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…
Our Passion for Leadership
An organization without capable leadership is like a ship without a rudder. It drifts along with the wind, headed to nowhere and destined for disaster. The same could be said about a nation, a family, and yes, even a congregation of God’s people. In time past Western Culture was led by figures like Churchill, Thatcher, Washington, and Lincoln. But tenacity, courage, and vision like theirs is difficult to find in the halls of government now, and where have we arrived?…
Let’s Get to Work! (Mark 16:15)
Dear brothers and sisters, words cannot fully express how thrilled Shelby and I are to work with this wonderful congregation. It is our goal to work alongside you as we all strive to imitate our Lord Jesus and diligently follow that great commission He gave His followers all those years ago (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15). When Jesus came to this earth, He came with a divine mission from His Father. When an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, he…
Welcome Bryce and Shelby Mayfield!
We are blessed to welcome Bryce and Shelby Mayfield to the family of God here at Southwest. They are both 2024 graduates of the Southwest School of Bible Studies and were married in October of 2024. They come to us from the Canyon Lake congregation where Bryce preached for just under a year. Bryce will serve as the associate minister for the Southwest congregation. He will be the primary coordinator of our evangelism program and will work with the youth…
Friendships to Avoid
The sins of Judah were numerous. Even a casual glance at the books of the Prophets reveals that truth clearly. But there is a curious, and perhaps overlooked point mentioned in Lamentations 1:2, “…All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.” The list of Judah’s sins included friendship with nations like Egypt and Assyria (Jer. 2:18). When trouble came, God’s people would run to their pagan friends for aid. Only to learn that Egypt and…
There is Hope in Your Future
Jeremiah 31:17 shines like a bright light in a dark night. In a book overflowing with doom and destruction, we find this statement: “There is hope in your future, says that Lord, that your children shall come back to their own border.” Judah was going to Babylon and nothing could be done to stop it. Their sin had found them out (Num. 32:23)! And yet, there was hope. After 70 years (Jer. 29:10) Judah would return, the walls and the…
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…
In My Stewardship of Time – John Baker
Nobody ever managed their time the way Jesus did. In just 33 years of life, He changed history forever. Think of all He accomplished. In the work that He did on earth, Jesus became a greater Provider than Jacob (John 4:12-14), a greater Lawgiver than Moses (John 9:28; Heb. 3:1-6), a greater Teacher than Solomon (Matt. 12:42; cf. 1 Kings 10:1-7), and a greater King than David (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16). No one ever lived a fuller, richer, or…