By David Sproule
The Lord’s church was planned before the world was ever created (Eph. 3:10-11) and then Christ came and purchased and established His church in the first century (Acts 20:28). Man certainly has a lot of ideas about the church—what it is, what its purpose is, what its work should be, etc. In many instances, churches have become major businesses or even country clubs or entertainment venues. What does the Bible say is the work of the Lord’s church?
By Cody Smith
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the time Peter walked on water and our Lord’s remarks to him when he sank. I can’t help but feel it’s incredibly related to our lives now and I want to take a look at what Jesus actually said and what He did not say.
First, He did not rebuke Peter for looking at the storm. We know Jesus has the power to calm storms with a word (Matthew 8:23-27). We also know He is God (John 8:24) and knows all things; so clearly, He would have expected Peter to look at the storm. Why then did He not calm the storm for Peter? The obvious answer is that this was a test of faith however, I believe there is more to it. Hang onto that thought, we’ll get back to it later.
Copied from The Life of Elder John Smith
by John Augustus Williams
Pioneer preacher ‘Raccoon’ John Smith (1784-1868) openly preached simple New Testament Christianity throughout his life. This excerpt from his biography teaches an important lesson . . .
Soon after this, he went out on Slate Creek and began to preach the ancient gospel among the Methodist and Baptist of that region. An itinerant of the Methodist church was already on the grounds and the attention of the people was soon divided between the two . . .
One day a mother brought her infant into the Methodists that he might receive baptism at the hands of the preacher . . . no regard being paid to the cries and struggles of the child that with all its strength resisted the ordinance.
By Kevin Cauley
The apostle John wrote in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” John shows warm concern for brother Gaius regarding both the physical and the spiritual. Gaius soul was prospering, and John prayed that his physical health would be the same. John’s concern for Gaius’ well-being (both physical and spiritual) flows from brotherly love acknowledging his need for both physical and spiritual wellness, a balanced approach to living. Love desires balanced living for self and for others.
By David Sproule
Not all churches of Christ have Bible classes on Sundays and Wednesdays. Of course, there is not a verse that requires to have such classes and it does not violate any New Testament commands or principles, so it is not sinful if a church has them or if a church does not have them. This is one of those areas of judgment (in the realm of expediency) where elders choose what they believe is best for their congregation.
By Kevin Cauley
Sin is pleasurable; that is why so many people do it. They use sin’s pleasure to numb themselves to life’s true responsibilities. Moses refused to participate in it. Hebrews 11:24-26 states, “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” People have long sought to justify their desires to pursue a life of pleasure and invented many rationalizations along the way. One of these rationalizations is the doctrine of salvation by faith only. It is one of the greatest lies repeated today.
By Josh Blackmer
People have always been easy to offend. However, there is a new generation that seems to have made it an art form. They take a benign statement, phrase, act, song or event in history, say it means something that it doesn’t, then shout “OFFENSIVE!” across all their social outlets. It doesn’t end there. Now everyone must be offended by it. If they had their way, whatever offended them would be smitten from the Earth as though it never existed. A lot can be said about why our society is in this mess (#participationtrophies, #nocopingskills). More importantly, we should be thinking about how we live and teach Christ in it. Here are some things to think about while living in an overly sensitive society.
By David Sproule
“Nobody’s perfect!” You’ve heard it. You’ve thought it. You’ve probably said it. Unfortunately, we seem to often find ourselves on the receiving end of the imperfection. Sometimes the mistakes are not that big of a deal—putting pickles on a plain burger or calling you by the wrong name. Other times the mistakes are a really big deal—running a red light into oncoming traffic or giving someone the wrong medication. So, what do we (Christians) do when people make mistakes…and at our expense?
By Kevin Cauley
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
Christianity is the only world religion that teaches salvation by grace. The other world religions teach that “salvation” is based on merit. This means as long as one is 51% good, he may claim salvation. He can be 49% evil and be “saved.” This implicates God in evil since God would be obliged to “save” people who are 49% evil. In such a system, God must condone evil. What kind of a god would condone evil?
Selected Article
THE ENCOURAGER. This selfless person is always looking for a back to pat or a hand to lift. He or she is intent on others being appreciated for their contribution to the Lord’s work. These have a knack for doing so actively and genuinely.
THE UPBEAT. This smiling person has not had fewer surgeries, health issues, or reverses of life (in fact, many times they have had more than their share). Though you know they are suffering, if you ask them how they are you hear a silver-lining answer and see a twinkle in their eyes that betrays hope and optimism. They seem focused on heaven, not their hurts.