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While we are working toward the day every legislator knows and feels confident confiding in at least one Bible-believing pastor we realize, as a pastor, you already do a lot. If you want to influence the laws of our state but feel maxed out, we’re bridging the gap. The CAN Newsletter will educate you on legislation, encourage you in your faith and share practical tools for helping your congregation engage in the culture for God’s glory. 

It's That Time Again
The calendar is relentless, is it not? It may be Tuesday, but Sunday is coming. So it is with elections. Now, we know having seen the word elections you may be tempted to stop reading. But please bear with us for just a couple of minutes.
Deconstruction
Playing with Legos is something I (Dave Skahen) love doing with my kids. Imagine dis-assembling a fully completed Lego model and re-assembling it. You don’t need any instructions to dis-assemble it. My 3-year-old could do that. Re-assembling is different. Everything needs to go where it’s supposed to go. It requires knowing where pieces fit. It involves thought, knowledge, skill, and instructions. Similarly, this is what is taking place in the deconstruction movement. While someone falling away from the faith is nothing new (Genesis 3; Matthew 13:20-21; 2 Timothy 4:10), the term "deconstruction" is new and has gained steam in the last few years. Deconstruction has become synonymous with re-examining the Christian worldview WITHOUT using Scripture as the authority. The Bible is seen as a tool of oppression to be rejected, not a standard of truth to be affirmed. Instead, the ultimate authority is the self.
It Isn't Easy, but It IS Worth It!
We know that the work of the ministry is not easy. In front of you daily is the fact that Sunday is coming, which means sermon prep for one, or for some, two services. Add to that teaching a SS/ABF lesson. Add to that preparation for a mid-week Bible study/prayer time. Add to that funerals and weddings. My (Dave L’s) pastor shared that he calculates he typically spends about 20 hours dealing with everything surrounding a funeral. (After hearing that, I exhorted the members of my ABF, “Please don’t die. It makes more work for Pastor!") And there is a long list of other things that we don’t have time to mention.
God Uses the Unexpected
One statement that has stuck with me (Daniel) the last couple of weeks is, “God uses names we never would have written down.” We can look to Scripture for examples of this in the Old Testament with King Nebuchadnezzar. In the New Testament, we see this through the conversion of persecutor Saul to the Apostle Paul.
What Can Churches Do for National Marriage
My wife and I (Dave Skahen) will celebrate 14 years of marriage in April. Because of some health issues for my wife, we are very grateful to the Lord for the time we have with each other. Marriage has always been God’s idea and design. While many of you know that biblical marriage is under attack, we also know it should always be honored and highlighted. God's design for marriage is one man and one woman becoming one flesh for one lifetime. Even the secular culture understands that marriage done God's way is best for everyone and therefore they find ways to promote this foundation institution. In fact, February 7-14 will be celebrated as National Marriage Week USA!
A Really Big Deal
Recently, my (Dave L.) pastor recognized a couple in our church who celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Pastor made kind of a big deal out of it. And well he should have. This sweet couple have walked faithfully together through the ups and downs of life and ministry. Their married lives stand as a shining testimony to the blessings of being faithful to God and faithful to each other. (Cf. Matthew 19:4-6.)
Thank You!
My church (Daniel's) just celebrated Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. It was an excellent opportunity for my pastor to inform our congregation on what Scripture says about the value of human life. Our church supported our local pregnancy help center by distributing baby bottles.
What Can Churches Do for Sanctity of Life Sunday
January 21 is Sanctity of Life Sunday. This is a great opportunity to share with your church the significance of protecting children in the womb. Even though Roe v. Wade has been overturned, the fight has gotten even stronger to protect precious babies. The church needs strong leaders to stand in the gap for those who are powerless to save themselves. This is what Christ did on the cross for us (Romans 5:6-10). Below are some ways your church can participate in Sanctity of Life Sunday.
Assumptions Can Be Dangerous
Given a choice, would you prefer an airplane pilot with a tendency to assume he can judge the speed and direction of his airplane, or one who is a stickler for relying on his instruments? The latter would obviously be the prudent choice, as assumptions can be dangerous.
Happy New Year!
We pray you and your church had an excellent Christmas and 2023. We praise God for your ministry and the ways God has used you this past year to advance His Kingdom. We are thankful for how God has used your church and other evangelical churches around Wisconsin through saving lost souls, baptisms, saving marriages, helping young couples choose life, breaking addictions, and many other life-changing decisions.
What is Your Authority?
I (Dave Skahen) remember getting my driver’s license in high school. I was nervous and didn’t get the best score. However, it was still euphoric hearing the instructor say, “Well, it wasn’t great. But you passed.” Freedom now took on a whole new meaning at sixteen years old. However, while I did have incredible freedom, I was still under authority and recognized I could not drive however I wanted. I still had to submit to driving laws and the oversight of local police.
Cherish Life
Our Vision Statement at Wisconsin Family Council is a Wisconsin where God is honored, life is cherished, families thrive, and religious freedom flourishes. As Christians, we cherish life because we believe that all are in the Image of God from the moment of conception (Genesis 1:26-28). This Fall, my wife and I were given the blessing of conceiving our first child. Unfortunately, we lost baby Dani due to an ectopic pregnancy. As believers, we view these losses differently than some in the culture because we value and cherish all life made in God’s image.

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Wisconsin Family Council

We Advocate, Educate, And Network To Preserve Wisconsin Family Values!