During this Christmas season, focus on God and his character, focus
on Christ and his works, and focus on these great truths that Mary
has given us; and we will know God better and be blessed as Mary
was blessed!!!

From page 337, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

To underscore the validity of Christianity, more music, more paintings,
and more sculptures have been produce about "it" than the other major
religions in the world combined! With respect to "The Magnificat",
two major musical works come to mind --- Johann Sebastian Bach,
The Magnificat, (1723), and John Rutter, Magnificat, (1990). During
the Advent Season, many times these works are performed in the Sunday
morning Worship Service replacing the sermon on that Sunday.

From page 334, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Mary is the subject of much veneration in the Roman Catholic Church
and the Eastern Orthodox Church; but within Protestant Traditions,
(while she is "highly regarded"); Protestants stick closely to the
facts recorded in the New Testament about her. Protestants accept
"the virgin birth of Jesus" as Mary conceived Jesus through the
power of the Holy Spirit. But afterwards, Mary and Joseph had
several more children with Jesus having many younger brothers and
sisters including his half-brother, James, the leader of the church
at Jerusalem.

From page 334, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

In my view, "the coming of the Lord" could have occurred in
at least three ways:

1. God could have re-constituted some dry bones similar to the
story in Ezekiel 37:1-14, see "Ezekiel and the Dry Bones".
2. Christ could have come from another planet like Superman
with super-human powers, x-ray vision, and the ability to fly.
3. Or, Christ could be born as a baby like every person in this room.

You know the story. God chose the last of these three, and God
selected Mary to be the Mother of Jesus.

From pages 333-334, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The central person in the Bible is Jesus Christ. All others including
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, have a supporting role. The church celebrates
the Advent Season during the four Sundays before Christmas to mark the
coming of Christ at the Incarnation.

From page 333, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

As political spin, the "Old Roman Creed" was given the name of ---

"The Apostles' Creed".

To hammer the Gnostic's, a MYTH was generated that the Apostles,
on the day of Pentecost, while still under the direct inspiration
of the Holy Spirit composed the creed with each of the Apostles
contributing one of the twelve articles.

From page 323, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The Apostles' Creed was formulated as a refutation of Gnosticism.
It developed from the "Old Roman Creed", an earlier and shorter
version of the Apostles' Creed.

Gnosticism is from the Greek word --- gnosis ---, or knowledge.
It held that the physical universe is evil; and that God did
not make it.

Per the Gnostic's, Jesus was never a man at all, but only the
appearance of a man. The Spirit descended upon him at his
baptism; and that the Spirit left him before his crucifixion,
so that the Spirit had only a brief and tenuous association
with matter and humanity.

The Gnostic's considered that what man needed was not forgiveness,
but enlightenment. Ignorance, not sin, was the problem. Only a
few (their group) were able, through knowledge, to become free
forever from the taint of matter and the shackles of the body;
and to return to the heavenly real as Pure Spirits. They totally
rejected any idea of the resurrection of the body.

From page 322, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

In the second portion of our text, Paul takes the phrase ---

"He was raised on the third day ---"

and amplifies it. Paul list three individuals (Peter, James,and
himself), and two groups (the other Apostles and more than
500 brothers at the same time) as eye-witnesses to the
resurrected Jesus. In Jewish and Roman Law, a minimum of two
witnesses were needed to substantiate or confirm a charge.
Therefore, Paul gives his readers overwhelming evidence the
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ did, in fact, occur!!!

From page 321, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The placing of this basic Creed at Pentecost allows biblical
scholars to hold that it happened far too quickly for a myth
to develop about the historical record of The Resurrection.
Recent scholarship in manuscript reliability and textual
criticism, and using the historical records of Paul and his
early travels to Damascus and Jerusalem, place this portion
of scripture at about 35 AD. Having a brief 2 year gap
between "the creed" and "the written scripture" supports
the concept that initial scriptures were "an oral tradition".

From page 321, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

I submit that Paul received this "brief creed" from Peter, who used
it when those three thousand were added to the Faith at Pentecost.

In an earlier lesson, the overwhelming evidence is that the first
Good Friday, the crucifixion of Jesus, occurred on ---

Friday, April 3, 33 AD; and thus,
Easter on Sunday, April 5, 33 AD.

Since Pentecost is celebrated seven Sundays after Easter, this means
that the conversion and baptism of the three thousand occurred on ---

Sunday, May 24, 33 AD.

THEREFORE, the "brief creed" recorded by Paul in --- 1st Corinthians
15:3-4, becomes ---

"The Very First Creed of the Church"!!!

WOW!

From pages 320-321, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Both men (Peter and Paul) attended the "Council of Jerusalem",
the first known meeting of the leaders of the church, including
Apostles and Elders. It occurred about 50 AD.

During these meetings, it is reasonable to construct that Peter
and Paul had several "one-on-one" sessions.

Probably, Peter shared with Paul, in detail, his experience at
Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the gathered. Then Peter
got up and gave "a fiery sermon". om which three thousands repented;
and were baptized.

And, Paul shared with Peter, in detail, his Damascus Road experience;
and his first Missionary Journey in 47 AD.

From page 320, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The Very First Creed of the Church

The very early church used a "brief creed" or "confession" as
"a statement of religious belief" in the Baptism Ceremony of
new converts. Paul writes is 1st Corinthians 15:3-8, N.I.V.:

"For what I received I passed on to you as of
first importance that ---

'Christ died for our sins
according to the Scriptures,
that he was buried,
that he was raised on the third day
according to the Scriptures,' ---

From page 319, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amaxon.com.

NOW, we have a large group of members who support the church
quietly and generously. They are very prompt in their giving.
to these faithful souls, we should applaud; and say ---

THANK YOU!!!

From page 317, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

I want to say a few words about integrity and honesty when we think
about the Methodist Church. In my judgment, our clergy, staff, and
lay leaders exhibit a very high degree of integrity or honesty.
Knowing the corporate scandals in America, the sad problems within
the American Cathodic priests, and the Jim and Tammy Faye Bakkers of
this world, the Methodist Church does a very good job of policing
itself to guard against such tragedies from darkening our community
of believers.

From page 316, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

When you "Tithe", your life style will change.
It is like getting married. You settle down.
Things that seemed IMPORTANT to you then,
seem LESS IMPORTANT now. YOU must determine
what is important to you and what is not
important. Once you do that, then tithing
becomes easier.

Page 315, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Third, at some point in time you may want to consider "Tithing".

The best advice I can give about "Tithing" is that ---

"It is LARGE enough to be scary,
and SMALL enough to be doable!!!"

From pages 314-315, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Second, INCREASE your giving 1/2 to 1% each year, until YOU
get to the level where YOU would like to be. The old saying
is true:

"A man convinced AGAINST his will is of the SAME opinion STILL!"

Since "God loves a cheerful giver", we want you to remain
"Cheerful" along your giving path.

From page 314, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

In that growing process, there are some guidelines we,
as church leaders, can offer:

First, realize where you are in your giving TODAY.
When the collection plate is passed; you may only have
a dollar or two to put in. THAT IS A BEGINNING!
The national average of church giving is about 2.4%
You need to know your starting point.

From page 314, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

My text this morning is one sentence from the New Testament,
2nd Corinthians 9:7, N.I.V., which reds ---

"Each man should give what he has decided
in his heart to give,
NOT RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION,
for God loves a cheerful giver."

From page 313, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon,com.

In closing, I am reminded of the words of John Wesley who
encouraged his followers ---

"to earn all they can,
to save all they can,
and to give all they can!!!"

Our money becomes wealth when we use it to bless others.
In God's eyes, each one of us is IMPORTANT, and what ever
role we play in his kingdom, it is an IMPORTANT role.

Therefore ---

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, ---"

And, you will become ---

"a cheerful giver!!!"

Amen.

From pages 310-311, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The neat thing about tithing is that ---

"It is LARGE enough to be scary;
and SMALL enough to be doable!!!"

If you choose to tithe, then you MUST adjust your lifestyle.
Just as we can not be in more than one place at one time,
we can not participate in EVERYTHING that is available to us
in the American society. YOU must determine what is
important to you and what is not important. Once you do that,
then tithing becomes easier.

From page 310, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Clearly, in the New Testament, it is NOT a legalistic
10 per cent; BUT, out of generosity that believers
become cheerful givers!!! In fact, 2nd Corinthians 9:7 states:

"Each man should give what he has decided
in his heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver!!!"

From page 308, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Let us look at our text again, Proverbs 3:9-10:

"Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the first fruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine."

These references to "filled barns" and "full wine vats" are
symbols to Holy Communion. Yes, the bread and the wine.
When we honor God with our wealth we are in Communion with Him!!!

From page 306, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

You promise to be loyal to the United Methodist Church;
and uphold it by ---

"your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service".

But, your level of support in each of these areas is up to YOU.
No one from the church will require from you a certain amount
of time each day praying, require that you be present a minimum
number of Sundays, require that your gifts be a certain amount,
or require that you perform a certain amount of service work.
These are entirely up to you!!!

From page 306, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Honor the Lord with your Wealth

You see "Honor" means showing respect and esteem to another.
When we "Honor" God with our wealth, we are showing
"respect and esteem" to the one who is due it.

From page 305, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

During my morning devotionals, I discovered a little used text
on how we are to support the Church with our financial resources.
It is Proverbs 3:9-10, N.I.V., which reads:

"Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the first fruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine."

From page 305, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

So, the Holy Spirit calls us to ---

repent, believe, ask and obey!!!

In short, the slogan "Don't Mess with Texas" can be restated -

"Don't Mess with The Holy Spirit"

because those who DO have committed The Unforgivable Sin!!!

From page 303, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Why did Jesus single put "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit"
as the unforgivable sin?

The work of the Holy Spirit is critical in spreading the Gospel
to all nations, and in the coming of the kingdom of God.

From page 299, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Blasphemy" is to speak ill, to curse, to abuse, or to treat roughly.
It is this fourth meaning of "blasphemy" that Jesus is using when he
issued this warning statement.

To paraphrase the lesson text:

"And everyone who speaks ill, curses,
abuses, or treats roughly the Son of Man
will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks ill,
curses, abuses, or treats roughly
the Holy Spirit will NOT be forgiven."

From page 298, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Third meaning of "blasphemy":

"Blasphemy" is irreverence toward anything considered sacred.
If you set something apart in honor of something of someone;
and then someone else dishonors it --- that would be "blasphemy".
To vandalize a place of worship or a cemetery would be considered
"blasphemy".

From page 298, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The act of claiming the attributes or prerogatives of deity
was considered "blasphemy".

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law charged Jesus with
"blasphemy" --- an act of claiming the attributes of deity.
BUT, it wasn't "blasphemy" because Jesus is God! Yes, when
we speak "God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit",
we are on solid theological ground; and --- we are correct!!

From page 298, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The word "blasphemy" has four different menings.

In Jewish law, cursing or reviling God or the King (who was
God's representative), was considered "blasphemy". And, the
penalty for such was death by stoning. In later usage,
pronouncing the forbidden name of God was considered
"blasphemy". This have rise to "tetragramnation",
(tet-ra-gram-a-ton), a word of four letters WITHOUT vowel
points. Examples are "Y H W H" for "Yahweh" and
"J H V H" for "Johovah".

Thus, if you cursed God (or the King); and later pronounced
OR wrote God's name, you were gulity of "Blasphemy",
the penatly for which was death by stoning!!!

From page 297, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazom.com.

Luke 12:10, the "red letter" word of Jesus:

"And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man
will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against
the Holy Spirit will NOT be forgiven."

Friends - we are in delicate territory - for this lesson is
appropriately entitled:

"The Unforgivable Sin"

From page 297, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Finally, when "anxiety" or "worry" creeps into your thoughts,
you need to recognize IT as the Devil trying to gain a foothold
into your soul. DISMISS HIM and his tricks with "Prayers to
your heavenly Father". Then, it becomes a Win-Win situation
in which you will be ---

BLESSED!!!

From page 295, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

When Our Father gets involved, He answers our prayer in FOUR ways:

"When the idea is not right, GOD says, 'NO!'
When the time is not right, GOD say, 'SLOW!'
When you are not right, GOD says, 'GROW!'
When everything is right, GOD says, 'GO!'"

By Dr. Robert H. Schuller

From page 294, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr
Available at www.amazon.com.

Let me suggest that you keep a "Daily Prayer Log" (either in
a spiral notebook or a yellow legal pad) in which you detail
your prayers and petitions request to God noting the date and
your specific request. Per Paul's instruction, ALWAYS make
your request made known in a spirit of thanksgiving.
REMEMBER: You are turning your situation over to God!
At THAT moment, the "Peace of God" begins!!!

Then, as George Burns says, --- "Let Go, and let God!"

From pages 293,294, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Cast ALL your anxiety on him because HE cares for YOU!!!"

The word "cast" in our text means "to move by throwing",
"to get rid of", and/or "to shed". In the 1976 movie,
"Oh God", staring George Burns as "God", the phrase was:

"Let Go, and Let God!"

That is what we do when we "cast ALL our anxieties on him".

From page 293, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Therefore, as "Children of God" and as "A Royal Priesthood",
we have available to us one of "the most powerful forces"
in the world ---

PRAYER!!!

From page 293, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Far too often we abandon "Faith for Fear" when presented with a
new challenge or opportunity. Do we so quickly FORGET who
we are ---

"CHILDREN OF GOD";

and a member of HIS almighty household? John 1:12 says,

"Yet to ALL who received him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become --- Children of God!"

From page 292, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Prayer Overcomes Anxieties

1st Peter 5:6-7 ---

"Humble yourself, therefore, under God's mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time. Call ALL your
anxiety on him because HE cares for YOU."

From page 291, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

When all else fails, when you feel lost, lonely, or abandoned;
when sick or troubled, when you come to that moment in your life
which you feel "the final end is near", and that you are about to
make that "great transition": THEN, in all of these cases; ---
remember --- and know that ---

Jesus Loves Me!

From page 290, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
For the Bible tells me so.

GOD BLESSES US ALL!!!

From page 289, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Senior Version of Jesus Loves me!

Jesus loves me! --- This I know,
Thought my hair is white as snow,
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
For the Bible tells me so.

From page 288, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Jesus Loves Me!"

You see, the beauty of the Bible is that it sets forth "principles"
which we live by. We do NOT need the "exact words" for it to be
relevant for living in the 21st Century.

From page 288, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Jesus Loves Me!"

Amazingly, this exact quote "Jesus Loves Me!" does NOT appear
in any translation of the Bible: yet --- we ALL know it to be
TRUE!!!

But, John 13:34, N.I.V., can be interpreted as meaning ---
"Jesus Loves Me!" Thr exact quote is ---

"A new command I give you;
Love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you must love one another."

From page 287, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Jesus Loves Me!"

As a little child, we are taught and memorize this simple and
delightful little song. But, when we grow into adults with
life's hardships and difficulties, we discover and understand
its meaning and power.

From page 286, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The Greatest Lesson from the 92 Year old Preacher

When I was asked to come here today and talk to you,
your Senior Pastor asked me to tell you what
"the greatest lesson" I ever learned in my over 50
years of preaching. The one thing that I could always
rely on when tears, and heart break, --- and pain, ---
and fear, --- and sorrow paralyzed me --- the only thing
that would comfort me was this verse:

Jesus loves me! --- This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
For the Bible tells me so.

From page 285, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

It says in Ephesians 2:7, that the goal of salvation is ---

"that in the coming ages God
might show the immeasurable
riches of his grace in kindness
toward us in Christ Jesus."

Can you fathom what it will be like to be recipients of the
immeasurable riches of God's grace in kindness nonstop for
eternity? We all love it when people show kindness to us.
But when God shows us the immeasurable riches of his grace
in kindness in the coming ages --- well it is going to be so
tremendous that we will need new resurrection bodies to
handle it!!!

From page 279, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The Hebrew word translated "follow" signifies a very active kind of following, a pursuit - not the passive kind of following like a shadow follows a couple as
they ride off into the sunset.

God is like a police car pursuing us to do us good. We may think he's trying to give us a ticket. But in reality his is chasing us to tell us the prize being
"an eternity of fellowship with him", basking in his goodness and mercy forever!!!

From pages 278-279, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

From Psalm 23:

"Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

The terms "goodness" and "mercy" are almost interchangeable.
They refer to God's disposition to act kindly toward people who realize
they are undeserving. Goodness or mercy is God's prevailing tendency,
his inclination, to do good for us even though we deserve only his anger.

From page 278, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"The Lord is my shepherd." For us Christians, the word "Lord" means
Christ himself. All those shepherd-like qualities of God are exercised for
our benefit when we pray this prayer. He has a personal concern for me
and for you. On of the beautiful mysteries of Scripture is that the holy,
almighty God has the disposition to draw near to individuals like you and
me, and draw us near to himself.

From page 277, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What are the two most memorized verses in the Bible?

Along with John 3:16, the 23rd Psalm in the King James Version is the most
memorized verses in all of Holy Scripture.

From page 277, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

No one will persecute you IF you preach multi-religious ideas.
BUT, the moment you preach the absolute infallibility of God's word,
The Bible, you will be persecuted. When you preach the biblical doctrine
that all people are sinners and God's wrath abides upon them, you will be
persecuted. If you preach that ---

JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY SAVIOR,

you will be persecuted.

From page 274, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

According to the Bible,"Peace" is synonymous with "Salvation".
God presented Jesus Christ as "a sacrifice of atonement" through his blood.
In Christ's sacrifice, "the wrath of God" against us sinners is removed!!
Now, we receive "total forgiveness of sins" and "the perfect righteousness of
God" by faith in Jesus Christ. In short, where there is righteousness there is
peace!!!

From page 273, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God."

This beatitude is NOT talking about peacemaking in the arena of
international politics, or one who is awarded the Noble Prize for Peace.
In Scripture context, "Peace" is more than the absence of conflict.
It is a sate of tranquility or quiet in which there is security or order
within the community, and harmony in personal relations.
THIS beatitude is about "Peace" first with God, and then, between men.

From page 272, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God."

The highest blessing imaginable for man is the privilege of seeing God
face to face. We can now buy self-cleaning ovens, but let me assure you,
we cannot clean ourselves and make ourselves pure in the center of our being.
God must clean us!!!

From page 271, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled."

In today's world, worldly people earnestly chase after money, (by hook
or by crook); and are in hot pursuit of happiness. But, they are NEVER
filled!!! They are like a spoiled child who, after opening a room full of
Christmas toys, looks up and says, ---

"Is THAT all that there is????"

The citizens of the kingdom of God are engages in serious pursuit of
another goal: Righteousness!!! Jesus said, in Hebrews 10:7,

"Here I am --- I have come to do your will, O God."

It is in doing the will of the Father that we obtain righteousness, and
are filled!!!

From page 270, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted."

The mourning and weeping of Christians referred to in this beatitude is NOT
because of financial loss, terminal sickness, the death of loved ones, loneliness,
a divorce, a problem with children, or rejections experienced. But Christians
mourn because they realize that they have sinned against a holy God and have
brought dishonor to his name.

From page 269, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What does "poor in spirit" mean?

The "poor in spirit" does not mean those who are economically poor;
BUT, those who are poor in the presence of God, those who do not posses
any spiritual qualifications to merit salvation. The "poor in spirit", in this
context, means those who are conscious of their own sins in the presence
of an infinite, most holy God. When we realize that we are ALL "poor in
spirit", we are in need of grace (and grace alone) that comes to us by faith
in Jesus Christ. THEN, theirs IS the kingdom of heaven!!!

From page 269, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Where did we get the word "beatitude"?

The Latin word for blessed is "beatus" from which we get the word "beatitude".
A literal translation of the Greek word, "makarios", would be

"possessing an inward contentedness and joy
that is not affected by the physical circumstances".

From page 267, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What do the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) describe?

The Beatitudes do not describe many separate individuals,but rather
the characteristics of those who are deemed blessed by God to live in the
Kingdom of Heaven. Each of the blessed individuals is generally NOT
considered blessed according to worldly standards, but with a heavenly
perspective --- that is --- truly blessed!!!

From page 267, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

A summary of our study on angels:

In summary, angels are "Ministering Spirits" and "Messengers of God"
who are part of God's creation. They are here to serve God; and to help
HIS people in the life long battle between "good" and "evil". God often
uses angels as His means of answering the prayers of His people. We need
to know that they exist and appreciate them; BUT, --- we are NOT to
worship them.

WE ARE TO WORSHIP GOD ---
THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT!!

From page 266, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Some details about angels:

As stated, angels are "ministering spirits" rather than physical beings.
When angels to appear, they generally appear in the form of men.
In the Bible, angels NEVER appear as cute, chubby infants; and people
do not reach out to tickle an adorable baby angel. They are always
full-grown adult men.

From page 265, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

What happens at the moment of our death?

At the moment of our death and like the beggar, Lazarus, we are
escorted to heaven by angels to appear before Christ for our personal
Judgment Day. Christ himself determines our Faith in him. Believers
become Saints at that moment; and we are rewarded our "mansion in
heaven" depending on our lifetime of "Good Works". (To our Catholic
friends, there is no such thing as Purgatory found in Holy Scripture.)
The options are either Heaven or Hell. As determined by Christ,
non-believers are cast into Hell; and their eternal damnation.

From page 265, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

When we die, do we become "angels"?

Some folks think that when we die, we become "angels". This is not true.
When we die, we humans become "saints". In New Orleans and at a jazz
funeral, the most popular song is "When the Saints Go Marching In!"
It depicts our march into heaven.

From page 264, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Angels in the Bible:

The word "angel" or "angels" appears 291 times in the N.I.V. Bible -
with 107 times in the Old Testament, and 184 times in the New Testament.
thus, there are ample sources in scripture to build a foundation of
knowledge about angels.

The roll of angels is secondary in nature; and we get "bits and pieces"
about them and their functions. But, what we do know about them from
various passages is true and correct.

From page 264, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

How do angels differ from believers?

Angels are a company or an association, not a race descended from a
common ancestor; and they are NEVER called "sons of angels" in
Holy Scripture.

Angels are a medium of God's power; they exist to execute God's will,
to announce events, to act as ministers of God to the suffering, and
to guard believers against evil and/or The Devil.

From page 263 Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

How does the New Testament describe "angels"?

In the New Testament, "angels" is "separate and distinct
ministering spirits: of God's creation. Angels are not glorified
human beings. Matthew 22:30 explains that they do not marry or
reproduce like humans; and Hebrews 12:22-23 says that when we get
to the heavenly Jerusalem, we will be met by "myriads of angels"
and "the spirits of righteous men (and women) made perfect" ---
these are two distinct groups!!!

From page 263, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Paul encourages Christians to do what?

Paul encourages us, Christians, in Romans 12:16 & 18 to ---

"Live in harmony with one another. If it is possible, as
far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

From page 260, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is the best way to turn your enemy into a friend?

But you see, "Loving your enemies", IS --- the best way to turn
your enemy into a friend!!!

From page 260, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What three things mark an apostle?

2 Corinthians 12:12 ---

"The things that mark an apostle --- signs, wonders and
miracles --- were done among you with great perseverance."

From page 258, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What does Paul tell us about perseverance in Romans 5:3-5?

"We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured his love
into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

From page 258, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

During "tuff times", what do we Christians need to do?

When we go though "tuff times", we need to "persevere";
and the Good Lord will get us through it --- including
the HOT Houston summers!!!

From page 258, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is amazing about "perseverance"?

I was amazed to discover that the word "perseverance" only appears in
the New Testament. The Good Lord uses the word "perseverance" to only
apply to Christians!!!

From page 257, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What does our "Crown of Righteousness" synbolize?

Our "Crown of Righteousness" symbolizes our eternal reward for
faithfulness and perseverance in THIS life.

From page 254, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What does "laughter" do?

In our lifelong maturing process, we realize that "laughter"REVIVES the soul. In Proverbs 17:22, we find ---

"A cheerful heart is good medicine."

A daily goal is to find something "to laugh" or "to smile" about
in life. It will keep you in a positive attitude, AND
refresh your spirit.

From page 254, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

As we grow older, we discover that ---?

We discover that --- "Time" is a gift!!! We learn to invest our
"Time" in things that count; and things that we enjoy.

From page 253, Always growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is the "Best" Prayer approach?

In my judgment, our Prayers will be more successful IF we seek God's
guidance rather than praying "I want this. Or, I want that." The "Best"
Prayer approach is to seek His guidance; and then, --- wait to see what
happens. Trust me; this will create some "WOW!!!" in your life.

From page 252, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Why do we Christians conclude that there MUST be a creator?

The world and everything in it is put together with such precision
that we conclude that there MUST be a creator. A simple cake is made
of several ingredients WHICH must be put together to become a cake.
The ingredients do not "just come together" automatically; and presto -
a cake is formed. No, there MUST be a creator. And, we Christians call
the creator of the world --- God.

From page 252, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

How do you EARN a "Crown of Righteousness"?

We have EARNED our "Crown of Righteousness" because we understand, adopt,
and approve the "rhythm of life so necessary for long life. We have
learned to face adversity with hope because our heavenly Father loves us,
and wants the very best for us. In short, we are survivors!!! AND, we
"have kept the faith"!! Thus, our --- "Crown of Righteousness" is awarded
to us.

From pages 251-252, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

How many times does the phrase "Crown of Righteousness" appear in the Bible?

"Crown of Righteous" appears in the Bible only once: and is found in our
text for today:

2 Timothy 4:7-8

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the "Crown of Righteousness", which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day --- and not only to me,
but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

From 0age 251, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What conclusion can we draw from Papyrus 52, the oldest known fragment
of the New Testament?

GOD is telling us the Jesus is "who he says he is", which means we are to ---

Believe in Him!

And that, my friends ---- IS THE TRUTH!!!

From pages 244-245, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What three things does LOVE calls for?

LOVE calls for abundant life for all.
LOVE calls for the release of prisoners (the lifting up of the poor).
LOVE calls us to open our eyes and see,
and to release all the chains that bind us,

whatever and where ever they may be!!!

From page 244, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Who is the embodiment of truth?

Jesus Christ is --- THE EMBODIMENT OF TRUTH!!!

He spoke the truth in Love 100 per cent of the time. In the four
Gospels He uses the phrase, --- "I tell you the TRUTH," --- 75 times!!!
Because --- "His Words" are truthful, we study them very closely.
When we come across a "HARD" principle set forth by Jesus, we MUST yield to
HIS authority. It occurs to me that the Gospel message is very simple.

It is NOT easy,BUT it is very simple.

From page 243, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

In John 18:38, Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?".

The short answer to this question is --- "Jesus Christ"!!!

In John 14:6, Jesus answered:

"I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except though me."

From pages 240-241, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Jesus promised His apostles that He would send them "the Holy Spirit".
What two important functions were connected with this promise?

1. "The Holy Spirit" would remind them of what Jesus had said (John 14:26).

2. "The Holy Spirit" would guide them into all truth (John 16:13).

From page 241, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

When was the New Testament codified?

In his Easter letter of 357 A.D., Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria,
(who attended the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.) gave ---

a list of 27 books exactly as would become the New Testament!!!

From page 240, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is Papyrus 52?

Papyrus 52 is the oldest know fragment of the New Testament
ever found!!! It is within 20 years of the composition of the
Greek "First Edition" of the Gospel of John.

From page 239, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Once we understand the "Cross of Forgiveness", what are we to do?

THEREFORE, we need to forgive quickly; and we need to "forget"
just as God "forgets". Then, we need to "move forward" to build a
NEW relationship of --- "loving your neighbor as yourself!"

From page 236, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

With the horizontal plank, what is NOT required?

Please note that with this horizontal plank, "Confession of Sin"
by the offending party IS NOT REQUIRED!!! The only thing required
is that YOU recognize that a sin (or trespass) has occurred against YOU.

THEN, you forgive quickly!!!

From page 235, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Who introduced the horizontal plank in the "Cross of Forgiveness"?

Please note that is is Jesus, himself, who introduces this horizontal
"forgiveness of your fellowman" IMMEDIATELY after His introduction of
"The Lord's Prayer"; and it is Jesus who drives this IMPORTANT
CONCEPT home with --- "The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant".

From page 234, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is the vertical plank in our "Cross of Forgiveness"?

You see --- through the mighty act of Jesus' atonement,
God forgives mankind. We need to believe Jesus IS ---
"The Son of God", confess our sins; and THEN,
God will forgive us of our sins through Jesus' name.
(atonement). AMEN!!!

From page 232, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Why did John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus for the first time
exclaim, in John 1:29b:

"Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"?

God accepted Jesus' sacrificial death on "THE CROSS" as an atonement
for "the Sin of mankind". And, through the power of God, God
raised Jesus from the dead on that first Resurrection Sunday, which
we call --- Easter!!!

From page 231, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is the "Cross of Forgiveness"?

With these vertical and horizontal planks, we form a
"Cross of Forgiveness"!!! When We believe in Jesus,
confess our sins, WE receive --- "Forgiveness of Sin";
BUT, when WE forgive others, --- WE validate our
own forgiveness!!!

From pages 230-231, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is the Christian's unique understanding of the phrase
"forgiveness of sin"?

Other religions of the world use the phrase "forgiveness of sin";
BUT we, Christians, have a unique understanding of what is means,
and how we apply it in our daily lives. We believe that
"Forgiveness of Sin" comes in two parts:

1. God's forgiveness of mankind, (vertical); and ---
2. Man's forgiveness of his fellowman, (horizontal).

From page 230, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What amazing phenomenon occurs when we begin to follow Jesus and
obey his commands?

We begin to THINK and ACT like Jesus!!!

It it a process that I call "reverse cloning". You keep ---
your name, your DNA, your physical characteristics (on the outside);
BUT you acquire the "Fruit of the Spirit" found in Galatians 5:23
(on the inside).

From page 225, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Why do the people of God grow cold in their love of God and their love of one another?

It is because our God has given us freedom that we grow cold.
The Christian Life IScompletely voluntary.
Remember, Jesus let the rich, young man walk away.
(See the story in Matthew 19:16-30.) Jesus did NOT go running after the rich,
young man and say, "Well, maybe you can follow me some of the time."
No, in John 14:15,Jesus said,

"IF you love me, you will obey what I command."

From page 225, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Give two examples of the Holy Spirit descending upon the people of God
in a mighty way?

Examples are:

1. the 1904 Welsh Revival, and
2. the Asbury Revival of 1970.

From page 222, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

What are the two schools of thought about revival?

Now, there are two schools of thought about revival:
One is when the Holy Spirit descends upon the people
of God in a mighty way; and, the other is when revival
is needed because the love of God's people has grown cold.

From page 222, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Why do we have "Revival" today?

It is because of our struggle with sin. Something we don't like
to talk about. Paul, writing in Romans 7:15. says ---

"I do not understand what I do.
For what I want to do I do not do,
but what I hate I do."

From page 222, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

How many times does the word "Revival" appear in the Bible?

This may come as a shock to you, but the word "Revival" DOES NOT
appear in the Bible!!! And the word, "revive" appears only ten times,
all in the Old Testament!

From page 221, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Define "REVIVAL"?

Per Webster's Dictionary, "REVIVAL" is the state of being revived,
or a renewal of spiritual life of an individual or a group of people.
"Revival" is needed whenever the love of God's people has grown cold.

From page 221, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

With godliness, what are we aiming for? Three things:

The first thing to notice is the personal responsibility involved in
pursuing godliness. Paul say, "Train yourself". We actually have to
practice being godly.

The second thing to note is that this training, as with any sort of training,
is aimed at growth, in our personal spiritual life.

And, the third thing, we need to notice about training in godliness is
that all training requires commitment.

From pages 218-219, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Godliness is not so much something that we do.

IT IS MORE THE UMBRELLA UNDER WHICH WE LIVE!!!!!

It characterizes everything we do. It is more than being a good person.
It is being good for God!

From page 215, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Godliness come from the Greek word "eusebeia" and is used in the
New Testament to express the idea of inner piety of spirituality.
"Eusebeia" is a real, true, vital spiritual relationship with God.
It is a true spiritual relationship which comes from having the
Holy Spirit within; and walking with God. In its simplest form,
godliness is taking on God's character. It is imitating God!!

From page 215, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Our lifetime training in godliness occurs in four ways:

Through studying the Word of God.
Through prayer and meditation.
Through Worship on the Lord's Day.
Through being led by the Holy Spirit in all things!

From page 215, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

The word, "Godliness" does NOT appear in the Old Testament!
"Godliness" only appears in the New Testament 15 times in the
writings of Paul and Peter.

All of these writing were written in a very brief period of time
between A.D. 64 and A.D. 66, or two years! Yet, our training
in godliness is a lifelong task for the Christian!

From page 214, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

in my judgment, we take ten items with us when we depart this life;
and enter the life hereafter:

1. Our spirit. 6. Our seeing.
2. Our identity. 7. Our faith.
3. Our memory. 8. Our hope.
4. Our voice. 9. Our love.
5. Our hearing. 10. Our godliness!

From page 213, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr
Available at www.amazon.com .

1st Timothy 4:7b-8, N.I.V. ---

"Train yourself to be godly.
For physical training is of some value,
but godliness has value for all things,
holding promise for both the present life
and the life to come."

From page 213, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr
Available at www.amazon.com .

Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life today
that they may bring forth "The Fruit of the Spirit" rather than the
slavery to sin.

From page 212, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

James 5:16b states ---

"The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective."

From page 211, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

How can we keep in step with the Spirit?
We can do that by doing three things -

First, we must declare our allegiance!
Second, we must study His playbook, the Bible, daily.
And third, we must pray.

From page 211, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Now, the amazing thing, about these nine personality traits, is their
universal application to persons regardless of their station in life.
"The fruit of the Spirit" apply to rich and poor, black and white,
male and female, old and young, educated and uneducated, and to
any other division you wish to make in our society.

From page 211, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Like a baseball team with nine players, ---
"the fruit of the Spirit" MUST work together
IF they are to be effective. If you don't have one
of these traits, then you are missing something.

From page 210, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

BUT, "the fruit of the Spirit" is ---

LOVE, JOY, PEACE
PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS,
FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, ANS SELF-CONTROL."

From page 209, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

At the time of Columbus' first voyage, there were three
known continents --- all with Latin feminine form names ---
Europa, Africa, and Asia.

From page 208, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

When you put on "the Full Armor of God", you will be ready when
the day of evil comes. To stand your ground, and to enjoy the
VICTORY which is in Christ Jesus!!!

From page 205, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Avaiable at www.amazon.com.

We living in the 21st Century MUST have the same kind of faith.
It is through our Faith that Houstonians and Texas responded to
the needs of the people from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (Houston took in and HELPED
over 250,000 people!!!) The WAS and IS a tremendous outpouring
of help and assistance coming from our people to others in need
WITHOUT being judgmental of who we were helping. There are stories
after stories of how we helped. I am sure God is looking at us and
smiling as He sees thousands of Good Samaritans helping in the city
of Houston.

From page 203, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

In Romans 5:1, we read, ---

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ---"

And in Hebrews 12:14, we read, ---

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy;"

We Christians have an inner peace from knowing Jesus, and we are to
make every effort to live in peace with all men and women in the world.

From page 202, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

The first part is (1) the belt of truth buckled around your waist.
In John 14:6, Jesus said, ---

"I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus cuts through all the world's distortions, deceptions, and compromises.
When you study His truth through daily Bible reading, you see the world
from God's high vantage point and His truth becomes a part of you.

From page 201, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with Jesus,
we can expect to share His struggles as well as His peace.
Remember, God has promised us victory in the midst of trials,
not immunity from pain.

From page 200, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

(1) the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with
(2) the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet
fitted with the readiness that comes from
(3) the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up
(4) the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming
arrows of the evil one. Take
(5) the helmet of salvation and
(6) the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

From page 200, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

We need to equip ourselves with "The Armor of God" if we are to win
the battle between GOOD and EVIL.

From page 199, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr
Available at www.amazon.com.

"When the idea is not right, GOD says 'NO!'
When the time is not right, GOD says 'SLOW!'
When you are not right, GOD says, 'GROW!'
When everything is right, GOD says'GO!'"

From page 198, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

And God ALWAYS answers your prayers with your best interest in mind.
You may not think so at the time, BUT he does!!!

From page 198, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

We are NOT to turn to mediums, or seek out spiritists, or those who practice
soothsaying, divination, or use witchcraft and sorcery, or consult astrology
or horoscopes (See 2nd Chronicles 33:6) --- all of which are abominations to
the Lord. We are NOT to engage in these pagan activities; BUT, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present our request to God.

From page 197, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

As "Children of God", we are to REJOICE in the Lord always!!!
We are members of the most BLESSED family in the world; and, as such,
our gentleness needs to be evident to all.

From page 197, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

As "Children of God", we have an inheritance --- eternal life
with Jesus!!!! AND, we life in the Kingdom of God --- TODAY!!

From page 197, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

If Jesus is God's one and only son, how can we be "Children of God"?
No problem. In Ephesians 1:4b, we read:

"In love (God) predestined us to be adopted as his sons
(and daughters) through Jesus Christ."

By belief in Jesus Vhrist as our Loard and Savior, we become adopted ---
"Children of God". And, in Mark 3.35, Jesus said:

"Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister."

From page 184, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

In the King James Version of the Bible, the phrase
"Children of God" appears 155 times; so ---
it is worthy of our consideration.

From page 193, Always Growingin the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

We have seen throughout this walking tour of our nation's Capitol,
the belief that our Creator IS the source of American liberty.
In response, our nation has a unique and silent way to worship God
each morning.

It is poignant and fitting that the first rays of sun that illuminate our
Nation's Capital each morning first fall upon the eastern side of the
tallest building --- The Washington Monument --- the 555 foot tall
monument to the Father of our country. And there on its top,
where they are for the eyes of heaven alone, inscribed on the eastern
side of the four-sided aluminum capstone are the Latin words, from
Psalm 66:20, "Laus Deo", which mean ---

"Praise be to God!!!"

From page 192, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Only two items are on permanent display in the Great Hall of The
Library of Congress. The First is the Giant Bible of Mainz, a handwritten
and illustrated version of the Bible considered to be the most beautiful ever
created. The second is the Gutenberg Bible, the first mass printed book,
which soon made the hand-printed books like the Giant Bible of Mainz
obsolete. The copy at The Library of Congress is printed on vellum, or
animal skin, and is one of only three perfect copies still in existence.

From page 190, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Established in 1800, The Library of Congress employs over 5,000
people; and houses approximately 130 million items catalogued on
approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. Over 10,000 new items
are added to the collection daily. All of this makes The Library of
Congress by far the largest library in the word!!!

From pages 189-190, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

In the November following the Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln proclaimed
that the last Thursday of November should henceforth be set aside as a
day of thanksgiving. Many days of Thanksgiving had been proclaimed
by presidents before this one, but this proclamation is the one that finally
made Thanksgiving "the national holiday" that we celebrate annually.

From page 188, Always Growing in the faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

When George Washington took the Oath of Office on April 30, 1789,
as mandatory proscribed by the Constitution (Article II, Secion 1,
Clause 8), he said:

"I, George Washington, do solomnly swear that I will
faithfully execute the Office of the President of the
United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve,
protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Then, he added, "So help me God."

It is believed that every President since has added, "So help me God."

From page 188, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

In 1938, with the rise of Hitler in Germany, Irving Berlin, a Jewish
immigrant from Siberia, Russia, introduced his song, "God Bless America",
on an Armistice Day radio broadcast which was sung by Kate Smith.

Knowing this background, we understand Berlin's prelude, and then the song:

"While the strom clouds gather far across the sea,
Let we swear allegiance to a land that's FREE,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home."

From page 181, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence,
the Continental Congress voted to purchase and to import
20,000 copies of the Bible to be used in the public schools.
There is more. In 1782, the United States Congress voted
this resolution:

"The Congress of the United States recommends and
approves the Holy Bible for use in all public schools."

From page 180, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote on the front of his
well-worn Bible: "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the
doctrines of Jesus." He was also the chairman of the American Bible
Society, which he considered his highest and most important role in
public life.

From pages 179-180, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

Is the USA a Christian nation? In 1776, Patrick Henry wrote this ---

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by
religionists, but by Christians, not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jeswus Christ. For this
resaon alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of whorship here."

From page 179, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr. Available at www.amazon.com.

It is noteworthy that the frame work of the Constitution comes DIRECTLY from the Bible!!!
In Isaiah 33:22 we find:

"For the Lord is our judge,
the Lord is our lawgiver,
the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us."

Thus, the judicial, the legistative, and the executive branches of our Federal government were created; and then defined.

WOW!!!