Posts by Cody Westbrook (Page 6)
Earnest Anticipation
Hebrews 11:10 says of Abraham, “for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Abraham lived out his life as a sojourner. He knew God had promised Canaan to his descendants but he never lived to see its fulfillment. Though he never settled in the Promised Land he was just as certain in the future fulfillment of that promise as if he had seen it with his own eyes. This is because his sight…
A Good Look in the Mirror
Many years ago the founding fathers of this nation envisioned a society unparalleled and unrivaled by any in the annals history. They saw a country in which people of varying cultural backgrounds and religious faiths could live together harmoniously, united under one American ideal–freedom. Thus the motto emblazoned on The Great Seal of the United States, E Pluribus Unum–out of many, one. Sadly, we have learned throughout our short history that maintaining that sense of national unity is extremely difficult.…
Doctrinal Agnosticism
An agnostic is “a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality is unknown and probably unknowable” (MW). Generally, the concept is applied to the existence of God. But the current time, sadly, requires us to slightly extend the term to “a person who holds the view that any ultimate doctrinal reality is unknown and probably unknowable.” Second Timothy 1:13 commands, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me….” To “hold” is to keep…
Why You Must be a Member of the Church of Christ
A casual observation of our religious landscape reveals that there are thousands of different churches spread throughout the world—Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Adventist, Presbyterian, Non-Denominational, Inter-Denominational, and many, many more. All of these churches believe and teach varying doctrines, creeds, and traditions. Some of these churches are very old and are composed of thousands of followers. Some are relatively new and have only a small following. Regardless of size or influence, each one claims to be following Christ in the correct…
Thank You for Your Service!
Another year of Camp Hensel has come and gone, and it was a success! For more than 50 years the Southwest congregation has conducted the Hensel camp session with the help of our sister congregations from near and far. In that time we have seen hundreds of campers and staff members whose lives have been forever changed because of their time at camp. Every year friendships are born, problems are solved, and the bonds of fellowship are strengthened. It is…
A Dying Church Falls Asleep
How sad it is that so many congregations of the Lord’s people are dying. Sadder still, that much of it could be prevented. Major health problems often advertise their presence through minor symptoms. Doctors recommend routine health screenings to look for signs of trouble. In many cases, if symptoms can be identified early then steps can be taken to prevent any major problems. The health of the church operates in the same fashion. By looking closely at symptoms, one can…
A Dying Church is Lukewarm
It seems that one of the church’s greatest challenges, regardless of time and place, is the struggle against worldliness. The church is made up of people and people tend to adopt the mentality, culture, and practice of the time and place in which they live. To “come out from among them” (2 Cor. 6:17) that we may influence the world (Matt. 5:13-16), instead of the other way around, is a constant struggle. A sign that we are losing the battle,…
Is Jesus the Son of God?
When Jesus and the twelve reached Caesarea Philippi, He asked them a very important question: “Whom do men say that I the Son of man, am?” (Matt. 16:13). Naturally, there were many thoughts and rumors of the Savior’s identity circulating Judea at the time–John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah–just as there would continue to be throughout history. Peter, however, answered the question correctly: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). That Jesus claimed deity is beyond…
A Dying Church Tolerates Sin
Sin is uncomfortable, or at least it should be. For those who strive to be holy (cf. 1 Pet. 1:16), even the smallest blemish should be bothersome to the point of compelling us to address it. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, especially when the sin involves other members of the congregation. For a number of reasons we try to marginalize or ignore the problem, hoping it will work itself out. But, like ignoring early symptoms of a major…
A Dying Church Leaves its First Love
How sad it is that so many congregations of the Lord’s people are dying. Sadder still, that much of it could be prevented. Major health problems often advertise their presence through minor symptoms. Doctors recommend routine health screenings to look for signs of trouble. In many cases, if symptoms can be identified early then steps can be taken to prevent any major problems. The health of the church operates in the same fashion. By looking closely at symptoms, one can…
Walk
A team of Swiss scientists recently reported a medical breakthrough that could potentially change lives throughout the world. The research group NeuroRestore has identified nerve groups impacted by paralysis and discovered a way to stimulate them back to life in order to restore the ability to walk. Early results are promising and it may be that their treatment plan soon finds its way to rehabilitation centers and hospitals all over the world. Walking is a basic human function which we…
A Healthy Church is Rich where it Matters
Annual health screenings are vital to maintaining good health. Regular oil changes are necessary to keep a vehicle in good running order. Cleaning and maintenance play a large role in the longevity of a home. So many things in life cannot function properly without periodic evaluation to ensure proper operation. The same is true with individual and congregational spiritual health. Like a doctor runs tests to examine data indicating an individual’s level of health, so God’s Word furnishes us with…