In 2007, a popular teacher was assaulted at Germantown High by two students after he confiscated an iPod from them during class. There were two evils seen in this. First, “disregard for the class room.” The school had rules about iPods, but these young men chose not to listen (Proverbs 1:7). A class is a place of learning and not for gadget tinkering (Acts 21:40; Acts 22:1-2). Jesus Christ taught many classes (Matthew 26:55; John 8:2; Luke 5:1-3:17). And though He had interruptions, (Matt. 21:23; Luke 10:40-42, 12:13-14, 11:27-28) he still realized the importance of paying attention (Matt. 11:15; Luke 10:39, 11:1-2; John 6:45).

Next, “Disrespect for teachers.” They attacked a man who was trying to do them good! Why couldn’t they have gone before the school board and argued their case? Why act like two jackals and attack this poor man? They also could have apologized and promise not to do it again and might have gotten the iPod back (Proverbs 15:1, 25:11, 30:33). We write with the hope that other students will learn from the past and not to deal with matters as these two did (Prov. 4:14:19).
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When man is born, he is helpless and needs 24-hour care (Exodus 2:1-10). As man grows into his teens and adulthood, he will not be ashamed to say that he doesn’t need anyone, and he will do what he pleases (Genesis 6:1-7). Yes, the middle of life looks nothing like that cute, little humble bundle of joy, which was rocked to sleep in a crib. What is seen in the middle of life is a “know it all,” “I don’t need you,” “don’t you mess with me” person.

Sounds like anyone you know? At the end of life, man returns to a helpless soul who again needs help and care. It comes to that because the body ages and cannot remain healthy anymore (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8; 1 Kings 1:1-4. All the living are going that way some day, so let us not be mean and ugly in the middle of life. Be good to those around you and especially if they are younger because they are the ones who will probably have to take care of you (Proverbs 23:22).

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“He, seeing this before, spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses Acts 2:31-32 (KJV).

This was the Apostle Peter in the first sermon preached on the Jewish day of Pentecost (Matthew 16:18-19; Acts 2:1:14). Peter establishes several points: King David had a grave site, but there is no grave site for Christ (Acts 2:29). The reason: Jesus rose from the dead (Acts 2:32; Luke 24:1-8). David and others decomposed in their graves, but not the body of Christ (Acts 2:31. John 20:26-31).

Today Jesus sits at the right hand of God, and He will Judge men on the final day (Acts 7:55-60; Hebrews 4:14-15; Acts 2:33, 5:30-31; 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 17:31; John 5:22-23). Peter also said that he and others saw the risen Christ and can testify that He did rise from the dead (1 John 1:1; John 20:19).

One cannot go wrong with Christ, for He is the Way, the Truth and the Light (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 10:7-9, 6:35,48,51).
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​“Why am I here?” You are here because God created you to live on this earth and give glory to him (Acts 17:24-28; Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 10:31).

“Who is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?” These three are the Godhead (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Col. 2:9). They are eternal and distinct (Genesis 1:12,26, 3:22, 11:7; Hebrews 9:14; John 1:1, 8:44, 17:5.24; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Ephesians 4:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14). They are one in purpose (John 6:38, 8:29, 10:30, 17:20-22). And yet all are God (1 Cor. 8:6; Malachi 2:10; Isaiah 44:8).

“What is the soul?” A person is two parts, the body and the inner, which is the soul (Gen. 2:7; Matt. 10:28).

“What happens at death?” At death the soul leaves the body and goes to await the Judgment (Gen. 35:18; Luke 8:54-55; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 16:19-31; John 5:28-29).

“Why is there evil in the world?" There is evil in the world because men desire evil (Psalm 14:2-3; John 3:19-21; Job 24:14-17; Proverbs 4:14-17). God has given men a choice to choose right or wrong, and most pick wrong (Matt. 7:13-14; Ecclesiastes 7:29).
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You don’t have to look very far to find a homeless person. Many in such conditions made their own beds with alcohol, drugs and rebellion. But on the same token, there are those who were forced into homelessness though changes that they couldn’t control. So we have to admit becoming homeless can happen to anyone. Because of the uncertainty of life, one should be thankful to have any kind of home, be it ghetto or suburbs (Ephesians 5:20).

I realize there could be problems with the living conditions of some homes and neighborhoods. But such is life and we must find a way to overcome or avoid the hardships. Don’t you know that Jesus had no regular place for a home (Luke 9:57-58). Yet, He was the perfect example of what it means to be thankful (John 17:1-26). Since nothing is promised to be here tomorrow, we need to reflect on how important the current day is and be thankful for the roof over our heads.

In Philadelphia, we had two successful pro boxers giving out turkeys so the poor could have Thanksgiving dinner. The mature boxer whispered to the younger and up and coming boxer. “Be appreciative that you have been blessed to be in the position to give out turkeys and not standing in line to receive one.
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Religious division is something most don’t want to talk about, but it is a fact that people are divided on things concerning God. Now man isn’t divided because the Bible is the problem, because the Bible is the word of Almighty God and nothing in this great book comes up short (Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 23:29; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12). Division exists because of the attitudes of men, and it will continue as long as men behave badly (1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 6:3-5; Mark 7:7).

But all the differences in churches and religious practices can be made right if the proper procedure is put into action. I’m not talking about so-called unity forums where everyone comes together and agrees on some point, then leaves still being members of different churches. I’m talking about men forsaking their creed books, their ownthoughts and what others have told them, never holding those views again and just letting the Bible be their guide. Now if man will do this, someone will have to admit he has been wrong. There is no way around that because there are too many churches and only one Bible and the Bible didn’t create the religious confusion (1 Cor. 14:33).

Once that is done, men will have to conform to what the Bible teaches and refuse fellowship with those who don’t abide in the doctrine (Galatians 1:8-9; 2 John 8-11).
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It is shameful that some will accept what is said about others without confirming it. For example, If Bobby tells Herman that Stanley was laughing at a homeless cat, Herman will believe it. But the right thing would have been for Herman to ask Stanley if he laughed at the cat. And if Bobby is so opposed to people laughing at the hardships of animals, why did he have to run and tell Herman? The thing that he should do is go to Stanley and let him know that making fun of suffering is wrong. It became gossip when Bobby went to the third person rather then dealing with the person involved.

If we hear something about another person, we need to realize that such is rumor because we didn’t see it. And we sure don’t need to be spreading rumors. If we are concern about what we hear, we need to go directly to the source and find out. Also we need to refuse to listen to people who spread things about others (Acts 17:21; 1 Timothy 5:13; Proverbs 18:8; Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 20:19, 26:20:22; Matthew 18:15; Galatians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 12:20).
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How much money do people have to lose before they wise up to the schemes of some preachers? A while back there was a congressman that started an investigation of preachers on cable networks—questioning their spending habits and lifestyles. Some of these men and women are living a life of luxury off the backs of the hard working deceived viewers who keep sending the checks (2 Peter 2:1-3; Romans 16:17-18).

Back in the eighties, people thought they had seen it all when Jim Bakker used church funds to build an air conditioned dog house. Come on people, wise up! The Bible teaches a simple plan concerning the church and money. Each church is to lay something aside (once) on the first day of the week in order that the work of the church may go on. This offering is provided by the members of the local church, and no one else is required to give. The church takes this offering and spends within its budget and the work of the church will continue (1 Corinthians 16:1-4). The next time you see preachers begging for money, turn off the TV!
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​This quote came from the Tonight Show host, Jay Leno, that he told as a joke. However, this makes a great point:

“With hurricanes, tornados and fires out of control. With mud slides, flooding and severe thunderstorms tearing up this country up from one end to another. And also with the threat of swine flu, along with possible terrorist attacks. Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?” (end of joke)
 
(This is no joke)

Psalm 33:12: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.”

Proverbs 1:33: “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely and will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them.“
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Halloween is here again and for those who believe that ghosts haunt the earth, their belief will become more intense. But such ought not be the case—it’s just another holiday day where people dress in costumes and give candy.

However, man needs guidance, something to show him direction and shine light on the issues which confront. So that is where the Bible helps, and people can better themselves by having faith in the word (Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 19:8-10; Mark 9:21-23; Psalm 119:105). The scriptures are God’s speech to man, and He teaches that the dead don’t spook the living (2 Timothy 3:14-17; Ecclessastes 9:4-6,10; Job 7:1-10, 10:18-22; Psalm 103:13-16; 2 Samuel 12:22-23). At death the spirit of man is removed from the earth and taken to Hades to await judgement (James 2:26; Hebrews 9:27; Psalm 90:10; Luke 24:5, 22:42-43; Acts 2:29-32; Luke 16:19-31).

Ignorance of what the Bible teaches has lead many to believe things and a highly creative imagination has cause many to think they hear and see things (Acts 17:22-27). But if one believes the word of the Lord, he will be secure (Proverbs 1:29-33; Psalm 34:10; 1 Peter 2:2-6).
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Hope to hear from you or see you at the services.