stand in long lines, waiting for a bargain they can’t pass up. The appeal is simple: something valuable is being offered at a price too good to ignore.
In a spiritual sense, Jesus made the greatest offer in history. Isaiah invites us, “Come, buy without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1). Salvation is priceless, yet freely offered because Christ paid the full cost at the cross.
But just like Black Friday, salvation requires personal action. Some ignore or walk past the opportunity. Others assume the offer will always be there. Some are distracted by lesser things. And yet, for those who accept Christ and obey the gospel, nothing else compares.
Paul described the value of knowing Christ as “exceedingly great”, and everything else as loss (Philippians 3:8). While earthly bargains eventually fade and decay, not so with the Lord’s invitation. What he offers never loses its value - forgiveness, peace, purpose, and eternal life in heaven.
This season, as advertisements shout “Don’t miss this deal!”, may we remember the greatest bargain ever offered — the one purchased by the blood of Christ and offered to every willing soul.
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
Dennis

The Healing Power of Gratitude
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psa. 136:1)
Modern studies continue to confirm what Scripture has taught for thousands of years: a thankful heart is a healthy heart. Gratitude reduces stress, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, strengthens relationships, and even increases life-spans. Long before researchers discovered these truths, however, the Bible declares, “A joyful heart is good medicine” (Prov. 17:22). Thankful people, after all, are generally more joyful than others.
Why does gratitude act like “good medicine”? Because it shifts our focus from what is wrong to what is right, from what we lack to what God has given, from earthly struggles to heavenly hopes. Even in hardship, we can be thankful for God’s presence, His grace, His promises, and His ability to bring good out of difficulty (Rom. 8:28).
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, let us yearn for the healing, strengthening, Christ-centered habit of gratitude.
‘In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”’ (Luk 10:21).
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
Dennis

The Grace of Helping Others
One of the most inspiring characteristics of the Lord’s church is its compassion for those in need. From the earliest days of Christianity, believers understood that faith and love must be active, not idle. When famine struck Judea, the disciples in Antioch immediately determined to send relief to their brethren (Acts 11:27–30). Each one gave “according to his ability,” showing that generosity is not measured by how much we give, but by the love that moves us to give.
Throughout the New Testament, Christians are urged to “do good, to be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:18). The apostle Paul described giving as an act of grace — a reflection of the very heart of Jesus, “that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Cor. 8:9). When we open our hearts and hands to others, we reveal the very character of our Savior.
Today, as we participate in Orphan Sunday, we are following the same pattern of love shown by those early disciples. Every gift given in the name of Christ — whether large or small — meets real needs, brings comfort to the hurting, and brings glory to God. May we give cheerfully and gratefully, remembering that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
Dennis

Honoring Those Who Served

“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:7)

As Veterans Day approaches, our hearts should be filled with gratitude for the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces. They have stood in harm’s way so that we might live in safety and freedom. Many have sacrificed years away from their families; some have given their very lives. Truly, we owe them a debt we can never fully repay.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 13:7 that we are to “render… honor to whom honor” is due. While this passage speaks broadly of our duty toward those in authority, it also reminds us of a broader Christian principle: to give sincere respect and appreciation to those who serve others selflessly.

When we honor our veterans, we reflect the heart of Christ Himself, who said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). As Christians, we should also remember that we, too, are soldiers — enlisted in the Lord’s army, fighting not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil (Eph  6:10–13).

May we express our heartfelt thanks to all who have served, while recommitting ourselves to faithful service in the cause of Christ, our Commander and King.

Be a light for Christ in 2025! 

Dennis

BE CAREFUL LITTLE TONGUE WHAT YOU SAY…
 
The wise man wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Prov.18:21). He meant that the words we speak have both the power to heal or destroy.
 
The apostle Paul stressed that we should use our tongues to help or encourage others – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).
 
Conversely, James repeatedly warns us against using our tongues to hurt, demean or disgrace others - “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law” (James 4:11).
 
It will help immensely if we avoid beginning any sentence with the following:
 
·        “Did you hear what ________ did the other day?”
·        “I was shocked when I heard that ________ shops at Cannabis stores!”
·        “I think it’s terrible that ________ received another citation for speeding!”
·        “Just between us, _________ needs to bathe or shower more often.”
·        “Don’t tell anyone else, but I saw ________ purchase booze at Walmart yesterday.
·        “This may not be true, but I suspect that ________ may be in trouble with his parents again.”
·        “I probably shouldn’t say this, but ________ acted as if he had been drinking the other night.”
·        “Rumor has it that ________ is getting a divorce.”
·        “I would never have dreamed that ________ is a chain smoker!”
 
It is one thing to correct someone that is heading down the wrong path, but another thing to tell others about it.
 
“A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Pro 11:13).
 
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
 
Dennis

What a Dark World Needs Most


“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” — Matthew 5:14.
The world around us can often seem dark—dark with confusion, conflict, crime, and moral decay. But Jesus sent His followers as lights into that darkness. He didn’t say you should be the light; He said, “You are the light of the world”. That means wherever we go—in our homes, workplaces, schools, sports activities, shopping or communities--we manifest the glow of Christ when we care for, assist, serve or forgive others.
A small light can make a big difference. One candle can dispel the darkness of an entire room. Likewise, one Christian living faithfully can bring hope, clarity, and comfort to those around us who have lost their way. Remember—the intensity of our light depends on our connection to the true source--Jesus Christ. The closer we walk with Jesus, the brighter we shine.
Let each of us strive to reflect His light through kind words, honest living, and humble service. Let’s be the example that leads others to glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). The world doesn’t need any more darkness—it needs more light. Let’s each make it our mission this week to be a light for Christ in 2025 and beyond!
Be a Light for Christ in 2025
Dennis

Thank God for Our Teachers!
 
Every week, our Bible class teachers prepare lessons, pray over their students, and sow seeds of God’s Word into hearts young and old. Sometimes their efforts may go unnoticed, but heaven surely sees.
 
When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He included teaching as part of discipleship: “...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Teaching God’s Word is not just a task—it’s a sacred trust. Every teacher in our congregation is helping to carry out that divine mission.
 
Think for a moment about those who first taught you about Jesus. Perhaps it was a parent, a friend, or a faithful Bible class teacher. Their patience, kindness, and dedication helped shape your faith and guide your spiritual growth. In the same way, our Bible school teachers today are influencing lives that will touch eternity.
 
Let’s take a moment this week to thank them. A kind word, a note, or a simple “thank you” can go a long way. Pray for our teachers—that they will be encouraged, strengthened, and blessed in their work. And may we each remember that in some way, we are all teachers—by our words, by our example, and by our lives.
 
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” — Matthew 18:5
 
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
 
Dennis