Does the Lord see my good days?

By Ron Thomas     Hosea 6:6 (ASV). For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. When the Lord speaks of goodness, what does He mean? In Micah 6:8, the Scripture reads, He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God? Thus, “goodness” is best understood to be in relation to kindness, humility, and living in accordance with God’s way (justly). The Lord did not minimize any of His commands of a sacrificial approach to Him, but if sacrifices offered had no substantive foundation under them, the offering came crashing down, so to speak. When one approaches the Lord, he (and she) must trust Him through and through (cf. Prov. 3:5), for without that, all one presents is form, and no substance.     Hosea 7:2 (ASV). And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now have their own doings beset them about; they are before my face. As we turn out the lights to our homes, as we engage in activity that no one can see, the Lord’s eyes shine brightly on our actions. “But I am not doing anything!” might be the reply. The Lord sees that also. In the dark crevices of one’s mind, there are thoughts, even as few as two, swirling around thinking about some pleasure or vengeance to be perpetrated; maybe there is no thought about anything, but suddenly something flashes across the mind and stops. “But I didn’t do anything, I only thought it!” one might reply. The Lord sees that also.     The Lord’s warnings are many in Scripture, but words of encouragement are also there. Jehovah is righteous in all his ways, And gracious in all his works. Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth (Psa. 145:17-18). There may be many bad days from which one tries to run, but to the Lord when we run to Him, the Lord sees that as a good day.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

The House of God

By Ron Thomas I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah (Psalm 122:1, ASV).     This speaks to the attitude of heart/mind. Those who love the Lord have a desire to do as He commanded, and there is a desire to be in the presence of the Lord. In the days of the Old Testament, it was appointed for the men-folk to make three trips to Jerusalem to worship the Lord according to His commands. There were those who went because they were commanded; Psalm 122:1 does not give attention to those who thought/think like this. It does give attention to those who went (and go) because they wanted to please the Lord and present themselves to Him that they might be received.     A New Testament application: do you love the Lord? If so, does your attendance reflect that? Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain. (Psalm 127:1).     This verse does not need explanation, for the reading of the words makes it clear what is meant. That which man builds from the ground up will decay. It is just that way. That which the Lord built from the ground up will last until He no longer wants it to last. It can be no other way.     The basic unit of civilization is found in the individual; as each individual marries, the two become one, called a family. It was the Lord who instituted civilization with His creation of the family. Society, however, a liberal and progressive society, seeks to destroy what the Lord created. It won’t work, however, that is, it won’t work in the end. Try as it might to thwart all things associated with God, those who do so (and / or support) will meet the One who created it on Judgment Day. What will they do then?     If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3). If the Lord builds a nation, that nation can’t fall! What about Israel, did not the Lord build that? He did! Did they not fall? They did! What gives? They fell through their rebellion. It was not long after the Lord brought them to the land of promise that Israel started wandering off the course the Lord set for them. Because they wandered off, the Lord in His mercy was slow to respond (purposely), and they continued to exist longer than they deserved. Still, they fell into sin and were carted up into physical captivity. They suffered much.     The Lord did not establish the United States of America, but we would not exist if He did not allow us to come into existence. Since the time of our existence, the moral underpinnings of our country are all but destroyed. “Lord, have mercy on our country!”     In the New Testament, the Lord built only one church; it is called the Lord’s church, the church that belongs to Christ (the church of Christ). With the Lord anchoring and building up His church, the church is able to get through any storm. Yet, in our confidence, if we allow our anchor to be removed by the force of strength that Satan hurls at us, we will be blown away by the wind. Satan will only have success if individual saints allow him to infiltrate the mind of corrupt one’s thinking. Writing about the church, Paul said, Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye (1 Cor. 3:16-17, ASV).     Don’t allow yourself to be defiled and, therein, defile the Lord’s body, His temple, the church.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Israel's Invitation

By Ron Thomas
    In the parable of the invitation, the king sent out his invitations to his subjects, bidding them to come to the wedding feast. Those special invitations were refused. The king took great exception to this slight. It is a matter of good judgment to accept the king’s invitation; when he is refused, the effect of this is mockery, saying he is not worthy of the invitee's time. The response of the king was wrath.    This parable refers in application to Israel. They received the Lord’s invitation (the King of kings), but they refused His offer of salvation. They knew not they were lost, though the King did. Instead, they were comfortable in their environment, and they wanted no upheaval in their lives or time, even for a few hours. The King deemed them unworthy; thus, He sent His invitations to people the originally invited guests disdained (cf. Acts 22:21-23).    Lesson: invitations from others are not to be summarily dismissed as unworthy of your time, for the one who invites will not forget. When an invitation comes from the King of kings, and this invitation is rejected, He who invited will not forget. It was Jesus who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30, ASV).    We are all tired, and the Lord offers rest. The King is inviting us to come to Him. Wisdom will take Him up on the offer.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

What Makes A Man

By Ron Thomas     He has to have a directional compass not of this world. A good many people live life not knowing where they are going. They graduate school, get into the workforce and plan for retirement. When they arrive, the years slipping by much quicker than they thought, they ask “What happened!?” The Lord said to Joshua, Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore (Joshua 3:4, ASV; cf. Isa. 48:17). Without the Lord, there is no chance a man knows where he is going. Though he thinks he does, he knows nothing at all.     Moral fortitude. The word fortitude conveys the idea of strength. Without the strength of a moral character, knowing what is right and wrong is fleetingly slick. Have you ever tried to grab oil? From where does one’s moral stand come from? There are only two sources of origin: God, not-God. That is, it. If the Lord is your moral fortitude, victory is assured. If not-God is your moral fortitude, then your morality is shaped by this world’s thinking. There is no victory in that!     Courage. To have courage, one does not have to have the strength of superman, but he must have a willingness to put himself in uncomfortable situations for that which is right and for those in need of help. Sometimes this means he stands alone. To stand alone means one must have a conviction of heart that makes his standing alone on a firm foundation. The best foundation upon which any can stand is Jesus. For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11).     Leadership. In any group, one stands out as a leader. In the family, that is the man/husband/father. That is the way the Lord designed it, and if he fails in his duty to be a leader, then someone takes his place, and the Lord is displeased. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body (Eph. 5:23). If a man is not the leader in his home, there is no chance he can be a leader in the church.     Humility. Are politicians humble? It appears some are not. God’s man must be. Without humility confidence turns into arrogance. Arrogance is a useless personal quality. The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life (Prov. 22:4).     A hearing ear. There is a difference between hearing and listening. I can hear, but if I am not listening, then what you are saying goes in one ear and out the other. If that is the way a man is, avoid him; he will not listen to the Lord, much less to any other. An exhortation from the Lord is continuous, if any man hath ears to hear, let him hear (Mk. 4:23).     Words that are few. A man does not need to hear himself speak, neither does he need to impress any with the height of his wisdom. If he speaks too much, it may be that he needs to convince himself he is wiser than he actually is. Words to the point accomplish their purpose. He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding (Prov. 17:27).     A responsible work ethic. A man is one who takes responsibility and refuses to make excuses for failure to accomplish his tasks. He is aware of the occasional occurrences outside his control, but he works in such a way to minimize outside influences that adversely affects the product. He gets us early and gets after it. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox (Prov. 14:4).     A willingness to trust (31:11). A man is a man who willingly puts his trust in the Lord and lives according to that trust.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Israel, Sacrifices and True Isreal

By Ron Thomas     In our Bible class discussion on Wednesday night, I gave attention to forgiveness and the Law of Moses. Let me elaborate on that a little more. Forgiveness is always a matter of God's declaration; it is His gift to those who obey Him. Since it has always been the case that one is justified by faith, then those justified by the Lord receive the forgiveness of sins.     But, in the context of the Levitical setting, there is something much different. The Lord brought a nation (Israel) from out of another nation (Egypt). The new nation formed by the Lord was to be to all people God’s kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:6). The Lord brought them from Egypt and placed them in Canaan (Palestine) to be His shining light in a dark world. Before He led them to the land of promise, He gave Israel His covenant law, the foundation being the Ten Words (Commandments). As a nation they lived according to that, and all other laws were built upon that foundation.     From Hebrews 10:4, we learn the blood of animals can’t remove sins, but in Leviticus we learn the men (males) offered blood sacrifices, a sweet aroma to the Lord. Women did not do this. In fact, regarding women, when they offered sacrifices, this was in relation to childbirth and their menstrual cycles. Were the men only ones forgiven? Not hardly! If that were so, then in what way was there atonement (Lev. 1:5), or forgiveness (the word “forgive” is only used 10 times in the book of Leviticus (ASV), and it is always in relation to sacrifices)?     Since the blood of animals could not remove sin, but one was forgiven with the blood of animals in specific sacrifices, what gives? The forgiveness granted was not a personal application, but one that was "corporate”, or, in other words, forgiveness was granted to the individual family through the head of the house. With this being the case, sacrifices in the national context perpetuated the nation of God's people, meeting the principle of Exodus 19:6.     When the nation was loyal to the Lord, they were effective in their mission work. When they were not loyal to the Lord, the Lord warned them His protective barrier was going to come down. They refused to listen, and they paid the price for their disobedience. Finally, the Lord brought Israel to an end (Mt. 23:37-39; Rom. 15:8) and established a new Israel, the church of Christ (Rom. 9:6).

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

When God Speaks

By Jeff Arnette
    In these chapters, we see a profound shift in the narrative of Job. After the long discourse between Job and his friends, where they accuse him of hidden sin and suggest that his suffering is due to God’s judgment, God Himself finally speaks. The Lord’s response is both humbling and enlightening, not just for Job but for all readers of this ancient text.    The silence of Job’s friends highlights an important truth: human wisdom has its limits. For thirty-seven chapters, they argued from their limited perspective, convinced that they knew the mind of God. But when God begins to speak, their words and accusations fall silent. It reminds us that in times of suffering, even the well-intentioned words of friends can be misguided. There is a deeper wisdom and plan at work, one that only God understands.    When God speaks, He doesn’t give Job a direct answer to his suffering. Instead, He asks questions that point to the vastness of His creation and power. These questions reveal Job’s limitations as a man and the supreme authority and knowledge of God. God is not being harsh; rather, He is gently reminding Job that there are things beyond human understanding. Like a loving father teaching a child, God shows Job—and us—that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).    In our own lives, we often seek answers, especially in times of hardship. We demand explanations from God, just as Job did. But sometimes, instead of answers, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty (Haggai 2:20). It’s not that He is indifferent to our pain—on the contrary, He reveals Himself to us because He cares deeply for us. Yet, His wisdom far surpasses ours. We can trust that He knows all things and works them for good (Romans 8:28).    The final reminder of God’s love for us in 1 John 3:1 shows the heart of the matter. God, in His infinite wisdom and power, still chooses to call us His children. This relationship changes how we view His corrections and teachings. Even when life seems overwhelming, we can rest in the knowledge that our Father is guiding us, sometimes through questions, but always with love.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Walking Wisely

By Jeff Arnette     The Bible is very clear that believers are not to turn to unbelievers for advice or form binding relationships with them, such as in personal or business partnerships. This principle is outlined in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Psalm 1:1 reinforces this point: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”     However, this does not mean that we are to completely avoid unbelievers. We are called to reach out to them and show love and compassion just as Jesus did. Matthew 9:10-13 shows us Jesus spending time with those who did not believe, setting a powerful example for us: “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’”     Unfortunately, many people use Psalm 1:1 and similar passages to argue that we should entirely avoid non-believers but doing so would contradict Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands us: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” Similarly, Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”     Psalm 1:1 and similar scriptures say is that we are not to seek advice from unbelievers, form close personal relationships, or marry them. Why would we seek guidance from someone who isn’t walking the same spiritual path? Unbelievers do not prioritize what God says, which can lead to conflicting values. Even in marriage, being with an unbeliever can lead to significant problems because the very foundation of love for Jesus is missing on their part. By adhering to the word of God, we can save ourselves from many heartaches and struggles.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Recognizing the Need for God.

By Jeff Arnette “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1)     The psalmist’s words may strike us as severe. To call someone a “fool” for denying God’s existence feels blunt. But the Bible often uses strong language to reveal deeper truths. Here, a “fool” isn’t merely a person who lacks intelligence. Instead, it describes someone who lacks the wisdom that acknowledges God’s reality and authority over creation. This denial of God leaves them vulnerable to poor judgments, leading them down paths that harm themselves and others.     When we rely on human understanding alone, our decisions often fail us. But as believers, we’re blessed to have access to God’s guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Guidance for Our Journey     Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). And through the psalms, we’re reminded that God’s Word illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105). God’s guidance is a precious gift, leading us away from folly and into life-giving wisdom. We can approach each decision with confidence, knowing that He desires to guide us. The Corruption of a Foolish Heart     The Bible speaks plainly about the consequences of rejecting God. To deny His presence and guidance doesn’t just lead to personal harm; it ultimately separates us from Him (Heb. 2:3). It’s easy to think of “fools” as people who reject God outright. But at times, we may notice areas of our own lives where we ignore His guidance, choosing our way over His. In these moments, we must return to the Lord with humble hearts, seeking His wisdom over our own. A Call to Love and Compassion     Jesus never called us to judge or mistreat those who lack faith. Instead, He urges us to respond with compassion. It’s a gentle reminder that, without Jesus, we all fall short and face the same condemnation. Our hope rests not in our righteousness but in His grace. Let us remember to approach others with empathy, knowing we, too, are recipients of undeserved mercy (Rom. 3:23; 10:9). Reflection     Take a moment today to reflect on areas where you might be tempted to rely on your own understanding rather than seeking God’s guidance. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in your decisions and for a heart that humbly acknowledges His presence. May we also extend grace and compassion to others, recognizing that we all stand in need of God’s mercy.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/ **

Trusting in God’s Faithfulness

By Jeff Arnette
    From a young age, David understood the power of God in his life. Through various trials, he learned firsthand what God could do when he trusted in Him. David witnessed God’s work in many ways: during his encounters with the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37), and as he faced the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50). In each situation, God protected him and granted him victory.    The ordeal with King Saul further illustrates God’s faithfulness in David’s life. Saul, consumed by jealousy over David’s popularity (1 Samuel 18:7-9), relentlessly hunted him (1 Samuel 19:1-2; 1 Samuel 23:14). Yet, the Lord guided David through those tough times, keeping him just out of Saul’s reach until Saul’s death in battle (1 Samuel 31:4). This protection was part of God’s greater plan for David’s life.     God had a purpose for David: to lead the people of Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). To prepare him for this task, God protected him and guided his steps. David, recognizing the immense gift of God’s protection and guidance, honored it by documenting his experiences in the book of Psalms (Psalm 23:1-6, Psalm 34:1-22). He also refrained from putting himself in harm’s way unnecessarily, trusting in God’s timing and provision (1 Samuel 24:10-12). Similarly, as believers, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that we are protected by our faith in Christ: “In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).    David’s life encourages us to reflect on God’s faithfulness in our own lives. Like David, we all face moments when challenges seem like a giant in our path—whether it’s a personal struggle, a difficult relationship, or uncertainty about the future. During these times, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. Let me encourage you to reflect on the ways God has worked in your past—how He has protected you, guided you, and provided for you when things seemed impossible. Let these reflections build your faith for present challenges.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Faith Under Fire

By Jeff Arnette     The depth and severity of Job’s struggles demand repeating. It’s necessary so that we learn from his life and struggles. He nearly lost everything of value to him—he lost all of family except his wife, his servants, and wealth. Even his health was taken from him and was brought to the very edge of death’s door. Considering all that he suffered, his faith was surprisingly strong. Most would have given up or questioned God’s love for us.     It’s not that Job never got down or discouraged from all this. Like any of us, he felt hurt and pain. He felt lonely and defeated. It would not be a stretch to say he was depressed at times. The key to what made Job successful is found in our verses for today.     His faith in the Lord never wavered. It was as strong in the hard times as it was in the good times. Through the hard times and the good, it was just as strong. His circumstances didn’t influence how he saw the Lord. “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 21)     He knew where all the good had come from… “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) but just as importantly he knew where all the bad had come from… “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (James 1:13)     Life may get us down at times. Yet it is our God who can truly deliver us from the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23) and bring us to the mountain top of victory again. Keep following the Lord, keep loving and trusting Him. The world may fail us, but our God will not. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

God's Mercy

By Brian Mitchell
    The story is told of a mother who came to Napoleon to request a pardon for her son who was to soon be executed. Napoleon responded to the mother by saying that this was her son’s second offence and according to the law, justice demanded death and that is what her son would receive. The mother responded by saying that “I am not asking you for justice, I am pleading for mercy.” To which Napoleon responded by saying, “but your son does not deserve mercy.” The mother replied, “Sir, it would not be mercy if he deserved it and mercy is all that I am asking for.” At her continued requests, Napoleon finally responded by saying, “Well then, I will show mercy and pardon your son, sparing his life from certain death.”    What is mercy? As the story illustrates, it is receiving a pardon we do not deserve. In the spiritual sense, what each of us deserves is justice, we deserve to be eternally lost because of our sins. But God has shown mercy, and because of His mercy He has granted us with the opportunity to be saved instead--Ps.86:5, Eph.2:4-7.     In Paul’s 1st letter to the young preacher Timothy—1 Tim.2:12-17, he provides: An illustration of God’s mercy—1:12-14, The reasons for God’s mercy—1:15-16 and The proper response to God’s mercy—1:17. What can mercy do for you? To answer that question, I believe it would be helpful to consider what God’s mercy had done for Paul. What did God’s mercy do for Paul? It enabled Paul to do the work of the Lord.    Ministry—is from the Greek word from which we get the word service. Thus, Paul, because of the Lord’s mercy, had literally been put into the service of the Lord. Something he would have been unable and unworthy to do otherwise. Specifically, Paul was in the ministry or service of the gospel. It was to the defense and spread of the gospel that Paul had devoted his life.    Why, because the Lord had enabled him to do so. Enable—to make strong. Thus, the Lord had literally given Paul the strength he needed to carry out his ministry for the Lord—Phil.4:13. Why did Jesus do this? Because He had counted Paul faithful which means trustworthy. Even though Paul had persecuted the church, the Lord knew him to be a faithful man. Whatever Paul did, he did it to the best of his ability. Thus, the Lord showed Paul mercy and put him into the ministry.    What does this have to do with us? Everything and here is why. Consider Paul’s life before he received the mercy of God—v.13. He was a blasphemer, which means to speak in a way that brings harm to others. He was a persecutor, which literally conveys the image of one who puts another to flight and then pursues him with intentions of harassment or worse (Jackson, p.41). He was insolent and this, according to Wayne Jackson, is a truly dramatic word. The word speaks of both one’s attitudes and his actions.    These things however, Paul, did in ignorant unbelief. The historical record of God’s Word makes it clear that in all of his hateful actions against the Lord, Paul had been pursuing what HE THOUGHT was a proper course of action. “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). “I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Christ” (Acts 26:9). Thus, Paul thought he was doing what was right but he was acting in ignorance.    Yet despite it all, Paul had found pardon in the mercy of God and a place in His service. Paul stands out as one of the greatest examples of God’s grace in human history. If one such as Paul could obtain mercy; who can’t?

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Esther and the Providence of God

By Jeff Arnette
    The providence of God is seen throughout the entire Bible. Even though God is not named in Esther, His providence is seen. A prime example is the Lord at work to save the people of Israel through a clear timeline of events.    The story begins with Nebuchadnezzar taking Judah into captivity. This allowed for the positioning of Mordecai (Jeremiah 25:11). We see the Lord placing Mordecai exactly where he needed to be to accomplish His will. As time progressed, Mordecai’s continued presence in Babylon under the reign of three successive kings—Cyrus, Darius, and Ahasuerus—further illustrated God’s active role (Ezra 1:1-4). Mordecai remained in the precise location necessary to fulfill God’s purpose for His people, as highlighted in Romans 9:11, which speaks to God’s sovereign choice and purpose.    God’s providence is also evident in His work through Mordecai’s cousin, Esther, whom he raised as his daughter (Esther 2:7). Esther found favor with the king’s steward, Hegai (Esther 2:9), and later with the king himself, who loved her and made her queen (Esther 2:17). This favorable positioning was crucial, especially since Haman, unaware of Esther’s Jewish identity, devised a plan against the Jews (Esther 3:5-6). God’s foresight and planning, long before the events unfolded (Romans 8:28) which assures us that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.    Finally, Mordecai’s challenge to Esther to save the Jews emphasizes the Lord’s involvement, encapsulated in the phrase “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Just as God orchestrated the events in Esther’s life, He often works in our lives long before we recognize the need. This is a reminder of God’s timeless involvement in human affairs and His precise timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Trusting in His timing and His ability to place us exactly where we need to be when we need to be there is essential, as supported by Hebrews 2:4, which speaks of God bearing witness through signs, wonders, and various miracles.    Throughout the story of Esther, we see God’s providence and His unwavering commitment to His people. Esther’s story is a testament to how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to accomplish His divine plans. It serves as an encouragement to trust in God’s timing and His purposeful placement of us in various situations for the fulfillment of His will.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Hell, Sin, and Judgement

By Dan C. Bailey
    I suppose that the least talked about subject today is the subject of hell. Many politicians are more concerned about being re-elected than about the eternal destiny of their souls. Many grocery store owners would rather sell alcohol and filthy magazines than to face the fact that someday they will have to answer for helping to pervert and destroy the minds of millions. Many lawyers are concerned about winning cases for money, and not about what is just or unjust. There are groups everywhere which are rallying behind the banner of sin. According to some the Sodomite is no longer a sinner; he's just "living a different lifestyle." The drunkard is not a sinner; he has "a disease." The adulterer simply "made the wrong choice the first time." The infant that is aborted is just a "fetus." And the doctor who performs the abortion is "just helping to keep the birthrate down."    No, my dear Friend, there are not too many people today who are discussing the subject of hell. But it's still in the Bible. Jesus said, "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:29-30).    Someday there will be a lot of people who will be cast into hell. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17). The wages of sin will be reaped! God will settle all accounts. The books will be opened on the last day, and my Friend, we are all going to be judged. "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works" (Rev. 20:12). Forsake sin today!

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The Five W's of the Second Coming

By Edd Sterchi
From God’s PerspectiveWHO: Jesus (Matt. 25:31; Acts 1:11; 2 Thess. 1:7)WHAT: Coming again (John 14:3; Heb. 9:28; 1 John 3:2)WHEN : The last day - a day that God has appointed (John 6:40;John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31)WHERE: In the clouds (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 1:7)WHY: To judge the world and to deliver the kingdom of God tothe Father (Matt. 25:31-46; 1 Cor. 15:23-24; 2 Tim. 4:1)From Man’s PerspectiveWHO: You, me, everyone (Matt. 25:31-32; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 1:7)WHAT: To be judged (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 20:11-13)WHEN: No man knows (Matt. 24:36-44; Acts 1:7; 1 Thess. 5:2)WHERE: Everywhere, then gathered before the judgment seat of Christ (Rev. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-13)WHY: To receive our eternal “reward”, either good or bad (Matt. 16:27; Col. 3:23-25; Rev. 22:12)    Jesus stands ready to do His part – are you ready for Him to come?
“Yet the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief.In that day the heavens will vanish in a tearing blast,the very elements will disintegrate in heatand the earth and all its works will disappear.In view of the fact that all these things are to be dissolved,what sort of people ought you to be?Surely men of good and holy character,who live expecting and workingfor the coming of the day of God.”(2 Peter 3:10-12, Philips Translation)

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/

Should We Kneel in Prayer

By Bob Prichard     Worship that is acceptable to God has always involved the inner and the outer man. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). The word translated worship means “to bow down to the earth, to do obeisance before another.” The idea is to show reverence and humility before another. It can refer to bowing before men, such as when Abraham “bowed himself to the people of the land” (Genesis 23:7), but it usually refers to bowing before deity. Mordecai refused to bow before Haman (Esther 3:2). God warned Israel, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them” (Exodus 20:3-5 a). God alone deserves worship today.     The Psalmist says in Psalm 95:6, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” This is only direct mention of kneeling for worship in the King James Version, here used synonymously with “bow down” in the parallelism that marked Hebrew poetry. Ephesians 3:14 is a similar passage, where Paul says, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” asking God’s blessings on the Ephesian Christians. Certainly it would be right and proper to kneel for prayer, but it is not the only acceptable posture for prayer.     The usual posture for the Jews to offer prayers to God was to be standing, with uplifted hands. Paul told Timothy, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8). Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee and a publican (tax collector), who both went to the temple to pray. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14). Both men stood, but the posture of their hearts was different. Only the publican, who prayed in humility, pleased God.     The outward posture of prayer may reflect something of the inward devotion of the worshiper. Kneeling may help the worshiper feel his need to humbly approach God. Whether a prayer is offered kneeling, standing, or lying down, however, the important issue is the attitude of the heart. “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Who Determines Religious Authority

By Glen Elliott      Our nation is suffocating under the death-grip of anarchy. Disrespect for authority is evidenced in everything from civil disobedience to parental permissiveness. We are following the worldview so prevalent during the turbulent biblical period of the Judges. Scripture describes those days as a time when “every man did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). Even in the church there are many who discount the certainty of biblical revelation. But, if truth cannot be known, then Jesus was mistaken in asserting that it has the power to set us free from our sins (Jn. 8:32). However, the truth can be understood and is the basis of all religious authority (Eph. 3:4; 1 Cor. 1:10).     God, the Father, has given all authority to His Son, Jesus (Mt. 28:18). At Christ’s transfiguration, we read of a voice speaking out of the cloud which enveloped the disciples, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Mt. 17:5). Jesus has all authority to speak to men today concerning religious faith and practice (Heb. 1:1-2). We must pay heed to His words as those which will judge us on the last day (Jn. 12:48). God had promised centuries earlier to raise up a prophet like Moses from among their countrymen, saying, “I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. It shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him” (Dt. 18:18–19). This prophecy, quoted by Peter in Acts chapter three, is fulfilled in Christ.     Christ’s authority resides in the New Testament. Knowing that He would soon leave His apostles by way of the cross, Jesus promised to send the Spirit of truth so that they could teach and preach the gospel without error (Jn. 14:26: 16:13). The apostles and prophets, who wrote the New Testament, did so as they were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak from God (2 Pet. 1:21). Like those early hearers in Thessalonica, we must accept the Word of Christ as God’s message (1 Th. 2:13). The things written by inspiration are the Lord’s commandments and provide all authority for religious faith and practice.     The councils, creeds, and dogmas of men provide no legitimate authority in religious matters. Nor is there any authority inherent in our own subjective preferences and opinions. The only authority in matters of religion is the Word of God. We must not shudder at the thought of submitting to His authority; but humbly submit, obeying from the heart His Word which alone has the power to save us from our sins and deliver us safely to the eternal paradise of God (Jas. 1:21; Rm. 6:17-18).

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

Can We Join the Church

By Glen Elliott

The Bible doesn’t say anything about joining the church. The church had its beginning on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus. On that occasion, Peter and the rest of the apostles were moved by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to the Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem. Their message convicted the people of having crucified the Son of God. When these believers interrupted the sermon and asked what they needed to do, Peter replied, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (Acts 2:38). In verse 41, we learn that “those who had received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Penitent believers who were baptized were added to the Lord’s church that day. In fact, verse 47 goes on to say that “the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” The King James Version of the Bible translates it this way: “and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”     Man cannot establish entrance requirements or initiation rites for being added to the Lord’s church. While we can join various religious denominations, we cannot join the Lord’s church. God adds to His church every penitent believer who is baptized for the forgiveness of sins. We are not voted into the church. God adds us to His church. God’s church is comprised of all who have done what God said to do in order to accept God’s grace by faith. In addition to belief, this includes repentance and baptism. Later in the New Testament, Paul spoke of how the Corinthians had come into the body of Christ. He said, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13).     Anyone of accountable age and aptitude can become a member of God’s church. But one cannot join the Lord’s church. Only God can add a person to His church when he or she has submitted to His requirements for salvation. Why not be added to His church today and be truly numbered with the saved?

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

Unity in the Body of Christ

By Glen Elliott
    The church is not so much an institution as it is a living organism. It is referred to in Scripture as “the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). This analogy teaches us several very important truths about the unity of the body.    First, because the church is the body of Christ, it must have a head to direct, guide and control its various functions. The Bible teaches us that “Christ is the head over all things to the church, which is His body…” (Eph. 1:22-23). Just as the physical body operates in obedience to the directive impulses of the brain, so also Christ’s spiritual body, the church, operates in harmony with Christ’s directives expressed through His written revelation. Whether physical or spiritual, when the body fails to obey its head, the result is chaos and confusion. It is not God’s fault when Christ’s body becomes divided; it is simply man’s failure to live under the headship of Jesus Christ. After all, “God is not a God of confusion, but a God of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33).    In addition to a head, a body must also have a harmonious membership. Each member of the body has an important function (1 Cor. 12:14-27). When the smallest member fails in his or her assigned duty, the whole body suffers. The body is a finely tuned organism and its members must cooperate with one another, working together toward a common goal. Functional unity in the church is not just a nice thing when it happens, it is an essential ingredient to be sought after with great fervor and intensity (Rm. 14:19; Heb. 12:14).    Let us emphasize again that a body must be unified. Disunity among members frustrates the purpose and intention of the body. Christ’s fervent prayer was for His followers to be one (Jn. 17:20-21). But upon what basis shall believers unite? Only on the basis of Christ’s headship and our willingness to place our lives in submission to His will. Only on such a foundation can we be united as members of Christ’s spiritual body, the church.

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

Is God in Control

By Glen Elliott
    The rapidity with which major events happen in today’s world and the quickness with which information is conveyed to us is truly amazing. Though the details are sometimes inaccurate or misleading, our need to place our trust in the Lord becomes crystal clear. God is our only trust and He is in control to work all things for good to those who truly love Him (Rm. 8:28).    Is God really in control of world events? Yes. Is He responsible for the actions of sinful men? No. But, we can be assured that He does work providentially to bring about His ultimate purpose. How can we know this is true? Because the Bible tells us so.    In the days of the prophet, Daniel, the “wise men” of Babylon were threatened with death unless they could both reveal the contents and interpret the meaning of the king’s dream. By revelation from God, Daniel was able to reveal the secrets of the king’s heart and save the lives of the king’s advisors. In thanking God for the revelation he had received, Daniel prayed, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings…” (Dan. 2:20-21). It is God who changes the times and the epochs—who removes and establishes kings. In other words, God is in control of human history.    Those in positions of authority today have a sacred trust from the Lord. There “is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Rm. 13:1). Paul goes on to say that those who resist authority are opposing the ordinance of God. The only time we are obligated to violate the laws of the land is when those laws are contrary to the will of God. In such cases, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Governing authorities are God’s servants for good, a responsibility which must be taken seriously. Otherwise, if they prove unfaithful to their trust, God will in His own time, remove them from power. The rulers of the kingdoms of the world are accountable to the great King of the universe.    When things appear to be spinning out of control, remember God’s overruling providence. As the psalmist said, “we will not fear, though the earth should change, and…the mountains slip into the heart of the sea” (Ps. 46:1-2). Place yourself in the hands of the living God. He is in control of the universe. Why not give Him control of your life?

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

Washed in the Blood

By Glen Elliott 
    We live in a society blessed with great material prosperity. A person living just one century ago could hardly imagine the lifestyle we often take for granted. Where there is a need, there is usually a product to meet that need. Even doing laundry has become high-tech. We have many products designed specifically for the care and cleaning of our clothing. If truth be known, there is little difference between many of the products vying for our attention. One may be about as good as another. However, when it comes to spiritual cleansing, there is only one agent that can purify the soul – the blood of Jesus Christ.    Scripture tells us that “all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:22). God’s cleansing agent of the soul is blood. However, not just any blood will do the job. The blood of bulls and goats, so prominently displayed in Old Testament sacrifices, could never take away sin (Heb. 10:4). It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from our sins (1 Jn. 1:7). In the book of Revelation, when John saw a vision of souls before the throne of God, he asked, “Who are these?” In answer to his question, he was told that these were those who had “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (7:14). The blood of Christ provides spiritual cleansing. We could hardly imagine anyone washing their linens in blood! But, when it comes to spiritual cleansing, only the blood of Jesus can purify our spiritual garments so as to make them white as snow (Isa. 1:18).    All who desire spiritual cleansing must turn to the blood of Christ. How do we make contact with the death of Christ and, thereby, gain the benefit of His blood? Paul tells us that we are “justified by faith” (Rm. 5:1). In verse nine, we are told that we are “justified by His blood.” Putting the two verses together, we rightly conclude that we are justified through our faith (trust) in the blood of Christ. Or, we could say that our hope is grounded in the fact that Jesus died and shed His precious blood on the cross for us. Such faith leads us to be baptized into Christ whereby we are also united with His death and raised to walk in newness of life (Rm. 6:3-5). But, let us never forget that it is the blood of Jesus that answers our most urgent need – our need for spiritual cleansing.

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

Did the Prophets Say Christ Would be “Called a Nazarene”?

By Bob Prichard     After describing the birth and early years of the life of Jesus, Matthew tells us that Joseph, having obeyed God by going down to Egypt, returned to Galilee, to Galilee, “and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:23). There seems to be a problem, however, in that there is no Old Testament prophet who said, “He shall be called a Nazarene,” and the city of Nazareth is never mentioned in the Old Testament.     Some have suggested that Matthew meant a Nazarite, rather than a Nazarene. A Nazarite took vows of holiness, never cutting his hair, avoiding any contact with dead bodies, and generally living a very austere life. Some of the prophets did refer to the holiness of the Messiah, but none said He would be a Nazarite. John the Baptist may well have taken a Nazarite vow, but Jesus, who was called a glutton and a winebibber, and who touched the dead to bring them back to life, would not have been a Nazarite. Surely Matthew understood the difference between a Nazarite, one who had taken a Nazarite vow, and a Nazarene, one who was from the city of Nazareth.     A more likely explanation for Matthew’s statement that “He shall be called a Nazarene” lies in a play on words, specifically the Hebrew word “branch,” that would have been very obvious to the Jewish readers who were the target of his gospel account. Matthew stressed that Jesus was “the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1), as he showed that Jesus was the fulfillment of the words of the prophets as the One who was the promised Messiah-King. The Hebrew word for “branch,” neser is very similar to the root word of Nazareth. Isaiah had prophesied of the Messiah, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isaiah 11:1). Of this Branch, he said, “the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2). The prophet Zechariah said, “Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH” (Zechariah 3:8).     Matthew’s statement, “that which was spoken by the prophets” (2:23), is a general statement, not necessarily indicating that any of the prophets specifically said, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” Elsewhere, when Matthew speaks of fulfilled prophecy, and he has a specific quotation in mind, he names the prophet, or says “the prophet,” rather than “the prophets.” His general statement indicates that a general teaching of the prophets was that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene.     There is significance in being called a Nazarene. To be a called a Nazarene was to be called “from the backwoods,” to be unsophisticated. When Philip told Nathanael, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth,” Nathanael commented, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:45-46).  Many of the prophets said the Branch, coming from humble beginnings, would be despised and rejected by men. Jesus was treated as a “Nazarene” by the religious authorities of His day.

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Faith and Morality

By Glen Elliott     The Bible begins with the beginning. And, in that beginning, lies the basic premise around which to build our lives. Morality stands or falls on the basis of one unalterable truth: “God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). It is faith in God as our Creator that gives purpose to our lives. Without faith, we are aimless drifters with no hope beyond the grave.     When the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, he spoke of the evidence for God’s existence as displayed in the material universe. He said that what is “known about God is evident…for God made it evident….For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through that which has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Rm. 1:19-20). Ignorance is no excuse for unbelief. God has provided, through His creation, evidence of His eternal power and divine nature. This argument is closely tied to that which was used by the Hebrew author who said: “Every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God” (Heb. 3:4). Because of its order and design, a house demands an architect and builder. In spite of what a future homeowner might wish, a house does not build itself! Infinitely more complex than a house is the universe. Its builder and designer is God.     But some will ignore the evidence and refuse to give honor to God as their Creator. Refusing to acknowledge God or render thanks to Him for His blessings, they will exchange the truth of what they know about God for a lie and worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator (Rm. 1:21-28). Such a rejection of God is followed by a downward spiral into moral depravity (Rm. 1:29:31). Though included in Paul’s description of their wicked behavior, the besetting sin of the Gentile world was not homosexuality, murder, or idolatry. Their great sin was rejecting God. Everything else was the result of their refusal to honor Him as Creator.     It is to our shame that we have allowed godless atheism its stranglehold in our society. Rejecting God as Creator, we have paid the price in moral confusion and wicked behavior. The tide will not be stemmed until we have restored faith in God as our basis of morality. Morality is not inherited from our forefathers. It is not decided upon by popular opinion polls. Morality is founded upon our belief in God. God will hold us each accountable for the lives we choose to live (Eccl. 12:14). Without God, there is no basis for determining right and wrong. And, where there are no absolutes, there is anarchy. Pray that we, as a nation, will turn our eyes back to God as our Creator and to Christ as our hope for everlasting life.

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

The Hardest Drive

By Adam Faughn     It’s the most difficult drive I regularly make and, sometimes, I force myself to make it.     It’s the drive near–or through–a neighborhood that I used to get invited to, but haven’t in a long time. It’s the drive near–of by–a house that I used to frequent, but haven’t in a long while.     And I have no idea why.     But it’s the same kind of drive that many Christians make in various neighborhoods in every location every day, so this is not really about me or about any particular house.     So many Christians work and pray and visit and try to help a brother or sister in Christ who is struggling, only to see that Christian fall away and not worship or be involved any longer. Sometimes there is an explanation given, but, more often, there is none–or not much of one. All those Christians are left shaking their heads and asking what they could have done differently. Should I have said something sooner? Did I do something wrong? Did I forget something important? Did I try too hard to win them back? Was I pushy or not pushy enough?     And now, on a daily commute or a regular trip through town, they drive by the house or the neighborhood. Each time, they wonder if they should stop, or if doing so would do more harm than good. Many times, they shed a tear, or at least feel emotions deep within. They think about texting or calling when they get near the neighborhood, but question themselves each time, wondering if it will help or if it will push that person even further away.     And it hurts. It hurts deeply.     It hurts for one reason: that’s a brother or sister in Christ, and you love them more than maybe even they realize. You’d do anything to help them get to heaven, and you have no idea what to do. Every time your wheels turn even within a block or two of the house, you wonder if today should be the day you try again…or if they even care any longer.     And it makes it the hardest drive of your day.     Brother or sister in Christ, don’t ever make someone else have to feel that way. Stay connected to your church family. Be involved. Show love and care. Return those texts or calls, even if it takes a few minutes of your time that you aren’t sure you have. That Christian loves you and just wants you to go to heaven. Realize you would do the same if the roles were reversed.     Oh…and have them over sometime, even if just for a glass of lemonade or to watch a game. That drive is sweeter than can be imagined because the bonding of Christian family is like no other relationship on earth

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Power

By Joe Slater     Here in Texas the electrical power grid is either operating perfectly or in imminent danger of catastrophic collapse, depending on whose propaganda you’re reading. Our recent extremely hot summer and even more recent record-setting cold snap both taxed the grid. I have no solutions to offer here.     We depend heavily on power. Let the electricity go out a few hours (or days) and you realize anew just how reliant we are. I even purchased a generator to use if we are without power for more than a few hours. It won’t run the whole house, but it can keep the refrigerator and freezer from letting the food thaw and ruin.     But what if I can’t get any more gasoline for the generator? Then I’m back to square one. Yes, it’s important to have access to power!     Being connected to the power of God ought to concern us more than the electrical grid. Christ’s gospel is God’s power unto salvation (Romans 1:16). No matter how powerful you might think you are, your own power can’t save you from your sins.     God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). That’s not our power but His! But it will work through you when you are connected to it.     Our “faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5). Confidence in the electrical grid may or may not be justified; but God’s power never fails, and it is always available to those with an obedient faith.     Stay connected to the power!

- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com

Looking to Jesus

By Jared Green     The Letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were struggling in their faith. Dealing with oppression from those around them, some of these Christians were considering leaving their faith in Jesus and returning to the familiar, more comfortable religion of Judaism. Using evidence from the whole of Scripture, the letter’s author makes the case that Jesus is superior. Jesus is supreme over the angels (chapter 1), he is the founder of salvation (chapter 2), he is greater than Moses (chapter 3), he is the great high priest (chapters 4-9), and his once for all sacrifice offers true forgiveness (chapter 10).      Following the in-depth, doctrinal evidence concerning the superiority of Jesus, the author makes a plea for faithfulness that begins by pointing to the faith of Old Testament spiritual heroes such as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and more. Following this list of faithful men and women, the author makes what is, in my opinion, the letter’s greatest appeal to faithfulness.      Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).     As the author argues, there is no better example of faithfulness amid trial than that of Jesus Christ. When faced with the most shameful, humiliating, and painful death imaginable, Jesus endured the cross. He was able to endure “for the joy that was set before him,” and because he endured, he is now “seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus endured because of the hope and joy of the future, and because of his faithful endurance, we have been offered salvation. Amidst life’s trials, may we always look to Jesus as our supreme example. As the author goes on to say, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:3). God loves you, and so do I.

- Jared Green preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

I'm Not Ready Yet

By Bill Brandstatter
    I was talking to a lady once about the second coming of Christ. She stated, “I am not ready yet.” I thought about what that statement revealed and what it can tell us.    First, being ready is not on my terms, but on Christ’s. I must do what He wants me to do. His word will be the basis for judgment (Jn. 12:48). I cannot get ready by my own merit or standard. Jesus warned us to be ready and on the alert. To be ready means I have made the proper preparation. Preparation requires effort. To the persecuted Christians in the first century, Peter encourages them to “add to your faith” (2 Pet. 1:5).    Second, being ready being watchful. The Bible uses the term “watch” to describe the day of the second coming of Christ. He will only come back once. We don’t know when, only the Father knows. If I am watchful in anything, I am on guard. I watch those items which will damage me. I watch to make sure the items I need are the ones I have. Watching for the second coming of Christ works the same way. Jesus used this term. Watch means to be on the lookout or to be aware of what is going on around us.    Third, being ready doesn’t mean we wait till the last minute. Too many people have a lot of “baggage” they want to get rid of before Christ comes back. I am convinced that if the Bible gave us an exact time the Lord would return, there would be some who would wait until a split second before to get things right; but we are not told the time; therefore, any minute we wait could be the last minute.

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/