Pastor’s Message "Overcoming anger"

Out of control anger is a major problem in today’s world. Anger is an emotion that seeks revenge, to be heard, dominate, control or force others to comply with their agenda. It is at the heart of domestic and child abuse. Alcohol and drugs can be accelerates to magnify anger levels. Parents that argue, yell, fight, degrade, each other in front of their children, model this as normal behavior. Angry people run the risk their kids will do the same behavior.

Christian that have a problem with anger are either not praying sincerely (James 5:16), not studying their Bibles correctly (2 Timothy 2:15) or remembering the Word (Psalm 119:11), not attending church consistently (Hebrews 10:25), not practicing righteousness (1 John 3:7), love (1 Corinthians 13:1-8) the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) or living holy (Hebrews 12:14).

It is a sin, not to control your hurtful anger and bad words. (Col. 3:8b) ".... put off' all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth." Remember the cost of uncontrolled anger (Proverbs 1 1:29) "He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart." This means that an anger person is unstable and will have difficulty doing well in life. Every idle (bad) word we speak will be judged by God one day. (Matthew 12:36)

Out of control anger will accomplish nothing productive. It will exacerbate the situation. Anger breeds more anger and the end results are confusion and harm. What can an angry response accomplish? (Proverbs 18:21) - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue (words): and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." This is a powerful and true statement. How many times have you said something, that later you wish you would have been quiet? The secret is slow down, listen and THINK before you speak. (James 1:19)

– Basic principles to help with anger –

Use spiritual weapons to help control by speaking directly to your anger. (II Corinthians 10:4-5)

Seek a personal relationship with God so you can change. (Phil. 4:13)

Get determined to manage your anger. (Proverbs 19:11)

Remember how short life is and be and do good (Romans 12:21; Proverbs 27:1; James 4:14)

Learn the way that Christ would want you to react (Philippians 2:5)

Love your enemies and people (Matthew 5:44)

Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. (Proverbs 18:13; John 7:51

Stop the quarrel before it gets out of control (Proverbs 17:14)

Learn to lower and soften your voice when you get angry (Proverbs 15:1

Realize that your anger is contagious (Proverbs 15:1)

Learn to put others first. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Realize that in this life you will have problems. (Job 5:7)

Sometimes you need professional or pastoral help with anger. Ask! Help is available. Call on Jesus to be your Lord and Savior and live forever. (Romans 10:9-13)

Pastor’s Message: The ABC’s of the Christian Life

When I worked on construction projects some years ago, I had sets of schematics and blueprints to help install lines and components properly. Without these aids, it would have been very difficult to develop a plan to complete the project on time. It took time in school, time as an apprentice, and "On the Job Training" to learn the symbols and legends of these prints and how to effectively use them and then communicate installation plans to foremen and workers.

When we become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we start on a wonderful journey of discovery of God and learning His Word. It takes time, dedication and commitment, but it is worth every second of effort. What follows is a brief blueprint we can use to become better disciples of Christ. Learn them to grow in the Lord. Practice them to please the Lord.

A-cceptable to God is the Christian goal. (Romans 12:1-2)

B-elieve on the Lord Jesus. (John 3:16; Acts 4:31)

C-onfess Jesus Christ as Lord. (Romans 10:9-10)

D-o good works. (James 1:22-27)

E-xamine yourself daily. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

F-orgive everyone. (Matthew 6:12-15)

G-I’ve freely. (Luke 6:38)

H-oliness is the standard of life. (Hebrews 12:14)

I-nvest in fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

J-oy in the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

K-eep your heart pure. (Proverbs 4:23)

L-ove everyone. (Matthew 5:43-38)

M-ove close to God. (James 4:8)

N-o revenge on others. (Romans 12)

O-bey God. (Acts 5:29)

P-ractice prayer. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Q-uench not the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

R-un the race set before you. (Hebrews 12:1)

S-ancification is necessary. (John 17:17)

T-rust in the Lord always. (Proverbs 3:5)

U-nity with others is normative. (Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:1-16)

V-ision is vital for life. (Proverbs 29:18)

W-ait actively on the Lord for renewal. (Isaiah 40:31)

eX-pect the miraculous. (Mark 11:22-24)

Y-ield to God. (Romans 6)

Z-ealous of spiritual gifts and works. (1 Corinthians 14:12; Titus 2:14)

The most important things to do in life is to be born again into a personal relationship with God (John 3; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-10). The Bible says we can call upon the Lord to be saved (Acts 2:21). I made this journey of faith by prayer. Prayer is comint to God, humbly, in reverence, adoration, and confession of your sin. If you have broken one commandment of God, the you need a Savior. Jesus erases confession sin (Psalm 103; I John 1:7-9; 3:8). Repentance is turning from the sin and following Christ (Luke 9:23).

By Rudy Reed, M.A. pastor of New Hope Community Church, 657 Henderson Branch Road, Olive Hill, 286-5856; LPCC Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at New Hope Counseling, Olive hill, 474-2919 website: www.olivehillchurch.com.