Posts by Cody Westbrook
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…
Do not be Presumptuous (Jas. 4:13-17)
In 1 Corinthians 6:19 we find an important truth about our life. That is, it doesn’t belong to us. Paul said, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” The idea that “you are not your own” is deeply troubling for the vast majority of those in our world. Western Culture is all about self autonomy. I can…
The Church and its Priorities
With so many unique challenges before us it is easy to lose sight of what is really important. The Bible has a great deal to say about priorities and it is important for us to ensure that our priorities are aligned correctly on an individual basis, but also on a congregational basis. First Timothy 6 lists some items that the church must prioritize. Sound Doctrine (1 Tim. 6:3-5) –Those who do not concern themselves with sound doctrine are guilty of…
Battle Fatigue
Guadalcanal Disorder, exhaustion, combat fatigue, shell shock; the Army wasn’t sure what to call it but they knew it was a major problem. Over 500,000 US Soldiers were lost due to “psychiatric collapse” during WWII. Men would shake and scream and stare emptily into the distance. Some would cry, some would run, some would wound themselves, some would desert, and some would take their own lives. Eventually an Army neurologist, captain Frederick Hanson, solved the problem. He recognized that a…
Jesus Loves You, but Religion Doesn’t
It is a bit rare to see anyone holding a sign at an intersection in Kyle, Texas. So, naturally, when I saw him, he had my attention. He had bright red stripes with black outlines tattooed across his chest, arms, and back, and carried a sign which said, “Jesus loves you, but religion doesn’t.” The message was clear. While most wouldn’t tattoo themselves and walk around holding a sign for hours, there are a good number of people in the…
Three Things to Remember in Sorrow
Our hearts have been heavy for the last week as we have absorbed the devastation of the Guadalupe River flood. It can be difficult to know what do think or do during such difficult times. My mind went to the prophet Jeremiah, who watched a city burn while men, women, and children were killed or carried away captive. Here are three things he would have us remember in a time such as this. Remember the MERCY of God (Lam. 3:22-24).…
A Case in Point: Naboth’s Vineyard
Solomon counseled, “Get wisdom!” (Pro. 4:5), and how we ought to heed that admonition. James would have us know, however, that not just any wisdom will do. There is a kind of wisdom that “does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic” (Jas. 3:15). Literally, it is “earth bound,” “spiritually dead,” and “from hell.” This kind of thinking manifests itself in fruit like envy, selfishness, pride, deceit, confusion, and every kind of evil thing (Jas. 3:14, 16). It…
Memorizing God’s Word
Bible memorization is a sticky subject for some. “I’m too old!” “It’s too difficult!” “My memory isn’t good!” “Is it really necessary?” These are just a few of the sentiments sometimes expressed about the subject. It can, admittedly, be an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be! Memorizing God’s Word will bless your life and greatly benefit your spiritual growth. And, it is something that everyone can do! Consider, briefly, some thoughts about the “why” and “how” of Bible…
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Every generation has its heroes – its giants. Those who pave the way for us through their hard work and dedication. Those who exemplify prized virtues like humility, integrity, devotion, and ingenuity. Our nation has been shaped by figures like these, their pictures hang in monuments throughout the country. The church has giants too. Preachers, elders, Bible class teachers, and servants of all kinds, who have set forth profound examples of what it means to be a New Testament Christian.…
The Positive Power of the Tongue (Jas. 3:2-5a)
In Exodus 4:11 the Lord asked Moses, “Who has made man’s mouth?” and in Romans 6:13 Paul commanded “present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” The Lord intricately designed our bodies (Ps. 139:13-16) to be used for His glory, and that includes our mouths. But, sadly, we often underestimate the good that can be accomplished for God with them. If you were to ask any Bible student to…
The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
It is one of the more intriguing but also difficult, and sometimes frightening passages in the New Testament. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation” (Mark 3:28-29; cf. Matt. 12:24-32). The idea of an “unpardonable sin” is unsettling. What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Can it…
He Stole Our Hearts
The ever suave and masterful politician, Absalom carefully and purposefully engrained himself within the hearts of Israel. Second Samuel 15:1-6 records his strategy. For four years the king’s son positioned himself at the city gates, shaking hands and kissing the people. When someone felt slighted because their case had not garnered the attention of the king, Absalom was quick to console them. “Oh that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would…