Posts from December 2020
Investing in the Local Congregation
On his first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem, the apostle Paul sought to “join the disciples” (Acts 9:26). To “join” in this passage implies an intimate association. Paul’s desire to be intimately cemented to the brethren in Jerusalem serves as an important principle for us regarding the local congregation. God never intended for Christians to exist all by themselves on an island. Rather His design is for Christians to come together as “not one member, but many” (1 Cor. 12:14) in…
He Careth For You – Ronnie Scherffius
A most comforting thought in difficult times is that someone else is concerned for your well-being. The apostle Peter, looking back to the Psalms, noted that such a comfort should also motivate us to humble ourselves before God. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Pet. 5:6-7) The three “C’s” of verse seven are especially noteworthy and direct…
Coronavirus, Alcohol, and the Church
The novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 will be remembered historically for the societal adjustments it has produced on a world-wide scale. Business models have changed, dining out has changed, we shop differently, we consume media differently, and we have even developed an extended vocabulary. Words and phrases like “social distancing,” “flattening the curve,” and “selfisolation” have taken on new meaning. Another term, one that carries a great deal of weight, is “essential business.” This expression produces much debate, and understandably…
The Depths of Triumph – Kevin W. Rhodes
When Moses ascended Mount Sinai and originally received the Law from the LORD, he heard, for the first time, the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, which God established as the foundation for Israelite society. Among the precepts instituted in the wilderness that day, the requirement to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8) would later generate great controversy throughout the life of Jesus as the first century Pharisees’ interpretation of the requirement (long ignored throughout Jewish history) took…
Let Us Come Together!
According to John 17:20-23 one thing the Lord had on His mind during the ordeal of His death was our unity. Jesus wanted us to be united in purpose and in mind so that the world would look at us and know that the Father had sent the Son. Jesus knew the value of unity. He knew that a splintered body accomplishes nothing. He knew that the sense of community that is sewn into the fabric of fellowship would be…
Some Reasons to be Joyful
Christians are commanded to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4) but sometimes that can be difficult. It is helpful to remember the many reasons what we have for rejoicing. Here are three for your consideration. God’s providential care. Simply stated, providence refers to provision. Consider the various ways in which God provides for His people. Spiritually speaking He has provided “all things pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). We have redemption through the blood of Christ (Eph.…
Are Your Words Helping the Church?
Words are the most powerful weapon known to man. With them we can lift the spirits of the downtrodden, make someone feel loved and appreciated, or start wars and destroy relationships. Our words have a powerful impact on the church. Congregations can be torn apart by slanderous and vindictive speech and built up by words of encouragement and appreciation. This is behind Paul’s command in Ephesians 4:29 to let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is…