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Preacher’s Comments: 1. As we begin 2009 might each of us reflect on the past year. Are there areas of our life which can be improved upon? The only way we can give a correct evaluation is by using the Word of God and comparing it to our lives. I wish for each of you a healthy and successful New Year. 2. Shirley & I want to thank the congregation for your many acts of kindness and generosity through the Christmas season. Also the monetary gift on Christmas Eve was far above our expectation. You have been so kind to us. We “thank you” over and over again. 3. Although Christmas is over, may we keep the Christmas spirit throughout the year. The coming of Christ was the result of a Divine plan made necessary because of the rebellion and pride of mankind. No event in history has so changed the course of the world. No, not even the astronauts who went to the moon; not the most brilliant philosopher, not the most powerful king. 4. Remember to keep in prayer the two churches that went from us. The Keystone Christian Church near Delmont, PA, and the Saxonburg Christian Church up near Butler PA. Pray that they will have a successful year for the Lord. It goes without saying that we should keep Monroeville Christian Church in our prayers. 5. Please take a minute and read over the article below. -Art Are You “Politically Correct”? A new term has emerged in our vocabulary that describes this generation of Americans. We are told our thoughts, our writings, our words, and our deeds must be “politically correct”! A politically correct statement or deed must not offend anyone. It must not point out any shortcomings of another. And it is not to be critical of anyone’s lifestyle or morals. If you desire to be pleasing to God, being politically correct is not possible. There are beliefs and morals that God does not accept, and He forbids us to accept them. Paul indicated God’s disgust and disdain for his generation’s low standards which included idol worship, adultery, homosexuality, disobedient to parents, gossips, murderers, etc. (Romans 1:29-31) He concludes with, “Although they know God’s righteous decrees that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” (v 32) Some time ago, a man of renown spoke to some young people contending that the Scriptures actually encouraged sex outside of marriage. When challenged by one of the preachers to defend his belief, the man replied, “I don’t believe in debating.” The reason the man did not want to defend his beliefs in a public discussion was that he could not defend them. The reason these politically correct advocates say we must not challenge a belief or an action is that they cannot defend their actions in an open discussion, therefore they want to intimidate their critics and make it look as if they are the ones who are wrong. If you criticize them they will slander, attack and belittle you. They say it is wrong not to accept everyone’s beliefs and actions, but they will not accept your beliefs or your actions in calling it to their attention. What can you do? You can decide whether you will please God or man. One day every person will stand before the Great Judge alone, all alone, and give an account for their thoughts and actions. Paul said, “Do I seek to please men? If I pleased men I would not be a bondservant of Christ”. Gal 1:10 -Part copied and some added by AH Love you, -Art
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