Mortality means that we aren't permanent. We are fallible. We are capable of being injured, taken down with illnesses, and evidently dying. In this year, many will be reminded of their own mortality, meaning dangers to their existence will become real. God has never promised anyone freedom from the threats to his mortality. But he has promised us comfort and finally salvation, if we will accept his word. Life is too short and death and sorrow too certain for us to go through life without obeying God. Men should obey the gospel today.

Patience is defined as having the ability to wait on the conclusion of what we know to be right. During these times of terrorism, we all need to be patient, for it is just to fight against the evils of the terrorists. We have been so accustomed to getting everything quickly and everything when we want it. Not so anymore! We need to learn patience! Our President has told us that the war on terrorism will take a long time. So we need to be willing to stick it out. A terrorist is like a roach or rat hiding in a garbage dump, the more you search for the creep, the deeper he digs into the muck. So this will be no quick solution; we must have patience at the airport, patience with the digging at ground zero, patience with our military's searches, and patience when things go wrong with military actions. "For in patience we possess our souls," (Luke 21:19).
​
Hope to hear from you or to see you at the services.

Anger is just as deadly as cancer because if left untreated it can destroy you. Yes, being a walking time bomb is hazardous to your well being and anyone who is around you. There have been many people slandered, injured, and killed by the actions of a hot head carrying out his wrath. Just consider the guy who has been fired, then returns and shoots up his former place of work. Or consider the man who goes berserk on another guy, just because the fellow spoke to or smiled at his wife or girlfriend. Whew!

This past week, Mr. Thomas Junta became a victim of his own wrath. This guy had been on trial in Cambridge, Mass., for killing another man at a hockey game! Just imagine that a 270-pound man became enraged and killed a 156-pound man because of a disagreement over a play in a hockey game! Unbelievable!

The word of God teaches the importance of controlling anger, and man needs to start doing that. Consider the following scriptures: Eccl. 7:9; Prov. 19:19; Job 5:2; Prov. 27:4; Prov. 14:29; Prov. 30:33; Prov. 15:1-18; Prov. 12:16; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20; Eph. 4:26,31; Col. 3:8; James 1:19-20.
Get a hold on that anger. Keep it under check. Don't act without considering the cost.
​
Any questions? Hope to hear from you or to see you at the services.

A few years back, a national case was televised concerning a childless couple going to court against a woman who had agreed to give birth to a child for them. However, after giving birth, the woman decided not to give the child to the couple. I certainly don't agree with childless couples looking for surrogate mothers to give birth for them; however, the case was interesting because it showed how people constantly violate the principles God has given in order to live peacefully with our fellow man.

1. Count the cost. If someone asks something of you, don't just jump and do it; think before you act!. Do a self check to see if you have any personal hang-ups that might threaten your completion of the deal. Consider the cost (Luke 14:28-32).
2. Let your answer be yes or no. Don't be afraid to tell people one or the other; such is true because you will be the person that will have to live with your answer. Jesus encouraged men to follow this advice in Matthew 5:37.
3. Keep your word. One's word is his bond, so a person is only as good as his or her word. Of course there may be circumstances that challenge, or even prevent, a well intentioned person from carrying out his word—that we understand. However, if possible do your best to keep your word even if it does cause you some discomfort. Your integrity will remain clear to all (Psalm 50:14, Psalm 116:18, Prov. 6:1-5, Eccl. 5:1-7, Judges 11:35).

Any questions? Hope to hear from you or to see you at the services.

The Taliban was a perfect example of religious extremism. During the last decade their belieft took liberty away from the people of Afghanistan. The people were told that various things were sinful, when truthfully, it wasn't. The people were told, "God said it," when God had said nothing (Jer 23:16-40). Keeping people in the dark and stripping them of what God-given freedoms they were entitled to, is plain extremism.

Now allow me to give you a few examples to clarify. The extremists will tighten the ropes tighter than God would. The extremist will turn off their air conditioner, when God said it could be left on (Acts 15:1-2,24). Extremists say, "No pork at all," while God said, "just be careful how much you eat and be sure to give thanks," (1 Cor. 6:12-13, 1 Tim. 4:3-4). Extremists say, "no jewelry at all," while God just warns not to allow outside adornment to be primary (1 Peter 3:3-5). Extremists say "a woman can not trim her hair at all," while God just warns a woman not to allow her hair cuts to confuse her gender (1 Cor. 11:14-15).

Reader, do you get the picture yet? When God has given liberties for man to enjoy, that is each man's right to decide to partake or abstain. For one to bind and make laws in an area that God has left for human judgement is to promote an extreme position.

James 4:12 teaches there is only one law giver and one law maker; that is God himself. Let not men make and bind laws, but obey the laws God has already made.
​
Any questions? Hope to hear from you or to see you at the services.