In our series of articles, we are focused on basic principles that are needed to ensure the success of fellow Christians. Hopefully, we have made it clear that we need to emphasize the basics of the Christian life so that they have a better chance at success. We have emphasized that for the new Christian a drastic change has taken place. This change is so different from the life they are accustomed to living that it takes a while to adapt to this new life. In our previous article, we talked about the race set before us and how to win the prize. Continue reading “Many begin but not many finish.”
By Robert E. Guinn
Why has attendance been greatly stressed among God’s people in the past? We cannot ignore that the attendance changes between different Bible classes and worship services on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. Are elders and spiritual leaders just being “nit-picky,” or is there a deeper issue that concerns our fellow Christians when they see our lack of participation? Continue reading “The Need for Personal Study.”
Originally written by Leroy Brownlow. I find this article to be a constant reminder of the need to learn and focus on the right things. Continue reading “What We Need In The Church Today.”
God is “the fount of every blessing.” He is the center and source of every good thing (James 1:17). He gives good things to those that ask him (Matt. 7:21). He gives perfect peace to those who fix their minds upon him (Isa. 26:3). He saves to the uttermost those who obey him (Rom. 8:38). We owe everything we possess to our God; every good thing to him. He is the maker of our bodies and the giver of our spirits; and in him “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
God is to be infinitely trusted, not by the presumptuous and self-righteous, but by the humble and obedient. There are at least four reasons why you cannot go wrong by trusting God.
The first reason is because God is infinitely good. He made the world, the universe, and everything in it (Gen. 1:31). The only thing wrong in God’s creation was choice. By choice man brought in Sin and Satan. All of God’s works are perfect; done in goodness; everything evil in this world is due to our sins and the author of sin, Satan. God is good even when he chastens his children, and punishes the sinner.
The second reason why God is to be trusted to the utmost is because of his infinite power. God is infinitely able to bless and keep those who put their trust in him. He can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think. In Eph. 3:20-21 it says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (ESV)
The third reason for trusting in God is based on his love. He is love. In 1 John 4:8 it says, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (ESV). God is infinitely willing to save and to bless those who come to him in Jesus. He is not willing that any should perish, that that all should be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
The fourth reason for implicit trust in God is the fact that he is faithful. Our heavenly father is not forgetful about his promises. God, our creator, never forgets or betrays us. He is utterly and absolutely trustworthy. In 2 Peter 3:9 he says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (ESV) This truth is evident in all that he has done for us. His faithfulness is manifest in both his mercy and his wrath. Even the unbreakable laws of nature are evidence of God’s faithfulness. His laws are dependable.
In view of these things, Solomon was right and wise in his summation that states, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13, ESV).
Let me spell the word m-o-t-h-e-r, with a message to complement.
M is for Mature. Do you remember when mom always seemed to have the right answer, and when she gave the answer, it was with the right spirit and attitude (I remember that). Continue reading “Happy Mother’s Day”
Many people think the Bible is a good book, full of interesting children’s stories, etc., but is no better than many good books on the shelf. Friends, we need to realize that not only is the Bible a good book, it is THE Good Book. The Bible makes some incredible claims about itself, that, if true, make it the most important volume man could ever read. Let’s examine just a few of these from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Continue reading “What Good is the Bible?”
The world around us is an amazing, interlocking system that is immeasurable. It’s vastness, intricacy, and might is awe inspiring. It reflects an almighty intelligence. The vast orbits of the planets around the sun; the orbit of the moon around our little planet, and the amazing precision of each of them demand someone or something far more powerful than us to set it all in motion. Our precise location within this universe (the goldilocks zone) is so precise that even a slight variation would be catastrophic. Continue reading “Moving from the temporary to the eternal.”
In this series of articles, our goal is simple: we want to write articles that will be beneficial to those who are weak in the faith. Articles that might reach someone who is struggling with their faith and being faithful to Jesus.
I know that this can be an overwhelming and difficult challenge. Living the new life in Christ is hard and there is so much to learn, it almost feels like too much to expect of anyone. Continue reading “The importance of a choice.”
Last week, we considered the hard truth that many begin the new life in Christ but many do not finish it. The key to understanding why this is true is found in our level of commitment. To live a successful Christian life requires that I am completely committed to it.
To live a consecrated, victorious Christian life is not easy in the physical sense. It is intrinsically difficult. First, it requires a choice be made; secondly, after the choice is made, it must be supported and recommitted with grace, care, and effort. Continue reading “Consecrated victorious living has many parts to it.”
In our series of articles, we are focused on basic principles that are needed to ensure the success of fellow Christians. Hopefully, we have made it clear that we need to emphasize the basics of the Christian life so that they have a better chance at success. We have emphasized that for the new Christian a drastic change has taken place. This change is so different from the life they are accustomed to living that it takes a while to adapt to this new life. In our previous article, we talked about the race set before us and how to win the prize. Continue reading “Many begin but not many finish.”
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
(1 Corinthians 9:24–27, ESV)
No one, as far as I know, is baptized and taken straight into heaven. Instead, we are baptized into Christ, into this new life and relationship with Jesus. We are baptized into a new existence of priceless opportunities and responsibilities. Continue reading “A race to run and a prize to win.”
A change has taken place!
From the power of Satan to the power of God.
Anyone who has repented and submitted to Christ in baptism has made the greatest choice this life can offer. A person whose faith is real and whose repentance is genuine has truly died, in a spiritual sense, to the old life of sin.
Why do new Christians fall away? Why do so many new Christians never achieve success as a Christian? I think it is because they were never given the opportunity to learn the basics of the Christian life. Church, basic principles are needed. Continue reading “Basic Principles are Needed!”
Over the past year, I have continued to witness a shocking and painful trend within Christendom and America. I have watched and listened as Christians drastically moved away from acting Christ-like and Americans move away from treating others like human beings deserving of love and respect. What has happened to our world? Continue reading “What has happened to our world?”
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12, ESV)
As Christians, we are supposed to follow Jesus in everything we do. Following Jesus is not about remaining in darkness but about having the light of life which is Jesus himself. Continue reading “The Goal of Christianity.”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 