Posts by Christian Worker (Page 2)
Overcoming Temptation (Jas. 1:12-15) – Troy Spradlin
An important practice for lion tamers is to train big cats without relying solely on food. Overusing treats can create a dangerous expectation, as the lion may anticipate food at all times. Eliminating such temptation for the lion reduces the possibility of serious consequences, such as the lion tamer getting himself killed! This illustration highlights a valuable spiritual lesson for Christians. If we remove temptation in our own lives, it can help us avoid the consequences that often follow. Temptation…
Wealth and Poverty (Jas. 1:9-11) – John Haffner
In the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, Agur the son of Jakeh said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches” (Pro. 30:8). The various sufferings that accompany the poor are obvious, but what’s the danger of being wealthy? It seems Agur understood man’s tendency to turn blessings into a curse. Too many have seen the generosity of God in their life but have attributed it to their own genius and strength. Forgetting their Creator, they choose to place their trust…
The Way of Wisdom (Jas. 1:5-8) – Kevin Cauley
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (Jas. 1:5-8). There is…
The Joy of a Trial (Jas. 1:2-4) – Andy Baker
You’re going to go for a doctor’s appointment next week and he’s going to tell you that you have irregular test results that might indicate cancer. You’re going to get in your car tomorrow morning, late for work, and the battery is going to be dead. Your sink will begin to drip, and it will keep you awake all night long. You’re going to get a headache behind your eye that will last for the rest of the day. Who’s…
From the Director’s Desk (January 2025) – Trent Kennedy
The Southwest church of Christ will host its annual Arise! Workshop February 27 – March 2, 2025. This workshop will have something for everyone, and you will benefit from attending. In addition to the great lessons and quality hospitality, Arise! affords an opportunity to get more involved with Southwest School of Bible Studies. Alumni: If you are a SWSBS alumni, you can expect to see many familiar faces. Members of SW, classmates, old friends, and teachers will all be at…
Our Pursuit of Holiness – Adam Orr
It was after hearing a sermon from 1 Peter 1:16 (Be holy, for I am holy) that William Longstaff sat down and wrote the words to the popular hymn, “Take Time to be Holy.” Perhaps the best advice anyone can offer in the year 2025 is simply – take time to be holy. The writer of Hebrews reminds us of its importance, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord,” (Heb. 12:14). Is…
Our Love for Our Neighbor – Alex Simmons
Just as it is the case every January, the new year brings many resolutions. Another year has passed and because of the new opportunity set before us, it is time to make some changes. More than likely we have all been there before. As January 1st approaches, we resolve in our minds that there are gym memberships to buy, there are diets to apply, and there are hobbies we want to try. There is something about the new year that…
Our Desire for Godly Homes – Josh Walker
When Joshua addressed the nation, he heavily implied that a strong nation begins with the home (Josh. 24:15). Many of the societal issues today can be attributed to the deterioration of the home, shining a light on its importance. God established the home in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 1:27-28), and it has proven to the foundational pillar of society. The importance of godly homes has not diminished, and is as necessary today as it has ever been. An adherence…
Our Emphasis on Evangelism – Rob Whitacre
The churches of Christ in America are on a steady decline. A recent projection from a Christian University revealed that we will lose 70% of our congregations and members by 2049. If you carry the numbers even further, by 2069, there will be almost no visible traces left of the Church in America. Those who seek RATIONALIZATION minimize our losses by pointing to similar declines among our denominational friends. Those who seek EXPLANATION (should we dare say excuses) cite increased…
Our Plan for Bible Study – Kevin W. Rhodes
The dawn of a new year provides a prime opportunity for Christians to take inventory of their spiritual health and create new and improved patterns for the future. Only such diligence will ensure greater growth and stronger faith while sojourning through life (2 Pet. 3:18). However, although many saints desire a closer relationship with God and a deeper understanding of His will, few have a specific plan to achieve this objective. Some will dedicate a portion of their day to…
From the Director’s Desk (December 2024) – Trent Kennedy
The gospel is good news because the outlook of sinful man is bleak. Sin separates mankind from God and puts us in the “bad news” category. While in sin, we are lost. People must come face-to-face with the reality that they are lost, separated from God, and without hope. It is God’s mouthpiece, His servant, the preacher, who must communicate this reality and offer the hope found only in Jesus. It is possible to communicate someone’s lost state to them…
In My Obedience – Bryce Mayfield
Obedience is an appealing characteristic. Not only to our God and His Son (John 14:15), but also to mankind. Parents, consider the pleasant thought of asking your children to wash the dishes and, with a simple, “Yes sir” or “Yes ma’am,” they immediately obey without raising objection. Such a thought would likely make any parent smile. This could be because obedience is learned and takes discipline or because this character trait has, seemingly, become less common in our society. Whatever…