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A P P L E S F G L D

The twinkling lights of emerald green

And brilliant blue and white

Are piercing darkness, all enshrouded

In the black of night.

The scarlet Christmas lights reveal

To us the price He paid

In giving all, His life in death,

The way to God was made.

The greens remind us of His love

In making life forever,

That we who trust Him may be sure

That He’ll forsake us never.

The blues speak of eternity,

The never ending span,

The timeless age, unnumbered years,

According to His plan.

The hue most beautiful of all

Tells of His righteousness,

A robe of snowy, spotless white,

In faith ours to possess.

The tree’s bedecked, the window’s bright

A star and tinkling bell,

The gifts are made, the carol’s played,

Do not the story tell.

He came to die and not to live,

We worship not the Child,

But God incarnate, holy, great,

Not virgin, or infant mild.

We cannot worship stars above,

Nor mangers filled with hay,

Not e’en the cross made out of wood,

Raised to the sky that day.

But Christ alone, for He is God,

He’s all we’ll ever need.

Remember not His birth alone,

For in His Word we read:

“This do in memory of me,”

His death, for this He came.

His body broken, bleeding sore,

He hung in blinding shame.

The sun refused to shine at noon,

The darkness fell as night,

The temple veil was rent in twain,

God spurned this Prince of Light.

On Him was sin, all yours and mine,

A black and ugly guilt.

The world’s Light died, “It’s done,” He cried,

His precious blood was spilt.

It’s crimson red, it’s giving life,

We have in faith believed it,

For sinners we can now be free,

Because we have received it.

So, Christmas lights of red and green,

Of amber, blue, and white,

We look beyond the lovely scene,

To God this Christmas night.

mm1963

VOLUME 20, NO. 12

DECEMBER 2016

THE LIGHTS OF

CHRISTMAS

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C

Lights of Christmas

Golden Apples

Are you a Carrot, an

Egg, or a Coffee

Bean?

Some Funnies

Witnessing

Social Media

Hidden Treasures

Pastor’s Pulpit

Seniors

Gems from Pastor’s Pulpit

Seniors

Abortion

An Olympic Diver

If you would know the greatest sum in addition, count your blessings.

Be cheerful. Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

It takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow. Be a lamp in the chamber if you can’t be a star in the sky.

What happens around us is largely outside our control, but how we choose to react to it is inside our control.

To see God in everything makes life the greatest adventure there is.

Any person who is feeling sorry for himself, should be. True joy depends upon a close intimacy with God.

The joyful man is the one who can enjoy the scenery when he has to take a detour.

A thankful heart is not only one of the greatest virtues, but the parent of all other virtues.

The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to give, not to get; to serve, not to be served.

LAST MONTH WE BEGAN A NEW SERIES OF “GOLDEN APPLES”. These quotations will come from a lovely little book called “Apples of Gold”

given to me by Anne Davis. It has a beautiful soft gold cover and is compiled by

Jo Petty. She states that her collection comes from many unknown sources. Each

chapter features one of the nine Gifts of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22, 23.

Our second is JOY

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THERE ARE 66 BOOKS IN THE BIBLE.

SUBTRACT YOUR AGE FROM 66 AND THEN ADD 50.

DID YOU GET THE YEAR YOU WERE BORN? (THE LAST TWO DIGITS OF THE YEAR)

THIS SHOULD WORK FOR EVERY ONE OF US.

It worked for me. I subtracted my age of 87 from 66 and ended up with a minus 21. Then I added 50 to that which is really 50

minus 21; the result is 29; and I was born in 1929. All who are older than 66 will deal with minus numbers, but it still works.

ARE YOU A CARROT, AN EGG, OR A COFFEE BEAN?

WHEN YOU ARE PLACED INTO A POT OF WATER AND THE HEAT OF PAIN, ADVERSITY OR SORROW IS TURNED UP TO THE BOILING POINT, HOW DO YOU RESPOND?

If you are a carrot, you start out firm, strong, and unrelenting, but the boiling water of trials causes you to wilt, become soft, and you lose your strength.

If you are an egg your inward parts are soft and malleable with a liquid spirit covered by a thin and fragile shell for protection. Those who look on see only your hard exterior. But devastation and the trials of life will change your interior. Outwardly you will look the same, but inside you become hard.

If you are a coffee bean you are unique. After sitting in the boiling water, instead of the troubles of life changing you, you change the water. When things are at their worst, the water tastes better and gives off a delicious, rich aroma which impacts all who come near.

How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

II Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights?

Isn't Disneyland a people trap operated by a mouse?

Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do 'practice'?

What do you call a male ladybug?

Why are they called 'stands' when they're made for sitting?

Is it OK to use the AM radio after noon?

Is it possible to be totally partial?

Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns because they taste funny?

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Recently we were blessed to hear Dr. Brent Snook, pastor of First Baptist Church in Glen Este, Ohio who, along with our other

missionaries, provided a spiritual feast of biblical truth and challenges during our WorldFest Missions Conference. We were

challenged to bring the Good News of Salvation through our personal testimony and witness as we walk and mingle among our

world of co-workers, neighbors, friends, classmates, teachers, trainers, medical and business personnel, professionals, financial

and legal consultants, acquaintances, and most importantly, our family.

The thought of giving a witness and sharing a testimony causes some to shrink from the challenge for several reasons. They say:

1. I don’t feel called by God to do this.

2. I don’t possess the gift of social confrontation.

3. I am basically shy.

4. I assume there are enough soul-winners to meet this need.

5. I don’t have the answers I think are needed.

6. I am embarrassed to do such a thing.

7. I am afraid of negative responses.

8. I feel awkward and/or uncomfortable doing so.

9. I don’t want to be thought weird or peculiar by some.

II TIMOTHY 3:16, ”ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD AND IS PROFITABLE…”

Psalm 126:5,6 – They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He

that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall

doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with

him.

Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;

and he that winneth souls is wise.

Isaiah 43:10 – “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord…”

Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet

of him that bringeth good tidings….that publisheth

salvation…..

Ezekiel 3:18 - When I say unto the wicked thou shalt surely

die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the

wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked

man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at

thine hand…

Daniel 12:3 – And they that be wise shall shine as the

brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to

righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Matthew 4:19 – And He saith unto them, “Follow me, and I

will make you fishers of men”.

Matthew 10:32 – “Whosoever therefore shall confess me

before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is

in heaven”.

Matthew 13:1-43 and Mark 4:1-34 – Parables of sowing and

reaping

Matthew 28:19, 20 – “Go ye therefore and teach all

nations…..”

Mark 8:38 – “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me

and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of

him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when He cometh in

the glory of his Father with the holy angels”.

Mark 16:15 – Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel

to every creature.

John 4:36 – And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and

gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and

he that reapeth may rejoice together.

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of

Christ…..

I Corinthians 3:8 – Now he that planteth and he that watereth

are one and every man shall receive his own reward according

to his own labor.

II Corinthians 4:3 – But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them

that are lost.

II Corinthians 5:11 – Knowing therefore the terror of the

Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God…

II Corinthians 5:18 – And all things are of God who hath

reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation.

Colossians 4:5 – Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.

James 5:20 – Let him know, that he which converteth the

sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death,

and shall hide a multitude of sins.

I Peter 3:15 – But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and

be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh

you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear

In November 2004 I devoted around 9 out of

12 pages to the subject of witnessing. It

included how and where to witness, answers

to questions we’re often asked, how to use

tracts, sources for tracts, answering those in

various cults, how to start a conversation,

and best of all – Jesus our example. I can

email you a copy; let me know.

It’s not right to say “no” to our Saviour who says “go”.

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THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH COMES FROM PART OF OUR PASTOR’S

INTRODUCTION TO A RECENT SERMON: He began: “Remember the first time

you got your cell phone? It was used only for emergencies. Nowadays we’ve got

Tweets, Twitter, Flickr, Square Cash, Texting, Apple Pay, Snapchat and Facebook. It

is Social Media gone crazy. We even have our Bibles on our phone; how things have

changed! People can go online around the world. It’s amazing. We have to learn a

whole new vocabulary. You got a blog? No, I feel fine. We call it social networking. We

become more connected to one another, but in a way more DISCONNECTED. More

information travels, but with less relationship; WE’RE RELATIONALLY

DISCONNECTED. I looked at a family in a restaurant recently. Every member was

working on or playing with their cell phones; they didn’t say one word to each other,

even though they had their family right there. This world has changed. WE ARE MISSING SOMETHING GOD INTENDED FOR EACH

OF US AND IT’S BECAUSE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING. IT’S RELATIONSHIP.” (Pastor Rob)

While in our church office recently, I brought up this subject for their input. Our pastor’s words had inspired me. I thought I was

alone in my concern. I told them I would like to post what he said and some further comments in the next newsletter, BUT I AM

SO AFRAID OF OFFENDING. One of them told me a neat story about a group of young people seated around a table. They all placed

their phones face down on the table. The first to pick theirs up pays for everyone’s meal. Obviously they believe their relationships

are more important than anything.

People should be our top priority. Maybe it’s time to face the facts we’re unwilling to look at. What are they?

Time - We used to take the TIME to digest longer emailed messages sent through cyberspace and enjoyed them. But now with texting it’s easy and speedy because it’s brief. In contrast, email and letters are now becoming a thing of the past because “it takes too much of our TIME to send and to read”. Yet TIME, personal intimate relationships, face-to-face communication, and even phone calls are very valuable.

Recently a grown daughter sadly admitted she hadn’t bought her mother a birthday gift. Instead, the mother said “you have

given me something far better. You have given me TIME, and that’s more precious than anything.”

Convenient relationships - We don’t take risks with our relationships today. We’re slow to visit or call someone on the phone because that involves giving something of ourselves as well as TIME. Unfortunately, Social Media makes a relationship convenient and easy. Yet the best foundation for a long lasting relationship is one that’s willing to risk and sacrifice TIME. Didn’t Christ risk everything for us?

Isolation - On Social Media, we are in a world within a world. It’s easy to shut ourselves off from personal interaction because we believe our interaction online is enough. It’s easy to not see people all day, but rather see them online. Instead, we should distance ourselves from this tendency to isolate. And most of all, we can choose which measures will help us honor God and live more like Jesus in this world. He put people first. The choice is ours.

Communication – People are more important than things, ideas, information, answers and entertainment. For some their iPhones have their total attention. Not too many years ago we used to talk with friends and family by sharing experiences, asking about theirs, telling stories, some humorous, and maybe some were sad, or asking their opinions or advice. We took TIME. It was an investment that will last for many years.

Distraction – The fascination of TV, movies, computers, Facebook, and other electronic devices can cause us to waste precious hours of TIME and TIME WILL SOON BE OVER. Maybe some will have regrets because they could have spent more TIME sharing their hearts with one another face-to-face. After they’re gone it will have been too late.

PLEASE, PLEASE, FORGIVE ME IF I HAVE OFFENDED YOU. YOU ARE LOVED. JESUS LOVES YOU, YOUR

FAMILY LOVES YOU, YOUR FRIENDS LOVE YOU, AND I LOVE YOU.

Basic cell phones are great for sending or receiving calls when we’re not home. Cell phones are good to have in an emergency away from home.

Some don’t have a land line anymore.

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HIDDEN TREASURES

LAST MONTH: War

1. What man was not allowed to build the house of God because he had been a “man of war”? David (I Chron. 28:3)

2. What Scripture lists the articles in the spiritual armor of the Christian? (Eph. 6:10-18) 3. When will all nations be gathered together against Jerusalem to battle? “The Day of the Lord” (Zech. 14:1-4)

4. Where will the greatest war of all human history be fought? At the Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:13-16) 5. Who will lead in the war to end all wars? The Son of God (Rev. 19:11-21)

THIS MONTH: Remembering the birth of Christ

1. Which O.T. prophet had the most to say about the birth of Christ?

2. True or false: Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus because they were following a star.

3. What form of transportation did they use and how long was the trip?

4. Who told Joseph the baby’s name was to be Jesus?

5. When the shepherds went looking or Jesus, what was the sign they were to look for?

6. What is the name of the priest who was told he would not die until he saw the Saviour?

GEMS FROM PASTOR’S PULPIT

From the Manger to the Mountain

What does being highly favored mean for Christ and for us?

Mary was espoused to Joseph. This is a stronger relationship

than being engaged. She was already planning her wedding.

We glow when we learn we’re pregnant. However, Mary’s plans

were interrupted.

A. True favor with God makes us ponder and think.

1. Instead we talk and question why. Where is the favor for

Mary?

2. The oxymorons will trip us up. Life is often paradoxical.

We can’t always know who is good or bad. Things don’t

always fit. We cannot be critical. It often takes a whole

lifetime to figure it out.

3. Instead we should celebrate when trials come. Wisdom

works slowly.

4. Joseph was going to put her away – divorce her. The test

comes first.

5. When God does something we don’t understand, we

peel out.

6. Our staying power is tested. We’re to stand (Eph. 6:11).

7. Consider all that Mary had to deal with: from planning a

wedding to a divorce, expecting a holy Child,

impregnated by a “ghost,” then a dirty place for the birth

– all in a short time.

B. Xxx

B. True favor with God teaches us to be consistent when life is complicated.

1. We can have favor, but still have fear and frustration even though we’ve been conceived by the Holy Spirit when He saves us and makes us new creatures in Christ, but we are still surrounded by Satan. 2. We’re to survive in Jesus’ name. 3. God chose Mary because of her tenacity, faithfulness and love for God.

C. True favor with God trusts us with trouble. 1. We will carry blessings and burdens including sinful children and loneliness. 2. Will we still serve Him? 3. The Holy Spirit didn’t give Mary all the details. 4. Then she had to endure seeing her Son crucified. 5. Even with trouble we are still favored; even when we have fear. 6. Some walk away and blame God. 7. Instead we can say “I’m in it to win it”. 8. Then the bad turned to good – the resurrection. 9. We thought we had lost, but we got it back. Glory Hallelujah!

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My forgetter's getting better But my rememberer is broke. To you that may seem funny, But, to me, that is no joke. For when I'm "here" I'm wondering If I really should be "there," And, when I try to think it through, I don’t get anywhere! Oft times I walk into a room, Say "what am I here for?" I wrack my brain, but all in vain, A zero is my score.

At times I put something away Where it is safe, but, see! The person it is safest from Is generally, me! When shopping I may see someone, Say "Hi" and have a chat. Then, when the person walks away I ask myself, "who's that?" Yes, my forgetter's getting better While my rememberer is broke, And it's driving me plumb crazy And that sure ain’t no joke.

As we think about the election last month, and the two candidates who had totally different standards considering

abortion, we are thankful our president-elect does not believe in abortion.

Would You Consider Abortion in any of These Four Situations?

1. There is a preacher and wife who are very, very poor. They already have 14 children. Now she finds out she is

pregnant with her 15th. They are living in tremendous poverty. Considering their poverty and the excessive world

population, would you consider recommending abortion?

2. The father is sick with sniffles, the mother has TB. They have four children. The first is blind, the second is dead. The

third is deaf and the fourth has TB. The mother finds she is pregnant again. Given the extreme situation, would you

recommend abortion?

3. A man abused a 13 year old girl and she is now pregnant. If you were her parents, would you consider

recommending abortion?

4. A teenage girl is pregnant. She is not married. Her fiancé is not the father of the baby, and he is very upset. Would

you recommend an abortion?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these situations...

In the first case you would have killed John Wesley, one of the great evangelists of the 18th century.

In the second case, you would have killed Beethoven.

In the third case you would have killed Ethel Waters, the great gospel singer.

In the fourth case you would have recommended the murder of Jesus Christ.

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Marjorie R. Morrison (Mrs. C.E)

703 Oakhurst St.

Kernersville, NC 27284

A young man, who was an atheist, was training to be an Olympic diver. The only religious influence in his life came from his

outspoken Christian friend who never gave up witnessing to him. The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's

sermons, but he heard them often and they were beginning to get to him as God’s Spirit brought to his mind and heart his need of

a Saviour.

One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended. The lights were all off, but as the pool had a skylight, he

could see just a little. The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of

the board and extended his arms out and prepared to dive, he saw his shadow on the wall. Did his shadow remind him of his

mortality?

Instead of diving, he knelt down, confessed that he was a sinner and needed a Saviour. He asked Jesus Christ to come into his heart

and life.

As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on. The pool had been drained for repairs.

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