By Tyler King
1. That’s where God is (Rev. 21:3a) – I have experienced, first-hand, how God has treated me and cared for me on this earth. He spoils with abundant blessings despite being non-deserving of such treatment. On top of that, this world has been subjected to futility – there’s no logical reason why He should care for me the way He does, but He does. And I get to be with Him forever.
by Mike Riley
1) Compliment at least three people every day.
2) Watch a sunrise at least once a week.
3) Be the first to say, “Hello.”
By Tyler King
“Don’t eat this. Don’t eat this. Don’t eat this.” Those were the words a classroom full of teens heard from me on a yawn-absorbed Sunday morning as I handed out Oreos.
Before the teens and I studied the book of Colossians together, I wanted to establish the basics of Bible study. However, if I said we were going to study exegetically, I would have been like a doctor as he watched the pulse of his patient gradually flatline. Odds are, “exegesis” (critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture) is far removed from everyday vernacular. As a result, the practice of exegesis takes a back seat when reading through the text of God’s word.
By Tom Wacaster
The Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives this past week. Nancy Pelosi was handed the gavel once again, and no sooner had she put on the mantel of leadership than one of the newest members of Congress, Ocasio-Cortez attempted to buck Speaker Pelosi. The reason is not all that clear to me (as are many of the hair-brained ideas that the far left is pushing). This rising star of the far left is determined to stir the waters of Washington and ruffle a few feathers along the way. I really think she is seeking to make a name for herself in hopes of making a Presidential run down the road. Why else would she immediately call for a change in the Constitution to eliminate the age requirement for someone wanting to run for the highest office in the land? I want to assure you that it is not my intention in this week’s article to pontificate on politics. It is important, however, to take a quick look at the counter-movement to what Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and other radical socialists are offering, and see whether any movement that leaves God out of the picture can ever hope to provide us with national stability and/or happiness.
By Tom Wacaster
It happened almost 2,000 years ago; but the residual effect is still with us today. Every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper we are reminded of that moment in history when the sins of mankind were laid upon the back of our Savior and the Son of God bled and suffered on Calvary that you and I might live. But for some reason men have a desire to celebrate the birth of Christ rather than His death. We decorate our houses with glittering lights, wrap our presents in pretty paper, and sing holiday songs for approximately 28 days, and then go on our merry way wishing each other a Happy New Year until the next “black Friday” when the latest gadgets and electronic marvels hit the shelves of Best Buy and Walmart. While the birth of Jesus is most certainly a significant historical event, it was not God’s wish that we celebrate the birth of Jesus once a year, but that we remember His death once a week. Every time we break the bread and drink the cup we are reminded of Calvary! The late Johnny Ramsey so eloquently captured the idea:
By Dan Williams
Harding University
This is the time of year when people are focused on the birth of Christ, and it is easy to understand why. It is an appealing story, what with the angelic announcements, the baby in a manger, shepherds leaving their flocks in the field to hurry to Bethlehem to ooh and aah over Mary’s little lamb, and wise men arriving bearing gifts. I am always thankful that people have this annual opportunity to consider the Incarnation, for in the birth of Christ we truly see heaven touching earth. I would, however, add three caveats.
By Kathy Pollard
Social media is pretty great. Apparently, a lot of people think so since literally billions of people use it. I love staying connected with long-distance friends and family, seeing what God is doing the world over, and laughing out loud over a hilarious meme. It’s wonderful being able to post a prayer request or read an encouraging status. But social media can also be misused. Wasting time, ranting, sowing discord, getting involved in an ungodly relationship, or promoting self are a few examples of being a poor influence through our activities on social media.
By Dick Brant
A family had been faithful to the Lord for over fifty years. They had raised faithful children and had faithful grandchildren. When the father and grandfather of the family died at the age of 83, the mother moved in with one of the children. I was involved in helping with the move, and as you might expect it took a lot of sorting out, still there were a lot of things and a lot of memories in each box.
I have a confession: I love Sunday night church assemblies. There, I said it. I know it’s beginning to sound old-fashioned. I also know it’s going above and beyond the “minimum requirements” God has asked of His church on the Lord’s Day. But Sunday evenings are incredible opportunities for God’s people and are full of potential for the work of God.
I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can share with you why I believe our congregation is stronger because of our Sunday evening services.