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Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Whether we want to believe it or not, evil does exist without the presence of light.  With Light (God's truth) darkness cannot survive.  Words cannot explain the tragedies that we are forced to witness over and over and over again on media and news outlets that have no filter and give no hope because evil goes unchallenged.  Whether we want to admit it or not, there is evil in the world.To witness the brutality of unanswered evil, that is, evil that goes unchallenged and continues to lead those who are ignorant to God's love and do not understand His way of the truth will all have to give an account.  Woe to those teachers that preach hate, envy, discord and disunity.  For those teachers and instructors who promote terrorism and violence and hate - they will all have to give an account:

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22New International Version (NIV) 22 reject every kind of evil.
  • John 3:20New International Version (NIV) 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
  • Romans 12:21New International Version (NIV) 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
  • Ephesians 6:12-16New International Version (NIV) 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
  • John 8:44bNew International Version (NIV) 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Romans 14:11 states, "It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'"  Whether we understand this Judgement or do not, does not mean that it will not happen.  God's word says that it does.  And it clearly states that the law of Moses will condemn those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

Woe to those who shed blood of the innocent and who persecute the innocent.  Woe to those who oppose God's will.  Woe to those who do not know the Lord as Savior.  "The essence of evil is to lose the taste of God" or "to prefer anything more than God" - quote by John Piper.

There is a hope, there is a love and there is a faith that transcends all evil:

Romans 8New International Version (NIV)

Life Through the Spirit8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[d] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[e] his Spirit who lives in you.

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Present Suffering and Future Glory18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Our hearts and prayers go out to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones due to these evil acts.

Blessings,

D

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GRIT: MEN'S CONFERENCE

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Dear Men,If you are looking for a place where men came come together and share life together and grow together and to see what God wants for your life as a disciple, then this Men's Conference is for you.  If you have been looking for a men's group where you can come as you are and look forward to meeting other men who are right where you are or meet other men who are where you want to be, then this conference is for you.

Featured Speaker: Lance Putnam from Legacydads.org.

Worship Night - Friday, October 13, 7 - 9 PM

There will be sandwiches and chips and beverages provided at the beginning of the event.

Breakfast - Saturday, October 14, 8 - 11:30 AM

There will be a full breakfast served to all men.

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Dear Ladies,

Imagine if your husband invested some time into figuring out how to be the best husband, best father, and best man he could be? So why not buy your husband a ticket for this event that will be talking about running the race and finishing well.  For men to be the men that God calls them to be, the husbands that God want them to be and the father that leaves a legacy for his wife and children to follow – would that be something that you are interested in?  Then don’t wait – sign up online at www.wearefaith.org/GRIT and register your husband and his friends today.

Sign up here

Note:  If you have a party of 9 or more please call the church for a group discount (219) 864-0300 and ask for Dan and/or Becky to sign up your group.

We hope to see you all there.

Blessings,Dante

 

 

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Forgiveness

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Ephesians 4:25-32New International Version (NIV)25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

It is easy to offend and even easier to be offended if you allow it to.  It is easy to let anger seep through your every fiber and turn cold especially to those who we love (or should love).  It is hard to press on and overlook an offense.  It is even harder to forgive the offender.  

In our marriages, legacy dads, how easy is it for you to explode (on your wife?  kids?  animals?) how can we require love and respect and then take it away in a single outburst of anger?  How hard is it to turn off this outrage?  This bitterness?  This frustration?  Do you use your love as a tool to barter for what you want?  Meaning, do you withhold it waiting and hoping to receive that which you desire?  Or do you withhold it because you are hurt, bitter and angry that love and respect is being held away from you?  How do we end this vicious and ungodly practice?

Men, take a stand!  Be the spiritual leader of you house.  Humble yourselves before God and confess that to which you have offended our Holy God.  Do not proclaim to the world (or your house) that you deserve to be the leader and to command respect that you haven't given for a year, years and even decades), instead, turn away wrath with kindness.  Turn away anger and bitterness with love and gentleness.  Do not look for affirmation from those to whom we offended, rather, look to God for His kindness and mercy.

Take inventory on this awesome chapter:

  • Do you lie?
  • Do you sin in your anger?
  • Do you speak inappropriately?
  • Do you grieve the Holy Spirit in your walk (or lack of a godly walk)?
  • Do you hold onto bitterness, rage and anger?
  • Are you kind and compassionate?
  • Have you forgiven others like God has forgiven you of oh so much?

If you read any of this and it pierces your heart and the Holy Spirit is convicting you - REPENT!

Ask God to draw nearer to you and humble yourself before Him.

To God Be the Glory!

Blessings,

D

 

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Finish Well

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Dear Legacy Dads,When you see that term in Scripture what does that mean to you?  Does that mean to finish well going to Church on Sundays?  Praying before meals? Giving a tithe every Sunday?  Does it mean to separate your dreams and goals from God's will for you life?  Does it mean that you are in control Monday thru Saturday and that you will give God Sunday from 6am to 11:59 before Sunday NFL kickoff?

When we die, for those of us who are in Christ Jesus, what do you think that will look like?

A high-five by an Angel at the Gates of Heaven with an eternal membership to Glory?

A pat on the back saying way to live the life the way that you wanted to live it?

Nice job, you gave it your best ditch effort?

What if it was more?  What if there was an account that needed to be given with what we did with God's time, with the talent that He gave us and with the treasure that He blessed us with?  What if, just what if we had to account for  that?

Would this be something that would make you take stock of your life?  What you are doing with your finances?  How you are spending?  What you are spending on?

Would this change the way that you spend your time?  Where are you focusing on God's Kingdom instead of your own.  What you are doing with this time?  Is it wasted or is it fruitful.  If all of my time was to burned away during this account - meaning all that was measure based on God's litmus test versus all the time that I wasted on me or others that did not build and edify His Kingdom?

What about my talent?  Would you use what talent God gave you to glorify His name?  Or are you using your talents to build your name?

What about your treasure?  Is your checking account God's?  Is your credit card purchases honoring God?  Or is everything that you have honoring you?

Before you say to me, "come on Dante, why are you being so serious?"  Ask yourself this, "What if I, as a Christian, truly have to give an account of my time, my talent and my treasure.

Food for thought,

Blessings,

D

 

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Family Devotion Time

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Dads/Moms/Mentors/Coaches,The legacy we leave for generations to come is imperative for their longevity and God's plan for Kingdom building.  That being said, how many eyes, ears and mouths are in your direct influence?

  • Your wife
  • Your kids
  • Your grand kids
  • Your neighbors
  • Your neighbor's kids
  • Your church
  • Your youth group
  • Your community
  • Your mission

Whether we like it or not, others are watching us:

Hebrews 12:  International Version (NIV)

"12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Our jobs (as Dads/Moms/Mentors/Coaches) is to comfort, encourage and urge our children (youth) to live a life worthy of Jesus Christ.  We are called to protect, nurture and guide them in their journey toward adulthood.  They deserve every God-given right to enjoy a normal and healthy life.  Oh what sin has done to this wretched world:

  • Divorce
  • Broken Homes
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sex Trafficking
  • Slaver-
  • Broken-ness

These are all things that try to tear God's plan apart.  We read in Ephesians 6 "12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  We need to believe in that we are God's workmanship - His Masterpiece.  God does not make mistakes.  Regardless of what those in this world say about us, it should not matter, God has made each of us for His purpose.

Watch this video:

[youtube id="3QCkBL2DfVg"]

Does God make mistakes?  Does God have our best in His Plan?  Of course He does.  Philippians 2:

Do Everything Without Grumbling12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

This past week, my family and I watched this video and discussed who we are in God's kingdom.  Tell me, if you do not believe that, then how in God's green earth do you expect future generations to believe that?  What's holding you back from fully trusting God?

Blessings,Dante

 

 

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