I pray that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Now, I have a question for you.

Do you keep Christ in Christmas at Christmas? Or would you instead celebrate something else? This question has haunted me for almost as long as I can remember. I remember the first time that it ever crossed my mind. It was in the military, and we were in the field on maneuvers at Christmas in Germany. I wonder about Christmas customs around the world. One of the stories I had heard was about the people of China celebrating Christmas in a completely different way than most other countries. It went like this back when the Chinese Communist Party ruled over them, and many homes wouldn't even have doors on the holiday. They would have a small image of Jesus at the center of the door and another person or family member outside to greet guests. It bothered me to think about how different our culture was from theirs, but at the same time, it also made me want to learn more about them so that I could be like them without being afraid of what others might think of me. So I started praying about it, asking God whether or not I should change what I am doing with my heart this holiday season. I asked Him to show me if keeping Christ in Christmas is possible or if even I am too stuck on the tradition to see past it all and accept Jesus as my true love gift from God…

Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year for Christians. It is a time to remember that God's gift of His Son, Jesus, came to earth as a man and died on the cross so that we could live. In this Spirit-filled season, we rededicate ourselves to living life to the fullest and celebrate Christmas as a time to focus on Him—not things, people, or ideas that can't be missed on December 25th. So here are some tips from a Christian standpoint on how to celebrate Christmas from a healthy perspective.

 

 

 

 

What is Keeping Christ in Christmas?

Keeping Christ in Christmas is crucial to Christ's birthday—Christmas—in the holiday season. It is making room for Jesus in one's own home during this time of year. Traditionally, this has meant that the door to one's home is shut, and a small image of Jesus is placed at the center of the door. On the doorframe is a picture of the Nativity or the Ascension. Family members and close friends are invited to open the door and greet the guest as the doorbell rings. Gifts are exchanged, and the Christmas spirit is brought into the home.

 

 

 

Does Keeping Christ in Christmas depend on our culture, or can it be changed with time and effort?

It's really up to you. You can choose to keep what Christ is believed to have meant for your culture and celebrate it throughout the year with your family, friends, and community. Or, you can turn back the hands of time and observe what your culture does not celebrate. This is why it's so important to make time for yourself this season and open the door for the season of giving. This is the first step to keeping Christ in Christmas. By making time for yourself this season, you are actively choosing to keep Christ in the Christmas season.

Stay in the Christmas Spirit.

When you celebrate Christmas, you are celebrating the life and death of Jesus. You are paying him tribute, and by doing so, you are acknowledging His existence and His power and celebrating how he redeemed us from our sins by giving us his precious blood. When you stay in the Christmas spirit, you are focused on only some things that are supposed to be done on December 25th. Instead, you are aware of the fact that this is a special day, and you are making an effort to focus on what is likely to be an incredibly joyous occasion.

 

 

 

What are other customs keeping Christ from us this season?

Many customs are associated with Christmas that we could spend our time examining and discussing, but a few could be more positive. For example, there is the custom of reindeer-ing, in which poor, tired, abused, and hungry reindeer are forced to

A Visit from St. Nicholas

BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Thanksgiving with a Christian Point of View What are you thankful for?

Let us Talk about Thanksgiving.

There are so many things to be thankful for in life. From the most minor things, like a beautiful sunrise, to the bigger things, like being alive and having friends and family. Here are a few things that come to mind when I think about what I am thankful for.

Primarily, I am thankful for my family. Able to tell my that I loved her before she went home to be with Christ Jesus’ mom, last living sibling, my sister Eva Lee, my wife Deanna, and children are the most important people in my life, and I could not be happier to have them all around me. I am thankful for their love, support, and laughter.

I am also thankful for my friends. I have never had as many great friends as I do now, and I am grateful for every single one. They have helped me through some tough times; I think of them as my second family.

 

Lastly, I am thankful for my health. Although not perfect, and I have had my share of setbacks, I am happy with my health. I do not always feel great, but I know that I am lucky to be alive and able to do all the things that I love according to the will of God.

Giving thanks is a crucial part of the Christian faith. The Bible tells us to give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And what better time to give thanks than Thanksgiving?

Giving thanks is a way of showing our dependence on God and His blessings. It is also a way of expressing gratitude for all He has done for us. When we give thanks, we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God.

What a reason to give thanks! This Thanksgiving, let us remember to give thanks for all of God's blessings, big and small. Let us also remember to give thanks for His most extraordinary gift of all - His Son, Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we have been given the ultimate blessing of eternal life.

 

Thanksgiving is a time when most people take time to reflect and be thankful for the things they have in their lives. This may be why it is often considered one of the happiest holidays. But it can also be stressful, especially if you host friends or family for the first time. However, there is more to Thanksgiving than just food and football games. This holiday has a deeper meaning that harkens back to the Puritans, who first celebrated this special day in 1621 by giving thanks to God for their blessings. In fact, "The First Thanksgiving" was an event that brought together settlers from England and Native Americans as allies instead of enemies. As with any other Christian holiday, there are diverse ways you can celebrate Thanksgiving from a Christian point of view.

 

 

 

Keep the focus on giving thanks and celebrating abundance.

The central theme of the day should be. That is why the first pilgrims came together in the first place. If you want to go even further, you can incorporate the celebration of abundance. You cannot be grateful if you do not also have a bunch of blessings in your life. The Christian celebration of Thanksgiving invites us to celebrate the goodness of God by reflecting on all the blessings in our lives. Whether struggling or thriving, you can always find something to be grateful for.

 

Have a meal that reminds you of all you are grateful for.

The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving celebrations is the meal itself. But if you want to take things a step further, why not choose a food that reminds you of something you are grateful for? You can also select the type of food based on the person you are thankful for the most. This can be a friend, family member, or significant other. You can even make it a group celebration by choosing food that reminds you of your friends or community. If you want to do this in a way that is as inclusive as possible, you can ask each guest to bring a dish that represents something for which they are grateful.

 

 

 

Do not forget that helping others is one of the most important Christian values.

As someone welcomin

When I share this, I'm speaking of myself as a military veteran that served 21 years of service to this country. And went through many ups and downs and had many doubts.

I also would like to share with not only veterans but everyone.

Christian service is noble, sacrificial, and life-changing. At the same time, serving as a Christian soldier is challenging and often lonely. As a result, veterans who identify as Christians sometimes feel isolated from their faith and unprepared for their post-military life. Thankfully, several Christian organizations support veterans with unique benefits and services. But you don't need to be an active member of any organization to remain vibrant in your faith, pursue God's will for your life, and transition smoothly into civilian life. This quick-read ebook podcast will explore Christian veterans' challenges, specifically as they transition from military service into civilian life. From there, we'll get you ready to take the next step toward becoming a thriving veteran who knows what you believe and why you believe it!

 

 

 

 

Christian veterans struggle to find their place in civilian life.

For many veterans, the military is the only way they know how to make a living. As such, veterans often struggle to identify their new selves in civilian life. What do you do with your skills and expertise? And where do you belong if you can't remember a place for yourself? Veterans often find themselves alone, sitting uneasily between civilians and fellow veterans. This can create a "no man's land" where you struggle with your own identity as you question where you belong. This feeling is familiar among veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. While many civilians can walk away from service knowing they made a difference, veterans often don't. They were caught up in the mission and the mission alone. While the task was necessary, the veterans frequently asked what their service meant.

 

Christian veterans struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with God.

Veterans who walk away from active duty often wonder how they can continue to trust and follow God. For many, the decision to walk away from military service was to walk away from God. This makes it challenging to maintain a healthy relationship with God. Where do you start? How do you trust again after putting your trust in yourself and others who ultimately failed you? As a Christian veteran, you must seek a healthy relationship with God. This relationship will help you regain your faith and grow as you trust God to see you through your post-military life.

 

 

Christian veterans struggle with depression and anxiety.

While we don't have enough data to know how prevalent mental health struggles are among veterans, we do know that veterans who identify as Christians are more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression. There are many reasons for this. Among them, veterans who identify as Christians often struggle to find their place in civilian life. They work to maintain a healthy relationship with God, and, as a result, they struggle to understand the point of their service. As a Christian veteran, you must understand the signs of depression and anxiety and seek help as soon as they arise. You must also realize what an unhealthy relationship with God looks like. You can challenge these issues independently, but you will likely face significant challenges and setbacks. It's best to seek the help of a qualified and experienced mental health professional.

 

 

Christian veterans have difficulty finding purpose and meaning in their service.

 

 

As a Christian veteran, you may need help understanding the point of your service and the service itself. The challenge here is to recognize that your service's effectiveness differs from the service itself. The fact is the impact of your service on those around you. The best way to understand the point of your service is to ask yourself a straightforward question: "What difference did my ser

I'm a Christian with PTSD                                              God can even use my situation for His glory

                                                                                                                                                  Mt acronym for PTSD = PRAYER -THANKFUL-STEADFAST-DEDICATED (TO TRUST IN GOD) 

I have military service-connected disabilities, and yes, there were moments when I even had suicidal thoughts because I felt like I was a burden to my family. I found myself withdrawing from society and avoiding social situations at all costs.

 I did not want to be around people, but my wife kept pushing me to seek help and got me back into the church. While symptoms of PTSD won't ever go away, through treatment, they can be managed and remain dormant, so living and thriving with PTSD is possible.

FYI only People who have experienced a traumatic event and have PTSD are at greater risk of attempting suicide. About 27% of those diagnosed with PTSD have attempted suicide. Last month, the media reported on three separate yet related death by suicide in just one week.Does PTSD damage the brain?

 

According to recent studies, Emotional Trauma and PTSD cause brain and physical damage. Neuropathologists have seen overlapping effects of physical and emotional trauma upon the brain.Although The Bible does not say anything specifically about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, I can glean much guidance from some indirect teachings in the Bible.

What is PTSD: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a severe accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or severe injury. Yes, I have a treatment process involving physical, mental, and spiritual healing. I also require professional help. My treatment is ongoing.

I have gotten many resources from the VA hospital.

Medication has helped alleviate some of my symptoms. I m thankful to have a network of support—counselors, doctors, my family members, pastors, and the church family—it has been essential in my recovery process. 

Of course, my most important support is God, our ultimate Healer, and Counselor. David wrote, "From the ends of the earth I call to you, / I call as my heart grows faint; / lead me to the rock that is higher than I. / For you have been my refuge, / a strong tower against the foe" (Psalm 61:2–3). It is our responsibility to exercise faith in God, to stay in the Word, to cry out to God in prayer, and to maintain fellowship with other believers.

 We go to God in our distress and use the resources He provides.

Regardless of the circumstances, there is hope. First and foremost, that hope comes from God.

Posttraumatic stress disorder can be devastating, but I must remember that I was not alone in my struggles. 

Many others have dealt with PTSD, and resources are available to help you. It can be challenging to get through each day when you're struggling with PTSD, but staying positive and focused on the good in your life is essential.

 

 You deserve happiness in your life, and you deserve to be healthy. There are many ways to cope with PTSD, but staying in God's Word does help. By changing your thinking, focusing on the good, practicing self-care, and finding a support group, you can manage your PTSD and find joy in your life again. I did. I discovered that Changing my perspective helped me stop feeling sorry for myself and focus on the good things God has blessed me with in my life. Finding humor in my situation allows me to laugh away some of my stress and fear.

I had to learn to speak the truth about practical things; it was challenging but also necessary. Often, I felt endangered when the situation did not warrant it. 

Remind me that going to Walmart or any store is not a traumatic event but a

God's Plans or Your Plans

 

God's plans never fail and always lead us to a happy ending, but that doesn't mean we won't get scared or feel like giving up. Feelings are real and can take over your mind, giving you second thoughts about continuing with what you believe is the right path. However, if you keep listening to your fears, you will never know what God has in store for you. If we let fear control our actions, we might miss out on the great things that are waiting for us around the corner. Whatever challenges come our way, trusting God is the most important thing we must do to succeed. With these inspiring quotes about trusting God when everything feels off, you will be able to remind yourself that it's not about your plans or His plans but rather His plan for your life.

 

 

 

 

 

Change your perspective

When everything feels off, and you're second-guessing every choice you make, you might want to consider changing your perspective. We can all change our perception of an event, situation, or person and start seeing things differently. If your life is feeling off, start looking at things with a new perspective. You might discover that you have nothing to worry about. You can change how you feel by changing how you look at things. If you are stressed out and feel things aren't going well, try looking at the situation differently. Break down the problem into smaller pieces, and focus on the positives. By changing your perspective, you might realize everything is going according to plan.

 

 

 

Don't be afraid to fail.

When you're walking through life, there will be moments when you will feel like everything is going wrong. You may feel like you're failing at life and don't know where to go from here. You may feel like giving up and quitting everything you've been trying to achieve. At these moments, you must remember not to be afraid to fail. If you forget this one thing, it doesn't mean you're a failure as a whole. Everyone fails at some point in their lives. All great people who have ever walked the face of the planet have failed. This is how we learn to grow and get better. If you don't make mistakes, you can't learn from them. Failing at something doesn't make you a failure; it makes you human.

 

 

 

It's not about you

Sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives and plans that we start to forget that it's not about us. It's about what God has planned for us. We will make mistakes. We will feel lost and lonely. We will question our faith. This is all part of our journey, and it's OK to feel this way. When you get overwhelmed with your feelings, remember that it's not about you. It's about God. God has a plan for your life, and he has your back. He sees you when you are in the depths of despair, and he hears your cries for help. He is there for you. He wants you to know that he is with you through the ups and downs of life.

 

 

 

God won't give you more than you can handle

There will be moments in your life when you feel like you're being tested. You will face many obstacles, and you will struggle to find a way to get past your fears. You will feel like giving up and want to walk away from your journey. This is when you must remember that God won't give you more than you can handle. Every situation you encounter is meant to help shape who you are as a person so you can grow into a better person. You are not meant to go through life without facing any obstacles. They help you grow and become a better version of yourself. You can get through anything you're faced with. Remember that God won't give you more than you can handle.

 

 

 

Take time to reflect.

When the universe feels turned upside down, and you want to give up, take time out of your day to reflect. Reflect on your past and experiences, or even those who have played a role in your life. Think about the things you have learned and how you have grown. Reflecting on your past can help you realize that you can do great things. You have what it takes to

Welcome to Wake up Castle Rock. Wake up, America.

 

We are living in a world of corruption, destruction, hypocrisy murderous individuals, and was sad about it is that a lot of this is the outcome many political leaders have taken God and Jesus out of our nation.

I think some people question where's God. The reality, we all need Jesus, from the sinner to the Saint, from the prison to the politician, from the church members to the pastors. We all need Jesus.

God is right here with us. We must continue faith, hope, and trust in God and never lose heart.

We all know, at least I hope that we all know, that in God's word, this says there will be wars and rumors of

wars; take a good look around you. Are we living in end times? I believe we are, but if that date is near, none of us truly knows. I can only hope and pray that Christians will wake up and share the gospel of Jesus Christ and not be afraid to do it.

I also hope to pray that non-believers will come to Christ and also pray that these political leaders, those that have hearts of stone, God will give them a heart of flesh, so they will realize what they are doing.

You know, I don't care too much about watching the news. It is very depressing a times. It's just one-sided. It's OK for them to promote homosexuality, yet they do not want to promote the virtues of living for Christ.

You have churches that are being burned down, people that believe in pro-life are being attacked but yet that somebody says something negative about homosexuals, they want to take you to court they want to say, oh, that is a hate crime it's very confusing what about the hate crimes that it's been formed and that have been targeted against Christians.

I am not that naive not to think that someone will say something negative about this podcast. They will hate me for being a Christian speaking the gospel truth. Still, it's OK because if they say something negative about this podcast, all they do is what it says in God's word.

Jesus said in this world you would have trouble, you would have tribulation but take heart he has overcome the world. Jesus also said you would be persecuted. And I'm not going to lie; I genuinely believe that some who profess to be Christians are afraid to stand up for Christ because I might lose my job or fear what people would think of me.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.

 

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DUCT TAPE

 

DUCT TAPE

It can fix many things, but it cannot improve stupidity -ignorance-foolishness-arrogance

Has Covid caused many just to go stupid-foolish-arrogant-ignorant-You decide

Many people lack knowledge; yes, this includes our elected leaders but rather than trying to find it, they don't. Fools remain in stupidity and would rather live in evil than learn the way of righteousness. Just take a look around rainbow fentanyl pills-hate crime mounting up-yale professor working with 3-year old’s on their gender journey-john Kerry climate hypocrisy-man arrested for buying body parts-foot floating in yellow stone park-people sucker punching innocent bystanders- Body found in Clear Creek in Adams County; investigation underway Shooting outside a sports bar in Aurora and so much more.

 

Look at what Scripture teaches about being stupid

Proverbs 9:13 Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing.

 

Ecclesiastes 7:25 I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness.

 

2 Timothy 3:7 Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

 

Proverbs 27:12 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

 

Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.

 

Proverbs 14:23-24 In hard work, there is always profit, but too much chattering leads to poverty. The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the stupidity of fools is just that—stupidity!

 

Psalm 10:4 The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead.

 

Fools hate getting corrected.

 

Proverbs 12:1 The person who loves correction loves knowledge, but anyone who hates a rebuke is stupid.

 

Idol worshipping

 

Jeremiah 10:8-9 People who worship idols are stupid and foolish. The things they worship are made of wood! They bring beaten sheets of silver from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz, and they give these materials to skillful craftsmen who make their idols. Then they dress these gods in royal blue and purple robes made by expert tailors.

Jeremiah 10:14-16 Everyone is stupid and without knowledge. Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false. There is no life in them. They're worthless, a work of mockery, and when the time of punishment comes, they'll perish. The Portion of Jacob is not like these. He made everything, and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance. The LORD of the Heavenly Armies is his name.

 

Reminders

 

2 Timothy 2:23-24 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Proverbs 13:16 All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.

 

Ignorance is the lack of knowledge or understanding. Ignorant people are either unaware or uninformed. Sometimes we are ignorant because we do not know there is a need to learn something. Other times, we are ignorant because we have chosen not to learn something we need to know. In Hosea 4:6, the Lord says, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you." Willfully rejecting knowledge that God wants us to have is sinful ignorance. While unintentional ignorance about earthly topics is understandable, intentional ignorance about spiritual matters can lead to eternal destruction (Romans 1:18–23).

 

The Bible makes a distinction between ignorance and innocence. We don't have to be ignorant of sin; we can be highly informed about sin yet remain innocent of it. But we should all be ignorant about the practice of evil. Ephesians 5:11–

Your Thoughts

Is It Okay to Push or force Homosexual Ideas on People?

Welcome to wake up castle rock and America. I'm your host Willie Ayers.

 

‍I remember when many spoke about Christian trying to force religion on others; however, I do not hear anyone speaking of homosexuals forcing their ideas on others, including children.

You turn on the tv or go to a movie nine times out of 10; there with be an act of homosexual activity or conversation eluding to it.

Many researchers cite environmental factors as major contributors to homosexual feelings. They firmly believe that negative early childhood experiences in an unloving or non-supportive home environment are a critical part of this process.

In the modern world, it's evident that there are many different ideas about what is right and what is wrong. It doesn't take much to see that Christians and homosexuals have very different viewpoints on what is acceptable behavior. Many people today don't believe in God or think he doesn't exist. To many non-believers, it seems clear that the Christian faith is outdated and irrelevant. But the truth is that we live in a world where people make decisions about their eternity every day. The Bible makes it clear that everyone will answer to God one day, no matter who they are or what they have done on earth. In this podcast, I will be discussing homosexual ideas vs. Christian views on love and relationships with a further focus on gay marriage and Christianity.

The Problem with Same-Sex Marriage for Christians

For many people, it might seem like a good idea to have people marry whomever they want, regardless of their sex. But Christians have a problem with this because they believe God designs marriage between one man and one woman. They reason that only a man and woman can create a family and be there for each other in a way that nobody else can. Christian marriage is based on God's creation of humans, male and female. That marriage was designed to bring together two individuals of the opposite sex for a life-long relationship to love and care for one another and raise children.

The Bible and Homosexuality

The Bible has a lot to say on various topics, and homosexuality is one of them. When people try to discuss the issue of homosexuality and Christianity, the first thing they often do is look at specific passages in the Bible that talk about it. The Bible makes it clear that the act of homosexuality is a sin. God created humans, male and female, and he didn't make any others. According to the story in the book of Genesis, God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. But just because the Bible condemns homosexuality, that doesn't mean that every person who is gay is automatically going to hell. The Bible clarifies that no person is beyond God's mercy if they ask for it.

What the Bible Says About Homosexuality and Marriage

Homosexuality is against the Bible, but it isn't the worst sin out there. Homosexuality is a sin, but not all sins are equal. We know, for example, that murder is a much worse crime than lying. Similarly, some sins are worse than others, and homosexuality is one of them. By committing this sin, a person rejects the gift of gender that God has given them. In dismissing their God-given identity, they leave a core part of who they are. So, the Bible doesn't say much about homosexuality because it wasn't a common practice in the times when the New Testament was written. But when it does address homosexuality, the Bible makes it clear that gay marriage is an act of rebellion against God's desire that people have a family with a member of the opposite sex. If people choose to have homosexual relationships, they are sinning against God, and they aren't able to have the family he has in store for them.

How that Changes the Christian View

The Bible clarifies that homosexuality is a sin and isn't something Christians condone. But the fact that homosexuality is a sin doesn't mean that the Bible condemns gay relationships.

DO YOU HAVE TO GO TO CHURCH?

Welcome to wake up castle rock and America

I’m your host, Willie Ayers member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Franktown, Colorado.

I got asked this question the other day. Nowhere does scripture mandate one's attendance at church as a condition of salvation. Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

 

Does a Christian have to attend every service his church provides? The simple answer is "no." There is no New Testament command for believers to maintain perfect attendance at church. Attending every church service does not make a person "holier" than the one who misses a service here and there.

Our relationship with God is not based on rule-following or punching a time clock at church; it's based on our position in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2).

 

The question that matters in eternity is not "How many times was I in church" but "Did I truly know Jesus Christ?" (Matthew 7:21–23).

 

However, there is a problem with having a nonchalant attitude toward church attendance. We should not be ambivalent in the matter. God's plan in this age involves the church, which Jesus promised to build (Matthew 16:18), and we should be supporting God's plan enthusiastically.

However, why is church attendance going to church important?"

 

Simply put, the Bible tells us we need to attend church to worship God with other believers and be taught His Word for our spiritual growth. They had no designated church building back then, but "every day they continued to meet in the temple courts.

 

The early church "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer" (Acts 2:42). We should follow that example of devotion—and to the same things.

 

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts" (Acts 2:46). Wherever the meeting takes place, believers thrive on fellowship with other believers and the teaching of God's Word.

 

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24–25).

 

Interestingly, even in the early church, some made a "habit" of not fellowshipping with other believers.

Their example is not to be followed. The church is where our spiritual gifts best edify the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–12). It is difficult to "spur" each other to love and good works if we are not attending church. How can we encourage one another if we're never around one another?

 

Church attendance is not just a "good suggestion" but God's will for believers. Hebrews 10:25 says we should "not be giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Even in the early church, some were falling into the bad habit of not meeting with other believers. The author of Hebrews says that's not the way to go.

We need the encouragement that church attendance affords. And the end times approach should prompt us to be even more devoted to the church.

 

The church is where believers can love one another (1 John 4:12) and encourage one another.

 

(Hebrews 3:13), "spur" one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), honor one another (Romans 12:10), and be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).

 

When a person trusts Jesus Christ for salvation, they are made a member of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). For a church body to function correctly, all its "body parts" need to be present and working (1 Corinthians 12:14–20). It's not enough to attend a church; we should be involved in some ministry to others, using the spiritual gifts God has given us (Ephesians