Roughly twelve years after Ezra had successfully rebuilt the temple and restored the worship of God, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. Together they were a formable team that restored the political and spiritual state of Israel.
Continue reading “Nehemiah: a story about the power of hard work.”
The story of First Samuel begins with a godly woman named Hannah and her husband. Her story is one of disappointment, provocation, and an overwhelming desire for a son.
Continue reading “1 Samuel: A story about the dangers of desire.”
In our previous articles, we have looked at the books of Genesis – Judges. Our intent has been gaining better insights into the books and hopefully, inspiring us to read each story with an eye toward their humanity and purpose for us. Continue reading “Ruth: A book of redemption and hope.”
Last week we spoke about the book of Joshua. A wonderfully encouraging book filled with stories of victory and courage. There are times when we can relate to Joshua but often we find ourselves more closely connected with the book of Judges. Judges tells us the story of life. A life filled with ups and downs, victories and defeats. An honest and humbling picture of life as we know it.
Continue reading “Judges: a book about the ups and downs of life.”
For most Christians, Joshua is a favorite book to read. Perhaps it’s because we have just finished the Pentateuch (5 books of law) and we’re excited to read something less dry. Maybe it’s because the book is an action-packed book filled with all kinds of battles.
Hopefully, each book we have covered so far has given us special insights into our God and his desire to draw us near to himself. Deuteronomy is no different. It recounts the history of the nation, its highs, and lows, to a new generation of Israelites who were not there to witness the miracles of God.
The book of Leviticus is a book seldom finished. Many start the book with the intentions of finishing it but after enduring rule, after rule, they give up and move on. The result is that many of us never really appreciate the beauty of the book nor understand the big picture lessons.
Today we are going to begin something new with our bulletin articles. We are going to begin a series of articles that starts in Genesis and runs through Revelation. The goal will not be detailed exegetical work but general introductions to each book. Today we will start at the beginning, the book of Genesis. Continue reading “The Book of Beginnings: Genesis”
Why does it seem like being a disciple of Jesus is so challenging? Why does it seem like such a difficult undertaking? Continue reading “They were “only” fishermen!”
In John 15:1-17, Jesus speaks to us about abiding in Him. He draws a beautiful picture of an olive vine with its many branches. We expect to see each branch filled with beautiful fruit but it’s not. Instead, we are confronted with branches that are failing to produce, branches that have the potential to bear fruit, but for some reason they are empty.
I want to share with a problem that I have been struggling with recently. Now that I aware of it, it seems like I see it in everything. The problem I am talking about is generally called “knowledge” or if you have studied the Greek NT; it is called “gnosis.” Within the church, there is this push toward “my personal knowledge.” It’s so pervasive that it’s almost to the exclusion of everything else. Propose any problem and the answer almost always, “just read more or study more.” Are you struggling with faith? Read more! Are you struggling with depression? Read, study, and pray more! Or as one person said, “The greatest need in the church today is more knowledge.” I couldn’t disagree more! The greatest need of any generation is Jesus.
I love being a Christian and I love being a preacher of the word of God. It allows me a special and unique view of Christianity, Christians, and faith that others might not see. One of the things that often bothers me is why some think they are saved. Continue reading “Assurance of Salvation?”
During my recent surgery and recovery, I have been reminded of several lessons that are important while we strive to live the Christian life. I want to share some of these with you today.
Continue reading “Looking forward with hope and excitement.”
By Brian Mitchell
Who Needs the Church? And, Who does the Church Need? Do you need the church; does the church need you? Do the lost need the church; does the church need the lost? Does your family need the church; does the church need your family? Do children, singles, young families, older families and retirees need the church; does the church need them?
Have you ever struggled with sin in your life? If you are like the rest of us, everyone who lives and breathes, then I know you have. How many times have you struggled to stop and repent of a sin only to find yourself back there again? It can be the most heartbreaking, discouraging place you could find yourself and yet we find ourselves there more often than we would like to admit. Continue reading “Creating a Pure Heart.”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 