Posts by Cody Westbrook (Page 19)
To Fear is to Obey, To Obey is to Fear
The word “fear” is found 367 times in Scripture and takes on a variety of meanings. Sometimes the word refers to dread or terror. We see this usage in passages like Genesis 3:10, Jonah 1:5, Matthew 1:20, and 1 Peter 3:14. But other times the word is used in reference to God and refers to reverence, awe, and healthy respect. Ecclesiastes 12:13, Proverbs 1:7, and 1 Peter 2:17 are just a few of the many passages where the word is…
Some Suggestions for Studying the Bible this Year
Spiritual growth is impossible without God’s word (1 Pet. 2:2). The bible tells us to study (2 Tim. 2:15) and meditate (Ps. 1) on God’s Word on a regular basis. David said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Ps. 119:11). Because bible study is so important, it is also important that we know how to study effectively. Here are some suggestions that may help your personal bible study in the year(s) to…
The Sovereign of Life
That life is precious seems like a fairly obvious truth, and for many it is. Childbirth, the death of a loved one, frightening medical diagnosis’, and other things provoke reflection on the fragile and wonderful nature of human life, regularly. But for too many, the precious nature of life is of little or no concern. Typically, figures like serial killers and malevolent genocidal rulers come to mind when considering those who think little of life, and for good reason. Illustrations…
The Plan of Salvation: Baptism
Upon hearing the preaching of Peter and the apostles, a great number of Jews asked “Men and brethren, what shall we do” (Acts 2:37)? That question has been asked by a countless number of people from that day until now. Thankfully, God has not left us in the dark searching for the answer. God’s word teaches us that He has a very simple plan for the salvation of mankind. A person must hear God’s word (Rom. 10:17), believe in Christ…
Feed Us!
For as long as I can remember, I have heard preachers sound the alarm about the sad state of preaching in many pulpits throughout the country. Johnny Ramsey would often talk about preachers who “didn’t preach enough Bible to fill a thimble.” I recall Andrew Connally lamenting an occasion on which he stepped into a pulpit for a gospel meeting and found a sermon outline book the local preacher had preached from the night before without any study or preparation…
That You May Know . . .
In five short chapters of 1 John, the word “know” or one of its derivatives is found thirty-eight times. Indeed, the concept of knowledge was extremely important to the apostle of love, as he dealt with the Gnostics and their claim to superior knowledge. Their claims were heartbreaking and concerning to the first-century church. No doubt it was a threat to their faith. So, John wanted his readers to have a complete and firm conviction. He wanted them to know…
Love Your Neighbor – Cody Westbrook
Love your neighbor. The sentiment seems simple enough but the practice is much more difficult than we may realize. The problem is not that people are unfamiliar with the idea–“love each other” is a refrain heard on a daily basis. The real issue is meaning. What is love? What does it mean to love your neighbor? People tend to answer those questions based on their own philosophy and such is problematic because it produces a chaotic inconsistent atmosphere where one…
Psalm 100: Giving Honor to God
How do you view God? Think carefully about how you answer that question because your answer determines your response. There are many people in the world who have a distorted view of God and therefore respond to Him in a completely unacceptable fashion. For example, there are some who live lives of complete, open, and unmistakable rebellion against the Lord, yet when they die their friends and loved ones adamantly declare that they have “gone to a better place.” The…
Heaven Holds All To Me
“Heaven holds all to me, brighter its glory will be; joy without measure will Tbe my treasure, Heaven holds all to me.” The words of the soul-stirring hymn written by the late brother Tillit S. Teddlie have thrilled the hearts of God’s people for decades. We often sing “Heaven holds all to me” but does it really? And, why? Do we want to go to Heaven more than anything else? Do we ever contemplate what that place will be like and…
Stewardship
Stewardship is one of the more challenging principles of New Testament Christianity, not because it is difficult to understand but because of the all-encompassing nature of its application to daily living. Everything we have is entrusted to our care and must be utilized responsibly. Our time, our abilities, our opportunities, our money, our children, and our lives are all gifts given graciously by God to be used for His glory. Such a reality should humble us and compel us to…