Yes...... I will wish you a Merry Christmas!

See below for some thoughts to consider, as you decide what to do with this familiar and beloved tradition.
(A special thank you to the author, whoever you are)
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The Month before Christmas! 'Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land,Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand.See the PC Police had taken away,The reason for Christmas - No one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing, About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a "Holiday" Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch yourears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-tyAre words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Durbin, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Reed, on Kerry, on Clinton ! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace. The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded The reason for the season, stopped before it started. So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say :Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!-------------------------------------------------------------------------

For some, Christmas is just a holiday, a season of giving. More correctly, it is merely a season of getting. For others it is an abomination, a mere celebration of Pagan imagery.
As for me, it is a time to speak boldly the name of Jesus -to uplift and confess His name before others and affirm my belief in His sovereignty as Lord and Savior of all, whether others choose to believe or not. It is my opportunity to share with them the joy that has been granted to me in hopes that they too would put their faith in Christ Jesus. It is a time to celebrate with other Christians that the name of Jesus is being spoken. As the Apostle Paul stated:
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, (Philippians 1: 15-18)
Whatever it is for you, I encourage you to share with love the hope that lies within you as a believer in Christ our Lord.

Plant seeds - God will bring about the increase.
“Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”-Eph 6:24

Blessings to you in Christ our Lord.

Sincerely,
Rangerlane

P.S. And a Merry Christmas too!

The Church of Christ is not a business!

Hey there to all you folks who are trying to figure out what the church is, where you fit in, how to make it grow, etc, etc, etc.
I would like to make one thing clear-
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (His bride, set apart and holy) IS NOT A BUSINESS!!! So stop treating it like one. It is not just a place to go. Christ's Church is something to be a part of.

It has been said that everyone needs a clear vision of what lies ahead if they are to succeed.

Read the following statement. Listen to what the speaker says;

"go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Why is the quote in red? Because they are the very words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ.

Did you hear what He said? Go, make disciples, teach them what I taught you. Jesus completes His instructions with the following words;
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

If we would do what He requests, His promise is that He will remain with us.

Tell others about the salvation that awaits in Jesus. Teach them to live in relationship with Him. Teach them to live a life of love towards each other as fellow believers and with non-believers in order that we might win them over to Christ our Lord for the glory of God our Creator.


Love the Lord. Love each other. Love everyone else.


Now that's vision.


Let's start using our Lord's vision, and stop trying to substitute our own.



Blessings to you in Christ our Lord.



-RangerLane

the simple life...

a short phrase that has been trampled on and abused by two female celebrities(?) for their own gain. Well, they have their reward.

The Lord Jesus on the other hand has so much more in store for those who are willing to live it - the simple life that is.

The apostle Paul told the church at Thessaloniki some of the best advice ever written for those who desire to live a life honoring our Creator:

1 Thess 4:11-12

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Lead a quiet life and mind your own business.

Oh what a wonderful world it would be if we only would.

Blessings to you in Christ our Lord.

-RangerLane