You Have Your Sample Ballot ~ Now What, Coach?

I AM NOT TRYING TO TELL ANYONE HOW TO VOTE  ~  However, because a close Christian Friend, who is very busy and does not have time to research all the many propositions on our ballots this year, asked me to share my intentions for November 8th - I am sharing how I WILL VOTE in this extremely important Presidential Election. 

Because I am a Conservative Christian who takes my responsibility of voting seriously - and because I also cannot do a proper due diligence on all the issues we are asked to vote for or against - over the years I have found three reliable Conservative and Christian sources I can depend upon who HAVE done a proper due diligence.  

They are Nancy Sandoval, Robyn Nordell, and Craig Huey.  And, typically on each of their web sites, there are other recommended links to other good sources of information.  Let me give you some info on each of these three people:

Nancy Sandoval:  A Conservative and a Christian:  http://www.nancyspicks.com/index.php

I am a CONSERVATIVE and a CHRISTIAN and spend a lot of time researching the CALIFORNIA ballot. Because of this, I'm often asked my BALLOT RECOMMENDATIONS and started, many elections ago, to record my choices, which led to this site in 2004. The criteria I use in making selections are described in the following paragraph. IF YOU AGREE WITH MY CRITERIA, YOU WILL PROBABLY LIKE MY CHOICES.

The following ballot choices are the BEST, in my opinion:  To uphold strong family values  To oppose the senseless killing of innocent pre-born children  To oppose granting special minority status based on sexual orientation  To provide parents with educational choice  To protect our National Security and secure our borders  To protect community standards of decency  To reduce the size of government and control government spending  To perform the job successfully based on good character qualities and office qualifications.

The selections are made from personal knowledge, interviews, research, various voter guides, voting records, candidate statements, testimonies of reliable secondary sources, and various news media.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Robyn Nordell:   The Basis for Robyn's Election Recommendations in Each Election   https://robynnordell.com/

Robyn Nordell has been involved in elections and with legal/legislative issues for more than twenty-five years. She has taught seminars on political involvement, and has worked closely with legislators, public policy groups, and activists on multiple issues, such as education, parental rights, religious freedoms, life issues, traditional family values, etc. Robyn has worked on a variety of political projects, including having a major role in coordinating the fight against daytime curfews across California. She was the political liaison for a Southern California denomination of churches for several years.

Robyn has a passion for encouraging people to be intelligently involved in the political process, to stand up for traditional-family values, and to protect our precious constitutional freedoms. She values those candidates and legislators who operate from a pro-life, traditional values, and limited government perspective.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Craig Huey:   Craig Huey, small business owner, author, Fox TV and radio commentator, and publisher of The Huey Report

http://www.craighuey.com/california-november-2016-election/

http://www.craighuey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/HUEY-REPORT_EFM7858_Vote-Your-Beliefs-and-Values-2016-General-Election-Voter-Guide_General-Information-v.-3_091516gh-1.pdf

I pray that this helps you ~ AND most of all ~ I PRAY THAT YOU DO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 8TH.
 
To view the images in larger format, place your cursor over one and left click your mouse.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill Gray 

Don't Miss The "Gems" In Your Life! ~ Revisited

Have you ever looked back on life and wondered, "Why did I not notice that person, that place, that event, that moment in life, which, in hind sight seems to be such a rare gem, to be so special?"   I realize that this question is mostly for those Friends, who, like me, have been around the block a few times in life; who can look back on many years and see things so much more clearly now - now that we are viewing them through older, more mature eyes.  But, not to worry, all my young Friends - you will have your time on this ride also; but, not necessarily now. 

I grew up in a small Southern (Alabama) community.  I say community because where I was born and grew up is now called the Shoals, or Muscle Shoal, area.  When I was a youngster there, it was three small towns which together was called the TriCities:  Sheffield (my home town), Tuscumbia (birthplace), and Florence - and there was an area called Muscle Shoals; but, it was not really a town at that time. 

Back in the 1920s Henry Ford came to Sheffield with plans to build a town called Muscle Shoals because of the Wilson Dam project and its power generation capabilities.  A boom ensued, streets were paved, curbs, sidewalks, street signs, and all the infrastructure one expects to find in a booming town were put in place.  But, plans fell through and work stopped. 

When I was a young boy, I lived for a while in Muscle Shoals.  If one saw such a place today - the first thought would be of a Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock movie.  There was everything in this town - except buildings.  It looked like some great power had come and removed all the buildings -leaving only the street signs, roads, sidewalks, etc.  And, when I left home to join the Air Force in 1955; that is basically the way Muscle Shoals looked. 

Fast forward to the late 1960s.  I was sitting in a doctor's waiting room in Santa Ana, California, and picked up a magazine.  On the cover, in big letters it said, "Aretha In Muscles Shoals" - with a photo of Aretha Franklin.  This got my attention.  What was Aretha Franklin doing in Muscle Shoals?  There was nothing there to draw a major recording star.

To my surprise, I found that my home town community had become a major recording center - where many big stars went to record their music.  Wow!  Since then, I have learned that there was virtually no major recording star who had not recorded music in Muscle Shoals.  You name the star -and he/she had recorded in Muscle Shoals.  Cher even used a photo of herself standing in front of the Muscle Shoals Sound studio in Sheffield as her album cover - and named the album after the address of the studio - 3614 Jackson Highway. 

In 1970, my step-dad died and I flew home.  On the flight, I sat and chatted with Leland Rogers, the brother and at that time the manager, of Kenny Rogers.  When the Flight Attendant asked if I was getting off in Muscle Shoals or continuing on to Nashville; I told her, "Muscle Shoals." 

Leland Rogers asked, "Are you a musician?"  And, I smiled and told him, "No, believe it or not, that is my home town." 

Then, I asked him, "Why do all the recording stars come to Muscle Shoals to record?" 

He told me, "There are two reasons.  First, they love the sound of the studio musicians.   Second, when they go there to work - there is nothing to do but work." 

The sound he mentioned came to be known as the "Muscle Shoals Sound" - very unique and very special.  And, Muscle Shoals was not a party town like New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles.  So the recording stars get their work done, backed by very talented studio musicians, and then go elsewhere to party. 

All this is leading to why I am writing this story.  Several day ago, I was talking with my Friend, Bob Ginger, and he mentioned that one of his favorite Christian songs is "Above All."  I have always liked that song also.  The next day, I read in the my home town newspaper obituary that a high school classmate and friend, Hollis Dixon, had died. 

Hollis and I went to high school together and I also knew his future wife, Raye, who was several years younger that us.   But, I never associated Hollis with music.  My brother, Bob, tells me that when they use to walk home from school together, Hollis was always singing and pretending to play the guitar - what young people today call playing the air guitar.  Back then, it was just called pretending.  Yet, I cannot recall Hollis doing that when he and I were walking.

I graduated high school in 1955 and went right into the Air Force.  After the Air Force, I settled in California - so, I had no idea that Hollis was, at that time, impacting the musical heritage of the Shoals area of Alabama.  In the early 1960s, I recall my brother, Bob, telling me that Hollis had a band and played at clubs and dances around the Shoals.  At the time, I thought this was just another local group with a hobby.  Little did I know the impact Hollis Dixon would have upon the Shoals Musical Heritage; which can also claim W.C. Handy, father of the Blues - and Sam Phillips, who discovered Elvis and so many other recording stars - as home town music icons. 

Last year, when the Alabama Music Hall of Fame was celebrating its anniversary - there was an article in the TimesDaily newspaper about Hollis and his band, the Keynotes.  The article listed many well know musicians and music writers who got their start with Hollis' band, or were encouraged in their musical careers by Hollis.  In that list are a number of award winning (including Grammy) musicians.  I was impressed. 

In that TimesDaily article, Hollis, in his interview, mentioned that he was influenced to start a musical career when he attended Elvis Presley's first one-night concert, which was held in our hometown in the Spring of 1955, at the Sheffield Community Center.  I was at that concert also.  And, another classmate, Carol Cahoon, had her first date with Elvis that evening. 

Now, I will tell you why I have written this story.  My Friend, Bob Ginger, told me that one of his favorite Christian songs is "Above All" - and in Hollis' obituary today, his wife, Raye, tells us that this was also Hollis' favorite song.  And, at the personal request of Hollis' wife, Raye, the artist, Lenny LeBlanc, who wrote this song will sing it at Hollis' funeral service.  Lenny LeBlanc is an artist who credits Hollis Dixon with providing him with work when he arrived in the Shoals. 

“When I moved here in 1973, I was a bass player and wanted to get work in the studios,”LeBlanc said.  “Hollis was the first to hire me.  I'm sure that story has been repeated by every successful singer or musician in the Shoals area.” 

LeBlanc will perform his hit contemporary Christian song “Above All,” at Hollis Dixon's funeral Thursday. 

Shoals Music Pioneer, Hollis Dixon, 75 , Dies:  http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20101027/NEWS/101029822 

So, you can see why, in introducing this story, I asked:  Have you ever looked back on life and wondered, "Why did I not notice that person, that place, that event, that moment in life, which, in hind sight seems to be such a rare gem, to be so special?" 

My home town community, the Shoals area, is one such gem.  To me, it was just home, where all my family and childhood friends live.  Yet, to the music world - it was a shining gem, a special musical diamond.  And, my high school friend, Hollis Dixon, was also one of those unexpected gems - a rare musician and, most importantly, an encourager of others - helping them succeed.  That is a special gift; a true gem. 

But, even more important to me was that, in reading his obituary, I learned that Hollis is a Christian believer and was a member of the Parkview Baptist Church in Tuscumbia.  This truly makes me happy; for, we know that he has been promoted to heaven.  So, while his family and his many friends will miss Hollis and will mourn their loss of his presence in their lives; they can also celebrate his Home Going to be with our Lord. 

And, at the funeral service this week, because Hollis is a believer, all his family and friends who also believe will not say "Goodbye" - but, instead, will say, "Good night, Hollis, we will see you on that glorious resurrection morning."   One day, there will be a great Reunion of his family and friends in Glory with Hollis - and Jesus Christ will be the Host. 

Yes, my classmate and friend, Hollis Dixon, was a gem.  But, more important, he was a Christian believer and is, right now, enjoying fellowship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   Praise the Lord! 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,  

Bill

Are YOU Prepared And Willing To Be A Witness?

I just watched the one hour video “The Atheist Delusion” created and published by Ray Comfort and Living Waters Ministry - and I find it fascinating, a must watch for everyone.  For the Christian believer, this one hour video should give you great material for witnessing to the non-believing world, with material even they will find difficult to deny.  

If you are not a believer why should you watch this video?   Maybe you are an agnostic or an atheist, or maybe just a vanilla-flavored non-believer who has never taken the time to seriously think about your eternal future.  Every atheist I have encountered in my years of apologetic writing - tells me they are atheist because they are "thinking" people. 

There are even organizations named "Freethinkers" and "Freethought" in America and in many countries.  Sam Harris, a leading atheist author and the American version of England's Richard Dawson, has posted the forum: "Organizations for Freethinkers/Humanists Whatevers" where he begins:

Hey everyone.  I am very curious about people’s experiences with organizations for freethinkers/atheists/agnostics/whatevers.  I"m especially interested in your experiences with freethinker community types. 

I’ve recently joined the Ethical Culture Society here in New York City and its fascinatingly alike and unalike the Catholic parish I was born into in another part of New York City.  I’m fascinated and having the time of my life being a part of an actual community where I don’t have to pretend to believe one single thing.

 
Look again at Sam Harris' reason for not believing in God:  "He does not have to believe in a single thing!"   Can you imagine going through life - never believing in anything?  How sad.

So, if the atheists are supposed to be "thinking" persons I put his question to them:   Can YOU answer Ray Comfort's questions asked in this video honestly?  Or will you run and hide behind, "It's too boring"?

In this video, evangelist Ray Comfort approaches and has an honest dialogue with a number of people, mostly young college students who, in the beginning, profess to being atheist.  But toward the end, a number of them admit to giving serious thought to God and eternal life in Jesus Christ.

This video became very personal for me, and it caused a number of flashbacks to earlier times.   In the video, one of the people Ray is talking with is an 18 year old black college student who, in the beginning said she is an atheist.  Toward the end of the video she admits that she wants to give serious thought about seeking Christ.  Ray, tells her, "Don't put off believing in Christ - for you don't know when you will die." 

That brought a "no one is promised a tomorrow" flashback, from when I was about 25 years old.   Within about a year, two young friends I worked with died suddenly of heart attacks.  One was 26 years old, a successful programmer at Ramo Wooldridge (later TRW).  His parents had come out from the Midwest for his upcoming wedding.  I was with him Friday night at a friend's party.  Saturday morning his parents found him dead in his bed, of a heart attack. 

The other friend and co-worker was a 21 years old I worked with at Scientific Data Systems who, from all appearances, was in apparently good health.  I saw him at work on Friday - and on Monday morning learned that he had died of a heart attack over the weekend.  I was only 25 years old, but these two events truly gave me food for thought.  But, not for too long - for I was having too much fun in my secular world.

Another flashback:  Ray asked the young man, Andrew,  "When are you going to repent and believe?"  And he answers, "When I have a strong belief and I am ready to adhere to what God would like me to do."    In other words, he wants to wait until he is good enough to satisfy God, which none of us can be - He takes us as we are, warts and all.  But, actually, I believe this young man was saying that he wants to not think too much about hell, he wants to have his fun first - and then seek God when he is too old to enjoy the secular world.  That was me for fifty years.

Growing up in Alabama, I was exposed to the Christian faith, attended the Baptist church (unless there was a cuter girl attending the Methodist church) and can honestly say that I cannot recall a time in my life when I did not believe in the existence of God and Jesus Christ.  I believed in His birth, death, and resurrection.  But, I never took that final step and became a believer. 

Why?  Well, just as Ray tells several participants in this video, "If you believe and confess Christ as Lord and Savior - then you are held accountable to God, and not just to yourself."   Many folks are not comfortable with that.  For that puts hell into the picture, which made a lot of us very uncomfortable.  I wanted to be in church - but the thought of hell made me uncomfortable, for I would have to give up my secular fun.

But later, I thought I had a the perfect solution.  I would find a church that would tell me there is no hell.  That way I don't have to worry about any consequences.  And, my Friends, I found what I was seeking.  I found an Air Force Chaplain from a large mainstream liberal denomination who assured me that hell was only a myth.  "Hallelujah!  Now I can party-hearty and not have to worry about consequences!"  I was a happy camper.  At least for the moment.

And, I stayed in that lost frame of mind spiritually until I was fifty years old - until God led me to Pastor Sam Lacanienta and the Fil-Am Church of Irvine, California.  That pastor and that church were full of Godly love and led me to Biblical Truth and to the cross.  Praise God I finally opened my eyes and listened to His message - just like a number of the young people in Ray's video.

One more flashback:  In the video a medical chart of the human body is shown.  That took me back to a day when I was sitting in my doctor's office in the early 1990s.  I was sitting in my doctor's examining room to have an x-ray and saw a chart of the human skeletal system on the wall.  The chart did not even include all the vital organs, blood vessels, arteries, etc, just the skeletal structure - and yet it was still complex.   I thought to myself, "How can a person be a medical doctor, know all about the human body - and not believe in the God who made that body?"

In the video, Ray is talking with an older gentleman, Richard.  Richard tells Ray, "Believing in God makes no sense.  To me it is the dumbest thing."  At one point, Richard said he wanted to die, maybe kill himself.   As the video progresses, Richard begins to show emotion, finally asking, "Won't I be bored in heaven?"  Ray assures him that he will most certainly not be bored.  

Ray Comfort tells Richard, "I really hope you do believe, for I want to see you in heaven."

Richard's response:  "I'm a total stranger.  Why do you care about me?"   My Friends, that is an opening to share God's love.

And, Ray's dialogue with Richard brought a flashback from the early 1990s:  I was in a Coco's Restaurant in Costa Mesa.  As I was eating lunch, I overheard the hostess talking with an older gentleman behind me.  He had driven himself to the restaurant, but during lunch he had begun to feel very weak and was afraid to drive home.  The hostess asked if there was someone, a relative or friend, she could call to help him get home.  And, apparently there was no one.

I turned and offered to drive this gentleman, George, home.   Since George lived alone, that weekend Dory and I decided to visit him.  We talked for a while, then I began to witness to George about Jesus Christ.   Being a relatively new believer and not really prepared to be a strong witness, George's response totally deflated my balloon. 

George told me, "I am a retired Christian.  I was a Christian, but being a professional architect and believing in science - I had to walk away from Christianity, God, and the Bible."  At that time in my Christian life, I did not have the Biblical knowledge or maturity to respond to George's honest admission.  All I could do was tuck my tail in and walk away, totally defeated.

That was my first attempt to witness to a person - and my failure was devastating.  It was years later before I would attempt personally witnessing again.  Dory and I had an older friend, Mary, who had a stroke and was in the hospital.  I began to talk with her about Christ, overcame her few objections, and began to lead her in the Sinner's Prayer. 

About halfway through, Mary said, "What?  I can't hear you."   I had forgotten that Mary had a hearing problem.  And, this sudden reminder confused me and had me so flustered, that I forgot what I was saying.  Luckily, Dory saw my confusion and picked up where I had stopped and finished praying with Mary.

Driving home, I was so depressed at another failure.  But, then I realized - it was not up to me, this very limited man, to save Mary.  The Holy Spirit was in control and despite my clumsy attempt at witnessing - He was the one really in charge and leading Mary.  So much for Bill Gray being a great witness!  Thank you, Lord, for Mary.

In the video, Ray asked a young man if he is a Christian.   He replied, "Well, I am Roman Catholic."   Ray asked him, "Are you born again?"  And, the young man replies, "I am not sure what that means."

Oh, what a flashback!  Around 2000, I was an elder at our Baptist church and did our church Sunday Worship bulletin.  Each week I tried to include an insert to encourage our fellowship and which might be used for witnessing.  Frequently, my pastor and I would have conversations on the phone, planning next Sunday's program and just sharing with one another. 

The week that comes to mind, we were having a discussion about witnessing.  The question in our discussion that day was:  When we first meet a person and begin a dialogue, should we ask, "Are you a born again Christian?" or should we only ask, "Are you a Christian?"  I leaned toward asking about being born again.  My pastor leaned toward not using the words "born again," for he felt that might confuse the person. 

After our phone conversation, I began to think more about it and I wrote a bulletin insert exploring that question.  My tract began:

Recently, in a conversation with a close Christian friend, we were discussing whether we should ask a person, “Are you a Christian?” or should we say, “Are you a born again Christian?”  He tended to lean toward the first and his reason was that many people do not truly understand what being “born again” really means. 

Later, as I thought about our discussion, I became even more convinced that if people do not understand what being “born again” means, then it is our responsibility to help them understand.  We should not avoid the subject because they do not understand.  If you think about it, if a person doesn’t really understand what being “born again” means - how can he/she be a “born again” Christian?  He must know what it means to have a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Just as Ray did in the video, if a person does not know the meaning of being "born again" that gives us a great opening for a witnessing discussion.  Never waste a good opening when God presents it.

In one segment of the video, Raven-Symone, one of the hostesses on the television show The View declares, "You don't have to go to church on Christmas.  It is about being good.   And that is what all religions are about anyway, be a good person."  And, another hostesses tells her, "By grace through faith you have been saved."  And, Raven, confused asks, "What?"  

Why is Raven confused about God? Or is she hiding from God?  Raven is a confessed and committed lesbian, living in a lesbian relationship.  She does not want God in her life - for it would mean giving up her active lesbian relationship.  So, she convinces herself that all she has to do is be a good person.   My Friends, there will be many good persons - in eternal hell.

One young man defined himself as an atheist.  Then, when Ray Comfort asked if he, as a sinner, should be punished - he tells Ray, "He (God) made me that way.  Why should He punish me for being the way He made me?"  From his answer, do you really believe that young man is an atheist? 

Or, is he like I was in my early 20s, seeking to hide from God, seeking someone to tell him there is no hell - so he can continue to live his secular life?   If God doesn't exist - how could He have made him that way?  I find it hard to believe that this young man denies the existence of God - he just does not want God to interfere with his secular lifestyle.

Toward the end of the video, when Ray asked the young people, "Do you know what God did for sinners so that we do not have to go to hell?"  And, virtually all of them said they did not know.   Do you need a better opening for your witness?

That is why we, as Christian believers MUST be sharing the Word of God with non-believers.  To make sure they know the Truth about Christ's atoning death which purchased the right for them to spend eternity in heaven with God, instead of in hell.  It is our responsibility to tell them. 

And one very good way to tell many folks about Christ and His love for them - is to share this video “The Atheist Delusion” with all your FRANs (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors).

The Atheist Delusion video (2016) HD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChWiZ3iXWwM&utm_source=Pinpointe+-+Master+English+List+-+Use+appropriate+segment&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2016-10-24+BLAST

Share this video and it may give you an opportunity to share the Word of God with a non-believer this week. 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Doubly Blessed And Honored!

Yesterday, I was doubly blessed and honored.   First, one of the children in our IBBC-Riverside fellowship, a young boy named Prince, came to me and gave me a drawing he had done in Children's Sunday School.  I admired his work and told him, "That is really nice.  I like your drawing."  Then, when I started to hand it back to him, he told me, "No, that is for you."  Wow, what an honor to have this young boy like me enough to do a special drawing for me.

My second honor came when our pastor, Pastor Sergio Nolasco, who has just returned from an extended mission trip to the Philippines, publicly recognized our two Friends who ride to church with us, Helen Bernardo and Helen Powell, and Dory and me as full members of the International Bible Baptist Church (IBBC-Riverside).  Now, we truly do have a church fellowship home.  Praise the Lord who led us to this warm, loving Pinoy Christian fellowship.

Dory and I came to IBBC-Riverside several months ago and immediately felt the love which permeates this Christian church fellowship.  Within minutes, Dory and I were an integral part of their Christian family.  We have been so blessed at our Sunday worship services and our Friday Night Bible Study/Prayer Meetings.   And, now that Pastor Sergio has returned, he has bestowed full membership upon us.  Thank you, Lord.

Pastor Sergio has been in the Philippines and several other Asian countries for four months.  He spent that time sharing the Word of God with many different fellowships, helping them resolve any organizational problems, encouraging the pastors and fellowships, and establishing a Bible College to prepare new pastors for the ministry.

Dory and I were blessed to meet him face-to-face Friday evening for the first time.  And, this Sunday was our first time to be able to enjoy his sermon and teaching.  During his sermon, I looked at Dory and said, "Pastor Sam, right?"   And she smiled her agreement.

Let me digress a wee bit.  In 1987, 29 years ago, God led us to the Fil-Am Church of Irvine, California (FACI) which was led by a very Godly and loving man, Pastor Sam Lacanienta - and where the love of God was so evident throughout the whole congregation.  I was not a believer then, but the love I felt through that pastor and that fellowship, and at their Friday Evening Bible Studies - kept me coming back and six months later I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. 

In other words, at the age of 50 and after walking in the secular world all those years, through Godly love I was led to the cross where I was born again as a new man and a follower of Jesus Christ.  I attribute this fully to the love I felt through Pastor Sam Lacanienta and the FACI fellowship which made me want to keep attending worship services and Bible studies, as the Holy Spirit worked within me to give me eternal life.

Dory and I both love Pastor Sam as a man of God, as a teacher of His Word, as a mentor, and as a dear Friend.   When Pastor Sergio was teaching us in his sermon Sunday - physically he reminds us of Pastor Sam, and his mannerisms as he teaches and his strong desire to correctly and fervently teach the Word of God remind us so much of Pastor Sam.   That is why I looked at Dory and said, "Pastor Sam, right?"  and that is why she smiled her agreement. 

Pastor Sergio, when we compare you to Pastor Sam - it is not that we are trying to hold you to another pastor's standards.  It is just that, in the past 29 years, we have met only one, maybe two, other pastors to whom we could say, "We are so blessed to be in the flock you are tending."  And, Pastor Sergio, for Dory and me you stand tall alongside our long time mentor and very dear Friend, Pastor Sam Lacanienta.   Thank you for being a man of God, a teacher, and a man who, through the Holy Spirit, has the desire, knowledge, and wisdom to bring together church fellowships - and then motivate them to divide and grow into many other sister fellowships.   You have a very special calling and blessing from God.

God truly blessed Dory and me when He led us to the International Bible Baptist Church of Riverside.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Hiroshima vs Detroit ~ A History Lesson!

Today I received an e-mail from a Friend, Jerry Williams, with the following headline:

The Demise Of Detroit
The wonders of multi-culturalism - Coming soon to a city near you.
We asked for it, we voted for it.   Now we are getting it.

 
And, I was reminded of a graphic I have seen which compares the city of Hiroshima with the city of Detroit.   It shows both Hiroshima and Detroit in 1945 ~ Hiroshima a bombed out tomb, Detroit a thriving, prosperous city.   Then, it shows both cities in 2010:  Hiroshima a thriving city reborn from destruction and today a thriving, prosperous city ~ and Detroit, a city which has been devastated, virtually destroyed, by an even worse attack - the attack of Democratic Liberal Socialism. 

I am reminded of my last visit to Detroit in the mid-1980s.  I was in the city for computer exposition at the convention center.  In those years I was traveling a lot on business, visiting most large cities and a large number of smaller cities across America.  Even in those earlier years in Detroit I began to see a racial divide which I did not experience in most other cities I visited.  Because I traveled a lot, in and out of airports, hotels, etc., my wife had bought me a luggage carrier to make my travels a wee bit easier.  In Detroit, I checked into my hotel and went to the elevator to go to my room.  The elevator was full and I was the only Caucasian on the elevator.  Entering the elevator with my luggage carrier, I was greeted with a smirk and the comment, "What's wrong?  Too cheap to tip a porter?" 

The next day was a hot summer day, the convention center had not turned on the air conditioning yet (which is typical on big convention set-up days) and we were busy setting up our booth for the convention.  By mid-afternoon a co-worker and  I decided to take a break.  There was a large hotel, something like a Hilton, Stouffer's, etc., several blocks away - so we decided to walk there for refreshments.

But, as we walked something became very obvious - walking these several blocks through this hotel/convention center area of Detroit - every single person we passed on the street was black.  I had never experienced that in any city I had ever visited before, in any part of America, and I will admit it gave me a sense of being in another country.  No, I am not expressing racial bias views - for I have never held those views.  But, it did seem strange.

I can only explain it as a result of many decades of Democratic Liberal Socialist government in Detroit.  People will congregate where many "freebies" are made easily available.   In earlier days, Detroit, like many large cities of America, was a thriving manufacturing city - the world center for the manufacturing of automobiles.   Now, under decades of Democratic rule and the Liberal Socialist destruction of manufacturing jobs - Detroit had become the national center for "freebies" from their benevolent Democratic Liberal Socialist controllers and neighborhood organizers, such as Obama was in Chicago.

So, today when my Friend, Jerry, shared this article with me via e-mail - it struck a chord within me and has me even more determined to Vote To Restore America by Voting to bring Conservative Values and God back into American governance.  Below are excerpts from the article Jerry sent me,  Click on the URL link to read the full article:

DETROIT - COMING SOON TO A CITY NEAR YOU
By Frosty Wooldridge, June 19, 2013, NewsWithViews
http://www.newswithviews.com/Wooldridge/frosty873.htm

Frosty Wooldridge has written hundreds of articles on a regular basis for 16 national and 2 international magazines.  He has had hundreds of editorials published in top national newspapers. 

For 15 years, from the mid 1970's to 1990, I worked in Detroit , Michigan.  I watched it descend into the abyss of crime, debauchery, gun play, drugs, school truancy, car-jacking, gangs, and human depravity.  I watched entire city blocks burned out.  I watched graffiti explode on buildings, cars, trucks, buses, and school yards.  Trash everywhere!

Detroiters walked through it, tossed more into it, and ignored it. Tens of thousands, and then hundreds of thousands today exist on federal welfare, free housing, and food stamps!

With Aid to Dependent Children, minority women birthed eight to 10 - and in one case, one woman birthed 24 children as reported by the Detroit Free Press, all on American taxpayer dollars. .  .  .

I pray everyone who reads this realizes that if we don't stand up and scream at Washington, and, at our local city, county, and state leaders - this is what awaits the rest of America.  If you think Mexicans and Muslims and other foreigners will eventually fit right in - then you are as big a part of the problem as they are.

If you think this is just a bunch of hooey and you feel NO duty to fight for this country, then I'm sorry, I don't know what it will take to motivate you to stand up and fight?

IF YOU LOVE AMERICA , PLEASE, GET INVOLVE ON YOUR LOCAL LEVEL. PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG.

 
My Friends, in the next few weeks as we all vote for the next Leadership Team which will guide America for the coming four years - I encourage you to read this full article written by Frosty Wooldridge, take it to heart, and take that thought with you as you VOTE ON NOVEMBER 8TH.  

VOTE to Restore Conservatism and GOD In America?

VOTE to Restore Sanity In America?

VOTE to "MAKE AMERICA GREAT" Again?

VOTE to send all of the Liberal Socialists and RINOs home into permanent retirement?

VOTE to take back our American homeland!

God bless you and God bless America,

Bill 

Saul Alinsky's "Rules For Radicals" ~ Bible For Obama/Clinton?

ON FACEBOOK and across the Internet, we have seen folks posting "How To Create A Social State By Saul Alinsky" where it has been suggested that Obama and Alinsky were collaborators in their attempt to take down America.  That is not really true, for Alinsky died in 1972 when Obama was only 10 years old.

However, one of my most cherished role models is Abe Lincoln, who died long before I was born - yet his life most certainly has affected my thoughts and my life.

So, in that sense, we can say that Alinsky, also a Community Organizer, was indeed the role model and guiding light for Obama, whose only real job was as a Community Organizer, i.e., agitator, in Chicago.

"But, Bill, what does that have to do with Hillary?"   Glad you asked!

As a student at Wellesley College, in 1969 Hillary wrote her senior thesis on the topic of "An Analysis of the Alinsky Model."   So, does anyone doubt that Hillary was also greatly influenced by Saul Alinsky's book, "Rules For Radicals"?

So, what are Saul Alinsky’s 12 Rules for Radicals?  Glad you asked!

Here is the complete list from Saul Alinsky's book, "Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals" - published in 1971 by activist and writer, Saul D. Alinsky, shortly before his death in 1972:

* RULE 1:  “Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have.”  ~  Power is derived from 2 main sources – money and people. “

Bill Gray Note:  George Soros?

* RULE 2:  “Never go outside the expertise of your people.”  ~   It results in confusion, fear, and retreat.  Feeling secure adds to the backbone of anyone.  (Organizations under attack wonder why radicals don’t address the “real” issues.  This is why.  They avoid things with which they have no knowledge.)

Bill Gray Note:  Black Lives Matter?

* RULE 3:  “Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy.”  ~  Look for ways to increase insecurity, anxiety, and uncertainty.  (This happens all the time.  Watch how many organizations under attack are blind-sided by seemingly irrelevant arguments that they are then forced to address.)

Bill Gray Note:  Could that mean Trump being secretly recorded on a hidden mic  ~ OR ~  Monica's blue dress and Bill's cigars?

* RULE 4:  “Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules.”  ~  If the rule is that every letter gets a reply, send 30,000 letters.  You can kill them with this because no one can possibly obey all of their own rules.  (This is a serious rule.  The besieged entity’s very credibility and reputation is at stake, because if activists catch it lying or not living up to its commitments, they can continue to chip away at the damage.)

Bill Gray Note:  Any thoughts on Hillary's 35,000 e-mails open to the hacking of all American enemies?

* RULE 5:   “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.”  ~  There is no defense.  It’s irrational.  It’s infuriating.  It also works as a key pressure point to force the enemy into concessions.  (Pretty crude, rude and mean, huh?  They want to create anger and fear.)

Bill Gray Note:  "Donald Trump does not know politics, he's a businessman!"  Duh?  And, that's a bad thing?  A nation with the national debt Obama has created needs a good businessman to fix the problem!

* RULE 6:   “A good tactic is one your people enjoy.”  ~  They’ll keep doing it without urging and come back to do more.  They’re doing their thing, and will even suggest better ones.

Bill Gray Note:  Once again, which example would you choose: Black Lives Matter, Abortion, LGBTQ, or Amnesty For 12 Million Illegals?

* RULE 7:  “A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag.”  ~  Don’t become old news. (Even radical activists get bored.  So to keep them excited and involved, organizers are constantly coming up with new tactics.)

Bill Gray Note:  I suppose we could add shooting law enforcement officers, and BLM-Amnesty Riots to that list of "fun things to do."

* RULE 8:   “Keep the pressure on. Never let up.”  ~  Keep trying new things to keep the opposition off balance.  As the opposition masters one approach, hit them from the flank with something new. (Attack, attack, attack from all sides, never giving the reeling organization a chance to rest, regroup, recover and re-strategize.)

Bill Gray Note:  The supposedly unbiased debate moderators, Anderson Cooper and Martha Raddatz, are excellent examples of this rule!

* RULE 9:  “The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.”  ~  Imagination and ego can dream up many more consequences than any activist. (Perception is reality.) 

Bill Gray Note:  How often have you seen derogatory graphics posted - with no explanation?  Perception?  You betcha! 

* RULE 10:  “If you push a negative hard enough, it will push through and become a positive.”   Violence from the other side can win the public to your side because the public sympathizes with the underdog.  Unions used this tactic.  Peaceful [albeit loud] demonstrations .  .  . eventually brought public sympathy to their side. 

Bill Gray Note:  Once again, can anyone recall how many BLM riots we have seen in the past year?  Refresh my memory - wasn't the ONLY job Obama, like Saul Alinsky, as a Community Organizer, i.e., agitator?  Organizing them to do what?  Riot?  And the greatest example in this election cycle?  "Why, don't you know?  Police Officers purposely look for ways to shoot young blacks!"

Bill Gray Note:    The most perfect example of this Saul Alinsky rule is the Liberal Socialist pushed "Separation of Church and State" - which cannot be found anywhere in the Declaration of Independence nor in the Constitution.   However, many uninformed folks, i.e., followers, believe it is in the Constitution.  This is a great example of the Liberal Socialist throwing "IT" against the wall - until uninformed folks actually start to believe it.  Sadly, that is the only winning strategy for the Liberal Socialist Gang.

* RULE 11:   “The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative.”  ~  Never let the enemy score points because you’re caught without a solution to the problem. (Old saw: If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.  Activist organizations have an agenda, .  .  .)

Bill Gray Note:  Isn't this Rule One from the Alinsky and Obama Community Organizer's Handbook?

* RULE 12:   "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.”  ~  Cut off the support network and isolate the target from sympathy.  Go after people and not institutions; people hurt faster than institutions.  (This is cruel, but very effective.  Direct, personalized criticism and ridicule works.)

Bill Gray Note:  Does this last rule ring a bell for anyone?  Such as the Liberal Socialist and RINO attacks against Donald Trump's supposed attitude toward women - while totally ignoring Cigar Billy Bob's horrendous actions against women?  Rape, Harassment, Molestation, etc.?

http://www.bestofbeck.com/wp/activism/saul-alinskys-12-rules-for-radicals

 
My Friends, on November 8th we are being asked to VOTE ~ to Vote To "Restore America to the Conservative, Moral, World Leading America" given to us by our founding fathers ~ OR ~ or some will vote to abandon America to the Liberal Socialist scheme of finally surrendering America's sovereignty to the United Nations and allowing our homeland to become a puppet state under the control of foreigners at the UN headquarters in New York City.  

Which do YOU prefer?  Will YOU vote to save America as a heritage and legacy for our children and grandchildren?  Or, will you stay home, not vote, and allow Hillary's Liberal Socialist Gang to take over America and finish the job of destruction begun by Bill Clinton and greatly exacerbated by Obama?

I am going to vote for TRUMP-PENCE on November 8th - because I love America and I want to see her restored to her former beauty, as the true "Home Of The Free And Land Of The Brave" we sing about in our National Anthem.

I am going to:

VOTE to Restore Conservatism and GOD In America?

VOTE to Restore Sanity In America?

VOTE to "MAKE AMERICA GREAT" Again?

VOTE to send all of the Liberal Socialists and RINOs home into permanent retirement?

VOTE to take back our American homeland!

God bless you and God bless America,

Bill

 

Bible Study Resources ~ What We Believe, Creation, And End Times Videos

Several months ago, I shared with folks in my Friends Ministry eNewsletter mail list a PowerPoint based video titled "It All Began With Creation" which I did in 2006 for my daughter's World Religion class at a local college.  And, over the intervening years I have honed it for use in Bible studies and Sunday School classes.

In 2009, when we were beginning a Sunday School class at the New Beginning Christian Fellowship, I prepared a PowerPoint presentation titled "Inaugural Class - What We Believe."   Why begin with doctrinal beliefs, i.e., a Statement of Beliefs or Statement of Faith?  Because that should be the very first piece of business established for any ministry, personal or corporate.  If you do not know what you believe from Scripture and cannot explain those beliefs - your ministry has no solid foundation.

About ten years ago, I came upon the web site of a church in the Midwest.  Searching the web site, I could not find their Statement of Beliefs.  So, I sent an e-mail to the church.  Shortly I received a reply, telling me, "We do not post our Statement of Beliefs - for we do not want to offend anyone."  My immediate reply to that e-mail was, "Well, my Friend, you have most certainly offended me, a Christian believer.  And, I have little doubt that you have also offended God."

You do not want your ministry or fellowship operating in that "offend no one" mode of Christian sharing.  And, that is why the first video I offer is "WHAT WE BELIEVE - Our Statement Of Faith."   Once that is established, then we can talk about the Biblical issues of the Creation and End Times Prophecies.

A few years ago, preparing to lead a Bible study on the End Times, I put together a PowerPoint presentation.  Last Sunday, after our worship service, one of our church leaders, Ben Gallardo, and I were talking about one of my favorite subjects, End Times Prophecy.   I told him I would e-mail him my "END TIMES Bible Study" PowerPoint presentation.  But, thinking about it yesterday, I decided to also convert that to a YouTube video as I have already done with my "WHAT WE BELIEVE - Our Statement Of Faith" and "It All Began With Creation" PowerPoint presentations.  That way I can send the three as one YouTube Playlist file.

Since all three were created to be PowerPoint presentations to allow discussion on each slide, at first I was concerned about having them in a YouTube video format.  However, you can stop and start the videos just as you would a PPT presentation.  That can be helpful in using the videos for Bible studies or Sunday School classes.  But if anyone wants copies of these PowerPoint presentations in PPT format, I will be happy to e-mail them to you.

Below is the Friends Ministry eNewsletter I sent out before.  At that bottom I have modified the URL link to reflect the YouTube playlist which includes the three videos.

So, with no further ado, let us begin:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
Subject:  IT ALL BEGAN WITH CREATION ~ Bill Gray Video
Date:     Sun, 28 Aug 2016 03:06:30 -0700
From:     Bill Gray

Hi to all my Friends,

Back in 2006, our daughter, Lana, needed one more credit to complete the requirements for her BA degree in Business.   She decided to take a class in World Religions at Riverside Community College in Norco, California.  During the semester, the professor told them they could do a special project for credit; so Lana asked me to give a 45 minute talk to her class on our Christian faith.  I was thrilled; our daughter was soon graduating from college - and I get to do my very first "Show and Tell."   Wow!  So, I made a PowerPoint Presentation which I titled "It All Began With Creation."

For my Friends in other countries, "Show and Tell" is a ritual proud American parents (and I am sure in many other countries also) get to do when their kiddies are in grade school.  Of course, I have always been a bit late in most things - it even took me to age 50 to become a Christian.  So, it is no surprise that it took me to age 68 for my first "Show and Tell."

My challenge?  Lana warned me that, although her professor is Christian; the class is mixed - some believers, some non-believers - and one atheist.  With that type of audience, how do you begin a talk on the Christian faith?  You begin by first establishing the validity of the Bible?

My biggest challenge?  To take a discussion from the Creation to the End Times - in 45 minutes.  That had to begin with:  "Why Should I Believe The Bible?"

The answer:  The Bible is proven by Prophecy

                      The Bible is proven by Historical Documents

                      The Bible is proven by Archeology (Science)

My presentation to her class was on a Saturday, and after it was over - I have to admit that I gave praise to God that He has not called me to be a pastor.  My forte, the arena where I am comfortable, is in interactive discussions, such as a Bible study - where we walk together through portions of Scripture expositionally, verse by verse, and encourage questions, comments, and interaction.  But, to stand at a pulpit and talk for 45 minutes - well, as I said, not my cup of tea.  I will leave that to our pastors who do it very well.  I will stick to Bible study and Sunday School groups.

Thinking about it later, I wondered why I feel this way - since I had been doing Electronics classes, Computer classes, and Computer Seminars since I was twenty years old.  And that has been, at least, a couple of years.  Many of my seminars have been full one and two day sessions.  So, why would it bother me to talk for 45 minute from the pulpit?  Then it dawned on me.  All the classes I have ever lead, all the seminars I have ever given - have all been interactive discussion formats, much like my way of doing Bible studies.

Anyway, I did get through it.  And, while giving the presentation, I had no trouble identifying the one atheist - even though Lana did not tell me his/her identity nor where the atheist would be sitting.  After the class, Lana and I walked into the hallway.  I told her, "The atheist was the man sitting in the first row, last seat in the back, on my left."  She was amazed, asking, "How did you know?"  Easy, he was the only person with a "I don't believe a word you are saying" look on his face.

With all that said, I want to share my PowerPoint presentations (converted to YouTube video format) with my Friends.  If you find any of it useful, please feel free to use it.   If you would like to have the PowerPoint Presentation PPT version, just Message me with your e-mail address or send me an e-mail request.

I pray that you will find these videos useful resources for your personal studies, your Bible studies and Sunday School classes, and hopefully it will help you in witnessing.  Any and all comments and suggestions to make them more effective presentations will be greatly appreciated.

YouTube Playlist: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNKrIaX3DYE&list=PL_YT3Rttutrg5b_RatiYM1Rr788BLiKbr

WHAT WE BELIEVE - Our Statement Of Faith  ~  Revised October 11, 2016  (3.37 minutes)

IT ALL BEGAN WITH CREATION ~ Revised October 11, 2016  (5.16 minutes)

END TIMES Bible Study - Weeks One & Two  (5.22 minutes)

 
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Why Don't YOU Invite Them To Bible Study? ~ Revisited

At times, when searching through my archives I will come upon a post I had written years ago, and find it to be very relevant in the present.  One of my hot buttons is Bible study, so I am not surprised that this post titled "Why Don't You Invite Them To Bible Study" caught my attention.  

Why is Bible study so important?  Well, I can give you a number of reasons.  But, let me offer an analogy I have used often:  A church it like a three-legged stool.  Those three legs are (1) the Worship service sermon, (2) Sunday School, and (3) Bible study.   

What is really important in our lives?  First, to have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, i.e., become a Christian believer.  Then we should have two goals:  to grow more mature in our knowledge of His Written Word, the Bible, and the revelations God has given us there.  Second, to take that maturing knowledge outside our church fellowship and be "His witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth"  (Acts 1:8).

We might look at our Jerusalem as our close family and friends ~ our Judea as our local community ~ and our Samaria as our city, state, and nation.  The remotest part of the earth is self-explanatory - we are to take His Word to the whole world.   But, how can we take His Word to the world - if we do not have a working knowledge of it ourselves?

This brings us back to our Three-legged Church Stool analogy.  Is your church a three-legged church?  Does your church have Sunday School and Bible studies to augment what you learn in your Sunday sermon?  "Bill, why do you ask such a silly question?"   Glad you asked!  

When you sit on a three-legged stool, it is stable and you can relax knowing it will support you.  But, remove one of those legs - and the stool becomes less stable.  Remove another leg - and that stool becomes a precarious seat where you had better not relax - or you might fall.  If your church is too big to have all three legs - would you be better off in a smaller fellowship?  Food for thought.

"What is so important about Sunday School and Bible study?  What can you learn there that you cannot learn in a Sunday sermon?"  Good question.  Let me ask you a question.  What do you do during the Sunday sermon?  You sit and listen.  But, sometimes your mind wanders, sometimes you start to think about other things you have to do. 

I can remember one Sunday in the late 1990s, our church had a guest speaker whom I always enjoyed.  Yet, during his message, I began to write a letter to Bill Gates with whom I had worked before he and Paul Allen started Microsoft.  Did God put that letter on my mind at that specific time?   I felt He did, but to be sure I let the letter, which I had finished during the sermon, sit for two weeks.  By that time I truly felt that God had wanted me to mail it, without me knowing why.  

Fast forward a number of years and I read that Bill Gates' mom had passed away in 1994, the same year my mom went home to be with the Lord - and I knew that Bill Gates was very close to his mom.  Did he need words of comfort at that specific time?   I don't know; but God knew.  Did my letter help Bill in any way?  I don't know.  My task was to write the letter and mail it.  The rest was up to God 

Why have I mentioned this?  To show you that depending only upon sermons to give us Biblical growth and maturity - can be a less reliable source than Sunday School and Bible study - for we can be distracted in so many ways, even good ways such as that letter.

"Why are Sunday School classes and Bible studies more productive means of maturing in our knowledge of God's Word?"   Glad you asked!  In a well organized Sunday School and Bible study - we read Scripture AND discuss it.   We talk among ourselves about what message or revelation we believe that particular Scripture verse or passage was intended to give us. 

We all can offer our thoughts and discuss them among the group.  Will every thought offered be valid?   No, but each one gives us fodder for thought.  We may even be inspired to go home and do more indepth study on our own to discover God's true message.  What has this accomplished?  It has gotten us deeper into both a corporate and a personal study of His Word.

In the corporate world many companies have "brainstorming" sessions.  What is the purpose?  It is a time when all the people in the meeting can offer ideas, thoughts, and suggestions for a new product.  After a time of "brainstorming" - they begin to discard those ideas which did not seem to fit.  And, they begin to shape and hone others.  And, finally, with all the irrelevant thoughts discarded - the product begins to take shape.  

Isn't that basically what we do in Bible study?  Everyone offers their thoughts on the meaning of a Scripture verse or passage - and then we begin to discuss, analyze, discard, and focus on what seems to be the true meaning.  That is a productive Bible study.  That level of learning is hard to get in a weekly sermon.

Personally, I never say that I "teach" a Bible study, I will always say that I "lead" a Bible study - for we are all learning together. 

"But, Bill, if you are not teaching the Bible study - who is teaching it?"  So happy you asked.  The Holy Spirit is teaching it - and the Bible study leader is merely seeing that the discussions do not take the group off into an unrecoverable tangent, i.e., the leader is keeping the study focused and on track.

So, with those thoughts, let me share with you the post I wrote in November 2006 which took me on a thoughtful journey today:

Subject:     WHY DON'T YOU INVITE THEM TO BIBLE STUDY?
Date:     Sat, 25 Nov 2006 14:51:38 -0800   From:  Bill Gray

Maybe I am different, maybe a bit weird - but is seems that God puts ideas and thoughts into my head frequently when I am taking a shower.  It could be because I am relaxed, my mind is not thinking of the hundred and one things I need to do, or maybe the warm water is just so soothing.  But, many times the things I write occur to me in the shower.  Maybe you have your special place where God talks to you.

Yesterday, as I was showering, I began to think about Bible study.  All my Friends know the high value I place upon studying and discussing the Word of God with other brothers and sisters.  Our Christian spirits are fed both by the worship of God and by studying His Word.  Although we should be worshiping God 24/7 (twenty four hours a day/seven days a week), there is one day each week which we set aside, a day when we gather with other brothers and sisters to worship Him in fellowship together. 

Our faith should compel us to do two things: worship Him, and share His Word with the world.  How can we say we worship God, if we do not follow up on that and go out into our world to share the Gospel as Jesus instructed us?  And what better way is there to prepare for the Great Commission Jesus gave us (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1-8, Mark 16:15) of "Going, Discipling, Baptizing, Teaching.  .  . being His witnesses" - than Bible study?

What God put on my heart yesterday is this:  November and December of each year are special times for all Christians.  This is a time when we give special Thanks to God for all He has given to us during the year; and a time when we give Thanks and Worship for His Son, sent to pay the penalty for our sins, to make salvation available to all who will believe. 

Yet, we seem to get so busy during this time of year that we often put Jesus Christ on hold, "Sorry, Lord, but we are so busy this time of the year.  You know, with lots of friends and family visiting, with making plans to celebrate Your birth, with buying gifts for everyone - we just don't have time to do Bible study during these months."

Whoa, hold it, let's back up.  Those reasons for canceling Bible studies - are the very reasons you should be more adamant about having Bible study.   What are our reasons?  First, we are just too busy?  Too busy for God?  Really?  Second, we have so many friends and family visiting, that we don't have time for you, God.  Really? 

I believe He would say, "Why don't you invite those friends and family to Bible study?  If they come with you, that is wonderful; they will be hearing My Word being discussed among believers - and, if they are not already believers, this might be the time.  If they decline; your faithfulness to Me will be obvious to them, it might give them second thoughts about their own lives.  Think about it."

And, third, we are just too busy shopping and buying gifts?  We just do not have the time to spend a whole evening in a Bible study when there is shopping to be done?  We might miss out on some good bargains?  Think about that; God gives you seven days in each week - and, you cannot give Him one evening to study His Word - because you have to shop?

Yes, gift giving is a wonderful tradition.  But, it is just that - a tradition.  It does make us feel good when we can share the material blessings God has given us by giving gifts to our friends and loved ones.   But, what is the greatest gift you can give to them?  It is the gift of God's Word; it is the gift of sharing God's Word with those whom you love.  The greatest gift you can give to any friend or loved one is a deeper understanding of the love letter God has written to us - His Bible.

All of those other gifts we buy at the shopping malls will rust, wither, and fade away; soon they will exist no more.  But, the Word of God you help plant in the hearts and minds of your loved ones will be eternal.  Is there a greater gift?  You give that gift by gathering as a family, including your extended Christian family - in reading and talking about God's Word.  That is why Bible study is so important.

With that in mind; which should we put on hold - shopping or Bible study?

With that in mind; what should we do with visiting friends and family - sit around watching television and talking, or invite them to your Bible study?

I love what a pastor Friend, Pastor Ed Dacio, says when he gives an altar call at the end of a sermon, "Please bow you heads and do not be moving around or otherwise be distracting; for eternal decisions are being made right now."  Eternal decisions also are often made in a Bible study.  I recall a Bible study about five or six years ago, when Pastor Ed gave an altar call at the end of our Bible study.  Eight people stood to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.  Three of those were from one family, a mother and her two sons.

The next week the father came to Bible study and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Later, he told me that it was because his young sons came home and witnessed to him.  Soon, the father's brother and his family came to our church where they received Jesus Christ.  Then, their mother, Connie, came to our church and was saved.   About two years later, Connie went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Think what might have happened if, several years before, Pastor Ed had not given that altar call in our Bible study.  Think what might have happened if that Bible study had been canceled - because we were too busy.  Yes, we never know when an eternal decision is ready to be made.  Do we really want to be somewhere else - when that eternal decision could have happened in our worship service or Bible study?

God has put this on my heart - and I believe it.  I pray that you do, too, and that you will share this message with all your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors - all your FRANs.  Invite them to Bible study.

I pray you found this enlightening.   If so, please feel free to share it.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill