When it comes to reading certain areas of Scripture, we have a tendency to just skip right over them. Areas like Matthew 1:1-18, where we look at the geneology of Jesus. Let’s call it the “Begots,” for it is where we find the statements like “Abraham begot Isaac,” etc. However, have you ever really looked at these people in Biblical history? Abraham, for instance, although the Father of Judism and Christianity, was a liar.

Isaac, his son, also was a liar and his son, Jacob, whose very name means “Deceiver.” Judah and Tamar’s son, Perez, came about when Judah mistook Tamar for a harlot, and to top that off, she was one of Judah’s daughters-in-law. David, the son of Jesse, who became the king, committed adultery and murder, so he could have Bathsheba. Their son, Solomon, the wisest man in history, ended up with thousands of ladies in his harem. All through Jesus’ genealogy, we find prostitutes, murderers, thieves, adulterers, and liars. But we also find men and women of the Lord who served Him with all their life as priests, kings, and common people we don’t even know the history of because this is the only place their name is mentioned. Why am I telling you this? Because sometimes we forget that Jesus came for all of humanity—not just the ones we think are good, but all, no matter where they are in life.

 His history shows us that Jesus came from the best and worst of humanity flowing through His mother’s blood line. None of us has ever done something so bad that He can’t redeem! None of us will ever be good enough to deserve Him! He came to all to give us all the opportunity to accept Him as our Redeemer and Savior, and when we do, and live for Him, His promise is that we will live with Him for eternity. So, let’s live for Him and watch what can happen when we do! God Bless.¤ First Assembly of God 457 East 2nd St., Coq. 541-396-4205

by Pastor Ken Duke

In Philippians 2:4, it tells us, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others.” Wow, in a world that tells us it is a “Dog Eat Dog World” and “Take Care of Number One,” we find just the opposite in Scripture. Maybe this is why many people are not drawn to Jesus; because we are people who look out for ourselves and not for others, as we are called. Many of us have bought into the world’s idea of taking care of self and our immediate loved ones first and then if we have anything left over, we will concern ourselves about others. We find these same results in giving to the church, in giving to charities, and in giving to other needs throughout our world. We make sure we have all we want, then, maybe, we will give. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this should not be.

For the Scriptures are clear that if we give of ourselves as we are called to do, then God Himself will take care of us. There is the rub, so to speak, isn’t it! This calls us to live by faith and many of us just don’t or can’t believe it can work this way. We would rather trust in our own abilities instead of trusting in the Unseen God. Here is my rub ... the reason He is so Unseen is because the Church is not doing what we are called to do. For God has and will always work through His people. If we were to do as we are called, giving all of the glory and honor to Him as we are supposed to, then people would see God, living and helping through us. Acts 2:8 says, “... and you shall be my witnesses... .” How can we be His witnesses if we are not living as we are empowered and called to live, by faith in Him? Let’s be His witnesses and look out for the interest of others in our lives. God Bless.¤ First Assembly of God 457 East 2nd St., Coq. 541-396-4205

Faith Lutheran Church of Coquille held its third annual chili feed on Saturday, November 7th, in conjunction
with the Friends of the Library book sale. Eighty-one people took advantage of the opportunity to
help the library while enjoying a meal. Thirteen volunteers planned, prepared, and served the chili, cornbread,
beverages and cookies. Once again, the chili was proclaimed “the best in town.” In addition to the
fun and camaraderie, the event produced a net profit of $410. This amount was matched by Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans. Photo shows Church Council President Bill Movius presenting a check for $820
to Sara Dorland, Coquille Library Foundation member, and Anne Connors, Librarian. Looking on are
Pastor Gary Connors-Nelson and church members Cynthia Greaves and Mary and Don Carlton.¤

“Honour thy father and thy
mother: that thy days may
be long upon the land which
the LORD thy God giveth
thee.” Exodus 20:12

In Ephesians 6:1-3, we are reminded that this is the first commandment with promise, and God even adds to the promise, not only will we have long life but it will be well with us. The other commands are, do this and don’t do that period. But this one is different as God promises that if we will obey, then good things will come from it. I would like to look at some scriptures in regards to obeying this command. I. Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” II.

Mark 7:10 “For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death.” *To curse deals with saying evil things to them or about them to others. III. Proverbs 30:17, “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.” *To roll your eyes, laugh at, ridicule, or have a low opinion of. IV. Ezekiel 22:7, “In thee have they set light by father and mother.” *To set light by means: to slight, to treat as of no importance. V. Exodus 21:15, “And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.” *To smite means, “to strike; to throw, drive or force against, as the fist or hand, a stone or a weapon.” In asking children if they have ever sinned, I will sometimes hear, no.

Then I respond by asking if they have ever disobeyed Mom or Dad, and again, some will respond, no. But most grownups can be honest and admit that there were times we got in trouble because we did not honor Mother and Father. Romans 6:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” That is why Jesus had to become a man, born of a virgin and live a sinless life, and then He went to a cross and died for you and me. Three day later he rose again and wants to save you and me. Can’t you willingly acknowledge that you have broken God’s laws and need a Saviour? Jesus is waiting for you to call out and ask Him to save you. Why not right now.

Consider coming and worshiping Him with us this Sunday at 11 a.m.¤ Bible Baptist Church N. Dean at 12th Street 541-396-5613

No, this is not a political statement; it is one dealing with our calling to be Christians in our world today. Galatians 5:13 tells us, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

We have been called to live our lives in the freedom of Christ Jesus and His Holy Spirit. But the key to this Scripture is not only that we are called to live in this liberty; but to not use the liberty as an opportunity for the flesh. What this means is we are not to use our Christianity as a license to think, act, or behave in any manner as if we are better than others. When you look at the list of “works of the flesh” in just a few verses of Scripture from this statement, you will find not only the big sins of adultery and murder; but the ones we feel are little sins like contentions (arguments), jealousies, envy, and other behaviors. You will also find in other Scriptures that the Lord does not want us to gossip, backbite, or judge others.

 
We can’t use our Christian faith to cast judgment and condemnation upon others who don’t believe like we do. We are to do what the Scripture says to do: “Through love serve one another.” We are to love and serve others in the love and service of Christ Himself. For when we do this, we will be living in the true Liberty, free from dissensions, gossip, anger, rebellion, and the like. May we all live in such liberty. God Bless.¤

First Assembly of God 457 East 2nd St., Coq. 541-396-4205

by Pastor Ken Duke

In Colossians 4:2, the Apostle Paul writes, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving ...” What a great thought, not only for our prayers unto the Lord, but in all areas of life as well. All through our lives we are faced with times of great joy and difficult sorrows, times of personal peace and times of relational war. Vigilant Thanksgiving applied to all of these would bring about a joy, even in the toughest of times and most difficult of relationship struggles. While we grieve in our sorrows, if we would be viglilant in seeking out the good and giving thanks unto the Lord for all the good, it would affect our sorrow and bring joy in the midst.

 For face it, we wouldn’t have had sorrow if it wasn’t good in our life at some point. While we struggle in our personal issues, what if we were vigilant in giving thanks for the relationship and expressing thanks to the person for all of the good they have brought into our lives; how would it affect the struggle with them? It is hard to be upset with someone for long if they are expressing all of the good you have meant to them and how they cherish your relationship.

 For the spiritual side, too, Paul writes this phrase to remind us to rejoice and be thankful unto the Lord for all He has done as well. Being thankful to Him for all our blessings in life is what this whole season we celebrate in this unique American holiday is all about. The whole story of Thanksgiving gets lost in the revisionist versions trying to remove the Lord from this great day, but history bears it out, and it cannot be denied.

The Pilgrims gave thanks unto the Lord for the provisions, health, and sustainment of their lives in one of the most difficult times in American history. They gave thanks to the Lord for guiding them on how to befriend the Native Americans, who helped them survive and taught them to sustain themselves in a new land. They were Vigilant in their Thanksgiving. Let’s learn that lesson, too.¤ First Assembly of God 457 East 2nd St., Coq. 541-396-4205