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We live in a society where violence, foul language and mischief are considered entertainment. The enemy has convinced so many Christians that they cannot live free from sin, and so they do not try. As a result of this thinking, what used to be wholesome is now corrupt because they see no wrong in adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, which we have been instructed not to do as followers of Christ.

So as true Christians in this kind of society how can we stay pure when sinners and fall short Christians write our books, direct movies, teach our children, are our bosses, drive our buses, play sports, are our professors, are our friends, write our newspapers and now even edit our bibles?

How can we remain pure in a society that’s corrupt and how can we overcome the pull of the Laodicean age?

Now typically we are careful with our involvement in the politics of this world, for we separate the influence of politics from the holiness of God’s church. Much has been said about Obama, Clinton and McCain, but where do we stand as saints?

We are not asking about your political affiliation, but should we get involved like other outspoken clergy have already done?

How far before it’s too far?

Your thoughts

Challenge

Do something for God this week that you would not normally do.

Examples
1. Read two chapters instead of one
2. Witness to 3 people instead of two
3. Pray longer or take on someone else’s burden
4. Ask God is there something He needs you to do and then do it.
5. Press out to church more
6. Write an article for the newsletter/website
7. Remove some things or put on some things
8. Trust Him more

Let us not forget what day and time we are living in. Jesus said, in the last days that some would be neither cold or hot. Let us continue to do well, so that we can be that gold tried in the fire.

Leave a comment and let us know what you did that was different than your routine this week.

What’s the best way to get from point A to point B?
It’s straight line of course, right?

Then when it comes to test and trials identify the source and deal directly with the issue. Traveling up, down, around and sideways of it will only prolong the matter.

2Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations…

-OLD SCHOOL VS NEW

In my opinion, I’ve always liked a good ol’ hymn when I need to reflect on God and what He’s done for me. Take one of the most well known hymns, “Amazing Grace”. Now what current song competes with the life that John Newton experienced as found in the Church History article on the website.

Most hymns have a deep consecrated life experience story behind them that cannot be matched by nice sounding words, like “Shackles (Praise You)”. Nice song but does it compare to say “Come thou Fount”? Let’s look at the lyrics:

Shackles

Verse I
In the corners of my mind…
I just can’t seem to find…
A reason to believe…
That I can break free…
Cause you see I have been bound for so long…
Feel like all hope is gone…
But I lift my hands…
I understand that I should praise You through my circumstance…

Come Thou Fount

Verse II
Here I raise my “Ebenezer”…
Hither by Thy help I come…
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,…
Safely to arrive at home…
Jesus sought me when a stranger,…
Wandering from the fold of God;…
He, to rescue me from danger,…
Interposed His precious blood….

The “Shackles” song is good and nice to listen to, but does it witness to your soul like “Come Thou Fount” does? I’m not comparing “Come Thou Fount” only with “Shackles”, but I am comparing nice sounding lyrics versus meaningful, soul rendering songs.

But should the Church sing more current songs to reach the younger groups?
Your thoughts?

We will be discussing the articles written in the newsletter, current events, encouraging moments, inspiring stories, and the Bible.

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