Bulletin (Page 3)
Living for Jesus
To really live, we need more than food, clothing, and shelter—the necessities of life. How many of the nearly seven and a half billion people on this planet live meaningful lives? And, of that number, how many are living for something which will outlast this life? Only Jesus can put life into our lives. He is “the way, and the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6). Purposeful living–the kind that leads us to heaven–is impossible apart from union with Christ.…
The Blessed in Christ
Ephesians chapter one is a great chapter to explore the blessings that God gives to His people. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). After this verse, Paul begins to enumerate the many blessings that are in Christ. Christians are: Chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4). Holy and Without Blemish (Ephesians 1:4). Before Him in Love (Ephesians 1:4). Adopted as Children…
Why do we not have musical instruments?
The simple answer to this question is that the church in the New Testament did not worship with instrumental music, and since we want to be like them, we do not worship with instrumental music. Now, what does the New Testament say about worshipping God with music? In Ephesians 5:19 we read, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” In Colossians 3:16 we read, “Let the…
Where Could I Go?
We sing a song during worship titled “Where Could I Go?” The song looks at some of life’s most important issues such as facing temptation. It then asks the question, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” God is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). In II Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat and the Israelites had a great army of Moabites, Ammonites and others coming against them. Jehoshaphat feared this army so he turned towards God for help. He…
Difference Makers
Regardless of season or the state of the economy, it seems people are always in need physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, and mentally. Some may see this as a challenge. The church should view these obstacles as opportunities to demonstrate benevolence. Benevolence is not just a term used to describe the act of giving someone food, shelter, or money. The noun definition of benevolence is a desire to do good to others. “Doing good” to others may be shaped differently depending…
Salvation by Grace or by Works?
Many people believe that religion is just about morality. In that vein, they will make statements like, “All religions are the same; one is no better than the other. They all teach the same morality, so what difference does it make which one I believe?” First, they do not all teach the same morality, but even if they did, they still would not be the same because of the differences in doctrine. Is there one God, or many? Is God…
Let’s Do What We Can
As Mary of Bethany gave the best she had to Jesus (Mark 14:1-9), so as Christians, each of us should give the best we have to the Lord as well. Our efforts may not seem significant, but God can use them for His glory. The story is told of a man who was crossing the Atlantic by ship. He became terribly seasick and was confined to his cabin. One night he heard the cry “Man overboard!” But he felt that…
Growing in Spiritual Maturity in 2022
Now that 2021 is behind us…What will you choose as we enter into 2022? Love or HateJoy or SadnessPeace or Continued Hostilities Patience or Complaining Kindness or Cruelty Goodness or Sin Faithfulness or Faithlessness Gentleness or Harshness Self-Control or Out of Control In 2022 Let us resolve to: Stay in the Race of our FaithStop Making ExcusesBe Good Soldiers for ChristKeep our Obligations to GodBe United in LoveBe UnselfishUse our Talents for the good of the kingdom. Have a godly…
Learning to be Content in 2022
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. I Timothy 6:6-8 One dictionary defines contentment as “the state of being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are.” Today it is rare that we find anyone who is truly content with his or her condition in life. The Bible has a great…
Rise Again
Life has its ups and downs for sure. At one moment, we may be riding high in the saddle and at the next picking cactus out of our backside. Anyone who has lived for a while knows this. The only question to answer in such circumstances is: Are you going to get back up? The answer is always, “yes.” If you’ve found yourself down lately, now is the time to get going again. A righteous man may fall seven times…
Is it OK to be lost?
Many social media platforms have adopted social agendas designed to attack Christianity. A recent Facebook ad showed a transvestite saying, “It’s okay to be lost.” Their message is that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, lesbianism, transvestitism, and similar sins. If “it’s okay to be lost,” then it is okay to sin. That means no behavior is wrong. Hatred, envy, murder, adultery, theft—these sins are nothing more than personal lifestyle decisions. It is like the choice between vanilla ice cream…
Never Give Up
Jesus did not quit meeting with His disciples because Judas was a thief or because Peter was fickle at times. He did not quit preaching and living right, because some of His brethren were unforgiving and unkind. He did not quit His post of leadership, because He had in His presence the adulterous woman, a gang of Pharisees, nor narrow-minded demon worshipers. Jesus did not quit. Have YOU quit? What is the reason for it? Any reason you might name;…