THE BLOG
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Satan Is Alive and Well
This last Sunday night, 12.4 million viewers were exposed to a shocking presentation during the 65th annual Grammy Awards for the music industry—devil worship. Of course, all the normal superficiality and lewdness were displayed at the Grammy’s, but what happened on stage with artists Sam Smith and Kim Petras was unprecedented.
Vital Questions to Ask
Recently, I had someone ask me how they could communicate the gospel truth to a few people who had misunderstandings about Christianity yet showed an interest in knowing more.
I suggested sending them the following questions that are designed to prompt a search for ultimate answers about the truth of the gospel. Maybe you know someone who is showing interest and needs to do some more digging and consider the answers to these questions.
Be Humble
The Scriptures are chock-full of warnings about the ugliness of pride and the blessing of humility. Ouch: “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; assuredly, he will not be unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5). WOW: “But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2b).
Keep Pressing On
An interesting title caught my eye this week: “19 Mind-Blowing New Year’s Resolution Statistics (2023).” The opening line said this: “The New Year’s resolution statistics don’t lie…” Here are a few of the highlights or lowlights. You can read the whole analysis if you care to.
Watch Out for the Money Trap
It seems like everything these days comes with some kind of warning. I guess it keeps the liability attorneys well-fed and corporations well-protected and consumers well-notified. On the wrapper of a Fruit Roll-Up snack: “Remove before eating.” (Thanks for the heads up.) On a remote control for a TV: “Not dishwasher safe.” (So glad for this, since that would have been my first thought.) On a pack of Breath Savers: “Not for weight control.” (Hmmm, maybe their taste makes you feel like you’re losing weight??) On a container of underarm deodorant: “Caution: Do not spray in eyes.” (Oh my, such a critical warning.) So much for the warning label industry that keeps us well-informed and…safe.
Are You In?
Can you say, “I’m in”? It is very easy to underestimate the importance of being involved. I use the word involved as a verb which simply means to be actively engaged in something. Involvement is at the very heart and soul of everyone’s life and faith:
Let's Pause and Remember
All too often it seems the Christmas season is a blur. It comes and goes so quickly, doesn’t it?
It’s not the American way, but let’s slow down, be still, take time to reflect, and let it really sink in—the real meaning and message of Christmas. We heard it once again on Sunday:
Jesus emptied Himself.He took on human flesh.He became a servant. He humbled himself.He obeyed to the point of death on a cross.
What if Jesus Hadn’t Come
Dear Church Family, I believe I speak for all the staff and elders when I pray that during this Christmas season and at all times God would enable you to treasure His incarnate and risen Son above all else.Have you ever asked yourself what would be different if Jesus had never been born? If Jesus had not come in the fullness of time and been born of a woman and fulfilled the law, there would be no Bethlehem and this staff photo would not be possible.If Jesus had not been born
