GRATEFUL HEARTS

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At the height of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln formally scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November. He implored all U.S. Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation”

While the word of our God stands forever, everything else can quickly wither and fade away (Isa. 40:8). So let us look to someone who lost it all—who experienced beatings, imprisonments, stoning, shipwreck, hunger, thirst, inadequate clothing—and yet wrote, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16–18 NLT). The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Thessalonica in the 1st century.

Today, practice being grateful, even if it is just for one thing.

God loves you.

Blessings from scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

Questions, comments, prayer requests, feel free to send us an email.

THANKFUL

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A thankful spirit, it does not come naturally, it has to be developed.

And it must be genuine.

I knew this guy that no matter what you asked him he would just say he was blessed. Everything was wonderful. Problem was his wife and daughter treated him like sheep dip. These were supposed to be a big happy Christian family.

The wife was a shrew, and the daughter was just plain mean.

One day we were driving down the highway on a business trip and his wife called his cellphone and I could not believe how horrible she was talking to him. Then the daughter got on the phone and ripped him a new one.

I grabbed his cell phone and threw it out the car window. The look on his face was priceless. As he sat there looking at me, I just said; “have some self-respect man.”

This 6’5 guy just broke down crying. I told him he was being abused, verbally and needed to remedy the situation. I also told him that if he kept saying how blessed he was and how everything was wonderful, then I would abuse him physically.(I’m really a nice guy, just very confrontational).

The only thing that changed was he stopped saying how blessed he was, and his wife and daughter kept on abusing him. Then at a Christmas party I pulled his wife away and told her she needed to repent and stop verbally abusing her husband. She took a swing at me and I stepped back and told her if she did that again I would spank her right here in front of everybody. Her response shocked me, nope, not what you think, she said, “finally a real man.”

They spent the next 3 years in counseling and things improved.

I see this guy about every 5 years or so and now I believe him when he says thank you.

2 weeks ago I was at the VA hospital for a check up and the nurse told me that she had a new set of questions to ask me. Her first question was, “are you being abused by your spouse?”

I broke out laughing, I told her I’ve been married 46 years, I’m built like a tank, my wife weighs about 110lbs. plus I’m a marriage counselor and pastor. She said I had to answer yes or no. so I said no. then I asked her why was this question being asked. Her answer, “covid, husbands and wives are being forced to spend an unusual amount of time together thus causing some husbands to get a beat down.”

So if you are being abused, man or woman, speak up, speak out until someone believes you.

God bless from scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

Salvation for Lauren, Tara, Nicole, Anne and Drew, Oscar and Cristina, Norma Perales and her husband Rick and adult son Rick Jr.

Tomorrow is thanksgiving and our wild bunch, the former adult entertainers will all be here for dinner. God bless them.

PSST, I HAVE A SECRET FINE’

To avoid spiritual deception, be committed to a Christ-centered church.

In chapter 1, Paul has shown that as the creator of the universe and the head of the church, Christ is supreme over all things. He said that the riches of the glory of the mystery that God has now revealed is, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). In Colossians 2:2b-3, probably countering the false teachers who emphasized their secret knowledge of the mysteries of God, Paul comes back to that theme and says that he wants these believers to attain “to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” He also (Col. 2:5) commends their “good discipline and the stability of [their] faith in Christ.” Clearly, Christ and the gospel must be the center of a solid church. Note five things:

1. A Christ-centered church is a Bible-centered church.

The Bible is our only source of divine revelation about the person and work of Jesus Christ and the Bible is Christ-centered. The Old Testament points ahead to Jesus. As Alec Motyer asserts (A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Loving the Old Testament [Christian Focus], p. 19, 25), “Without the Old Testament, we could not know Jesus properly…. Without the Old Testament we would not understand our New Testament properly.” The Gospels tell us how God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The rest of the New Testament interprets and applies the person, teaching, and work of Christ. The final book of the New Testament, the Revelation, points to His second coming in power and glory.

So if a church is not centered on the Bible, it is not centered on Jesus Christ. If a church does not teach the Bible on a consistent basis, you will not be equipped to withstand the deceptive schemes of the devil. In a genuinely loving church, you will receive sound teaching, both from the pulpit and from mature believers. Sometimes, sound teaching will confront where your life is not in line with God’s revealed will. Don’t dodge that! It’s easy to find churches that tell you what you want to hear to make you feel good. You need a church that, like a good doctor, tells you what you need to hear for spiritual health and growth (2 Tim. 4:1-5).

1. A Christ-centered church is a spiritually discerning church.

Discernment is a scarce commodity in modern evangelical circles. If you advocate discernment, you’ll be accused of being judgmental or intolerant. When I first came here 23 years ago, one of the elders told me that I was arrogant because I had titled one of my sermons, “What the Bible Says About Abortion.” When I asked him to explain, he said, “You can’t be dogmatic. You can’t say what the Bible says about anything. You can only state your opinion, but be open to other views.”

I agree that there are some secondary matters where we must not be dogmatic and I agree that we must be kind and gracious when we defend the truth (2 Tim. 2:24-26). But I disagree strongly that we must be tolerant and accepting of diverse views on clear biblical doctrines and moral issues. Without sound doctrine and biblically-based discernment, God’s people will be “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14).

1. A Christ-centered church is growing to understand all the treasures of wisdom and understanding that are in Christ.

Paul says that full assurance comes from understanding and knowing God’s mystery, which is Christ (the best manuscripts omit, “of the Father”). When Paul says that Christ is God’s “mystery,” and that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are “hidden” in Him, he does not mean that these things are reserved for an elite, insider few. Rather, he is countering the false teachers, who appealed to people with their inside secrets. By “mystery,” Paul means truth that formerly was concealed, but now is plainly revealed for all to see. The Old Testament promised the coming Redeemer and King, but the specifics were blurry until Jesus came on the scene, much like we’re fuzzy on the details about end time prophecies that have not yet been fulfilled.

By saying that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are “hidden” in Christ, Paul is reflecting Proverbs 2:4-5, which says of wisdom, understanding, and discernment:

If you seek her as silver

And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will discern the fear of the Lord

And discover the knowledge of God.

It takes some effort and diligence to mine out the riches that are in Christ. But the point is, He is our all-sufficient treasure for our every need. As W. H. Griffith Thomas states (Studies in Colossians and Philemon [Kregel], p. 78), “The only safeguard against error for the Christian is a full knowledge of Christ.”

1. A Christ-centered church practices unity on essential biblical truth, and loving tolerance on non-essentials.

“Knit together” sometimes means “instructed.” But it also means “knit or held together” (see Col. 2:19), which is probably the meaning here. But note that the unity is not divorced from understanding and true knowledge of Christ. As Paul states in Ephesians 4:13, 15, we are to attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God as we speak the truth in love.

There are core biblical truths that we must understand clearly and be willing to fight for and, if necessary, divide over or even die for. To compromise these truths would be to deny the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are other areas of doctrine and practice where godly people differ. While some of these areas are important for how we live, they do not jeopardize the gospel. We may debate these issues vigorously, but we must always regard the other person as a brother or sister in Christ and treat him or her with love.

1. A Christ-centered church is disciplined and stable in its faith in Christ.

“Good discipline” and “stability” picture a military unit that is disciplined in its fighting order, that has closed ranks so that the false teachers cannot break through. Sam Storms (samstorms.com) writes:

The word translated “good order” points to the well-ordered behavior of the Colossians. He has in mind lives that are aligned with biblical revelation, daily habits of life that reflect the values of Jesus, unwavering obedience to the will of God, no matter how unpopular or “unsuccessful” that may prove to be.

“Stability” is the opposite of trendy, flashy, or sensational. Stable churches don’t chase after the latest fad or church growth techniques. They don’t keep people hyped up with speculations about how close we may be to the rapture (because we can’t know exactly when Jesus will return). They don’t promote the latest self-help insights on how you can have a successful life, marriage, or career. Stable churches, frankly, are kind of boring! But we are to be stable in our faith in Christ. The biblical gospel is a sure foundation to guard us against spiritual deception.

Conclusion

In The Truth War [Thomas Nelson, 2007], John MacArthur argues that faithfulness to Christ demands that we fight for the truth of the gospel. But the modern evangelical church, swayed by the worldly emphasis on tolerance and “love,” has become apathetic to the whole concept of truth. In the introduction, he states (p. xvii), “Church leaders are obsessed with style and methodology, losing interest in the glory of God and becoming grossly apathetic about truth and sound doctrine.” He adds (p. xviii, brackets in original), “What we desperately need today are ‘shepherds according to [God’s] heart, who will feed [believers] with knowledge and understanding’ (Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28-31).”

That’s what Paul was arguing for in our text. The enemy has many servants who are trying to delude you with their persuasive arguments to water down the truth about Christ. But you can avoid spiritual deception by being committed to a loving, Christ-centered church.

God bless from scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

Please remember pastor Gene Getz in your prayers, pneumonia and covid.

Pray for Steve H, guidance and support and encouragement for himself and the church as they look for new pastor, pray for his wife Pam, severe knee pain.

Pray for Cindy O, everyone is surprised she is still hanging in there, pray she doesn’t suffer long.

Bill w, depression.

Pray for Leigh Ann, severe neck pain and salvation.

WHOM DO YOU SERVE???

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The Kingdom of God Versus the Kingdom of Satan

1. The Nature of the Kingdoms

	Kingdom of God		Kingdom of Satan
Item	Description	Reference	Description	Reference
1. Rulership	a. Rule by God—Theocracy	2Ch 20:6; Ps 95:3; Da 4:17, 32; 1Ti 1:17	a. Rule by Satan—the god of this age	Jn 12:31; 14:30; 2Co 4:4; Eph 2:2; 1Jn 5:19
	b. God’s rule through his Son	Ps 110:1; Isa 9:6-7; Da 7:13-14; Mt 28:18; Lk 1:32-33; Eph 1:20-22; Heb 1:3-8; Rev 1:5; 19:13-16	b. Satan assisted by principalities, powers and rulers of this dark world	Eph 1:21; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:15; cf. Da 10:13
2. Character	a. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit	Mt 6:33; Jn 18:36; Ro 14:17	a. Centered in the things of this world	1Jn 2:15-17; 5:19; Rev 2:9, 13
	b. Divine power	Lk 11:20-22; 1Co 2:4; 4:20; 1Th 1:5	b. Disease, sickness, slavery	Mt 10:1; Lk 9:1
	c. Truth	Jn 8:31-32; 14:6, 16-17; 15:26; 16:13; 17:17	c. Deception	Ge 3:4-5, 13; Jn 8:44; Ro 1:25; 2Co 4:4; 2Th 2:10-12
	d. Holiness	1Co 1:2, 30; 2 Co 6:17-7:1; Eph 4:24; Heb 12:10, 14; 1Pe 1:15-16	d. Sin and evil	Ro 1:28-32; 1Co 6:9-10; Eph 2:1-3; 1Jn 3:7-10, 12
	e. Light	Jn 1:4-9; 3:19; Ac 26:18; Col 1:12-13; 1Ti 6:16; 1Jn 1:5, 7	e. Darkness	Lk 22:53; Ac 26:18; Eph 6:12; Col 1:13; 1Jn 1:6; cf. 2Co 11:14
	f. Eternal life	Jn 1:4; 3:16; Ro 5:17; 6:4, 12; 8:2; 1Jn 5:12; Rev 1:18	f. Eternal death	Ro 5:12, 14; 6:23; Eph 2:1; Rev 20:14-15; 21:8
3. Manifestation	a. Salvation	Mk 1:15; Ac 8:12; 1Co 5:10-11	a. Destruction	Jn 10:10; 1Pe 5:8
	b. Baptism in the Holy Spirit	Mt 3:2, 11-12; Ac 1:3-8	b. Filled with the spirit of the world	1Co 2:12; Jas 4:4; 1Jn 2:15
	c. Miracles and driving out demons	Mt 4:23-24; 10:7-8; 12:28; Lk 9:1-2, 11; 11:20-22; 13:11-16	c. By counterfeit miracles and demon-possession	Mt 4:24; 8:28; 24:24; 2Th 2:9; Rev 13:13-14
	d. The presence of Jesus	Mt 3:1-3; 4:17; Mk 1:14-15	d. The presence of evil spirits	Mt 8:28; 12:22-29; Mk 5:2-5, 9; 6:7; Ac 19:16; Rev 18:2
	e. Gifts of the Spirit	Ro 12:6-8; 1Co 12:1-31	e. Sorcery, witchcraft, drugs, occult activity	Ac 16:16; 19:18-19; 1Co 10:20; Gal 5:20; Rev 2:24
	f. Fruit of the Spirit	Gal 5:22-23	f. Acts of the sinful nature	Gal 5:19-21

1. The People of the Kingdoms

	Kingdom of God		Kingdom of Satan
Item	Description	Reference	Description	Reference
1. Entrance	a. Repentance and forgiveness	Mk 1:15; Ac 2:37-38; 1Jn 1:9	a. All unregenerate humanity	Ro 3:23; 5:12; Eph 2:2-3; Col 1:13
	b. Humility	Mt 18:3; Mk 10:15	b. Pride, independence	Ps 2:1-2; Pr 16:18; Eze 16:40-50; Da 4:30; Ob 1:3; Ro 1:30; 2Ti 3:2; Jude 1:16
	c. Confession and faith	Ro 10:8-13; Heb 4:2	c. Rebellion and unbelief	Ro 1:18-32; Heb 3:19; 12:25
	d. New birth	Jn 3:3, 5	d. Spiritual death	Ro 5:12, 17; 6:23; Eph 2:1; Col 2:13
	e. Union with Christ	Ro 6:3-8	e. Separation from God	Eph 2:12
2. Characteristics of Members	a. Children of God	Jn 1:12-13; 3:3-5; Ro 8:15; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5	a. Children of Satan	Jn 8:44; 1Jn 3:8-10
	b. Faith and obedience	Mt 6:25-32; Jn 14:21; Ro 1:5; 16:26; Heb 11:6	b. Unbelief and rebellion	Mt 17:17; Lk 12:46; 2Th 3:2; Tit 1:15; Rev 21:8
	c. Eternal life	Jn 3:16, 36; 5:24; 6:40; 1Jn 2:25; 5:11; Rev 2:7	c. Eternal death	Jn 3:18, 36; Ro 5:12; 6:23; Jas 1:15; 1Jn 5:12; Rev 20:14-15; 21:8
	d. Walk in the light	Ro 13:13; Eph 5:8; Php 2:15; 1Th 5:5, 8	d. Walk in darkness	Jn 3:19; Ro 13:12-13; Eph 5:11-12; 1Jn 1:6; 2:9, 11
	e. Devoted to the truth	2Th 2:13; 1Ti 3:15; 3Jn 1:3-5	e. Speak lies and oppose truth	Jn 8:44; Ro 1:18, 25; 2Ti 2:18; 3:8; 4:4
	f. Strangers in the world	Heb 11:13; 1Pe 2:11	f. Love things of the world	1Co 6:9; 2Ti 3:4; 2Pe 2:3; Jude 1:11; Rev 3:17-19
	g. Live by the Spirit	Ro 8:9-11; 1Co 2:10-13; Gal 5:16-26	g. Live by the sinful nature	Ro 8:5-6; Gal 5:16-26
	h. Humble and childlike, living righteously	Mt 5:6, 20; 6:33; 18:1-4; Lk 18:16-17; 1Th 2:12; Eph 4:24	h. Wicked, disobedient and immoral	Gal 5:19-21; Eph 2:2-3; 5:5-6; Jas 1:14-15; 1Jn 2:15-17; 3:8
	i. Meekness and submission	Pr 16:19; Mt 5:5; Eph 5:21-22; Jas 3:17; 1Pe 2:13-3:9	i. Arrogance and self-assertion	2Ti 3:2; Jas 4:6
	j. Freedom in Christ	Ro 6:6, 18, 22; 1Pe 2:16	j. Bondage to sin and Satan	Ro 7:14-24
	k. Honesty	Ex 20:15-16; Eph 4:25, 28	k. Deceit	Pr 12:5, 20a; Ro 1:29; Eph 4:22; Rev 21:8
	l. Love	Mt 5:43-48; 7:12; 1Co 13; Eph 5:2	l. Hatred and hostility	Lk 21:17; Jn 15:18-19; 18:14; Ro 1:30; Tit 3:3; Jas 4:4
	m. Forgiveness	Mt 5:14-15; Eph 4:32	m. Bitterness	Ro 3:14; Eph 4:31
	n. Godly influence	Mt 5:13-16; Tit 2:12; 1Pe 2:12; 2Pe 3:11	n. Corrupting influence	Ge 19:1-38; Pr 2:12-22; 1Co 15:33
	o. Sexual purity and marital faithfulness	Eph 5:3; 1Th 4:3-8	o. Lust and immorality	Ro 1:24-27; 1Co 6:9-10; Gal 5:19; Eph 5:5-6
	p. Generosity	Lk 6:38; 12:33-34; 2Co 8:2-5	p. Greed and covetousness	Lk 12:15-21; Col 3:5; 2Pe 2:14
	q. Holy	Mt 5:8; 1Pe 1:15-16; Rev 22:11	q. Unholy	2Ti 3:2; 2Pe 2:5-6; Jude 1:15; Rev 22:11
	r. Upright speech	Ex 20:16; Pr 10:19-21; Ecc 5:2, 6-7; Eph 4:29; 5:4; Jas 1:26; 3:1-2	r. Corrupt speech	Pr 10:18; 15:28; Ro 3:13-14
	s. Inherit the kingdom	Mt 25:34-40; Jn 3:3-5; 1Co 6:11; Rev 21:7	s. Do not inherit the kingdom	1Co 6:9-11; Gal 5:21; Eph 5:5
3. Duties	a. Worship only God	Ex 20:2-6; Mt 4:10; Jn 4:23-24; 1Th 1:9	a. Idolatry; living for self; ultimately worshiping Satan and antichrist	Da 11:30-33; 2Th 2:4; Rev 13:4, 8, 12, 15
	b. Hate sin and Satan	Ps 139:21; Ro 12:9; Heb 1:9; 1Jn 2:15	b. Hate and persecute believers; hate Christ and righteousness	Jn 15:19; 16:3; 17:14; 2Ti 3:12; Rev. 12:13, 17
	c. Seek to advance God’s kingdom and his righteousness	Mt 6:31-33; 11:12; 28:19-20; Ac 1:6-8; 19:8; 28:23, 31; Col 4:11	c. Promote evil and corrupt God’s kingdom and righteousness	Mt 7:15; 13:24-28, 36-43; 24:23-24; Lk 21:8; Ac 20:29-30; Gal 1:8-9; 1Jn 2:18-19; 2Jn 1:7-11
	d. Do not love the world	Mt 6:19-24; Jn 17:15-16; Ro 12:1-2; 1Co 10:21-22; 2Co 6:14-18; 2Ti 3:1-5; Jas 4:4; 1Jn 2:15-17	d. Love the world	Ps 17:14; Mk 8:36; Php 3:19; 2Ti 4:10; 1Jn 2:15-16
	e. Wait for Christ’s return from heaven	1Th 1:10; 4:13-18; 1Ti 4:8; Tit 2:13	e. Do not watch for Christ’s return	Mt 24:45-51; Lk 12:42-46; 1Th 5:4-6
4. Power and dominion	a. Personal level	Lk 10:17; Jn 16:33; Ro 6:12, 14	a. Personal level	Jn 8:23; Eph 2:1; 1Jn 3:8
	b. Family level	Dt 6:1-9; 1Co 11:3; Eph 5:22-6:4	b. Family level	Lk 16:27-31; 21:16; 2 Ti 3:2-3, 6
	c. Church level	Mt 5:13-20; 18:15-20	c. Organizational level	Jn 12:31; Eph 6:12; Rev 13:1-11; 17-18
	d. Business level	Lk 16:1-13; Col 3:23-25	d. Business level	Ac 16:16-21; 19:23-28; Rev 18:3, 11-24

God bless from scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

Pray for well known and very respected pastor and author, Gene Getz, in the Dallas, Tx hospital with pneumonia and covid.

Pray for Jim Asberry, still recovering from skull fracture.

Remember Steve H in pray, encouragement and help with finding a new pastor and for his wife Pam, severe knee pain.

Salvation for Lauren, Tara, Anne and Drew, Nicole, Oscar and Cristina. Norma and her family.

PSST, PART TWO

Tao avoid spiritual deception, be committed to a loving church.

Let me be quick to add that “loving” isn’t the only criterion! The cults draw people in by showing them “love.” Perhaps the most egregious example was the Children of God cult, where the women used sex to lure unsuspecting men into the group. But other less flagrant examples abound, where the cults offer lonely people a sense of belonging and fellowship. So love is not the only necessary quality to look for.

But it is an essential quality. Paul’s heartfelt love and concern for these believers whom he had not even met is evident. Although not directly stated here, his concern for them is similar to his concern for the new Thessalonian believers, where he compares himself to a gentle, nursing mother and to a loving, concerned father (1 Thess. 2:7, 11). In Colossians 2:2, he expresses his desire or prayer for these dear people, along with the believers in Laodicea, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself ….” That reminds me of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (3:16-19):

… that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

In both prayers, Paul connects spiritual apprehension of God’s blessings in Christ with being a part of a loving fellowship of believers. F. F. Bruce observed (The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians [Eerdmans], p. 95), “Paul emphasizes that the revelation of God cannot be properly known apart from the cultivation of brotherly love within the community.” N. T. Wright (Colossians and Philemon [IVP/Eerdmans], pp. 94-95) explains, “Living in a loving and forgiving community will assist growth in understanding, and vice versa, as truth is confirmed in practice and practice enables truth to be seen in action and so to be fully grasped.” Our text implies three qualities of a loving church:

1. A loving church is a praying church.

Although it’s not directly stated, most commentators think that Paul’s great “struggle” for these believers whom he had not met was his struggle in prayer. He uses the verb related to that noun when he refers (Col. 4:12) to Epaphras, who is “always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers.” We get our word “agonizing” from this Greek word. It was used of wrestlers, straining every fiber in their bodies as they struggled to defeat their opponents. In Colossians 4:2-3, Paul specifically calls this church to prayer: “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well ….”

There are two things to take away from this. First, if you love people, you will pray for them. If they’re on your heart, you take them often before God’s throne of grace, asking Him to keep them from the many snares of this world and to help them to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I encourage you to pray through our church directory. Even if you don’t know these people (Paul didn’t know the Colossians or Laodiceans personally), it puts them on your heart. When you meet them, there is an instant bond of fellowship if you’ve been praying for them.

Second, the word “struggle” implies that praying for others is not easy. If you find praying for others to be difficult, welcome to the process! As Paul says in Ephesians 6:12, we are doing battle against “the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

1. A loving church practices heartfelt concern for one another.

Paul’s heart of concern for these new believers oozes through this text, and he wants their hearts to be encouraged or strengthened as they are knit together in love. True Christianity is a matter of the heart or inward person. It’s not about outward conformity or appearance, but about love for God and one another from the heart. It’s not about keeping up an image or veneer of righteousness by rules, but rather about how we think and live when others aren’t looking.

1. A loving church seeks the highest good of each person, namely, to know Christ and grow in Him.

As we saw in Colossians 1:28, Paul’s aim was to present every person complete or mature in Christ. Love seeks the highest good of others, which is, that the person knows Christ in a saving way and that he or she is growing in Christ. Since sin always destroys people, love means that if you see a brother or sister in sin or straying from the Lord, you go to them in a humble, gentle spirit and seek to restore them to the Lord (Gal. 6:1). If you hear a fellow Christian saying things that are contrary to sound doctrine, you talk with him and try to reason from Scripture to show him his error.

So to avoid spiritual deception, be aware of the danger. Be committed to a loving church. There is safety when you’re in the fold with the other sheep. If you venture out on your own, the wolves are waiting!

God bless from scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

Questions, comments, prayer requests, send us an email.

Remember all our prayer requests and our salvation list.

PSSST, I HAVE A SECRET

Over 50 years ago I was mugged as I walked out of a grocery store at night. The guy stepped out from beside a Goodwill Box and was on me in a flash. I would like to tell you that my honed ninja skills quickly defeated the bum. Truth is I got my ass handed to me. It was then I started my boxing career and the beginning of serious study of martial arts. Outside of the ring I’ve been in 33 fights where someone could have got killed. During one gunfight The Lord spoke to me and stopped me from killing a guy. It was then I knew that I had bought into a lie, that violence was pretty much the answer to everything including manhood. Salvation changed all of that in me. My wife says I’m still the scariest looking guy around until I smile.

The problem with spiritual deception is that it’s always more subtle and conniving than an armed, frontal attack. Paul warned that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light and his servants as servants of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:14-15). Satan doesn’t come in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork, laughing wickedly as he promises to take you with him to hell. He comes offering greater “light” on difficult issues. His servants are not outwardly, obviously evil. They pose as servants of righteousness, promising freedom, while inwardly they are enslaved by various lusts (2 Pet. 2:18-19). Jesus warned about wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15). Their disguise enabled them to mix among the flock, but their aim was to destroy for their own gain.

In our text (Col. 2:4), Paul warns about those who would “delude you with persuasive argument.” They were promising “deeper knowledge of mysteries” and “secret wisdom” that would help you in your Christian life. But they were promoting a message that appealed to the flesh. They claimed to have a deeper philosophy than the simple gospel of faith in Christ. They claimed to be holier than the apostles because of their self-abasement, rules, and severe treatment of the body (Col. 2:23). But they were promoting a religion that feeds pride, not the message of the cross.

It’s amazing how many different false teachings and teachers continue to prey on the Lord’s flock in our day. I recently saw an article on a “Bible study” group in Colorado where everyone smokes pot (which is legal there and coming here soon!). The members testified that studying the Bible in traditional churches had always been boring to them, but when they smoke pot, they see new insights and the Bible is much more interesting. And a local pastor is helping them study the Bible without confronting their drug use!

Beyond that, the cults are as active as ever, going door-to-door in our neighborhoods and recruiting people by appealing to their “strong family emphasis.” Among professing evangelicals, there are “churches” that gather in bars and sip cocktails while they discuss the Bible and current topics of interest. Seeker sensitive churches avoid mentioning anything negative, such as sin or judgment, which might make seekers feel uncomfortable. Rather than explain and apply the Bible, they show movie clips and give self-help messages about how you can succeed in your marriage or career. They picture God as our Good Buddy on the journey, a “life-coach” who is there rooting for us, even when we sin. If we’re oblivious to these and many other deceptive schemes of the devil, we’re more likely to fall prey to them.

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And there are no secret messages in the bible. If anyone tells you God revealed some secret to them and them alone and for $19.95 you too can have the secret knowledge. Send me the $20 and I will tell you a secret. Heck, I will do it for free, you are moron. (a little harsh).

God bless from scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

Pray for Cliff,, a good friend of mine, he is 65, has pneumonia and covid.

Pray for Paula W, I don’t even know how to put into words how spiritually messed up she is.

Pray for Mikaela, 17 years old and devasted by her parents divorce. Pray she would come in for counseling.

Pray for Steve H, the church is looking for a new pastor. Pray for his wife Pam, severe knee pain.

there is a trout in my milk

“There is a Trout in my milk” I’ve never heard that saying before, few have. Henry David Thoreau is accredited with that saying. It is a legal term. Meaning if you find a trout in your milk, someone put it in there on purpose. It comes from farmers watering down their milk so they sell a great quantity not quality of milk. Some farmer got so carried away they literally missed the fish from the streams that they pumped into their milk.

In cop talk it meant the evidence is planted not real, not genuine.

In the spiritual sense it is the idea of watering down the Gospel to make it appealing to everyone.

You know, like everyone is going to heaven, there is really no hell. And there are no standards. Hey, the bible might condemn some behavior and call it sin. But hey that is the bible, we here at the trout in your milk church think God is just a big love buddy and like a Disney film all dogs go to heaven. (I hope you know I am being sarcastic).

Here’s some watered-down milk for you, God never uses affliction, or suffering to make you a better Christian. If that was true, we have to get rid of the Psalms. Especially Psalms 119: 65-62.

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word … It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes. David had well recognized that the humility of affliction, the stones of adversity, were God’s gift to him to draw him closer to God.

I can hear some trout screaming right now, “that’s the Old Testament, the New Testament God doesn’t work like that”.

Well my dear trout, what about Malachi 3:6; “I the Lord God never change…”

Well for those who are still screaming O.T, here’s a N.T. one for you.

James 1:17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁷ Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

So to all the naysayers and trout, the Word of God is like milk to the thirsty soul and it is not watered down and there are standards and there are sinners and there are Saints.

Our job is to be fishers of men and rescue every trout.

God bless from scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

 

I Smell Smoke

To a great extent, our view of eternal punishment reflects our attitude toward the wretchedness of sin. A diminished view of sin cannot fathom the severity of eternal judgment. A biblical view of sin necessitates a judgment beyond the grave. A grasp of the horrors of hell also affects our motivation in evangelism and our desire to live a pure and holy life.

You would be surprised by some of the great names in Christian theology that do not believe in a literal hell. All with the same excuse, how could a loving God be that cruel, really eternal damnation.

The same people that omit hell from their personal theology, usually also down play the concept of sin.

I was on a long road trip one day and was dialing in the different ‘christian’ radio stations. I was amazed at all the different preachers that kept talking about their boo-boo’s and stupid mistakes and screw-up and character problems. But not one word about sin.

Jesus talked about hell more than any other topic. I think money was the second highest topic.

Do you know why people go to a very real hell?

There is only one reason, they don’t believe they are sinners and that Jesus is the only way into heaven.

The cults have generally tended to distort biblical teachings on eternal punishment: Christian Science believes there is no final judgment. The Jehovah’s Witnesses hold that lost men will have a second chance and that those who reject this offer of salvation will be annihilated. Mormonism maintains that all non-Mormons will be sentenced to eternal torment, along with those Mormons who are thus judged worthy of it. Unity refuses to believe in the finality of death, but believes that through mind action we resurrect ourselves from the dead.

“And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8).

The writer to the Hebrews stated that this doctrine was one of the foundation truths of the faith:

Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1-2).

In the Old Testament KJV, the principle word employed for the abode of the dead is Sheol. Unfortunately, of its 65 occurrences in the Old Testament, the King James Version translates Sheol “hell” 31 times, “grave” 31 times, and “pit” 3 times.

We must conclude, then, that in the Old Testament the term “hell” was a poor choice of words with which to render the Hebrew term Sheol. Sheol spoke of the abode of the dead with only a vague reference to the pain or pleasure experienced in this existence. There was a hope of life after death, but this was greatly clarified after the coming of our Lord.

The New Testament KJV term most often used to render the Hebrew word Sheol was the Greek word, Hades. As is seen by its usage in the New Testament, Hades has the same general reference to the abode of the dead, whether righteous or wicked.

Generally, then, Hades, like Sheol, refers to the abode of the dead, whether rNo one spoke more clearly of heaven and hell, of eternal bliss and eternal torment, than our Lord. In Luke 16:19-31, He spoke of Hades, and thus of Sheol (its Hebrew synonym):

“Now there was a certain rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, gaily living in splendor every day. And a certain poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now it came about that the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue; for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, in order that those who wish to come over from here to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, Father, that you send him to my father’s house—for I have five brothers— that he may warn them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ But he said, ‘No, Father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead’” (Luke 16:19-31).righteous or wicked.

At death, Lazarus was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham, where he was in conscious bliss (16:22, 25). The rich man, however, was in constant agony and torment (vss. 24-25). Both were in a conscious state, and not a “soul sleep” or a state of annihilation or non-existence. Each seemed to be aware of the condition of the other. The rich man sought to ease his misery by petitioning for an act of mercy from Lazarus (verse 24).

We learn from this parable that the reward or punishment faced after death is determined by our decision before death. One’s choice cannot be reversed after death:

‘And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, in order that those who wish to come over from here to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us’ (Luke 16:26).

There is no second chance given to those who have been sentenced to eternal torment. The decisions made in life find their eternal consequences fully carried out after death.

So it all comes down to choice. Heaven or Hell. Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior or deny you need him.

God bless from scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

Pray for Margie, cluster migraines.

Pray for Caliste Burt, going in for MRI 2 brain tumors remaining.

Pray for Cindy O, she will pass any day now.

Pray for Steve H, encouragement and support, as the church looks for a new pastor. For his wife Pam severe knee pain.

Remember Bill w, in prayer. Beginning of dementia.

THE FAITH LIFE

Photo by Mikes Photos on Pexels.com

Galatians 2:20 (ASV) clearly delineates the two sources of life involved in our reckoning: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.” How important it is diligently to “study … rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Unless the principle of distinctions is faithfully adhered to, our reckoning will be invalid and come to nought.
“I have been crucified with Christ.” The identity of this “I” is clearly disclosed in Romans 6:6: “Our old man was crucified with him.” Our sinful, Adamic source of life was crucified in Christ on Calvary. In our daily walk this self-life is not slain, but crucified—held in the place of death, rendered inoperative by the work of the cross.
“And it is no longer I that live.” “I” as the old creation, my history in Adam, ended at the cross. For me as a new creation in Christ, the death of the cross constitutes full separation from the reign of the old life.
“But Christ liveth in me.” This refers to “me” as newly created in the risen Lord. “I am the Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him …” (John 15:5). When our Father identified each of us with the Lord Jesus on the cross, all the life that came from the fallen Adam source was crucified; we, as individuals, were taken down into His death and raised as new creations in Christ. “For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Rom. 6:5, ASV).
Think for a moment of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [creation]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This speaks of our position, not our condition. Our condition will develop from this completed position by means of our reckoning faith. When we arose from the dead in Christ, we were created anew, cut off from the old source of life by the cross and joined to the new Source in the “power of an endless life.” “Old things are passed away”: the old man is passed away, as far as the new life is concerned—separated by the death of Calvary. “All things are become new”: everything is new in Christ, for we are a completely new creation. It is not that the old life is changed, but crucified, and exchanged for the new life.
“And that life which I now live in the flesh [body] I live in faith.” This is the newly created “I” as a born-again believer in Christ risen; and I now live by faith. “The faith which is in the Son of God.” I count upon Him, not upon self. “Who loved me and gave himself up for me.” The Lord Jesus did not love the old man; He took him to the cross! I am also to hate my (old) life, and count it a crucified thing held in the place of death by the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus loves the new “me,” the branch in the True Vine.
The subject of our reckoning may be further clarified by separating the three parts of the one heart-attitude:
(1) Identified with Christ, “we have become united with him in the likeness of his death” (Rom. 6:5, ASV). We were spiritually baptized into His death by virtue of being identified with Him. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3). This has reference to the true baptism of the Spirit. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:13). Water baptism by immersion is a pictorial testimony of this finished work. Knowing ourselves to have been identified with Christ, we are able to reckon ourselves to have died unto sin.
(2) Reckoning that we died at the cross in Christ is not reckoning ourselves to be dead now. We passed through death, and are forever alive as new creations in Him. God “hath quickened [enlifed, re-created] us together, with Christ … and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:5, 6). Being brought out of death in His resurrection gives us ground upon which to reckon ourselves alive unto God in Christ.
(3) As for the Adamic “law of sin which is in my members,” we reckon upon the fact that it has been crucified (not “destroyed”), its power over us as new creations “broken,” and “rendered void.” As we reckon upon this truth, the Holy Spirit applies the crucifixion of the cross to self, and we are progressively freed from its influence while walking in dependence upon the Spirit. If we become careless, or choose to walk in the flesh and draw from the resources of self, the old man is at once free to bring forth “the works of the flesh” in our members. But as we increase in knowledge of the finished work, and allow the cross to separate us in experience from the Adamic source while the Spirit develops the new life within us, we grow in the “not I, but Christ” walk.
There is further light on the principle of distinctions in Romans 7:19 and 20. Here, the mighty Paul is learning that in his own strength he is powerless against the indwelling law of sin. “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” Note the distinction between the two sources within—sins flowing from the old source, not the new. He also discovers that even as a new creation in Christ, he cannot by his own endeavors overcome indwelling sin.
The fallen Adam life within, the very embodiment of the principle of sin, can do nothing but sin. “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing” (Rom. 7:18). The Last Adam, the very life of Christ within, cannot sin, and is manifested as “the fruit of the Spirit.” “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin … and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (I John 3:9). As we reckon upon the crucifixion of the first Adam source, the flow of indwelling sin is progressively cut off by the daily work of the cross. And while we reckon upon our new life in the Last Adam, the flow of His endless life is increasingly deepened by the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
The source of our Christian life is distinctly revealed in Romans 8:9: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ [the Holy Spirit], he is none of his.” God sees us as “not in the flesh, but in the Spirit.” We are to reckon likewise. As individuals identified with the Lord Jesus, we were cut off from fallen Adam in His death, and created anew in Him in His resurrection. The source of our new life is the Last Adam, who indwells us by the Holy Spirit. This is the principle of the two Adams (sources).
Although as believers we are “not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,” the self-life will flow (and grow) as long as we fail to reckon upon the work of the cross, and to abide in Christ. Contrariwise, as we walk in dependence upon the Spirit, He will cause the indwelling life of the Lord Jesus to flow through us as “rivers of living water.”
There is the allegory of the sea captain who, in mid-ocean, is charged with a capital offense, put in chains, and replaced by another. As the ship sails on, the chained one seeks to assert his old authority over the crew. Some of them might be foolish enough to respond, but there is no need to for he has been judicially deposed. It is now simply a matter of acknowledging the new captain, and refusing the threats and orders of the condemned one. The death sentence is not yet carried out beyond his being held in the place of death, his power broken, but he will be executed when the ship reaches port. In the meantime, he causes a lot of trouble.
Is this not a picture of the Adamic source, held in the place of death, replaced by the new Source at the helm of our ship? Our attitude toward the old man is to be this: “I reckon upon the crucifixion of the cross as your undoing, and therefore refuse your reign over me. I count the Lord Jesus Christ as the Captain of my life.” When we reach the heavenly port, the conflict will be over; in the meantime, we rest in Him.

Stanford, M. J. (2002). Complete Works of Miles J. Stanford. Galaxie Software.

LAST DAYS

Beginning with Mt 24:15, Jesus speaks about unique signs that will occur during the end-time period. This is the time often called the “tribulation” (Rev 7:14; cf. “great distress” in Mt 24:21 – the phrase in Greek is the same). The signs that occur will be warnings that the end of this present age is very near (Mt 24:15-29). These signs will lead up to and signal Christ’s physical return to earth after the tribulation (Mt 24:30-31; cf. Rev 19:11-20:4). At Christ’s return, he will destroy the forces of the antichrist and evil, and he will establish an earthly reign of peace for the last thousand years of time as we know it.

The first major sign that signals the beginning of the great tribulation is “the abomination that causes desolation” (Mt 24:15). This phrase refers to a specific observable event that tells God’s faithful followers (who are alive during the great tribulation) that Christ’s literal return to earth will happen very shortly. (Christ’s followers during the tribulation are those who accept Christ after he has already taken the faithful people of his churches from the world; see article on The Rapture). This visible sign or event refers primarily to the future desecration (i.e., act of defilement, corruption, abuse) of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem by the antichrist (see Da 9:27, note; 1Jn 2:18. The antichrist, or man of lawlessness, will set up an image of himself in God’s temple, declaring himself to be “God” (2Th 2:3-4; Rev 13:14-15). The following are important facts about this event that will be the turning point for all that continues to happen.

(1) The “abomination that causes desolation” will mark the beginning of the final stage of the tribulation, which ends in Christ’s return to earth to defeat the forces of the antichrist and bring judgment and destruction on the ungodly at the battle of Armageddon (Mt 24:21, 29-30; Da 9:27; Rev 19:11-21).

(2) By noting the time of this event (“So when you see…” in Mt 24:15), Christ’s followers during the tribulation can know with great certainty when the tribulation will end and Christ will come to reign on earth (see Mt 24:33). The time span between this event and the end is given four times in the Bible as three and a half years, or 1,260 days (see Da 9:25-27; Rev 11:1-2; 12:6; 13:5-7; see Da 9:25-27).

(3) Because those who are waiting for Christ’s coming will be filled with such eagerness and expectancy (Mt 24:33), they must be aware that any report that Christ has returned will be untrue (Mt 24:23-27). There will be no doubt when Christ comes because the “coming of the Son of Man” at the end of the tribulation will be visible and known to all who are in the world (Mt 24:27-30).

Another sign that the great tribulation has begun will be the appearance of false prophets—messengers of Satan—who will perform “great signs and miracles” (Mt 24:24).

(1) Jesus strongly warns his followers to be especially alert and on guard against deception. Many people who claim to be “Christian” prophets, teachers and preachers will really be hypocrites and liars—even though they appear to perform miracles, healings and other signs. They will seem to have success in their ministries. But these false prophets will present a changed and twisted message, unlike the truth found in God’s Word (Mt 7:22; Gal 1:9).

(2) The Bible urges Christians to continually “test the spirits” that guide and empower all teachers, leaders and preachers to see how their messages, ministries and lives match up with the teachings, principles and standards of God’s eternal Word (see 1Jn 4:1). God allows deception (misrepresenting the truth), accompanied by miracles, to test believers and to reveal the depth and quality of their love for him and their loyalty to the truth of his Word (see Dt 13:3). This period of deception will be extremely difficult. Jesus states in Mt 24:24 that during the last days religious deceit will be so widespread and presented with such craftiness that it will be difficult even for “the elect” (i.e., committed Christians) to wisely judge and determine truth from lies (see 1Ti 4:16, Jas 1:21).

(3) Those among God’s people who do not truly love the truth will be deceived. They will be given no further opportunity to believe and accept the truth of the real Christ after the antichrist comes (see 2Th 2:11).

Finally, the great tribulation will be a specific period of horrible suffering and distress for all the people in the world. The following are Biblical facts about this terrifying time, when the antichrist will assume world control and God will release his severe end-time judgments on the earth:

(1) It will be worldwide (see Rev 3:10, note). (2) It will be the worst time of suffering and distress ever to occur in the history of humanity (Da 12:1; Mt 24:21). (3) It will be a terrible time of persecution for the Jews (Jer 30:5-7). (4) The period will be under the control of the “man of lawlessness” (i.e., antichrist; cf. Da 9:27; Rev 13:12). (5) Those in Christ’s churches who have been faithfully following him before this time begins are promised deliverance and “escape” from the tribulation (see Lk 21:36, note; 1Th 5:8-10; Rev 3:10). (6) During this time, there will be both Jews and Gentiles (i.e., people other than Jews) who believe in Jesus Christ and are spiritually saved (Dt 4:30-31; Hos 5:15; Rev 7:9-17; 14:6-7). But those who come to trust Christ after the tribulation begins will have to endure what is to come. (7) It will be a time of great suffering and dreadful persecution for all who continue to be faithful to God (Rev 12:17; 13:15). (8) It will be a time of God’s wrath (i.e., justified anger, vengeance) and judgment upon the ungodly throughout the earth (1Th 5:1-11; Rev 6:16-17). (9) Jesus’ statement that those days will be shortened (Mt 24:22) does not mean that the period will be less than the predicted three and a half years, or 1,260 days. It does seem to bring attention to the fact that the period will be so awful that if it were not limited to a shorter period of time, no one would survive; that is, the whole human race would be destroyed. (10) The great tribulation will end with Jesus Christ’s glorious return to earth with his bride (i.e., the church, those who had already been in heaven with him, Rev 19:7-8, 14) to rescue those who come to know Jesus during the tribulation and who survive up to that point. When he comes, Christ will destroy the forces of the antichrist who have gathered against his people of Israel at the battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:16) and bring final judgment on all the wicked (Eze 20:34-38; Mt 24:29-31; Lk 19:11-27; Rev 19:11-21). (11) We must not confuse this coming of Christ at the end of the great tribulation with Jesus’ reference to his sudden and unexpected descent from heaven in Mt 24:42, 44 (see notes on those verses, which reveal that this coming refers to the rapture of the church that will occur prior to Christ’s final return at the end of the tribulation). Christ’s unexpected, pre-tribulation coming to take his church from the world may be referred to as the “first stage” of Christ’s second coming. His physical return to earth at the end of the great tribulation would be the “second stage” of Christ’s second coming. (12) The major Bible passage describing the entire seven-year tribulation is found in Rev 6-18.

The entire tribulation period will last seven years. During that time, the antichrist will rise to political power. However, he will not be fully revealed or assume world control until the last three and a half years (see Da 9:25-27; Rev 13:5-7). This latter portion is typically referred to as the great tribulation because of the unique events described above

So, become a Christian now, or miss the rapture, go through a living hell on earth, be martyred, starvation, etc. or don’t accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and go through hell before going to hell. Seems simple does it not? Yet, broad is the way to destruction, narrow the path to redemption. There is no universal salvation, puppies and unicorns.

Choose today, before your head hits the pillow, you could wake up and find you have missed it.

Questions, comments, prayer requests, send an email if you would to scumlikeuschurch@gmail.com

Remember Cindy O, less than a month to live, keep her in pray as well as her daughter Leigh.

Remember Leigh Ann in prayer, salvation.

Steve H, as the church looks for another pastor. Pray for encouragement and support. Remember his wife Pam, severe knee pain.

Salvation for Lauren, Tara, Anne and Drew. Nicole. Oscar and Cristina.

Remember Peggy G, Barbara M, recovery from chemo and radiation.