Anytime a Christian creates distance, whether intentional or not, between themselves and the church, they are in danger. They are in danger of falling away from the church, the family of God, and eventually from the Lord Himself. Some prefer to keep their distance, not get too involved with the work of the church. Instead, they chose to be something between a member and a visitor. They come on Sundays to the worship services, which is good, but have little or no interactions with the church the rest of the week.
Continue reading “The Need to be close to the Church.”As far as New Testament letters go, first and second Timothy and Titus have probably dominated more of my time and study than any other books. To be perfectly honest, I’m not entirely certain why I’ve had such a fascination with these letters. Perhaps it’s because they were written to young preachers struggling to adapt to new towns, churches, and still faithfully deal with the struggles and challenges associated with ministry. To that I can relate. Not that I haven’t loved it with my whole life and heart, but it has been challenging to say the least.
Continue reading “An introduction to the letters to Timothy and Titus.”An introduction to John’s Gospel.
There was a time when I didn’t appreciate the Gospel of John as much as say, Matthew, but that has changed. All the gospels are unique and that’s part of the beauty, but John just seemed, well, odd. John presents Jesus in beautifully articulate words and ideas that require more effort. The gospel of John soars to the highest peaks in the New Testament. From antiquity, it was known as “the spiritual gospel” because of its focus.
Continue reading “An introduction to the gospel of John.”This gospel account is the second book of the New Testament that was probably written by John Mark of Jerusalem sometime between 60-68 A.D. Tradition states that John Mark recorded the words of Peter, who recounted the teachings and events of Jesus Christ to Mark and then organized them into the second gospel account.
Continue reading “An introduction to Mark.”I was recently studying the book of Romans and came across something extraordinary. As I prayed and reflected on Romans 8:26, 35, a completely new and encouraging truth came to my heart and mind.
We are never alone in this journey we call Christianity. We are surrounded by brothers and sisters, but sometimes that can seem distant and aloof. Occasionally, our struggles happen in the middle of the night when no one else is awake or available to help. Yet, we are never alone. We are never alone because we have two wonderfully loving, kind, and powerful intercessors.
Continue reading “Two Intercessors”
The Covid-19 Virus is a dangerous and unprecedented time for us. Most of us have never experienced a world-wide pandemic and never had to consider the questions this is forcing us to ask. Continue reading “The Church and Covid-19.”
Overcoming Fear in 2020…and Anytime
By Adam Faughn
It might seem strange that the first bulletin article of 2020 deals with fear, but many people struggle this time of year with this emotion. As they face a New Year, they might fear health issues or job uncertainty. Some simply fear failing in the resolutions they have made. Continue reading “Overcoming Fear in 2020…and Anytime”
Have you ever said that? I bet a lot of us have never said that! Well, I bet we haven’t said it “out loud” for others to hear. Yet, I would venture a guess that we have all acted that way at one time or another. Continue reading ““I want it my way!””
One of the first things I want you to notice about Matthew’s gospel is the fact that it’s anonymous. Nowhere in the text does it clearly say who wrote it, but there is no need to worry about the authorship of the first gospel since the early church and scholars all agree that it was Matthew, the apostle. Continue reading “The Gospel of Matthew.”
Suppose we changed our meeting time to 3 AM on Sundays. While we might not like it, many of us would be here despite the inconvenience. Now, relax! There are no plans to change the meeting time! It brings up the question, though: How willing are you to be inconvenienced in your service to God? Continue reading “Inconvenient!”
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Jesus’ point is much more practical than we often think. Continue reading “Living one day at a time.”
A Christian Is…
By R. W. McAlister
In writing to the saints at Corinth, the apostle Paul said, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Cor. 6:19-20). Continue reading “A Christian Is…”
To help each of us have a better understanding and appreciation of the Gospel of John. I have been trying to list the groups of sevens for you. John’s gospel, much like Revelation, is full of symbolism and numbers. Often, what is said or done has an underlying, spiritual truth that is meant to be understood. In the gospel of John, he carefully chooses 7 signs that are meant to convey a truth to us about the identity of Jesus. Continue reading “The Seven Signs of John’s Gospel.”
Around 2,000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth walked up to 12 very different men and said, “follow me.” Can you imagine being one of those men? Continue reading “What is a disciple?”
As most of you know, I grew up in a traditional Southern Baptist home. It is something that I am thankful for and to be honest, something I appreciate even more as I get older. Continue reading “The Power of Easter.”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 