My Responsibility to the Young
We all want things to go well for the younger ones in the church. We look at our newborns and toddlers and think of the great potential they have. The elementary and preteen ages show us how quickly these little ones grow. Teenagers try our patience sometimes, but then astound us with flashes of incredible maturity. Even if I don’t have children of my own, I can help the young people in my home congregation. No matter what stage the…
Learning to Pray Like Jesus – John Baker
Jesus probably spent more time in prayer than anyone who has ever lived. So fervent was His prayer life that the disciples (who already knew a thing or two about prayer) once begged, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Far more insightful and fascinating than the amount of time Jesus spent in prayer is the content of Jesus’ prayers and petitions. In an effort to be more like Him, we should ask, “What would Jesus pray for?” He would…
Perhaps – Joey Davis
I was asked recently if there is any possibility of looking at a current event and definitively labeling it as the providence of God. I responded that such is not possible because in providing today, God does not show His hand as He so clearly did when He, in time past, effected His Will by miracles. We cannot definitively label a good outcome as God’s providence. Even Jesus reminded us that the evil and good are often equal recipients of…
The Three Hurdles – John Haffner
When talking with friends and neighbors about religious matters, we should be aware that not everyone is at the same point. For example, one may be active in a manmade religious group and even study the Bible regularly. Another may have only a smattering of Biblical knowledge and an abundance of questions regarding God’s character and existence. Still another may be an avowed atheist. What’s more, all these individuals may live on the same street! Seeing this diversity and uniqueness,…
Are There Idols in my Life? – Alex Simmons
Obedience is an appealing characteristic. Not only to God and Jesus (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 the case…
Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in My Obedience – Bryce Mayfield
Obedience is an appealing characteristic. Not only to God and Jesus (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 the case…
What Mean These Stones? – Ronnie Scherffius
Israel’s crossing the Jordan River (Josh. 3:1-17) was a memorable event in the nation’s history. It marked another chapter in the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land to Abraham’s descendants (Gen. 12:6-7; 17:8; 26:3; et al.), and the circumstances surrounding their crossing (Josh. 3:14-17) served as a declaration to the Canaanites that the people of God had arrived (Josh. 2:1-11). The crossing of the Jordan River has also been an inspiration to songwriters. How familiar are the words:…
Mow the Grass Before It Gets Too High
Growing up, it did not rain much in our small, dusty town out in West Texas. Most of the time, everything was dry and dead… However, once or twice a year, we would get a massive storm that dumped rain on the parched land. This rain caused everything to grow EXTREMELY fast. What once was desolate would become green and lush (at least for a week or two). After these rains, my dad would tell us boys, “You better mow…
Giving Good Advice
The wise know that there are times when they need the advice of knowledgable and mature Christians. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5). God says we need advice, not only as individuals, but for the good of the whole society because “where no counsel is, the people fall” (Proverbs 11:14). However, we should not make the mistake in thinking that any advice will do. “The…
A Bittersweet Farewell
October 25th, 2025, is our last Sunday with the beloved Westbrook family. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when the people you are saying goodbye to have made such a meaningful impact on the congregation. For the past 10 years, the Westbrook family have labored for the Lord here at Southwest, leaving a footprint that will be seen even after they have moved. Cody’s preaching from the pulpit, teaching in the classroom, compassionate visits to homes and hospitals, and being…
Does God Exist? (1 Peter 3:15)
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of atheists in our country has doubled over the last 10 years. While they still only make up roughly 4% of Americans, there are countries in Europe where 1 in every 4 people deny the existence of God. These numbers do not even include agnostics (those who deny that we can know that God exists with certainty) or those who are “indifferent” on the matter. The point is, if we are to…
The Problem of Partiality (James 2:9)
“But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9). Partiality is a sin. The Bible is clear on the subject, but…what is partiality? What does it look like, and if we struggle with it, how do we overcome it? Partiality is the attitude of unfair preference or approval towards someone. In James 2:1, some versions of the Bible will even use the phrase “personal favoritism” to describe this attitude of…