With US college campuses becoming a platform for Palestinian support, US-based Jews tell survey they feel less safe than they used to, but also largely (83%) support IDF actions in Gaza; Despite Biden's repeated statements backing Israel, they feel US needs to amp up support for the Jewish state

Temple Baptist Church - 4-28-2024Romans 10:1-17? Introduction:? A.? Verse 3 says, “They being ignorant.”? Ignorant?? Lacking knowledge or? comprehension? of the thing specified.? The implication of the word “being” is to ignore.? In the Bible, we find two kinds of ignorance:? 1.? Ignorance as a result of not hearing or being taught.? Amos 8:11-12? Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:? (12)? And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.? 2.? Willful ignorance as a result of rejecting what is heard or taught.? Hosea 4:6? My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.? 3.? As your pastor, it is my responsibility that, if you remain ignorant, it will have to be willful ignorance!? 4.? Israel was Ignorant, but their ignorance was willful!? Look at the preceding verses found in chapter 9:32-33.? “As it is written!”? THEY HAD THE WORD OF GOD!? THEY KNEW THE WORD OF GOD!? THEY DISREGUARDED THE WORD OF GOD!? ? 5.? SO IT IS IN OUR DAY AS WE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD!? The problem today is the same as the problem then.? ? Hosea 4:6? My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:? because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee!? B.? One of the age-old problems (and one that remains in our day) is that people are ignorant of what it takes to get to heaven.? Most religions along with so-called Christian denominations add works to faith in one degree or another.? C.? Self-righteousness in Salvation.? Salvation through personal merit or a mixture of personal merit and faith.? The Bible is perfectly clear about the separation of faith and works.? Romans 11:5-6? Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.? (6)? And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.? Ephesians 2:8-9? For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:? (9)? Not of works, lest any man should boast.? Acts 4:11-12? This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.? (12)? Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.? ? 1.? Self-righteousness manifests itself in those who believe that they are good enough to go to heaven through personal merit.? 2.? Self-righteousness manifests itself in those who believe that they are good enough to maintain their salvation through personal merit.? ? 3.? Both doctrines are heretical!? D.? In our text, we find why Israel turned from their Messiah, Christ Jesus.? Israel, who had the truth of God's Word and the Covenants, turned from the faith of their father, Abraham, to the wickedness of self-righteousness.? ? 1.? In the 400 hundred silent years that preceded the coming of Christ (around 100 B.C.) between Malachi and Matthew, two main branches of Judaism came into dominance: 1)? The Sadducees who upheld the Written Law? 2)? The Pharisees who upheld the Oral Law.? ? 2.? ? Galatians 6:12-14? As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. ? (13)? For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. ? (14)? But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.? ? 3.? They had the unbiblical perspective that they had “arrived” spiritually through their outward appearance and separation from the world.? This attitude resulted in exclusion!? E.? The Pharisees were separatists and, unfortunately, they eventually began to rely upon their system of “do's and don'ts” for righteousness with God instead of becoming obedient to God's righteousness.? The Lord rebuked them for making clean the outer appearance while the inner man was full of dead men's bones and rottenness.? ? In Matthew 5:20, our Lord said, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”? F.? The problem still exists today.? Separatism and Phariseeism are not the same.? God command us to be separate but, if not watchful, the same problem arises again.? I once saw on a sign this quote, “People are like fish: you catch them but let God clean them.”? ? G.? Paul's desire and prayer for Israel was that they would recognize who Jesus Christ was and turn to Him for salvation.? Israel had “zeal” for God but not according to knowledge.? Spirit is good but leaves one lost without truth.? I want to look at a few things in this text.? 1.? Ignorance of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 3.? “not according to knowledge…ignorant of God's righteousness”? ? Psalms 71:19? Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!? a.? Ignorance is not necessarily a bad word as it means that one has not learned.? In Romans 10, I believe that the ignorance mentioned was willful.? ? b.? Israel was familiar with the Old Testament and especially the Pentateuch.? One of the greatest of Old Testament truths found in these first 5 books was that of the holiness of God.? Mt. Sinai should have left a lasting impression upon the nation of Israel as God thundered from a mountain that was on fire.? ? ? c.? Israel's ignorance was willful!? The world's ignorance is willful!? The world of today tries to bring God down to man's level and man up to God's level.? 2.? Impeccability of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 3.? “God's righteousness”? The Bible declares that God dwells in a light that no man can approach unto.? He is impeccably holy.? He is immutably holy.? He said, “I am the Lord, I change not.”? 1 Timothy 6:15-16? Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;? (16)? Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.? a.? Salvation must always be by grace through faith because God demands absolute perfect holiness, and He alone is impeccably holy.? b.? Acceptance of God's righteousness is the rejection of personal righteousness.? 3. Impossibility of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 3.? “going about to establish their own righteousness.”? ? Ecclsiastes 7:20? For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.1 John 1:8-10? If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.? (9)? If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.? (10)? If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.? a.? One fact that every saved person understands is that of personal sinfulness.? There are those who believe that they are sinless, but they are deceived and lost.? ? b.? No conviction of sinfulness means there is no Holy Spirit there to convict.? Men everywhere are trying to be right with God with what they do instead of what He did.? 4.? Insubordination to God's Righteousness.? Vs. 3.? “have not submitted themselves”? ? Galatians 3:1-3? O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?? (2)? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?? (3)? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?? ? a.? Along with recognition of God's righteousness, one must become obedient to the holiness of God's demand: obedience to the gospel.? Vs. 16.? ? b.? Romans 1 shows the progression of the knowledge of God rejected:? 1)? When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God - God gave them up)? 2)? They changed the truth of God into a lie - God gave them up again? 3)? They did not like to retain God in their minds - God gave them over to a reprobate mind.? 5.? Imputation of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 4.? “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”? Salvation is a result of God's righteousness being imputed to the believer through propitiation and faith.? ? 2 Corinthians 5:21? For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.? Jude 24-25? Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,? (25)? To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.? ? “Dressed in His righteousness alone; faultless to stand before the throne.”? “When He sees me, He sees the blood of the Lamb; He sees me as worthy and not as I AM!”? 6.? Invitation of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 13.? “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”? ? ? ? “Whosoever” covers it all!? Come to Jesus Christ with your bankrupt life and He will impute His righteousness to you.

In a culture where social media and societal pressures shape a young person's identity more than biblical truths, the new film "Identity Crisis" explores deeper questions of self-worth, faith and divine creation, star Maria Canals-Barrera told The Christian Post.?

By The Corbett Report When you call someone a “gatekeeper,” you may think you're saying something about that person, but people who know the true...How to Defeat A Gatekeeper – “Solutions Watch” with James Corbett

? Temple Baptist Church - 4-24-2024John 15:12-17? Introduction:? ? A.? Another great benefit of abiding in Christ is that of friendship with Christ.? I find this amazing as we consider just Who this Friend is.? Three times in these three verses, Jesus Christ called His children friends!? 1.? Someone once said that if you end up with 5 True Friends in a lifetime, you are wealthy.? 2.? Here, we fine the possibility of having Jesus Christ as our Friend.? B.? The Value of our Friend.? 1.? Our Friend is Almighty Jehovah God, Creator and Sustainer of all things.? Our Friend created us for His pleasure and fellowship.? John 1:1-4? In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.? (2)? The same was in the beginning with God.? (3)? All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.? (4)? In him was life; and the life was the light of men.? 2.? Our Friend became our Propitiation.? Our Friend died in our place, bearing our sin and our shame.? He gave His life as He became sin for us Who knew no sin that we might be made the righteous of God in Him.? John 1:14? And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.? John 1:29? The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.? 3.? Our Friend is our Mediator between us and God the Father.? Our Friend makes peace between God the Father and us.? 1 Timothy 2:5? For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;? 4.? Our Friend is our Advocate with God the Father.? Our Friend speaks on our behalf when we cannot speak for ourselves.? 1 John 2:1? My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:? 5.? Our Friend is our High Priest.? Our Friend continually cleanses us from all sin and defilement with His own blood.? Hebrews 7:25-26? Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (26)? For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;? 6.? Our Friend is our soon coming King of kings and Lord of lords.? Our Friend said that if He would go away, He would come again and take us home with Him.? When He comes back to set up His Kingdom, He will bring us with Him to rule and reign.? Revelation 19:11-16? And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.? (12)? His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.? (13)? And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.? (14)? And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.? (15)? And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.? (16)? And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.? C. And people relish friends in high places?? We have the Almighty, completely Sovereign, All Knowing, owns Everything, can do Anything, can Forgive anything God who just happens to Love us.? D.? True friendship is a valuable and rare commodity! We make many acquaintances as we pass through this life, but only very few true and genuine friends. In this passage, Jesus reveals something about the nature of His friendship with His people. When you have Him for your Friend, you have discovered a friendship that knows no limits. He is, by definition, the ultimate Friend.? Proverbs 18:24? A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.? E.? In a true friendship, there must be:? 1.? Investment.? While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.? The greatest love ever shown was at Calvary. There has never been a greater, nobler, or more costly display of love than that selfless moment when Jesus died for us on the cross.? 2.? Intimacy.? These disciples were Christ's inner circle.? They were privy to the most intimate discussions and sharing that only Christ could give.? True friends have a very personal and close relationship with each other.? A closeness that makes for personal sharing of our thoughts and lives.? 2 Samuel 1:26? I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.? 3.? Involvement.? These disciples could share their inner most thoughts, fears, and cares with Christ.? Friends deeply care for what their friends care for.? Someone once said, “A burden shared is half a burden!”? There is more to intimate sharing than just listening.? ? John 11:33-35? When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,? (34)? And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.? (35)? Jesus wept.? F.? The Values of a having Christ as your True Friend:? 1.? A true friend loves at all times.? Unconditional love.? Proverbs 17:17? A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.? Psalms 41:9-10? Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.? (10)? But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.? 2.? A true friend always builds you up and never tears you down.? ? 1 Corinthians 15:33? Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.? 3.? A true friend is always standing by you.? ? Hebrews 13:5? Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.? Psalms 27:9-10? Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.? (10)? When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.? 4.? A true friend cares deeply about you.? ? Hebrews 4:15-16? For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.? (16)? Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.? 1 Peter 5:7? Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.? 5.? A true friend makes you a better person.? ? Proverbs 27:17? Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.? 6.? A true friend gives you godly counsel.? ? Proverbs 27:9? Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.? Isaiah 25:1? O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.? 7.? A true friend will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.? ? Proverbs 27:6? Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.? Ephesians 3:20-21? Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,? (21)? Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.? 8.? A true friend gave his life for us.? When I think of this, I think of the Medal of Honor, our nation's? highest military award for valor.? Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented? posthumously.? ? John 15:13? Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.? Conclusion:? What a Friend we have in Jesus!? He gave His all for His Friends!

By Tyler Durden Boston Dynamics unveiled Wednesday a new humanoid robot that creepily moves like no other robot has moved before. The new fully electric...Creepy New Humanoid Robot — “We Promise This Is Not A Person In A Bodysuit”

Today's category: CrimeFrom the Mouth of Babes? ? ? ? ? ? Little Johnny's kindergarden class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures, tacked to a bulletin board, of the 10 most wanted men. ? ? ? ? ? ? One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. ? ? ? ? ? ? "Yes," said the policeman. "The detectives want him very badly." ? ? ? ? ? ? Little Johnny asked, "So, why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?"View hundreds more jokes online.Email this joke to a friend

Have you ever asked yourself why you go to church? There are plenty of scriptures about meeting together, so, maybe it's out of obedience. Or maybe it's tradition, or maybe it's the fear of being accused of not being a good Christian. Maybe you go to church because it's something to do or it feels like a good thing to have some sort of faith-based support. Maybe you've formed good friendships, or you enjoy the programs churches have to offer. Maybe you like being part of a community of like-minded people. Maybe you've just always gone and so you continue to go out of habit or routine.? Everyone has their opinions about church, but does God have an opinion?Today, when churches almost everywhere are broadcasting online, does it really matter if you actually get dressed and head out on a Sunday morning or a Wednesday night? What about a Bible study, does that count? You can read the Bible alone and grow in your faith and you can pray alone and grow in your faith, and you can worship alone and grow in your faith. Yet each one of these faith actions has two sides: personal and inter-personal.? Most people are comfortable with reading the Bible and praying together, but worship is different. Why is that? People are sometimes less comfortable expressing themselves in worship when others are around than they are worshipping alone. But is one “better” or more spiritually beneficial than the other? Photo Credit:©GettyImages/CreativaImages

Most pastors will tell you of the importance of small groups. Speaking from personal experience, I know that if someone is connected in a small group, there is a greater likelihood that they'll be involved in a wider mission and more involved within the local church's life. They also have a built-in support system to help them grow in Christ. A recent LifeWay study found what I already knew through personal experience—small groups are important. Scott McConnell summarized the study with these words:"Small groups and Sunday School classes provide the relational glue that allows a local congregation to be a place where people love one another. Groups and relationships that are centered on the Word of God unify a congregation and motivate people to work together on the mission of the church. Churches with few people participating in groups are not in a healthy position to make more disciples."? [1]We also know that, just as with Sunday morning attendance, there are more women than men in attendance—about 60-40. Why is it harder to get men to be actively involved in small groups? Do they not like going? Or are there other reasons?Before answering these questions, I should say that in my own experience, I have witnessed many men absolutely love going to small groups. If a man is engaged in other disciplines within the body of Christ, these "reasons" are usually not a big enough hurdle. And in my experience, many of the men who attend small groups say it's their favorite time of the weak. Nevertheless, it can be a tough hurdle for some to overcome. Here are some of those reasons: ? [1]? https://research.lifeway.com/2023/03/07/research-reveals-importance-of-small-groups-evangelism-assimilation-for-church-growth/Photo Courtesy:? ? Jantanee Rungpranomkorn from? Getty Images

? Temple Baptist Church - 4-10-2024John 15:1-11? Introduction:? A.? Last week, we saw the Prophecy of the True Vine.? Jesus Christ is the Root of the Vine and the Vine itself along with being the Branch.? This tells us several things about Christ: He was before all things, He made all things, He sustains all things, and He will be after all things.? B.? Tonight, we will look at the Purpose of the True Vine.? God does everything both Perfectly and with Purpose.? 1.? verse 1.? The Personality of the True vine.? a)? As the Root, Christ is the Anchor that holds the Vine.? He is the Chief Cornerstone of salvation.? He is the Rock of the believer.? As the Vine, Christ sustains the believer.? The Root supplies the nutrients along with the water necessary for spiritual growth and productivity through the Vine to the branches.? b)? As the Vine, Christ is Attributer that feeds the branches.? The sap flows through the vine to the branches.? The vines do not produce anything other than branches.? It is the branches that are responsible for bearing fruit.? c)? As the Branch, Christ is our Example of both life and fruit bearing.? 2.? Verse 2.? The Purpose of the True Vine.? Fruit!? Without fruit, the True Vine would have no reason to exist.? Jesus Christ has a reason for His being and we are that reason.? a) The Vine gives birth to the branches.? We are born again through the finished work of Jesus Christ.? b) The vine gives the necessities of fruit bearing to the branches.? c)? The Lord has and is doing His part because we are both saved and capable, as long as we abide in Him, of producing fruit.? C.? The Priority of the True Vine.? 1.? The Importance of Abiding in the Vine.? ? a)? These verses do not speak of being Attached to the True Vine.? Each of God's children get their live through Christ Jesus and are a part of the True Vine.? If you are saved, you are and always will be a branch.? b)? But not all branches continue to draw life from the vine for various reasons.? After a storm, we all find a lot of dead branches in our yards.? God uses storms and strong winds to prune trees and other plants.? Gardeners prune their plants to help the plant to produce maximum fruit.? 2.? How do we Abide in the True Vine.? ? a)? By drawing all that we need for life and godliness from the sap that flows from God to usward.? I use these verses often because of their importance to all of us that are saved.? 2 Peter 1:2-3? Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,? (3)? According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:? b)? God gives us everything that we need so it is Available.? 2 Peter 1:2-3? Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,? (3)? According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:? c)? There are two aspects of our spiritual drawing from God.? To ignore either of these will cause the believer to become unproductive.? 1)? The Word of God.? I cannot over emphasize the importance of our Bible!? I do not “major on a minor” as it is the “MAJOR!”? It is the “sap” that we draw from reading, studying, listening to, and rightly applying the Word of God.? God's people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.? 2)? The Spirit of God.? The second way that we draw “sap” from the True Vine is through the presence of and obedience to the Holy Spirit which indwells us.? He is our Teacher, Comforter, Guide, and Friend.? 3.? The branch that does not produce fruit is broken off by men and cast into the fire.? ? John 15:6? If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.? (Notice that it is still a branch and the men who break them off and burn them shows the chastening rod of God.? “And many sleep!”? D.? Verses 2-11.? The Product of the Abiding Branches.? We now understand that failure to abide in Christ causes lack of fruit and possibly physical death.? ? John 15:5? I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.? 1.? Verse 2, 4-5.? ? The Qualification of the Fruit.? The branch must be attached to the Vine!? ? If you are not in the Vine, then there is no way for you to share in the Vine's life. This is all about a vital union between the believer and the Lord Jesus Christ, the True Vine.? a.? The Purging of the Vine.? John 15:2-3? Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.? (3)? Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.? b.? We must have a close relationship with the Vine.? Prayer, Bible reading and study, self-denial.? c.? We must be available for use by the Vine.? Availability and dependability are the greatest abilities.? This in all God needs.? 2.? The Quality of the Fruit.? Fruit!? The grace extended is all the same.? The faith exercised is all the same.? The salvation given is all the same.? a.? The quality of the fruit is not necessarily the responsibility of the branch.? The quality of fruit depends upon the quality of the Vine.? ? b.? God reproduces His life through our lives.? As salt and light, the world sees our good works and glorify the Father in heaven.? c.? This has been called a “Liberating Truth!”? We are free from the consequences of their personal choice.? We cannot save, we can only give savor and light.? 3.? The Quantity Of Our Fruit.? ? a.? ? So many people whip themselves because of a lack of visible results but there are those who plant, those who water, and only God can give the increase.? This? is not the responsibility of the branch. Some will produce much; some will produce little.? b.? The fruit, more fruit, and much fruit depend upon the will of the Vine. I have known some of the godliest, best missionaries and pastor who have spent their lives with little seeable fruit.? ? 4.? The Quandary of the Branches.? ? John 15:5? I am the vine, ye are the branches:? He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.? a.? Not every branch is what God intended for it to be.? Our relationship to the Vine is what we make of it.? b.? This branch is still attached to the Vine but is not abiding in the Vine.? Let me explain.? ? 1)? It is the Husbandman who Purges the branches: to wash them through the Word of God.? 2)? It is the Husbandman who Prunes the branches by breaking the branches OFF from the Vine.? c.? Our duty is to abide in God and allow God to abide in us!? Conclusion:? Not abide in Christ:? a.? Loss of Fellowship – “cast out”? b.? Loss of Living – “withered”? c.? Loss of Reward – “burned'

Legendary actor Dennis Quaid calls his new gospel album an “autobiographical” record, saying it tells the story of a man searching for purpose until he filled his “God-sized hole” through his Christian faith.

"I was always a seeker. I became disillusioned I think with churchianity," Quaid told ChristianHeadlines....

Today's category: KidsTruths Children Learn? ? ? ? ? ? 1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.? ? ? ? ? ? 2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.? ? ? ? ? ? 3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.? ? ? ? ? ? 4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.? ? ? ? ? ? 5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.? ? ? ? ? ? 6) Reading what people write on desks can teach you a lot.? ? ? ? ? ? 7) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.? ? ? ? ? ? 8) Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic tac.? ? ? ? ? ? 9) Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the same time.? ? ? ? ? ? 10) School lunches stick to the wall.? ? ? ? ? ? 11) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.? ? ? ? ? ? 12) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.? ? ? ? ? ? 13) The best place to be when you are sad is in Grandma's lap.View hundreds more jokes online.Email this joke to a friend

Marriage is declining in America. According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, the percentage of Americans who have cohabited was larger than that of those who have been married. This is not surprising, considering that “most Americans find it acceptable for unmarried couples to live together, even for those who don't plan to get married.”? ? Since Western societies are becoming more secularized, we should expect the rejection of religiously grounded practices like marriage. People have tried to redefine marriage, wanting to abandon the biblical practice and definition of it. For example, in 2015, the American Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision. This expanded “marriage” to include same-sex couples, granting them legal rights and privileges.? Those who practice consensual non-monogamy (also called ethical non-monogamy) argue that dating or being in a sexual relationship with another person outside of their spouse is not adultery if all individuals involved give their consent. According to an? article? by Psych? Central,? this? arrangement? in which? husband and wife are willing for their spouse? to have? additional partners is seen as a? healthy way to cope with being “attracted to multiple people at once.”? Amid this whirlwind of ideas and changes to the definition of marriage, where should Christians stand? Do we give in to the whims of an ever-changing culture so that we are relevant? Are we supposed to ignore or reinterpret the verses in Scripture that define marriage and discuss sexual relationships just to appease the world?? Even though the culture will continually shift, the Bible does not change. We should follow God's Word and remain steadfast to its truth. This includes being faithful to what Scripture teaches about marriage.? ? Although society increasingly wants to move beyond it, marriage is still important. Here's why:? Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Nadtochiy

You want our nation to elect the person who will most likely advance what you consider to be our best future. If you're like many Americans, however, you view our collective good through the prism of your personal good. In one sense, this arrangement is as it should be. In another, it contains the seeds of our national demise...

Parenting teens in today's world can feel beyond overwhelming - kind of like trying to stay cool when you're a piece of dry wood tossed into a dumpster fire. Many of us elder Millennials and Gen X'ers have parented teens through the evolution of smartphones, Snap Chat, and X-box Live. We have no earthly idea what we're doing. Yet, we're meant to serve as master-class-level digital police, culture war moderators, and spiritual warfare ninjas in an increasingly ludicrous world. Deep. Breaths.It's so difficult to keep the faith and remain optimistic while dealing with teenage mood swings, unforeseen drama, evolving personalities, and all the other magic that keeps our therapists equally horrified and entertained on the regular. However, just today, I had a God thought. It happened while spacing out at the kitchen sink, listening to my 14 and 16-year-old boys roam through the house, chattering away on their Air pods, leaving a trail of snack wrappers in their wake. The voice simply said, "They're both amazing. and they're both going to be okay." Admittedly, I was pretty caffeinated and high off a fresh Maverick City worship set, but my mind was heavily flooded with some assurances and truths I wanted to share with every mom of teens because, frankly, we never (ever) hear enough edification or comfort. We probably need to remind ourselves of these truths daily, but I hope this helps, even for today.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Galina Zhigalova

Today's category: LawyersYou Can't Take It With You? ? ? ? ? ? A dying man gathered his lawyer, doctor and clergyman at his bed side and handed each of them an envelope containing $25,000 in cash. He made them each promise that after his death and during his repose, they would place the three envelopes in his coffin. He told them that he wanted to have enough money to enjoy the next life.? ? ? ? ? ? A week later the man died. At the Wake, the Lawyer and Doctor and Clergyman, each concealed an envelope in the coffin and bid their old client and friend farewell. By chance, these three met several months later. Soon the Clergyman, feeling guilty, blurted out a confession saying that there was only $10,000 in the envelope he placed in the coffin. He felt, rather than waste all the money, he would send it to a Mission in South America. He asked for their forgiveness. The Doctor, moved by the gentle Clergymans sincerity, confessed that he too had kept some of the money for a worthy medical charity. The envelope, he admitted, had only $8000 in it. He said, he too could not bring himself to waste the money so frivolously when it could be used to benefit others.? ? ? ? ? ? By this time the Lawyer was seething with self-righteous outrage. He expressed his deep disappointment in the felonious behavior of two of his oldest and most trusted friends. "I am the only one who kept his promise to our dying friend. I want you both to know that the envelope I placed in the coffin contained the full amount. Indeed, my envelope contained my personal check for the entire $25,000."View hundreds more jokes online.Email this joke to a friend

How to Serve the Volunteer Teams You LeadJacob FlemingThu, 03/28/2024 - 00:05 Nothing compares to the privilege of serving in the house of the Lord! My heart echoes David's: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10).Along with that privilege comes responsibility; and when that responsibility includes leading others, it is imperative that we have a plan. My pastor, mentor, and friend, Dr. Paul Chappell, says, “Churches struggle when they establish goals without a strategy and ministry without structure.” Unfortunately, many times our volunteer teams never reach their full potential because of a lack of structure.? Following are five simple principles that can help you serve the volunteer team you lead and establish a culture that promotes the forward momentum of God's work.? Strategically Recruit? To lead a volunteer team, we must first have willing and able volunteers. Some volunteers will do just that—volunteer. Others, we need to recruit. And then, we must have the wisdom to place each volunteer where they will have the most impact on a weekly basis.? As leaders, we should have a personal goal to set each volunteer up for success. One of the most helpful ways to know where specific volunteers will be successful is to learn what their spiritual and natural gifts are and then involve them in areas where their gifts will be put to the best use. In addition to gifting, different areas of ministry require different levels of oversight and discernment. For instance, stocking guest tables or preparing refreshments for an event wouldn't involve the extensive background checks verifying childcare workers would require.? The fact is, God has created every person precious and unique, fitted to serve Him. As ministry leaders, we want to help our volunteer teams reach their potential by serving in their naturally gifted areas. Generally speaking, it is much easier to take a little time and effort to discern the right position for a volunteer than it is to make an adjustment when someone is already actively serving in the position that you have (mistakenly) placed them in.Think, for example, of a church member volunteering for “whatever you need me to do.” At the moment, you happen to need door greeters for the first impressions team. This volunteer, however, has an introverted personality. Should you place this volunteer in the door greeter position? Most likely, that wouldn't be the best fit. But this volunteer could shine in many other areas. Perhaps they could still be on the first impressions team, but doing the work of stocking supplies, treats, etc. On the other hand, there may be more extroverted people who would be happier to greet, knowing that the more tedious work of stocking supplies is cared for.? Equip with Resources? As ministry leaders, we are to equip “the saints for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). One of the greatest ways you can encourage your volunteer team to reach their potential is to equip them with the training and resources they need to excel in that specific ministry. Here are four areas in which you can equip your volunteers:? Job descriptions: Write out a purpose statement for each ministry with key responsibilities for each volunteer position. (The book Order in the Church by Paul Chappell has some helpful sample descriptions.) If you have not provided clear communication to a volunteer, don't get frustrated when they don't serve exactly how you desire.? Clear expectations: Volunteers want to be told what is expected. A great way to frustrate your volunteer team is to leave your expectations open-ended or fuzzy.? Contact information: If a volunteer has questions or an emergency on the day that they are serving, who do they call? Give them your phone number and the phone numbers of any other people they should turn to for help.Periodic training: Strategically schedule ministry meetings throughout the year during which you can provide further training. For instance, you may train your first impressions team three weeks before Easter so everyone has a fresh reminder of the ways to serve first-time guests.? Reward Regularly? It is impossible to encourage the wrong person. Volunteers sacrifice time and often finances to actively participate in serving our Lord. It's a good thing to recognize their sacrifice and encourage them to keep up the great work. Regular recognition can put wind in the sails of your team members. Here are some suggestions:Yearly: Recognize a ministry team in a Sunday night service.Quarterly: Write a thank you note with a candy bar.Monthly: Have a bite-size treat, waiting at their serving station.? Weekly: Verbalize your gratitude with a heart-felt “thank you.”Value the Team's Response? Your volunteer has strategically been placed, equipped with resources and training, and is feeling encouraged by serving. By now, there's a great chance that they have gleaned knowledge in their ministry and have ideas that can make their specific ministry even better. To be effective leaders, we must take the time to listen to their input.It's easy to receive compliments. But leaders are willing to receive complaints too. Make sure the compliments don't go to your head, and make sure to handle the complaints prayerfully and responsively.? Empower Responsibly? The purpose of delegation is not for you to do less, but for you to get more done effectively. The leader should always be watching for a volunteer team member that potentially could step up and help co-lead a part of the ministry. Be willing to share the ministry and allow well-trained volunteers to be empowered to help make decisions.? The person who builds by himself won't accomplish nearly as much as if he had a team of leaders helping him build. Can you imagine Nehemiah building the walls by himself? He would have ended up in the place many of us have found, or nearly found, ourselves: blown up, burned out, or quitting in discouragement. Build your volunteer team, and build with your volunteer team.It is my prayer that these five principles will encourage you as you serve your volunteer teams.? Strategically Recruit? Equip with Resources? Reward Regularly? Value the Team's Response? Empower Responsibly? Category Pastoral Leadership Ministry Resources Order in the Church Order in the Church Dr. Paul Chappell Guided by Grace Guided by Grace Dr. Paul Chappell Tags Local Church Church Service Leadership

? Temple Baptist Church - 3-24-2024Romans 11:33-36Introduction:? A. A Biblical Interpretation before a Practical Application.? Chapters 9-11 of the Book of Romans make up what is called a Parenthetical. An insertion that acts as an explanation of additional information within the context.? 1. These chapters deal with the Nation of Israel instead of the individual.? Before these chapters, Paul has been dealing with the salvation of men or the lack there of, but chapters 9-11 deal with the Nation of Israel and their relationship to God.? 2. Chapters 9-11 all begin with the? Nation of Israel and end with the Nation of Israel. Chapter 9 shows Israel's Past; Chapter 10 shows Israel's Present; Chapter 11 shows Israel's Prophecy.? 3. Israel was and is God's chosen nation!? These chapters explain what Israel did in? chapter 9 (Rejection of their Messiah), what God is now doing with Israel in Chapter 10 (Salvation to the individual Jews who accept Christ Jesus), and Chapter 11 shows the future of the Nation? (Israel's Repentance and Return to their Messiah).? B. Paul ends this parenthetical trilogy of chapters, 9-11,? with a doxology. “Doxology,” in the Ancient Greek language is compound word:? from? δόξα,? doxa, "glory" and -λογία, -logia, "saying” or “word."? C. God is not done with Israel.? At the end of Jacob's Trouble, also called the Tribulation Period, Israel as a nation will look upon Him whom they have pierced and nationally return to their Messiah.? Zechariah 12:8-10? In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. (9) And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (10) And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.? Romans 11:25-27? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (26) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: (27) For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.? D. That is the interpretation. Chapter 11:33-36 is Israel's guarantee.? God knows what He is doing! God loves Israel and He will restore the nation back to Himself.? E. I will give three types? of wisdom found in the Bible before I look at this doxology.? 1. Worldly Wisdom:? things that we learn over the years. We gain knowledge and then learn how to apply it rightly. This worldly wisdom can be learned or experiential.? a) Learned wisdom.? It is the wise individual who seeks counsel and advice. It is a wise individual who learns from those who have already learned. When you become “know it all,” you become a foolish individual.? b) Experiential wisdom.? Though learned wisdom is the simplest way to learn, often experience is the best teacher.? 2. Spiritual Wisdom:? spiritual knowledge rightly applied. Spiritual wisdom comes from God! It can be taught by the people of God, or it can be taught by the Word of God.? a. The First Mention of wisdom in the Bible:? Exodus 28:3? And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom? I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.? b. The “spirit of wisdom” comes from God. James 1:5? If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.? 3. God's Wisdom:? The wisdom of God is an all know or omniscient wisdom. God knows all things and there are some things that? only God knows and can only be gotten from Him.? The Bible declares? that God's wisdom in infinite:? Psalms 147:5? Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.? F. Wisdom defined:? accumulated knowledge or enlightenment , the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight, the quality of being prudent and sensible.? (By my definition, wisdom is the right application of or understanding of how to use knowledge.)? G. One of the attributes of God is that of omniscience.? This is means “omni” or “all” and “science” or “knowledge.” The state of having infinite knowledge. As Dr. B. R. Lakin so put it, “Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to God?” God knows everything about everything!? H. There is a difference between having knowledge and having wisdom.? Many men of our times have had great intellect, extensive education, and yet have died without Christ! That is the most foolish thing that I can think of. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God!” Men like Confucius who have left behind a legacy of worldly wisdom have denied Christ, died lost, and are in hell today.? J. God not only has all knowledge, but He also has all wisdom!? God's knowledge and wisdom are far above that of the smartest and wisest of all men.? Isaiah 55:9? For? as? the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.? (Notice the analogy here: “as the heavens are higher than the earth.”)? K. Verse 36. Now for the application.? If God takes care of His elect nation that rejected Christ Jesus, how much the more will He take care of His children who have placed their trust in Him! I think it important that we? understand God's wisdom as we are taught biblically to trust Him in relationship to our circumstances and needs.? 1. Our Salvation is of Him -? John 6:35? And Jesus said unto them,? I am? the bread of life: he that? cometh to me? shall never hunger; and he that? believeth on me? shall never thirst. (Salvation is an act of God but it is also a choice of the individual!)? Matthew 11:28-30? Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,? and I will give you rest.? (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:? and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.? 2.? Our Circumstances are through Him - Proverbs 3:5-6? Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ? (6)? In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.? (We are often confused, humanly speaking, by the things that happen in our lives that we cannot control. Yet, the Bible is clear that we are to trust completely when we do not understand.)? Job 23:10-12? But he? knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (11) My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. (12) Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.? Matthew 6:31-34? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ? (32)? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. ? (33)? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ? (34)? Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.? (In times of uncertainty, God wants our priority to be Him, not our temporal needs. He has assured us that He knows what we need and will supply them. God wants our unwavering faith to be inn Him as He controls our circumstances.)? 3. Our Future is to Him? -? 1 John 3:1-2? Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.? Conclusion:? No matter what comes, the wisdom of God is our guarantee that all will work together for good to those of us who love Him and, in the end all will be well.? 1. The Wisdom Of God Penned Down In The Bible.? 2. The Wisdom Of God Previewed In Creation.? 3. The Wisdom Of God Personified In Jesus Christ.? 4. The Wisdom Of God Performed In Salvation.? 5. The Wisdom Of God Personalized In Our Justification.? 6. The Wisdom Of God Perfected In Our Eternity.

A recent Alabama Supreme Court decision has the potential to save the lives of countless unborn babies.

? Temple Baptist Church - 3-20-2024John 14:23-27? Introduction:? A. In the context of our verses for this evening,? we find the Lord Jesus Christ, just before His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, helping His disciples to adapt to what was going to transpire. Heretofore, Our Lord had been with His disciples day and night for 3 ½ years.? B. They knew His Person,? His presence, His provision, and His protection. Now, they would see Him no more. In verse 1, our Lord began this discourse with the words "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me."? 1. In these words, we find a Possible Condition: "your heart be troubled."? Troubled hearts are not the will of God for the lives of His children.? 2. In these words, we find a Personal Choice: "Let not your." Troubled hearts are something that we personally allow.? 3. In these words, we find a Path Clear: "Ye believe in God … believe also in me."? The Lord wants us to find our peace in Him, not our circumstances!? C. When we get down to the end of the chapter,? we find promised peace that comes from the Lord in His physical absence.? Verse 27 is an important one!? "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."? 1. A peace that is available:? "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." The Lord is leaving them, but His peace is remaining with them. “I leave … I give” Since our Lord left us that peace, there was no space of time when it was not available!? 2. A peace that is accessible:? "I give unto you." That peace can only come from the Lord Jesus Christ.? 3. A peace that is assuring:? "not troubled … neither afraid."4. A peace that is personal:? :unto you … Let not” Again, let not should not be an option. We get troubled and fearful because of the frailty of the flesh. These are things that we must allow to take over our hearts and minds as we know that He holds tomorrow, and He holds us in His hand.? D. There is a difference between peace with God and the peace of God.? You can have one and not the other! Things That Will Bring Peace To Your Soul!? 1. Peace with God comes through assurance of Salvation. Colossians 1:20? And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.? 2. The Peace of God comes through? total? Surrender.? Isaiah 32:17? And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.? 3. Peace Comes Through Loving The Scripture - Psalms 119:165? Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.? 4. Peace Comes Through A Right Attitude About Oneself - Psalms 37:11? But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.? 5. Peace Comes Through Following The Righteous - Psalms 37:37? Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.? 6. Peace Comes Through Embracing The Knowledge of God - 2 Peter 1:2? Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,? 7. Peace Comes Through Meditating Upon The Lord - Isaiah 26:3? Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.? 8. Peace Comes Through Making Peace - James 3:18? And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.? 2 Corinthians 13:11? Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.? 1 Thessalonians 5:13? And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.? 9. Peace Comes Through Taking Your Burdens To The Lord And Leaving Them There - Philippians 4:6-7? Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Some people walk away from religions because of bad experiences, emotional pain, or even severe abuse. This occurs in every faith on earth, including cults, polytheistic religions, and the Abrahamic religions. The Christian Church is certainly not immune from inflicting negative experience on people.While some bad encounters with faith can be shaken off, some are so severe it creates a trauma that can have lasting impacts that are disturbing to a person's life. While people who know the healing power of the love of Jesus want someone to just accept Him, people who experienced religious trauma – both in and out of the church – may be reluctant to see the appeal.Christians, and the church at large, should be cautious in how they approach someone coming from religious trauma. We must respect their experience. Jesus is the great Healer, and His example provides guidance for how to respond to religious trauma.Photo credit: ©Getty Images/max-kegfire

“To be human is to worship.” Those are the opening words of Daniel Block's excellent new book on worship, For the Glory of God. Men and women are inveterate worshippers. Paul makes this clear in Romans 1. Even those who reject the plain knowledge of God which can be perceived within the created order do not cease worshiping. Rather they simply begin worshipping created things instead of the Creator (Rom 1:18ff). Given that we all worship and that our hearts tend to be deceptive, it is vital that our worship be shaped by what God has made clear in His Word rather than by personal opinions, past experiences, or intuitions.While not an exhaustive list, the following 7 points help us think more biblically about worship:

Faithful living in politics, publishing, and personal pursuits.

Temple Baptist Church - 3-17-20242 Timothy 4:7? Introduction:? A.? March 22nd? will mark 37 years? that Barbara and I have been at Temple Baptist Church.? ? 1.? That is almost half of my lifetime!? ? Our children grew up here!? Laurens is our home!? Every day is a special day for this pastor when I walk through those doors and see our church family.? I often stop by the church while out visiting and many times just sit on the back pew where I can see the whole church or sit on the platform and look over the church.? I love to come here and sit and pray.? 2.? There has never been the slightest doubt? that this is where the Lord has placed me and never a time when I considered leaving or looking for another pastorate.? I am satisfied with God's amazing grace and providence that brought my family here so long ago.? I can still say that I love you better than Butter Pecan Ice Cream!? B.? We laughed and we cried!? Two special men went home to be with the Lord last year, Bro. Harold and Bro. Carroll!? What a loss for our church but what a gain for our heavenly home.? We will see them again soon.? C.? This last year, Barbara and I stood with you, and you have stayed with us.? ? I could ask for no more!? There have been good times and bad times.? There has been sickness and there has been health.? There have been fat times and there have been lean times.? There has been spring, summer, fall, and winter with times of growth and times of pruning.? Temple Baptist Church, you have proven yourself true and have positively affected this county and the world for Christ.? D.? Temple started right physically!? ? 1.? We started small but right!? Our faith was in the Lord and our foundation was in God's Word.? We were happy!? My family moved into the little house by the church, and it was home.? ? 2.? Today, we will eat? in a beautiful Fellowship Hall.? Then, we fellowshipped in the “hall!”? We were happy because we were in the perfect will of God, and we could lay our heads on our pillows at night knowing that what we were doing and had done was scriptural.? ? God blessed.? We began to take on missionary families and made this church a safe haven for them.? We have always taken good care of these special people and God has blessed us for it.? I have not tallied the numbers, but my estimate would be that we have put 3 million dollars or more on the mission field.? ? 3.? We chose to stay? in our building and remodel it as needed instead of building a larger one and allowing our debt to dictate our missions giving.? I am not knocking churches that build when they need to build but the bible says to be content with such things as you have.? In God's time, we paved our parking lot.? Remember the days when we had to push cars out of the red mud when we outgrew our graveled lot?? Those were special days.? ? 4.? When it was time,? God gave us a Fellowship Hall with SS classrooms.? When it was time, God gave us one of the most beautiful Prophet's Chambers that missionaries and evangelists have ever stayed in.? Now we also have a beautiful, cozy, feel right at home Mission House for God's special people.? E.? We started doctrinally right!? 1.? We taught our Sunday School? from the King James Bible; we filled our pulpit with the King James Bible; our people treated this property with respect; our people treated the pulpit with respect; our people have treated this pastor with respect.? We got rid of the Church Constitution and voted in the King James Bible as our authority for faith and practice.? 2.? We maintained the Old Paths? of doctrinal purity and separation.? We believed the Word of God and honored its doctrines.? We culled out the preachers and missionaries who compromised the bible and held the ones that we supported to the same standard that the church had.? We have never been “in your face” with who we are but we also have never apologized or capitulated.? ? "The New Testament Church did not depend on a moral majority, but rather on the holy minority. The Church right now has more fashion than passion, is more pathetic than prophetic, is more superficial than supernatural. The Church the Apostles ministered in was a suffering Church; today we have a sufficient Church. Events in the Spirit-controlled Church were amazing; in this day the Church is often just amusing. The New Testament Church was identified with persecutions; today many of us are identified with prosperity, popularity, and personalities.""Why Revival Tarries", Leonard Ravenhill? F.? I have preached from this verse? over the years but want to make a spiritual application on Homecoming Day, 2024.? Paul is ending his race and is summing it up in three aspects: he fought a good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith.? That is all God expected from this great man of God and that is all that God expects from Temple Baptist Church!? 1. We must Fight!? ? The Fight is not over!? We have had to fight from the very beginning and have continued to fight through these years.? Their faces have changed but the fight is the same.? As a church, we have weapons:? ? a.? ? The weapon of unity.? We must fight together.? When the enemies of God's Word begin their work of division, we must band together.? We are a “Band of Brothers and Sisters” here.? Too many churches have failed because people will not “answer the bell” for each round.? Most people do not like to fight and, unfortunately, most heretics or religious devils love to fight.? b.? ? The weapon of prayer.? The Lord is on our side because He loves the church more than we love it.? The church is His and we need to saturate our problems in prayer.? Pray and fight.? ? c.? ? The weapon of righteousness.? ? Our cause is just!? We war to keep our church right with the Lord.? We war to keep our church a nest in which to raise our young.? We war to keep our church's mission's outreach vibrant.? ? 2.? We must Finish!? We started right but it is possible to finish wrong or not to finish at all.? The bible does not say to finish “big” or to finish “popular.”? We are to finish our race with our spiritual integrity intact!? Today's mentality is “bigger” means that God is blessing, but many churches are “bigger” because they have allowed their churches to be worldly places for worldly people.? Starting right is great but finishing right is even greater.? 3.? We must keep the Faith!? We do so by maintaining or contending for:? ? a.? The Word of God.? ? The unending battle for Truth will continue as liberal theologians constantly undermine the foundation of our faith.? If the foundations can be destroyed, then what can the righteous do?? b.? The Old Paths.? The old ways are now being forsaken and mocked as liberal churches contend for our young people with the straw man of bridging the generation gap.? I find no place in the bible for a generation gap as the youth are to walk in the paths of their fathers!? ? c.? Separation from the world.? Church needs to be treated like church.? I, as a pastor, never come to this pulpit without a coat and tie on.? Do I wear a coat and tie all week?? I am a denim shirt and blue jeans man!? I believe it is right for the pastor to follow the old ways instead of the open shirt, casual dress of many.? When the church becomes casual, the worship will become casual!? The respect for God's house will be gone and it just becomes another building.? Conclusion:? Temple, we started right—we have remained right—let us finish the task that God has given us right!