Arm of Stonewall Jackson

By Bob Prichard     One of the more unusual Civil War monuments is found in a yard next to an Antebellum house near Chancellorsville, Virginia. The small stone bears the words, “Arm of Stonewall Jackson May 3 1863.”     Thomas Jonathan Jackson, was a teacher at the Virginia Military Institute at the outbreak of the Civil War, and was well known as a man of faith, and one who was loved by the enslaved people of Lexington because of his kindness and unceasing efforts for their moral instruction. He entered the Confederate army as a major, and quickly promoted to brigadier general. Because of the rigid steadiness of his troops at critical moments in the first battle of Bull Run, he was given the nickname of “Stonewall.”     His last battle, at Chancellorsville, was his greatest victory. After the battle, on the night of May 2, 1863, he was surveying his troops, when he was mistaken for federal cavalry and shot by his own troops. His injuries required the amputation of his left arm, which ordinarily would have been cremated. Because of the Confederate general’s popularity, however, the surgeon decided to bury it there at Chancellorsville. Jackson died seven days later, and was buried at Lexington, Virginia. Robert E. Lee said that the loss of Jackson was like the loss of his right arm.     His unusual death and burial raises questions. What will happen in the resurrection? Paul promises Christians: “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised to incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). God will take care of everything.

- 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.

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken About His Return?

By Bob Prichard     The Lord’s second coming is one of the most often discussed subjects in the New Testament, teaching Christians to eagerly anticipate that return. In the very last section of scripture, the Lord says, “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20). Paul exhorted, “Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand” (Romans 13:11-12). James adds, “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8). Hearing these words, no doubt many Christians of the first century probably expected the Lord to return immediately.      Balanced with these and similar passages, however, is the Lord’s assertion that “of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:36-39). No one knows when He will return, and thus all should be prepared. Paul gave this warning: “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). How could Paul and Christ so clearly state that no one will know the time of the second coming, if they thought it would be “soon”?     The scriptures thus present the second coming as always imminent [about to happen], but also distant. People have always had difficulty understanding this. Luke tells us that Jesus told a parable of a nobleman giving ten pounds to ten servants, even as he went into a far country “to receive a kingdom,” because “he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear” (Luke 19:11-13). The Christian must always “watch and be sober” because the Lord may return any time (1 Thessalonians 5:6), but He may also delay His coming.     While “quickly,” or “at hand” may imply something is to occur in a brief period of time, these terms do not always mean this. When Jesus said “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20), He was emphasizing that His coming would be sudden. In the same way, indications of something being “at hand” often meant that it was sure to happen, not necessarily immediately. Speaking for the Lord, Moses warned about the fate of Israel: “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste” (Deuteronomy 32:35). This prophecy was not fulfilled for hundreds of years, because God’s standards of time are not the same as man’s. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). Christ and the inspired writers were not mistaken. They were preparing the unprepared for His return. We also must be prepared.

- 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.

With Only Eight on the Ark, Where did the Races Come From?

By Bob Prichard     Genesis 7:13 gives us the census of people that were on the ark: “In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark.” With these four men and four women, the earth was repopulated after the flood. Sin necessitated the flood. It was a time when “the earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” (Genesis 6:11-12).     The Bible does not tell us when the races originated. It is possible that the races developed from the division of mankind at the tower of Babel, although Moses only says that God confounded their language and scattered them abroad (Genesis 11:1-9). As people scattered and separated, the races could have developed from the gene pool in each area. As people intermarried within a region, certain racial characteristics developed, as well as individual languages.     Modern science has tried to differentiate among the races, recognizing four basic races: Caucasoid, Mongoloid, Negroid and Australoid. The problem with these classifications, however, is that the dominant characteristics that are specific to a race, such as skin color or hair type, are found in the other racial groups. Skin color,  the most obvious racial characteristic, is determined primarily by the amount of melanin in the skin. Thus a “white” person may actually have darker skin than a “black” person. Although general racial characteristics may predominate among certain populations, all human beings are part of the same species, the human race.     We know that all human beings have come from the original man and woman, Adam and Eve, and also that all living human beings are descendants of Noah and his family. Paul declared that God “made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26 ASV). The words “of one,” literally mean “out of one male,” thus Adam. All mankind has descended from Adam.     Since all human beings have descended from the eight on the ark, then all racial characteristics must have been available in the genetic makeup of Noah and his family. Some suggest that Shem and his descendants were Asian, thus Mongoloid; Ham and his descendants were African, thus Negroid; and Japheth and his descendants were European, and thus Caucasoid. More likely, however, Noah and all of his family were a combination of all of our modern day races. The separation into current races was gradual over time.     Neither the biblical nor the non-biblical evidence supports the evolutionary theory, coming from racial prejudice, that the races descended from different primates or “prehuman” men. Since all races of humans can intermarry, all humans are interrelated, with the same ancestry in Adam and Eve.

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.

What is a Christian?

By Bob Prichard     The prophet Isaiah looked to the coming Messianic age and said, “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name” (Isaiah 62:1-2). “Christian” is that new name God promised to his people. After the gospel had spread from the Jewish world to the Gentile world as well, the church in Antioch took a lead in mission efforts. Because of this “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).       The name of “Christian,” found only three times in the New Testament, is a descriptive name that conveys the idea of association and ownership, that the Christian belongs to and associates with Christ. Peter said, “if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16). “Christian” is a name to be treasured, even if it means suffering and death. The Christian belongs to Christ and wants to serve  Him.     As Paul pleaded for Agrippa to follow Christ, Agrippa replied, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). If Agrippa had been altogether persuaded “to be a Christian,” he would have become a child of God, a member of the Lord’s church, and one born again of the water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5).     Several names, including “the church” described the disciples or followers of Christ before they were called Christians. Luke writes of the believers in Jerusalem that “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Thus those who had obeyed Peter’s command of Acts 2:38, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,” were the saved, and members of the church. Paul reminded the Romans what they had done to become Christians. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:3-6).     As he described his conversion, Paul said of the church, “I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women” (Acts 22:4). Paul was persecuting people who knew that being a Christian was a way of life. As he told the Romans, “our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6). The Christian, who has become a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17) no longer serves sin, but serves Christ. A Christian has obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ, and lives for Him daily.

- 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.

If God Forgives Sin, Why is There a Judgment Day?

By Bob Prichard
    One of the most arresting thoughts that any of us will ever have is that someday we must all stand before the judgment seat of God. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus warned the city of Capernaum “If the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.  But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee” (Matthew 11:23-24). Truly it will be an awful experience to stand unprepared before the throne of God on the day of judgment.    The key to preparation for the day of judgment is to obey the gospel of Christ and receive the forgiveness of sins. Peter told the multitude gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission [forgiveness] of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).    For those who have received the forgiveness of sins, there is no fear of standing before the judgment seat of God. Matthew 25 depicts the great judgment scene, with all nations gathered before the throne, with the sheep separated from the goats. The sheep, those who have done God’s will, receive the Lord’s commendation, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). The goats, those who have not done God’s will, hear the sad words, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).    John also saw the judgment scene. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works” (Revelation 20:12-13). Each one is judged as to whether his name is in the book of life, and according to what the other books (probably the books of scripture) say about their obedience to the will of God.    When we picture judgment day in our minds, we frequently think of it as a trial, where our good works are balanced against our bad. A more accurate picture of judgment day, however, is that it is a day of final sentencing for those who in life decided their own eternal destiny. Those who obey the gospel of Christ and receive the forgiveness of sin will one day hear the wonderful words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father” (Matthew 25:34), while those who do not obey God will receive the sentence, “Depart from me” (Matthew 25:41).

- 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. **

How Christians Ought to Act Toward “One Another”

By Edd Sterchi
* Have peace with one another (Mark 9:50)* Love one another (John 13:34-35)* Be members of one another (Rom. 12:5)* Be affectionate to one another (Rom. 12:10)* Honor one another (Rom. 12:10)* Give preference to one another (Rom. 12:10)* Be of the same mind toward one another (Rom. 12:16)* Do not judge one another (Rom. 14:13)* Edify one another (Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:11)* Be like-minded one toward another (Rom. 15:5)* Receive one another (Rom. 15:7)* Admonish one another (Rom. 15:14)* Greet one another (Rom. 16:16)* Care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)* Serve one another (Gal. 5:13)* Do not provoke one another (Gal. 5:26)* Do not envy one another (Gal. 5:26)* Bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2)* Bear with one another in love (Eph. 4:2)* Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32)* Be tenderhearted toward one another (Eph. 4:32)* Forgive one another (Eph. 4:32)* Worship with one another, singing praises to God (Eph. 5:19)* Submit to one another (Eph. 5:21)* Do not lie to one another (Col. 3:9)* Comfort one another (1 Thess. 4:18)* Exhort one another daily (Heb. 3:13)* Consider one another, stirring up love and good works (Heb. 10:24)* Do not speak evil of one another (Jas. 4:11)* Do not grumble against one another (Jas. 5:9)* Confess your trespasses to one another (Jas. 5:16)* Pray for one another (Jas. 5:16)* Have compassion for one another (1 Pet. 3:8)* Be hospitable toward one another (1 Pet. 4:9)* Minister to one another (1 Pet. 4:10)* Fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7) “By this all will know that you are My disciples...” (John 13:35)

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/

One Body

By Clifton Angel
    Paul wrote to the congregation at Ephesus: "There is one body" (Eph 4:4). No argument can be made against the meaning of “one;" however, many differ on the "body". In an attempt to be tolerant of every person's beliefs, many have subscribed to a "Let's agree to disagree” type of Christianity. Many settle with, "Choose the church of your choice." Therefore, the "one body" is interpreted to mean a collection of all the varying denominations of "Christianity" no matter their teachings, beliefs, or practices. May I challenge that interpretation and conclusion?    The "one body" is most assuredly referring to the church which belongs to Christ. We know this by considering Ephesians 4:4 in light of Ephesians 1:22–23 and Colossians 1:18. Furthermore, we cannot deny the singular possessive pronoun Jesus used when He said, "I will build my church" (Matt 16:18). Therefore, if the "body" is the "church," there must be only "one church.”    Some agree to these passages and still conclude that various denominations make up the "one church.” 1 Corinthians 12:12–30 shows this cannot be the case. The context of these verses are concerning the miraculous abilities entrusted to human beings in the first century church. Such abilities are not given to us today (1 Cor 13:10); however, the principles still stand. God desires those with various personalities, desires, and abilities to work together for the same purpose, as the same “body.”     Paul is referencing people and not whole groups/churches as the "members" of the "body" (1 Cor 12:28). Consider verses 24–25: "God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” If my left foot is headed in one direction and my right foot another, they are not working together for the same purpose—and that would be painful! Likewise, if a group of people are teaching that you are saved by personal belief without the need for baptism and another group of people are teaching that you are saved by submitting to immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins, these two groups cannot be working together for the same purpose; therefore, they cannot make up the same body. Furthermore, if one group of people teaches that baptism is sprinkling which is administered soon after the birth of a child and another group of people teaches that baptism is full submersion of an individual who has matured to an age of understanding, these two groups cannot be working together for the same purpose; therefore, they cannot make up the same body.    Paul wrote, "There is one body" (Eph 4:4). Jesus said, "I will build my church" (Matt 16:18). Are you a part of the "one body"—the one church—which we learn of in the pages of the New Testament?

- 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/

Grace, Obedience and Christian Living

By Jeff Arnette     Recently, we’ve been looking at what the Bible says about God’s grace and salvation. We’ve considered how grace gives us assurance of our salvation. In today’s lesson, we’re going to consider receiving God’s grace in vain. In essence, we will deal with what the Bible says about giving up our salvation. This is not a comprehensive list of every passage that deals with this topic, but these will give you a great starting place. As you study and reflect on this topic add your own verses to the list. Matt 5:13; 13:20-21; 18:32-35; 24:9-13, 42, 48-51; 25:11-12; 18, 24-30. Luke 9:61-62; 22:31-32. Jn. 6:66-69; 15:1-6. Acts 8:22-24. Rom. 8:13; 11:21-24. 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 9:27; 10:12; 15:2. 2 Cor. 5:20; 6:1. Gal. 5:4. Col. 1:21-23. 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 4:1-3; 5:8, 12; 6:10, 11-13, 20-21. 2 Tim. 2:18. Heb. 2:3; 3:12-14; 6:4-6; 10:29; 12:15. James 5:19-20. 2 Peter, 1:10-11; 2:1, 4, 20-22; 3:17. Jude 5-6 Rev. 2:5, 10, 16, 20-23; 3:1-3, 15-16.

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

Jesus Saves

By Donna Faughn
    While traveling down the interstate in southern Illinois recently I noticed a small yellow sign along the road. Had I been driving, I would have missed it, but I was the passenger in the front seat. It was a tiny sign, given the size of most signs along the highway, and it was up in some trees that were rather large. Its message was the title of this post.    Now, you may be thinking that I’m going to write something about the beauty of that message (and it is a beautiful message). Any mention of Jesus and His ability to save us from our sins is a beautiful message.    However, could it not also be a misleading sign? To the reader of that sign it seems as though Jesus will save anyone who just happens to see it. Many people have the misconception that Jesus will save them no matter how they live their lives. If that is the case, then the vilest of criminals can do whatever he/she wants to do and be saved. There is one problem with that belief – it ignores the Bible’s teaching about repenting of (turning away from) our sins, and no longer living that manner of life (Romans 6).    May I suggest that we must know who Jesus is, and believe in Him as the Savior of those who follow His example and commandments. The only way to do that is to learn about Him by studying His Word – the Bible. We cannot know what we must do to be saved by Jesus if we don’t know about His life of examples and His teachings about the salvation of our souls.     May I also suggest that the One who saves us from our sins might have something to say about who will be saved? Just one example of what He says about it is found in Mark 16:16, which reads, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” It seems to me that there is more to salvation than just reading a small sign.    Many people today turn their backs on the teachings of the Bible, but it is only in this book that we can learn about salvation. May I share with you a short list of exactly how to be saved?
Hear the gospel – John 6:44-45Believe – John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6Repent – Acts 2:38; 17:30Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37Be baptized into Christ – Mark 16:16;1 Peter 3:21Live a faithful life – Revelation 2:10There is so much more that could be said about this topic. Let it suffice to say that there is no better life than one that is lived in obedience to God and His Word. Will there be problems that arise? Yes. Will things always go your way? No. Will you be ostracised by some people? Yes. Will your eternal home be in heaven if you have done your best to obey and live for God? YES!    That little yellow sign with those two words caused me to do a lot of thinking over the course of the last few days. While the message of that sign is beautiful and true, it is incomplete.    Jesus said, 
“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

- Donna Faughn attends the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY where her husband, Jim, serves as one of the elders. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith **

How Can I?

By David Sargent
    Barry Newton recalls a phone conversation...
    The phone rang. On the other end was a familiar voice just beyond recognition. Then as he launched into asking, "How do I forgive myself?" I suddenly recalled his name and history.    "How can I forgive myself when I have wasted so many decades?"    Before I could even gather my thoughts he blurted out his current crisis. Even though his speech was not slurred, a slight bit of probing revealed what I feared. Alcohol was involved.    I've heard the ache and seen in people's eyes the pain arising from decades of destructive decisions.    The same satanic mantras tend to dominate those struggling with forgiving themselves:"There is no hope for me!""God doesn’t want me, I've done too much.""I can't be forgiven.""I will never be able to forgive myself."    Can a new future exist devoid of dragging along self-recrimination for past failures? *    Thanks be to God, the answer to that last question is "Yes!"    The Good News (the Gospel) is that although each and every person has sinned and continues to fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), God still loves us.  He loves us so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).    Newton affirms: "As horrible and destructive as sin is, HOPE exists! Forgiveness is possible because Jesus' death can overcome sin's poison."    "In Him [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins" (Ephesians 1:7).  Yes, we have sinned. We all have. But the blood of Jesus is greater than our sin.    Jesus will save those who place their faith and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).    Newton declares: "Those who have relied upon Christ, must refuse to listen to how Satan would drag up the past to condemn what God has forgiven."    Won't YOU submit to the Savior so that you may have forgiveness and receive the gift of eternal life?

- 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

Why did Paul Tell the Corinthians, “I thank God that I baptized none of you?”

By Bob Prichard       It seems strange that Paul would tell the Corinthians that he was thankful that he baptized none of them, when he taught more about the importance of baptism than any other New Testament writer. For example, he reminded the Roman Christians of their common experience of baptism into Christ: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).     Most apparent contradictions in scripture are easily be explained by looking at the context (the surrounding verses). Problems filled the church in Corinth: abuses of the Lord’s Supper, abuses of miraculous spiritual gifts, problems concerning marriage, Christians taking one another before the law, and most importantly, divisions within the church. Jesus prayed for the unity of all of His followers: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21). The church in Corinth, however, was dividing itself into sects and denominations.     Paul wrote, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Division was so severe, however, that some were saying “I am of Paul,” and others were saying “and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” Paul asked, “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). The divisions were so severe that they were no longer simply Christians, or followers of Christ, but they were becoming “Paulite Christians,” “Apollosite Christians,” and “Cephasite Christians.” They were not following Jesus as much as they were following the preachers who had taught or baptized them.     It was because of these terrible divisions that Paul said, “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:14-18). Paul did not want to contribute in any way to the divisions within the Corinthian congregation. He was glad there were very few Corinthians who could claim to be “Paulite Christians,” because he had only personally baptized a few. This is likely the reason that Jesus did not personally baptize.  “Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples” (John 4:2). Paul preached the whole gospel of Christ, which includes water baptism.

- 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.

Being Prepared

By Bill Brandstatter       After the recent winter weather, we were reminded again of the need to be prepared. People flocked to the store to prepare to be stuck at home because of ice and snow. The Bible is a book that says a lot about preparation. God prepared earth for man to inhabit. Then he prepared a helper for the man. Since that early beginning, God has been preparing. The Psalmist declares: “You prepare a table before me.” (Psa. 23:5) Jesus stated he was going to prepare a place for the faithful to inhabit in John 14:2, 3. God wants us to be prepared as well. Heaven is a prepared place for people who are prepared.     There are a couple of different words used in the New Testament that are translated “prepare.” One word means to be thoroughly ready. One use of this word is found in Mark 1:2-“Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.”’ This is a direct reference to John the Baptist.     The other word that is used means to get ready beforehand. This word is found in Rom. 9:23. There Paul declares, “And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory.” We need to be thoroughly ready for all that life has to offer and for eternity. We need to be ready since Christ could come back anytime. Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Matt. 24:42.) Obviously, this statement indicates a need to be ready beforehand. Jesus told of the five foolish and five wise virgins. Five were foolish because they waited too late to trim their lamps. They waited and prepared too late. (Matt. 25:10-12).     Are we prepared? Being prepared for bad weather is important; but being prepared for eternity is even more important. Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16)

- 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 Challenge Churches Don’t Want to Address

By Adam Faughn       Churches face a lot of challenges. Of course, there is no challenge so great that it cannot be overcome with God’s help. If we follow Him, there is nothing that can hold a congregation back.     I have noticed that there are a lot of enemies and challenges that churches will regularly address, and will do so with great fervor. They will clearly address sins that are bearing down on society and that are in the regular news cycle. The whole array of LGBTQ issues comes to mind. Certainly, these need to be addressed and the truth of God’s Word needs to be presented boldly.     It is also easy to talk about challenges that our local community might face that could stunt church growth. Maybe the congregation is willing to talk about how factories have moved out or other factors have played a role in the local community shrinking in size. Again, it would be foolish not to be realistic about the current setting.     But there is one challenge that many congregations do not want to address, and it becomes very clear why that is the case when it is named. What is it? Being comfortable.     Let me quickly say that there should be a certain level of comfort in the Church. After all, these are the best people on earth! And there should be some “normalcy” in how certain things are done. There is no reason to upend everything just to be relevant or just to try to make a point.     What I am talking about in this article is when a congregation is unwilling to evaluate anything simply because it might upset somebody. We cannot change Scripture; that is absolutely true. But are we willing to consider how we do things like Bible classes? Are we willing to change the emphasis of some events–or, perish the thought, even just stop them because they are not being effective?     Maybe the hardest question: are we willing to stop doing everything just “for us” and start really doing things to reach the lost, even if those things are harder and (sometimes) more frustrating?     We like what we like. And, over time, it becomes easier and easier to just do things and put things on the calendar to make us feel better. To be honest, that’s comfortable.     But Scripture does not tell us to be comfortable until death. We are commanded to be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10). And faithfulness rarely equals constant comfort.

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

Mother's Day

By David R. Ferguson       Happy Mother’s Day is a day we set aside for celebrating motherhood and thanking mothers. Mothers often receive gifts on this occasion, and it’s one of the busiest days for the Post Office each year. In fact, in 1973 the United States Post Office was so deluged that they were held up for eight days due to the exorbitant amount of mail being sent out to mothers all around the country.     Various countries around the globe celebrate Mother’s Day at different times of the year because it has a number of different origins. Some believe it originated in Greece with the mother worship of Cybele and Rhea. Cybele was a mother to the great gods, and Rhea was the wife of Cronus, a leader of the Titans, the forebears to the Greek gods of Olympus. A festival to Cybele was held between March 15 and March 18, so the people of Asia Minor believe that the custom of Mother’s Day began with them.     Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent in the United Kingdom, which comes in late March or early April. Although it has been celebrated for centuries, the origin of this ritual is unknown. Tradition has it that their masters released young apprentices that weekend so they could go and visit their families. There’s some speculation that it’s possible Mothering Sunday derived its roots from a Druid pagan practice occurring during the spring vernal equinox honoring the goddess of fertility.     In most countries around the world, Mother’s Day celebrating is a relatively new concept copied directly from western civilization. African countries tend to follow the pattern established by the United Kingdom, while East Asian nations model, promote and commercialize their holiday straight from the United States of America.     The Bible is replete with many stories showing the love and devotion of mothers. Nothing on this Earth is as wonderful to see and to know as a Christian mother, and we are greatly blessed here at Mentor with many wonderful ladies! The wise writer said, "A gracious woman obtaineth honor," and "A worthy woman is the crown of her husband...." (Proverbs 11:16a; Proverbs 12:4a) How true are these words!     May we always be mindful and treat with the utmost of respect our mothers, our wives, and our friends and sisters in Christ every day of the year.     So happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers who are reading this today! May you never forget that raising your child “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4b [MEV]) is the greatest gift you can ever give them! May God bless you today and everyday!

- 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

Godly Mothers

By Dan C. Bailey       In a world burdened with wars, economic crises, crime, and traumatic physical events such as hurricanes, floods, tornados, and earthquakes, a day to honor mothers may seem trivial. Yet, the greatest influence in the world, other than the Word of God, is a godly mother. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). She helps to mold and fashion her children to become good citizens and future leaders. She is especially influential when she is a godly mother. She teaches her children to work hard, to pray, and to love the Lord and His Holy Word. A godly mother struggles with her children at worship services, knowing that they will someday become Christians and eventually inherit immortality. Her efforts are often taken for granted and even unappreciated by some, but you can be sure that God notices her great labors! The greatest attributes of a godly mother are love, service to the Almighty, and sacrifice. Isn't it interesting that these are the same qualities that were in Jesus, our Lord and Savior?     Mothers should be appreciated every day of the year. Fathers should help and encourage their wives in the rearing of the children. Children should obey, be respectful, love, and appreciate all that a godly mother has done for them. "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" (Exodus 20:12). "For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death" (Mark 7:10).     When mothers get older they are still mothers, and they should never, on any occasion, be treated with contempt and disrespect. "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old" (Proverbs 23:22). The children owe this, and so much more to their mothers. When Jesus was dying on the cross, He turned His mother over to the care of the apostle John. "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home" (John 19:25-27). The Son of God demonstrated His love and respect for His dear mother. How about you? ****************** "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."  Proverbs 31:25-31

- 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