Newsletter May 2026

Dear Saints,
    Memorial Day is at the end of this month. Every year, we honor those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. War is horrible, but necessary at times, for our freedom. Hitler's massacre against the Jews brought forth the slogan, " NEVER AGAIN ". Others might forget, but not the different groups of people who were affected by this demon-possessed man. There are even those who don't believe the holocaust ever took place. They should go through the holocaust museums, which house evidence of the atrocities that occurred. Unfortunately, even after hours of show-and-tell, they still won't believe. On the other hand, let us never forget there was an army of religious leaders (who plotted to kill Jesus). They wanted people to continue the stronghold of religious bondage. But Jesus was a one-man army, and all those who call upon Him as their Savior enlisted in the army of God. The story of the rich man and Lazarus attests to this. The rich man was tormented in hell and wanted Lazarus to go to his lost family and tell them about the place of torment. He was told by Abraham, "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them. 'No, Father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' "He said to him, 'If they don't listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." Lk 16:19-31.

    People want to be remembered and are disappointed when they aren’t. Famous people are remembered long after their deaths, and photos taken of them bring them back to mind. A sign-in book at certain functions will bring back memories. On the other hand, one often forgets important situations that hurt those who are forgotten. Satan desires followers of Jesus to remember their sin, both before and after receiving Christ. On the other hand, God wants his children to remember their sins no more; they are washed in his blood. Re 1:5, and pardoned, as far as the east is from the west. Ps 103:12, 1 Jn 1:9. The east and west will never meet, and because they don’t, God will remember one’s sins no more. As followers of Christ, he wants us never to forget who we are in Him and what he requires of us. We are kings and priests unto God. Re 1:6 We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. 1 Pe 2:9. We might not feel like royalty, look like royalty, or act like a member of the royal family, but we are. God's Word says we are, and that settles it. Prince Charles's children, at 5 years old, didn't feel, look, or act like royalty, but they were told they were because of their bloodline. Our bloodline is the cross.

    Though we have this covenant and position with God, we must be aware of the enemy. If he can enter the heart of believers with strongholds of unforgiveness, jealousy, pride, self-righteousness, etc., he can cause church splits and divisions. A house divided against itself will fall, Mt 12:25. Those whose hearts are captivated through his cunning devices are walking in the flesh. This is contrary to the Word of God and who God says we are. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” Ga 5:16-17. When one spends quality time before the throne of grace, the flesh will give way to the Spirit. One will then willingly be obedient to the Word of God.

    The following are some of the attributes that, when put into action, will please God. God wants his children to treat others with respect, love, forgiveness, kindness, etc., in our words and deeds. "And whatsoever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" Cl 3:17a. Words: "A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger" Pr 15:1. "She opens her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness" Pr.31:26, "the Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" Is 50:4, Deeds: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood" 1Pe 2:17, "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister" He 6:10. "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" Ga 6:2 "As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith" Ga 6:10. Jesus said, "It's better to give than receive", Ac 20:35b.

    Let us never forget where we came from-SIN. The price Jesus paid for it-DEATH. Who we are in Christ ROYALTY. What our calling is-WALK IN LOVE. Who our God is-LOVE.

    Please make out your tax-deductible check to The Master's Hand Christian Fellowship. You'll be blessed.

Serving Our King Together,      Happy Memorial Day!

Rev. Joseph & Eric Ross