Good News Press
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November/December 2011
Plan of Salvation: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Photo (left)© Pavel Lovesky/Dreamstime and Photo (right) Family of four
On Thanksgiving, Being Thankful for “little things” This Thanksgiving, as your family gathers together for food and fellowship, look at your big turkey and, for a moment, think small. It's easy to be thankful for the big things, our homes, cars, and accomplishments, but it's just as easy to forget the small things that make our lives comfortable. No matter how rich or poor we are, we all have many things to be thankful for. We take for granted that we have enough food. We don't worry that our food will last through the winter as the Pilgrims did. We can count on
the grocery store for that. We expect to have a home, be it fancy or plain, but that's not a small thing for many millions of people. So perhaps we should take a moment to thank God for our abode, be it ever so humble. We can take a moment to be thankful for our spouse, children and friends. Thank God for sunshine, autumn breezes, and changing seasons. With winter approaching, we can be thankful for our warm jackets and scarves. We can appreciate having lived for another year and that most of your
family and friends have done the same. You can involve children and guests in the spirit of thankfulness with the charming 'Ship of Thanks' game. Make ships from paper cups with a triangle of construction paper placed inside for a sail. Have each child or adult write what he or she is thankful for on the sail and place the paper cup anywhere on the dinner table. After dinner, kids and adults read what is written on the sail by their plate and guess who wrote it.
Repent: For the Kingdom of Heaven Is At Hand “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt: 4:17).” Over 2000 years ago, Jesus preached and taught men who were astonished at his doctrine. He traveled throughout all Galilee, all Syria, and great multitudes of people followed him from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, and from beyond Jordan to hear him. He preached the gospel, and the kingdom, and healed all man-
ner of sickness and disease. Not only, did Jesus preach repentance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, but John the Baptist, preached the same message. Jesus wanted everyone to have an opportunity to hear, that he told his disciples to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to ye every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15)”. This message is still
preached today, 2000 years later, throughout the world, while countless numbers have come to saving faith. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness, unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt 24:14). The gospel message offers love, hope, and salvation. Read more about the life of Jesus and his ministry in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible.
Good News Press is an outreach newspaper sharing with the world that God Loves them and there is salvation, hope, peace, and love through his son Jesus Christ. Please share in the efforts of Good News Press by becoming a sponsor. Help us reach people all over the country with the gospel and reap an eternal reward. Newspapers are distributed to homes and businesses and can be found at local grocery stores and other establishments. Contact us with your info, news, questions, or comments. To info@goodnewspress.us. Please visit our website for the latest news, stories, Christian movie reviews, and answers at: www.goodnewspress.us
Good News Press - 2 This Halloween, Christian Leaders Challenged to Take a Stand, or Stand Down -- Recently some 300 exorcists flocked to Poland for a week-long congress to examine the current fashion for vampirism the world-over and the apparent connection between this fascination and a surge in demonic possession. According to a group of Christian scholars, this comes as the world is experiencing an explosion of ancient occultism combined with wicked fascination for ghosts and all things paranormal.
house, threw her against a wall and tried to suck her blood is one recent example.
young ladies would be used in modern times to seduce them of their innocence using mysteriously strong yet everlastingly damned Another case this month creatures depicted in popuinvolves a Florida teenager lar books and films like who has been charged toTwilight, New Moon, and gether with four other peo- Eclipse," says publisher ple of beating a 16-year-old Thomas Horn. boy to death. The teenage girl claims to be a vam"If parents, pastors and pire/werewolf hybrid and youth pastors haven't been investigators acknowledge paying attention, they need
In the United States alone, there are now more than two hundred thousand registered witches, the group claims, and as many as 8 million unregistered practitioners of "the craft." On college and high school campuses, vampires, werewolves, and other "creatures of the night" are esteemed as objects of desire and idolized by young men and women who view them as cult icons of envious mystical power.
© Luciano Morpurgo/ Dreamstime Witches Band, Germany
that she and the other sus- to spend a little time lookpects appear to be part of a ing into what their children vampire cult. are mentally and spiritually feeding on, because we are Rise in this activity is docu- loosing a generation to mented in a new report by darkness. multiple conservative scholEvidently, church goers are ars including well known Consider as an example enchanted by the darkness leaders like Chuck Missler, popular youth-oriented as well. An April 13, 2011 Gary Stearman, Noah magazines like Rolling Stone article "Mysticism Infecting Hutchings, Gary Bates, John and their article The Joy of Nazarene Beliefs" was pre- McTernan and others, who Vampire Sex. Look at the ceded only a few days bebelieve it is time for Chris- Ménage à Trois on the fore by a Telegraph article tian leaders to take a stand magazine's cover of three describing how a "surge in and to speak out on this nudes bathed in blood with Satanism" inside the church issue, perhaps even using the promise to readers that has sparked a "rise in dethe month of October and vampires are 'Hot. They're mand for exorcists" within the season of Halloween as Sexy. They're Undead.'" traditional religious settings. opportunity to address congregations on the dan- To continue reading this And then there is the regers of occult activity. special report and to cent spate of killings and download free curriculum, attacks on people by indi"Psychologists have long a 270 page teachers guide, viduals claiming to be vam- understood how women in and books on this subject, pires and werewolves. general desire strength in please visit men, but few could have www.raidersnewsupdate.co The arrest of a Texas man imagined how this natural m/ghostbuster.htm. who broke into a woman's and overriding need by
Not Enough Signatures To Stop SB48 Stopsb48.com posted a statement after unable to secure enough signatures to stop SB 48: We Fought the Law, and the Law Won… Unfortunately we did not collect enough signatures to qualify the referendum to overturn SB48. That law will be in place in our schools at the first of next year. We thank all of you that worked so hard to provide the hundreds of thousands of signatures received. In the end, 90 days was too short a time to accomplish such a large task. In the coming days you will see the celebration of our opponents. We know this because it has already started in social media and other places.And some of the rhetoric will be harsh. Remember, despite what they say about us, we opposed SB 48 simply because we do not believe that children should be exposed to an intentionally one-sided argument about lifestyles and values we do not hold. And you will have to face some of those who said from the beginning that our referendum effort was a waste of time. They said we did not
have enough money, the commitment of enough groups, or enough days. Ultimately they were right. And in private perhaps they will ask if the effort they withheld would have made the critical difference. In the end, everybody that dedicated time and effort to qualifying this referendum should hold their heads high. The children in California schools and their parents owe a debt of gratitude to each of you for attempting such a huge task.
these groups have grown to be a major influence in the Capitol but also at the local school board. They have trained ordinary citizens to lobby their legislators and defended good laws from unfairness in the courts. And each of them puts a special emphasis on training youth to be the leaders of tomorrow. Watch your email so we can keep you informed on these opportunities.
these and attempt to silence any opposition. The groups that rallied to create the Stop SB 48 effort exist to promote and defend our shared values. Over the last several decades
Thank you again. We were all honored to fight this battle by your side. Even in defeat we were right to fight. And we will continue to do so.
Despite our defeat we hope that you will be encouraged in your boldness. We hope that you have been strengthened in your stand for what is right in We hope that you will be your community, your church, there for the next battle. and your country. And we hope that you have met some While we did not overturn friends and allies that share this very bad law, we built a small army of dedicated volun- your values and vision for our teers that collected an incredi- State. ble amount of signatures. We will keep the web site There will be a next battle. open for some time at Despite the overuse of the www.stopsb48.com. Please term “tolerance”, there is little use it to have your friends sign tolerance for those who do up for future emails, to ask us not endorse the lesbian, gay, any questions, or to donate to bisexual and transgender lifepay the bills that will still come styles. And there will be more laws passed that advocate for from this referendum attempt.
Christian TV Show Gives Money Away DENTON, Texas, -- What a novel approach. A Christian TV show that's giving money away instead of asking for it. The new Prayer Stop TV show (Airing Thursday nights at 7:30 EST on The NRB Network - Direct TV Channel 378) is giving everyone who watches their show a chance to win $300.00! Entrepreneur, founder and former owner of the World's largest newspaper circulation sales and marketing firm, Darrel Rundus is known for giving his money away. In 2009, he gave away $20,000.00 to the first person he called who could list all Ten Commandments in order and do it in 20-seconds or less. See the 10-minute
video of the call with the winner here: www.youtube.com/watch?v =92csX9iNl-k. In a recent interview, host Darrel Rundus was quoted as saying, "God loves a cheerful giver and it's better to give than to receive. So we thought instead of asking others for money we should use this show as a way to be a blessing to others both financially and spiritually."
swered if you watched the show as it airs. The first person to e-mail them at contactus@prayerstop.org with all the correct answers to all five questions wins the $300.00 award.
Here's a short summary of the TV show as found on their website. Prayer Stop TV Show Summary: Join us for the first season of a new and exciting show as we take you on "The Journey of Joe" and let you vicariously experience his pain, shame, fear, training In short, the contest works and triumph. Each week, we something like this. Every will walk down the road Joe's Friday morning, Prayer traveling as we help ChrisStop posts 5-simple, easy tians to learn how to face to answer questions about their fears and effectively the previous night's episode share their faith with friends, on their Facebook page family members, co-workers (www.facebook.com/Prayer and even strangers. Stop) that can only be an-
Good News Press - 3 Steve Jobs and The Great Commission -- The following commentary is submitted to the newswire by Dr. Michael A. Milton, chancellor-elect of Reformed Theological Seminary. Steve Jobs is now being eulogized as part P.T. Barnum and part Walt Disney. We might even add part Thomas Edison. There will be more comparisons but few will accurately portray the fullness of the man's creative genius. There is a biography of him coming out soon and we will learn more about this rather secretive icon of our age. But it is doubtful that we will learn that he was a devout Christian. I do not know his final moments and therefore I make no judgments, commending this man and his family to a God whose grace and love is greater and wider than we could ever imagine. Yet, in God's common grace, He used this man's innovation and creativity to build a new Roman Road to the world -- a pathway through the extremities of a world still held in the tyranny of despots and dictators, poverty and radical religious fetters. iTunes has become a beacon of hope by bringing the Word of God to the ends of the earth. At Reformed Theologi-
cal Seminary, our classroom teaching, the very same courses by the very same professors, as well as sermons and teaching by some of the most notable pastors of our generation, are being downloaded onto Macs, and yes even PCs, as well as iPads and iPhones all over the earth. About five million of them, according to Apple's reports to us, are resting on the portable, electronic "book bags" of believers, seekers, and pastors and pastors-to-be all over the world. And so the gospel is getting through to the most hostile places on earth as well as to the most hostile ideological places in the secularized Western world. So I thank God for the life of Steve Jobs. His commencement speech at Stanford University will likely go down as one of the greatest. It is a testimony to a very spiritual man, not (at least at that time) a Christian man, who saw failures as the turning points in his life, which led to creativity. Our country needs to hear that great American story these days more than ever. Yet behind this brilliant and quite resilient man who changed so much of modern life, and whose destiny is now with His Creator, is really the figure of One who rose again from the dead.
Through the creativity of Steve Jobs is a God using all means to reach His own. We at RTS remember that his contributions and the contributions of his company, Apple Computer, became critical collaborators in seeking to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. That sounds like an odd alliance, doesn't it? But this is the God who raised an Empire, the Roman Empire, that linked far-flung cities and territories with efficient governance, "super highways" of their day, and allowed St. Paul and an innumerable host of disciples of Jesus Christ to get on that ramp, and transport Christ's message of hope and freedom to the ends of the world. I will remember the legacy of Steve Jobs in a way that he might not have thought of, as the founder of an empire that linked the world in order to bring Christ to those who have never heard.
Living In the Endtimes Radio Scientist, Global Speaker What does the increasand Author Hosts Living ing conflict between Isin the Endtimes Radio rael and the Arab nations mean for the fulfillLOS ANGELES,-- The ment of biblical propheentire world is on edge cies? as everyone senses that something big is about to How will these events happen. impact you? Since 2011 began we Can you have witnessed an unprecedented number of hear it? The events such as the global thunder in the diseconomic decay, the barrage of natural disas- tance? What is it? ters, the Arab Uprising It is the four in the Middle East and horsemen the world banking sysof the tem tethering on the Apocalypse brink of colgalloping towards us as lapse...Everything looks the earth goes through like a house of cards "birth pains" preparing which can come crumfor the return of King bling down at any moJesus! ment.
that are unfolding around us; we just need to understand and prepare for them" says Dukhia. Living in the Endtimes Radio will help you understand and deal with these events and enable you to face the future in peace and hope.
Broadcast Schedule: Join the discussion on Tuesdays at 9 AM PST on Voice of America Radio, 7th Wave channel at www.voiceamerica.com/ show/1973/living-in-theAre you stressed, wor- We are living in the end- endtimes. The broadried, and confused about times and are witnessing casts will re-air on Tuesbiblical prophecies being day nights at 9 PM PST the events occurring fulfilled right before our and are archived at around you? eyes as we experience www.voiceamerica.com/ Has the Doomsday clock the countdown to Arma- show/1973/living-in-theEven as I write on this geddon. MacBook Pro this morning, I been triggered? endtimes. The broadremember that God raises up What does the scripture casts are also available "We should not be Roman Roads in every generaon iTunes free of charge. tion to reach the lost, the bro- say about these events? frightened by the events ken, and the dying with a message that failure, indeed, is an eternal turning point to new life and even resurrection. FRONT ROYAL, Va.-been so prosperous." today is not overpopulaSteven W. Mosher, The family planners, tion, but underpopulaThe Associated Press rePresident of the Popula- supported by assorted tion. In a time of fiscal ported "Steve Jobs saw the radical feminists, enviausterity, the last thing future and led the world to it." tion Research Institute (PRI), will address the ronmental extremists, that we need to be doMaybe that is more eternally media at the National and no-growth types, ing is spending more tax true than even Steve Jobs Press Club in Washingare abusing this miledollars to drive down could have known or believed. ton, DC, on Monday, stone to promote the the birth rate, reducing October 31st 2011, at myth of overpopulation the amount of human 1:00pm, on the topic of and to raise more capital available, and the birth of the world's money for their antimaking us all poorer in seven billionth person. people projects. "The the long run." The United Nations attitude of the antiPopulation Division has people types is arrogant "We are grateful that Presents Victoria Stith, God’s Anointed Children, projected October 31st and elitist," says Mosher. Baby Seven Billion will and God’s Anointed Praise Dancers. 2011 as the day on "They say, in effect, to come into this world," which the world will be Africans, Asians and Mosher says. "Baby Ministering the Word of God through song, dance, home to seven billion Latin Americans: 'There Seven Billion, boy or girl, inspirational speaking, and recordings. people. "This is a happy are just enough of us, red or yellow, black or occasion," says Mosher, but there are way too white, is not a liability, Location: 37th St. Baptist Church, 915 37th St. Oakland CA a leading population ex- many of you.'" but an asset; not a curse, pert and best-selling According to Mosher, but a blessing for us all. Humanity's long-term author. "The world's "Contrary to what you For bookings call Sis. Victoria Tel: 510-754-7077 problem is not going to be population has more might hear, the most Sis Victoria is a member of Acts Full Church under Bishop Jackson too many children, but too than doubled since 1960, pressing problem in few children." and humanity has never country after country
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Good News Press - 4 Memorial Opens Hero of the civil rights movement Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial is open on the Mall in Washington, D.C. The long-sought Mall memorial honors Dr. King and recognizes him for the non-violent protest movement he led. Visitors enter through the Mountain of Despair, a two-part sculpture that symbolizes the struggle for peace and equality. They then encounter the Stone of Hope and its sculpture of Dr. King. The memorial grounds are surrounded by those dedicated to Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. It's the first major memorial on the Mall for a non-president and the first for an African American. By the time of his famous 1963 speech, King had been campaigning across the nation for eight
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years, relentlessly attack- War. Dr. King was a ing the system of legalman of peace. He ized racial segregation worked to change the that relegated blacks, United States in basic especially in the South, to a life of second-class citizenship. King and his thousands of followers were a major part of the civil rights movement that led to two pieces of landmark legislation: The Civil Right Act of 1964, which banned discrimination in public places and in employment and provided for integration; and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned © Dave Newman / Dreamstime.com discriminatory voting practices, such as ways and without viopoll taxes or literacy lence. The 28.6-foot tests the Southern states statue was done by Chiadopted after the Civil nese sculptor Lei Yixin.
„The Mighty Macs‟ Hits Theaters Oct. 21 Riding Wave of Excitement for Family Films Screen Count Increases Fourfold; Organizations line up to 'Back the Macs' TheMightyMacs.com - With recent strong openings for family films, the inspiring new movie, THE MIGHTY MACS, wins over theater operators, earning four times the initial number of screens and increased showings.
Organizations nationwide such as Notre Dame, Rice and Arizona universities find innovative ways to support the film. - With October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the true-life inspiration of the film and one of its featured actresses are cancer survivors PHILADELPHIA-- THE MIGHTY MACS -- an inspiring, family-friendly sports Cinderella story -- premieres nationwide Oct. 21 riding a wave of excitement for family films across the country with continued strong showings by such pictures as COURAGEOUS and DOLPHIN TALE. And in a case of life imitating art, THE MIGHTY MACS -an underdog story about the first U.S. women's basketball championship -- is becoming an inspiring underdog story itself. Initially scheduled to premiere on 250 screens nationwide, that count jumped to 1,000 -- and growing -- as theater operators saw advance screenings and shared test-audience excitement. Additionally, across the country various organizations are lining up to support the film, ranging from universities to church groups. "We're thrilled but not surprised because THE MIGHTY MACS has been touching advance audiences deeply for months," said Tim Chambers,
director, screenwriter and executive produce of his feature debut. "The story of Coach Cathy Rush and her team of non-scholarship athletes entertains, inspires and uplifts. It‟s a perfect family film."
In addition to the increased screen count, some theater operators are adding earlier show times to accommodate school groups. And other groups are getting on board:
At prestigious Rice University in Texas, a business professor is using the film to teach sales and marketing techniques as student teams offer discount tickets.
At Notre Dame University, an exclusive on-campus advance screening led to a commitment by one university administrator to buy out an entire screening of THE MIGHTY MACS when the film opens Oct. 21.
From Quaker Media and Ocean Avenue Entertainment, THE MIGHTY MACS tells the inspiring and true story of Hall of Fame Coach Cathy Rush. In 1972, just out of college her-
self, she took a rag-tag team of overachievers from Immaculata College, a small, allgirls Catholic school, to the first collegiate women's basketball championship. What they did there is only slightly more incredible than how they got there. Starring Carla Gugino, David Boreanaz and Academy Award-winner Ellen Burstyn. With October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there is a moving "story behind the story" of THE MIGHTY MACS as well. Not only is Cathy Rush a cancer survivor, but Katie Hayek, a young featured actress in the film, was diagnosed with cancer the day filming started. With Tim Chambers' support, Katie continued working on THE MIGHTY MACS through her chemotherapy treatments, turning in a stirring performance as Trish, the Macs' best player.
At the University of Arizona, the women's basketball team committed to a 150-ticket purchase and to hosting a preshow event. "We're so gratified by the support, but we know these groups will be repaid many times over by the positive message of this G-rated film," said Chris Bueno, president of Ocean Avenue Entertainment. "The impact of THE MIGHTY MACS is remarkable. For anyone who ever had a dream, this is a must-see film."
Good News Press - 5 The Christmas Conundrum
each whole egg and replace cream with fat-free evaporated milk. Replace heavy cream in cheesecakes and cream pies with evaporated milk. Top cakes with powdered sugar, fresh fruit or fruit sauce. * Remove the skin from roasted turkey before eating it or placing it on a serving dish.
The Christmas Story
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree Jesus had no servants, from Caesar Augustus that all the yet they called him Master. world should be taxed, He had no degree, each in his own city. yet they called him Teacher. And Joseph also He had no medicines, went up from Galilee, out yet they called him Healer. 7 Steps to Keep of the city of Nazareth, He had no army, Judea, unto the city Christmas Spend- into yet he was feared by kings. of David, which is called He won no military battles, yet ing Under Control Bethlehem, because he he conquered much of the world. was of the house and lineHe committed no crime, age of David, to be taxed One survey shows that 35 percent of yet they crucified him. with Mary, his espoused consumers plan to spend less for He was buried in a tomb, wife, being great with Christmas gifts this year. The peryet he lives today. child. Christians celebrate his And so it was, that birthday on December 25th. while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivTry These Healthier ered. Holiday Cooking Tips And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in A generation or two ago, people ate swaddling clothes and more food with a lot of fat, but they laid him in a manger, bestill weighed less than people weigh today. cause there was no room It was probably because they were for them in the inn. involved in physical work instead of And there were in sitting at a desk. Or maybe they ate the same country, shepless every day. Whatever the cause, herds abiding in the field, tweaking Grandma's recipes is a keeping watch over their great idea. flock by night. Some examples: And, lo, the angel of the Lord * Refrigerate the gravy came upon them, and the glory of and scoop off the hardened fat becentage is just a little higher than the the Lord shone round about them; fore reheating and serving. and they were sore afraid. * Use less bread in turkey 25 percent who reported last JanuAnd the angel said unto ary that they spent too much. dressing and more onions, garlic, them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring celery and vegetables. Moisten with The recession has been a wakeup call you good tidings of great joy, which chicken or vegetable broth and apfor everyone. Even profligate spendshall be to all people. For unto you plesauce. is born this day in the city of David * Make mashed potatoes ers are planning to cut back and a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. with skim milk, chicken broth, garlic charge less to their credit cards. And this shall be a sign unto powder and Parmesan cheese instead of whole milk and butter. Some recipes call for fat-free sour cream. * Try a new recipe for eggnog: four bananas, 1 1/2 cups skim milk, 1 1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon rum extract and some ground nutmeg. Puree the ingredients and sprinkle the nutmeg on top. * For dessert, make pumpkin pie using two egg whites for
Here's how to do it:
1 Calculate exactly how much you can spend from current income plus whatever you saved ahead for gifts. 2 Make a list of everyone you absolutely have to buy for. Then whittle down the list. 3 If you have a family gathering
where everyone buys for everyone else, suggest a gift exchange instead. Draw names so everyone only buys one gift.
you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, good will toward men. They made haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2 5 Once your list is finalized, decide how much of your calculated money you will spend on each individual. 6 Shop with a list that includes the amount to spend on each person. Try not to exceed it.
4 Negotiate with relatives so only the kids get presents this year. But couples without children who buy for others' 7 Consider buying used vintage books, kids should be gifted. sheet music, or bookends for those who would appreciate them.
Good News Press - 6 Is The Believer Free From Sin? (A Christian Perspective) by Softwords
sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." To overcome the battle in the mind, we are encouraged in Many people mistakenly disobedience to them (as master it, as we are exRomans 12:1-2 to believe that when one puts the Pharisees and Sadduhorted to also do. But how "present your bodies a his faith in Christ he is sud- cees were in the habit of is this possible as believers living sacrifice, holy, acdenly delivered from his doing), but went deeper in Christ? Let's move on to ceptable unto God, body of sin. They claim into the root of disobedi- the transformation that which is your reasonable that one can be 'without ence: the heart. The Bible takes place when we put service. And be not consin' based on biblical pasdeclares in Jeremiah 17:9, our faith in Christ. formed to this world: but sages that „appear‟ to al"The heart is deceitful above be ye transformed by lude to this idea. Yet, the all things, and desperately Free from the Power of Sin the renewing of your Bible states that, "If we wicked: who can know it?" mind, that ye may prove claim to be without sin, we Even the good works done what is that good, When one comes to faith deceive ourselves and the in the flesh (before we are and acceptable, truth is not in us" (1 John saved) are unacceptable to in Jesus, they are adopted into the family of God. The and perfect, will 1:8). If this is true, then God because the intenof God." Clearly what does the Bible say tions behind them are not Bible is filled with promises we are exhorted toward his children that about how we, as believfrom a righteous motive we can truly stand on. One to walk in obediers, are to handle this inprovoked by the Spirit of ence to the of those promises is that nate disease that tries to God, but from a heart in Lord, which inwe receive a new nature control us? Why do we rebellion toward God volves daily conthrough the Holy Spirit. struggle and how do we (Romans 8:7). Isaiah 64:6 fessing our sins We now have God's nareconcile our body of sin says, "But we are all as an to the Lord (1 ture living within us, makwith the command to 'Be unclean thing, and all our John 1:9). But Holy as our Father in righteousnesses are as filthy ing us slaves of righteoushow do we reness contrary to our forHeaven is Holy'? Let's be- rags..." In Matthew 5-7, the new our minds? mer state of slaves to sin. gin by examining the defini- Sermon on the Mount, JeThe same way a Romans 6:6-7, 22 tells us tion of sin, its place in the sus reveals the root issue husband is exthat we are 'freed from the believers‟ life, and how we behind our outward acts of power of sin.' Meaning, we horted to lead are to overcome it. Even disobedience. He correare now able to overcome, his wife spirituPaul cried out that what he lates hatred to murder ally. In Ephesians through the Holy Spirit, wants to do he doesn't do (Matthew 5:21-22), and lust 5:26 we read, sinful desires in our life. because of the struggle of with adultery (Matthew "That he might Sin no longer has the sin that resides within him 5:28). He even went fursanctify and power to control us, as it (Romans 7:19). He then ther to say in Matthew cleanse it with the once did when we were gives glory to Jesus Christ 5:29, "And if thy right eye washing of water without hope, unregenerwho has forgiven him and offend thee, pluck it out, and by the word." We are ate, in the flesh. We need is able to redeem him from cast it from thee: for it is transformed in our to stand on this promise his body of sin. profitable for thee that one minds through study of thy members should per- and believe it in order to of and meditation on realize the freedom we ish, and not that thy whole The Nature of Sin the Word of God have in Christ, and in orbody should be cast into (Matthew 4:4). It is der to apply the victory we hell." Jesus knew the serithrough this means What is sin? 1 John 3:4 have in Christ to our lives. ousness of sin and its devthat we are sanctified says, "Whosoever commitastating effects in our lives, (John 17:17, Sanctify teth sin transgresseth also Overcoming Sin believer and unbeliever them through thy truth: the law: for sin is the transalike. He wasn't promoting thy word is truth). Even gression of the law." Sin is, in self mutilation in this pasSo how do we overcome David proclaimed in essence, any transgression sage but was rather exposor violation of God‟s law, ing the seriousness of deal- sin since we've been freed wisdom, (Psalm from its power? Scripture 119:11), "Thy word lacking conformity to the ing with sin in the most perfect moral standard of drastic measure, if needed. gives us instruction on how have I hid in mine heart, to resist the sin that tries that I might not sin God. But this study goes As God told Cain in Gene- to enslave us. In James we against thee." And in even deeper than our sis 4:7, "if thou doest not read that sinful temptations Colossians 3:16 we 'outward acts.' When Jesus well, sin lieth at the door. And begin in the mind. James read the result of letbegan his ministry, he unto thee shall be his desire, 1:14-15, "But every man is ting the word of God made it a point to no and thou shalt rule over him." tempted, when he is drawn fill our minds, "Let the longer focus on the exter- Sin desired to have Cain, away of his own lust, and word of Christ dwell in nal requirements of the and it desires to have us as enticed. Then when lust hath you richly in all wisdom; law and outward acts of well. Cain was exhorted to conceived, it bringeth forth
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." The key to overcoming sin is to stop it at its root, when it first springs up in the mind, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:5). If we fail, we are exhorted to confess
our sins daily to God, repent, and continue on walking in obedience to the Lord, letting his word fill us. As we follow this pattern, we will see the fruit of his Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-25, being poured forth in our lives. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
Additional Scriptures in Overcoming Sin Galatians 5:16, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." By walking in obedience to the Lord, meditating on his word, confessing/repenting of sin, we are better able to stand against the wiles of temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to
bear it." Even when we are tempted, God has provided a way of escape which is through obedience and submission to him. When we are weak, he is strong through us as we lean on him to tempower us against the battle with sin. It is Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
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Good News Press - 7 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" We are exhorted to stop every sinful thought as soon as it begins, and instead think on things above that are good, holy, and pure (Philippians 4:8). Ephesians 6:10-18, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" The believers‟ armor is through walking in truth, righteousness, peace (knowing that we are at peace with God), faith (trust in God), and walking in assurance of our salvation (the devil tries to cause us to doubt our salvation, which will, in turn, lead to many sorrows within. Sometimes walking in willful sin will rob us of any confidence that we belong to Christ). We are encouraged to take up the
'sword of the Spirit' which is revealed as the Word of God, standing on the promises of God's Word.
its temptations which abound everywhere we turn, but instead let us be different from the world, living as we truly are: set-apart unto Romans 13:14, "But put ye on Christ. the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the If We Do Fail flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." We are exhorted to Romans 8:31, "What shall we then say to these things? If God make no provision for the be for us, who can be against flesh, meaning not even allow an open door for sin to us?" creep into our lives. We are Romans 8:1, "There is thereto take sin seriously, possibly fore now no condemnation to even drastically, removing them which are in Christ Jesus, anything from our life that who walk not after the flesh, would draw us into sin. We but after the Spirit." are to plan ahead against the 1 John 2:1-2, "My little chilwiles of sin. dren, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any 1 Corinthians 15:33, "Be not deceived: evil communications man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ corrupt good manners." We are also exhorted to choose the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and our friends wisely. We are not for ours only, but also for easily influenced by those around us whom we have an the sins of the whole world." Let us be encouraged to intimate relationship with. stand on the promises of What fellowship has light God which reveal we are with darkness? indeed free from the “power” of sin in our lives. If James 5:16, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray we do not realize that we have been set free from sins one for another, that ins to each other also causes us to dominion, we might mistakenly live a defeated life, bowbe accountable to each other, which is a wonderful ing to sins demands, not knowing how to overcome way of being encouraged the temptations that arise through others to walk in against us. I exhort thee obedience. Having others brethren to study the word pray for us is a vital key in our overcoming sin. We, as of God, meditate on his word, and walk in faith. Bebelievers, are all a part of lieve that you have indeed the body of Christ. As the legs are dependent upon the been set free from sins feet, so are we also in need power and are able to overof each other. And Christ is come any sinful temptation that comes your way. When the head of this body. sin rears its ugly head to try and master us, let us instead 1 John 2:15-16, "Love not the master it. As Paul proworld, neither the things that claimed that he beat his are in the world. If any man body into submission, not love the world, the love of the letting it become his master; Father is not in him. For all let us also follow his words that is in the world, the lust of of wisdom. This is the key to the flesh, and the lust of the freedom in Christ. Meditateyes, and the pride of life, is ing on God's word is where not of the Father, but is of the we will grow in our maturity world." Throughout the toward Christ and where scriptures, we are encourour minds will be transaged to store up treasures in formed. His word better heaven which are eternal. equips us to handle our inThis life is fading and every- ner weaknesses; his Spirit thing in it. Let us not live for gives us the wisdom and the world, being drawn into power to overcome them.
Poetry by Kevin Tyner Traveling Mercies I was lost so I called out to my father for directions to find my way home. (Psalm 119:105) He said before you leave home pray and take your comforter with you. (John 14:16, 27) Go 3 blocks up from Broadway Street to Straight Street and follow the sign that says one way. (John 14:6). Be obedient to the Laws that have been set before you, so when get to your destination nothing will warrant you to go back. (Exodus 24:7) Make sure you stay within your speed limit, don’t go too fast or too slow and watch for traffic going the other way. (James 1:13 thru 14; James 4:6 thru 7) Pay attention to Traffic signs; stop at the Stop sign and Go when you see the signal light. (Acts 2:17 thru 21;) Drive safely and look out for pedestrians and don’t cause them to stumble, fall or hamper their way. (Romans 14:21; Luke 18:16 thru 17) Watch out for hitchhikers who want to stop or want you to stray, drop them off and continue on your way. (Proverbs 1:10 thru 15; 2 John 7 thru 11) Don’t take any short cuts; turn left and right when you’re told, or you might get lost, then you will have to call me again to redirect your way. (Proverbs 1:23, 33; Luke 19:10) Don’t make any U turns or you may end up back from where you came. (Proverbs 26:11) Get off at the right exit Salvation Way, I live on Heaven Street 7 blocks away. (1st Peter 1:3 thru 5) Go through my Gates and I’ll be there to greet you with love and open arms because you found your way. (Rev 3:20 thru 21; Rev 21:4)
Church Bloopers Church Bulletins! These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services: The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping. Bring your husbands. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friend-
ship that began in their school days. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
breakfast next Sunday. Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 p.m.. Please use the back door.
The eighth-graders will be presenting ShakeEight new choir robes speare's Hamlet, in the are currently needed Church basement, Friday due to the addition of at 7 p.m. The congregaseveral new members tion is invited to attend and to the deterioration this tragedy. of the older ones. Weight Watchers will Ladies Bible Study will meet at 7 p.m. at the be held Thursday morn- First Presbyterian ing at 10 a.m. All ladies Church. Please use large are invited to lunch in double door at the side the Fellowship Hall after entrance. the B. S. is done. The Associate Minister The pastor would appre- unveiled the church‟s ciate it if the ladies of new campaign slogan last the congregation would Sunday: “I Upped My lend him their electric Pledge– Up Yours”. girdles for the pancake
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