Welcome

Sunday,

July 25, 2021:

Out On Life's Highway

Mark 10: 46-52

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Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Whenever the flag at the church gets tattered by the wind, we replace it. Replacing an old flag with a brand new one is what God does in our life as we come to Him seeking forgiveness and restoration. He replaces what is tattered and torn with that which is made new. It’s great to know that our God can take an old battered life and breathe new life into it. I’m so glad He did that for me.

I'm so proud to be a part of this great nation. When I see the flag, I'm reminded of the sacrifices made in the past 245 years that make it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States. Yet all is not well in our land. We struggle on foreign fields militarily. We flounder within our homeland on social and moral issues. We’ve been torn and are flying a little bit tattered.

Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” There is little doubt in my mind that our nation was established on Christian principles and God’s word. Patrick Henry said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Our nation struggles with issues that many times seem to place insurmountable obstacles in our way. We often feel if we had certain things, it would all be better.

The need in our land is not to have bigger homes, better cars, more influential positions, or higher paying jobs. Our need is found in Jesus Christ. As Jesus was sharing with the multitudes and the disciples about being a follower, He said something very important. In Mark 8:36-37 He said, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” I believe the desire of Jesus is for us to be in a relationship with Him that changes our priorities, focuses our energies, and strengthens our loyalties.

I believe that America has been blessed because we were founded upon God’s word and have sought to keep those Christian principles at the forefront. Yet I also believe that those blessings will be replaced with judgment if we fail to remain obedient to the teachings set forth in God’s word.

If we are going to continue to ask God to bless America, then America must bless God. We must lift up Jesus so that all men will be drawn to Him. We must share the life we have in Christ so others will have that life as their own. Our leaders must hear the voice of the people as they are making decisions concerning our general welfare.

There are so many things I could share today, but let me just say this – even as Jesus can take a broken, tattered person and make them whole, He can take a nation that will repent and make it whole again. I have high hopes for our nation to rise above the sin that has come against it. I believe God can and will rescue this nation for the pit it has fallen into at this time.

When we put up a new flag I realize that contained in that flag is the symbol of 245 years of history. At the foundation of that history is the Gospel of Jesus that says, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” (Jn. 12:32).

Each time you look at the flag don’t forget what it has taken to keep it as a symbol of freedom. As you look at it, don’t forget that at the foundation of this country is the cross of Jesus. It stands as a symbol of freedom that no one can take away. What a wonderful blessing that is!

JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!

Christ only, always,

Bro. Paul

If we as Christians are going to accomplish the tasks for which we have been called, we must lay hold of the power of God. One person shared how we must do that --

The church’s greatest deficiency today is in power – not in programs, strategies, materials, or ideas. Power for ministry can be released only through prayer.”

Anonymous