Library Inspiration

Two huge stone lions sit outside the New York public library.   Mayor Fiorello La Guardia named them “Patience” and “Fortitude,” during the midst of the Great Depression, to let New Yorkers know that they could survive the economic disaster.      Patience is key in running the Christian race.  Hebrews 12:1-2 urges, “Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”     Fortitude is “strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage.” This is what Paul spoke of when he said “we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:3-5).

- 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.

Can We Trust the Bible as the Word of God?

By Bob Prichard     In an age when we have little to trust or rely upon, we may wonder if even the Bible can be trusted. There are many reasons, however, that we can trust the Bible as the word of God. First of all, we can trust the Bible because we trust God and it is God’s book, revealed to mankind, and in perfect harmony with His nature and character. “God is not a man, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Just as Jesus Christ, He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). What God has produced is true, perfect, and without change, in keeping with His character.     A second reason to trust the Bible is that we know it is inspired by God. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Speaking of the inspired Bible writers, Peter said, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). The message of the biblical writers was not their own message, but the message of the will of God. Since the Bible is God’s inspired book, it is without error and absolutely trustworthy.     A third great reason we should trust the Bible is the vast number of New Testament manuscripts that have been discovered. More than 24,000 manuscripts or parts of manuscripts have been discovered, dating all the way back to the first century. The Dead Sea scrolls, discovered in 1947, included manuscripts of Old Testament books  dating from at least one hundred to one hundred and fifty years before Christ. As scholars began to study the scrolls, they sought to see how much the text of the Bible had changed over the centuries. What they found was that the ancient manuscripts were virtually identical to manuscripts of a thousand years later. Through the careful work of the copyists and the providence of God, the inspired text has been preserved over the centuries.     A fourth great reason to trust the Bible is the truly amazing fulfillment of prophecy within biblical history. This demonstrates clearly that God controlled the writing of the book.  The prophecies fulfilled in the life of Christ alone are enough to show the Bible to be the word of God. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), would be crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12), would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9), and these are just a few examples of the many other events in the life of Christ which were prophesied. This would not have been possible if the Bible had not been inspired by God.     Since the Bible is trustworthy in these areas, we can know that is is trustworthy in other areas as well. The Bible is the one book that men can trust today. Any apparent contradictions come from our misunderstanding, not from actual problems within the Bible itself, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

- 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.

Serrefine

By Bob Prichard       13-year-old Evan O’Dorney of Danville, CA took home the 2007 Scripps National Spelling Bee championship by spelling the medical term serrefine (small forceps). Spelling bees have been around since before we were children, but seem to be getting new life these days, with the finals of the spelling bee making prime time on ABC. I applaud this, because correct spelling is having a hard time competing with email and text messaging short cuts. [RU4it?]     Jesus commented about spelling: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18). The jot referred to is the Hebrew letter yod, the smallest letters in the alphabet. The tittle referred to a small marking that distinguished some Hebrew letters from others. Both served significant purposes for understanding, despite being very small.    Jesus stressed the importance of the law and obedience to it, and that His life and ministry would fulfill the law. His death brought reconciliation. “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Ephesians 2:14-16).     “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:13-15). He fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law, just as He promised. His life and death spells hope for us—and that is a spelling bee we all need to win!

- 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.

Where do we Find Authority for our Religious Practices Today?

By Bob Prichard       We must have a way to make choices and settle matters of difference in our religious practices. We cannot do this unless there is an accepted standard of authority. Authority means “the power or right to command or enforce obedience, to make final decisions, to have jurisdiction.” Authority is related to that which is lawful, or that which men are at liberty to do. Authority is important in all areas of life, but is nowhere more important than in the area of religious practice. What is authorized, or what is not authorized in the area of religion has eternal consequences. The best authority must be objective, rather than subjective. An objective authority is unchangeable, and thus provides a constant standard. A subjective authority is one that is changeable (often based on an individual’s opinion), so it cannot provide a real standard by which to measure.     In the realm of religion, there can be only one authority, and that is the Bible, the written word of God. It is the only acceptable authority because it is the only inspired authority. It is an objective authority because it is an unchanging authority, not subject to the whims of man. There are many other authorities sometimes followed in religion today, but they are not truly authoritative because they are subjective. Subjective authorities include the church, the pope, preachers, church leaders, and those claiming to receive modern day revelations. All of these “authorities” are changeable, and often disagree with one another, even in the most fundamental areas.     The Bible clearly claims for itself inspiration from God. As Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus was able to expound, or explain from the Old Testament [“Moses and all the Prophets”] its prophecies concerning Him. These were called “the scriptures,” meaning the written word of God. As Jesus prayed to the Father, concerning His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The word of God, because it is truth, provides an unchanging guide for life. Paul told Timothy, “scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspiration” literally means “God breathed,” indicating that it comes directly from God through men.

    Because the Bible is the only “God breathed” guide for the practice of religion today, it and it alone must be obeyed. Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians properly received his teachings. “Ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Although we do not have Paul among us today, we have the written, authoritative record of his inspired teachings in the New Testament.

- 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.

Values

By Bob Prichard     Doing some excavating on his North Carolina farm 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a strange rock. Three years later, in 1802, a Fayetteville jeweler offered him $3.50 for the rock. It tuned out that the rock was gold, and had a value of $3,600. This was the beginning of the Reed Gold Mine. In those three years before learning he had a large gold nugget, Reed had been using the rock as a doorstop.     Like Reed, we are often ignorant to the true value of things. We often place the greatest significance on the incidental and neglect the eternal. Not surprisingly, a death, an illness, or another tragedy often makes us stop and think and to consider what is really important.     In explaining to the Christians of Corinth the true meaning and place of spiritual gifts, Paul touched on this point. Though all parts of the body are important, we tend to place the greater emphasis on some parts to the neglect of others. “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour 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” (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).     As a simple comparison, in a week’s time, how does your time spent in grooming and caring for the body compare to the time spent in caring for the inner man? Paul prayed for Ephesians that God would grant them “according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). What is really valuable to you? Do you truly value the eternal over the temporal?

- 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.

Father, Forgive Me: Understanding Divine Mercy

By Dale J. Babinsky
    Gratitude toward the Lord is deeply connected to recognizing His forgiveness and mercy. Many struggle to fully grasp the completeness of God’s forgiveness, often feeling burdened by past mistakes even after seeking forgiveness. Sometimes, people swing between extremes—wanting to forgive everyone regardless of their repentance, or refusing to forgive those who have wronged them, believing they’ve missed their chance.    Jesus addresses these personal relationships in Mat. 18, teaching about the process of reconciliation: confronting faults, repentance, and forgiveness, with church discipline as a last resort. The disciples, curious about the frequency of forgiveness, ask, “How often do I forgive my brother?” Peter suggests seven times, thinking it generous since rabbis taught three strikes was the limit (Amos 1:3, Amos 1:6, Amos 1:9). Jesus, however, calls for much more—77 or even 490 times—emphasizing that forgiveness should be continual, not counted. He illustrates this with the parable of the Unmerciful Servant.    In Mat. 18:23-27, Jesus tells of a servant who owed an unfathomable debt—billions by today’s standards. The king, moved by compassion, forgives the entire debt, showing mercy to a penitent servant. This represents God’s willingness to forgive all our sins, debts we could never repay. God’s grace, provided through Jesus, is greater than any sin, and He releases us from spiritual bondage when we sincerely seek forgiveness. However, penitence is necessary for this gift.    Luke 17:3-4 highlights that God’s forgiveness requires repentance—“if” the brother repents, forgiveness follows. The parable continues in Mat. 18:28-35: the forgiven servant refuses to forgive a minor debt owed to him, showing harshness and hypocrisy. His lack of mercy leads to punishment, illustrating that God expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. If we are not merciful, God may revoke our forgiveness (John 8:24, Prov. 21:13, Mat. 6:12-15, James 2:13).    Forgiveness and repentance must come from the heart—insincere apologies or forgiveness are ineffective (Mat. 18:35, Mat. 5:7, Eph 4:32, Col. 3:13). God forgives us as we forgive others, and His gift can be revoked if we do not “walk in the light.” Willingness to forgive is essential to maintaining God’s forgiveness.    The parable of the Unmerciful Servant teaches that if we desire forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive others. God forgives the greater debt; we should forgive the lesser. If you’re struggling with forgiveness or burdens after becoming a Christian, remember that prayer and support are always available. Just as Peter and others prayed for Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8), the church family can help by praying for us. The invitation to forgiveness is always open.

- 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 Wheat and the Tares

By Dale J. Babinsky
    Have you ever planted a garden and struggled to tell the difference between young plants and weeds? Many gardeners, especially those starting from seed, find it difficult to distinguish between the two. This challenge is at the heart of the biblical Parable of the Tares, which follows the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. Both parables use agricultural imagery to teach about the growth and spread of God’s kingdom, but the Parable of the Tares introduces a new element: the presence of weeds among the wheat.    In Matthew 13:24-27, Jesus describes a man who sows good seed in his field. Unlike cheap seed mixed with weeds, this seed is pure. Jesus later explains that He Himself is the sower, spreading the good seed—the Word of God—throughout the world. Just as Jesus scattered the seed everywhere, believers are called to do the same, sharing the message in all places and circumstances (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Colossians 1:5-6).    The field represents the world, and the good seed produces the “sons of the kingdom”—those who are obedient and fruitful (Matthew 12:46-50). However, alongside the wheat, tares (weeds) also grow. In the Mediterranean, a weed called darnel closely resembles wheat until it matures. Roman law even punished those who sowed darnel among wheat as an act of revenge, highlighting the real-life relevance of Jesus’ parable. When harvest time comes, the wheat is gathered and preserved, while the tares are burned—a clear reference to Judgment Day (Matthew 13:40-43).   The parable continues in Matthew 13:27-28, where an enemy deliberately sows bad seed among the good. This isn’t just a case of mixed seed; it’s a second, malicious sowing. Jesus identifies the enemy as Satan, who sows chaos, lies, and confusion in the world (Matthew 13:38-39). While Jesus sows truth and righteousness, Satan’s influence leads people astray, often in subtle ways that are not immediately obvious. The result is a world filled with individuals who do not follow God, each doing what seems right in their own eyes.    God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), yet the world is full of religious confusion. There are thousands of denominational groups, all claiming to wasfollow the same God but teaching different paths to salvation. This diversity of doctrine, often contradictory, is a result of Satan’s deceptive work. Revelation 12:7-9, 15-17 describes Satan’s ongoing war against God and believers, spreading false teachings and encouraging people to “just follow your heart” or choose whatever belief system suits them.     In this environment, it is crucial to be rooted in the good seed—the Gospel message sown by Jesus, which alone has the power to save (Galatians 1:6-9; James 1:21; Romans 1:16). A time of harvest is coming, when those who practice lawlessness will be separated from those who follow God’s will (Matthew 13:40-42; 7:21; 15:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The confusion sown by Satan makes the task of evangelism more challenging, as the world sees division and doubts the truth (John 17:20-21).    The world is full of tares—those who do not follow God. But why not uproot them now? The parable teaches that the field is the world and that both good and evil will coexist until the final harvest. While believers are called out of the world, they still live in it and can have a positive influence. Sometimes, what appears to be a tare today may become wheat tomorrow. Ultimately, the separation will come at harvest time, when the true nature of each will be revealed.    Satan has sown much confusion, but it is vital to ensure we are following the right seed—the truth of Jesus. By doing so, we can be confident of our place in the “barn” rather than the fire. As the parable concludes: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

- 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/

How Big Is Our God?

By Dale J. Babinsky
    The Psalms offer a profound exploration of God’s character and relationship with humanity. As we have been looking at the Psalms, we have seen many attributes of God’s love for us. Now, we turn to Psalm 139, which can be divided into four sections, each highlighting a distinct attribute of God: His omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, and holiness.    Psalm 139:1-6 reveals that God knows us better than we know ourselves. He possesses a deep, intimate knowledge of each person—not a superficial acquaintance, but a complete understanding of our thoughts and words before we even express them. This is echoed in Amos 4:13, which describes God as the one who declares to humanity what their thoughts are. David marvels at this omniscience, finding it too wonderful and high to fully comprehend.    Psalm 139:7-12 asks, “Where can I flee from your presence?” History shows that some have tried—Adam and Eve, Jonah—but the answer is clear: nowhere. God’s reach extends to the stars, the depths of Sheol (the place of the dead), the depths of the oceans, and even the darkness. Just as God sees all, He is everywhere at once. For those who belong to Him, this is a blessing—He will never miss or overlook you. For those on the outside, it is a source of fear. The omnipresence of God means you can run, but you cannot hide.    Psalm 139:13-18 celebrates God as the Creator who formed and knit together our innermost parts. The wonder of childbirth is a testament to His creative power. David acknowledges that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that God’s works are marvelous. This truth should shape how we treat one another, recognizing that we are all part of God’s magnificent creation. God knew us even in the womb, before our days began. David marvels that God is mindful of each of us, as echoed in Psalm 8:3-4. God’s omnipotence is manifested in the fact that He has always known us, and our lives are in His hands.    Psalm 139:19-24 marks a shift from praise to a passionate rejection of the ungodly. Our awesome God is also a holy God, intolerant of sin and evil. David’s zeal reflects a hatred for what God hates—not out of spite, but out of devotion. God’s holiness demands that we, too, pursue holiness, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 and 2 Chronicles 19:1-2. David’s desire is not only for purity in others but also in himself, asking God to search him and reveal any shortcomings. This call to self-examination is echoed in 2 Corinthians 13:5. Ultimately, David aspires to be like the righteous man described in Psalm 1.    We serve a BIG God—one who is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and all holy. He knows each of us intimately, is with us everywhere, owns every part of our being, and calls us to be like Him. Psalm 139 transcends any small thoughts we may have of God, remaining intensely personal throughout. As the New Bible Commentary notes, this psalm is written by one who knows they cannot escape God and finds comfort in that truth. The invitation stands: why wouldn’t we want to serve a God like this?

- 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/

Why Do the Wicked Prosper

By Dale J. Babinsky     It’s a question that has troubled people for generations: Why does it seem like those who do wrong often get away with it, while those who strive to do right face hardship? Whether it’s seeing others break the rules on the road or watching the wealthy escape justice with the help of top lawyers, the apparent prosperity of the wicked can be confusing. This dilemma is not new, it was pondered by     Asaph, a musician appointed by King David, as recorded in Psalm 73. Asaph’s honest struggle with this question provides us with valuable insight. Asaph observed that the wicked seemed to live lives of luxury and ease, free from the troubles that plagued others. In Psalm 73:2-12, he admits his own envy and discouragement, feeling as though his commitment to God was pointless when the boastful thrived. The wicked appeared to avoid consequences, buying their way out of trouble and living in comfort. Their arrogance and pride were on full display, yet they continued to prosper. This led Asaph—and can lead us—to question whether devotion to God is in vain, especially when suffering seems to be the reward for righteousness.     It’s easy to become discouraged when the world’s values seem upside down. The temptation to envy those who disregard God’s ways is real, especially when their lives look so appealing. Asaph’s pain was not just intellectual; it was emotional, making him question the very purpose of his faith.     However, Asaph’s perspective shifts when he considers the bigger picture—eternity (Psalm 73:17-20). He realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting. Their foundation is slippery, and their end is destruction. Wealth and abundance, while desirable, can become obstacles to following God if they become the ultimate goal. The laughter and comfort of the wicked will not last; judgment awaits.     In contrast, the destiny of the righteous is secure (Psalm 73:21-26). Asaph admits his own ignorance and grief, but he remembers that God is always with him, guiding and ultimately welcoming him into glory. The true value lies not in temporary success, but in eternal relationship with God. Jesus is described as our advocate, the ultimate “legal dream team” for eternity (1 John 2:1).     It’s easy to be blinded by the world’s definition of success and comfort. The apparent lack of justice can make us question our values and choices. But Psalm 73 reminds us that the story isn’t over—the wicked will face judgment, and the righteous will be rewarded for their faithfulness. Sometimes, being caught when we do wrong is a blessing, steering us back to the right path. The real question is: How shall we live? What will we value? The invitation is clear, don’t be on the outside looking in. Trust in God’s testimony and remember that true prosperity is found not in what we gain in this world, but in what awaits us 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/

Create in Me A Clean Heart

By Dale J. Babinsky     In life, we often wish for a "do-over" – a chance to correct our mistakes and start anew. Whether it's a questionable call in a game or a misstep in our personal lives, the desire to erase our errors and begin again is universal. This sentiment is vividly captured in the story of David, who sought a "do-over" after his grievous sin with Bathsheba. David's journey from sin to repentance is a powerful reminder that our worst moments do not have to define us. Instead, with genuine repentance and a change of heart, we can seek forgiveness and renewal.     David's plea for mercy is expressed in Psalm 51:1-2. He begs for compassion, acknowledging that he has no claim to the favor he seeks. His appeal is not based on his own goodness but on God's steadfast love and tender mercies. David's hope to restore his covenant relationship with God is a testament to his faith in God's unending love. Romans 12:1 reminds us that God's tender mercies are available to us as well, but we must not conform to this world. Like David, we must seek to be free from sin's pollution, asking God to blot out, wash, and cleanse us thoroughly.     In Psalm 51:3-5, David's confession is heartfelt and sincere. He acknowledges his sin, recognizing that his attempts to hide it have failed. His sin is ever before him, and he understands that he has sinned not just against Uriah and Bathsheba, but against God. David's acknowledgment of his sin is a crucial step in his repentance. He does not make excuses or shift blame; instead, he owns his actions and expresses true sorrow. This godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance, as David seeks to be free from the guilt and punishment of his transgressions.     David's desire for restoration is evident in Psalm 51:6-9. He understands that sin separates him from God and longs to be restored to his position as one of God's children. David's plea to be purged with hyssop, washed, and cleansed reflects his deep desire for purity. He seeks complete cleansing, knowing that only God can make him whiter than snow. David's request to blot out his iniquities and restore joy and gladness highlights his yearning for a renewed relationship with God.     Psalm 51:10-12 reveals David's understanding that only God can give him a clean heart and a fresh start. While David must repent of his sins, it is only God who can create in him a clean heart and renew his spirit. David's plea not to be cast away from God's presence or lose the Holy Spirit reflects his fear of losing the special relationship he once had with God. He seeks to be restored to the joy of salvation, desiring to be as innocent as he was before his sin.     David's forgiveness serves as a lesson to others, as seen in Psalm 51:13-17. He recognizes that worship and sacrifices are empty and worthless if one is not living right with God. David's desire to get back in line with God and offer acceptable worship reflects his understanding that true worship comes from a humble and contrite heart. He knows that God does not desire sacrifices that represent failure but seeks a heart that is fully devoted to Him.     In Psalm 51:18-19, David acknowledges that once we are back in fellowship with God, our sacrifices become productive and pleasing to Him. He emphasizes the importance of doing good and offering sacrifices in spirit and truth. David's journey from sin to repentance and restoration serves as a powerful reminder that we too can have a "do-over." By owning our mistakes, confessing our sins, and seeking God's forgiveness, we can be restored to a right relationship with Him.     None of us are perfect, and we all fall victim to sin. The key is how we respond to our failures. Like David, we must take responsibility for our actions, confess our sins to the Lord, and appeal to Him for forgiveness and cleansing. Only God can create in us a clean heart and restore us to a right relationship with Him. True repentance involves a change of mind and heart, and it starts with us. By looking inward and seeking God's forgiveness, we can experience the joy of being restored to His fold and having His Spirit with us. Then, our worship and sacrifices will be pleasing to God, and we will enjoy the joy of heaven when we are restored to Him.

- 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/

Do You Have the Faith of Abraham?

By Brian Mitchell       Known among other things as the Father of the Faithful, Abraham was truly one of the most remarkable men in the history of mankind in general, but especially so in the history of religion. Three of the world’s main religions actually trace their heritage back to the Patriarch Abraham. The Muslims trace their spiritual heritage back to Abraham through his son Ishmael and his descendants. The Jews trace their spiritual heritage back to Abraham through Isaac and his descendants, as do Christians.     To Christians, Abraham is referred to in the Bible as the father of all the faithful—Rom.4:11-12, Gal.3:7. It is here that the Jews have lost their connection to God because they do not possess the faith of Abraham. Because the sons of Abraham no longer share a connection to God through the blood of Jesus Christ, they no longer share a connection with God. Rather those who share a connection to God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are those who are blessed by God.     Thus, for those who believe in and obey Jesus, Abraham is their spiritual father. He was truly a remarkable man. As our father in the faith, what lessons can we learn from Abraham? Without doubt, the most remarkable characteristic of Abraham which is worthy of our emulation was his great faith in God. Paul says of Abraham; “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Rom.4:3).     “Therefore, it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all of the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all” (Rom.4:16). “So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (Gal.3:9). James later would use Abraham as an example of saving faith—Jm.1:21-24.     Here is a great example of what it actually means to believe in God. It is more than just saying the words, it involves actions of obedience. Thus, Abraham was a man of great faith because his faith led him beyond mere belief, to actions of obedience. What about Abraham’s faith made it so pleasing to God? What lessons can we learn from Abraham about faith that can help us to have the same kind of faith?     Abraham shows us what true faith is and where it comes from. He shows us the source of faith: Revelation, the result of faith: Obedience, the focus of faith: Trust in God and the progression of faith: It Must Be Growing. Why do we need this kind of faith?     Because “those who are of the faith are the true sons of Abraham” (Gal.3:7). Because “those who are of the faith of Abraham are blessed” (Gal.3:9). Because those who have the faith of Abraham are truly the recipients of the promise made to Abraham that “In your seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice” (Gen.18:18).     So do you have the Faith of Abraham? It is seen in how one responds to the Word of God, not just what they say about it.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Please visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Noah: Finding Favor in the Eyes of God

By Brian Mitchell       “5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” - (Genesis 6:5-8). Sounds pretty familiar doesn’t it, at least the first part?     It is pretty difficult to read these words and not see that the societal circumstances described in the days of Noah bear a striking similarity to the times in which we find ourselves living. In fact, Paul writes thousands of years later about a time when circumstances would be similar to those described in the days of Noah—2 Tim.3:1-5. The point is simple and that is that there have always been evil and wicked men among us, and it has always displeased God. In fact, it was those circumstances described in Genesis that led God to destroy the world which He had created with the Great Flood.     Can a man live right in times such as these? Given the times we live in, it would be understandable to ask whether or not one could really live a life that is pleasing to God, in the midst of such sin and perversion. We know that we are supposed to—Tit.2:11-12. But can it really be done and if so how? The answer of course is yes. Even in Gen.6, when God was pronouncing judgment upon the world He had made and preparing to destroy it with the flood, there are some encouraging words to be found about one man.     A man, that in spite of his circumstances, managed to live righteously in the eyes of God; a man named Noah—Gen.6:8. Thus, Noah serves as an example of the fact that men can still be pleasing to God, even if they live in a world where “every intent of the thoughts of men’s heart are continually evil.” Why Noah? Why did Noah find favor in the eyes of God? What did he do and how did he live? What lessons can we take from this story that will be helpful for us in attempting to do the same? These are the questions we will be seeking to answer in our lesson today.     God does not desire that any man be lost. But he does requires that to avoid it we come to repentance and seek after His will. When we do, we will find exactly what Noah and his family found—Favor in the eyes of the Lord. Have you found favor in the eyes of God yet? If you have then remember these words, “Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Please visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Lessons from the Life of Jeroboam

By Brian Mitchell       Unfortunately, it seems that there are few indeed, that give proper credit to the influence—for good or bad—that we have on the lives of those around us. Like it or not, the things that we do and say impact the lives of those we come in contact with. There are even times when that influence can spread to people that we may never even meet.     Regardless of the internal and external stimuli that might lead people to a life of criminality, people commit crime because they choose to. However, it does not take a doctorate degree in sociology, psychology or criminal justice to discover that the influences we are surrounded with—by choice or necessity—play a tremendous role in the choices that we eventually make. As I have said before, we are ALL influencing and being influenced in life.     What Kind of Influence are We Setting? (Positive or Negative). What Kind of Influences are We Allowing to Affect Us? (Positive or Negative). Not that long ago we spent time talking about the importance of setting and being a good example for others around us. In this on, taken from the Life of King Jeroboam, I want to show you why it is so important that we set the right godly example for those around us. Because in the end, you may never even live to see how far your influence—for good or bad—may go, Jeroboam didn’t.     I want to start by examining the life of the 1st King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, for in doing so, you will see more clearly why this lesson is focusing on the kings of Judah. It is because first and foremost there is nothing good to say about the kings of Israel. By studying the Kings of Judah we can find some examples of both good kings and bad whose lives we can learn from. While there were a lot of wicked kings in Judah, that’s all there was in Israel.     It is unbelievable to me that in the 210-year history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel there was not one good king to be found among the 19 who ruled the nation. With Jehu being the only one who even remotely did what the Lord asked and Omri and his son Ahab being the worst. Do you know why there was not one good king to be found among all the kings of Israel?     While in the end it was because each king personally chose to do evil. There is 1 factor which contributed to their choices that is found first in 1 Kings 16:18-19. This phrase “walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he had committed to make Israel sin” is repeated of all 18 kings who succeeded Jeroboam on the Throne of Israel. Jeroboam was a man in the end whose example brought down an entire nation.     Jeroboam is a man who teaches us about, if we learn, the Power of One example. Jeroboam teaches us that we can never start to think that the negative choices we make in life don’t matter. For it certainly did for those who came after him, and while maybe not to the same degree, it will for those who come after us.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Please visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Glimpsing God’s Glory

By Brian Mitchell       You’ve probably heard it said: “There are two sure things in life: #1 – There is a God, and #2 – You are not Him!” As we grow in our understanding of those two realities we must realize that it’s not about us, rather it’s all about God. Life and reality don’t revolve around us, rather they revolve around God.     One handle we need to graps is the illustration of the moon - we must be the moon that reflects the Son of God. The other handle is the example of John the Baptizer who said, “He must increase, I must decrease” – John understood it was all about Jesus and not about him. To begin we must consider the glory of our God. If we don’t rightly grasp who God is, we can’t rightly reflect who God is. People often misunderstand God and try to put him in a box of their own making. Even believers can be guilty of inaccurately portraying God.     Some people wrongly view God as “God the cowboy” who is ready to gun us down if we get out of line. Some people wrongly view God as “God the good buddy” who is just a great friend. Some people wrongly view God as “God the clockmaker” who wound up the universe and it just letting it run out on its own. While other people wrongly view God as “God the good luck charm” who they only pull out when they are in trouble.     There are many other inaccurate portrayals of God that we might end up with, and that’s why it is so important that our view of God is based on God’s true revelation of Himself. Today, I want to take us on a short journey back to three moments in time when God revealed something of His glory. I pray that these glimpses into God’s glory will help us begin to grasp the glory of our God.     What we will see as we do is that Moses needed a glimpse of God’s glory, Stephen needed a glimpse of God’s glory and Saul of Tarsus needed a glimpse of God’s glory. Do you or I have any less of a need for the glimpse of God’s glory? Moses needed a glimpse of God’s glory because of a desert and 40 years of great challenges that lay ahead. Stephen needed a glimpse of God’s glory to remain faithful in the midst of false accusations and the rocks of martyrdom that fell on him. Saul of Tarsus needed a glimpse of God’s glory to bring him to repentance and enable him to become God’s chosen instrument to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in the face of all kinds of hardship and persecution.     And all of us desperately need a glimpse of God’s glory to carry us along in life and ministry. We are all living in dying bodies, existing on a decaying planet, surrounded by a self-centered, anti-Christian society. These are no small issues, and thankfully we have no small God. Our God is great and full of glory, and we need a greater grasp of God’s glory. And let us never forget that it is all about God, not about us.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Please visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Our Everlasting God

By Brian Mitchell       One day a man was speaking with God and he asked him, “God is it true that to you a thousand years is just a minute?” “That’s true,” God replied. The man continued, “And is it true that to you a million dollars is like a penny?” “Yes, that’s true,” God said. Then the man said, “God, could I have a penny?” God replied, “Sure, in just a minute.”     One writer shares a story about his daughter that took place when she was two years old. He said that Jenna was just learning to speak well, but one day as they walked hand in hand through their apartment lobby, his daughter noticed a ball, and looked at her dad and said, “Just a moment” and she slid her hand from his and went after the ball.     He thought to himself: “A moment? Who told her about moments? To date, her existence had been time-free. Toddlers know no beginning or end or hurry or slow or late or soon. But Jenna’s phrase, ‘Just a moment,’ announced that time had entered her world.” He continued, “Life, she was discovering, is a cache of moments: measurable and countable increments, like change in a pocket or buttons in a can. Your pocket may be full of decades, my pocket may be down to a few years, but everyone has a certain number of moments. Everyone, that is, except God.”     Here is the main idea that I want us to wrestle with and try to grasp from today’s sermon: Life is short; God is forever. Do you understand and believe both of those truths? Perhaps the first of those truths is easier to grasp and believe than the second one. Life is indeed short and it passes by so quickly. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I am 50 years old and have been serving the Lord here at Jackson for more than 10 years!     When we were children, didn’t summers seem like they lasted forever? Then when we became a teenager, it seemed like forever until we could get our driver’s license, or graduate from high school. But now at age 50 those things are over 30 years in the past! How time flies! And it seems to speed up the older you get. That’s why it is so important for us to realize that life is short, but God is forever. And we want to make sure that we live in a way that makes our one and only life count for eternity.     As you know, we are in a sermon series called “It’s All About God – Living a God-Centered Life.” It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that life is all about us, but the Bible is clear that it’s all about God. Creation is God’s world; history is God’s story; all of us are made in God’s image; and it is all for God’s glory. Last week, we talked about glimpsing God’s glory, who is there to help us always, whether we recognize it or not.     Our God is eternal; He is an everlasting God. Today, I want to declare what the Bible says about God’s eternal nature. God has always been and always will be; He lives beyond time. As finite people, trying to understand eternity is like trying to cram the ocean into a bucket, and yet we have to try. God has set eternity in our hearts, yet we cannot fathom it. We have a taste of it—like a bucket of ocean water—and we yearn for it, but it is beyond us to fully grasp it. Yet, it is important that we try, so today I will reveal things about it.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Please visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Tough Conversations: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

By Andrew Beasley     The Bible is meant to be understood. It is also written to challenge us. Sometimes, the writings of the inspired authors demand that we have difficult conversations. Sometimes those conversations must be had “looking in the mirror” so to speak. Other times those conversations must be had between one another. Will we shy away from those challenges that demand discussion and application? Will we adapt our lives to fit what the Bible teaches, or will we try to make the Bible fit what we want to believe?      If we want to make the Bible fit what we believe then we must first answer the sort of questions that God rhetorically asks Job. Where were you? Where were you when He instituted marriage shortly after He rested from creation? Do you truly wish to speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where the Bible is silent or does that only hold true when it aligns with what we already believe?      In our study of what the Bible teaches regarding marriage, divorce and remarriage (Matthew 19), in in our study of any biblical topic, it is important that we speak where the Bible has spoken and are silent where it has not. God intends for us to understand what he desires, what he expects, and what he permits regarding marriage, to divorce, and to remarriage.

- 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 the Pattern

Borrowing the title from a tremendous book written by Goebel Music, Behold the Pattern, we need to constantly return to God’s word for instructions on how we live, worship, and serve our Heavenly Father.  It is easy if you turn on the news, or scroll social media, to be inundated with opinions and thought pieces on the way that people should live their lives. Perhaps it seems right to you to side with the protesters in Los Angeles. Or, perhaps, you’re on the side of the immigration enforcement officers. Persuasive arguments, from a human perspective, can be made by both sides for why the actions that they have undertaken are right and proper.     Pause for a moment in your thinking and consider the patterns that have been set forth in Scripture. For example, Noah was given a pattern to follow in the building of the Ark. Had Noah followed a pattern other than the one God had set forth, the outcome would have been drastically different. Keeping that in mind, consider if God has set forth a pattern for His people today.     As you consider this, look to the words of Jesus to the Pharisees and the Sadducees concerning the greatest commandment. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind … and the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:36-40).     This is the pattern for our lives. Anything that falls outside of loving God, and loving our neighbor, fails to meet God’s standard

- 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/

At the Perfect Time

By Andrew Beasley     Have you ever heard someone refer to a newborn baby as being perfect? The sentiment is understandable. Newborns are precious, innocent creatures who have yet to be jaded or corrupted by the world. Unfortunately, every person eventually loses that quality even ones parents continue to call them their perfect child. That is one of the distinguishing features between every human conceived by two human parents that is born into this world if they are blessed to live long enough to reach adulthood and accountability and Jesus of Nazareth.      John tells us that God loved the world to such a degree that He gave His only begotten, or some translations say unique, Son. Jesus of Nazareth, born in Bethlehem, is the truly perfect son of God in that He is like God. He is Deity and cannot coexist with sin or darkness. But Jesus is not perfect simply because He is fully, one hundred percent God. But also, because He was fully, one hundred percent human and yet did not sin (Heb. 4:15). This makes Him our perfect mediator, intercessor and high priest. He is perfect in means of completion, being completely what humanity needed but also perfect in sense of quality in that He was pure, unblemished and spotless throughout His life.      Jesus of Nazareth, the perfect Son of God born in a little town of Bethlehem, a place that had been prepared for that moment.

- 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/

The Perfect Son

By Andrew Beasley     Was Jesus born on December 25th? Judging by what the Bible tells us we cannot definitively know when Jesus was born, but the details suggest late spring or early summer (Luke 2:8). Even then, we cannot know the exact date of Christ’s birth. Does that mean it should not be celebrated? We know that Jesus has made it clear how He wants us to remember Him and we have the privilege of participating in that memorial remembrance of Him every single Sunday (1 Cor. 11:23-26). Because he expressly commanded this to be done, we must do so. But that does not mean that celebrating His birth is something that we should not do.      Jesus, humbling Himself, took on the form of a man and fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6. Matthew makes it clear that this moment in time is the one the world had been waiting for when He says this is that which the prophet Isaiah spoke of (Matthew 3:3). Jesus of Nazareth would go on to be the perfect, unblemished sacrifice for our sins that we needed. He would become our intercessor, our mediator and our great high priest among other things.      So, as the world centers its mind on the fact that the perfect Son came into this world at the perfect time in a place that God had prepared, let us not denigrate them for doing so.      Instead, let us rejoice that this baby boy that Mary gave birth to was, indeed, God with us. Even if he wasn’t born on December 25th.

- 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/

The Benefits of Knowing God Through His Word

By Edd Sterchi   When Peter wrote his second epistle, he wrote to “those who have obtained like precious faith” (1:1). That includes you and me, if we are Christians! Then in the following three verses, he mentioned something interesting about “the knowledge of God” (1:2). I believe within this section are four incredible benefits of knowing God through His word.   Here’s the full text: “To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature...” (1:2-4)   In this particular translation (NKJV), there are four words that begin with “P” that reveal these incredible benefits. * Peace - The more we know God through His word, the more at peace we will be. Understanding just who God is and having a relationship with Him brings great peace of mind, life, and soul. * Power - When we gain a greater understanding of God through His word, we will truly stand in awe of His power. And we will also realize that He will use His power to help and guide us in many ways. * Promises - When we read God’s word, we will see many of His precious promises. We will also see how He has always kept them with His people, and this will assure us that He will keep them all! * Partakers - When we consume and obey God’s word, we deepen our relationship with Him. He then shares many wonderful blessings with us.   Of course, there are many other benefits to knowing God through His word, but these four ought to be enough to encourage us to spend more and more time reading the Bible – God’s precious word.

- 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/

Commands from Christ Are Not Optional

By Edd Sterchi
  I recently read a Bible Q & A article written by a denominational preacher. In it he was asked, “Can you go to heaven if you ‘trust’ Jesus as your Lord and Savior but you are not yet baptized?” He began his answer by saying: “Yes. Baptism has nothing to do with salvation.” Later in the answer he stated: “Baptism is an ordinance instituted by Christ until the ‘end of the age’...Clearly this command was not only for the apostles who heard it but for His followers throughout the entire age.” Finally, he concluded with: “One is saved without, apart from and before baptism. Those who are saved should desire baptism as a public profession of faith, but please realize that it is not necessary for salvation. If a person believes in Jesus as Lord and is never baptized, they will still be saved.”  I would like to analyze how this person answered this most sincere and important question about baptism and see if it really “holds water.” I think it is very interesting that he admits that baptism is a command from Christ and then declares that it does not have to be followed for salvation. Imagine that – the command from Jesus Christ to be baptized is optional (or so he said)! Given this logic, I wonder what other commands from Christ would be optional? I guess all that are not in line with man’s teachings!  All facetiousness aside, listen to what Jesus Himself said concerning what our attitude should be toward every command He gives:* John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”* John 14:21, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.”* John 15:10, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love”* John 15:14, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”  Note that there is no room in these verses for options, opinions, or omissions. That’s because Jesus is the One with all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). Whatever He has commanded, we’d better do. And Jesus commanded baptism as necessary for salvation (Mark 16:16) and declared it to be the process of how people become His disciples (Matt. 28:19). The apostles went about baptizing “in the name of” Jesus Christ (i.e. in the manner and for the purpose He authorized, see Acts 2:38; 10:48). They knew something we should never forget: If it’s a command from Christ, it’s not an option.

- 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/

Three Words That Change Everything

By Edd Sterchi   There are three words, that if we really believe them, will change our perspective, our outlook, our attitude – our everything! What are they? Well, let’s let one of the great people of faith, Abraham, tell us.   In Genesis 22, God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Now, consider the fact that Isaac was the son that God promised Abraham and Sarah. He was the only one who could continue the lineage of Abraham’s innumerable descendants, again as promised by God. And now, Abraham was asked to kill him! Abraham’s faith in God caused him to trust and obey (Hebrews 11:17-19).   As they neared the spot God had designated to be the sacrificial place, Isaac asked his father, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7). It is then that Abraham gives us the phrase to always remember – the phrase that changes everything: “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” (Genesis 22:8). And He did! After passing the test of faith in the motions of going through with the sacrifice, in the nick of time, God provided a ram to be the substitute (Genesis 22:9-14).   “God will provide.” Believing and saying that reminds us that no matter the circumstances in our lives, God is in control and will always act on what is in our best interest at the proper time. We must, like Abraham, trust and obey and step forward in faith knowing that “God will provide.”

- 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/

Stoke the Folk!

By Edd Sterchi
  Have you ever just sat around a fire? It is incredibly therapeutic. A fire seems to bring out wonderful moments of reflection and conversation. Fires are beneficial in many ways with the heat, light, and mood it produces.  God’s word is compared to a fire in Jeremiah 23:39. Like a fire, it enlightens and penetrates. I believe that the gospel is also a fire, and the church needs to be on fire to spread it properly. I also believe that the church that is on fire for the Lord shines brightly in many ways and glorifies Him (cf. Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 3:21). How I wish more brethren would take advantage of the times we burn brightly for the Lord in work and worship.  Have you ever been sitting around a fire that was beginning to dwindle, took a stick and stoked the coals, and the fire would burn brightly again? It is amazing that just moving the burning coals around a little makes such a big difference in the fire.  There’s a lesson for all of us in this. It is important to keep moving about serving, working, fellowshipping, and encouraging one another in the church. Doing this breathes needed oxygen into the church and helps the gospel fire to burn in our hearts and lives. The more of us “burning coals” who move around, the brighter we will burn together for the Lord!  So, stoke the fire – stoke the folk!“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...” (Hebrews 10:14-25)“...and your zeal has stirred up the majority” (2 Corinthians 9:2)

- 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/