November 2007 Newsletter


“Guilty by Association”

By: Craig Rippy

To have a long and good standing in our society is Desired. Yet, due to many non-Christian Christians, Untransformed Christians and mislead Christians, we Will always receive undeserved reproach. To change The unregenerated takes a true conversion; to mature the Christian takes their own freewill and a strategic placement Of correct teaching and example.

The Genuine Christian, having proper perspective And response, will generally always be associated with the Others by the unbelievers. Satan likes it that way. You know, Covertly persuade the least resistant "Christians" to ungodly Attitudes and actions against the whole of society and the Godly will be associated with them.

Also, true Christians fail to confront sin as Necessary. California, for example, Governor Swharzennegger signed into law that the words "mom dad, And husband and wife" could not be used in the public Schools ( http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article. Asp?ARTICLE_ID=58130).

Our 501(c) is so cherished that congregational Leadership is fearful of losing it. Instead, the preaching and Teaching in our congregational settings should reveal political Corruption and immorality. God wants the church to be a Light to the world, Ephesians 5:8-14, 8 "For you were once Darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children Of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, Righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of Darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even To mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is Light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, Rise from the dead, And Christ will Shine on you." (NIV)

John the Baptist, Jesus, and the recorded Apostles Called people from sin to the grace of God. Repentance was An offer of grace from the lost state that precipitates sinful Thinking and actions. The Church today, in the U.S. At least, Seems to be negligent in their duty to confront sin in the Proper forum. Those of the Church need to know what is right And what is proper for them to accomplish good. The Church Is in the world and can make a difference, as we have Influence in our respective circles. We have a city Councilman, ambulance board chairman, and political party Representatives in SRCC alone. Just think of the influence the Church universal could have. And, that influence could be Demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

The non-"Christian" right has given Christians a bad Reputation. A world directed by the prince and power of the air Will happily be blinded and generally say, "They're all Alike." Yet, the Christian must stand in the character of Christ To confront a decaying world. As we do, we will be associated With the neo-Christians and "Gay bashers". Even if we do our Best, we will suffer. And, we will suffer for doing right, due Somewhat to there being a demonic conspiracy against us. All Of Christianity should be mindful of this passage, 1 Peter 4:12- 15, 12" Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial You are suffering, as though something strange were happening To you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is Revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, You are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any Other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler." (NIV)