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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…
Every Congregation Needs a Bridge (Proverbs 11:14)
There is a chasm in the Lord’s church. A gap is seen as you walk through the doors of a church building. A divide is felt as one moves within the body of Christ, from worship, Bible studies, and fellowship. This division is not due to doctrine or differing opinions, but age. Older members tend to associate with other older members, while younger members often connect solely with their peers. Our youth meet for devotionals and family gatherings, while our…
Be Still and Know That I Am God (Psalm 46:10)
It began as a dark day in the history of God’s people. The Northern Tribes of Israel had already been destroyed and carried away, and now, the Assyrian army marched into Judah. King Sennacherib had his sights set on Jerusalem, the capital city. His armies conquered and destroyed until they had surrounded the city. In his own words, Sennacherib described the siege as having trapped King Hezekiah, much like a bird in a cage (2 Kings 19, Isaiah 36-37, Sennacherib’s…
Why are Worship and Bible Class Important? (Hebrews 2:1)
At the Southwest church of Christ, we meet every Sunday and Wednesday. On Sunday’s we have Bible class at 9:30 AM and Worship service at 10:30 AM & 6 PM. On Wednesdays, we meet for Bible study at 7:00 PM. I want to encourage us all to be at every single worship service and Bible class. It is so important that we all gather “every time the doors are open.” Why? Consider what the Hebrew writer said in Hebrews 2:1.…
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…
Jesus Did What!? (John 13:5)
The tongue is one of the smaller yet stronger muscles in the human body. It is a muscle often described as “tiny but mighty.” Yes, from a physical standpoint, this is true… BUT this truth also applies to its Biblical application. To illustrate just how powerful the tongue is, James gives us three illustrations of objects in this world that are small but have a great impact and control. He uses the bridle to show how a small bit can…
Tiny but Mighty (James 3:3-5)
The tongue is one of the smaller yet stronger muscles in the human body. It is a muscle often described as “tiny but mighty.” Yes, from a physical standpoint, this is true… BUT this truth also applies to its Biblical application. To illustrate just how powerful the tongue is, James gives us three illustrations of objects in this world that are small but have a great impact and control. He uses the bridle to show how a small bit 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…
Who is God? (Exodus 15)
Who is God? This is one of the most important questions mankind must ask. It is essential to life here on this earth and life after death. Praise God, for He has revealed part of Himself through His Word. (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3, 20,21). However, with this great blessing comes responsibility. God has revealed WHO He is through His Word, but we must take the time to listen to Him through reading the Bible. With that being said,…