True Evangelism 

     There are various ways Christians try to witness, to spread the good news. Maria Baer, co-host of Breakpoint podcast, has studied every method, including the Book of Mormon, which she found to be opposite of the Bible. She concluded the way evangelism works as follows: 

     "True evangelism ultimately requires the deep, slow work of getting to know individual people. It's not plug-and-play. It's time-consuming. Probably this is how God reminds us that all 'success' in this endeavor is ultimately His. 

     "Our role is to be faithful, kind, persistent, and explicit about the gospel with exactly the people God has placed us next to our kids, our church families, and our neighbors. I don't know what will 'work' for them, and neither can you until you start literally work-shopping it. The only way it 'works' is by disciples making other disciples.... It's an eternal multilevel plan that builds the kingdom of God one saint at a time." 

You might think your role is not meaningful, but 

God knows how important that one part is for the whole body. 

The body is not complete without it. 

Winds of Change 

     To our readers in California. Citizen Mary Jackson said politics could be changing. Voters in California are often left to choose between two Democrats. Jackson says "we're often picking the lesser between two evils, the candidate we believe will do less harm. Sometimes we're leaving a ballot choice blank, because both stand for equally awful policies." 

     Are fellow conservatives excited about having a real choice? Jackson: "There's more motivation to vote and voice support. Hilton does not claim Christianity or take a strong stance on some issues we care about, such as abortion. But many of his policies are pro-family and pro-business. He's making bold promises and perhaps that's a signal of some course correction on the horizon." 

     What surprised you about Hilton's rally in San Francisco? "I was surprised that the event drew a full house, and many were lifelong Democrats. People genuinely wanted to know what Hilton stands for and whether he is compelling enough to earn their support. A poll in May found that nearly 60% believe the state is headed in the wrong direction. Other polls show affordability at the top of most Californian's list of important issues." 

     Will Hilton's campaign have a lasting effect even if he loses in November? "It appears there's a growing appetite for populist conservatism - or at the very least, more moderate Democrats. Hilton may motivate more conservatives not to give up." 

"I pray that we as individuals and as a nation

will humble ourselves...and turn back to the God

of our Fathers in repentance." 

Franklin Graham

 

 

Why Bother Voting? 

     The late Billy Graham was asked: "I am sick of political campaigns, and I've decided not to vote this year. Just one vote won't make any difference. Why bother?" 

     His response: "What would happen if everyone decided not to vote? Before long we'd lose our freedoms and be ruled by a dictatorship. No system of government is perfect, including ours. I believe it is a God-given responsibility. When Jesus walked this earth, the whole civilized world was under the authority of the Roman emperor (or Caesar). The Roman government wasn't perfect. In fact, it promoted paganism and could be brutal. 

     "And yet, Jesus taught that people had a responsibility to support their government. He said, 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.' We should do everything we can to encourage and support good government. Understand the issues, know where the candidates stand...ask God to guide you - and then vote. 

     "Beyond that, pray for our nation and its leaders. The Bible commands us to pray for 'all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.'" - 1 Timothy 2:2 

We know that some candidates hide their intentions.

All the more reason to beware such deception. 

 In view of God's mercy

     How do we please God, who doesn't save us based on our lifetime of achievements? It's all in one chapter written by the apostle Paul. 

     "We offer our bodies as living sacrifices...our spiritual act of worship. We no longer live by the pattern of this world. By renewing our mind, we can test what God's perfect will is. We don't think too highly of ourselves but measure our faith with sober judgment.  

     "In Christ, each of us belong to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 

     "Be joyful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 

     "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Do what is right in the eyes of everybody. As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord - Deuteronomy 32:35. 

     "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will reap burning coals on his head."

Romans chapter 12 

Battle for Power, part 2 

     "President Trump has been governing mostly through executive action. He has enacted budget reconciliation bills, allowing Congress to make changes to federal spending not subject to the filibuster. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025 is one example. If Democrats get a majority in the House or Senate, that option would be closed off." 

     "Democrats will fight anything Trump proposes, and Republicans will fight anything Dems propose. (This is not how our founders intended things, but after President Washington retired, the game took on new rules). The midterms will quickly give way to the 2028 presidential election, having potential influence on the presidential race." 

     "James Talarico, a Texas Democrat running for Senate, would not need much experience in politics to be catapulted. J.D. Vance served a brief time in the Senate before he became vice president."

Socialism Draws Many 

     "The attraction to socialism reaches 43 percent of adult Americans, according to a Gallup survey. Young people are attracted to 'free stuff.' A decades-long process has indoctrinated minds and institutions. Communist ideas are disguised as socialism, making destructive inroads into our society."  

     "The Epoch Times is selling two books, HOW THE SPECTER OF COMMUNISM IS RULING OUR WORLD, and NINE COMMENTARIES ON THE COMMUNIST PARTY. We haven't read these, but you might be interested." 

Next: Christians' instructions ... all in one chapter

           Jimmy  

Battle for Power 

     "The Democratic Party is on track to win a slim majority in the House. It also has a realistic path to majority in the Senate. President Trump relies on executive action instead of congressional legislation. But Democratic victories have the potential to create significant headaches for the next two years and may influence the 2028 presidential election." 

WORLD magazine

     "The Republican Party doesn't have much momentum. Presidential popularity is low. The economy is not doing well. Thanks to congressional redistricting Republicans built a good firewall. But winning a majority in the House would give Democrats control of committees, and subpoena power. A third Trump impeachment might actually benefit Republicans. Trump will say Democrats are crazy left wing, and they'll go on an orgy of hatred." 

     "The Democratic Party is struggling with internal divisions, A new group of far-left candidates, some endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, are poised to win elections. They will oppose U.S. military aid to Israel. A professor says bills on military funding will be where the Democratic Party potentially breaks apart."             

     "In the Senate, Republicans have 53 seats and Democrats 45, plus two independents who caucus with them. A 50-50 tie would give Republicans an edge, as the vice president holds the tie-breaking vote. A Democratic majority in the Senate would open the way for a new - if any - nominee for the Supreme Court. President Trump's nominations for lower federal courts would grind to a stop."

Continued on Tuesday

 

Distinct, Hopeful People

     Conclusion by Mark Dever, a pastor in Washington, DC. 

     "The most basic function of a local church is to distinguish between God's people and people who are of the world. In 1630 John Winthrop applied this to the Christian settlers of Boston. No nation, including the U.S., can be the light of this world. It is Christian people reflecting Christ's love, living Christian lives and organized together in churches."

     "In Matthew 5:16, Jesus shows that God can use our lives to help others to become Christians. One can know peace with God, accept his adoption, and perhaps join with Christ in persecution. Although early followers didn't conquer Jerusalem or Rome, churches there bore witness to God's truth and his coming judgment." 

     "The Kingdom that churches work for is not of this world. Churches are previews of the glorious country awaiting us. Healthy churches are previews of that glorious country. In Revelation 20, a city comes from above. The designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10 and 11:16. The best preview won't be in our nations, but in our churches."