How to Get Rid of Fear

By Edd Sterchi
    We just concluded a very wonderful and successful Vacation Bible School. In it we had lessons from some great examples in the book of Acts about being fearless.    We live in a world of uncertainty, and because of that we too often fear when we shouldn’t. We fear what others may think or say if we defend the truth of God’s word. We think about trying something new, but don’t because we fear failure. We fear the unknown future. Fear cripples us.    Fortunately, God gives us some marvelous advice in the Bible on how to overcome fear. One such tidbit is 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” If we truly possess love, then fear will not even be a consideration.    If we love God – truly and totally love Him – then we know that He loves us, He wants what’s best for us, and He is always in control (even concerning the future). That should cause us to not only fear less, but be fearless!

- 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/

Entering the Kingdom of Heaven

By Edd Sterchi
    Many people believe that all one has to do is claim Jesus as Lord and they will automatically be placed in His kingdom. On the other end of the spectrum are the folks who think they can earn salvation through good works in His name. The debates and arguments concerning this are endless.    Why not get the answer from the Savior Himself? He settles the issue in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not...done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Let’s note a few important matters from this.* Just recognizing Jesus as Lord is not enough. Did you notice that there were some who called Jesus “Lord”, but they were not saved? God demands more than just mental acknowledgment. The head is not enough.* Just doing something in Jesus’ name is not enough. Did you also notice that there were some who were doing wonderful things to honor Jesus, but they too were not saved? Works alone fall short of God’s formula for justification. The hands are not enough.* We become a part of the kingdom of heaven through obedience to God. If one has such a respect for God and His wishes, there will be no problem believing Him and doing His will exactly as stated in His word. Obviously this involves the heart. The heart that is right and set on God’s ways will involve the head and the hands in obedience, as well.    Have you obeyed God’s plan of salvation? Are you truly doing the will of the Father in heaven? Are you intent on living the way He has prescribed in the New Testament? Remember, start with the heart, believe His word, and perform the will of the Father.“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25)

- 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/

Ready for Worship

By Edd Sterchi 
    At worship, I am given the opportunity to...
...revere my Maker. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of thesaints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” (Psalm 89:7)
...rejoice in my salvation. “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; Itshall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
...refresh my spirit. “Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, sothat I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.” (Psalm 119:88)
   I can't wait to come and worship, praise and pay homage to the One who created me, delivered me, and awakens me. How about you?
“Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100)

- 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/

Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All

By Edd Sterchi
    Forty years or so ago, on a Sunday morning, I was in a 15 passenger van with a deacon of the local congregation picking up kids to bring them to Bible study. I remember it as if it were yesterday. The van was packed to the gills with children, and my job was crowd control. It must have been a full moon the night before and the kids must have had extra sugar in their cereal that morning, for they were rowdy and getting out of hand. As a fairly young and somewhat inexperienced Christian, I was doing the best I could, but was losing the battle. Luther, who was driving the van and was a songleader as well as a deacon, turned to his vast repertoire of songs and said to me with a big smile on his face, “Remember Edd, heaven will surely be worth it all.”    I have taken the lesson learned that day with me all of my Christian life. There have been many times when things weren’t going my way and I would harken back to that day and those words: “Heaven will surely be worth it all.”    When you have to deal with that difficult person again, remember: “Heaven will surely be worth it all.” When you have that task to do that brings dread, remember: “Heaven will surely be worth it all.” When that temptation comes that is difficult to deal with, you can resist it if you remember: “Heaven will surely be worth it all.” When hard times hit and relief seems far away, remember: “Heaven will surely be worth it all.” When you want to give up, give in, or give out – don’t! Just remember: “Heaven will surely be worth it all.”    Read 1 Pet. 1:3-9 very carefully. Soak it in. Let it give you the strength to keep you going no matter what happens. Trials? Tribulations? Turmoil? Hang in there, Christian – and even smile! You can make it through, and: Heaven will surely be worth it all!    “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Pet. 2:13-14)

- 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 Three Bears

By Edd Sterchi     Once upon a time, there were three bears... No, no, no – that’s the wrong three bears. Far from a fairy tale, the three “bears” listed in Galatians 6 are vital to living a fulfilling Christian life. Of course, you may have already figured out that these are not the furry animals, but the concept of carrying a responsibility. Now, let’s look at the three “bears”.     Bear One Another’s Burdens (v.1-2). This means that we are supposed to help others, especially those in the church (v.10). Life is especially burdensome for some and, as we are able, we should help them carry their load. For ease of remembering, let’s call this first bear “Share Bear”.     Bear Your Own Burdens (v.3-5). This passage teaches the need for personal responsibility that another cannot carry for us: our personal decisions, the consequences of our actions, our own individual responsibilities, etc. We should not let others bear these for us. The words that follow in v.6-9 are a great admonition to just how individual this concept is. We will name this bear “Aware Bear”.     Bear the Marks of Christ in Your Body (v.11-17). Paul bore in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ (likely physically from beatings, mistreatment, etc.). But there is another indication in the word “marks” in the Greek text. It is the Greek word “stigma” and literally means “a mark pricked or branded upon the body”. Paul may very well be saying, I am branded with the mark of Christ – not that he had a tattoo, but that he was totally dedicated to Christ – he was Christ’s slave. This is why I believe Paul used the phrase “the Lord Jesus” – Jesus was Paul’s Lord and Master (v.14). Thus we need to be willing to bear the marks (or stigma) that come from faithfully following Christ and telling others about Him. Thus, let’s identify this bear as “Declare Bear”.     My hope for all of us is what Paul’s was for the Galatian Christians: “Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (v.18). And let us be reminded that it will be so if we bear in our bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus (be a Declare Bear), be responsible with ourselves and our lives (be an Aware Bear), and help others (be a Share Bear).

- 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 Contrast of Light and Darkness

By Dale J. Babinsky      In many biblical passages, the contrast between light and darkness is a powerful metaphor for the struggle of good vs evil. Light often symbolizes knowledge, goodness, and righteousness, while darkness represents ignorance, evil, and the unknown. This spiritual struggle is best seen in the writings of the Apostle John.     Light is often associated with positive qualities such as wisdom, truth, and purity. In Christianity, Jesus is referred to as the "Light of the World," showing us the path to salvation and righteousness (John 1:9; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9; 12:46). John often contrasts the concept of light, which is beneficial, with darkness. Darkness is frequently linked to negative attributes such as fear, ignorance, and evil. In the Bible, darkness is often associated with sin and the absence of God's presence.     The journey from darkness to light is what we should all be working towards in our own spiritual growth. We should want to move from ignorance and sin to knowledge and spiritual maturity. This journey is often depicted as a struggle, requiring courage, faith, and perseverance. Our goal should always be to continue our spiritual growth and to become closer to Christ.

- 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/

The End

By Clifton Angel
    Sometimes when we think about the end of the year, our minds our led to thoughts about the end of our lives or the end of time. Forty verses in the New Testament contain the phrase "the end.” We will not consider all of them, but without much commentary, let us consider a few passages of exhortation concerning "the end.”
    “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22).    “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:20–23).    “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end” (Hebrews 6:10–11).    “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13–16).    We do not know when the end of our lives, nor the end of time will be, but both are coming. Let us be exhorted to endure in the midst of persecution (cf. Matthew 10:22). Let us be exhorted to bear fruit unto holiness, as servants of God (cf. Romans 6:20–23). Let us be exhorted to labor in love in full assurance of hope (cf. Hebrews 6:10–11). Let us be exhorted to strengthen our minds, be sober, have hope, be obedient, and conduct ourselves in a holy manner (cf. 1 Peter 1:13–16).

- 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/

Marks of the New Man

By Brian Mitchell     Have you ever heard someone say after some particularly refreshing experience in their life, like a vacation, that they “feel like a new man.” I am sure that all of us have, but what I want us all to understand is the fact that through our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we all ought to feel like a new man or woman. I want to begin today by examining some Scriptures which are very much relevant to the theme of our lesson tonight entitled “Marks of the New Man.” The following are some Scriptural references to the new man.     “Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Pet. 1:23). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Through our obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ we have been born again to new lives—we are new people in Christ.     What is the significance of being a new man (generic use of the word for the remainder of the article)? It means that we are to live a new life--Rom.6:3-4. If we have been buried with Christ in baptism, into His death, then we must rise to walk in newness of life. As we shall see in this lesson, we are to bury the old man of sin and put on the new man renewed in the image of our Lord and Savior Christ.     How is this possible? How is it possible to live one day for self and next day and rest of our lives for the Lord? That is the power of the gospel and the Bible is full of examples of how the gospel has changed lives—1 Cor.6:9-11. Those whom Paul wrote to in Corinth had been fornicators, thieves, and drunkards among other things. Now they were living new lives in Christ because of the fact that they had been washed, sanctified and justified in the name of Jesus Christ.     How do I know if I am a new man? It is clear from the NT that Christians have been born again to new lives in Christ. How do I know if I am living the life I am supposed to be living? It is to this that we will direct our attention as we consider what Paul teaches on the subject in Col.3:1-11. Here Paul describes some of the marks of the new man. What are they? Do you possess them?     Important Note!!! If you have been following along you know that I have thus far preached through Paul’s epistles as they appear in order. That is until today—in this lesson I have purposefully swapped the order of Philippians and Colossians. That is because tonight I want to consider the marks of the new man and next week from Philippians, I want to discuss how we can maintain this new life through our relationship with the Lord.     Renewed according to the image of Christ. This is the goal of the Christian life and the end of the new man. Is there anything different about your life? It is important to notice that everything we have discussed in this lesson assumes that one has been raised with Christ. Notice again Paul’s words in v.1 “if then you were raised with Christ.” In order to walk in newness of life one must first put on Christ in baptism. Have you put on Christ?

- 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

What will I Look Like

By Bill Brandstatter

    Over the years, one of the questions many people have is “What will I look like in eternity?” That question is an interesting one and one that the apostle Paul dealt with extensively in 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

    We will be identifiable. Paul spends a great deal of 14 verses detailing the difference between the spiritual and physical existence of man. He talks about the different heavenly bodies such as the sun, the moon, and the stars. (1 Cor. 15:41) Each one of these is identifiable in its own way. Likewise, our bodies have their own identity. We have a natural body. It differs from the spiritual (1 Cor. 15:44). Each is identifiable as a body. Each body differs from the other.

    We will be individuals. He mentions that God gives “to each seed its own body” (1 Cor. 15:38). Paul is of course talking about the physical; but it also is the case with the spiritual bodies. We will not be just gasses or unidentifiable beings. We will be individuals in a different body than the current one. As such, I believe we will know one another in heaven.

    We will be images of Christ. Paul uses the thought of the image of the physical man and the image of the heavenly man. (1 Cor. 15:49) We are made in the image of God and one day we shall bear the image of God. No doubt, this is referring to a totally spiritual and heavenly existence.

    The key to heaven is with us now. If we obey Christ, we will one day be with Him. Death will be swallowed up in victory. (1 Cor. 15:54)

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

The Seasons of Life

By Andrew Beasley     As we have moved beyond Thanksgiving and into the Christmas season I think about a story I once heard. It went something like this. There was a man who had four sons and he wanted to teach them not to judge to quickly. So he sent them on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in the summer and the last in the fall. When they had all come back from their respective journey he called them together to recount to him what they had seen.     The first said that the tree was ugly, bent and twisted. A moment later the second son spoke up and disagreed, saying that the tree was green and full of promise. The third son then chimed in, likewise disagreeing and describing the tree as one that was full of sweet smelling blossoms and said it was the most beautiful tree he had ever seen. The last, unsurprisingly, also disagreed saying that the tree was ripe and drooping with fruit. When they quieted from their arguing the old man smiled and told them that they were all right, because they had each seen but one season of the trees life.     He then reminded them that they cannot judge a tree, or a person, only by one season. It is an application that we can make to our own lives. Don’t judge it by one difficult season. Don’t allow the pain of one season destroy the joy of the rest as there is a time and place for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

- 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/