THE CROSS NEWSLETTER
Concerned Christians
July 2025
FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST
Our United States celebration of freedom, July 4th, has once again just passed. We celebrate another year of independence from a monarchical form of governmental leadership. Our Declaration of Independence followed by the United States Constitution are now the basis for a nation of self-government. We hold to the very principles and ideals of our forefathers who broke free from worldly despotism. As long as we stay true to the values stated in these two documents we will remain free.
This same declaration of freedom was made for Christians 2,000-plus years ago by Christ Jesus our Lord. Unlike our country’s freedom with limits, the freedom provided for those who follow Jesus NEVER has limits imposed by Him. However, my freedom may be lost because of my own carelessness. This is THE PROBLEM.
THE PROBLEM
In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul shares some interesting insights about our freedom in Christ.
- “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
Paul is writing to the new Christian believers in Colosse. He is warning Christians they can be deceived by worldly philosophies and manmade ideas which can cloud your beliefs and even your Christian commitment. You may be led astray by worldly thinking.
THE PRESCRIPTION
So, Paul offers the remedy for this spiritual conundrum.
- “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
To avoid worldly thinking in your life, your mental attitude needs reorientation. Those things which were part of your life before you accepted Jesus must be eliminated. Paul supplies a general list of those negative characteristics. Now for a remedy.
THE PROCESS
Since, as new Christians, the Colossians have started to become like Jesus, Paul suggests the following advice for becoming Christ-like.
- “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15)
THE CALL TO PEACE
The call to peace is for all who are in Christ Jesus! If Jesus oversees our lives completely, we will be compassionate, we will be kind and humble. We also will exhibit gentleness and patience. We will care for those around us. Our focus will be on others rather than ourselves.
Normally my articles will focus on the LDS Corporation. But this month I am focusing on all of us who profess our love for Jesus. If we wish to be effective in ministry to those identifying as Mormon, we must be living a life like our leader, our boss, our Savior.
We are free because of Jesus. If we want to share that freedom with others caught up in manmade philosophies or belief systems, we must emulate Jesus. We might be the only caring person reaching out for them.
God bless your ministry as you accomplish this.
Gary Keating
Our Board is asking that you keep Judy Robertson in your prayers. She recently had a major medical issue. Judy is now home and doing well. Judy and her husband were founders of Concerned Christians. Thank you so much.
LDS CARE AND SOCIAL GROUP
Our hope at this ministry is to love and support all who have ties to the LDS church. Many of our loved ones attend the LDS church, are raising children in that faith, or we ourselves grew up in the LDS religion and culture. We may have questions about the ever-changing policies and doctrine of the church. We might have friends and neighbors who are LDS and have questions about the information and changes that have recently occurred in the LDS church.
We have rekindled a group that we held regularly in the early 2000s but with renewed focus and leadership. The LDS Care Group is a safe space for both former and current LDS Church members to share, encourage, wrestle, and grow in their Christian faith journeys with others who have similar life experiences, challenges, and culture. Currently, we meet near Dobson & Ray in Chandler. Please email Kristine Nelson at kreeintempe@cox.net if interested. Or call: 480-833-2537
Reading your Bible daily is the best way to have God speak to your heart. Some of us use a companion daily devotional. Some of us read through Psalms or Proverbs daily. Others of us are reading the Bible through. Which ever you do, be assured God is blessing you.
Lord’s Blessings to you,
Paulette Carpenito
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PO BOX 18, Mesa, AZ 85211
Concerned Christians is a Non-Profit 501 (C) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible. We thank you for your support.
We at Concerned Christians do meet every week. 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 time, day and 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. kreeintempe@cox.net “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” I Thessalonians 1:2
We pray for opportunities to speak with Christians because we firmly believe “It is easier to keep them out than to get them out.”
If you would be interested in sharing your testimony of being delivered from the LDS Corporation into the family of the triune God, please send it to kreeintempe@cox.net Please include contact information.