An Important Message – An Immediate Response
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:26
- Published on Wednesday, 08 February 2012 00:00
- Written by Patrick Swayne
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“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the
If Only!
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:26
- Published on Wednesday, 08 February 2012 00:00
- Written by Patrick Swayne
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Far too often the things that we know we ought to do are set aside, and other things are inserted in their place. When this is the case, after our actions have played out and we see the repercussions we have reaped, we take stock of our situation and sit in amazement. Oftentimes I have found myself saying, “I wish I had done this,” or “What if I had done that,” or “If only I had done that.” When presented with multiple choices for every second of our lives, it is easy to wind up regretting whatever choices we make. In life there is no “backspace,” no “edit” or “undo”; and the decisions that we make always have consequences. The goal of every Christian should be to live in such a way that he ought never to say, “If only.” The key to this is choosing the right path when the opportunity presents itself.
In Everything Give Thanks
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:25
- Published on Wednesday, 08 February 2012 00:00
- Written by Patrick Swayne
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Thanksgiving. Even the mere mention of that word floods the mind with images: turkey and mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and pecan pie, and stuffing and cranberries just to name a few. The wonderful smells, the smiles of friends and family, the Macy’s Parade and the football game to follow… with the vast array of memories and emotions to choose from, it is easy to forget what Thanksgiving actually means: Giving Thanks. On the one day set aside for giving thanks in America the actual purpose of the day is buried in tradition and turkey, and thus far too many Americans have forgotten what it means to be grateful – even some Christians. However, Christians would do well to remember the command given from the Lord by Paul when he stated, “In every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Finding Peace In The Midst Of A Storm
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:27
- Published on Wednesday, 08 February 2012 00:00
- Written by Patrick Swayne
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Bang! The crash of thunder and the ever growing winds announce the oncoming storm. You are stranded on a boat in the middle of a large lake, with no hope to make it to shore, leaving you at the mercy of the unforgiving waves. You panic, realizing the futility of any attempt to escape the tempestuous and turbulent sea. Your raft has filled unto the point of sinking with water from the waves. Then, as you look to your captain for guidance and words of encouragement, you find – to your amazement and horror – that he is asleep.
Prove All Things
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:27
- Published on Wednesday, 08 February 2012 00:00
- Written by Patrick Swayne
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As was stated last week, the Thessalonians faced a grave dilemma – an influx of false teachers and false doctrines. In light of such, the warning was given to them to “despise not prophesyings” – a warning encouraging them not to reject all teaching simply because false teaching existed (1 Thessalonians 5:20). However, that warning came with another command that was just as important. The Thessalonians were not told to listen to the prophesiers as sheep nor were they told to accept everything that the prophesiers said. Instead, they were told to “prove all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This command implies three things of which Christians must be mindful before they can keep it.