YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Sorry for the typo’s in the earlier release.. I was tired and did not check it.

Thursday October 18, 2007 School Board Approves Birth Control Prescriptions at Maine Middle School (if you want to read the story follow this link http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,303058,00.html). To those of us who are spiritual this is not surprising nevertheless we morn over the poor choices our governing bodies make. To those without kids try to imagine someone giving any those children that you see on this site (look to the right) birth control. My children are 15, 12, 10 ( 10th, 6th, and 5th grade) it blows my mind to even imagine what they are facing everyday at school. Well this is not a shame on them speech or some pious pity party. I want to use this to stir up the body of Christ to continue to work in the vineyard until Christ returns. What happened in Maine can happen where ever you live, if it has not already. My brothers and sisters there is work to do and we have been charged to be salt and light in a dark world.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 5: 13-16

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus teaches that the church, the body of believers, is the salt of the earth. We are charged with teaching, and preserving the laws and commandments that God has set forth for us. As the church we are an example on how to live to those who are lost. Also we are to challenge false teaching and false philosophy that is abundant in this world. It would not surprise me that some of the school board members that voted for this consider themselves Christians. If we had an opportunity to speak with some of them they would probably say they had no choice in the face of the rising pregnancy rate in their school. We need to understand the world has no solutions to the problems of this world only God can save us from our sins and destructive behavior. Only the cross of Christ has the power to address teenage pregnancy, the rising teenage sexual activity or fornication of any kind. The decision to allow birth control in schools does not address the principle of sin and it was not intended to. It may cut the pregnancy rate in this district then again it may not. One thing it will do is ruin the lives of several young children because instead of hearing the message of abstinence this will be viewed as free pass to do whatever they want without consequence. I have middle school children and I am constantly reminding them to do basic things such as brush their teeth, take a bath, do homework, and other personal hygiene tasks that only those with children would understand. How can anyone expect a middle school child to handle contraceptive when they can barely remember to bring their jacket home everyday? As the church we have the answer and his name is Jesus. We should look among ourselves and explain what the bible teaches about sex and lead people to Christ. If there are young people in our communities and churches who are pregnant or who have children we should not ignore them but embrace them in the name of Jesus. Remember we are the light of the world. We are to let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Choosing A Spouse

Some General Guidelines for Those Seeking a Mate.

I hope this helps but above all things WAIT ON GOD!

1. Young Man……Young Woman-----look for the opposite sex. NO same sex unions.

2. Believers marry other believers….it is a sin to develop a romantic relationship with unbelievers.

3. Look for biblical qualities

   1. Look for a Proverbs 31 woman, Look for a God fearing man.

   2. Does he/she love God’s word?

   3. Is he/she a student of God’s word?

   4. Is he/she teachable?

   5. Do you see this person demonstrating spiritual gifts you expect in a Christian?

   6. Can he/she take correction?

   7. Is there a drug problem? If so get them some help not a RING!

   8. Is he/she violent? If so get them some help not a RING!

   9. What is their relationship with their parents?

   10. How many sex partners has he/she had?

4. If you have Godly parents what do they think of that person?

   1. Do they welcome him or her?

   2. Do they think that this person is a wonderful compliment to your life?

   3. Do they think that this person is good for you and why?

5. What about your Godly friends or people in your Church.

   1. Do they think that this person is a compliment…or a cancer for you?

   2. Do they think that this person brings out the best in you?

   3. Are you a more faithful servant because of this person being in your life?

6. Do not rely on the quiver in you liver to tell you …….use your head as well as your heart.

   1. There should be things you like and dislike about that person. There should be evidence for and against marrying this person.

   2. This does not mean that you should not feel any romantic love for this person. We are assuming that as you are developing in the word of God, God will cause you to desire what He desires for you.

7. Note how things like sexual gratification, looks and money are not high on the list.

   1. We are not advocating marring someone who does not work or unattractive, but BIBLICAL priorities are important.