THE CROSS

Newsletter

Concerned Christians

THANKSGIVING

Many of us will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving with our friends and family. For many it is a time of much traditional food and football! Around the dinner table we are often asked what we are thankful for. Answers usually include health, new birth, weddings, new homes, family, friends, and just making it through another year. For many, it is a time of relaxing and enjoying one another. Then when we return to real life the next week, we go back to work, or we get busy taking the children to their activities, or we go back to our mundane chores all the while grumbling and complaining about all that we must get done. Years ago, a friend of mine used to pray for a “thankful heart.” I really didn’t grasp what she was asking. Later, my husband and I attended a seminar where the teacher was teaching about 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The message is that God is in control even when things are bad: bad health, death, bankruptcy, foreclosure, work problems, family problems, and yes even traffic! The scripture admonishes us to stop, pray, give thanks, and look for God in the situation. Wow! What a difficult task! It takes purposeful thought on our part and much help from the Holy Spirit to do this. However, as I read the New Testament, I find many verses such as this one. Rejoicing seems to be a characteristic of the Christian life. As Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” If we are trusting that this scripture is true, then thankfulness in all things should be our response. Let us make each day a day of Thanksgiving and not just one time a year!

Psalm 118:24; “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Lord, please help us to have “thankful hearts!”

Sandie

As we begin our November days it becomes apparent that the end of the year is fast approaching. Plans are usually being made for family get-together. Car trips are planned, plane tickets are purchased, or plans to stay home and receive guests are made. It is the time of the year for entertaining family or friends.

As we approach December we also think of giving. Where would I like to share my income for ministry supplying support for Kingdom Work? Concerned Christians of Arizona is one of many options. Like other ministries, we are a 501 c 3, providing tax benefits. Our operating staff is all volunteer. Therefore, approximately 98 per cent of our support is applied directly to helping others as they search for knowledge, truth, and freedom. We provide the materials on a “Pay-it-Forward” basis. Your gifts will be paying it forward for those seeking truthful information.

Our mailing address is:

P.O. Box 18

Mesa, AZ 85211

Most Christians who speak to LDS people speak in a manner that shuts off communication. By using the approach of preaching to, seeking to instantly get them to admit their false beliefs, and or correcting them into submission, we miss huge opportunities to see God plant seeds.

Instead, LISTEN to them. PRAY for them. ASK QUESTIONS, and do not try to shove your opinion in their face. Mormon people are open to us when they see respect, gentleness, and patience.

L E A R N about them. Do not assume you are the answer to their problems. Let them show you what concerns them. They will open up, if we let them.

Happy fishing ~

Jason Bourne-Again

Open it, Read it, Let it Speak to your heart.

These books pictured below all belong in your home library. Each one will open your eyes to the world of missionaries and to those searching for the true Savior – Jesus. All are available at CC

	I took the opportunity recently to tour the newly renovated Mesa Temple. The original was built in 1927. It served all of Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico and Southern California. Much of the original art work is still on display. One of the men was quick to tell us one of his relatives had posed as Joseph Smith for a very beautiful mural. The pride could be heard in his voice. His family were original settlers from Utah and settled the Lehi area a small area north of Mesa.Every room we were led through had absolutely the best in furniture, fabric, and craftsmanship that money could buy. No expense was spared. Our new friend was quick to point out that he was so blessed to have his tithe money be used in the renovation to the glory of God.We saw the Bride’s waiting room where the brides wait to be sealed for all time and eternity to their husband. The room had seating for twenty brides. As children come into the relationship there is another area where they are sealed to the family.There is a very large, beautifully appointed waiting area for family and friends who do not have their Temple Recommend but who would like to be close to the ceremonies. (ordinances)The baptistry is clearly a thing of beauty. The large bowl is supported on the back of 12 oxen. The attendant told us normally each person is baptized for 20 deceased individuals, one at a time. I asked a lady how many times she had done this; she told me hundreds and hundreds. It was a very moving time for her.During the tour there is not a time for questions.They are to be reserved for when the tour is over and may be asked to any available Sister missionary. At no point were we asked to give our name or address.As Christians the Bible teaches us that each believer in Jesus is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. We have no need for an earthly temple or it’s ordinances. I Cor. 3:16 Eph.3:17 Paulette

We at Concerned Christians meet every Monday evening for an hour of prayer at 6:30 p.m. If you are not local, please set that time aside to  voice your concerns from your prayer space. If you are local and would like to attend, we ask you to call 480-833-2537 for directions. We truly look forward to meeting and praying with you in the War Room. We ask that you add  Concerned Christians to your prayer list along with any other Mormon witnessing group you are familiar. The importance of intercessory prayer cannot be stressed enough. We have seen God grant many blessings to us over the years. If you have a ministry related request please send us a short email.    [email protected]  “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.”     I Thessalonians 1:2

	If you are changing your email address in the future, please do not forget to make those changes in the preferences link at the bottom of the page. Please do not mail anything to our old street address. If you ever have questions please call Concerned Christians at 480-833-2537 or email at  [email protected]

				If you are lead to make a donation here is the linkhttps://concernedchristians.com/donateIf you prefer to pen a check please mail it to:PO BOX 18, Mesa, AZ 85211Concerned Christians is a Non-Profit 501 (C) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible. We thank you for your support.