The intelligence of Satan for being able to defeat unwary Christians is frightening. In all honestly, it should cause us to pause and pray every time we think about it. His skills are many, they are varied, and they are always cleverly disguised. He doesn’t attack the strongest points of our life, instead, he attacks the weakest points of our life. Satan will prey on our weaknesses and go for the place that we are struggling. It’s kind of like trying to push down a mighty oak tree. Continue reading “No Victory without God’s Armor!”
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
(2 Timothy 3:12–13, ESV)
Every person who has made the good decision to become a Christian; every person who tries to live a godly life, will eventually face persecution for their faith. It is inevitable, sad, but inevitable. Continue reading “Don’t underestimate your enemy!”
In addition to true faith, a right choice, and a firm, unyielding purpose, every winning Christian “soldier of the cross” needs to look forward to the reward. Life as a Christian is hard and it can be overwhelming at times but if we focus on the reward that is promised to us, it will help motivate us to stand strong. Continue reading “Focus on the reward.”
How Deep the Father’s Love
By David A. Sargent
It’s a fascinating story that comes out of the 1989 earthquake which almost flattened Armenia. This deadly tremor killed over 30,000 people in less than four minutes. In the midst of all the confusion of the earthquake, a father rushed to his son’s school. When he arrived there he discovered the building was flat as a pancake. Continue reading “How deep the Father’s love”
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.”
Yes, it’s that time again. It is the time of year when we usually commit ourselves to several worthy goals. We do this because we want to make our lives and faith better. We want to improve and that is a worthy goal. I have noticed that most of our resolutions revolve around money, health, and family. Continue reading “New Year’s Resolutions.”
Life is filled with endings and beginnings. Every day and year has a beginning and an end. I love this for many reasons but perhaps the greatest reason is that every year will eventually end. No matter how great or bad the year has been, eventually it comes to an end. But, with that ending comes the opportunity for a new beginning. Continue reading “A new beginning.”
Today is Christmas and many throughout the world are choosing to stay home. They could have chosen to assemble with the saints and worship Jesus but the allure of gifts was too much for them. Instead of going to church and worshiping Jesus Christ they allow their reverence for Jesus to cause them to stay home. Continue reading “Where else would a Christian want to be?”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 