Preservation

By Cliton Angel     Perseverance may be the most difficult aspect of the Christian life. Thus, Paul exhorted the church at Ephesus that along with God’s armor, there was the need to be, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Interestingly, this is the only appearance of the English word “perseverance” in all of the King James Version of the Bible. However, the Greek root which bears out this meaning in the English can be found multiple times as a verb. Let us consider these Scriptural occasions in which we might receive exhortation to persevere.     Worship and Fellowship. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done” (Acts 8:13).     Evangelism and Fellowship. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:46–47).     Prayer and Fellowship. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1:14). “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).     Beginning anything in life is often much easier than continuing it. The Christian life is much “easier” to begin than to continue; therefore, may the need to be together with church and serving the Lord be impressed upon us that we might persevere.

- 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/

One Faith : Part 1

By Clifton Angel
    Paul instructed the church at Ephesus that there is "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5). Jude wrote to Christians with the purpose of exhorting them: "ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today? Consider some research:    "The Roman Catholic Church’s faith and doctrine is founded upon 'that deposit of faith given to it by Christ and through his apostles, sustained by the Bible and by tradition.' (A Catechism of Christian Doctrine, p. 44)".*** Further reading in the reference quoted yields the fact that the Catholic Church often places more emphasis on tradition than the Bible's teachings, and the "Bishop of Rome," also known as the Pope, can override any principle of faith or teaching of the Bible by his own authority.    "'If someone asks a Lutheran: "What does the Lutheran Church teach?" or: "What do you as a Lutheran believe?" he can direct the inquirer to the Lutheran confessions.' (Our Church and Others, p. 25).”    "Although the Westminster Confession of Faith is still nominally the creed of Presbyterianism, the truth is that the Presbyterian Church left it long ago....The heart and soul of Presbyterianism today is modernism...Modernists look upon the Bible as the product of man, not God.”    "In spite of breaking away from Roman Catholicism, much of the organization and many of the teachings of the Anglican Church, and in turn the Episcopal Church, are very similar, if not identical, to the Roman Catholic Church." "The Episcopal Church teaches... '...that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.' (Book of Common Prayer, p. 605)."    "The Methodist Discipline gives rules, doctrines, and regulations governing all procedures and affairs of the church, and all ministers are obligated to observe 'every part' of it in their districts. (Doctrines and Discipline of the Methodist Church, Art. 362, p. 108)."    These five will make up our first edition of this article because of space limitations. However, I will be providing more, the Lord providing the time. Please know, friends, it is not my purpose to bash anyone or any entity. It is my purpose to speak "the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today?***Unless noted, all extra-Biblical citations are from:http://www.padfield.com/acrobat/taylor/denominations.pdf.

 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/ 

One Faith: Part 2

By Clifton Angel
    Paul instructed the church at Ephesus that there is "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5). Jude wrote to Christians with the purpose of exhorting them: "ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today? Let's consider some more research:
The Watchtower Society’s (more commonly known as Jehovah's Witnesses) origin and beliefs can be traced back to its founder Charles Taze Russell, Russell's successor Joseph Franklin Rutherford, who also denounced many of Russell's teachings, and Nathan H. Knorr, under whose leadership the New World Translation was published.***The New World Translation is a copy of the Bible text with various words and phrases changed, added, or taken away in order that it might better fit their foundational teachings. The Watchtower, a frequent publication of the Society, is also used as an authoritative source of their faith.    The Church of God, the United Pentecostal Church, the Assemblies of God, Neo-Pentecostalism and other groups can be grouped together "under the heading of 'Holiness Churches.'" While their faiths do not agree on every point, they have similarities, including their beliefs in Holy Spirit baptism, the performing of miracles today, and the ability to speak in tongues, which are misapplications of the Biblical text.    Did you know that the Masonic Lodge, or Freemasonry, is another denominational, unbiblical faith? Interestingly, their own writings contradict themselves concerning their status as a religion. "'Though religious in character, Masonry is not a religion, not a substitute for one.' (Freemasonry, A Way Of Life, Grand Lodge of Indiana)." "'Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 213)." "'Masonry propagates no creed except its own most simple and Sublime One; that universal religion, taught by Nature and by Reason. Its Lodges are neither Jewish, Moslem, nor Christian Temples...it extracts the good and not the evil, the truth and not the error, from all creeds.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 718).”    In our three articles concerning there being a multiplicity of faiths in a world where the Bible says there is only one true faith (Ephesians 4:5), we have only touched the hem of the garment of researching various faiths. Not only is there much more research concerning those already mentioned, but there also remains much to be taught concerning the faiths of the Salvation Army, the Community Church movement, and numerous others. Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today?***Unless noted, extra-Biblical citations are from: http://www.padfield.com/acrobat/taylor/denominations.pdf.

- 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/

One Faith: Part 3

By Clifton Angel

Paul instructed the church at Ephesus that there is "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5). Jude wrote to Christians with the purpose of exhorting them: "ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today? Let's consider some more research:
The Watchtower Society’s (more commonly known as Jehovah's Witnesses) origin and beliefs can be traced back to its founder Charles Taze Russell, Russell's successor Joseph Franklin Rutherford, who also denounced many of Russell's teachings, and Nathan H. Knorr, under whose leadership the New World Translation was published.***The New World Translation is a copy of the Bible text with various words and phrases changed, added, or taken away in order that it might better fit their foundational teachings. The Watchtower, a frequent publication of the Society, is also used as an authoritative source of their faith.    The Church of God, the United Pentecostal Church, the Assemblies of God, Neo-Pentecostalism and other groups can be grouped together "under the heading of 'Holiness Churches.'" While their faiths do not agree on every point, they have similarities, including their beliefs in Holy Spirit baptism, the performing of miracles today, and the ability to speak in tongues, which are misapplications of the Biblical text.    Did you know that the Masonic Lodge, or Freemasonry, is another denominational, unbiblical faith? Interestingly, their own writings contradict themselves concerning their status as a religion. "'Though religious in character, Masonry is not a religion, not a substitute for one.' (Freemasonry, A Way Of Life, Grand Lodge of Indiana)." "'Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 213)." "'Masonry propagates no creed except its own most simple and Sublime One; that universal religion, taught by Nature and by Reason. Its Lodges are neither Jewish, Moslem, nor Christian Temples...it extracts the good and not the evil, the truth and not the error, from all creeds.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 718).”    In our three articles concerning there being a multiplicity of faiths in a world where the Bible says there is only one true faith (Ephesians 4:5), we have only touched the hem of the garment of researching various faiths. Not only is there much more research concerning those already mentioned, but there also remains much to be taught concerning the faiths of the Salvation Army, the Community Church movement, and numerous others. Humbly, sincerely, and lovingly, I plead with you: Why are there so many different faiths today?***Unless noted, extra-Biblical citations are from: http://www.padfield.com/acrobat/taylor/denominations.pdf.

- 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/

One Lord

By Clifton Angel     What comes to your mind when you hear the word "Lord?" To some, it may just be another vain word in their vocabulary used to show amazement, surprise, or disbelief. To some, it may be an endearing description of God and Jesus that causes them to have comfort. How often, though, when you hear the word "Lord," do you think of a master to whom you have submitted completely the control of your life?     I want us to consider that in a world where there is only one true Lord (Ephesians 4:5), multitudes of people are submitting to "many other" lords. According to one dictionary, "lord" is defined as "someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler." The Apostle Peter wrote, "Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord" (1 3:15, ASV). This means in our minds, the only Lord over our lives, thoughts, actions, and words should be Jesus Christ. But how often is that true?     Is it possible that some have sanctified in their hearts family members as "lords" more than Jesus? Looking back a couple articles ago, I urged us to see the Scriptural fact that there is one church. Yet, how often do individuals choose their assembly of worship, not on what the Scriptures say, but on where their family attends? Or, how often will individuals continuously skip worship and Bible class assemblies because they have to tend to their families? (Note: I know there are very special occasions where it is the case that one has to care for another who cannot care for himself/herself; I am speaking of occasions when we choose family over Jesus).      Is it possible that some have sanctified in their hearts hobbies as "lords" more than Jesus? For example, it's Sunday morning, and instead of getting dressed for worship, many are getting dressed for the deer stands. It's Sunday morning, and instead of gearing up for Bible class, many are gearing up for a day at the lake. It's Sunday, and instead of focusing on worshipping God and giving Him our all, we're still thinking about our college's game the day before and what will be the new rankings.      Is it possible that some have sanctified in their hearts riches as "lords" more than Jesus? In their minds, it is only the accumulation of riches which will satisfy their souls (Ironically, they will find this not to be the case even if they become very wealthy). And so, the accumulation of riches—whether it be money or possessions—is what controls these persons' thoughts, actions, and words.      Who or what is your "Lord" or "lord?" Paul said there is "one Lord" (Ephesians 4:5), and Peter urged, "Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord" (1 Peter 3:15). Is Jesus your motivation for living? Is He the reason you choose the words you choose? Is He the reason you do the things you do?

- 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/

Glory in the Highest to God

By David R. Ferguson     The Revised Standard Version translates Luke 2:14 thusly: "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."     Although I admire greatly the RSV, in this case I don’t believe this is the best or most accurate translation of this passage. A better rendering, I believe, is, "Glory in the highest to God, and on Earth peace among men of good will."     God didn’t send the gift of His Son to Earth because He was pleased with man, which is how the RSV appears to read. Had He been pleased with men, there would have been no need to send His Son in the first place. On the contrary, God sent us Jesus Christ because our sins had made us His enemy (James 4:4), and it’s His will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).     What the Angels were intending to tell us is that glory and praise of the highest magnitude are to be given to God because of Whom He is, not merely because of where He is. As it’s written in the RSV, one might be led to believe that praise is to be given to God merely because of the place (location) where He is. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but I believe it falls short of what’s really being conveyed in this passage. What was being proclaimed is an affirmation from the Heavenly host of why God should be praised thusly.     The glory and praise bestowed upon God is to be of the highest caliber because only He offers salvation, only He offers peace, only He offers forgiveness of sins, and only He offers reconciliation of His people through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through His boundless grace freely granted He offers this most precious of gifts to us, not because of our goodness or our works (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9), but because He loved us so much and knew that we were in need of His salvation (John 3:16).     The "peace among men of good will" will only come and be bestowed upon those who honor God with praise and glory of the highest magnitude. This only happens if we are men who are doers as well as hearers of His word (James 1:22). Then, and only then, will He be pleased with men, for we will have put to death our old man that the body of sin may be done away (Romans 6:6). We shall be conformed to the body of His glory (Philippians 3:21), no longer in bondage to sin (Romans 6:6). God will view us through the riches of His glory (Ephesians 3:16) that is His Son as we are now clothed in Christ (Galatians 3:27), our sins washed away through the redemption that is found in His blood (Acts 22:16; Ephesians 1:7).     May you and yours truly enjoy "peace among men of good will" as you give "glory in the highest to God"!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

Exercise Wisdom with Benevolence

By David R. Ferguson "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith" (Galatians 6:10).     The topic of benevolence is a difficult one that brings up many questions. Does opportunity equal obligation? Is benevolence something we do when convenient? When does encouraging through benevolence become enabling? Are there times when it is proper to say, "No"?     There are limits of benevolence, regardless of whom one feels is an eligible candidate. When Galatians 6:10 tells us that we should help "all men," this doesn’t include those who are called the "idle" in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, if any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."     And just as wisdom is to be applied to the phrase "all men," so, too, is wisdom to be applied when we are told to "Give to him that asks of you" in Matthew 5:42. This doesn’t mean that we "Take the children’s bread and cast it to dogs" (Matthew 15:26). In other words, we don’t give to others if our giving is going to be depriving our own dependents of what they need. We don’t want to be too narrow in our benevolence, but neither should we be too broad in whom we decide to help.     We have no authority to extend benevolence that would help immoral living, such as would be the case of fornication, drug abuse, or giving money to a woman to have an abortion performed. We should never be guilty of enabling sin or sinful practices and lifestyles. As Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, Christianity prescribes starvation for those who refuse and shirk work. The purpose is that their hunger, hopefully, will drive them to seek and find work for themselves.     We also must consider what is our ability to perform benevolence, both at the personal as well as the congregational level. As stated previously, one should never deprive one’s own to help another. As the old proverb states, charity begins at home. So just as we should try to teach the gospel to as many people as possible, we should also assist in benevolence as many people as we possibly can, as God has prospered and blessed us. Wisdom is required, and God has promised to grant wisdom generously to those who seek it (James 1:5).     May the Lord bless and prosper you!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

Having the Faith of Abraham

By David R. Ferguson     In Hebrews 11:8 [NAS] we read, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”     To this very day, Abraham is respected so highly that even his very name is considered synonymously with that of faith, for it is upon Abraham that God has bestowed the title of “the father of all who believe” in Romans 4:11 [NAS]. In speaking of the righteousness and faith of Abraham, the Apostle Paul states in Romans 4:10-12 [NAS], 10. How then was it reckoned? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; 11. and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be reckoned to them, 12. and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.     Abraham did as His Lord had commanded, and he went and dwelt in a land that was not his. It was by faith that he went there and lived. By faith it means he lived by the spoken word of God. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Romans 10:17 (NAS), 7. for we walk by faith, not by sight. 17. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”     Abraham had been given a promise and, no doubt, he was encouraged greatly by that promise. He was willing to travel some 400 miles and dwell in tents in a temporary home in a strange land because the home he longed for and waited for was a home with foundations that could not be shaken. The Hebrews writer tells us in Hebrews 11:10 [NAS] concerning Abram’s great faith, “for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.”     As children of God we, too are heirs of this same promise. As Paul states in Galatians 3:27-29 [NAS], 27. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.     As heirs with Abraham may we, too, look forward to living in that city not made with hands!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

Justification and Reconciliation Freely Given

By David R. Ferguson 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 [MEV])     I’ve always heard it preached and taught that justification and reconciliation both occurred at the point of salvation, and for many years I believed this was true. But as the Apostle Paul says, “Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 [MEV]). Upon some further studying of my own, I have arrived at a different conclusion. Just as the grace of God is given to everyone unconditionally, so, too, it seems that justification and reconciliation are given to everyone unconditionally. But that doesn't mean that everyone is saved. We confuse grace with mercy all too often. Mercy is conditioned upon our willingness to come to God on His terms. Grace, however, is unconditional, and this can be seen in the following verse, as well as in Ephesians 2:8-9. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8 [MEV]).     Just as God's grace and gift of His Son were given to us unconditionally while we were yet sinners, we also are justified and reconciled because of this gift. This seems to be brought out by Paul in the next verses. 9 How much more then, being now justified by His blood, shall we be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. 11 Furthermore, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:9-11 [MEV])     Paul says outright that we were reconciled by the death of Jesus Christ, and this occurred while we were still enemies of God. It was when Jesus shed His blood that Paul says we were justified. We shall be saved (future tense) by His life. We only put on Christ at baptism (Galatians 3:27), and it’s at this point that we receive the mercy of God, something that is conditional, and the forgiveness of sins. I know first-hand that these are difficult concepts for members of the church of Christ to grasp, but I believe they are true, nonetheless. God said it, I believe it, and that settles it. And this is something for which all of us who have been born again in Christ should be grateful, not only in this life, but throughout eternity as well! May God bless you and your family!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

The Conversion of a Former Sorcerer

By David R. Ferguson       The very fact that Simon the Sorcerer was converted to Christ should be cause for great celebration, for this shows us that no one is beyond the reach of our Lord. His blood is more powerful than our sins, and He’s more potent than our great accuser, Satan. He’s able to remove every sin that stains our soul. Even a man such as was Simon, a man who had dedicated his life to do the work of dark magic through the power and deceits of the Devil, is shown not to be beyond hope of redemption! That means most certainly that our sins aren’t going to keep us from salvation in Christ if we, too, as Simon did, convert and give our lives to the Lord in obedient, saving faith. Isn’t this the message found in the following words written by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:4-7 [ESV]? 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – 6 and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the Heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.     There are many extra-biblical accounts that extrapolate upon this encounter between Simon the Sorcerer and the Apostle Peter and claim Simon and Peter became great enemies. They also claim that Simon became the forerunner to the Gnostic movement, one of the few named heresies in the New Testament. Are these true accounts of the subsequent life of Simon?     I believe those claims are mere fanciful imaginings that aren’t based in fact. Remember, Luke wrote through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and he makes absolutely no indication whatsoever that Simon continued in his errant ways once he was confronted by Peter.     Please note how Luke who, by any standard, is considered to be one of the greatest historians ever, one who was very careful in all of his details down to including the minutest of details, makes a point of telling his readers that this is how Simon USED to be. He uses past tense words and phrases such as was practicing, formerly, the people were giving him attention, and he had for a long time astonished the people. The fact that the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to state it was in the past that Simon had done these things should lay to rest any questions or doubts about whether or not Simon was indeed a baptized, true believer in Jesus Christ. It should lead any reasonable person to reject as fallacy any claims that Simon became an enemy of Peter and the church which Jesus created through the spilling of His blood and the giving of His life. May God bless you and your family!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

The Blessed Man of Psalm 1

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.     These are the opening verses of Psalm 1. This Psalm is sort of the introduction to the whole Book of Psalms. It sets the stage for the ongoing discussion of what the righteous man is like, what he does, what he thinks about, and what he avoids.     This psalm kicks off by telling us what a truly blessed life doesn't look like. It’s an important warning: watch where you’re walking, who you’re listening to, and what you're settling into. There's a kind of slide that can happen: • ̈ First, you just walk alongside the wrong crowd. • ̈ Then you stop and linger where trouble hangs out. • ̈ Before you know it, you’re sitting down, totally comfortable with scoƬng and cynicism. It’s subtle. And that’s the danger. The path away from God rarely feels dramatic—it’s usually slow and sneaky.     Then we have the flip side. The person who’s truly blessed loves the things God says. They’re not just checking the Bible off a reading list. They delight in it. They chew on it, mull it over, carry it in their minds during quiet moments or busy days. They spend time meditating on the word of God. God’s Word becomes like a favorite song stuck in your head. It becomes a guide for our lives.     This kind of person, someone who chooses God's wisdom over the world's noise, is like a strong tree planted near water (Psalm 1:3). Even when life gets tough, their soul doesn’t dry up. Their life shows purpose and their faith continues to grow, season after season. The person who has God’s word at the center of their life is able to truly prosper in what they do. It may not look like what the world considers success, but it is a life that is pleasing to God.     In today's world, it's easy to be swept along by whatever’s trending. But Psalm 1 reminds us that where we walk, stand, and sit—who we listen to and what we value—shapes our life more than we think. So here's a simple challenge. Take a moment today to ask yourself, “What voices am I letting shape me?” And maybe crack open your Bible—not just to read it, but to let it shape you into the person God wants you to be.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Isn't That Convenient

By Dale J. Babinsky     In today's fast-paced world, convenience has become a significant aspect of our daily lives. The definition of convenience often involves little trouble or effort, and we tend to favor it because it allows us to avoid going out of our way and makes it easier to be lazy. However, convenience is not always beneficial.     While convenience can make our lives easier, it can also lead to negative consequences. For instance, it can cause us to overspend. Imagine needing something that costs $10, but you end up spending $50 to get free shipping, thinking you saved $4.99 in shipping fees. Additionally, convenience can lead to loneliness. With apps that allow us to order food and complete transactions without speaking to anyone, our electronic devices have made things easier but at what cost?     There was a time in the history of Israel when convenience became a significant problem. Solomon's sins, as mentioned in 1 Kings 11:29-33, led to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah. Jeroboam took ten tribes to the North and, in an attempt to make worship easier for his subjects, he built and fortified a new capital city, Shechem, in the tribal area of Ephraim. He was more concerned about maintaining his power than the well-being of his subjects, fearing they would return to the house of David if they went to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices.     Jeroboam's solution was to make worship easy for his subjects by setting up two golden calves, with one in Bethel and one in Dan. This act was reminiscent of the golden calf incident in Exodus 32. The people, preferring the convenience, accepted this new form of worship. However, this was not the worship the Lord desired. It was in the wrong place, in the wrong manner, with the wrong priests, and directed towards the wrong subject.     Choosing convenience over what God wants can lead to dire consequences. Jeroboam's actions led to punishment in the days of Josiah, as prophesied in 1 Kings 13:1-2 and fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:15 -16. Amos was sent to Israel with a message that they would be led away captive, as mentioned in Amos 7:10-13. If we choose convenience over God's commands, our worship becomes vain and useless.     God desires what He wants, and it might not always be convenient for us. It may not be a convenient time or place, and there may be other things we would rather be doing. However, convenience does not please the Lord. Our heart and desire must be for Him, and we should want to do what pleases the Lord, even if it requires effort. Choosing convenience over God's commands can lead to consequences we do not want to face. Instead, we should desire to be with Him in eternity.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Does Moral Law Demand a Moral Lawgiver?

By Dale J. Babinsky
    Have you ever wondered about how we know what is right or what is wrong? For instance, in most of the civilized societies around the world it is illegal and considered immoral to murder another person, or to steal from them. How is it that different groups of people, separated by geography, all came to the same realization that these activities are wrong?    Perhaps the sense of right and wrong is nothing more than the majority opinion within these civilized societies. Most people just think that these activities are the wrong thing to do. Is that it? If that is the basis for right and wrong, then what if a society decided by a vote that it was okay to kill off people from a certain race? Or that it was okay to enslave people who have a different skin color? Would the majority approval for such behavior make that behavior “right”?    It would seem clear that just because a majority of people say that something is right does not make it so. The civilized society of Nazi Germany made the determination that it was “right” to try to exterminate the Jews as a lesser race. While much can be said for how they arrived at that conclusion, at this time let us just notice that they felt they were right in what they were doing. At their war crimes trials after World War II many Nazis claimed that they were simply following orders and obeying the laws of their land. However, the prosecutors appealed to a higher law, a higher power, which made what these men did clearly wrong.    Where did that higher law come from? It had to have come from God. Since mankind is not capable of determining what is right and what is wrong on their own (Jeremiah 10:23), then a simple majority vote is not sufficient. In the argument of morals many will say something like, “who are you to decide what is right and what is wrong?” They are correct in that statement. It is not up to you and me to decide what is right and what is wrong. That is up to God, and He has specified right and wrong within His moral law. Paul said that he would not have known sin (what was wrong) without the law of God (Romans 7:7).    Since we as humans lack the authority to mandate moral law, let us then turn to God and to His law to determine what is right and what is wrong. Let us then speak with regards to morals as God’s word directs us to (1 Peter 4:11).

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Where Your Treasure Is

By Dale Babinsky
    In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers a challenge to the human heart. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). These verses are not merely a warning against materialism—they are a call to consider the affections and desires of the heart.Earthly Wealth Fades Away    Jesus begins with a contrast. Earthly treasures are vulnerable because moths can consume, rust will corrode, and thieves break in and steal. In a world where possessions can vanish overnight, the pursuit of security through material wealth is extremely hazardous. But the deeper issue is not the treasure itself—it’s the heart’s attachment to it. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). The location of our treasure reveals the focus of our hearts.The Eye as the Lamp    Jesus then uses another metaphor to explain, saying, “The eye is the lamp of the body.” A healthy eye—generous, clear in purpose—fills the whole body with light. But an unhealthy eye—stingy, clouded by greed—plunges the soul into darkness. This imagery suggests that our spiritual vision, our way of seeing material things, determines whether we walk in light or darkness. The Greek word for healthy here implies generosity, while the word for unhealthy implies selfishness.We Must Choose    Jesus concludes with a stark reality: “No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). The word translated as mammon is money or wealth, a term that personifies wealth as a rival deity (the almighty dollar, if you will). Divided loyalty is impossible. Our heart/mind will inevitably choose one master over the other.    This passage invites us to examine not just our bank accounts, but also our desires, our focus, and our allegiance. What do we treasure? What fills our vision? Whom do we serve? In a culture that prizes accumulation and wealth as a sign of success, Jesus’ words are countercultural. They call for us to invest in that which is eternal—acts of mercy, love, obedience, and faith. These are the treasures that neither moth nor rust can corrupt.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Life is in the Blood

By Dale J. Babinsky     In December 1799 George Washington passed from this life. He had been out taking care of his property in foul weather and had come down with what would appear to be a cold (sore throat, congestion, etc.). In an eƫort to save the former president, his doctors took to opening veins and “bleeding” him, which was believed at the time to be the way to get the illness out of his system. What the doctors of the time failed to realize is that life is in the blood.     Man cannot sustain his physical life without blood. This was well known to the Israelites, or should have been, since God forbade the eating of blood because “life is in the blood. . .” (Leviticus 17:11a NKJV). Human medicine has come to realize the importance of blood in sustaining life in the years following Washington’s death. Now, much can be done with transfusions to help stabilize patients who have suƫered a loss of blood.     In looking at man’s spiritual life, it can be seen that our spiritual life is also in the blood. The Scriptures tell us that we have all sinned (Romans 3:23), and that the wages, the anticipated payment, of sin is spiritual death (Romans 6:23). We know that this is not in reference to physical death, for we must all be subject to that unless the Lord returns first (Hebrews 9:27). In order to have spiritual life, an eternity in heaven, we must have our sins covered by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5).     We make contact with the blood of Christ when we are buried with Him in the act of baptism (Romans 6:3-4). In obeying the command of Christ to be baptized (Mark 16:16), we can have our sins washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16). It is in our obedience to the words of Scripture, that the blood of Christ is applied to us and we are cleansed from our sins. Thus, we are able to have spiritual life. Thus, both our physical life and our spiritual life are in the blood!

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Servants

By David Bragg         You may not recognize the name Polly Thomson. Born in 1885 in Scotland, a chance conversation with her hairdresser led to a new job. Following the death of Anne Sullivan Macy in 1936, Miss Thomson became the assistant/companion of Helen Keller. Altogether, Polly Thomson made many significant sacrifices to live the last 46 years of her life as a true servant.      Servants are special because they have the courage to step across that invisible line between selfishness and selflessness. No better example of this will ever be found that that of Jesus Christ. Paul paints the picture for us in Philippians 2:5-11. He left Heaven to walk the earth as a man. Our human mind can’t fully grasp the significance of that sacrifice. But then, He suffered and died for sin; not His, but yours, ours! This also exceeds our ability to comprehend.     Helen Keller was able to do many good things in her final years because of the sacrifices of Polly Thomson. Jesus can do many things through us, if we have the courage to step across that line with Jesus and sacrifice selfishness and selflessly serve

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

The Real Judge

By David Bragg         In a classic “unexpected” reaction, a family visiting the Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel were mortified when their 4-year-old son touched a jar to see what was inside. The jar, “a 3,500-year-old ancient artifact,” crashed to the floor in pieces. The parents, expecting the worst, were reassured by museum official, Inbal Rivin’s simple reply, “Things like this happen” (CNN, 8/28/2024). Expecting harsh repercussions, they were instead extended mercy.     Matthew 27 is filled with would-be judges. Some were motivated by envy (the Jewish the chief priests and elders; 18). One by fear (Pontius Pilate; 24). Another by a disturbing dream (19). But only One was in complete control of the events playing out that awful day (11).     Another day will most certainly come when those same Jewish leaders, Pilate, his wife, along with you and I, will stand before the Real Judge. That day He will judge in truth and justice. Oh, how many will be shocked on that occasion when God, through that “just Man” who was so unfairly judged, extends His grace and mercy to His church as we are ushered into eternal life.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

Praise Him When Downcast

By David Bragg
Psalm 42:11: Why are you cast down, O my soul?And why are you disquieted within me?Hope in God;For I shall yet praise Him,The help of my countenance and my God.
    Witty headlines never fail to entertain:• Uber’s Search for a Female CEO Has Been Narrowed Down to 3 Men (Denver Post)• New Hampshire Hospital Evacuated After Several People Report Feeling Sick (WHDH Boston, Mass.)• Sacramento Event to Curb Gun Violence Ends with Gun Violence (KXTV Sacramento, Calif.)• Fire Truck Catches Fire While Battling a Fire and Then Explodes, Adding More Fire to the Fire That the Firetruck Was Firefighting (Global News Canada)    Much like those beleaguered firefighters, we all face challenges that seem insurmountable, times when everything goes awry, and it feels like the world is against us. In a downcast time Psalm 42 was written. We don’t know the specifics, but we can see his tears are evident (v. 3), and his anguish, pouring out his soul (v. 4). Yet, even in his despair, he knew where to seek solace and strength: in God (v. 6) who was his Rock (v. 9).    A headline from the Arizona Republic reads, “Arizona Psychic Hit by Car Says He Never Saw it Coming.” No matter the challenges that come your way, "hope in God" (v. 11), and He will be your refuge.

- David Bragg is co-editor of Bulletin Gold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com

To Teaching, Admonishing One Another

By David Bragg Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”     LuLu Lotus has a gift, of sorts. She gained “fame” by being included in Guinness World Records for whistling. Her whistling is nothing like the Andy Griffith theme. Lulu is known for her ability to whistle at a high pitch through her nose. This was a gift she discovered at a young age and was often employed, inappropriately, in school. By her own admission she has said. "I couldn’t resist the temptation to play pranks on teachers and classmates at school” (www.guinnessworldrecords.com).     While LuLu used her “gift” to annoy and antagonize, God wants us to use the gift of His word to teach and admonish. Colossians 3:16 speaks of the power of singing God’s truth. But its implications reach far beyond. Our singing springs from allowing the word of Christ to richly dwell in us. Then we will share it with those around us. Teaching. Admonishing. We will use our great spiritual gift to build up and share it with those around us. We will also be strengthened by others who have the word of Christ richly dwelling in them. God’s wisdom is harmonious.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

Mercy is Tenderhearted

By David Bragg     Ephesians 4:32: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”     "When I was a child and saw frightening things on the news, my mother would always tell me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" These wise words are from Fred Rogers. Imagine someone disliking such a kind man! A few years before his passing, his car was stolen in Philadelphia. The story was snapped up by local media. Among those who saw the news was the young thief. Upon realizing the car belonged to Mr. Rogers, and recalling fond memories of watching his show, the thief returned the car with a note: "If we’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it!" (www.sermoncentral.com)     In a world that often feels harsh and uncaring, seek out those in need of merciful kindness and share Christ’s kindness with them. You will always find people who need His mercy and kindness. This is the calling the Apostle Paul spoke of when he reflected on the merciful kindness of Jesus. We are called to show tenderhearted mercy and genuine kindness, following the example of the One whose perfect kindness defines us as Christians.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

Transformed

 By Clifton Angel

  To the church at Rome, Paul wrote: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:1–2). “Transformed” in the Greek is “metamorphao,” from which we get our word “metamorphosis”. Our greatest illustration of physical metamorphosis is the caterpillar transformed to a butterfly. Using this physical illustration, let us make spiritual application. 

  After transformation, there is more maturity. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet 2:2). “For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Heb 5:13–14). 

  After transformation, there is increased activity. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due sea-son we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Gal 6:9–10). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). 

  After transformation, there is greater beauty. “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Rom 10:15). “Christ … loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:25–27). “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev 21:2). 

  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor 5:17). “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27).

- 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/

God is Love (Part 1)

By Clifton Angel   The Apostle John wrote, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 Jn 4:8). In the same writing, he continued, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (4:16). This love, which exists by God and emanates from God can be—and, should be— experienced and exhibited by man. Using the word “love” as an acronym, let us note four characteristics of this great love.    God, Who is Love, is long-suffering. Paul wrote that the exhibition of this love results in the same, “Charity suffereth long … endureth all things” (1 Cor 13:4, 7). Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (1 Pet 3:9). Contextually, Peter wrote of God’s faithfulness to send His Son to return for His people as He promised (cf. John 14:1–6). We do not know when that day will be (cf. 1 Pet 3:10); however we can be confident He will return. Peter notes the time that transpires until then is evidence for his long-suffering and His desire for us to turn to Him.    On the occasion that God gave Moses’ a special law for His special people and had him record it a second time (cf. Ex 19–34), He granted Moses a most magnificent experience combined with an eternal exclamation: “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering (emphasis mine, CA), and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation (Ex 34:6–7). What an amazingly, loving God we serve, extending His grace and mercy through His long-suffering (cf. Num 14:18; Psa 86:15; et al.)    We can know Him by loving like Him, and we can begin loving like Him by being long-suffering with others (cf. Eph 4:2; Col 3:12; 2 Tim 4:2). Do you know God? Do you love like 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/

God is Love (Part 2)

By Clifton Angel
  “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Continuing with the word “love” as an acronym, let us note the second of four characteristics of this great love. God, Who is Love, is vicarious.   To be vicarious is to take the place of another—to be a substitute. A similar term found in the New Testament is “propitiation.” The Apostle John wrote, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Jesus being our propitiation indicates that He took our place with a perfect sacrifice that could atone for our sins. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6).   Truly, the crucifixion of Christ was the penultimate propitiatory moment when He “his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). However, the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus was purposed in the mind of God before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20a), and began to be borne out at His conception and birth into this world (1 Peter 1:20b). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only be-gotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5–7). “Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17, ASV).   To contemplate the sacrificial life of Christ which led to the sacrificial death of Christ is to recognize our responsibility as sacrificial followers of Christ. Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus commanded, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Do you know God? Do you love like 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

God is Love (Part 3)

By Clifton Angel
  “God is love” (1 Jn 4:8, 16). Continuing with the word “love” as an acronym, let us note the third characteristic of this great love. God, Who is Love, is everlasting.   When children do not get their way, they are quick to accuse their parents of not loving them. It is a childish and selfish accusation that implies the parent’s love for their child has ceased and is not everlasting. Yet, the opposite is actually the case.! “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes” (Proverbs 13:24). Discipline is a exercise of parental love. Likewise, and on a grander level, God exhibits His love toward us through discipline. God through the prophet Jeremiah prophesied to His own special people, whom He would punish, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). The Hebrews penman wrote to Christians in and around Jerusalem who were contemplating leaving Christ to go back to the law of Moses. Citing from Proverbs 3:11–12, he warned: “Ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (Hebrews 12:5–7).  Are we ever tempted to think that God has stopped loving us? In moments of loneliness, suffering, grief, persecution, disease, and death, there is a great temptation to accuse God of not loving us. I’ve often read these words from my colleague: “I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” This sentiment originates from God. Despite our despair, grief, sin, and disbelief, God still loves us. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). In fact, the only person/thing that can separate the Christian from the love of Christ is one’s own self. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).   “From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God” (Psalm 90:2). God is everlasting and His love is everlasting. Do you know Him? Do you love like Him?

- 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/

God is Love (Part 4)

By Clifton Angel   If you have followed along with our “God is LOVE” article series, you know that we skipped the letter “O” in our acronym. Truly, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). With the word “love” as an acronym, we have noted that God, Who is Love, is long-suffering, vicarious, and everlasting. We purposely saved the “O” for the end because of its application to us. God, Who is Love, is obliging.    In the classic sitcom “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” Steve McQueen plays the character Josh Randall, who is a horse-back-riding, sawed-off-rifle-carrying, bounty hunter. In the show, he would often say to someone who helped him: “Much obliged to ya!” Randall implied that he was grateful and indebted to his helpers. God’s nature of love obliges us to have the same love. “The love of Christ constraineth us” (2 Cor 5:14).    We are obligated to love God. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). Jesus said, “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:15, ASV).    We are obligated to love our Christian brethren. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. … Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. … If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother  whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:7–8, 11, 20).    And perhaps the most difficult, yet the most illustrative nature of this love, is that we are obligated to love our enemies. “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Rom 5:10). Jesus said, “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35). Similarly, Matthew recorded Jesus’ words in this manner: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on  the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt 5:43–45).    God, Who is LOVE, is long-suffering, obliging, vicarious, and everlasting. Do you know Him? Do you love like Him?

- 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/

Behold Your Mother!

By Andrew Beasley 5 years old – Mom, I love you 12 years old – Mom, I can’t stand you 16 years old – My mother is very annoying 18 years old – I’m leaving this house 25 years old – Mom, you were right. 30 years old – I want to go to my mom’s house 50 years old – I don’t want to lose my mother 70 years old – I would give up everything to have my mom here with me.     The importance of a mother cannot be understated and taking one day out of each year to honor the impact that mothers have on the lives of their children is not nearly enough.     In the most challenging hours of his human life, Jesus looked to His mother to make sure that she would be cared for. Think about that. With the weight of the sins of the world upon Him, the abuse of the Roman scourge having marked Him and the agony of the Roman cross encompassing Him, Christ still made provision for His mother.     That does not happen without a mother who had been a great blessing to Him.     So today we honor our mothers, and we thank you for every single blessing you have gifted your children with throughout their lives.

- 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

Washed in the Blood

By Andrew Beasley     There have been times in my life where I have felt hopeless. When one thinks of biblical hope one may think of confident expectation. That helps to illustrate what hopelessness truly is. An absence of confident expectation of good things to come. In the long term one might think of salvation, but in the short term it is applicable to good things in life. For those who have not experienced hopelessness to an extreme degree it is hard to comprehend why someone might hurt themselves or go to even greater, more devastating lengths.     In moments of hopelessness the words of the 23 rd psalm may come to mind. Tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me. While we may not fear evil, and while the Lord certainly is with us, there are times when evil still wins. There are times when doubts creep in and cause our confident expectation to falter. I hope that if you are reading this, and the hope you have within you is faltering, you know that you are not alone. I have been there. Others have been there. And most importantly, even though you have faltered, the Lord has not.     Even in the valley of the shadow of death, He is there. Just as He remained steadfast when Peter started to sink after walking on the water out to Him (Matt. 14:22-33), He remains steadfast for you. And our hope is built on nothing less than His blood and righteousness.

- 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/

Behold Our God - His Omniscience

By Andrew Beasley
    Being a know-it-all is not something we usually consider a good thing. In school if someone calls you a know-it-all there is implication of smug assurance. Sometimes, it is said that individuals are just too smart for their own good. Yet we value knowledge. You would not want to go to a doctor who was not well versed in biology. You would not want to get on an airplane with a pilot who was not knowledgeable of the controls. Most people spend their lives gaining knowledge in one field or another, and the more knowledge that is gained the more we hope (and sometimes expect) to be trusted in the field with which we have expertise.     Yet, possessing knowledge of all things is something beyond human ability. I might know myself very well, and yet I can never know the number of hairs that are on my head. I might gaze up into the night sky and count the stars for hours, but I will never be able to count them all. I may spend a lifetime getting to know you on a close, personal level but I can never truly know your heart.All these pieces of knowledge are at our God’s fingertips. We get a glimpse at the breadth of God’s knowledge in his confrontation with Job, at the end of his book, where God tells him to prepare to answer the questions that were coming (Job 38:3-7).    Take a few moments each day to consider the all-encompassing nature of God’s omniscience and behold Him. Appreciate Him. Adore Him.

- 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/

Christ Has Risen

Andrew Beasley
    Many people have struggled with having faith in what they have read in Scripture. Some may struggle when they find the Bible teaches principles that are contrary to what they had been led to understand it did. Others struggle because they are unable to witness the events of the Bible with their own eyes. We have all encountered faith challenged people. Maybe at some point in our own lives we have been challenged in our faith ourselves.    It is a blessing that God does not call us to believe without evidence (Hebrews 11:1). As the world celebrates the Easter holiday today, and many have the resurrection of Christ on their minds, it is important to acknowledge that we are not simply expected to believe Christ is risen without evidence. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to several witnesses (even a group of 500 at one point). How do we know this? Through the eyewitness testimony recorded in the Gospel accounts of His life.    Paul makes the case for the consequences if Christ is not risen (1 Cor. 15:14-19) but concludes by saying “but, in fact, Christ has been raised” (1 Cor. 15:20). And so we celebrate not just this Easter Sunday but every week that our Lord is risen, and our faith is strengthened knowing that we do not believe this blindly but that evidence supports this truth.

- 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/