Peacemakers (Part 1)

By Clifton Angel

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). It is certain that Christians are to keep the principles Paul wrote, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18), and while this principle may be included in Jesus’ words, it is not all that Jesus intended.     Many portray the peacemaker as one who seeks physical peace at all costs. If someone is doing wrong, just ignore it, and “keep the peace.” Confrontation is unacceptable because we must “keep the peace.” “Lets just agree to disagree.” “You do you, and I’ll do me.” While there may be scenarios where such conclusions may be necessary, such philosophies cannot wholly describe disciples of Jesus.     Christians are called to tell the good news of Jesus (cf. Matthew 28:18–20; Romans 10:13–17), and spreading the gospel requires confronting sinful ideologies with truth (Romans 6:23), leading those in need to godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), and exhorting individuals to change for the better (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30). These are necessary because true peace—the greatest peace—is spiritual. It is peace and unity with God. Such peace is far greater than any physical peace we may enjoy with mankind. James wrote, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).     To the church at Ephesus, Paul penned these words: “For he [Jesus, CA] is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Eph 2:14–18).     Jesus has made it possible for us to be reunited with God, and thereby, we are united with all of God’s faithful. That is true peace. Therefore, the faithful follower of Jesus is blessed in seeking to bring others to peace with God, which is impossible with the gospel, faith, repentance, confession, baptism, and faithfulness thereafter.     Are you at peace with God? Are you seeking to lead others to be at peace with God? “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”   - Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Peacemakers (Part 2)

By Clifton Angel     “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). We last considered that God’s peacemakers are at peace with Him and seeking to bring others to be at peace with him (spiritually cleansed from sin). Also, let us consider the need for Christians to be peacemakers among citizens of the spiritual kingdom, the church.     Far too often, the church has been disturbed by troublemakers from within. Yes, even those who wear the name “Christian” have caused problems instead of recognizing the responsibility of being a peacemaker. Troubles arise in the church because of pride (1 Timothy 3:6), preeminence (3 John 9), impenitence (1 Corinthians 5–6; 2 Corinthians 7:10), and opinions (James 1:19). May we never be guilty of causing trouble in the Lord’s church.     In such situations, our responses to troublemakers are vital. Proper responses will quickly quell the quarrels. However, some will agitate by adding to the trouble or siding with the troublemakers. One of the greatest hindrances to peacemaking in the church is gossip (Proverbs 26:20–21). Some will accept the troublemaker as if he has done no wrong (see 1 Corinthians 5:2–6). Some will avoid the trouble because of cowardice or apathy. These are all improper responses to troublemakers in the church.     The proper response to a troublemaker is to properly address the issue (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6–13; 2 Corinthians 2:1–9; Matthew 5:21–26; Matthew 18:15–35). Many passages could be considered to encourage us to be peacemakers within the church. Because of space constraints, we will only consider Romans 12:9–21. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer; communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits. Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Persecuted (Part 1)

By Clifton Angel     There is one beatitude left for us to consider. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12). Let us consider this in three parts: (1) the reason; (2) the record; (3) the reward.     Jesus highlights three manners we may be persecuted. First, “men shall revile you.” Thayer’s Lexicon defines “revile” as “unjust reproach,...upbraid, cast...in one’s teeth.” In other words, hatred, insults, harsh criticisms, or condemnations which feel like a punch in the mouth. Second, “men shall...persecute you.” Thayer says, “in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest.” This includes physical violence to the point of our assailants continuously seeking to harm us. Third, Jesus says, “men shall...speak all manner of evil against you falsely.” Lies, slander, gossip, and other undermining tactics to attempt to silence faithful Christians (e.g., how often are Christians portrayed as “hate mongers,” “homophobic,” “xenophobic,” et al., for lovingly speaking where the Bible speaks?).     No one, in their right mind, desires to be persecuted. Yet, some will pretend to be persecuted for the sake of attention, sympathy, or compensation. Furthermore, many pretend to be persecuted, when in reality, they are suffering the consequences of their own wrongdoing. There are cases when we all suffer from the consequences of the unintentional actions of others and because we live in a world of death and decay. However, none of these fit the reasons Jesus gives for an oppressed person to be considered blessed. Remember, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake...and...for my [Jesus’] sake” (Matthew 5:10–11). This means we are persecuted for doing what is right according to God, and for the cause of Christ. This is not merely what I “think” is right, or what I feel is right, or what I’m passionate about. If we are criticized, injured, insulted, or slandered while doing what Jesus says is right, then we are blessed.     Peter wrote: “Who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good? But even if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for welldoing than for evil-doing” (1 Pet 3:13–17).

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Persecuted (Part 2)

By Clifton Angel

    “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10). We have consider the reasons. Let us now consider the record: “...for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:12). Space will not allow for us to consider every record of every prophet that was persecuted for teaching and doing what is right, but let us consider a few examples.

    Elijah. By God’s power, He witnessed and performed tremendous miracles. He had seen many of his cohorts slain by “Queen” Jezebel (wife and manipulator of Ahab). By Elijah, God displayed His power over Jezebel’s false gods and prophets (cf. 1 Kings 18). With hundreds of her false prophets slain, “Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time” (1 Kings 19:2). Elijah’s reaction defies initial logic: “And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life” (1 Kings 19:3). It can be confusing that Elijah would flee when Jehovah was on his side. Study and experience points to Elijah experiencing one or all of these three: “burnout,” anxiety, depression. He is a tremendous example to the faithful who experience the same, despite the victories they’ve witnessed.

    Daniel. Think about the temptations he had. This was a man taken into Babylonian slavery at a young age and made to work close by a man of great power — Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel’s patriotism for his country was humiliated. He was made to serve one that did not serve the God of heaven. Eventually, he was promoted to the highest in royal order, besides the king, in the greatest nation on earth at the time. Daniel had access to earthly power, prestige, prosperity, but his first priority was to serve God. Because of that, he suffered. Daniel’s life is an amazing example of faith in God. When told to eat the king’s food, he resisted (Daniel 1). When offered the glory for his interpretations, he gave it to God. When commanded by God to prophesy against the king, he did it (Daniel 2). When men tricked Darius into signing a decree against Daniel’s prayer routine, he did not skip a prayer to avoid the lion’s den (Daniel 6).

    Jeremiah. He was rejected by his own family, thrown into a dark cistern full of mud, witnessed the death of many after knowingly warning them, taken into captivity, threatened, and the list could continue (Jeremiah 26:8; 32:2; 38:6; Lamentations; et al.).

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake ... for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12).

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Persecuted (Part 3)

By Clifton Angel

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10). We have considered the reasons and the records. Let us now consider the rewards.     Blessed. This is the focus of this series of studies. When the majority of the world—even those who think themselves religious—refers to being blessed, they hardly mean they are suffering persecution for doing what is right in the eyes of God. Rather, they often are thinking about material wealth, family status, or physical wellness. While God deserves the glory for every good and perfect gift (cf. James 1:17), these common references are not the height of blessedness. Jesus has shown us that the height of blessedness is found in poverty of spirit, mourning of sin, meekness, righteousness, mercy, purity, spiritual peace, and persecution for the cause of Christ.     The kingdom of Heaven. On the surface, our minds immediately think of the place called Heaven. Further investigation reveals this kingdom to be Jesus’ church (Matthew 16:16–19; Mark 9:1; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1ff; cf. Isaiah 2:2–3; Colossians 1:13). Jesus’ church is the product of Heaven and its final destination is in Heaven (John 14:1–3; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 21). Since the establishment of the new covenant, the sinner’s only opportunity to enter into Heaven is to first be in Jesus’ church (cf. Acts 2:38, 47; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3–4; Ephesians 5:23).      Heaven. The word has become synonymous for supreme bliss; for, that is the image that is painted for us in the Scriptures. Among the most beautiful and comforting passages of Scripture is Revelation 21:4, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” However, as we grow in our relationship with God and our exhibition of characteristics which make for supreme blessedness, Revelation 21:3 may become the most beautiful and comforting: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God him-self shall be with them, and be their God.”     “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matt 5:10–12)    - Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

What Is "The Lord's Day"

By Bob Prichard

    David reminds us that “the earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). All that we have belongs to the Lord, including the days of the week. But in Revelation 1:10, John speaks of a special day he calls the Lord’s Day. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.” Being “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” allowed John to receive the Revelation from the Lord of those “things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1).

    The world of the early church was one in which many had to make a conscious and often life-threatening decision. Would they say, “Caesar is Lord,” or “Christ is Lord”? Recognizing that there is “one Lord” (Ephesians 4:5), they knew that there was only one choice: to follow Christ and to do all in His name. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). Thus, Christians partake of the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 11:20) in the name of the Lord on the Lord’s Day.

    While the designation, “the Lord’s Day” is found only in Revelation 1:10, the concept of a day set aside for Christian worship is found from the very beginning of the church, as the early disciples met on the first day of the week. Jesus lived and died under the Old Covenant, and kept and obeyed the laws of the Sabbath, or seventh day of the week. Paul and other disciples went into the Jewish synagogues on the Sabbath day to reason with the Jews about the Christ (Acts 13; 17), but the church did not worship on the Sabbath day. Paul was usually expelled from the synagogues as opposition to his teachings grew, so we know that those Sabbath gatherings of Jews (and some Gentiles) were not meetings of the church.

    The pattern of first day worship was established with the resurrection of Christ from the dead on the first day of the week (Luke 24:1). Most, if not all of the post-resurrection appearances of Christ were on the first day of the week. Christ appeared in the midst of the disciples on the first day of the week, the resurrection day (John 20:19), and then again “after eight days” (John 20:26), meaning the next first day of the week, when the previously absent Thomas became a believer in the resurrection. Even as Paul hurried to be in Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16), he stopped in Troas to meet with the Christians there, “where we abode seven days” (Acts 20:6). Even though a Sabbath day must have passed during those seven days, the next verse says, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7). That gathering on the first day of the week was a gathering on the Lord’s Day by the Christians of Troas and Paul and the other traveling Christians. The scriptures also speak many times of “the day of the Lord” referring to a day of judgment by the Lord, but this is an entirely different word than “the Lord’s 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.

Is Bible Study Important

By Dan C. Bailey

There are about seven billion souls in the world today. Most do not read the Bible, study the Bible, or obey the Bible. The Book is of little or of no significance to them. However, the Christian loves the Bible, believes that the Bible is the revelation of God's Word, and believes that the Bible is true. Since the Christian believes that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the Christian is interested in understanding the Bible. How could one be a Christian and not love the Word of God? How could one be a Christian, and not have a great desire to understand the only inspired Book that we have from our heavenly Father? No doubt, there are those who become children of God and who for a while live as Christians live, and then they abandon God and His Word for the world.     We read in II Timothy 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." We read about others who did the same thing, that is, they forsook God and the Christian life. "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (Hebrews 6:4-6).     However, the true Christian who lives like Christ wants him to live, is interested in understanding the Bible. Our classes on Sunday, or the first day of the week, are designed to instruct us, exhort us, warn us, correct us, and edify us in the Word of the living God. Why wouldn't a Christian be interested in attending the Bible studies on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening, as well as our worship on Sunday evening? Do we study the Bible so much during the week that it is not profitable to engage in it at these times?     The truth is, we all need to study the Word of God more carefully. The sermons and the classes help us to walk by faith, please God, and thereby live the Christian life. If you are able to attend our Bible studies, why not come and grow spiritually. We are commanded, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen" (II Peter 3:18). How can we grow   - 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 Thing About The King

By Edd Sterchi

Zechariah’s prophecy of Jesus in chapter 9 and verse 9 is most interesting: “Rejoice greatly...behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey...” (ESV)     First, we must note from this that Jesus is king! He is above all else. He took part in the creation of everything. He is not only a king, He is THE king. He is all powerful. And He can become our personal king.     Next, we must notice that Jesus is humble and righteous! While upon the earth, He never sinned and was always going about serving others. He was concerned about all people and always put them above Himself. Also, He obeyed the Father’s will perfectly.     Finally, we must see that Jesus brings salvation! It could come no other way. He had to be sacrificed for us to have the opportunity of redemption.     If I was to glean one main thing from this passage, it would be this: The thing about King Jesus is that He is perfect and He can make us perfectly fit for heaven!  - 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/

The Need for Compassion

By Brian Mitchell

Let’s talk about the Case for Compassion. In doing so, I want us to consider an important question. In what ways have you, individually, or have we, collectively, shown compassion recently? Our first response would probably be – What do you mean by compassion? What is Compassion?     The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines compassion as “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” Compassion rises above how we feel about the situation of another, to what we do about their situation. In this sense it is much like love which entails doing whatever is in the best interest of the one to whom our love is shown.     How much sympathy or sorrow do we really feel for the misfortune of others? And a more important question–Do we really have a strong desire to alleviate their suffering? If you are anything like me, you will probably have to admit that your compassion level isn’t always what it needs to be. In fact, if I’m not careful, then my first response to the needs of others can often be rather cold – “Well, they did it to themselves.” Or, “It’s not my problem.” “They should have been more careful or responsible.”     Again, if you notice the definition, it doesn’t say anything about “the strong desire to alleviate the suffering of another” so long as they deserve it. Compassion is to be shown to all, regardless of whether they show any to us. Because Our God is a God of Compassion and He desires that we be as well. The Bible presents us with the picture of a God who is full of compassion and thus over and over calls upon us to be people of compassion—Ex.34:6, Deut.15:11.     So, wouldn’t you agree that caring for the tangible needs of human beings is part-and-parcel of genuine Christianity? When action-oriented compassion is absent, then it’s a tell-tale sign that something is spiritually amiss. Uncaring and uncompassionate Christianity does not attract seekers into its fold. But a clear and consistent demonstration of Christ-like love is a powerful magnet that pulls people toward God. ACT Program—Partners for Africa.     Jesus illustrated the importance of compassion in one of His most famous stories–The Parable of the Good Samaritan. The story is found in Luke 10 and is so familiar to many of us. It’s a story about a Jewish man who was walking from Jerusalem toward the city of Jericho. As he traveled along, some hoodlums and thugs robbed him and beat him up, leaving him half-dead in a ditch on the side of the road.     A short time later a Jewish priest came walking along, but when he saw the man, he moved to the other side of the road and passed by without slowing down. A little while later, another religious man, a Levite, came along. He too quickly passed by on the other side. Finally, along came a man from Samaria, and even though there was a lot of ethnic strife between the Samaritans and the Jews, this Samaritan felt compassion for the robbery victim and stopped to see how he could help.     After assessing the situation, the Samaritan knelt down over the man, cleaned and bandaged his wounds, lifted the man onto his donkey and took him to an inn. The Samaritan gave the innkeeper some money to take care of the man, and said that if the care of the man ends up costing even more, he would pay the additional expenses when he came back through. In conclusion Jesus asked this question, “which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among the thieves” (Lk.10:36). To which the lawyer he told the parable to responded, “He who showed mercy or compassion on him” (Lk.10:37). May the same be said of us.

- 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

Why?

By Andrew Beasley

    Why? It is one of the greatest questions a person can ask. At the same time if you have any experience with young children at all it can be one of the more frustrating questions especially when asked in consistent repetition. But as you read this, I hope you will take a moment and contemplate a “why” question. Why do you come to worship? Why do you bother at all? Why take the time on Sunday to come and worship the Creator of the world?

    Is it out of a sense of obligation? Perhaps it is because you have simply gotten in the habit, that this is what you do? Maybe from a young age your parents brought you and you have merely continued that pattern. Is it because you are commanded to do so? There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these being a motivating factor in why you come. I hope you will allow that perhaps the reason for our worship, our assembly, and the daily righteous and just living of our lives should be grounded in adoration first.

    We are obligated to worship God, yes. Our worship of Him should be a habit, yes. We wish to obey Him. But above all else, it is a privilege for us to worship Him? Why?

“For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” – Psalm95

 

- Andrew Beasley serves as a minister with the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/

Twice Mine

 

By David A. Sargent     Brett Petrillo recently shared this interesting story:     Tom had just finished making his own toy boat. He brought the boat to the edge of a river and started to let out the string tied to it. He was admiring how smoothly his boat cut through the water when a strong current took hold. Tom tried to pull his toy back to shore but the current was too strong and the string snapped. He sprinted along the bank to catch it, but soon his boat drifted out of sight. He desperately searched for the boat until darkness set in. Unsuccessful, he finally gave up the hunt.     Several days later Tom was walking home from school and passed by a toy store. A certain boat caught his eye. He pressed his face against the store window to get a better look and sure enough, it was his lost boat. He ran inside and told the manager, “Sir, that's my boat in your window. I made it myself.”     The manager replied, “Sorry, son, but someone else brought it in this morning. If you want it, you'll have to buy it.”     Tom hurried home and counted all of his money; he had just enough. He rushed back to the store and purchased his beloved boat. As he walked home he held the toy tightly to his chest and said, “Now you're twice mine. First, I made you and now I bought you.” (Good News Publishers, “The Boy Who Lost His Boat”). *     God created mankind in His image (Genesis 1:26-27).  Sadly, due to our wrong choices, each of us has drifted away from God, and we’ve been caught up in the sweeping currents of sin.  In our sin, we’ve become the slave of sin and Satan (John 8:34), which will destroy us (Romans 6:23; 1 Peter 5:8).     But God loves us so much that even though He was the offended party, He paid the price for our redemption.  The price paid for our redemption was the precious blood of His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins (1 Peter 1:18-19).  Because of that “purchase,” we can have forgiveness of our sins and receive the gift of eternal life because of our Maker and Savior.     We belong to God by right of CREATION.  He made us, therefore we belong to Him.  Even though we rejected His ownership in our choice to serve sin and Satan, we can “belong” to Him once again through the REDEMPTION that is found in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7).     God will redeem those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  Having been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, we should live out the rest of our lives seeking to bring glory to Him (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).     When we accept God’s offer of redemption, we become “TWICE HIS.”  He made us and He purchased our redemption.  As His possession, we receive ALL of the spiritual blessings that are found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).     Won’t YOU accept His offer of redemption and eternal life by trusting and obeying Him today?     Won’t YOU?

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org  From “Twice Mine” by Brett Petrillo in Daily Bread (3/5/13), an e-mail ministry of the Bear Valley church of Christ in Denver, CO.  See www.bearvalleycofc.com

Out of the Fire

 

By David A. Sargent
    It was an October day in 1959 in Bixby, Oklahoma.  Six-year-old big sister was at school.  Little two-year-old sister was playing in the house.  Mom was also at home working in another room.  Dad was at work.  A carpenter was refinishing the hardwood floors in their old house.  The carpenter’s wife, accompanied by a five-year-old neighbor, had just arrived to pick him up.  Then it happened.  There was a loud explosion.  When the hot water heater came on, it ignited the freshly sealed hardwood floor and the bucket of sealer that was sitting near the furnace.  Instantly, fire raged in the dining room.    Mother ran out of the back of the house around to the front.  The carpenter, his wife, and the 5-year-old had made it out safely.  The two-year-old, however, was trapped inside.  Mother heard her daughter screaming inside the dining room.  Mother went to the window, ripped off the heavy screen window, threw it aside, and climbed into the smoke-filled room with fire blazing all around.  Huddled in the corner just a couple of feet from the fire was her daughter.  She was trying to shield herself from the fire with her arms.  Mother ripped off her own skirt and wrapped her daughter in it.  Carrying her, she climbed out of the window.  By this time, Dad had arrived.  Seeing that their daughter was badly burned, they rushed her to the hospital in Broken Arrow.  It wouldn’t be long before she would be rushed to a much larger, better-equipped hospital in Tulsa.    The little two-year-old had suffered terrible burns on her legs up to the middle of her thighs, on her right arm, and the right side of her face.  Over a four-month period in the hospital, the little two-year-old underwent multiple surgeries to place skin grafts on the burn sites.  Doctors even had to take her to surgery in order to change her dressings.    And every day, her mother was by her side.    That little girl, Pam, is now a wife and has a daughter of her own.  She has experienced success as an executive of the Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan.  She still walks with a limp and has scars on her legs and her right hand.  But she is alive and well… and thankful for her loving mother, Helen Parham, who saved her life by pulling her out of the fire.    The love of this mother for her daughter should help us to recognize how much the Heavenly Father loves each one of us...     “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  When we were doomed because of our sins, God sent Jesus to our rescue so that we would not perish in the flames of the fires of hell (Ephesians 1:7).  He came so that so we might have eternal life in a glorious place called Heaven (John 14:1-6).    Jesus will save and give eternal life to those who accept His offer of salvation on His terms: placing their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse those who strive to continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).    Jesus has come to save YOU from the fire.  He has something FAR BETTER for you!     Won’t YOU accept His offer on His terms? 

David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

Never Alone

 

By David A. Sargent

    Steve Higginbotham relates an experience that will likely be familiar to parents of small children:

    I can remember a frequent routine that used to take place in our house when my youngest son was about six-years-old and my youngest daughter was about two-years-old. It would be evening, the family would be upstairs, and I might ask my youngest son to retrieve something from the first floor.

    He would quickly say, “But Dad, no one’s down there.” To which I would say, “I know.” Then he would reply, “But it’s dark and the lights are out.” I’d say, “Then turn on the lights and it won’t be dark anymore.” Then he’d say, “But I’m afraid.” And I’d say, “There’s nothing to be afraid of, now go on down there and get what I asked you to get.” Finally, he would turn to his two-year-old sister and say, “Hey Anne Marie, do you want to go downstairs with me?”

    Through the years, I’ve laughed about that. I mean, what’s a two-year-old girl going to do to help you when you’re scared?

    Presence - She’ll give you her presence. We value presence more than we may

realize. Our fears aren’t as great when we’re with someone else. The darkness doesn’t seem quite as dark. And our imaginations are kept in check by the presence of others *

    For those who have or who are experiencing storms (physical or emotional)… For those who are grieving the loss of loved ones… For those who are battling chronic illness and pain… For those who are lonely… It’s wonderful to know that IF we are children of God..... then we are NEVER ALONE!

    There’s only one thing that can separate us from God: our SIN! “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

    But when we were separated from Him due to our sin, God came to us in the person of His Son, Jesus. “And the Word became FLESH and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

    Even while we were yet sinners, God first demonstrated His love by His PRESENCE. Then, He demonstrated His love completely when Jesus died on the cross for our sins – so that we would NEVER have to be separated from God anymore! “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

    We can be reconciled to God through Jesus when we: place our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed; born of the water and the Spirit) for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; John 3:3,5). Then, as His children, we continue to “stay connected” to Him as we continue to walk in the light of His Word while the blood of Jesus continues to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

    Steve Higginbotham closed his article saying, “Thank God for two-year-old little girls who will go downstairs with their older brothers, and thank God for Jesus who promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).”

    Won’t YOU accept His offer of salvation and life? You’ll never be alone again.

David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org Steve Higginbotham, “Do You Want to Go With Me?” in MercEmail (5/31/13).

Distracted

By David A. Sargent

In August of 2011, a LifeNet helicopter crashed in a pasture near Mosby, Missouri, within sight of and only a mile from the intended destination. The pilot and three passengers – a patient and two medical personnel – were killed instantly.     Federal safety officials announced this week that the pilot was at fault. Specifically, they said the fatal crash was due to fatigue, lack of training, and… distracted texting!     Mike Ahlers of CNN reports that safety officials discovered in an investigation that the pilot “sent several text messages with one hand while flying the helicopter with the other....     But those text messages in the air – which ended 19 minutes before the crash – turned out to be less consequential than text messages he sent and received while on the ground. Investigators believe [the pilot] engaged in an extensive text conversation with a colleague about dinner plans while he was conducting mandatory pre-flight checks of his helicopter. Because of those distractions, [he] missed two opportunities to detect that his helicopter did not have sufficient fuel for his mission.”     After picking up the patient at a hospital, the pilot apparently took off after miscalculating that he could reach his destination. He was fatally wrong.*     Distractions can cause many problems in our lives; they can even cause us to miss out on a saving relationship with the Creator!     In the Parable of the Sower (see Mark 4:1-20), Jesus described FOUR different types of soils that represent the hearts of people and how receptive these hearts are to the Word of God. One of the soils He described was the “thorny soil” (v. 7). He later explained the hearts represented by this type of soil: “Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and CHOKE the word, making it unfruitful” (vs. 18-19).     Jesus was warning that some hearts are TOO DISTRACTED to receive the Word into their hearts, obey it, and be saved.     In the same parable, Jesus taught that those whose hearts are like “good soil” are those who “HEAR the Word, RECEIVE it, and BEAR fruit” (v. 20).     Those who are not distracted are able to understand the Good News (the Gospel) that God sent His Son into the world to pay the price for our sins (John 3:16; Eph 1:7).     “GOOD HEARTS” will also understand that in order to receive the benefits of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, one must place his faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Then, as one continues to walk in the light of His Word, the blood of Jesus – that was shed for our salvation (Matthew 26:28) – will continue to cleanse one from sin (1 John 1:7).     Don’t let "distractions" keep you from reaching the heavenly destination that God desires for you (see John 14:1-6).     Study His Word with an open and honest heart, learn of God’s “unspeakable Gift” – the GIFT of His Son, and accept His salvation on His terms.     Won’t YOU?   - David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org * Information gleaned from “Pilot Texting a Factor in Deadly Copter Crash” by Mike M. Ahlers of CNN (4/10/13).

The Urban Trance

By David A. Sargent     Recently, Tim Elmore shared a quote from Dr. Daniel Goleman’s book, Social Intelligence: People on busy city streets worldwide are less likely to notice, greet, or offer help to someone else because of what has been termed the “urban trance.”  Sociologists have proposed that we tend to fall into this self-absorbed state on crowded streets, if only to gird against stimulus overloaded from the swirl around us.  Inevitably, the strategy requires a trade-off: we shut out the compelling needs of those around us along with the mere distractions.  As a poet put it, we confront the “noise of the street dazed and deafened.” *     A lawyer once asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told the following story in response to the question: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.  Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.  The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper.  'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have'” (Luke 10:30-35 NIV).     Then Jesus asked the lawyer a question: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"     The lawyer replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”     Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:36-37).     The reason the priest and the Levite did not stop to help may not have been what Goleman described as the “urban trance,” but the effect was the same: a man who needed help didn’t receive it.  Those who don’t try to help others in need are not “good neighbors.”     In addition to learning from Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan about what it means to “love your neighbor as yourself,” consider the One who told the story.     When WE were “left by the roadside,” suffering the deadly effects of our sins, Jesus didn’t suffer from the “urban trance”; He saw us.  He didn’t “pass by on the other side” like the priest and the Levite.  Rather, He – like the Good Samaritan – came to us, to help us, so that we might be healed of our spiritual malady.     Jesus’ remedy for our sin required His death on the cross as payment for our sins (Ephesians 1:7).  “By His stripes we are healed” (1 Peter 2:24).  Through Jesus, we can be saved from our sins and receive the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).     God will save those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His word (1 John 1:7).     Rather than having the “urban trance,” Jesus looked upon us with loving concern and came to us to meet our greatest need by giving Himself for us.     Won’t YOU accept His offer of forgiveness and eternal life?     Then, let’s see the needs of others and share the love of Christ with them.

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org * Tim Elmore “The Unintended Consequence of an Overwhelmed Student.” August 12, 2015 - See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/the-unintended-consequence-of-an-overwhelmed-student/#sthash.SHWfuT8q.dpuf

One Nation Under God

By Clifton Angel     What if you could live in a nation whose foundation was built upon God? What if you could live in a nation whose primary leader was completely submissive to God?  What if you could live in a nation whose laws were always truly good and right? What if you could live in a nation whose justice system was entirely up-right? What if you could live in a nation whose good citizens always looked to God? A nation whose education system relied on the Bible? A nation where life was sacred? A nation where the leaders truly sought the best for the citizens? A nation that cared most about things Biblical, instead of things political? As much as this may seem like a fantasy, it is actually a reality.     Peter wrote these words to members of the body of Christ: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Figuratively, the Lord's church is a nation, which must shine as a line to all physical nations. Paul said, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye  may be blameless and harmless, the sons  of God, without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of a  crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14–15).     The Psalmist proclaimed, "Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah, The people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance" (Psalm 33:12, ASV). Peter said  it this way, concerning  the  church, "Blessed be  the  God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his  abundant  mercy  hath  begotten  us  again  unto  a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  To  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3–4).     If you are in Christ's kingdom (Acts 2:37–47; Colossians 1:13)—an holy nation—you are in: (1) A nation whose foundation is built upon God! (2) A nation whose primary leader is completely submissive to God (Jesus)! (3) A nation whose laws are always truly good and right! (4) A nation whose justice system is entirely upright! (5) A nation whose good citizens always look to God! (6) A nation whose education system relies on the Bible! (7) A nation where life is sacred! (8) A nation where the leaders truly seek the best for the citizens! (9) A nation that cares most about things Biblical, instead of things political!      Are you in the church that belongs to Christ—the one nation that is willingly under God?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

The Merciful-1

By Clifton Angel     Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). In other words, “Blessed are they which give forgiveness, for they shall receive forgiveness.” It is much easier to preach than it is to practice. In our series on this subject, let us consider the Biblical examples of Jonah, Saul, and Jesus.     God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach to them. However, Jonah tried to flee to Tarshish (Nineveh was much closer than Tarshish; it is amazing the lengths we will go to avoid forgiving another). We can easily shame Jonah, but if we are honest, we are more like him than we would like to admit. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria. The Assyrians were the world power of the time, a9 Jonah did not want to go preach to them. Therefore, when God commanded him to preach to Nineveh, he sought to flee in the opposite direction.     A great storm arose, and eventually, by his request, Jonah was cast out of the ship. I believe this was another attempt to escape the responsibility God placed on him.     At this point, he was ready to die instead of having to face the responsibility of preaching to the ungodly, Gentile barbarians of Nineveh. God had other plans. He prepared a great fish that swallowed Jonah. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days, and it was there that he acknowledged his wrongdoing, repented, and sought God’s help. The fish expelled him onto dry land, and Jonah did as God had commanded him to do. He preached, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). “So the people of Nineveh believed God” (Jonah 3:5).     “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry” (Jonah 4:1). “And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil” (Jonah 4:2). Job was so enraged with disgust for other sinful people, and so unmerciful to their sins, that he wanted God to take his life (Jonah 4:3).     Our natural and societal inclination would be the same toward anyone considered morally depraved and disgusting in our eyes. However, Jesus has shown us a better way: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

The Merciful-2

By Clifton Angel

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). We have considered the unmerciful example of Jonah. Next, let us consider the great mercy shown to Saul of Tarsus.      When Stephen was stoned to death, “the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul” (Acts 7:58). Saul was a Pharisee that led the charge of persecuting the early church (Acts 8:1). “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling [dragging, CA] men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest” (Acts 9:1). In the same chapter, it is revealed that Jesus appeared to Saul, rebuked him for resisting the work of God, and how that Saul as converted to Christ.     Later, he would go by the name of Paul and often referred to his former life. “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women” (Acts 22:3–4). Later, he said, “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:9–11). In a letter to Timothy, he wrote, “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:13–15).     Paul was baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 9:18; 22:16); yet, the disciples were afraid of him. (Acts 9:26). I suppose many of us would react the same. “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27).      Jesus led the charge of seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10). Barnabas followed Jesus in showing great mercy to the chiefest of sinners. Will we show the same mercy to others?     - Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

The Merciful-3

By Clifton Angel

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). It has been over a month since we last studied the subject, but in parts one and two, we considered the unmerciful example of Jonah and the great mercy shown to Saul of Tarsus.     Perhaps, the greatest blessing on earth is forgiveness. Isaiah prophesied, “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save” (Isaiah 59:1). Paul wrote of “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ... of the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18).     Will you take a moment and read Philippians 2:1-8? Who is writing this? It is the same man that was dragging Christian mothers and fathers to undeserved punishments and deaths. But now he is “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). “For I determined not to know anything among you save Christ Jesus, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).     This is all made possible by Jesus. He was in the highest position. He was in the presence of glory beyond the beauty of the imagination of man. Yet, He gave up that position, lived the life of a man, suffered beguile, rejection, physical abuse, verbal abuse, torture, and persecution from the very ones He created. He gave Himself to die the death of a criminal when He had committed no crime. When He could have called the host of Heaven to destroy mankind, He hang there in pain, agony, and thirst and cried, “Father, forgive them.”     There is no greater being than God. There is no greater Man than Jesus the Christ. There is no greater place than Heaven. There is no greater reward than to be able live there. Therefore, there is no greater blessing on earth than forgiveness!     How forgiving are we? Are we like unmerciful Jonah who was sickened to see the unrighteous repent and be forgiven? Are we like the unmerciful servant of Matthew 18:21–35, whose debt was remitted which he could never repay, yet he would not show mercy to a coworker that owed him very little? Or, are we like Paul, who recognized the greatness of his sin, the greatness of God’s mercy, and continually labored to make sure that others could receive forgiveness, also. He said, “I am debtor ... I am ready to preach the gospel to you ... I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one” (Romans 1:14–16).   - Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Hunger and Thirst

By Clifton Angel

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Hunger and thirst are natural desires that are common, controlling, and driving. Every person understands the physical desire for food and drink. However, we may not realize our need for spiritual nourishment.     Many are spiritually malnourished while believing they are perfectly healthy. Jesus said it this way: “Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger” (Luke 6:25). We need to properly feed our spiritual hunger. "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger” (John 6:35). We need to properly quench our thirst. To the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus said: “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst” (John 4:13–14). In another place, He said, “He that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). And again, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37–38).     For those who have tasted of the Bread of Life and the living water of Jesus, we must beware that we can still ruin our spiritual appetite. We can do so by not reading and studying God’s Word as we ought. Let us study (2 Timothy 2:15) that we might “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We can ruin our appetite by not attending every possible service of the Lord’s church. “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:24, 25). We can ruin our spiritual appetite by not praying like we should. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We can ruin our spiritual appetite by being overcome with the things of this world. John wrote, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). We can ruin our appetite by being engaged in sin. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1).     “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Righteousness is the state of being right and doing right, according to God (Matthew 6:33; Romans 1:16–17). Are you hungering and thirsting after righteousness?   - Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/